Footwear proposal system, footwear proposal method, and footwear proposal program

Abstract

To provide a footwear proposal system, a footwear proposal method, and a footwear proposal program with which it is possible to urge a user to buy new footwear.SOLUTION: A footwear proposal system S0 according to the present disclosure analyzes footwear in use used by a user to propose new footwear to buy to the user, and has: an acquisition unit 101 that acquires imaging information obtained by picking up an image of footwear in use taken off from the user's feet; a determination unit 102 that analyzes the imaging information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 and determines whether the state of the footwear in use satisfies a predetermined replacement standard; and a proposal unit 103 that, when the determination unit 102 determines that the state of the footwear in use satisfies the replacement standard, proposes footwear suitable for the user as new footwear to buy.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a footwear suggestion system, a footwear suggestion method, and a footwear suggestion program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, technologies for diagnosing the deterioration of footwear have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that determines the deterioration of an item, such as footwear, owned by the user based on an image of the item taken by the user and purchase information from the store where the item was purchased, and calculates the remaining lifespan of the item. Patent Document 1 also discloses a system that, when it is determined that an item needs to be replaced based on the remaining lifespan of the item, suggests replacement items to the user based on store inventory information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-182240 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user must personally photograph the footwear for which the degree of deterioration, etc., is to be determined. Therefore, in order to determine the degree of deterioration, etc., of the footwear, the user must be aware of the degree of deterioration, etc., of their own footwear. However, it may be difficult for the user to recognize the degree of deterioration, etc., of the footwear. For example, even if a young child recognizes the deterioration of their footwear, it may be difficult for them to convey this to their guardian. Furthermore, guardians may not be able to recognize the condition of their child's footwear on their own accord. In such cases, the user may continue to wear footwear whose degree of deterioration, etc., is not within an acceptable range, and they are unable to appropriately replace the footwear.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a footwear suggestion system, a footwear suggestion method, and a footwear suggestion program that can encourage users to make appropriate replacement purchases by suggesting footwear that is suitable for the user based on the condition of the footwear that the user is currently using. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The footwear recommendation system of the present disclosure is a footwear recommendation system that suggests replacement footwear to a user by analyzing the footwear currently being used by the user, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires imaging information obtained by capturing an image of the footwear currently being used when the user has taken it off, a determination unit that analyzes the imaging information acquired by the acquisition unit and determines whether the condition of the currently being used footwear satisfies predetermined replacement criteria, and a suggestion unit that suggests footwear suitable for the user as a replacement target if the determination unit determines that the condition of the currently being used footwear satisfies the replacement criteria.

[0007] The footwear suggestion method of the present disclosure is a method for suggesting replacement footwear to a user by analyzing the footwear currently being used by the user, and includes the steps of acquiring imaging information obtained by capturing an image of the footwear currently being used when the user has taken it off, analyzing the acquired imaging information and determining whether the condition of the currently being used footwear satisfies predetermined replacement criteria, and if the judgment determines that the condition of the currently being used footwear satisfies the replacement criteria, suggesting footwear suitable for the user as a replacement item.

[0008] The footwear suggestion program of the present disclosure is a footwear suggestion program that suggests replacement footwear to a user by analyzing the footwear currently being used by the user, and causes a computer to execute the following steps: acquiring image information obtained by capturing an image of the footwear currently being used when the user has taken it off; analyzing the acquired image information and determining whether the condition of the currently being used footwear meets predetermined replacement criteria; and, if the determination determines that the condition of the currently being used footwear meets the replacement criteria, suggesting footwear suitable for the user as a replacement item. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a footwear suggestion system, a footwear suggestion method, and a footwear suggestion program that can encourage users to make appropriate replacement purchases by suggesting footwear that is suitable for the user based on the condition of the footwear that the user is currently using. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a footwear recommendation system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a footwear recommendation system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the shoebox control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a shoebox management table. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the shoe identifying device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information management table. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing executed in the footwear recommendation system. [Figure 8B]FIG. 8B is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing executed in the footwear recommendation system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a footwear recommendation system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the shoebox control device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information management table. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a size measuring device. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing executed in the footwear recommendation system. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing executed in the footwear recommendation system. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a shoe identifying device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the footwear recommendation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Embodiment 1 The footwear recommendation system S0 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the footwear recommendation system S0. The footwear recommendation system S0 is a system that suggests replacement footwear to a user by analyzing the footwear currently used by the user. As shown in FIG. 1, the footwear recommendation system S0 includes an acquisition unit 101, a determination unit 102, and a recommendation unit 103.

[0012] The acquisition unit 101 acquires imaging information obtained by capturing an image of the footwear being used by the user after the footwear has been taken off.

[0013] The determination unit 102 analyzes the image information acquired by the acquisition unit 101 and determines whether the condition of the footwear currently in use satisfies a predetermined replacement standard.

[0014] When the determining unit 102 determines that the condition of the footwear currently being used satisfies the replacement criterion, the suggesting unit 103 suggests footwear suitable for the user as a replacement item.

[0015] As described above, according to the footwear recommendation system S0 of the present disclosure, the footwear recommendation system S0 can recommend footwear suitable for a user based on the condition of the footwear currently being used by the user. Furthermore, the footwear recommendation system S0 can encourage the user to make appropriate replacement purchases.

[0016] Embodiment 2 The footwear recommendation system according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a footwear recommendation system S1. As shown in Fig. 2, the footwear recommendation system S1 includes a shoebox control device 1, a shoe identification device 2, and a management server 3.

[0017] Here, data communication is possible between the shoebox control device 1 and the shoe identification device 2, and between the shoebox control device 1 and the management server 3. Data communication between the shoebox control device 1 and the shoe identification device 2 may be possible by short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark), but the communication means is not limited to this, and the shoebox control device 1 and the shoe identification device 2 may also be connected by wire. Furthermore, data communication between the shoebox control device 1 and the management server 3 may be possible via, for example, an internet line, but this is also just one example, and other communication lines may also be used.

[0018] The shoebox control device 1 is an information processing device that controls the shoe identification device 2 in response to a user request and transmits image information of the user's footwear to the management server 3. The shoebox control device 1 is equipped with, for example, a communication means for receiving a request from the user. Here, a request from the user refers to, for example, starting or ending use of the system. The means for communication with the user may be short-range wireless communication, or may be communication via an internet line or the like. Furthermore, the shoebox control device 1 may be equipped with a touch panel or a voice input device as means for receiving a request from the user.

[0019] The shoe identification device 2 is a device that captures images of a user's footwear. The shoe identification device 2 has, for example, compartments for placing the user's footwear and an image capturing camera, and each compartment is assigned an identification number. The shoe identification device 2 may be installed, for example, at the entrance to a building or a facility, or at a location where footwear is put on or taken off. The compartments for placing footwear may be deployed flat in a predetermined space or may have a form capable of storing footwear. In this case, the storage section may be lockable. Typically, the storage section is a shoebox. In the following description, the compartments for placing footwear will be referred to as shoeboxes for convenience, but this does not mean that the compartments for placing footwear are limited to having a storage section.

[0020] The management server 3 is an information processing device that analyzes image information of the user's footwear captured by the shoe identification device 2 and recommends footwear suitable for the user. In other words, the management server 3 realizes the footwear recommendation system S0 according to the present disclosure. The management server 3 has a function of, for example, analyzing images of the user's footwear to quantify the degree of deterioration of the footwear and determining whether the footwear satisfies a predetermined replacement standard. The management server 3 is realized by, for example, a server device or a cloud system, but may be any device as long as it can implement the processing in the embodiments.

[0021] 2 shows a case where the shoebox control device 1 and the shoe identification device 2 are separate devices, but the shoebox control device 1 and the shoe identification device 2 may be integrated. Also, while FIG. 2 shows a case where the shoebox control device 1 and the management server 3 are separate devices, the shoebox control device 1 and the management server 3 may be integrated. Below, each element of the footwear recommendation system S1 will be described in detail.

[0022] 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the shoebox control device 1. The shoebox control device 1 includes a user information acquisition unit 11, a shoe identification device communication unit 12, a management server communication unit 13, a shoebox information management unit 14, a control unit 15, and a display unit 16.

[0023] The user information acquisition unit 11 is a communication device for acquiring a request signal and user identification information from a user. The user information acquisition unit 11 may acquire the request signal, etc., by, for example, performing data communication with the user's information communication terminal. Alternatively, the user information acquisition unit 11 and the display unit 16 may be integrated into, for example, a display with a touch panel, and the request signal, etc. may be transmitted to the user information acquisition unit 11 by touch input with the user's finger, etc. Here, the user identification information is information for identifying the user, such as the user's name or ID (Identification).

[0024] The shoe identifying device communication unit 12 is an interface that executes two-way communication with the shoe identifying device 2. The shoe identifying device communication unit 12 particularly performs communication with the shoebox control device communication unit 24 in the shoe identifying device 2.

[0025] The management server communication unit 13 is an interface that executes two-way communication with the management server 3. The management server communication unit 13 particularly performs communication with the shoebox control device communication unit 32 in the management server 3.

[0026] The shoebox information management unit 14 records the status of each shoebox in the shoe identification device 2. For example, the shoebox information management unit 14 records the current status of each shoebox and the association between each shoebox and a user in a shoebox management table. FIG. 4 shows an example of the shoebox management table. As shown in FIG. 4, the shoebox management table has items such as the identification number of each shoebox, the status of the shoebox, and the user ID, but the items recorded in the shoebox management table are not limited to these.

[0027] The control unit 15 can be realized by, for example, an integrated circuit, and executes various functions of the shoebox control device 1 by means of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like.

[0028] The display unit 16 is a display device including a liquid crystal panel or organic electroluminescence, etc., and is a means for displaying necessary information to the user. For example, the display unit 16 may display the identification number of the specified shoebox or the result of the judgment of the user's footwear by the management server 3. Furthermore, the user information acquisition unit 11 and the display unit 16 may be integrated into a touch panel display.

[0029] Next, we will explain the shoe identification device 2. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the shoe identification device 2. The shoe identification device 2 includes an imaging sensor 21, a control unit 22, an imaging unit 23, and a shoebox control device communication unit 24.

[0030] The imaging sensor 21 is a device that detects the state of each shoebox in the shoe identification device 2 and the footwear placed in each shoebox. The imaging sensor 21 outputs detected sensor information to the control unit 22. For example, the imaging sensor 21 may detect that footwear has been placed in a shoebox, or may detect the presence or absence of an obstacle between the imaging unit 23 and the placed footwear. Furthermore, if the shoebox in the shoe identification device 2 can store footwear and the storage unit is lockable, the imaging sensor 21 may be able to detect that the storage unit is locked.

[0031] The control unit 22 can be realized by, for example, an integrated circuit, and executes various functions of the shoe identifying device 2 using a CPU, an MPU, or the like.

[0032] The imaging unit 23 captures images of the footwear placed in the shoebox in response to an imaging instruction from the shoebox control device 1. For example, the imaging camera of the imaging unit 23 may be installed so as to capture images of the top, side, sole, or interior of the footwear. The imaging camera may be a normal visible light camera or an infrared camera. Furthermore, the imaging information captured by the imaging camera may be in image format or video format.

[0033] The shoebox control device communication unit 24 is an interface that executes two-way communication with the shoebox control device 1. The shoebox control device communication unit 24 particularly performs communication with the shoe identification device communication unit 12 in the shoebox control device 1.

[0034] Next, a description will be given of the management server 3. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 3. The management server 3 comprises an analysis processing unit 31, a shoebox control device communication unit 32, and a user information management unit 33.

[0035] The analysis processing unit 31 is an information processing device that performs image analysis on the image information of the footwear received from the shoebox control device 1 via the shoebox control device communication unit 32. Analysis items include, but are not limited to, the type of footwear (e.g., sneakers, boots, leather shoes, sandals, boots, etc.), size, and degree of deterioration. The degree of deterioration of the footwear includes, but is not limited to, tears on the surface of the footwear, wear and peeling of the sole, etc. Furthermore, for example, the analysis processing unit 31 may have a function to analyze the wear of the sole by performing image analysis on the image information of the captured sole pattern, and may determine the degree of deterioration of the footwear based on this analysis.

[0036] Based on the analysis results, the analysis processing unit 31 determines whether the condition of the footwear satisfies a predetermined replacement criterion. For example, the analysis processing unit 31 expresses the degree of deterioration of the footwear as an evaluation score, and determines that the footwear satisfies the replacement criterion if the score exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0037] In addition to the determination result, the analysis processing unit 31 suggests footwear suitable for the user based on the analysis result and the determination result. The analysis processing unit 31 may suggest a type and size of footwear suitable for the user, or may suggest a specific product. When suggesting a specific product, the analysis processing unit 31 may search for a product suitable for the user from a product information database provided in the analysis processing unit 31. Furthermore, the product information database may be linked to a footwear retailer, and the analysis processing unit 31 may suggest a specific product from among the products sold at the store. In addition, suggestions may be made that reflect preference data from the user.

[0038] If the user's footwear satisfies a predetermined replacement criterion, i.e., if the degree of deterioration of the footwear exceeds an acceptable range, the analysis processing unit 31 may suggest footwear of the same type and size as the footwear. Also, if the user's footwear does not satisfy the predetermined replacement criterion, i.e., if the degree of deterioration of the footwear is within an acceptable range, the analysis processing unit 31 may suggest footwear of a different type or preference from the footwear.

[0039] The analysis processing unit 31 may also create a suggestion list for suggesting multiple footwear items and provide it to the user. The suggestion list may be created, for example, by displaying sizes suitable for the user for each type of footwear. The suggestion list may also be created by selecting multiple products using a product information database linked to a footwear retailer.

[0040] The shoebox control device communication unit 32 is an interface that executes two-way communication with the shoebox control device 1. The shoebox control device communication unit 32 particularly performs communication with the management server communication unit 13 in the shoebox control device 1.

[0041] The user information management unit 33 records the user identification information of each user and the condition of the user's footwear. For example, the user information management unit 33 associates the analysis results and judgment results of the analysis processing unit 31 with the user ID of the user and records them in a user information management table. FIG. 7 shows an example of the user information management table. As shown in FIG. 7, the user information management table has fields such as the user ID, footwear type, footwear size, footwear condition, design information, judgment result, and recommendation content. When storing the judgment result of the analysis processing unit 31 in the user information management table, the user information management unit 33 may record, as the judgment result, whether or not a predetermined replacement criterion is met, or may record an evaluation score of the degree of deterioration. The user information management unit 33 may also record the judgment result for each part of the footwear. The user information management unit 33 may store the recommendation content in the form of a uniform resource locator (URL) accessible by the user, or may store information such as a specific product model number.

[0042] Next, an example of the flow of suggesting footwear to a user using the footwear suggestion system S1 will be described. Figures 8A and 8B are sequence diagrams showing the flow of suggesting footwear to a user using the footwear suggestion system S1.

[0043] First, if the user is a new user, the user registers new user identification information with the management server 3 (S100). The user may perform the new registration using the user's information communication terminal, or may perform the new registration via the shoebox control device 1. If the new registration is performed via the shoebox control device 1, the shoebox control device 1 transmits the registration information to the management server 3. The newly registered user is assigned an identification number such as a user ID. The management server 3 refers to the user information management table, and if there is a new registration, it updates the contents of the user information management table (S101), and notifies the user that they have been authenticated (S102). A user page is displayed on the user's information communication terminal (S103).

[0044] Next, the user sends a system usage start signal and user identification information to the shoebox control device 1 (S104). Here, the means for sending the system usage start signal etc. may be via the user's information communication terminal, or the user may directly input a request signal to the shoebox control device 1. Upon receiving the request signal etc. from the user, the shoebox control device 1 searches for an empty shoebox in the shoebox management table, specifies one empty shoebox, and updates the shoebox management table (S105). Here, the shoebox control device 1 stores the user ID in the specified shoebox in the shoebox management table, and updates the shoebox status to "waiting for placement" (S105).

[0045] Thereafter, the shoebox control device 1 transmits the identification number of the specified shoebox to the management server 3 (S106). The management server 3 updates the contents of the user information management table (S107) and displays the shoebox identification number to the user (S108). The user can recognize the shoebox identification number via the management server 3 (S109). Here, the shoebox identification number may be displayed on the display unit 16 of the shoebox control device 1, or may be output to another output device (such as a receipt printer).

[0046] Alternatively, the user may designate a shoebox by placing footwear in an empty shoebox. In this case, the user sends the shoebox identification number together with the system use start signal and user identification information to the shoebox control device 1 (S104). The following will be described taking as an example a case where the shoebox control device 1 specifies a shoebox.

[0047] When the user places footwear in the designated shoebox and the shoe identification device 2 detects it (S110), the shoe identification device 2 transmits an image capture preparation completion notification to the shoebox control device 1 (S115). Here, the image capture preparation completion notification is, for example, a notification that the shoe identification device 2 has detected that the user's footwear has been placed in the designated shoebox, or a notification that it has confirmed that there is no obstacle between the imaging unit 23 of the shoe identification device 2 and the footwear placed in the designated shoebox.

[0048] When the shoebox of the shoe identification device 2 can store footwear and the storage unit can be locked, the shoe identification device 2 first notifies the shoebox control device 1 that footwear has been detected (S111). After that, the shoebox control device 1 instructs the shoe identification device 2 to lock the storage unit (S112). In this case, the shoebox control device 1 updates the shoebox status in the shoebox management table to "waiting to be locked" (S114). Upon receiving the locking instruction, the shoe identifying device 2 locks the storage unit (S113), and then transmits a notification that locking has been completed to the shoebox control device 1 (S115). In this case, the notification may be a notification that image capture preparation has been completed.

[0049] Upon receiving the notification that preparation for imaging is complete, the shoebox control device 1 transmits an instruction to capture an image of the footwear to the shoe identification device 2 (S116). At this point, the shoebox control device 1 updates the shoebox status in the shoebox management table to "waiting for imaging" (S118).

[0050] Upon receiving the imaging instruction, the shoe identification device 2 performs an imaging process of the footwear (S117). After imaging, the shoe identification device 2 transmits imaging information to the shoebox control device 1 (S119). Upon receiving the imaging information, the shoebox control device 1 transmits the imaging information to the management server 3 (S120). Here, the shoebox control device 1 updates the shoebox status in the shoebox management table to "waiting for analysis" (S121).

[0051] The management server 3 that has received the image information performs an image analysis process on the image information (S122). After the analysis, the management server 3 performs a process to recommend footwear suitable for the user based on the analysis results and the judgment results (S124). Here, the management server 3 can perform the recommendation process by referring to the product information database (S123). The management server 3 stores the analysis results, judgment results, and recommendation contents in the user information management table (S125).

[0052] Next, the management server 3 transmits a notification to the shoebox control device 1 that a series of processes from image analysis to proposal has been completed (S126). Upon receiving the completion notification, the shoebox control device 1 updates the shoebox status in the shoebox management table to "analysis completed" (S127).

[0053] When the user wants to terminate the system, the user sends a system usage termination signal and user identification information to the shoebox control device 1 at any time (S128). Upon receiving a request signal from the user, the shoebox control device 1 updates the shoebox status in the shoebox management table to "waiting for footwear removal" (S133).

[0054] Here, if the shoebox of the shoe identification device 2 can store footwear and the storage unit can be locked, the shoebox control device 1, upon receiving a request signal from the user, sends an instruction to the shoe identification device 2 to unlock the storage unit (S129). In this case, the shoebox control device 1 updates the shoebox status in the shoebox management table to "waiting to be unlocked" (S130). The shoe identifying device 2 that has received the unlocking instruction may unlock the storage unit (S131) ​​and then transmit a notification that the unlocking has been completed to the shoebox control device 1 (S132).

[0055] When the shoe identification device 2 detects that the user's footwear has been removed (S134), it notifies the shoebox control device 1 of this fact (S135). Upon receiving this notification, the shoebox control device 1 notifies the management server 3 that removal of the footwear has been completed (S136). At this point, the shoebox control device 1 updates the shoebox status in the shoebox management table to "empty" (S137). Furthermore, upon receiving the notification of removal completion, the management server 3 updates the information in the user information management table (S138).

[0056] The management server 3 notifies the user that the proposed content has been created (S139). Here, the method of notifying the user may be in writing or by electromagnetic means. The user who has received the notification can check the proposed content etc. from the management server 3 (S140, S141). The management server 3 may notify the user that the proposed content has been created before the user takes out the footwear.

[0057] As described above, through the series of processes according to the second embodiment, the user can recognize the degree of deterioration of the footwear currently being used by the user and can purchase appropriate replacement footwear. Specifically, by installing the footwear recommendation system S1 at the entrance of a building or facility, the user can recognize the need to replace their footwear. As a result, the footwear recommendation system S1 can lead to increased sales at the store. Furthermore, if the user is a child, the guardian can consider replacing their child's footwear. By purchasing new footwear for their child, the guardian can ensure the footwear has a good grip and wear footwear that fits the child's foot shape, thereby ensuring the safety of the child user.

[0058] Embodiment 3 Next, a footwear recommendation system S2 according to the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the footwear recommendation system S2. The configuration of the shoe identification device 2 in Fig. 9 is the same as the configuration shown in Fig. 5, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] In the third embodiment, the footwear recommendation system S2 includes a size measurement device 4 in addition to the shoebox control device 1, shoe identification device 2, and management server 3 of the second embodiment. The size measurement device 4 is capable of data communication with the shoebox control device 1 and the management server 3. Data communication between the size measurement device 4 and the shoebox control device 1 may be achieved by short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but the communication technology is not limited to this, and the size measurement device 4 and the shoebox control device 1 may also be connected by wire. Furthermore, data communication between the size measurement device 4 and the management server 3 may be possible via, for example, an internet line, but this is also just one example, and other communication lines may also be used.

[0060] The size measurement device 4 is a device that measures the user's physical data in response to a user's request and transmits the user's physical data and user identification information to the management server 3. The size measurement device 4 is equipped with, for example, a communication means for receiving a request from the user. The communication means may be capable of communication via short-range wireless communication or via an internet line or the like. Furthermore, the size measurement device 4 may be equipped with a touch panel or a voice input device as a means for receiving a request from the user. Note that, although FIG. 9 shows a case where the shoebox control device 1 and the size measurement device 4 are separate devices, the shoebox control device 1 and the size measurement device 4 may also be integrated.

[0061] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the shoebox control device 1. Compared to Fig. 3, Fig. 10 has a size measurement device communication unit 17. The size measurement device communication unit 17 is an interface that executes two-way communication with the size measurement device 4. The size measurement device communication unit 17 particularly communicates with the shoebox control device communication unit 46 in the size measurement device 4. Other configurations of the shoebox control device 1 are the same as those in Fig. 3, so explanations will be omitted.

[0062] 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 3. The management server 3 includes an analysis processing unit 31, a shoebox control device communication unit 32, a user information management unit 33, and a size measurement device communication unit .

[0063] The analysis processing unit 31 is an information processing device that performs image analysis of the image information of the footwear based on the footwear image information received from the shoebox control device 1 and the user's body data received from the size measurement device 4 via the size measurement device communication unit 34. The analysis items may include footwear size suitability in addition to the type, size, and degree of deterioration of the footwear in the second embodiment. That is, the analysis processing unit 31 may determine whether the footwear size is suitable for the user based on the user's body data and the user's footwear size.

[0064] The analysis processing unit 31 may determine whether the condition of the footwear satisfies a predetermined replacement criterion based on the size suitability of the footwear in addition to the degree of deterioration of the footwear. In this case, the analysis processing unit 31 may express the size suitability as an evaluation score, and determine that the footwear satisfies the replacement criterion if the score exceeds a predetermined threshold. The analysis processing unit 31 makes footwear suggestions to the user based on the analysis results and the judgment results. The suggestion method is the same as in the second embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0065] The shoebox control device communication unit 32 has the same configuration as that shown in FIG.

[0066] The user information management unit 33 records information about each user in a user information management table. Here, the user information management unit 33 may record the user's physical data received from the size measurement device 4, in addition to the user identification information and the state of the user's footwear. FIG. 12 shows an example of the user information management table. As shown in FIG. 12, the user information management table may include an item for recording the user's foot size, etc.

[0067] The size measurement device communication unit 34 is an interface that executes two-way communication with the size measurement device 4. The size measurement device communication unit 34 particularly performs communication with a management server communication unit 45 in the size measurement device 4.

[0068] 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the size measurement device 4. The size measurement device 4 includes a measuring instrument 41, a control unit 42, a user information acquisition unit 43, a display unit 44, a management server communication unit 45, and a shoebox control device communication unit 46. The size measurement device 4 is installed, for example, at the entrance of a building or a facility, and may be installed in a location where footwear is put on or taken off. Therefore, the size measurement device 4 may be installed near the shoe identification device 2.

[0069] Measuring device 41 is a device that measures the user's physical data. Measuring device 41 may be a device that measures the user's foot length and foot circumference by having the user stand upright on measuring device 41 and taking an image of the sole of the user's foot using an imaging camera built into measuring device 41. Measuring device 41 may also be a device whose measuring unit is shaped like a foot, and by placing the user's foot inside the measuring unit, collects three-dimensional data of the user's foot using a laser irradiator or the like built into measuring device 41.

[0070] The control unit 42 can be realized by, for example, an integrated circuit, and executes various functions of the size measurement device 4 by means of a CPU, an MPU, or the like.

[0071] The user information acquisition unit 43 is a communication device for acquiring a request signal and user identification information from a user. The user information acquisition unit 43 may acquire the request signal, etc., by, for example, performing data communication with the user's information communication terminal. Alternatively, the user information acquisition unit 43 and the display unit 44 may be integrated into, for example, a display with a touch panel, and the request signal, etc. may be transmitted to the user information acquisition unit 43 by touch input with the user's finger, etc. The user information acquisition unit 43 may acquire the request signal and user identification information from the user by performing data communication with the user's information communication terminal.

[0072] The display unit 44 is a display device including a liquid crystal panel or organic electroluminescence, etc., and is a means for displaying necessary information to the user. The display unit 44 may, for example, display the measurement results of the user's physical data. Furthermore, instead of the display unit 16 of the shoebox control device 1, the display unit 44 may display the identification number of the shoebox designated by the shoebox control device 1 or the result of the judgment of the user's footwear by the management server 3. Furthermore, the user information acquisition unit 43 and the display unit 44 may be integrated into a touch panel display.

[0073] The management server communication unit 45 is an interface that executes two-way communication with the management server 3. The management server communication unit 45 particularly performs communication with the size measurement device communication unit 34 in the management server 3.

[0074] The shoebox control device communication unit 46 is an interface that executes two-way communication with the shoebox control device 1. The shoebox control device communication unit 46 particularly communicates with the size measurement device communication unit 17 in the shoebox control device 1.

[0075] Next, an example of the flow of recommending footwear to a user using the footwear recommendation system S2 will be described. Figures 14A and 14B are sequence diagrams showing the flow of recommending footwear to a user using the footwear recommendation system S2. Note that explanations of flows similar to those in Figures 8A and 8B will be omitted where appropriate.

[0076] If the user is a new user, the user performs a new registration procedure (S200 to S203). Next, the size measurement device 4 measures the user's body data (S204) and displays the measurement results to the user (S205). The user then sends a system usage start signal and user identification information to the size measurement device 4 (S206). Note that the size measurement device 4 may receive a request signal or the like from the user before measuring the user's body data, or may measure the user's body data and receive the request signal or the like simultaneously.

[0077] Next, the size measurement device 4 sends a search request signal for an empty shoebox to the shoebox control device 1 (S207). Upon receiving the request signal from the size measurement device 4, the shoebox control device 1 searches for an empty shoebox in the shoebox management table and specifies one empty shoebox. The shoebox control device 1 sends the identification number of the specified shoebox to the size measurement device 4 (S209). Here, the shoebox control device 1 stores the user ID in the specified shoebox in the shoebox management table and updates the shoebox status to "waiting for placement" (S208).

[0078] Alternatively, the user may designate a shoebox by placing footwear in an empty shoebox. In this case, the user sends the shoebox identification number together with a system usage start signal to the size measurement device 4 (S206). The following will be described taking as an example a case where the shoebox control device 1 specifies a shoebox.

[0079] The size measurement device 4, which has received the identification number of the specified shoebox, transmits the user's identification information, the measured user's physical data, and the shoebox identification number to the management server 3 (S210). The management server 3, which has received the user's identification information, etc., stores the user's physical data in the user information management table (S211). The user recognizes the shoebox identification number via the management server 3, etc. (S212, S213).

[0080] When the user places footwear in a specified shoebox and the shoe identification device 2 detects it (S214), the shoe identification device 2 transmits an image capture preparation completion notification to the shoebox control device 1 (S219). If the shoebox of the shoe identification device 2 can store footwear and the storage unit can be locked, the shoebox control device 1 may instruct the shoe identification device 2 to lock the storage unit, and may use a notification that the shoe identification device 2 has completed locking as the image capture preparation completion notification (S215 to S218).

[0081] Upon receiving the notification that image capture preparation is complete, the shoebox control device 1 transmits an instruction to the shoe identification device 2 to capture an image of the footwear, and the management server 3 receives the image capture information via the shoebox control device 1 (S220-S225). Upon receiving the image capture information, the management server 3 performs image analysis processing of the image capture information and footwear recommendation processing (S226-S229). The management server 3 transmits a notification to the shoebox control device 1 that a series of processes from image analysis to recommendation has been completed (S230-S231).

[0082] When the system is to be shut down, the user sends a system usage termination signal and user identification information to the shoebox control device 1 at any timing (S232). Here, if the shoebox of the shoe identification device 2 can store footwear and the storage unit can be locked, the shoebox control device 1 and shoe identification device 2, upon receiving a request signal from the user, perform a process to unlock the storage unit (S233-S237). The shoe identification device 2, upon detecting that the user's footwear has been removed (S238), sends a removal completion notification to the shoebox control device 1 (S239), and the shoebox control device 1, upon receiving the notification, sends the notification to the management server 3 (S240).

[0083] The management server 3, which has received the pick-up completion notification, notifies the user that the proposed content has been created (S243). Here, the method of notifying the user may be in writing or by electromagnetic means. The user who has received the notification can check the proposed content etc. from the management server 3 (S244, S245). Furthermore, the management server 3 may notify the user that the proposed content has been created before the user picks up the footwear.

[0084] As described above, the series of processes according to the third embodiment allows the user to recognize the size suitability of the footwear currently being used, as well as the degree of deterioration of the footwear, and to purchase appropriate replacement footwear. Specifically, if the user is a child, purchasing footwear that matches the growth of the child's feet can ensure the safety of the child user.

[0085] Embodiment 4 Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a shoe identification device 2. In addition to acquiring image information of the user's footwear, the shoe identification device 2 checks whether the footwear has reflective materials or light-emitting functions as safety measures. The shoe identification device 2 in Fig. 15 includes a photoelectric sensor 25 and a vibration device 26 in addition to the shoe identification device 2 in Fig. 5. The other components of the shoe identification device 2 are the same as those in Fig. 5, so their description will be omitted.

[0086] The photoelectric sensor 25 is a device that detects reflection or emission of light based on the function of the footwear. The shoebox control device communication unit 24 transmits the data detected by the photoelectric sensor 25 together with image information of the footwear to the management server 3. The vibration device 26 is a device that vibrates the footwear placed in the shoe identification device 2 to make the footwear emit light. For example, if the footwear has a function to detect vibration and emit light, the vibration device 26 is a device that activates this function.

[0087] In the fourth embodiment, the shoe identification device 2 receives an instruction to check the reflection and light emission functions together with an instruction to capture an image from the user from the shoebox control device 1. Upon receiving this instruction, the shoe identification device 2 vibrates the space in which the footwear is placed using the vibration device 26 in addition to capturing an image of the footwear, and acquires detection data from the photoelectric sensor 25. Note that the reflection and light emission functions may be checked by receiving an instruction signal from the shoebox control device 1 separately, rather than being performed in conjunction with capturing an image of the footwear.

[0088] The analysis processing unit 31 of the management server 3 that receives the photoelectric sensor detection data can use the photoelectric sensor detection data to determine the degree of deterioration of the footwear. Specifically, the analysis processing unit 31 determines whether the footwear has reflective tape or luminous materials by identifying the model number of the footwear from the image information of the footwear. If the footwear has reflective tape or luminous materials, the analysis processing unit 31 determines whether the reflective and luminous functions of the footwear are working properly based on the photoelectric sensor detection data. If the functions are not working properly, the analysis processing unit 31 can determine that the footwear is experiencing advanced deterioration and meets the criteria for replacing the footwear.

[0089] The series of processes according to the fourth embodiment allows the user to recognize the condition of the footwear that the user is currently using, taking into consideration not only surface tears, wear and tear on the sole, peeling, etc., but also defects in the reflective and luminescent functions of the footwear, etc. This allows the user to purchase appropriate replacement footwear.

[0090] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example hardware configuration of a footwear recommendation system according to the present disclosure. In FIG. 16, a footwear recommendation system 90 has a processor 91 and a memory 92. The processor 91 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU, or a CPU. The processor 91 may include multiple processors. The memory 92 is configured by a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The memory 92 may include storage located remotely from the processor 91. In this case, the processor 91 may access the memory 92 via an I / O (Input / Output) interface (not shown).

[0091] In the above examples, the program can be stored and provided to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, programmable ROMs (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs). The program may also be provided to a computer by various types of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer-readable media can provide the program to a computer via wired communication paths such as electric wires and optical fibers, or wireless communication paths. Computers include various information processing devices such as PCs, servers, CPUs, MPUs, FPGAs, and ASICs.

[0092] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0093] Each drawing is merely an example for describing one or more embodiments. Each drawing may relate not only to one particular embodiment, but also to one or more other embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create, for example, an embodiment not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessary to describe an exemplary embodiment, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate.

[0094] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Appendix 1) A footwear recommendation system that proposes replacement footwear to a user by analyzing the footwear currently used by the user, an acquisition unit that acquires image information obtained by capturing an image of the footwear being used by the user after the footwear has been taken off; a determination unit that analyzes the image information acquired by the acquisition unit and determines whether the condition of the footwear currently being used satisfies a predetermined replacement standard; and a suggestion unit that suggests footwear suitable for the user as a replacement item when the determination unit determines that the condition of the footwear currently being used satisfies the replacement criterion. Footwear recommendation system. (Appendix 2) the acquisition unit acquires image information of the footwear captured while the footwear in use is stored in a storage unit. Footwear recommendation system according to appendix 1. (Appendix 3) the determination unit determines a degree of deterioration of the footwear by analyzing a shoe sole pattern included in the image information, and determines whether the footwear satisfies the replacement criterion based on the degree of deterioration. Footwear recommendation system according to appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) the footwear recommendation system includes a measurement unit that measures physical data of the user; the acquisition unit acquires the physical data measured by the measurement unit, the determination unit analyzes the imaging information and the body data to determine size compatibility of the footwear, and determines whether the replacement criterion is met based on the size compatibility. Footwear recommendation system according to appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 5) the determination unit analyzes image information of the footwear captured while stored in a storage unit associated with the user's identification information and the body data associated with the user's identification information, determines size compatibility of the footwear, and determines whether the replacement criterion is met based on the size compatibility. Footwear recommendation system according to appendix 4. (Appendix 6) The measurement unit acquires the user's identification information stored in the user's terminal, thereby associating the user's identification information with the storage unit and associating the user's identification information with the physical data. Footwear recommendation system according to appendix 5. (Appendix 7) The footwear recommendation system described in Appendix 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether the footwear has an illuminating element based on the imaging information, and if the footwear has an illuminating element, determines the functionality of the illuminating element. (Appendix 8) A footwear suggestion method for suggesting replacement footwear to a user by analyzing the footwear currently used by the user, acquiring image information obtained by capturing an image of the footwear being used by the user when the footwear is taken off; analyzing the acquired image information and determining whether the condition of the currently used footwear satisfies a predetermined replacement criterion; If it is determined that the condition of the currently used footwear satisfies the replacement criterion, suggesting footwear suitable for the user as a replacement item; A footwear suggestion method including: (Appendix 9) A footwear suggestion program that suggests replacement footwear to a user by analyzing the footwear currently used by the user, acquiring image information obtained by capturing an image of the footwear being used by the user when the footwear is taken off; analyzing the acquired image information and determining whether the condition of the currently used footwear satisfies a predetermined replacement criterion; If it is determined that the condition of the currently used footwear satisfies the replacement criterion, suggesting footwear suitable for the user as a replacement item; A footwear suggestion program that causes a computer to execute the above.

[0095] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configurations and functions) described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 7 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 8 and 9 in the same dependency relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 7. Some or all of the elements described in any Supplementary Note may be applied to various hardware, software, recording means for recording software, systems, and methods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 Shoebox control device 2. Shoe identification device 3 Management Server 4 Size measuring device 11 User information acquisition section 12 Shoe identification device communication unit 13 Management Server Communication Unit 14 Shoebox Information Management Department 15 Control Unit 16 Display section 17 Size measurement device communication section 21 Imaging sensor 22 Control Unit 23 Imaging unit 24 Shoebox control device communication unit 25 Photoelectric Sensor 26 Vibration device 31 Analysis processing section 32 Shoebox control device communication unit 33 User Information Management Department 34 Size measurement device communication unit 41 Measuring instruments 42 Control Unit 43 User information acquisition unit 44 Display section 45 Management Server Communication Unit 46 Shoebox control device communication unit 90 Footwear recommendation system 91 processors 92 memory 101 Acquisition Department 102 Judgment section 103 Proposal Department

Claims

1. A footwear recommendation system that proposes replacement footwear to a user by analyzing the footwear currently used by the user, an acquisition unit that acquires image information obtained by capturing an image of the footwear being used by the user after the footwear has been taken off; a determination unit that analyzes the image information acquired by the acquisition unit and determines whether the condition of the footwear currently being used satisfies a predetermined replacement standard; and a suggestion unit that suggests footwear suitable for the user as a replacement item when the determination unit determines that the condition of the footwear currently being used satisfies the replacement criterion. Footwear recommendation system.

2. the acquisition unit acquires image information of the footwear captured while the footwear in use is stored in a storage unit. The footwear recommendation system according to claim 1 .

3. the determination unit determines a degree of deterioration of the footwear by analyzing a shoe sole pattern included in the image information, and determines whether the footwear satisfies the replacement criterion based on the degree of deterioration. The footwear recommendation system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the footwear recommendation system includes a measurement unit that measures physical data of the user; the acquisition unit acquires the physical data measured by the measurement unit, the determination unit analyzes the imaging information and the body data to determine size compatibility of the footwear, and determines whether the replacement criterion is met based on the size compatibility. The footwear recommendation system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the determination unit analyzes image information of the footwear captured while stored in a storage unit associated with the user's identification information and the body data associated with the user's identification information, determines size compatibility of the footwear, and determines whether the replacement criterion is met based on the size compatibility. The footwear recommendation system according to claim 4 .

6. The measurement unit acquires the user's identification information stored in the user's terminal, thereby associating the user's identification information with the storage unit and associating the user's identification information with the physical data. The footwear recommendation system according to claim 5 .

7. The footwear recommendation system according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines whether the footwear has a light-emitting element based on the imaging information, and if the footwear has a light-emitting element, determines the functionality of the light-emitting element.

8. A footwear suggestion method for suggesting replacement footwear to a user by analyzing the footwear currently used by the user, acquiring image information obtained by capturing an image of the footwear being used by the user in a state where the footwear has been taken off; analyzing the acquired image information and determining whether the condition of the footwear currently being used satisfies a predetermined replacement criterion; If it is determined that the condition of the currently used footwear satisfies the replacement criterion, suggesting footwear suitable for the user as a replacement item; A footwear suggestion method including:

9. A footwear suggestion program that suggests replacement footwear to a user by analyzing the footwear currently used by the user, acquiring image information obtained by capturing an image of the footwear being used by the user when the footwear is taken off; analyzing the acquired image information and determining whether the condition of the footwear currently being used satisfies a predetermined replacement criterion; If it is determined that the condition of the currently used footwear satisfies the replacement criterion, suggesting footwear suitable for the user as a replacement item; A footwear suggestion program that causes a computer to execute the above.

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