Design support device and design support method

Abstract

To provide a design support device and a design support method which can support a user to design an object which will be worn by the user and is suited to the taste of the user, while securing functions required for the object.SOLUTION: A design support device 1 is the design support device which supports a user to design an object which the user wears. The design support device 1 includes an input unit, a calculation unit, and an output unit. The calculation unit calculates a first evaluation value by evaluating a difference in appearance between first information and design data and calculates a second evaluation value predicted from the design data with respect to functions of the object required based on second information. If at least one of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is lower than a target value, the calculation unit modifies the design data on the basis of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value. If the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value are equal to or higher than target values, the calculation unit outputs the design data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a design support device and a design support method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, as customer (user) preferences have become more diverse, manufacturing processes capable of small-lot, high-mix production have been developed to accommodate them. For example, JP 2022-083981 A (Patent Document 1) discloses an intuitive customization system that connects a server, a display device, and an interface unit to a factory or workshop for manufacturing products (for example, shoes) via the Internet, and produces and purchases products designed to suit the customer's preferences. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-083981 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the system disclosed in JP 2022-083981 A (Patent Document 1), products are produced according to customer preferences, so products can be produced and purchased by specifying the shape, color, and material for each part of the product. However, the specified part shape and material may affect the function of the produced product, so there is a risk that a product that does not have the required functions may be produced and purchased, even if it is a product that matches the customer's preferences.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to provide a design support device and a design support method that can support the design of an item that suits a user's preferences while ensuring the necessary functionality in an item worn by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A design support device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a design support device that supports the design of an article to be worn by a user. The design support device includes an input unit that receives at least first information related to the appearance of the article selected or input by the user and second information related to the use of the article by the user, a calculation unit that corrects design data of the article based on the first information and the second information received by the input unit, and an output unit that outputs the design data corrected by the calculation unit. The calculation unit calculates a first evaluation value by evaluating a difference in appearance between the first information and the design data, calculates a second evaluation value predicted from the design data for a function of the article required from the second information, corrects the design data based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value when at least one of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is lower than a target value, and outputs the design data when the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value are equal to or higher than the target value.

[0007] A design support method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a design support method for supporting the design of an article to be worn by a user. The design support method includes the steps of receiving at least first information related to the appearance of the article selected or input by a user and second information related to the use of the article by the user, calculating a first evaluation value by evaluating a difference in appearance between the received first information and the design data, calculating a second evaluation value predicted from the design data for a function of the article required from the received second information, correcting the design data based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value if at least one of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is lower than a target value, and outputting the design data if the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value are equal to or higher than the target value. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to assist a user in designing an item that suits their preferences while ensuring the functionality required for the item worn by the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing of the design support device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a design support device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a design according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between design and function. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing of the design support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a function evaluation model according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process of the design support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing of the design support device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process of a design support device according to a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing of the design support device according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the design support device and the design support method will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. In the following description, an example of the design support device and the design support method for supporting the design of shoes worn by a user will be described, but the present invention is not limited to design support for shoes, and can be similarly applied to design support for items worn by a user, such as footwear and clothing.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [Configuration of the design support device] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing of a design support device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the design support device 1 according to an embodiment. In stores such as shoe shops, event venues, and the like, custom-made shoes are sometimes made to fit the shape of an individual's feet. In such cases, the shoes are designed incorporating a pattern (for example, a floral pattern) that matches the user's preferences. The design support device 1 shown in FIG. 1 modifies design data 200 designed to match the user's preferences while ensuring the functions required by the user, based on input information 100 including appearance information (first information) that matches the user's preferences and information on the purpose of use for which the user will use the shoes (second information).

[0012] 2, the design support device 1 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, an interface 14, a media reader 15, and a communication interface 16. These components are connected via a processor bus 17.

[0013] The processor 11 is an example of a "calculation unit." The processor 11 is a computer that reads out programs (for example, an OS (Operating System) 130, a design program 131, a function evaluation program 132, and a design evaluation program 133) stored in the storage 13, and deploys the read out programs in the memory 12 and executes them. The processor 11 is configured, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an MPU (Multi Processing Unit). The processor 11 may be configured by a processing circuitry.

[0014] The memory 12 is composed of a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM), or a non-volatile memory such as a read only memory (ROM) or a flash memory.

[0015] The storage 13 is composed of a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage 13 stores data such as design data 200 in addition to programs such as an OS 130, a design program 131, a function evaluation program 132, and a design evaluation program 133. Furthermore, the storage 13 also functions as a function evaluation database 134 that stores a plurality of function evaluation models, which will be described later.

[0016] The design program 131 is a program for executing a process of designing the structure, appearance, etc. of a shoe according to a user's preferences and outputting the design data 200, or a process of correcting the design data 200. The function evaluation program 132 is a program for evaluating the function of a shoe created from the design data 200 based on information on the intended use of the shoe. The design evaluation program 133 is a program for evaluating the appearance of a shoe created from the design data 200 based on information on the appearance preferred by the user. Shoes are an example of an "object" in the claims.

[0017] The interface 14 is an example of an “input unit” or an “output unit.” The interface 14 is configured to, for example, receive input to the design support device 1 from a keyboard, a mouse, a touch device, or the like as an “input unit,” and to output the modified design data 200 to a display or the like as an “output unit.”

[0018] The media reader 15 receives a storage medium such as a removable disk 18, and obtains programs and data stored on the removable disk 18 or the like.

[0019] The communication interface 16 is an example of an "input unit" or an "output unit." The communication interface 16 transmits and receives data to and from other devices by performing wired or wireless communication. For example, the communication interface 16 serves as an "input unit" to receive input of design data 200 from another design device, and serves as an "output unit" to output the design data 200 to a three-dimensional printer device.

[0020] In addition, the design support device 1 described below executes the design program 131 to design the structure, appearance, etc. of the shoe according to the user's preferences, and designs the initial design data 200. However, the design of the initial design data 200 is not limited to being done by the design support device 1, and the initial design data 200 may be input from another design device via the communication interface 16. In addition, the design support device 1 may read the initial design data 200 stored in the removable disk 18 by the media reading device 15.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a design according to the first embodiment. In the shoe design shown in Fig. 3, for example, a case where an upper or an entire shoe is designed with a single member and has a three-dimensional lattice structure will be explained as an example. Of course, the shoe design is not limited to the design of an upper or an entire shoe with a three-dimensional lattice structure, and may be a sole design or a shoe design made by gluing or sewing together a plurality of members.

[0022] First, the design program 131 designs initial design data 200 according to the user's preferences, as shown in FIG. 3. The design program 131 is a program executed by the design support device 1. The design support device 1 first receives input information 100 including appearance information 111, initial structure information 112, and material information 113. The appearance information 111 is, for example, information on a pattern preferred by the user, including information on a floral pattern. The initial structure information 112 is information on the structure of the upper or the entire shoe, and is, for example, information on a three-dimensional mesh structure obtained by distorting interconnected unit lattice structures to match the outer shape of the upper or shoe when a three-dimensional lattice structure is adopted. As the unit lattice structure, various structures can be applied, such as a rectangular parallelepiped lattice, a diamond lattice, an octahedral lattice, a double pyramidal lattice, a rhombic dodecahedral lattice, or lattices to which various supports are added.

[0023] The material used information 113 is information on the material used for the upper or shoe, and is preferably a resin material or a rubber material so as to have appropriate flexibility, extensibility, durability, elasticity, etc. More specifically, when the upper or shoe is made of resin, for example, polyolefin resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyamide thermoplastic elastomer (TPA, TPAE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyester thermoplastic elastomer (TPEE) can be used as the material used information 113. On the other hand, when the upper or shoe is made of rubber, for example, butadiene rubber (BR) can be used as the material used information 113.

[0024] The design support device 1 generates an image in which the style of a pattern image preferred by the user, included in the appearance information 111, is changed so that the image can be mapped to the structure of the upper or the entire shoe. In Fig. 3, the style of a floral pattern included in the input information 100 is changed, and the floral pattern is mapped to the structure of the upper or the entire shoe shown in the design data 200. Methods for changing the style of an image include a method using machine learning or a neural network, a method using texture synthesis, and the like. Specifically, an algorithm called "Style Transfer" may be used.

[0025] The design support device 1 designs initial design data 200 in which a pattern of the user's preference is mapped to the structure of the upper or the entire shoe based on the appearance information 111, the initial structure information 112, and the material information 113. However, if the pattern of the user's preference is simply mapped, the pattern may affect the function of the upper or the entire shoe, and the function required by the user may not be obtained. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between design and function. FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the similarity of appearance and function between the appearance information 111 and the initial design data 200 in the case where the pattern of the user's preference is mapped to the structure of the upper or the entire shoe.

[0026] For example, if a user's preferred pattern is directly mapped onto the upper or the entire shoe structure, the user's preferred pattern can be easily visually recognized, and the degree of similarity in appearance is high. However, since the user's preferred pattern becomes part of the upper or the entire shoe structure, the functionality of the shoe (e.g., stability) is reduced. On the other hand, if the user's preferred pattern is changed and mapped onto the upper or the entire shoe structure using a topology optimization technique, the user's preferred pattern becomes difficult to visually recognize, and the degree of similarity in appearance is reduced. However, since the user's preferred pattern is transformed to achieve an optimal material density distribution based on the set conditions, the functionality of the shoe (e.g., stability) is increased.

[0027] In other words, there is a trade-off between the similarity of appearance and the function of the shoe. If the design is simply made to match the user's taste, it is difficult to secure the functions required by the user, and conversely, if the functions required by the user are prioritized, the design will not match the user's taste. Therefore, the design support device 1 according to the present disclosure performs design evaluation to evaluate the difference in appearance between the appearance information 111 and the design data 200, and function evaluation to evaluate the functions predicted from the design data 200 for the functions of the shoe required from the information on the intended use, and supports the design of shoes that match the user's taste while securing the functions required for the shoes to be worn by the user. The design support device 1 supports the user to design shoes that match the user's taste from within the range of necessary functions, as shown in the graph on the right side of FIG. 4. Specifically, the design support device 1 supports the design by, for example, selecting the design data 201 if the preference of the appearance is prioritized, and selecting the design data 202 if the function is prioritized.

[0028] [Design support device processing] Next, the processing in the design support device 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing in the design support device 1 according to the first embodiment. The design support device 1 accepts input of appearance information 111 (first information) that matches the user's taste. The accepted appearance information 111 may be not only a favorite image but also text information or audio information. For example, the appearance information 111 may not be an image of a floral pattern but may be text information or audio information of a "floral pattern". Furthermore, the appearance information 111 may be CAD (Computer Aided Design) data or CG (Computer Graphics) data.

[0029] The received appearance information 111 is used to design the initial design data 200 together with the initial structure information 112 and the material used information 113. Meanwhile, the design support device 1 performs image processing 140 on the received appearance information 111 for the design evaluation 150. In the image processing 140, a process is performed to convert the appearance information 111 into image data of a pattern so that the pattern included in the design data 200 and the pattern included in the appearance information 111 can be easily compared. Specifically, in the image processing 140, a process is performed to turn a preferred image into a line drawing, to call up a preferred image from an image database (not shown) based on text information or audio information, and to extract a preferred pattern from two-dimensional or three-dimensional CAD data or CG data.

[0030] In the design evaluation 150, the difference or similarity between the appearance information 111 (pattern preferred by the user) processed by the image processing 140 and the appearance of the design data 200 (the pattern of the shoes) is evaluated. In the design evaluation 150, a known algorithm for evaluating the difference or similarity of an image may be used, and a method using a neural network may also be used. In addition, the design evaluation 150 evaluates the difference or similarity of the appearance on a scale of 100, for example, giving 100 points if the difference is small or the similarity is high, and giving 0 points if the difference is large or the similarity is low, and calculates a design evaluation value (first evaluation value). The image processing 140 and the design evaluation 150 can be realized by executing the design evaluation program 133 in the design support device 1.

[0031] Next, the design support device 1 accepts input of information 120 (second information) on the intended use of the shoes. The accepted information 120 on the intended use includes information on whether the user will wear the shoes while running or while walking in daily life, information on the sports event, and information on the functions required for the shoes. The information on the sports event includes, for example, marathon, short distance events, basketball, baseball, and the like. The functions required for the shoes may include at least one of cushioning, stability, agility, bending rigidity, grip, fit, durability, breathability, light weight, resilience, and turning characteristics. Note that the functions required for the shoes shown in this disclosure are merely examples and are not limited to these functions. In addition, in the case of footwear or wear other than shoes, the functions required for each item are set.

[0032] The functions required for shoes will be described in detail. First, cushioning among the functions required for shoes is the function of the shoe to absorb the shock when the user lands on the ground while wearing the shoes. For example, the cushioning is evaluated on a scale of 100 by predicting the magnitude of the shock felt by the user when landing on the ground while wearing the shoes through a simulation using design data 200, or by evaluating the difference from a reference value.

[0033] Among the functions required for shoes, stability refers to shoe functions such as horizontal shift relative to the ground surface when the user lands on the ground with the shoes on, tilt in the frontal plane, etc. For example, stability is evaluated on a scale of 100 by predicting the magnitude of horizontal shift and tilt in the frontal plane felt by the user when the user lands on the ground with the shoes on using a simulation based on design data 200, or by evaluating the difference from a reference value.

[0034] Among the functions required for shoes, agility is the function of the shoe to follow the user's movements when wearing the shoes and exercising. For example, agility is evaluated on a scale of 100 by predicting the shoe's ability to follow the user's movements when wearing the shoes and exercising through simulation using design data 200, or by evaluating the difference from a reference value.

[0035] Among the functions required for shoes, the bending stiffness is a function of the shoe that indicates how easily the shoe bends when the user wears the shoe and runs. For example, the bending stiffness is evaluated on a scale of 100 by predicting the bending ease of the shoe felt by the user when running while wearing the shoe through a simulation based on the design data 200, or by evaluating the difference from a reference value.

[0036] Among the functions required for shoes, grip is a function of the shoe that indicates the degree of friction between the ground surface and the shoe, or between the inside of the shoe and the user's foot when the shoe is worn and running. For example, grip is evaluated on a scale of 100 by predicting the degree of friction between the ground surface and the shoe that the user feels when wearing the shoe and running through a simulation based on design data 200, or by evaluating the difference from a reference value.

[0037] Among the functions required for shoes, breathability is a function of shoes that indicates the amount of air that passes through the shoes. Breathability is evaluated on a scale of 100 by predicting the amount of air that passes through the shoes, temperature, and humidity through a simulation based on design data 200, or by evaluating the difference from a reference value.

[0038] Among the functions required for shoes, lightness is a function of shoes related to the weight of the shoes. Lightness is evaluated, for example, by predicting the weight of the shoes through a simulation based on the materials used and design data 200, and rating it on a scale of 100 or rating the difference from a reference value.

[0039] Among the functions required for shoes, resilience is a function of the shoe that indicates the magnitude of the pushing force when the shoe is worn and lands on the ground. Resilience is evaluated on a scale of 100 by predicting values ​​such as the load-displacement response when the shoe is compressed using design data 200 through simulation, or by evaluating the difference from a reference value.

[0040] Among the functions required for shoes, the turning characteristic is a function of the shoe that indicates a sense of stability when moving left and right while wearing the shoes. For example, the turning characteristic is evaluated on a scale of 100 by predicting the deformation amount of the shoe when the user wears the shoes and moves left and right from the design data 200 through a simulation, or by evaluating the difference from a reference value.

[0041] The level of functionality required for shoes as described above differs depending on whether the user wears the shoes while running or while walking in daily life, the type of sport, etc. For example, shoes worn by a user while running require a high level of cushioning and stability, but shoes worn while walking in daily life do not require the same high level of cushioning and stability as shoes worn while running.

[0042] Therefore, when evaluating the function of a shoe, it is necessary to prepare a function evaluation model according to the intended use. Specifically, a function evaluation model of a shoe based on the intended use and the functions required for the shoe will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a function evaluation model according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 6(a), "walking", "running", "short distance", "basketball" and "baseball" are illustrated as intended uses, and design target values ​​required for the functions of "cushioning", "stability", "agility" and "flexural rigidity" are set for each intended use. The function evaluation model for each intended use as shown in FIG. 6(a) is stored in the storage 13 as a function evaluation database 134.

[0043] In the "running" functional evaluation model shown in Figure 6(a), the design target values ​​for "cushioning" and "stability" are high, at 70 and 80 points out of 100. On the other hand, in the "sprint" functional evaluation model, the design target value for "flexural rigidity" is high, at 80 points out of 100. In addition, in the "basketball" functional evaluation model, the design target values ​​for "stability" and "agility" are high, at 70 and 80 points out of 100.

[0044] The function evaluation database 134 may store not only function evaluation models set for each use, but also multiple function evaluation models according to user attribute information (for example, gender, physical information, athletic ability, etc.). For example, in Fig. 6(b), the function evaluation models included in group P1 are classified as "for men", the function evaluation models included in group P2 are classified as "for women", and the function evaluation models included in group Pn are classified as "for professional athletes", and multiple function evaluation models are stored in the function evaluation database 134. The groups of function evaluation models shown in Fig. 6(b) are one example, and a group of function evaluation models for small body types, a group of function evaluation models for large body types, and a group of function evaluation models according to usual activity levels as athletic ability may be created.

[0045] Returning to Fig. 5, the design support device 1 selects one function evaluation model from the multiple function evaluation models shown in Fig. 6(a) according to the information 120 on the intended use of the shoes. For example, when the design support device 1 receives information that the shoes will be worn while running (information 120 on the intended use of the shoes), it selects the function evaluation model for "running" and sets the shoe functions (such as "cushioning" and "stability") that need to be evaluated in the function evaluation model as items to be evaluated in the function evaluation 160. Note that, when a function desired by the user for the shoes is added to the information 120 on the intended use of the shoes in addition to the evaluation items set based on the function evaluation model, it is preferable that the design support device 1 also adds and sets the added function as an item to be evaluated in the function evaluation 160.

[0046] In the function evaluation 160, a function evaluation value (second evaluation value) predicted from the design data 200 is calculated for the shoe functions required from the information 120 on the intended use of the shoe. Specifically, when the information 120 on the intended use of the shoe is "running", the function evaluation 160 calculates the function evaluation values ​​for "cushioning", "stability", "agility", "flexural rigidity", etc. from the design data 200. In the function evaluation 160, a known algorithm used in a numerical analysis method may be used, and for example, the function evaluation values ​​for "cushioning", "stability", "agility", "flexural rigidity", etc. are calculated from the design data 200 based on a proxy model represented by the finite element method (FEM) or response surface method. The function evaluation 160 can be realized by executing the function evaluation program 132 in the design support device 1.

[0047] The design support device 1 sets items to be evaluated in the function evaluation 160, and performs design goal setting 134a to set design target values ​​for each of the set items. In the design goal setting 134a, when the intended use is "running", the design target values ​​are set as follows: "cushioning" = 70 points, "stability" = 80 points, "agility" = 30 points, and "flexural rigidity" = 50 points (see FIG. 6(a)).

[0048] Furthermore, in the design support device 1, in the convergence judgment 170, it is judged whether or not the design evaluation value (first evaluation value) and the function evaluation value (second evaluation value) are equal to or greater than the design target value. It is assumed that the design target value for the design evaluation value is set in advance to, for example, 70 points. Specifically, in the case where the intended use is "running", if the design evaluation value is 70 points or more, and the function evaluation values ​​of "cushioning" are 70 points or more, "stability" is 80 points or more, "agility" is 30 points or more, and "flexural rigidity" is 50 points or more, then the convergence judgment 170 judges that the design target values ​​are cleared (YES), and the design support device 1 outputs the design data 200 as the final design.

[0049] On the other hand, when the use is "running", if there is at least one evaluation result of the design evaluation value being less than 70 points, the function evaluation value being less than 70 points for "cushioning", less than 80 points for "stability", less than 30 points for "agility", and less than 50 points for "bending rigidity", it is determined in the convergence judgment 170 that the design target value is not satisfied (NO), and the design support device 1 performs design correction 250 on the design data 200 so as to improve the items whose evaluation results do not satisfy the design target value. The design support device 1 performs design evaluation 150 and function evaluation 160 again on the design data 200 for which design correction 250 has been performed, until the design target value is satisfied in the convergence judgment 170. In this way, the design support device 1 can support the design of shoes that match the user's preferences while ensuring the functions necessary for the shoes worn by the user.

[0050] The design support device 1 outputs, for example, design data 200, which is the final design, to a three-dimensional printer. The three-dimensional printer creates shoes based on the design data 200. The three-dimensional printer creates a model by, for example, a three-dimensional additive manufacturing method using a photo-lithography method. The three-dimensional additive manufacturing method using a photo-lithography method is a modeling method in which a photo-curable liquid resin or liquid rubber that is cured by light of a specific wavelength is used as a main material, and the cured parts are sequentially laminated by irradiating the liquid resin or liquid rubber with light of the specific wavelength to create a model of a desired shape. For example, ultraviolet light is used as the light of the specific wavelength, and in this case, ultraviolet-curable resin or rubber is used as the main material. The liquid resin or liquid rubber described above as the main material is not limited to one-liquid type, and may be two-liquid type, etc. The three-dimensional printer may also create shoes based on the design data 200 by a three-dimensional additive manufacturing method using a fused deposition modeling (FDM) method for additively modeling a thermoplastic material.

[0051] 5, the design support method according to the present disclosure at least receives appearance information 111 related to the appearance of the shoe selected or input by the user and information 120 on the intended use of the shoe by the user, calculates a design evaluation value by evaluating the difference in appearance between the received appearance information 111 and the design data, calculates a function evaluation value predicted from the design data 200 for the shoe functions required from the received intended use information 120, corrects the design data 200 based on the design evaluation value and the function evaluation value if at least one of the design evaluation value and the function evaluation value is lower than the design target value, and outputs the design data if the design evaluation value and the function evaluation value are equal to or higher than the target value. In this way, the design support method according to the present disclosure can support the design of an item that matches the user's preferences while ensuring the functions required for the item to be worn by the user.

[0052] (Embodiment 2) In FIG. 6(b), it has been described that a group of function evaluation models is prepared according to the attribute information of a user. In the design support device according to the second embodiment, a configuration for selecting a function evaluation model according to the attribute information of a user will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing of the design support device 1 according to the second embodiment. In the design support device 1 according to the second embodiment, the same components as those in the design support device 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0053] The functional evaluation database 134 shown in Fig. 7 stores a plurality of functional evaluation models according to the user's attribute information (for example, gender, physical information, athletic ability, etc.) as shown in Fig. 6(b). Therefore, when the design support device 1 receives the user's attribute information, it selects a functional evaluation model according to the received attribute information. Specifically, when the attribute information of "male" is received as the user's attribute information, it selects a functional evaluation model included in the group P1 shown in Fig. 6(b). The user's attribute information input to the design support device 1 includes, in addition to gender, physical information (body shape, foot shape, etc.), athletic ability (professional athlete, amateur athlete, usual activity level, etc.), running style (overpronation, neutral pronation, etc.), etc.

[0054] The function evaluation database 134 may prepare a group of function evaluation models according to a combination of multiple attribute information. For example, the function evaluation database 134 may prepare a group of function evaluation models according to "male" x "large body type" or "female" x "overpronation". Furthermore, the function evaluation database 134 may prepare a function evaluation model customized according to functions that the user values. This allows a customized function evaluation model to be prepared for each user, enabling a more personalized design.

[0055] (Embodiment 3) In the design support device according to the second embodiment, a configuration capable of feeding back the user's evaluation results and the user's usage results will be described. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing of the design support device 1 according to the third embodiment. In the design support device 1 according to the third embodiment, the same components as those in the design support device 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0056] 8, in the design support device 1 according to the third embodiment, a user evaluation result is received 180 for design data 200 that cleared the design target value in convergence judgment 170. If the evaluation result received in evaluation result reception 180 indicates that the design data 200 is adopted (YES), the design support device 1 outputs the design data 200 to a three-dimensional printer device as the final design.

[0057] On the other hand, if the evaluation result received in the evaluation result reception 180 indicates that the design data 200 is not adopted (NO), the design support device 1 receives 260 a design modification by the user. In the design modification reception 260, for example, a modification instruction for the position, size, shape, etc. of the pattern of the design data 200 is received. The design support device 1 performs design modification 270 on the design data 200 based on the modification instruction received in the design modification reception 260. The design support device 1 performs design evaluation 150 and function evaluation 160 again on the design data 200 after the design modification 270 until the design target value is cleared in the convergence judgment 170 and the evaluation result received in the evaluation result reception 180 indicates that the design data 200 is adopted. In this way, the design support device 1 can support the design of shoes that match the user's taste while ensuring the functions necessary for the shoes worn by the user.

[0058] (Modification) In the process of the design support device 1 shown in FIG. 8, a configuration has been described in which the user's evaluation results are received and fed back at the stage of the design data 200. However, since the user can only evaluate the appearance at the stage of the design data 200, the results of using the manufactured shoes cannot be fed back. Therefore, in the modified example, a configuration is described in which the user's results of using the shoes manufactured based on the design data 200 are fed back. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process of the design support device 1 according to the modified example of the third embodiment. In the design support device 1 according to the modified example of the third embodiment, the same components as those of the design support device 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0059] Based on the design data 200, which is the final design, a three-dimensional printer device is used to create shoes 300. After a user uses the shoes created in the shoe creation 300, the design support device 1 receives 310 a usage result of the shoes used by the user. In the usage result reception 310, in addition to an evaluation of the appearance of the shoes, an evaluation of the functionality of the shoes, such as cushioning and stability, is also received.

[0060] Therefore, the design support device 1 performs an update process 320 to update the function evaluation model stored in the function evaluation database 134 or to update an algorithm for mapping an image of a pattern preferred by the user to the structure of the upper or the entire shoe, based on the user's usage results received in the usage result reception 310. In this way, by performing the update process 320, the design support device 1 can support the design of a shoe that matches the user's preferences while ensuring the functions required for the shoes to be worn by the user for the design data 200 to be designed next.

[0061] (Embodiment 4) In the design support device according to the first embodiment, a process for supporting shoe design without any restrictions when designing shoes that match the user's taste has been described. However, in shoes that are actually sold, there are areas in which the user cannot freely change the design, such as adding the logo of the company that produced the shoes, and the design of the shoes may be restricted. In the fourth embodiment, an example of a case in which the design of the shoes is restricted will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the process of the design support device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In the design support device 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the design support device 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0062] When designing initial design data 200, the design support device 1 designs the design data 200 excluding the logo area. If it is decided that the logo of the company produced on the shoes will be added to a predetermined position, the design support device 1 designs the design data 200 for the area other than the logo area. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10, the design support device 1 receives logo area information 116 in addition to appearance information 111, initial structure information 112, and material used information 113. The logo area information 116 is information on the position where the logo of the company produced on the shoes will be added, and includes area information on the side of the shoe, for example.

[0063] The design support device 1 designs initial design data 200 in which a user's preferred pattern is mapped to the upper or the entire shoe structure based on appearance information 111, initial structure information 112, material used information 113, and logo area information 116. In this way, the design support device 1 can support the design of shoes that suit the user's preferences while ensuring the functions required for shoes worn by the user, after securing an area for attaching a company logo. Note that while the logo area information 116 has been described as an example of a design restriction, other design restrictions such as an area for attaching a mark or description required by law or an area for attaching a mark or description required for production management may also be applied to the design support device 1 in the same manner.

[0064] [Variations] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Modifications that can be applied to the present disclosure will be described below.

[0065] The design support device 1 according to the embodiment designs the design data 200 by mapping an image of a pattern preferred by the user onto the structure of a shoe, but the pattern is not limited to being mapped onto the outside of the shoe, and may be mapped onto the inside of the shoe. In other words, the pattern may be mapped onto a position that is not visible when the user wears the shoe. Furthermore, the pattern may be mapped onto the inside of the shoe structure, and not limited to being mapped onto the surface of the shoe. In particular, if the shoe has a three-dimensional mesh structure, the pattern preferred by the user can be visually recognized even inside the shoe structure.

[0066] Although the processing of the design support device 1 has been described individually in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 to Fig. 10, it is possible to appropriately combine the processing of the design support device 1 shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 to Fig. 10. For example, the processing of the design support device 1 shown in Fig. 5 may be combined with the processing of the design support device 1 shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9.

[0067] The user who selects or inputs the first information may be different from the user who provides the usage result. That is, the input unit may receive the first information selected or input by a designer of the product (e.g., shoes) and receive the usage result of a purchaser of the product (e.g., shoes).

[0068] [Aspects] (1) A design support device according to the present disclosure is a design support device that supports a user in designing an article to be worn, an input unit that receives at least first information related to the appearance of an object selected or input by a user and second information related to the use of the object by the user; a calculation unit that corrects design data of an object based on the first information and the second information received by the input unit; an output unit that outputs the design data corrected by the calculation unit; The calculation unit is Evaluating an appearance difference between the first information and the design data to calculate a first evaluation value; Calculating a second evaluation value predicted from the design data for the function of the product required from the second information; If at least one of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is lower than a target value, correcting the design data based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value; If the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value are equal to or greater than the target value, the design data is output.

[0069] This allows the design support device to support the design of an item that matches the user's preferences while ensuring the functionality required for the item worn by the user.

[0070] (2) In the design support device described in (1), the input unit receives initial design data that is designed in advance based on the first information, the structure of the object, and the material used for the object.

[0071] (3) In the design support device described in (1), the input unit receives information on the structure of the object and the materials used in the object; The calculation unit designs initial design data based on the first information, the structure of the object, and the material used in the object.

[0072] (4) The design support device described in any one of (1) to (3) further includes a functional evaluation database capable of reading out a functional evaluation model including a plurality of items related to the functions of the object and target values ​​set for each item based on the second information.

[0073] (5) In the design support device described in (4), the function evaluation database can read out different function evaluation models based on attribute information including at least one of the user's gender, physical information, athletic ability, and running style.

[0074] (6) The design support device according to (4) or (5), wherein the input unit is capable of accepting a user's usage result of an object manufactured using the design data output from the output unit; The function evaluation database updates the function evaluation model based on the user's usage results received at the input unit.

[0075] (7) In the design support device described in any one of (4) to (6), the object is footwear worn by a user, and the functional evaluation model includes at least one of cushioning, stability, agility, bending rigidity, grip, fit, durability, breathability, resilience, and turning characteristics as functions of the footwear.

[0076] (8) The design support device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the input unit is capable of receiving a user's evaluation result for the design data output from the output unit; The calculation unit modifies the design data based on the user's evaluation result received by the input unit.

[0077] (9) In the design support device according to any one of (1) to (6), the object is footwear worn by a user.

[0078] (10) A design support method according to the present disclosure is a design support method for supporting a user in designing an article to be worn, comprising: receiving at least first information regarding the appearance of the object selected or input by a user and second information regarding the use of the object by the user; A step of evaluating an appearance difference between the received first information and the design data to calculate a first evaluation value; calculating a second evaluation value predicted from the design data for a function of the product required from the received second information; When at least one of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is lower than a target value, correcting the design data based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value; and outputting the design data when the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value are equal to or greater than the target value.

[0079] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1 Design support device, 11 Processor, 12 Memory, 13 Storage, 14 Interface, 15 Media reading device, 16 Communication interface, 17 Processor bus, 18 Removable disk, 100, 110 Input information, 111 Appearance information, 112 Initial structure information, 113 Material used information, 116 Logo area information, 120 Usage information, 131 Design program, 132 Functional evaluation program, 133 Design evaluation program, 134 Functional evaluation database.

Claims

1. A design support device for supporting a user in designing an article to be worn, comprising: an input unit that receives at least first information related to an appearance of the object selected or input by the user and second information related to a use of the object by the user; a calculation unit that corrects design data of the object based on the first information and the second information received by the input unit; an output unit that outputs the design data corrected by the calculation unit, The calculation unit is Evaluating an appearance difference between the first information and the design data to calculate a first evaluation value; Calculating a second evaluation value predicted from the design data for a function of the object required from the second information; When at least one of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is lower than a target value, the design data is corrected based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value; The design support device outputs the design data when the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value are equal to or greater than a target value.

2. The design support device according to claim 1 , wherein the input unit receives the initial design data that is designed in advance based on the first information, a structure of the object, and a material used for the object.

3. The input unit receives information on a structure of the object and materials used in the object; The design support device according to claim 1 , wherein the calculation unit designs the initial design data based on the first information, a structure of the object, and a material used for the object.

4. The design support device according to claim 1 , further comprising a function evaluation database capable of reading out a function evaluation model including a plurality of items relating to the function of the object and target values ​​set for each item based on the second information.

5. 5. The design support device according to claim 4, wherein the function evaluation database can read out different function evaluation models based on attribute information including at least one of the user's gender, physical information, athletic ability, and running style.

6. The input unit is capable of receiving a result of a user's use of the product manufactured using the design data output from the output unit, The design support device according to claim 4 , wherein the function evaluation database updates the function evaluation model based on the result of the user's use received by the input unit.

7. The article is footwear worn by a user; The design support device according to claim 4 , wherein the functional evaluation model includes at least one of cushioning, stability, agility, bending rigidity, grip, fit, durability, breathability, resilience, and turning characteristics as functions of the footwear.

8. the input unit is capable of receiving an evaluation result of the design data output from the output unit by the user, 8. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit modifies the design data based on the user's evaluation result received by the input unit.

9. The design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the object is footwear worn by a user.

10. A design support method for supporting a user in designing an article to be worn, comprising: receiving at least first information selected or input by a user regarding an appearance of the object and second information regarding a use of the object by the user; A step of evaluating an appearance difference between the received first information and design data to calculate a first evaluation value; calculating a second evaluation value predicted from the design data for a function of the object required from the received second information; when at least one of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is lower than a target value, correcting the design data based on the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value; outputting the design data when the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value are equal to or greater than a target value.

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