Design assistance device, design assistance method, and design assistance program

Abstract

To provide a design assistance device, a design assistance method, and a design assistance program, which are capable of designing, on the basis of evaluation by a user, a product having characteristics that satisfy the user.SOLUTION: A design assistance device 1 is for designing a product suitable for a user's preference. The design assistance device 1 comprises: a storage unit that stores in advance a first criterion with which characteristics of a product can be selected from a plurality of levels; an input unit that receives an evaluation value for a product evaluated by a user who used the product, the product being manufactured in accordance with a level selected by the user in the first criterion; a calculation unit that calculates, on the basis of the evaluation value and the first criterion, a second criterion for the characteristics of the product that matches the evaluation by the user; and an output unit that outputs the second criterion calculated by the calculation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Various efforts have been made to design products that suit the preferences of users. For example, in JP2022-550301 (Patent Document 1), a custom sole is designed to match the shape of the foot using personalized parameter values ​​to improve the fit of the shoe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special table number 2022-550301 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when designing a product that meets the preferences of a user, the standards that users have for product characteristics vary greatly from one individual to another. Therefore, if there is a discrepancy between the user's standards for product characteristics and the standards that are predetermined by the manufacturer, it is difficult to design a product with characteristics that satisfy the user.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to provide a design support device, a design support method, and a design support program that are capable of designing products with characteristics that satisfy users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A design support device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a design support device for designing a product that matches a user's preferences. The design support device includes a storage unit that stores in advance a first standard that allows a product characteristic to be selected from a plurality of levels, an input unit that accepts an evaluation value evaluated by a user who used a product manufactured according to a level selected by the user from the first standard, a calculation unit that calculates a second standard for the product characteristic that matches the user's evaluation based on the evaluation value and the first standard, and an output unit that outputs the second standard calculated by the calculation unit.

[0007] A design support method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a design support method for designing a product that matches a user's preferences, which includes the steps of: reading from a storage unit a first criterion that allows a product characteristic to be selected from a plurality of levels; accepting an evaluation value evaluated by a user who used a product manufactured according to the level selected by the user from the first criterion; determining a second criterion for the product characteristic that matches the user's evaluation based on the evaluation value and the first criterion; and outputting the determined second criterion.

[0008] A design support program according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a design support program executed by a computer for designing a product that matches a user's preferences. The computer is made to realize a readout unit that reads out from a storage unit a first standard that allows a product characteristic to be selected from a plurality of levels, an input unit that accepts an evaluation value evaluated by a user who used a product manufactured according to a level selected by the user from the first standard, a calculation unit that calculates a second standard for the product characteristic that matches the user's evaluation based on the evaluation value and the first standard, and an output unit that outputs the calculated second standard. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a second criterion for the characteristics of a product that meets the user's evaluation is determined based on the evaluation value and the first criterion, so that a product with characteristics that satisfy the user can be designed based on the second criterion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a system including a design support apparatus according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a design support apparatus according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the characteristics of a product when the product is footwear. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a design process and a feedback process executed by the design support apparatus according to the embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a design process and a feedback process in a design support apparatus according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] 11 is another schematic diagram showing the design process and the feedback process in the design support apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is yet another schematic diagram showing the design process and the feedback process in the design support apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing modification of a user's criteria based on usage information and user information. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing modification of a user's criteria based on a safety criterion. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing user criteria generated according to usage purposes. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing user criteria for each part of footwear. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing user criteria for each part of footwear that are generated according to the intended use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 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 supporting the design of footwear, which is one of the accessories worn by a user, in the design support device and the design support method will be described. However, the object to be designed is not limited to footwear, and any product from which a user can select preferred characteristics may be used. For example, the design support can be applied to support the design of clothing, gloves, helmets, sports equipment, and the like. In addition, in the design support device and the design support method according to the present disclosure, designing a product with characteristics that satisfy the user includes not only designing the shape of the product, but also proposing an existing product that corresponds to the shape to be designed.

[0012] [Footwear manufacturing system configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system including 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. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the characteristics of a product when the product is footwear. In stores such as shoe shops, event venues, and the like, custom-made footwear 10 is produced to fit the shape of an individual's foot. The footwear 10 is designed and produced taking into consideration the foot shape data as well as the user's preferred footwear characteristics (for example, functional characteristics such as fit).

[0013] Specifically, the user selects a preferred level of fit from five levels: loose, slightly loose, normal, slightly tight, and tight, and the design support device 1 can design footwear 10 that matches the user's preference (rating). The user's preference for footwear 10 can be selected not only in terms of fit, but also in terms of footwear characteristics such as cushioning, stability, and grip. The design support device 1 is a device that can design footwear 10 adjusted to the characteristics that the user desires for footwear 10, rather than simply designing footwear 10 based on foot shape data.

[0014] 1, a footwear production system including the design support device 1 includes the design support device 1, a measuring device 2, and a 3D printer 3. The device for producing the footwear 10 is not limited to the 3D printer 3, and may be, for example, a device such as an NC machine tool. Also, in the embodiment, an example is shown in which design data for producing the footwear 10 is generated using the design support device 1, but the technology of the present disclosure may be applied to a design device for producing custom-made footwear 10 to generate design data for producing the footwear 10.

[0015] The measuring device 2 is, for example, a three-dimensional foot shape scanner using laser measurement, and includes a tabletop 21 and a laser measurement unit 22 installed so as to sandwich the tabletop. When a user places his / her foot on the tabletop 21 in a standing position, a load is applied from the foot to the tabletop 21 due to the user's weight. That is, the user's foot is in a state of being under load. With the user's foot in a state of being under load, the measuring device 2 measures the shape of the foot while moving from the toe to the heel with the laser measurement unit 22. The measuring device 2 outputs foot shape data including the shape data of the user's foot acquired by the laser measurement unit 22 to the design support device 1. Note that the foot shape data only needs to include at least the foot shape data acquired by the measuring device 2, and may also include other data (for example, personal data such as the user's gender or age).

[0016] The design support device 1 acquires foot shape data from the measurement device 2, and generates design data for producing footwear 10 based on the foot shape data and the footwear characteristics preferred by the user. In the design support device 1, the level of the footwear characteristics selected by the user is stored in advance as a standard standard S1 (first standard) in the storage 13 (storage unit). However, the level defined by the standard standard S1 does not necessarily match the level subjectively evaluated by the user. If there is a difference between the level defined by the standard standard S1 and the level subjectively evaluated by the user, it is difficult to design and produce footwear 10 with characteristics that satisfy the user. For example, if the user prefers a tight fit for the footwear 10, the footwear 10 may be designed with a design value of 90% of the standard design value based on the standard standard S1, and the produced footwear 10 may feel a little loose when the user actually wears and evaluates it. Therefore, the design support device 1 obtains a user's standard S2 (second standard) that matches the user's subjectivity by feeding back the user's subjective evaluation. A specific method for determining the user's standard S2 will be described later.

[0017] The design support device 1 outputs the generated design data for footwear 10 to a 3D printer 3 or the like that produces the footwear 10. In this manner, in the footwear production system, the design support device 1 generates design data for footwear 10 based on the user's foot shape data acquired by the measurement device 2 and the received footwear characteristics preferred by the user, and the 3D printer 3 produces the footwear 10 based on the design data. The footwear production system can produce footwear 10 having characteristics that satisfy the user based on the design data for footwear 10 generated by the design support device 1.

[0018] In the present disclosure, the footwear 10 is produced by a footwear production system including a design support device 1, a measuring device 2, and a 3D printer 3, but the configuration of the device is not limited to this. The configuration of the device may be a footwear production device in which the design support device 1, the measuring device 2, and the 3D printer 3 are integrated, or a footwear production device in which the measuring device 2 and the 3D printer 3 are integrated. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, a configuration in which the entire footwear 10 is produced by the 3D printer 3 or the like is described, but a configuration in which a part of the footwear is produced by the 3D printer 3 or the like may also be described. In other words, there may be pre-made footwear, and parts to be combined with the pre-made footwear may be produced by the above-mentioned 3D printer 3 or the like in order to produce custom-made footwear. In addition, a footwear production system that produces custom-made footwear may select multiple pre-made parts based on information such as the shape of an individual's foot, and combine these to produce footwear.

[0019] [Configuration of the design support device] 2, the design support device 1 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a storage 13, an interface 14, a media reading device 15, and a communication device 16. These components are connected via a processor bus 17.

[0020] The processor 11 is an example of a "calculation unit." The processor 11 is a computer that reads out programs (for example, a design program 130, a feedback program 131, and an OS (Operating System) 132) 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, with 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 with a processing circuitry.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The storage 13 is an example of a "storage unit." The storage 13 is configured, for example, with 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 a standard standard S1 and a user standard in addition to programs such as a design program 130, a feedback program 131, and an OS 132.

[0023] The design program 130 is a program for executing a process of designing footwear 10 based on foot shape data and the user's preferred footwear characteristics.

[0024] The feedback program 131 is a design support program for executing a process of obtaining a user's standard S2 that matches the user's subjective opinion by feeding back a user's evaluation of a predetermined standard standard S1.

[0025] The standard reference S1 stores design values ​​for each level of footwear characteristics that can be selected by the user. For example, for fit, the standard reference S1 stores a design value of 110% of the standard design value for loose, a design value of 105% of the standard design value for slightly loose, a design value of 100% of the standard design value for normal, a design value of 95% of the standard design value for slightly tight, and a design value of 90% of the standard design value for tight.

[0026] The user's criteria S2 are criteria for footwear characteristics determined based on the user's subjective evaluation.

[0027] The interface 14 is an example of an “input unit” or an “output unit.” The interface 14 receives input from a user of the design support device 1, and is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch device, and the like.

[0028] The media reader 15 accepts a storage medium such as a removable disk 18 and obtains data stored on the removable disk 18. Programs such as a design program 130 and a feedback program 131 may be stored on the storage medium such as the removable disk 18.

[0029] The communication device 16 is an example of an "input unit" or an "output unit." The communication device 16 transmits and receives data to and from other devices by performing wired communication or wireless communication. For example, the communication device 16 receives and acquires foot shape data acquired by the measurement device 2 from the measurement device 2 by communicating with the measurement device 2. The communication device 16 outputs design data of the footwear 10 used to manufacture the footwear 10 to the 3D printer 3 by communicating with the 3D printer 3. The communication device 16 may also be used to download the design program 130 and the feedback program 131 to the storage 13.

[0030] The design support device 1 is not limited to receiving the foot shape data from the measurement device 2 via the communication device 16. For example, the design support device 1 may receive the foot shape data input by the user using the interface 14. Alternatively, the design support device 1 may read the foot shape data stored in the removable disk 18 via the media reading device 15.

[0031] [Footwear characteristics] With reference to FIG. 3, the characteristics of footwear selected by the user will be described. In addition to fit, the characteristics of footwear include functional characteristics such as cushioning, stability, grip, flexibility, durability, breathability, light weight, resilience, turning characteristics, and arch support. First, among the characteristics included in the characteristics of footwear, cushioning is a characteristic that indicates the performance of footwear 10 to absorb shock when the user lands wearing footwear 10. Cushioning is expressed, for example, on a five-level scale based on the magnitude of the shock felt by the user when landing wearing footwear 10, and a design value is set in advance for each level.

[0032] Among the characteristics included in the characteristics of the footwear, stability is a characteristic that indicates the performance of the footwear 10, such as the horizontal shift from the ground surface when landing while wearing the footwear 10, the inclination in the frontal plane, etc. Stability is expressed on a five-level scale, for example, in terms of the magnitude of the horizontal shift and the inclination in the frontal plane that the user feels when landing while wearing the footwear 10, and a design value is set in advance for each level.

[0033] Among the characteristics included in the characteristics of footwear, grip is a characteristic that indicates the degree of friction between the ground contact surface and footwear 10, or between the inside of footwear 10 and the user's foot, when the user is running while wearing footwear 10. Grip is expressed, for example, on a five-level scale that indicates the degree of friction between the ground contact surface and footwear 10 that the user feels when running while wearing footwear 10, and a design value is set in advance for each level.

[0034] Among the characteristics included in the characteristics of the footwear, flexibility is a characteristic that indicates how easily the footwear 10 bends when the user runs while wearing the footwear 10. The flexibility is expressed, for example, on a five-level scale that indicates how easily the footwear 10 bends when the user runs while wearing the footwear 10, and a design value is set in advance for each level.

[0035] Among the characteristics included in the footwear characteristics, durability is a characteristic that indicates the period of use or the number of times footwear 10 can be used. Durability is expressed, for example, on a five-level scale that indicates the period of use or the number of times footwear 10 can be used that a user expects when wearing and using footwear 10, and a design value is set in advance for each level.

[0036] Among the characteristics included in the footwear characteristics, breathability is a characteristic that indicates the amount of air that passes through footwear 10. Breathability is expressed, for example, on a five-level scale according to the ease with which air passes when a user wears footwear 10, and a design value is set in advance for each level.

[0037] Among the characteristics included in the footwear characteristics, lightness is a characteristic that indicates the weight of footwear 10. Lightness is expressed, for example, on a five-level scale according to the weight of footwear 10 felt by the user, and a design value is set in advance for each level.

[0038] Among the characteristics included in the characteristics of footwear, resilience is a characteristic that indicates the magnitude of the pushing force when landing while wearing footwear 10. Resilience is expressed, for example, on a five-level scale based on the user's sense of the magnitude of the pushing force felt when the user lands while wearing footwear 10, and a design value is set in advance for each level.

[0039] Among the characteristics included in the footwear characteristics, the turning characteristic is a characteristic that indicates a sense of stability when moving left and right while wearing the footwear 10. The turning characteristic is expressed, for example, on a five-level scale that indicates the sense of stability that a user feels when moving left and right while wearing the footwear 10, and a design value is set in advance for each level.

[0040] Among the characteristics included in the footwear characteristics, arch support is a characteristic that indicates the feeling of support for the arch of the foot when wearing footwear 10. Arch support is expressed, for example, on a five-level scale that indicates the feeling of support for the arch of the foot that the user feels when wearing footwear 10, and a design value is set in advance for each level.

[0041] When custom-made footwear 10 is designed using design support device 1, a user selects one of five levels for each of the user's preferred footwear characteristics as shown in Fig. 3 and inputs the selected levels into design support device 1. Design support device 1 first designs standard footwear 10 that matches the foot shape data, and then generates design data by modifying the design of footwear 10 with design values ​​set for the levels of each selected footwear characteristic to match the user's preferences. Of course, design support device 1 may also generate design data that takes the user's preferences into consideration from the foot shape data without first designing standard footwear 10.

[0042] [User rating feedback] The design values ​​preset for each level of footwear characteristics are, for example, determined by a manufacturer as standard criteria S1. Therefore, the levels determined in the standard criteria S1 do not necessarily match the standards for footwear characteristics owned by the user, and the level subjectively evaluated by the user based on the standards he or she has may differ from the level determined in the standard criteria S1. When the standard criteria S1 and the standards he or she has differ in this way, it is not possible to design and manufacture footwear 10 with characteristics that satisfy the user, even if the user selects levels for each of the footwear characteristics that he or she prefers, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0043] Therefore, in the design support device 1, a feedback process is executed to obtain a user's standard S2 (second standard) that matches the user's subjectivity (recognition) by feeding back the user's subjective evaluation. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the design process and feedback process executed by the design support device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the design process and feedback process in the design support device 1 according to the embodiment. The design process is realized by the processor 11 of the design support device 1 executing a design program 130, and the feedback process is realized by the processor 11 of the design support device 1 executing a feedback program 131.

[0044] 4, the design support device 1 receives foot shape data acquired by the measurement device 2 (step S101). The design support device 1 generates design data for footwear 10 based on the foot shape data received in step S101 (step S102). The generated design data for footwear 10 is design data having standard footwear characteristics that match the shape of the foot shape data, and is design data for footwear 10 that matches the shape of the foot using a known method.

[0045] The design support device 1 further receives footwear characteristics desired by the user (for example, the characteristics shown in FIG. 3) (step S103). The footwear characteristics may include at least one of cushioning, stability, grip, flexibility, fit, durability, breathability, light weight, resilience, turning characteristics, arch support, etc. Note that the characteristics included in the footwear characteristics shown in this disclosure are merely examples and are not limited to these characteristics.

[0046] Next, the design support device 1 modifies the design data generated in step S102 based on the characteristics of the footwear received in step S103 (step S104). The design support device 1 modifies the design data using design values ​​at a level defined by the standard criteria S1. To simplify the explanation, the following process will be described as a feedback process in which the user's subjective evaluation of fit is fed back and a user's criteria S2 that matches the user's subjectivity is obtained.

[0047] The design support device 1 receives an evaluation from a user who has used footwear 10 produced based on design data corrected by the design support device 1. Specifically, referring to the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 5, the design support device 1 receives the user's preferred fit based on the user's answer of "I like it a little tight" to the question "What kind of fit do you like?" before producing the footwear 10. The design support device 1 corrects the design data of the footwear 10 generated based on the foot shape data at 95% of the standard design value based on the standard fit criterion S1a (one criterion related to fit included in the standard criterion S1) stored in the storage 13. The 3D printer 3 produces the footwear 10 based on the corrected design data. Note that the numerical value of the standard fit criterion S1a in this disclosure is an example and is not limited to the numerical value.

[0048] The design support device 1 asks the user who has used the manufactured footwear 10, "How did the actual fitting feel?", and again has the user evaluate the fit of the footwear 10, and receives an answer from the user, for example, "It was a little loose." That is, the design support device 1 receives the evaluation value of the fit evaluated by the user as "It was a little loose" (step S105). Note that the design support device 1 may receive the evaluation value of the fit evaluated by the user through voice recognition processing using a microphone and speaker, or may receive the evaluation value of the fit input by the user or a store clerk through an input device in accordance with the characters displayed on the display.

[0049] The design support device 1 judges whether there is a difference between the preferred fit and the evaluated fit (step S106). That is, it judges whether the fit of the footwear 10 made based on the standard fit criterion S1a deviates from the fit evaluated by the user. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a user who uses footwear 10 made to be "slightly tight" based on the standard fit criterion S1a evaluates the fit of the footwear 10 at the same level as the standard fit criterion S1a (fit evaluation Fa) and feels that the fit of the footwear 10 is "slightly loose". Therefore, it can be seen that the user does not feel the fit of the footwear 10 to be "slightly tight" unless it is tightened more tightly than the standard fit criterion S1a.

[0050] Therefore, in order to design footwear 10 with characteristics that satisfy the user, it is necessary to obtain a user's fit criterion S2a (one criterion included in the user's criterion S2) based on the user's subjective evaluation in order to grasp the difference between the user's recognized preference and the actual preference. Returning to Fig. 4, if there is a difference between the preferred fit selected from the standard fit criterion S1a and the actually evaluated fit (YES in step S106), the design support device 1 obtains the user's fit criterion S2a (step S107).

[0051] Specifically, as a method of obtaining the user's fit criterion S2a, the fit criterion S2a is obtained so that the level of the evaluation value evaluated by the user matches the level of the standard fit criterion S1a. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the design value of "slightly tight" selected from the standard fit criterion S1a as the preference recognized by the user is 95% of the standard design value, while the evaluation Fa of the fit evaluated by the user by actually wearing the footwear 10 is "slightly loose" and is 105% of the standard design value. Since the actual evaluation has a difference of -10% as a design value from the preference recognized by the user, the design support device 1 obtains the user's fit criterion S2a by shifting the design value of each level of the standard fit criterion S1a by -10%. The design support device 1 outputs the obtained user's fit criterion S2a to the storage 13 (step S108) and stores it. The design support device 1 may output the obtained user's fit criterion S2a to another device such as a server. Note that the numerical value of the user's fit criterion S2a in the present disclosure is an example and is not limited to the numerical value.

[0052] When designing new footwear 10 having a fit desired by the user, the design support device 1 uses the user's fit criterion S2a instead of the standard fit criterion S1a to design the new footwear 10. Specifically, when designing new footwear 10, the design support device 1 accepts the user's preferred fit based on the user's answer "I like tight" to the question "What kind of fit do you like?" as shown in FIG. 5. The design support device 1 corrects the design data of the footwear 10 generated based on the foot shape data at 80% of the standard design value based on the user's fit criterion S2a stored in the storage 13. In this way, the design support device 1 can design footwear 10 with characteristics that satisfy the user based on the user's fit criterion S2a that matches the user's recognition.

[0053] In FIG. 5, the design support device 1 performs a feedback process on the evaluation of a user who actually wears footwear 10 designed based on the standard fit criterion S1a, and then designs a new footwear 10 having a fit desired by the user. However, the feedback process is not limited to this. For example, the design support device 1 may design a temporary footwear prior to the footwear 10 to be finally provided based on the standard fit criterion S1a, perform a feedback process on the evaluation of a user who wears the temporary footwear, and then use the user's criterion S2 in the design of the footwear 10 to be finally provided. Furthermore, when the design support device 1 receives a new evaluation value of the footwear 10 created based on the user's criterion S2, the design support device 1 may update the user's criterion S2 based on the newly received evaluation value. In this way, the design support device 1 can obtain the user's criterion S2 that matches the latest user's preferences.

[0054] In addition, in Fig. 5, it has been described that the user selects a preferred level from among five levels of loose, slightly loose, normal, slightly tight, and tight, but this is not limited to this. For example, the user may freely select a preferred level from levels ranging from loose to tight using a scale bar shown in Fig. 5. This allows the design support device 1 to design footwear 10 that matches the user's preferences in more detail.

[0055] Furthermore, in Fig. 5, a method in which a user evaluates footwear 10 designed based on the standard fit criterion S1a again on a five-level scale of loose, slightly loose, normal, slightly tight, and tight to obtain a user's fit criterion S2a has been described, but the feedback process is not limited to this method. Fig. 6 is another schematic diagram showing the design process and feedback process in the design support device 1 according to the embodiment. In the schematic diagram shown in Fig. 6, the same components as those in the schematic diagram shown in Fig. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description will not be repeated.

[0056] In the example shown in Fig. 6, the user does not evaluate footwear 10 designed based on the standard fit criterion S1a on a five-level scale of loose, slightly loose, normal, slightly tight, and tight, but evaluates it as a relative value to the desired fit preference (level selected by the user). Specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 6, a user wearing footwear 10 designed based on the standard fit criterion S1a is asked, "How did the actual fitting feel compared to your preferences?" so as to evaluate it as a relative value to the desired preference. The design support device 1 accepts a response from the user, for example, "It was slightly looser than I preferred," as the evaluation of the fit as a relative value.

[0057] That is, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the evaluation value of the fit evaluated by the user is a relative value Fb relative to the level selected by the user ("slightly tight" in FIG. 6), and is set to five levels: looser than preference, slightly looser than preference, just right, slightly tighter than preference, and tighter than preference. The design support device 1 accepts the evaluation value of the fit evaluated by the user as the relative value Fb, and can grasp the relative value Fb as a deviation amount from the desired preferred fit (level selected by the user). Specifically, the deviation amount (relative value Fb) from the desired preference is -10% with respect to the basic design value if it is looser than preference, -5% with respect to the basic design value if it is slightly looser than preference, +0% with respect to the basic design value if it is just right, +5% with respect to the basic design value if it is slightly tighter than preference, and +10% with respect to the basic design value if it is tighter than preference. Note that the numerical value of the relative value Fb of the evaluation of the fit in the present disclosure is an example and is not limited to the numerical value.

[0058] If the user's evaluation value is "slightly looser than desired," the design support device 1 shifts the standard fit criterion S1a by -5% from the design value of each level to obtain a standard that matches the user's perception, and obtains the user's fit criterion S2b as a conversion criterion for converting the standard fit criterion S1a (-5% from the basic design value). In other words, the design support device 1 does not obtain the user's fit criterion S2a separately from the standard fit criterion S1a, but obtains the user's fit criterion S2b as a conversion criterion for converting the standard fit criterion S1a. The design support device 1 outputs the obtained user's fit criterion S2b to the storage 13 and stores it. The design support device 1 may output the obtained user's fit criterion S2b to another device such as a server.

[0059] When designing new footwear 10 having a fit desired by the user, the design support device 1 uses the user's fit criterion S2b as a conversion criterion for the standard fit criterion S1a to design the new footwear 10. Specifically, when designing new footwear 10, the design support device 1 accepts the user's preferred fit based on the user's answer "I like tight" to the question "What kind of fit do you like?". The design support device 1 applies the user's fit criterion S2b to the standard fit criterion S1a stored in the storage 13 to correct the design data of the footwear 10 generated based on the foot shape data at 90%-5%=85% of the standard design value. In this way, the design support device 1 can design footwear 10 with characteristics that satisfy the user based on the user's fit criterion S2b.

[0060] 5, the user evaluates the fit of the footwear 10 designed based on the standard fit criterion S1a once to obtain the user's fit criterion S2a, but the fit criterion S2a may be obtained based on multiple fit evaluations. FIG. 7 is yet another schematic diagram showing the design process and feedback process in the design support device 1 according to the embodiment. In the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 7, the same components as those in the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description will not be repeated.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 7, a user evaluates the fit of footwear 10 designed based on a standard fit criterion S1a, for example, n times (n is a natural number) over different periods. The design support device 1 performs statistical processing such as averaging on the results of the n-time fit evaluations to obtain a fit criterion S2a. Specifically, the first fit evaluation is performed one week after wearing the footwear 10, and the n-th fit evaluation is performed one year later. The design support device 1 averages the ratios of the standard design values ​​based on the first to n-th fit evaluations to obtain the user's fit criterion S2a. In this way, the design support device 1 can obtain the user's fit criterion S2a, including aging of the footwear 10, and can design footwear 10 having a fit that satisfies the user for a long period of time.

[0062] [Modify User Criteria] In the above-mentioned design support device 1, it has been explained that a feedback process is performed to obtain a user's standard S2 that matches the user's subjectivity by feeding back the user's subjective evaluation. In this feedback process, the user's standard S2 is obtained by uniformly shifting the design values ​​of each level of the standard standard S1 based on the deviation of the level evaluated by the user from the level defined by the standard standard S1.

[0063] However, when the user takes into consideration usage information such as the period of use and frequency of use of footwear 10, and user information such as the user's height, weight, running score, etc., it is possible to design footwear 10 with characteristics that satisfy the user by setting design values ​​according to each level, rather than shifting the design values ​​for each level uniformly. Therefore, design support device 1 may modify the design values ​​for each level of the user's standard S2 based on the usage information and user information.

[0064] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the modification of the user's criteria based on the usage information and user information. For example, when the usage information includes a period of use longer than the standard period, it is preferable to slightly reduce the design values ​​of tight and slightly tight so that the fit of the footwear 10 can be maintained for a long period of use. When the design support device 1 receives usage information of a period of use longer than the standard period, it modifies the design value of tight to 76% of the standard design value, the design value of slightly tight to 82% of the standard design value, and the design value of normal to 89% of the standard design value, with respect to the user's fit criteria S2a obtained in step S107, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0065] Furthermore, for example, when the user information includes a running score higher than the standard score, even if the user prefers loose or slightly loose, it is preferable to slightly reduce the design values ​​of loose and slightly loose in consideration of the running performance of the footwear 10. Note that the values ​​shown in FIG. 8 are merely examples and are not limited to these values.

[0066] Next, it has been described that the design support device 1 can obtain the user's standard S2 that matches the user's subjectivity by feeding back the user's subjective evaluation, but the design value cannot be changed to such an extent that the footwear 10 does not function. For example, even if the user prefers tight, reducing the design value to such an extent that the blood circulation of the foot is inhibited is a safety problem, and conversely, even if the user prefers loose, increasing the design value to such an extent that stable running is not possible is a safety problem. Therefore, the design support device 1 may correct the design value of each level of the user's standard S2 based on the safety standard. The safety standard may include the manufacturing limit of the device such as the 3D printer 3.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the modification of a user's standard based on a safety standard. For example, if the tight design value is extremely small due to the user's preference, it is preferable to increase the design values ​​of tight and slightly tight so as to fall within the range of the safety standard (for example, 70% or more and 130% or less of the reference design value). For the user's fit standard S2a shown in FIG. 9, the design support device 1 modifies the design value of tight to 70% of the reference design value and the design value of slightly tight to 73% of the reference design value. Note that the values ​​shown in FIG. 9 are merely examples and are not limited to these values.

[0068] Next, there are cases where the design values ​​of the footwear 10 should be changed to tighter values ​​or slightly looser values ​​depending on the intended use of the footwear 10. For example, the design values ​​of the footwear 10 for soccer should be changed to tighter values ​​than the design values ​​of the footwear 10 for running. Therefore, the design support device 1 may modify the design values ​​of each level of the user's standard S2 depending on the intended use of the footwear 10.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a user's criteria generated according to the intended use. For example, a tighter design value is preferable for footwear 10 for soccer than for footwear 10 for running, and a tighter design value is preferable for footwear 10 for basketball than for footwear 10 for soccer. Based on the intended use information, the design support device 1 corrects the design value of the tight for running to 85% of the reference design value, the design value of the tight for soccer to 78% of the reference design value, and the design value of the tight for basketball to 75% of the reference design value for the user's fit criteria S2a shown in FIG. 10. Note that the values ​​shown in FIG. 10 are merely examples and are not limited to these values.

[0070] [User criteria for each part of footwear] In the above-mentioned design support device 1, it has been explained that a feedback process is performed to obtain a user's standard S2 for footwear that matches the user's subjectivity by feeding back the user's subjective evaluation of the footwear. However, the user's standard S2 for footwear does not have to be one for the entire footwear, and different user's standards S2 may be obtained for each part of the footwear. For example, it is possible to design footwear with a more preferred fit by obtaining the user's standard S2 for each part of the forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot, rather than obtaining the user's standard S2 for the entire foot.

[0071] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a user's criteria for each part of the footwear. FIG. 11 shows the user's fit criteria for each part of the footwear 10, the forefoot, the midfoot, and the rearfoot. Here, if the heel part of the footwear 10 is 0% and the toe part is 100%, the forefoot is a part that is 67% to 100% in range from the heel, the midfoot is a part that is 27% to 67% in range from the heel, and the rearfoot is a part that is 0% to 27% in range from the heel. The standard fit criteria for each part (here, relative to the foot circumference) are 105% for the forefoot, 100% for the midfoot, and 95% for the rearfoot. For footwear 10 made with a standard fit standard, if the user's preference is loose (105%) in the forefoot, normal (100%) in the midfoot, and tight (95%) in the rearfoot, the user's preference for each part is multiplied to obtain the user's fit standard. Specifically, in FIG. 11, the user's fit standard is 110.25% in the forefoot, 100% in the midfoot, and 90.25% in the rearfoot. The numerical values ​​indicating the ranges of the forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot of footwear 10 and the numerical values ​​of the fit standard shown in FIG. 11 are merely examples and are not limited to these values.

[0072] In this way, it is possible to design footwear with a more preferred fit by determining the user's fit criteria for each part of the footwear 10. Note that the user's fit criteria for each part of the footwear 10 is not limited to a configuration in which the values ​​change stepwise from the forefoot to the midfoot to the rearfoot as shown in display A, but may change continuously from the forefoot to the rearfoot as shown in display B.

[0073] Furthermore, the user's fit criteria for each part of the footwear 10 may be changed depending on the intended use. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the user's criteria for each part of the footwear generated depending on the intended use. Fig. 12 shows the foot circumference ratio for each part of the footwear 10 in a running basic setting for running, a court sports basic setting for court sports such as tennis, and a casual basic setting for everyday use.

[0074] Specifically, the running basic setting is 105% for the forefoot, 100% for the midfoot, and 95% for the rearfoot. The court sports basic setting is 95% for the forefoot, 90% for the midfoot, and 95% for the rearfoot. The casual basic setting is 110% for the forefoot, 105% for the midfoot, and 100% for the rearfoot. These basic settings may be multiplied by the user's preferences described in FIG. 11 to obtain a fit standard for the user for each use. Note that the numerical values ​​indicating the ranges of the forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot of the footwear 10 and the numerical values ​​of the fit standard shown in FIG. 12 are merely examples and are not limited to these values.

[0075] [Other 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.

[0076] It has been explained that the design support device 1 according to the embodiment first obtains the user's standard S2 that matches the user's subjectivity by feeding back the user's subjective evaluation, and then corrects the design value for each level of the user's standard S2 based on information such as usage information, safety standards, intended use, etc. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the design support device 1 may obtain the user's standard S2 by receiving a combination of feedback of the user's subjective evaluation and information such as usage information, safety standards, intended use, etc.

[0077] The design support device 1 may be installed in a store where the measuring device 2 is installed, or may exist as a server device on the cloud. Furthermore, the design support device 1 existing as a server device on the cloud may be communicably connected to the measuring devices 2 installed in each of a plurality of stores, and may generate design data for the footwear 10 based on the foot shape data acquired from each measuring device 2.

[0078] The above-mentioned design support device 1 has been described on the assumption that custom-made footwear 10 is produced, but it may also be applied to commercially available footwear. The design support device 1 may obtain the user's criteria by recommending commercially available footwear that matches the user's preferences based on standard criteria and feeding back the user's evaluation of the footwear that he or she actually wears. By recommending commercially available footwear that matches the user's preferences based on the obtained user's criteria, it is possible to provide the user with footwear that is more suited to the user's preferences.

[0079] [Aspects] (1) A design support apparatus according to the present disclosure, A design support device for designing a product that meets a user's preferences, comprising: A storage unit that stores in advance a first criterion that allows a product characteristic to be selected from a plurality of levels; an input unit that receives an evaluation value evaluated by a user who has used a product manufactured according to a level selected by the user from among the first standards; a calculation unit that calculates a second standard for a product characteristic that matches the user's evaluation based on the evaluation value and the first standard; and an output unit that outputs the second criterion calculated by the calculation unit.

[0080] In this way, the design support device can determine the second standard for the characteristics of the product that match the user's evaluation, and can design a product with characteristics that satisfy the user, based on the user's evaluation.

[0081] (2) In the design support device according to (1), the evaluation value received by the input unit is a value based on a plurality of levels of the product characteristics; The calculation unit determines the second criterion so that the level of the evaluation value matches the level of the first criterion.

[0082] This enables the computer aided design system to obtain a second standard for the product characteristics that are in line with the user's evaluation and are different from the first standard.

[0083] (3) In the design support device described in (1), the evaluation value received by the input unit is a relative value with respect to a level selected by the user, The calculation unit obtains a second criterion as a conversion criterion for converting the first criterion in accordance with the relative value that is the evaluation value.

[0084] This allows the design support device to use the first criterion to determine the second criterion for the product characteristic that meets the user's evaluation.

[0085] (4) In the design support device according to any one of (1) to (3), when the input unit receives a new evaluation value, the calculation unit updates the second criterion based on the newly received evaluation value.

[0086] This enables the computer-aided design system to obtain the second standard for the product characteristics that match the latest user evaluations.

[0087] (5) In the design support device according to any one of (1) to (4), the input unit further receives usage information relating to the use of the product, The calculation unit modifies the second criterion based on the usage information.

[0088] This enables the computer aided design system to determine the second criterion taking into account the usage information.

[0089] (6) In the design support apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), the input unit further receives user information relating to a user; The calculation unit modifies the second criterion based on the user information.

[0090] This enables the computer aided design system to determine the second criterion taking the user information into consideration.

[0091] (7) In the design support device according to any one of (1) to (6), the input unit further receives usage information relating to a usage of the product by the user; The calculation unit determines the second criterion for each piece of usage information.

[0092] This enables the computer aided design system to determine the second criterion taking into consideration the intended use.

[0093] (8) In the design support device according to any one of (1) to (7), the storage unit stores in advance safety standards for safe use of the product, The calculation unit modifies the second standard based on the safety standard.

[0094] This enables the design support device to obtain the second standard that takes the safety standard into consideration.

[0095] (9) In the design support device according to any one of (1) to (8), the product is an accessory worn by a user.

[0096] As a result, the design support device can determine a second standard for the characteristics of the wearable item to be worn by the user that match the user's evaluation, and can design the wearable item with characteristics that satisfy the user based on the user's evaluation.

[0097] (10) The design support method according to the present disclosure comprises: A design support method for designing a product that meets a user's preferences, comprising: Retrieving from a storage unit a first criterion that allows selection of a characteristic of a product from a plurality of levels; receiving an evaluation value evaluated by a user who has used a product manufactured according to a level selected by the user from among the first criteria; determining a second criterion for the characteristic of the product that satisfies the user's evaluation based on the evaluation value and the first criterion; and outputting the determined second criterion.

[0098] In this way, the design support method can determine the second standard for the characteristics of the product that meet the user's evaluation, and can design a product with characteristics that satisfy the user based on the user's evaluation.

[0099] (11) The design support program according to the present disclosure is A computer-implemented design support program for designing a product that meets a user's preferences, comprising: On the computer, a reading unit for reading from the storage unit a first criterion that allows a product characteristic to be selected from a plurality of levels; an input unit that receives an evaluation value evaluated by a user who has used a product manufactured according to a level selected by the user from among the first standards; a calculation unit that calculates a second standard for a product characteristic that matches the user's evaluation based on the evaluation value and the first standard; and an output unit that outputs the obtained second criterion.

[0100] In this way, the design support program can determine the second standard for the characteristics of the product that match the user's evaluation, and can design a product with characteristics that satisfy the user, based on the user's evaluation.

[0101] 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]

[0102] 1 design support device, 2 measuring device, 3 3D printer, 10 footwear, 11 processor, 12 memory, 13 storage, 14 interface, 15 media reading device, 16 communication device, 17 processor bus, 18 removable disk, 21 top plate, 22 laser measurement unit, 130 design program, 131 feedback program, 132 OS.

Claims

1. A design support device for designing a product that meets a user's preferences, comprising: A storage unit that stores in advance a first criterion that allows the product characteristic to be selected from a plurality of levels; an input unit that receives an evaluation value evaluated by the user using the product manufactured according to a level selected by the user from the first standard; a calculation unit that calculates a second standard for a characteristic of the product that matches the evaluation by the user based on the evaluation value and the first standard; and an output unit that outputs the second criterion determined by the calculation unit.

2. the evaluation value received by the input unit is a value based on a plurality of levels of the characteristics of the product; The design support device according to claim 1 , wherein the calculation unit determines the second criterion so that a level of the evaluation value and a level of the first criterion match each other.

3. the evaluation value received by the input unit is a relative value with respect to a level selected by the user, 2 . The design support device according to claim 1 , wherein the calculation unit determines the second criterion as a conversion criterion for converting the first criterion in accordance with a relative value that is the evaluation value.

4. 4. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein when the input unit receives a new evaluation value, the calculation unit updates the second criterion based on the newly received evaluation value.

5. The input unit further receives usage information related to the use of the product; 4. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit modifies the second criterion based on the usage information.

6. The input unit further receives user information related to the user; 4. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit modifies the second criterion based on the user information.

7. The input unit further receives usage information regarding the usage of the product by the user, 4. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit determines the second criterion for each of the application information.

8. The storage unit stores in advance safety standards for safe use of the product, 4. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit modifies the second standard based on the safety standard.

9. 4. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the product is an accessory worn by the user.

10. A design support method for designing a product that meets a user's preferences, comprising: retrieving from a memory unit a first criterion capable of selecting a characteristic of the product from a plurality of levels; receiving an evaluation value evaluated by the user using the product manufactured according to a level selected by the user from among the first standards; determining a second criterion for a characteristic of the product that matches the user's evaluation based on the evaluation value and the first criterion; and outputting the determined second criterion.

11. A computer-implemented design support program for designing a product that meets a user's preferences, comprising: The computer includes: a reading unit for reading from a storage unit a first criterion that allows the product characteristic to be selected from a plurality of levels; an input unit that receives an evaluation value evaluated by the user using the product manufactured according to a level selected by the user from the first standard; a calculation unit that calculates a second standard for a characteristic of the product that matches the evaluation by the user based on the evaluation value and the first standard; and an output unit that outputs the obtained second criterion.

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