Design assistance device, design assistance method, and program

Abstract

To provide footwear having fitting properties with which a user is satisfied.SOLUTION: A design assistance device 1 comprises: an input unit that receives, from a plurality of users, fit level data 10 evaluated by a user for each of regions and pressure data 20 obtained by determining a pressure applied to the foot for each of the regions when footwear 40 is worn; a computation unit that, on the basis of the level data 10 and the pressure data 20 received from the plurality of users, determines, as a prediction formula 30, a relationship between the fit level and the pressure applied to the foot at the level for each region; a storage unit that stores the prediction formula 30 determined by the computation unit; and an output unit that outputs the pressure applied to the foot. When the input unit newly receives a fitting level from the user, the computation unit, on the basis of the prediction formula 30, determines, from the received fitting level in a region, the pressure applied to the foot in the region of the footwear 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Various efforts have been made to provide footwear with a fit that suits the user's preferences. For example, in JP2022-550301 (Patent Document 1), a custom sole is designed to fit the shape of the foot using personalized parameter values ​​in order to improve the fit of the footwear. [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 providing footwear with a fit that matches a user's preference, the level of fit set by the user is the user's subjective evaluation, such as "tight" or "loose." Therefore, even if footwear with a fit such as "tight" or "loose" is produced according to standards set by a manufacturer, it may deviate from the user's subjective evaluation, making it difficult to provide footwear with a fit that satisfies 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 program that can provide footwear with a fit that satisfies 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 for designing footwear having a fit preferred by a user. The footwear can set a preferred fit from a plurality of levels for at least one region. The design support device includes an input unit that receives from a plurality of users level data of fit evaluated by the user for each region and pressure data obtained by calculating a pressure applied to the foot for each region when the footwear is worn, a calculation unit that calculates a relationship between a level of fit and a pressure applied to the foot at the level as a prediction formula for each region based on the level data and pressure data received from the plurality of users, a storage unit that stores the prediction formula obtained by the calculation unit, and an output unit that outputs the pressure applied to the foot. When the input unit receives a new level of fit from a user, the calculation unit calculates the pressure applied to the foot in the region of the footwear from the level of fit of the received region based on the prediction formula.

[0007] A design support method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a design support method for designing footwear having a fit that is preferred by a user. The footwear can be set to a preferred fit level for at least one region from a plurality of levels. The design support method includes receiving, from a plurality of users, level data including a level of fit set for each region and pressure data that calculates a pressure applied to the foot for each region when wearing footwear having a level of fit set for each region, calculating a relationship between the set level of fit and the pressure applied to the foot at the level as a prediction formula for each region based on the level data and pressure data received from the plurality of users, storing the calculated prediction formula, and when a new level of fit is received from a user, calculating the pressure applied to the foot in the region of the footwear from the level of fit of the received region based on the prediction formula, and outputting the calculated pressure applied to the foot.

[0008] A program according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a program executed by a computer for designing footwear having a fit that is preferred by a user. The footwear can be set to a preferred fit level from a plurality of levels for at least one region. The computer realizes an input unit that receives from a plurality of users level data including the level of fit set for each region and pressure data that calculates the pressure applied to the foot for each region when wearing footwear with the level of fit set for each region, a calculation unit that calculates a relationship between the set level of fit and the pressure applied to the foot at the level as a prediction formula for each region based on the level data and pressure data received from the plurality of users and stores the calculated prediction formula in a storage unit, and an output unit that, when the input unit receives a new level of fit from a user, outputs the pressure applied to the foot in the region of the footwear calculated based on the level of fit of the received region based on the prediction formula. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the pressure applied to the foot in a set area of ​​the footwear is calculated based on the level of fit of that area based on a prediction equation, so that footwear with a fit that satisfies the user can be designed or proposed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a design of footwear including a design support device 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] 1 is a flowchart showing a prediction process executed by a design support apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 shows areas where the fit of the footwear can be set. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining the pressure applied to the foot for each area when wearing footwear. [Figure 6]FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a method for measuring pressure applied to the foot in each area when footwear is worn. [Figure 7] 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for a user to evaluate the fit of footwear and input level data. FIG. [Figure 8] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining correction of a prediction formula in the design support apparatus according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining correction of a prediction formula in the design support apparatus according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart for correcting a prediction equation in the design support apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of correcting a prediction formula based on usage data and application data. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of correcting a prediction equation based on a safety standard. 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 to be worn by a user in the design support device and the design support method will be described. The footwear to be designed is not limited to the shoes shown in the drawings, but may be sandals, etc., and the design support described below can be similarly applied to footwear other than shoes. In addition, designing footwear having a fit that meets the user's preferences in the design support device and the design support method according to the present disclosure includes not only designing the shape of the footwear, but also proposing existing footwear that corresponds to the shape to be designed.

[0012] [Footwear design] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a design of footwear including a design support device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the design support device 1 according to an embodiment. When designing the fit of footwear 40, it is desirable to design it to match the level of fit preferred by the user. In particular, when footwear 40 is made to order to fit the shape of an individual's foot, the design is made taking into account the level of fit preferred by the user, and the footwear 40 is made.

[0013] Specifically, the user sets the level of fit that the user prefers from among five levels: loose, slightly loose, normal, slightly tight, and tight, and the design support device 1 designs footwear 40 with the fit that the user prefers. However, in the past, footwear designs were simple, for example, footwear with normal fit was designed according to the foot shape, footwear with slightly loose fit was designed 5% larger than the foot shape, and footwear with slightly tight fit was designed 5% smaller than the foot shape. Therefore, it was difficult to design footwear with a fit that satisfied the user. On the other hand, a method of making a prototype of footwear while checking the fit with the user and repeating the process until footwear with a fit that satisfied the user can be designed is also conceivable, but there was a problem that the process was complicated and costly.

[0014] Therefore, in order to convert the level of fit that the user subjectively evaluates into an objective numerical value, the design support device 1 obtains a relationship between the level data 10 of fit evaluated by the user and the pressure data 20 applied to the foot when wearing the footwear 40 as a prediction formula 30. As a result, when the design support device 1 receives a new level of fit from the user, it can obtain the pressure applied to the foot in the footwear from the received level of fit based on the prediction formula 30, and can design footwear having a fit that satisfies the user based on the objective numerical value.

[0015] In particular, the design support device 1 can obtain a prediction formula 30 that can be used by many users by obtaining a relationship between the level data 10 of the fit evaluated by a plurality of users and the pressure data 20 applied to the foot at that level as a prediction formula 30. As a result, by using the prediction formula 30 in designing footwear 40, it is possible to design footwear 40 having a fit that satisfies many users. Furthermore, the prediction formula 30 may be obtained for each user's attribute information. The user's attribute information includes 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.

[0016] Furthermore, footwear 40 also allows a user to set preferred fit levels for a plurality of regions, as described below. When footwear 40 allows a user to set preferred fit levels for a plurality of regions, design support device 1 can obtain, for each region, a prediction formula 30 that represents a relationship between level data 10 of fit evaluated by the user for each region and pressure data 20 applied to the foot at that level. In this way, design support device 1 can use prediction formula 30 for each region to design footwear 40 with a fit that is more satisfactory to the user.

[0017] In this disclosure, it is described that the design support device 1 generates design data for producing footwear 40, but this is an example, and the pressure applied to the foot determined by the design support device 1 may be output to another design device, which may then create design data for producing footwear 40.

[0018] The design support device 1 receives, from a plurality of users, level data 10 including a level of fit set for each region, and pressure data 20 that calculates the pressure applied to the foot for each region when footwear 40 with the level of fit set for each region is worn. The design support device 1 calculates, for each region, a prediction formula 30 that represents the relationship between the set level of fit and the pressure applied to the foot at that level. Specifically, from the prediction formula 30 shown in FIG. 1, it can be seen that if the level of fit is "normal", the pressure applied to the foot (for example, wearing pressure) is 120 kPa. Therefore, the design support device 1 can design footwear 40 with "normal" fit that satisfies the user by designing the pressure applied to the foot to be 120 kPa.

[0019] [Configuration of the design support device] Next, a specific description will be given of the hardware configuration of the design support device 1. As shown in Fig. 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 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 prediction 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, 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.

[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 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 prediction formula 30 in addition to programs such as a design program 130, a prediction program 131, and an OS 132.

[0023] The design program 130 is a program for executing a design process for designing footwear 40 based on foot shape data and the user's preferred level of fit.

[0024] The prediction program 131 is a program for executing a prediction process to obtain a prediction formula 30 based on level data 10 including a level of fit set for each area and pressure data 20 that obtains the pressure applied to the foot for each area when wearing footwear 40 having a level of fit set for each area.

[0025] Prediction formula 30 obtains the relationship between the level of fit and the pressure applied to the foot at that level for each region by prediction program 131. The regions of footwear 40 will be described in detail later. Prediction formula 30 may also be modified for each user and stored in storage 13 as a user's prediction formula, as described later.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The media reader 15 accepts a storage medium 18 such as a removable disk and obtains data stored in the storage medium 18. Programs such as a design program 130 and a prediction program 131 may be stored in the storage medium 18 such as a removable disk.

[0028] 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 or wireless communication. For example, the communication device 16 can receive level data 10 and pressure data 20 from other devices by communicating with the other devices. The communication device 16 can also transmit the calculated pressure on the foot to other design devices by communicating with the other design devices. Furthermore, the communication device 16 may be used to download the design program 130 and the prediction program 131 to the storage 13.

[0029] It should be noted that the design support device 1 is not limited to receiving the level data 10 and the pressure data 20 through the communication device 16. For example, the design support device 1 may receive the level data 10 and the pressure data 20 input by a user using the interface 14. Alternatively, the design support device 1 may read the level data 10 and the pressure data 20 stored in the storage medium 18 through the media reading device 15.

[0030] [Prediction processing] When designing footwear 40 on a custom basis using design support device 1, or when suggesting footwear 40 with a preferred fit from among commercially available footwear, the user newly selects one of five levels of fit and inputs it to design support device 1. Based on prediction formula 30, design support device 1 calculates the pressure applied to the foot of footwear 40 from the accepted level of fit. Design support device 1 designs footwear 40 that can achieve the calculated pressure applied to the foot. Alternatively, design support device 1 suggests footwear 40 that is close to the calculated pressure applied to the foot from commercially available footwear.

[0031] Before determining the pressure applied to the foot of the footwear 40, the design support device 1 must first determine the prediction formula 30. The design support device 1 executes a prediction process including a process for determining the prediction formula 30. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the prediction process executed by the design support device 1 according to the embodiment. The prediction process is realized by the processor 11 of the design support device 1 executing a prediction program 131.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the design support device 1 receives from a plurality of users level data 10 of fit evaluated by the user for each region and pressure data 20 of pressure applied to the foot for each region when wearing the footwear 40 (step S101). First, the footwear 40 allows a user to set a preferred level of fit for at least one region from a plurality of levels. The flowchart shown in FIG. 3 may be used for a region of the footwear 40 only, or for the entire footwear 40. When the region of the footwear 40 is limited, the flowchart may be used only for a region that the user wishes to adjust for the personalized footwear 40. Also, it may be possible to recommend footwear 40 with reinforcement in a certain region based on the use of the footwear 40 (for example, footwear 40 with a reinforcement region on the outer foot side is recommended for skateboarding footwear 40).

[0033] The regions of the footwear 40 will be described by taking as an example a case where the footwear 40 is a shoe composed of an upper and a sole. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing regions where the fit of the footwear 40 can be set. FIG. 4(a) shows an upper 50 constituting the footwear 40. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the upper 50 can be roughly divided into four regions: a toe region 51, an MP (Meatatarsp Phalangeal) region 52, an instep region 53, and a heel region 54. The design support device 1 sets a level of fit for at least one of the toe region 51, the MP region 52, the instep region 53, and the heel region 54 of the region on the upper 50 side, calculates the pressure applied to the region, and receives the user's evaluation of the fit for the region.

[0034] The area shown in FIG. 4(a) is an area where the shape varies greatly from person to person, and where large deformation and force are applied during running, so that fit is particularly important. For example, the toe area 51 is an area where only certain toes are subjected to excessive pressure even for people with the same foot length, as the toe shapes are classified into Egyptian type (long big toe), Greek type (long index finger), square type (all toes are about the same length), etc., depending on the length of the toes. The MP area 52 is an area where the MP joints are located, and is the most protruding part in the foot width direction, and is an area where pressure is easily felt locally because the radius of curvature is small. The instep area 53 is an area where pressure is easily felt locally, particularly when the ridge line portion 53b is the ridge line of the instep of the foot, and the height and position of the ridge line vary greatly from person to person, so when the ridge line is high or the inclination of the ridge line is steep. The heel region 54 is an area where fit needs to be evaluated because pressure on the Achilles tendon can cause the shoe to slip off, and the absence of pressure above the ankle bone can affect the ease with which the shoe will slip off while walking or running.

[0035] The MP region 52 can be further divided into an MP region 52a on the inner foot side and an MP region 52b on the outer foot side. The MP region 52a on the inner foot side is a region on the big toe side, and has a small radius of curvature. The MP region 52b on the outer foot side is a region on the little toe side, and has a small radius of curvature. The instep region 53 can be divided into an instep region 53a on the inner foot side, a ridge portion 53b, and an instep region 53c on the outer foot side. The instep region 53a on the inner foot side corresponds to the arch of the foot. The ridge portion 53b is a portion of the instep of the foot that is higher from the sole. The heel region 54 is a region that corresponds to the position of the upper part of the calcaneus and the Achilles tendon.

[0036] FIG. 4(b) illustrates a sole 60 constituting the footwear 40. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the sole 60 can be roughly divided into four areas: a toe area 61, an area immediately below the MP 62, an outer area 63 of the midfoot, an arch area 64, and an area immediately below the heel 65. The design support device 1 sets a level of fit for at least one of the areas on the sole 60 side, the toe area 61, the area immediately below the MP 62, the outer area 63 of the midfoot, the arch area 64, and the area immediately below the heel 65, calculates the pressure applied to the area, and receives the user's evaluation of the fit for the area. The areas shown in FIG. 4(b) are areas whose shapes vary greatly from person to person, and are areas that are subject to large deformations and forces during running, and therefore are areas in which fit is of particular interest. For example, the toe area 61 is an area where excessive pressure is generated at the point where it comes into contact with the big toe depending on the running style. The MP area 62 is an area where the MP joint is located, and is an area where the pressure increases in the kicking motion in the latter half of the ground contact period. In addition, if the pressure in the MP area 62 is biased toward the inner foot side or the outer foot side, the foot will be excessively deformed, such as by pronation, so pressure design is important in this area. The arch area 64 is an area on the inner foot side of the midfoot, and the contact area and contact point vary depending on the arch height of the user, so pressure design according to the user's preference is required. The heel area 65 is an area where the amount of pressure applied to the foot varies depending on the ground contact angle, such as heel contact and flat ground contact. For example, the pressure is high for users with heel contact and low for users with flat ground contact.

[0037] A user can set and evaluate a desired level of fit for the multiple regions shown in Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 4(b). The design support device 1 can receive level data 10 including the level of fit evaluated by the user for each of the multiple regions shown in Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 4(b).

[0038] The pressure data 20 includes values ​​obtained by calculating the pressure applied to the foot for each of the multiple regions shown in Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 4(b) when the footwear 40 is worn. Specifically, a method for calculating the pressure applied to the foot for each region when the footwear 40 is worn will be described. First, the distribution of pressure applied to the foot includes a pressure distribution on the upper 50 side and a foot pressure distribution on the sole 60 side. Each pressure distribution can be obtained by calculating through a simulation or measuring with a sensor.

[0039] First, a method of obtaining the distribution of pressure applied to the foot by simulation will be described. In the following description, the distribution of pressure applied to the foot is obtained by the design support device 1, and the design support device 1 can receive the pressure data 20 by passing the input unit as pressure data 20. The distribution of pressure applied to the foot may be obtained by a device other than the design support device 1. The design support device 1 obtains a pressure distribution 81 on the upper 50 side from the foot shape data 70 of the user and the last data of the upper 50 using the finite element method (FEM). FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of obtaining the pressure applied to the foot for each region when the footwear 40 is worn. As shown in FIG. 5, the pressure distribution 81 displays the pressure applied to the foot in the MP region 52 as contour lines. The design support device 1 obtains the pressure applied to the foot in the MP region 52 as the pressure data 20 from the pressure distribution 81. Note that the pressure distribution 81 shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and the pressure distribution can be obtained in the same manner for other regions.

[0040] When obtaining the pressure distribution 81 on the upper 50 side, the user's foot shape data 70 and the last data of the upper 50 are essential data. Instead of the foot shape data 70, data predicting the foot shape based on the results of a questionnaire about footwear worn in the past may be used as the foot shape data. Also, instead of the last data of the upper 50, the internal scan data of the footwear 40 may be used as the last data. In order to obtain a more accurate pressure distribution 81, it is preferable to add information such as material information of the upper 50, past measurement data, information on the degree of lacing, degree of wearing, and shape and material information of the sole 60 and obtain it by the finite element method. The degree of wearing is evaluated based on the answer to questions such as, for example, whether the user re-tightens the laces every time they run, or whether they cannot take off their shoes without undoing the laces when taking them off. As a method of obtaining the distribution of pressure applied to the foot by a method other than finite elements, for example, a method using machine learning is available. Specifically, using AI technologies such as neural networks, finite element analysis and measurement data on compression are used as learning data, and a surrogate model is used to predict pressure distribution from the learning data.

[0041] In addition to the finite element method, there is a simplified method for obtaining the pressure distribution on the upper 50 side, which uses the cross-sectional line length of the foot shape data 70 and the last data of the upper 50. In the simplified method, for example, the cross-sectional line length in the MP region 52 of the foot shape data 70 and the cross-sectional line length in the MP region 52 of the last data of the upper 50 are obtained. Specifically, when the cross-sectional line length L1 of the upper 50 is 219 mm and the cross-sectional line length L2 of the foot shape data 70 is 221 mm, the difference ΔL in the cross-sectional line length can be obtained as ΔL=L2-L1=2 mm. The design support device 1 obtains the tension generated in the upper 50 based on the difference ΔL in the cross-sectional line length and the elastic modulus E of the upper 50. Furthermore, the design support device 1 obtains the pressure applied to the foot in the cross section of the upper 50 from the obtained tension using a prediction formula such as hoop stress.

[0042] Next, the design support device 1 adds a condition of applying a load to the shape data of the sole 60 based on the user's foot shape data 70, and obtains a foot pressure distribution 82 on the sole 60 side using the finite element method. Note that the information for applying a load to obtain the foot pressure distribution 82 on the sole 60 side only needs to include at least the shape of the sole or insole, material information, foot shape, and weight information. Furthermore, to improve the accuracy of obtaining the foot pressure distribution 82, information on running style such as the contact angle and pronation angle may be added. As shown in FIG. 5, the foot pressure distribution 82 displays the pressure applied to the foot (sole) as contour lines. From the foot pressure distribution 82, the design support device 1 obtains the pressure applied to the foot on the sole 60 side as pressure data 20.

[0043] When calculating foot pressure distribution 82 on the sole 60 side, the user's foot shape data 70 and shape data of the sole 60 are essential data. To calculate foot pressure distribution 82 with even greater accuracy, it is preferable to add information such as sole 60 material information, past measurement data, insole shape and material information, information on the user's running style, and user motion information (for example, information on motion analysis of the user (behavior other than the foot, center of gravity movement speed, etc.)) and calculate using the finite element method. Information on the user's running style is, for example, information on the contact angle when running.

[0044] The pressure distribution on the upper 50 side and the foot pressure distribution on the sole 60 side can be obtained by direct measurement using a sensor in addition to obtaining them by simulation. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method for measuring the pressure applied to the foot for each region when wearing the footwear 40. Film-type pressure sensors 90 as shown in FIG. 6 are disposed between the foot and the upper 50 and between the foot and the upper 50, respectively, and the pressure sensors 90 measure the pressure distribution on the upper 50 side and the foot pressure distribution on the sole 60 side. The design support device 1 obtains pressure data 20 from the pressure distribution on the upper 50 side and the foot pressure distribution on the sole 60 side measured by the pressure sensors 90, and receives the pressure data 20 at an input unit.

[0045] Next, input of the level of fit will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method in which a user evaluates the fit of the footwear 40 and inputs the level data 10. As shown in FIG. 7, the user wears the footwear 40, points to the area for which the fit is to be evaluated, and takes a picture of the user aloud explaining the level information of the fit of the pointed area (for example, "slightly tight") with the smartphone 100 to obtain image data (video). The design support device 1 accepts the photographed image data as the level data 10 in the input unit. The user can easily input the level data 10 into the design support device 1 by simply speaking the evaluated level information of the fit while wearing the footwear 40 and pointing to the area. When the level data 10 of the image data is accepted by the design support device 1, the design support device 1 converts it into the level information of the fit evaluated by the user for each area, for example, using AI technology and voice recognition technology.

[0046] The method of inputting the level data 10 is not limited to the method described in FIG. 7, and the user may write the level of fit evaluated by the user for each area on a questionnaire form, or may enter the level of fit evaluated by the user for each area in a web-based input form.

[0047] As described above, by clearly indicating the user's level data 10 specifically for the areas to be evaluated or improved, the accuracy of the pre-prepared prediction formula can be improved, and the design and proposal data for the specific user can be improved to provide the footwear that the user desires.

[0048] Returning to FIG. 3, the design support device 1 obtains a relationship between the level of fit and the pressure applied to the foot at that level as a prediction formula 30 for each region based on the level data 10 and pressure data 20 received from multiple users (step S102). The design support device 1 obtains a prediction formula 30 (function) using the level of fit as an explanatory variable and the pressure applied to the foot as a target variable using regression analysis. The design support device 1 stores the obtained prediction formula 30 in the storage 13 (step S103). The prediction formula 30 obtained from the level data 10 and pressure data 20 collected from multiple users represents a relationship between a standard level of fit and the pressure applied to the foot. By using this standard prediction formula 30, it is possible to provide footwear 40 having a fit that satisfies many users. In order to obtain the standard prediction formula 30, for example, many users with standard foot shapes are asked to wear the footwear 40 and are asked to provide information on the level of fit. Thereafter, the standard prediction formula 30 may be updated every time information on the level of fit is obtained from a user wearing the footwear 40.

[0049] The design support device 1 judges whether the input unit has received a new level of fit from the user (step S104). If the input unit has not received a new level of fit from the user (NO in step S104), the design support device 1 returns the process to step S104 and waits for a new level of fit to be input by the user.

[0050] On the other hand, if the input unit receives a new level of fit from the user (YES in step S104), the design support device 1 calculates the pressure applied to the foot in that region of the footwear 40 from the level of fit of the received region based on the prediction formula 30 (step S105). The design support device 1 can design or suggest footwear 40 having a fit that satisfies the user based on the calculated pressure applied to the foot (step S106).

[0051] [Modify prediction formula] The prediction formula 30 obtained from the level data 10 and pressure data 20 collected from multiple users represents the relationship between the standard level of fit and the pressure applied to the foot, but there are individual differences in the shape of people's feet. Therefore, even if footwear 40 is designed by obtaining the pressure applied to the foot from the prediction formula 30, it may not be possible to design footwear 40 with a fit that satisfies the user due to individual differences. Therefore, the design support device 1 needs to modify the prediction formula to suit the user. In particular, when designing personalized footwear 40, a prediction formula specialized for the user is required.

[0052] Furthermore, there is a difference between the fit that the user subjectively recognizes as preferred and the fit that the user actually feels when wearing footwear 40. Therefore, even if footwear 40 is designed by obtaining the pressure applied to the foot from prediction formula 30 based on the level of fit set by the user, due to this difference, it may not be possible to design footwear 40 with a fit that satisfies the user. Therefore, design support device 1 needs to correct the prediction formula taking this difference into account.

[0053] Specifically, the correction of the prediction formula will be described. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the level of fit of the footwear 40 is simply set and the pressure of the footwear 40 is calculated, rather than setting a level of fit for each region of the footwear 40 and calculating the pressure for each region. Figs. 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams for explaining the correction of the prediction formula 30 in the design support device 1 according to the embodiment. In Figs. 8 and 9, an example of calculating the pressure from the level of fit using the prediction formula 30 is described, but the foot pressure can be calculated from the level of fit using the prediction formula 30 in a similar manner. In that case, the pressure can be read as foot pressure. First, the design support device 1 calculates the pressure for the level of fit (for example, "normal") set by the user using the prediction formula 30 prepared in advance, as shown in Fig. 8. When the calculated pressure is 120 kPa, the design support device 1 designs the footwear 40 with a pressure of 120 kPa, or suggests a commercially available footwear 40 with a pressure of 120 kPa.

[0054] The user actually wears the designed or proposed footwear 40 and evaluates the fit. To evaluate the fit, the user takes a picture of the worn footwear 40 with the smartphone 100 to obtain image data, as described in FIG. 7 . Note that the picture of the worn footwear 40 may not be taken by the user, but may be taken by someone else, such as a store clerk. Level data (image data) of the fit of the footwear 40 evaluated by the user is input to the design support device 1.

[0055] In the example shown in Fig. 8, the user wears footwear 40 whose fit has been set to "normal" using prediction formula 30 and evaluates the fit of footwear 40 as "slightly loose". In other words, the user wears footwear 40 with a pressure of 120 kPa and feels that the fit of footwear 40 is "slightly loose", which indicates that a higher pressure is required to feel a "normal" fit. It can be seen that user evaluation A deviates from prediction formula 30 shown in Fig. 8.

[0056] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the design support device 1 modifies the prediction formula 30 so that it passes through the user's evaluation A, and obtains the user's prediction formula 31. Specifically, the design support device 1 moves the prediction formula 30 downward so that it passes through the user's evaluation A, and obtains the user's prediction formula 31. When the user's prediction formula 31 is obtained, the design support device 1 obtains the wearing pressure for the level of fit (for example, "normal") set by the user, as shown in FIG. 9, using the prediction formula 31. Since the design support device 1 knows from the prediction formula 31 that the wearing pressure for the "normal" fitting is 180 kPa, it designs footwear 40 with a wearing pressure of 180 kPa, or suggests a commercially available footwear 40 with a wearing pressure of 180 kPa. Specifically, the design support device 1 designs or suggests footwear 40a of the same type as the footwear 40 but of a smaller size, or footwear 42 of a different type from the footwear 40.

[0057] A case where the design support device 1 specifically recommends footwear 40 will be described. For example, when the originally desired pressure for the upper 50 is tight and the evaluated footwear has a normal pressure, the design support device 1 recommends footwear with the most ideal pressure distribution from among the pressure predictions for footwear one size smaller, footwear of the same size but with a different last, footwear of a different size and last, and footwear with a changed circumference. When the pressure in the midfoot part of the sole 60 is lower than the originally desired foot pressure, the design support device 1 recommends footwear with a high support function. Conversely, when the pressure in the midfoot part is higher than the originally desired foot pressure, the design support device 1 recommends footwear with a high cushioning function. When the footwear is a personalized shoe (personalized insole), the design support device 1 modifies the sole stiffness distribution and the uneven shape.

[0058] Next, the user actually wears the designed or proposed footwear 42 and re-evaluates the fit. The user inputs the level data of the re-evaluated fit of the footwear 42 into the design support device 1. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the user wears the footwear 42 whose fit has been set to be "normal" using the prediction formula 31, and re-evaluates the fit of the footwear 42 as "slightly loose". In other words, the user wears the footwear 40 with a pressure of 180 kPa and feels that the fit of the footwear 40 is "slightly loose", and therefore it is understood that a higher pressure is required to feel a "normal" fit. It can be seen that the user's re-evaluation B deviates from the prediction formula 31 shown in FIG. 9.

[0059] Therefore, the design support device 1 modifies prediction formula 31 so as to pass through the user's re-evaluation B, as shown in FIG. 9, to obtain a user's prediction formula 32. When the user's prediction formula 32 is obtained, the design support device 1 uses prediction formula 32 to obtain the wearing pressure for the level of fit (for example, "normal") set by the user, as shown in FIG. 9. The design support device 1 redesigns or re-proposes footwear that provides the wearing pressure obtained using prediction formula 32. By performing the processes shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the standard prediction formula 30 can be modified to prediction formulas 31, 32 specific to the user.

[0060] Users who need to carry out the processes shown in Figs. 8 and 9 are specific users, such as users who want personalized footwear and users who want to purchase footwear that is more suited to them. A method for correcting the prediction formula by this specific user will be described with reference to a flowchart. Fig. 10 is a flowchart for correcting the prediction formula 30 in the design support device 1 according to the embodiment. First, footwear 40 with a fit (for example, "normal") set by the specific user is provided based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 3. The specific user evaluates the fit of the provided footwear 40. The design support device 1 accepts level data of the fit of the footwear 40 evaluated by the specific user (S201).

[0061] 8 and 9, the design support device 1 determines whether or not the level of fit of the footwear 40 evaluated by the user (accepted level) differs from the set level of fit of the footwear 40 (set level) (step S202). If the accepted level and the set level do not differ (NO in step S202), the design support device 1 ends the process of correcting the prediction formula 30.

[0062] If the accepted level differs from the set level (YES in step S202), the design support device 1 modifies the prediction equations 31, 32 to pass through the level of fit of the footwear 40 evaluated by the user, as shown in Figures 8 and 9 (step S203).

[0063] The design support device 1 stores the corrected prediction formulas 31, 32 in the storage 13 as prediction formulas for the specific user (step S204). By using prediction formulas 31, 32 specialized for the specific user, rather than the standard prediction formula 30 obtained by the flowchart shown in Fig. 3, the design support device 1 can provide footwear 40 having a fit that is more satisfactory to the specific user.

[0064] The design support device 1 calculates the pressure applied to the foot in the corresponding region of the footwear 40 from the level of fit set by the specific user based on the corrected prediction equations 31 and 32 (step S205). The design support device 1 can design or propose footwear 40 for the calculated pressure applied to the foot (step S206).

[0065] [Variations] It has been explained above that the design support device 1 can modify prediction formula 30 by feeding back the user's evaluation of fit, and can design or propose footwear 40 having a fit that satisfies the user. However, the design support device 1 may modify prediction formula 30 in consideration of usage data such as the period of use and frequency of use of footwear 40 by the user, and usage data of footwear 40 such as soccer, running, etc.

[0066] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of correcting prediction formula 30 based on usage data and usage data. For example, when the usage data includes a period of use longer than a standard period, it is considered that the footwear 40 deteriorates with age and the pressure applied to the foot becomes weaker. Therefore, it is preferable to slightly increase the pressure applied to the foot so that the same level of fit can be maintained over a long period of use. When the design support device 1 receives usage data of a period of use longer than a standard period, as shown in FIG. 11, the design support device 1 corrects prediction formula 33, which increases the pressure applied to the foot compared to prediction formula 30. In addition, when the toe of the upper 50 is reinforced to prevent tearing and the heel of the sole is reinforced to prevent wear in order to use the footwear 40 for a long period of time, the design support device 1 may correct the prediction formula for the area of ​​the reinforced portion so that the pressure applied to the foot becomes lower compared to the standard prediction formula.

[0067] Also, for example, if a loose design is preferred for footwear 40 for everyday walking, the design support device 1, when receiving application data indicating that the footwear is for everyday walking, modifies the prediction formula 34 to a prediction formula 34 that lowers the pressure applied to the foot compared to the prediction formula 30, as shown in FIG. 11. Furthermore, for example, if a tight design is preferred for footwear 40 for soccer, the design support device 1, when receiving application data indicating that the footwear is for soccer, modifies the prediction formula 35 to a prediction formula 30 that highers the pressure applied to the foot compared to the prediction formula 30, as shown in FIG. 11. Furthermore, in the case of footwear 40 for soccer, since it is necessary to consider switching movements to the left and right in addition to running in one direction (running straight), the design support device 1 may add a prediction formula for turning movements in addition to the prediction formula for straight use. Furthermore, for footwear 40 for running, when the running distance per run is long and support is required, the design support device 1 modifies the prediction formula to a prediction formula modified to increase the pressure generated on the inside of the midfoot, and when the running distance per run is short, modifies the prediction formula to a prediction formula modified to increase the pressure on the instep.

[0068] Next, although it has been described that the design support device 1 can correct the prediction formula 30 by feeding back the user's evaluation of the fit, the prediction formula 30 cannot be corrected to the extent that the footwear 40 does not function. For example, even if the user prefers a tighter fit, increasing the pressure applied to the foot to the extent that the blood circulation of the foot is inhibited is unsafe, and conversely, even if the user prefers a looser fit, decreasing the pressure applied to the foot to the extent that the foot cannot run stably is unsafe. Therefore, the design support device 1 may correct the prediction formula 30 based on safety standards.

[0069] 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of correcting the prediction formula based on a safety standard. For example, if the user prefers a tighter fit and the pressure applied to the foot is extremely high, the design support device 1 corrects prediction formula 30 to prediction formula 36 so that the pressure falls within the range of safety standard K (for example, 300 kPa or less).

[0070] [Other variations] The design support device 1 may be installed in a store 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 terminal devices installed in each of a plurality of stores, and may obtain the pressure applied to the foot in the area of ​​the footwear 40 from the level of fit of the area received from the terminal device 2 based on the prediction formula 30.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the configuration for calculating the wearing pressure and foot pressure from the level of fit using the prediction formula 30 has been described. However, when calculating foot pressure, the functionality of the footwear may be cushioning or support rather than fit. That is, the design support device 1 calculates a prediction formula for the level of cushioning or support and foot pressure, and modifies the prediction formula according to the user. The design support device 1 can design or propose footwear having cushioning and support that satisfies the user by calculating foot pressure that matches the level of cushioning and support preferred by the user from the modified prediction formula. When calculating a prediction formula for the level of cushioning and foot pressure, the foot pressure is replaced with a value that widens the range of pressure (pressure dispersion). When calculating a prediction formula for the level of support and foot pressure, the foot pressure is replaced with a value of pressure on the inside of the midfoot.

[0072] [Aspects] (1) A design support apparatus according to the present disclosure, A design support device for designing footwear having a fit preferred by a user, comprising: The footwear may be configured to have multiple levels of preferred fit for at least one area; an input unit that receives from a plurality of users level data of fit evaluated by the user for each region and pressure data obtained by calculating the pressure applied to the foot for each region when the footwear is worn; A calculation unit that calculates a relationship between a level of fit and a pressure applied to the foot at the level as a prediction formula for each region based on level data and pressure data received from a plurality of users; a storage unit that stores the prediction formula obtained by the calculation unit; and an output unit that outputs a pressure applied to the foot; The calculation unit is When the input unit receives a new level of fit from the user, the pressure applied to the foot in that area of ​​the footwear is calculated based on the fit level of the received area, on the basis of the prediction formula.

[0073] As a result, the design support device determines the pressure applied to the foot in a set area of ​​the footwear from the level of fit of that area based on a prediction formula, so that footwear with a fit that satisfies the user can be designed or suggested.

[0074] (2) The design support device according to (1) is The input unit receives footwear level data from a specific user, and if the level data differs from the level of fit set for the footwear, the calculation unit modifies the prediction formula based on the received level data and footwear pressure data, and stores the modified prediction formula in the memory unit as the prediction formula for the specific user.

[0075] This allows the design support device to obtain a prediction equation for a specific user, making it possible to design or propose footwear having a fit that satisfies the specific user.

[0076] (3) The design support device according to (1) or (2), The level data is image data including an area designated by the user and information about the level of fit of the area.

[0077] This allows the user to easily generate level data and input it to the design support device.

[0078] (4) The design support device according to any one of (1) to (3), The pressure data includes values ​​of pressure applied to the foot for each area determined by simulation based on the user's foot shape data and footwear design data.

[0079] This makes it possible to generate pressure data without actually measuring the pressure applied to the foot and input the pressure data into the design support device.

[0080] (5) The design support device according to any one of (1) to (3), The pressure data includes values ​​of pressure exerted on the foot for each area measured by sensors mounted in the footwear.

[0081] This makes it possible to measure the actual pressure applied to the foot, and pressure data can be generated based on the measured value and input into the design support device.

[0082] (6) The design support device according to any one of (1) to (5), The areas of the footwear for which the level of fit is set include at least one of the toe area, MP area, upper area, and heel area.

[0083] This allows the design support device to design or suggest footwear that has a fit that satisfies the user in at least one of the toe region, MP region, instep region, and heel region.

[0084] (7) The design support device according to any one of (1) to (6), The input unit further accepts usage data relating to use of the footwear; The calculation unit modifies the prediction formula based on the usage data, and causes the memory unit to store the modified prediction formula as a prediction formula for the usage data.

[0085] This allows the computer aided design system to modify the prediction formula taking into account the data used. (8) The design support device according to any one of (1) to (7), The input unit further receives usage data relating to the intended use of the footwear; The calculation unit modifies the prediction formula based on the usage data, and stores the modified prediction formula in the storage unit as a prediction formula for the usage data.

[0086] This allows the design support system to modify the prediction equation taking into account the application data. (9) The design support device according to any one of (1) to (8), The storage unit stores in advance safety standards for the safe use of the footwear, The calculation unit modifies the prediction formula based on the safety standard.

[0087] This allows the computer aided design system to modify the prediction equation taking safety standards into account. (10) The design support method according to the present disclosure comprises: A design support method for designing footwear having a fit preferred by a user, comprising: The footwear may be configured to have multiple levels of preferred fit for at least one area; Receiving level data including a level of fit set for each area from a plurality of users, and pressure data that calculates the pressure applied to the foot for each area when wearing footwear having a level of fit set for each area; determining, for each region, a relationship between a set level of fit and a pressure applied to the foot at the set level based on level data and pressure data received from a plurality of users as a prediction formula; storing the obtained prediction formula; When a new level of fit is received from a user, calculating the pressure applied to the foot in the corresponding area of ​​the footwear from the level of fit of the received area based on a prediction formula; and outputting the determined pressure applied to the foot.

[0088] As a result, the design support method determines the pressure applied to the foot in a set area of ​​the footwear from the level of fit of that area based on a prediction formula, making it possible to design or suggest footwear with a fit that satisfies the user.

[0089] (11) The program according to the present disclosure is A computer-implemented program for designing footwear having a user's preferred fit, comprising: The footwear may be configured to have multiple levels of preferred fit for at least one area; The computer An input unit that receives from a plurality of users level data including a level of fit set for each area and pressure data that calculates the pressure applied to the foot for each area when wearing footwear having a level of fit set for each area; a calculation unit that calculates a relationship between a set level of fit and a pressure applied to the foot at the set level as a prediction formula for each region based on level data and pressure data received from a plurality of users, and stores the calculated prediction formula in a storage unit; When the input unit receives a new level of fit from the user, the calculation unit outputs an output unit that outputs the pressure applied to the foot in that area of ​​the footwear calculated from the level of fit of the received area based on a prediction formula.

[0090] This allows the program to determine the pressure applied to the foot in a set area of ​​the footwear based on the level of fit of that area based on a prediction formula, thereby making it possible to design or suggest footwear with a fit that satisfies the user.

[0091] 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]

[0092] 1 design support device, 10 level data, 11 processor, 12 memory, 13 storage, 14 interface, 15 media reading device, 16 communication device, 17 processor bus, 18 storage medium, 20 pressure data, 30-36 prediction formula, 40 footwear, 50 upper, 60 sole, 70 foot shape data, 130 design program, 131 prediction program, 132 OS.

Claims

1. A design support device for designing footwear having a fit preferred by a user, comprising: The footwear may be configured to have multiple levels of preferred fit for at least one area; an input unit that receives from a plurality of users level data of fit evaluated by the user for each region and pressure data obtained by calculating the pressure applied to the foot for each region when the footwear is worn; a calculation unit that calculates a relationship between a level of fit and a pressure applied to the foot at the level as a prediction formula for each region based on the level data and the pressure data received from the plurality of users; a storage unit that stores the prediction formula obtained by the calculation unit; and an output unit that outputs a pressure applied to the foot; The calculation unit is When the input unit receives a new fit level from a user, the design support device calculates the pressure applied to the foot in that area of ​​the footwear from the fit level of the received area based on the prediction formula.

2. 2. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit receives level data of footwear from a specific user, and when the level data differs from a level of fit set for the footwear, the calculation unit modifies the prediction formula based on the received level data and the pressure data of the footwear, and stores the modified prediction formula in the memory unit as the prediction formula for the specific user.

3. 3. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the level data is image data including an area designated by a user and level information of the fit of the area.

4. 3. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure data includes values ​​of pressure applied to the foot for each area determined by simulation based on foot shape data of the user and footwear design data.

5. 3. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure data includes values ​​of pressure applied to the foot for each area measured by a sensor provided in the footwear.

6. 3. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the regions of the footwear for which the level of fit is set include at least one of a toe region, an MP region, an instep region, and a heel region.

7. The input unit further accepts usage data relating to use of the footwear; 3. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit modifies the prediction formula based on the usage data, and causes the storage unit to store the modified prediction formula as the prediction formula for the usage data.

8. The input unit further receives usage data relating to a usage purpose of the footwear; 3. The design support device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit modifies the prediction formula based on the application data, and causes the storage unit to store the modified prediction formula as the prediction formula for the application data.

9. The storage unit stores in advance safety standards for the safe use of footwear, The design support device according to claim 1 , wherein the calculation unit modifies the prediction formula based on the safety standard.

10. A design support method for designing footwear having a fit preferred by a user, comprising: The footwear may be configured to have multiple levels of preferred fit for at least one area; Receiving level data including a level of fit set for each area from a plurality of users, and pressure data that calculates the pressure applied to the foot for each area when wearing footwear having a level of fit set for each area; determining, for each region, a relationship between a set level of fit and a pressure applied to the foot at the set level based on the level data and the pressure data received from the plurality of users as a prediction formula; storing the obtained prediction formula; When a new level of fit is received from a user, calculating the pressure applied to the foot in the area of ​​the footwear from the level of fit of the received area based on the prediction formula; and outputting the determined pressure applied to the foot.

11. A computer-implemented program for designing footwear having a user's preferred fit, comprising: The footwear may be configured to have multiple levels of preferred fit for at least one area; The computer includes: An input unit that receives from a plurality of users level data including a level of fit set for each area and pressure data that calculates the pressure applied to the foot for each area when wearing footwear having a level of fit set for each area; a calculation unit that calculates a relationship between a set level of fit and a pressure applied to the foot at the set level as a prediction formula for each region based on the level data and the pressure data received from the plurality of users, and stores the calculated prediction formula in a storage unit; When the input unit receives a new level of fit from a user, the calculation unit outputs the pressure applied to the foot in that area of ​​the footwear calculated from the level of fit of the received area based on the prediction formula.

Images