Orthotic device manufacturing system, orthotic device manufacturing method, and program

Abstract

To enable the efficient manufacture of high-quality orthotic devices. [Solution] This orthotic device manufacturing system comprises: an information acquisition unit that acquires personal shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device attachment site on the orthotic device user's body; an information generation unit that generates individual orthotic device information indicating the shape of the orthotic device used by the orthotic device user based on the personal shape information; and a manufacturing instruction unit that causes an orthotic device manufacturing apparatus using a pellet-type 3D printer to manufacture an orthotic device using the individual orthotic device information in response to the input of orthotic device shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an orthosis manufacturing system, an orthosis manufacturing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] A technique is known in which a three-dimensional model of a subject's trunk is constructed from CT or MRI image data, a trunk orthosis is designed based on the three-dimensional model, and the trunk orthosis is manufactured by a 3D printer based on the design (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As an orthosis, it is required to be as high-quality as possible and manufactured efficiently.

[0005] In consideration of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to enable efficient manufacture of high-quality orthoses.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is an orthosis manufacturing system including an information acquisition unit that acquires personal shape information indicating the shape of an orthosis wearing site on the body of an orthosis user, an information generation unit that generates individual orthosis information indicating the shape of the orthosis used by the orthosis user based on the personal shape information, and a manufacturing instruction unit that causes a pellet-type 3D printer that manufactures an orthosis in response to an input of orthosis shape information indicating the shape of the orthosis to manufacture the orthosis using the individual orthosis information.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an orthotic device in an orthotic device manufacturing system, comprising: an information acquisition step in which an information acquisition unit acquires personal shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device attachment site on the orthotic device user's body; an information generation step in which an information generation unit generates individual orthotic device information indicating the shape of the orthotic device used by the orthotic device user based on the personal shape information; and a manufacturing instruction step in which a manufacturing instruction unit causes an orthotic device manufacturing apparatus using a pellet-type 3D printer, which manufactures orthotic devices in response to the input of orthotic device shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device, to manufacture an orthotic device using the individual orthotic device information.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer in an orthotic device manufacturing system to function as an information acquisition unit that acquires personal shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device attachment site on the orthotic device user's body; an information generation unit that generates individual orthotic device information indicating the shape of the orthotic device used by the orthotic device user based on the personal shape information; and a manufacturing instruction unit that causes an orthotic device manufacturing apparatus using a pellet-type 3D printer, which manufactures orthotic devices in response to the input of orthotic device shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device, to manufacture an orthotic device using the individual orthotic device information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the effect is obtained that high-quality orthotic devices can be manufactured efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of the orthotic device manufacturing system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the client terminal in this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the manufacturing control device in this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of manufacturing facility information in this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of standard orthotic device information in this embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of individual orthotic device information in this embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of processing steps performed by the orthotic device manufacturing system in this embodiment in connection with the manufacture of orthotic devices. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the orthotic device manufacturing system of this embodiment. The orthotic device manufacturing system shown in the figure is a system for manufacturing orthotic devices. The orthotic devices here may be used for treatment or rehabilitation after the symptoms have stabilized. Examples of such orthotic devices include upper limb orthoses, lower limb orthoses, trunk orthoses, and shoe-type orthoses. Upper limb orthoses include shoulder orthoses, elbow orthoses, long opposterior orthoses, short opposterior orthoses, gripping orthoses, dorsiflexion orthoses, MP extension and flexion orthoses, and finger orthoses. Lower limb orthoses include hip orthoses, long leg orthoses, short leg orthoses, knee orthoses, plantar orthoses, twisters, congenital hip dislocation orthoses, and insoles. Trunk orthoses include cervical orthoses, thoracic orthoses, lumbar orthoses, sacroiliac orthoses, and scoliosis correction orthoses. Shoe-type orthoses include low boots, chukka boots, mid-calf boots, and full boots. In this embodiment, the term "orthotic device" may be interpreted to include not only the various orthotic devices as finished products exemplified above, but also the components (orthotic device components) that make up these various orthotic devices as finished products.

[0012] In Figure 1, each client terminal 100 is a terminal owned by a client who has requested the manufacture of an orthotic device. The client who has requested the manufacture of an orthotic device may be, for example, a prosthetist or orthotist. The client terminal 100 may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet device, a smartphone, etc. Furthermore, each client who requests the manufacture of orthotic devices has a 3D scanner 200. The client who requests the manufacture of orthotic devices has the 3D scanner 200 scan the body shape of the orthotic user, who is a patient who will be receiving treatment and rehabilitation using the orthotic device.

[0013] The 3D scanner 200 outputs three-dimensional shape data obtained by scanning the body shape of the orthosis user. The three-dimensional shape data output from the 3D scanner 200 is input to the requester terminal 100. The input of the three-dimensional shape data from the 3D scanner 200 to the requester terminal 100 may be performed, for example, via a data interface or communication.

[0014] The requester terminal 100 generates primary orthosis manufacturing request information including the input three-dimensional shape data. The primary orthosis manufacturing request information may include information indicating the corresponding orthosis manufacturing requester (orthosis manufacturing requester ID), information indicating the corresponding orthosis user (orthosis user ID), information indicating the type of the corresponding orthosis (orthosis type designation information), delivery date, etc. Furthermore, the primary orthosis manufacturing request information may include desired information (an example of specification conditions) reflecting the desires of the orthosis user. The desired information may include breathability, weight reduction, color, transparency, material, font, texture, etc. Such desired information may be obtained by the orthosis manufacturing requester inputting the desires received from the orthosis user to the requester terminal 100. Furthermore, the primary orthosis manufacturing request information may also include body attribute information describing predetermined attributes such as characteristics related to the body of the orthosis user. The body attribute information may include, for example, the gender, age, height, weight, sitting height, head circumference, chest circumference, abdominal circumference, kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, pressure relief site, medical history, and surgical history of the orthosis user. Kyphosis refers to the degree of curvature of the back, lumbar lordosis refers to the degree of curvature of the lumbar spine, and the pressure relief site is the site where the pressure applied by the orthosis is weakened.

[0015] The requester terminal 100 and the manufacturing management device 300 are communicably connected, for example, via a network. [[ID=一三]] The requester terminal 100 transmits the generated primary orthosis manufacturing request information to the manufacturing management device 300.

[0016] The manufacturing management device 300 performs processing related to the manufacturing management of orthoses between the requester terminal 100 and the manufacturing facility FC in the orthosis manufacturing system. The manufacturing management device 300 may be provided as a server on the network, a cloud server, etc.

[0017] Based on the received primary orthosis request information, the manufacturing management device 300 generates information (individual orthosis information) indicating the specifications of an orthosis that is likely to fit the corresponding orthosis user. The individual orthosis information includes an individual orthosis shape in which the three-dimensional shape data (personal shape information) included in the received primary orthosis request information is reflected.

[0018] The manufacturing management device 300 stores, for example, standard orthosis information indicating the specifications of standardized orthoses for each type of orthosis. The specifications of the orthosis indicated by the standard orthosis information may include, for example, a standardized shape (standard orthosis shape) for the corresponding orthosis and clinical engineering performance defined for the corresponding orthosis (an example of specification conditions).

[0019] Specifically, the clinical engineering performance may be that a pressure-relieving portion that does not compress a predetermined body part in the corresponding orthosis has a predetermined gap with respect to the body part. Also, the clinical engineering performance may be to provide a body fixation portion for fixing (including fixing in a corrected state) a predetermined body part in the corresponding orthosis. The personal shape information in the individual orthosis information may be generated so that the shape of the body fixation portion of the orthosis to be manufactured has increased strength compared to other parts, for example, by increasing the thickness.

[0020] The manufacturing management device 300 acquires the three-dimensional shape data included in the received primary orthosis request information as personal shape information indicating the shape of an individual as the corresponding orthosis user.The manufacturing management device 300 may generate an individual orthosis shape by changing the standard orthosis shape information indicated by the standard orthosis information of the corresponding orthosis type based on the personal shape information. Also, the generation of the individual orthosis shape by the manufacturing management device 300 may include a process of setting the shape of the target orthosis based on the content of the request indicated by the request information included in the received primary orthosis request information.

[0021] Also, the individual orthosis information may include specification designation information (an example of specification conditions) specifying the specifications of the orthosis, such as the color, material, and voids formed in the orthosis, of the target orthosis. Furthermore, the specification information may include information specifying the shape and material of the orthosis so as to satisfy the clinical engineering performance indicated in the standard orthosis information for the same type of orthosis as indicated in the received primary orthosis request information.

[0022] The manufacturing control device 300 may have the person requesting the manufacture of the orthotic device confirm the contents of the generated individual orthotic device information. In this case, the manufacturing control device 300 may send a confirmation request to the requester terminal 100. The confirmation request includes the generated individual orthotic device information. The client requesting the manufacture of orthotic devices displays an individual orthotic device information screen on the client terminal 100, which shows the contents of the individual orthotic device information included in the confirmation request received by the client terminal 100. The individual orthotic device information screen may display a 3D image of the orthotic device that reproduces the shape, color, and material of the individual orthotic device included in the individual orthotic device information. The viewpoint of the 3D image of the orthotic device may be arbitrarily changed according to the operation of the orthotic device manufacturer. In addition, when displaying the orthotic device as a 3D image, a 3D image of the orthotic device user's body shape, created based on the individual shape information of the orthotic device user, may also be displayed. Furthermore, for example, depending on the operation of the orthotic device manufacturer, it may be possible to display the 3D image of the orthotic device overlaid with the 3D image of the orthotic device. By displaying it in this way, it becomes easier to compare the shape of the orthotic device with the shape of the orthotic device, and to check in detail whether the shape of the orthotic device is as intended by the orthotic device manufacturer and whether it also satisfies the orthotic device user's requirements. Furthermore, the individual orthotic device information screen may also display information about various specifications included in the individual orthotic device information using text, icons, etc.

[0023] The client who orders the manufacture of an orthotic device can modify the individual orthotic device information by operating the individual orthotic device information screen. Specifically, the client can modify the shape of the orthotic device, which is displayed as a 3D image. For example, the client can change the shape of the pressure relief area of ​​the orthotic device, which is displayed as a 3D image, by increasing or decreasing the size of the gap between it and the body part. In addition, the client can change the degree of fixation of the fixation area, which is used to fix or compel the body part in the orthotic device, as needed, by increasing or decreasing the degree of fixation. Furthermore, the person requesting the manufacture of the orthotic device may also be able to change the color, transparency, material, etc. of the orthotic device as displayed on the individual orthotic device information screen.

[0024] The client terminal 100 modifies the individual orthotic device information in response to operations performed on the individual orthotic device information screen as described above. The client terminal 100 transmits secondary manufacturing request information, including the modified individual orthotic device information, to the manufacturing management device 300, for example, in response to an operation by the orthotic device manufacturing client. In this way, in this embodiment, the orthotic device manufacturing client can modify the individual orthotic device information generated by the manufacturing management device 300 and then resubmit a request for orthotic device manufacturing to the manufacturing management device 300.

[0025] The manufacturing control device 300 may determine the manufacturing process for the orthotic device in response to the receipt of secondary manufacturing request information. The information indicating the manufacturing process of the determined orthotic device (manufacturing process information) may include information specifying the manufacturing facility FC that will manufacture the corresponding orthotic device (facility designation information). The manufacturing management device 300 may select a manufacturing facility FC from among the manufacturing facilities FCs that is capable of manufacturing the target orthotic device and can deliver it within the delivery time indicated in the primary orthotic device manufacturing request information, and include facility designation information indicating the selected manufacturing facility FC in the manufacturing process information.

[0026] Furthermore, the manufacturing process information may include quality verification processes. Quality verification processes are processes for verifying quality. Quality verification processes may include processes for verifying the shape of the manufactured orthotic device, processes for verifying the operating status and processing results of the orthotic device manufacturing apparatus 500 during the process of manufacturing the orthotic device using the orthotic device manufacturing apparatus 500, and processes for verifying the assembly results.

[0027] Furthermore, the manufacturing process information may include the transportation process for the orthotic device. The transportation process may include, as necessary, information instructing transportation between manufacturing facilities (FCs) and information instructing transportation from manufacturing facilities (FCs) to the destination of the orthotic device. In addition, if the orthotic device is composed of multiple parts, the manufacturing process information may include information instructing the transportation of each of the multiple parts.

[0028] The manufacturing control device 300 manages the manufacturing process so that the orthotic device is manufactured in accordance with the manufacturing process information. In manufacturing management, the manufacturing control device 300 requests the manufacture of orthotic devices corresponding to the manufacturing facility FC indicated by the facility designation information included in the manufacturing process information. The manufacturing management device 300 may generate tertiary manufacturing request information when manufacturing orthotic devices and transmit the generated tertiary manufacturing request information to the facility terminal 400 of the manufacturing facility FC. The tertiary manufacturing request information may be generated based on the information contained in the corresponding primary and tertiary manufacturing request information. Specifically, it may include the orthotic device manufacturing requester ID, orthotic device user ID, orthotic device type specification information, delivery date, individual orthotic device information, etc. Furthermore, the tertiary manufacturing request information may include manufacturing process information corresponding to the orthotic device in question.

[0029] At the manufacturing facility FC, the facility terminal 400 instructs the orthotic device manufacturing apparatus 500 to input the individual orthotic device information included in the received tertiary manufacturing request information. The orthotic device manufacturing apparatus 500 then manufactures the orthotic device using the input individual orthotic device information. The input of the tertiary manufacturing request information from the facility terminal 400 to the orthotic device manufacturing apparatus 500 may be performed by a manufacturing staff member involved in orthotic device manufacturing at the facility FC, or it may be performed in response to a predetermined trigger, such as reaching a predetermined time or the orthotic device manufacturing apparatus 500 becoming ready to manufacture the next orthotic device.

[0030] In this embodiment, the orthotic device manufacturing apparatus 500 may be an apparatus utilizing additive manufacturing technology. Specifically, the orthotic device manufacturing apparatus 500 may be a pellet-type 3D printer. By manufacturing orthotic devices using the 500 orthotic device manufacturing equipment as a 3D printer, variations in orthotic device quality caused by differences in the skills of prosthetists and orthotists can be eliminated, enabling the efficient and stable production of high-quality orthotic devices. Furthermore, with a 3D printer, it is easy to manufacture orthotic devices that reflect the user's requests, body type, and other specific color, design, and fine details. In addition, because the 3D printer uses a pellet-type process, the time required for manufacturing orthotic devices is significantly reduced compared to, for example, a filament-type process, resulting in substantial cost savings and enabling the provision of orthotic devices at a lower cost and with shorter lead times.

[0031] After the orthotic device is manufactured by the orthotic device manufacturing apparatus 500, subsequent manufacturing processes may be carried out according to the corresponding manufacturing process information, such as delivery to other manufacturing facilities for other processes such as verification and polishing, or delivery to the client who requested the orthotic device to be manufactured.

[0032] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional configuration of the client terminal 100. The client terminal 100 in this figure may be configured with hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The client terminal 100 may also be equipped with a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) as hardware. The functions of the manufacturing management device 300 shown in this figure are realized by the CPU and GPU in the client terminal 100 executing programs.

[0033] The client terminal 100 in the figure comprises a communication unit 101, an operation unit 102, a display unit 103, a control unit 104, and a storage unit 105. The communication unit 101 is connected to the manufacturing control device 300 via a network, enabling communication between them. The operation unit 102 includes operators and input devices provided in the client terminal 100, or input devices connected to the client terminal 100, and accepts operations performed by the user (orthotic device manufacturer). The display unit 103 displays an image in accordance with the control of the control unit 104. Furthermore, the operation unit 102 and the display unit 103 may be equipped with a touch panel that allows operation of the display surface.

[0034] The control unit 104 performs various controls on the client terminal 100. The control unit 104 includes an information acquisition unit 141, a display processing unit 142, and an information modification unit 143. The functions of the display processing unit 142 and the information modification unit 143 may be realized, for example, by executing an orthotic device manufacturing request application installed on the client terminal 100.

[0035] The information acquisition unit 141 acquires the three-dimensional shape data output from the 3D scanner 200 as personal shape information indicating the shape of the corresponding body part of the individual orthotic device user (patient). The information acquisition unit 141 transmits the primary manufacturing request information, including the acquired personal shape information, to the manufacturing management device 300.

[0036] The display processing unit 142 uses the 3D shape data of the orthotic device indicated by the individual orthotic device information transmitted from the manufacturing control device 300 to display a 3D image of the orthotic device on the display unit 103.

[0037] The information modification unit 143 modifies the individual orthotic device information in response to an operation to change the specifications (dimensions, color, material, etc.) of the orthotic device based on the 3D image displayed on the display unit 103. The information modification unit 143 transmits the modified individual orthotic device information, along with the secondary manufacturing request information, to the manufacturing management device 300.

[0038] The memory unit 105 stores various types of information corresponding to the client terminal 100.

[0039] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the manufacturing control device 300. The manufacturing control device 300 in this figure may be configured with hardware such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and storage devices such as an HDD or SSD. The manufacturing control device 300 may also be equipped with a GPU as hardware. The functions of the manufacturing control device 300 shown in this figure are realized by the CPU and GPU equipped in the manufacturing control device 300 executing programs.

[0040] The manufacturing control device 300 in the figure includes an input / output interface 301, a control unit 302, and a storage unit 303.

[0041] The input / output interface 301 is the part that performs data input and output with external devices such as the client terminal 100 and the facility terminal 400. The input / output interface 301 may be configured to input and output data via network communication, or it may be configured to input and output data via a data interface.

[0042] The control unit 302 performs various controls in the manufacturing management device 300. The control unit 302 includes an information generation unit 321 and a manufacturing instruction unit 322. The functions of the information generation unit 321 and the manufacturing instruction unit 322 may be implemented as functions in the orthotic device manufacturing request application.

[0043] The information generation unit 321 generates individual orthotic device information to be used in the manufacture of the orthotic device based on the personal shape information contained in the primary manufacturing request information transmitted from the client terminal 100.

[0044] The manufacturing instruction unit 322 instructs the orthotic manufacturing device 500 to manufacture an orthotic device using the individual orthotic device information. To this end, the manufacturing instruction unit 322 transmits tertiary manufacturing request information, including the individual orthotic device information, to the facility terminal 400 of the manufacturing facility FC. The individual orthotic device information contained in the tertiary manufacturing request information received by the facility terminal 400 is input to the orthotic manufacturing device 500, and the orthotic manufacturing device 500 manufactures an orthotic device with the three-dimensional shape indicated by the input individual orthotic device information.

[0045] The memory unit 303 stores various types of information corresponding to the manufacturing control device 300. The memory unit 303 includes a manufacturing facility information memory unit 331, a standard appliance information memory unit 332, and an individual appliance information memory unit 333.

[0046] The manufacturing facility information storage unit 331 stores manufacturing facility information for each manufacturing facility FC. Figure 4 shows an example of manufacturing facility information stored by the manufacturing facility information storage unit 331 corresponding to one manufacturing facility FC. The manufacturing facility information in this figure includes fields for facility ID, facility name, location, business days, available orthotic devices, worker information, and manufacturing orthotic device reservation schedule. The Facility ID field stores the Facility ID that indicates the corresponding manufacturing facility (FC). The Facility Name field stores the name (facility name) of the corresponding manufacturing facility (FC). The location field stores the location of the corresponding manufacturing facility (FC). The "Business Days" field stores the business days of the corresponding manufacturing facility (FC). The field for compatible orthotic devices stores the types of orthotic devices that can be manufactured at the corresponding manufacturing facility (FC). The worker information field stores information about workers (worker information) who work at the corresponding manufacturing facility FC. The worker information corresponding to worker 1 may include information such as worker ID, name, and types of assistive devices that can be used.

[0047] Let's return to the explanation in Figure 3. The standard orthotic information storage unit 332 stores standard orthotic information for each type of orthotic. Figure 5 shows an example of standard orthotic information stored in the standard orthotic information storage unit 332 corresponding to one orthotic type. The standard orthotic information in the figure includes fields for orthotic type ID, standard shape data, and specification conditions. The Orthotics Type ID field stores the Orthotics Type ID, which indicates the type of orthotics of the corresponding standard orthotics. The standard shape data field stores standard shape data that shows the 3D shape of the corresponding standard orthosis. The specification field stores usage conditions that indicate the clinical engineering performance and other conditions defined for the specifications of the corresponding orthotic device.

[0048] Let's return to the explanation in Figure 3. The individual orthotic device information storage unit 333 stores information about individual orthotic devices used in the manufacture of orthotic devices up to now. Figure 6 shows an example of individual orthotic device information stored in the individual orthotic device information storage unit 333 for a single orthotic device. The individual orthotic device information in the figure includes the orthotic device user ID, manufacturing date, and individual orthotic device information fields. The Orthotic User ID field stores an Orthotic User ID that indicates the user of an orthotic device manufactured using the corresponding individual orthotic device information. The Orthotic User ID may be, for example, an insurer number. The manufacturing date field stores the date the orthotic device was manufactured using the corresponding individual orthotic device information. The individual orthotic information field stores information about the individual orthotic used in the manufacture of the corresponding orthotic device.

[0049] Referring to the sequence diagram in Figure 7, an example of the processing procedure performed by the orthotic manufacturing system of this embodiment in relation to the manufacture of orthotic devices will be described.

[0050] Prior to the manufacture of the orthotic device for the user of Step S100:1, the patient, as the user of the orthotic device, must undergo a medical examination by a physician at a medical institution. If the physician determines that the orthotic device is necessary for the patient's treatment and rehabilitation, the physician will prescribe the orthotic device. Upon prescription of an orthotic device, the prosthetist has the patient, who is the orthotic user, scan at least the body parts to which the orthotic device will be attached using the 3D scanner 200. The scan by the 3D scanner 200 generates three-dimensional shape data of the body parts of the orthotic user.

[0051] Step S102: In the client terminal 100, the information acquisition unit 141 acquires the three-dimensional shape data generated by the 3D scanner 200 in step S100. The information acquisition unit 141 treats the acquired three-dimensional shape data as personal shape information. The information acquisition unit 141 may store the acquired personal shape information in the storage unit 105.

[0052] Step S104: In the client terminal 100, the information acquisition unit 141 generates primary manufacturing request information. The primary manufacturing request information includes personal shape information acquired in step S102. The primary manufacturing request information may also include information about the prosthetist as the client corresponding to the client terminal 100, and information about the orthotic user corresponding to the 3D shape data acquired in step S102. The information acquisition unit 141 transmits the generated primary manufacturing request information to the manufacturing management device 300.

[0053] The process in step S104 may be performed each time 3D shape data is acquired by step S102, or it may be performed in response to the occurrence of a predetermined trigger, corresponding to one or more 3D shape data stored in the storage unit 105. In this case, the predetermined trigger may be, for example, an operation by the user (orthotic device manufacturer requester: prosthetist / orthotist) to send primary manufacturing request information, or it may be the arrival of a predetermined time.

[0054] Step S106: In the manufacturing management device 300, the information generation unit 321 generates individual orthotic device information using the personal shape information contained in the primary manufacturing requester information transmitted in step S104. Specifically, the information generation unit 321 identifies the type of orthotic device to be manufactured as specified in the primary manufacturing requester information. The information generation unit 321 obtains standard orthotic device information associated with the identified orthotic device type from the standard orthotic device information storage unit 332. The information generation unit 321 may generate individual orthotic device shape data indicating the shape of the orthotic device for the corresponding orthotic device user by modifying the standard shape data included in the obtained standard orthotic device information based on the shape indicated by the personal shape information. In this case, the information generation unit 321 may generate individual orthotic shape data so that gaps, fixing parts, etc., are formed in accordance with the specification conditions included in the acquired standard orthotic information. Alternatively, the information generation unit 321 may generate individual orthotic shape data so that the shape reflects the requests of the orthotic user indicated by the request information in the primary manufacturer request information. In this case, for example, if the request information indicates requests for weight reduction, breathability, etc., the information generation unit 321 may generate individual orthotic shape data by providing holes in the orthotic or adjusting the thickness of the orthotic The information generation unit 321 generates individual orthotic device information, including the individual orthotic device shape data generated as described above. The individual orthotic device information may also include information regarding the specifications of the orthotic device, such as color, transparency, and material, as included in the request information contained in the primary manufacturing request information received in step S104.

[0055] Step S108: The information generation unit 321 sends a confirmation request to the requester terminal 100, the source of the primary manufacturing request information, requesting confirmation of the contents of the individual orthotic device information generated in step S106. The confirmation request includes the individual orthotic device information generated in step S106.

[0056] Step S110: In the client terminal 100, the display processing unit 142 displays an individual orthotic device information screen that reflects the contents of the individual orthotic device information included in the confirmation request sent in step S108. The display processing unit 142 may generate a three-dimensional object of the orthotic device by rendering using the individual orthotic device shape data in the individual orthotic device information included in the confirmation request. The display processing unit 142 may also render the orthotic device as a 3D object so that the colors, textures, etc., indicated in the request information are reflected. The display processing unit 142 may display the 3D object of the orthotic device rendered as described above by arranging it in three-dimensional space in the individual orthotic device information. The viewpoint of the 3D object of the orthotic device arranged in this way may be freely changed according to the user's input. Furthermore, the display processing unit 142 may display the dimensions of each part of the orthosis, as indicated by the individual orthosis shape data, in a predetermined manner on the individual orthosis information screen. The display processing unit 142 may also display information indicating the prescription details of the orthosis used by the orthosis user on the individual orthosis information screen. Prescription information may be provided by the physician when a request for orthosis prescription is received from the physician and stored in the requester terminal 100.

[0057] Step S112: The orthotic device manufacturer can modify the individual orthotic device information by operating on the individual orthotic device information screen. Specifically, the orthotic device manufacturer can modify the individual orthotic device shape data in the individual orthotic device information by specifying the part to be modified on the 3D object of the orthotic device placed on the individual orthotic device information screen and performing an operation to change the shape. In other words, the orthotic device manufacturer can check the shape of the 3D object of the orthotic device and make slight modifications to the shape according to the body shape and preferences of the orthotic device user. Such changes to the shape of the orthotic device may also be possible by changing the numerical values ​​indicating the dimensions of the orthotic device, in addition to changing the shape of the 3D object of the orthotic device. Furthermore, the orthotic device manufacturer may also be able to change the color and texture of the orthotic device, for example. The 3D object of the orthotic device may reflect the changed color and texture as well as the changed shape. In this embodiment, the individual orthotic device information generated by the manufacturing management device 300 can be modified by the orthotic device manufacturer. By enabling the generation and modification of individual orthotic device information in this way, it becomes possible to improve the function and quality of the orthotic device by utilizing the experience and skills of the orthotic device manufacturer, such as a prosthetist or orthotist, and to create an orthotic device that accurately reflects the requests and circumstances of the orthotic device user. The information modification unit 143 of the client terminal 100 accepts operations to modify individual orthotic device information as described above.

[0058] Step S114: The information change unit 143 changes the individual appliance information according to the operation received in step S112.

[0059] Step S116: The information modification unit 143 generates secondary manufacturing request information including the individual appliance information modified in step S114, and transmits the generated secondary request information to the manufacturing management device 300.

[0060] The procedures shown as steps S108 to S116 may be omitted depending on the operational procedures for manufacturing orthotic devices.

[0061] Step S118: In the manufacturing control device 300, the manufacturing instruction unit 322 determines the manufacturing process for the orthotic device corresponding to the secondary manufacturing request information transmitted in step S116. The determination of the manufacturing process includes selecting a manufacturing facility FC to manufacture the orthotic device in question. When selecting a manufacturing facility FC, the manufacturing instruction unit 322 refers to the manufacturing facility information stored in the manufacturing facility information storage unit 331. Specifically, the manufacturing instruction unit 322 first refers to the information on compatible orthotic devices (Figure 4) in the manufacturing facility information stored in the manufacturing facility information storage unit 331 to identify manufacturing facility FCs capable of manufacturing orthotic devices of the type to be manufactured. The manufacturing instruction unit 322 may also refer to the location (Figure 4) in the manufacturing facility information to further identify manufacturing facility FCs that are within a range of distance from the address of the orthotic device manufacturer. The manufacturing instruction unit 322 may also refer to the business days and orthotic device manufacturing reservation schedule (Figure 4) of the identified manufacturing facility FCs to further identify manufacturing facility FCs that can manufacture the orthotic device by the deadline, for example. The manufacturing instruction unit 322 may select one of the manufacturing facility FCs identified in this way as the manufacturing facility FC to manufacture the target orthotic device.

[0062] Step S120: The manufacturing instruction unit 322 generates tertiary manufacturing request information which includes individual orthotic device information included in the secondary manufacturing request information transmitted in step S116 and the manufacturing process determined in step S118. The tertiary manufacturing request information may further include the delivery date, information of the orthotic device manufacturer, etc. The manufacturing instruction unit 322 transmits the generated tertiary manufacturing request information to the facility terminal 400 of the selected manufacturing facility FC.

[0063] Step S122: When the facility terminal 400 receives the tertiary manufacturing request information transmitted in step S120, it obtains individual orthotic device information from the received tertiary manufacturing request information. At the manufacturing facility FC, for example, a worker plans a schedule to manufacture the orthotic device by the delivery date indicated by the obtained individual orthotic device information. The worker also prepares materials such as resin pellets according to the material, color, etc. of the orthotic device indicated by the obtained individual orthotic device information. The facility terminal 400 inputs the individual orthotic shape data included in the acquired individual orthotic information into an orthotic manufacturing device 500 located in the same manufacturing facility FC, for example, in response to an operation by a worker.

[0064] Step S124: The orthotic device manufacturing apparatus 500 manufactures an orthotic device with the shape indicated by the individual orthotic device shape data entered in step S122.

[0065] Although the following steps will not be illustrated, the manufactured orthotic device may be subjected to the following processes according to the manufacturing process determined in step S118, such as inspection, transportation for other processes at other manufacturing facilities FC, and transportation to the orthotic device manufacturer.

[0066] Furthermore, the manufacturing management device 300 may have a web server function that provides a website (website for requesting the manufacture of orthotic devices) that corresponds to the service for requesting the manufacture of orthotic devices. In this case, the requester terminal 100 can access the website for requesting the manufacture of orthotic devices via a web browser to upload primary manufacturing request information from the requester terminal 100 to the manufacturing management device 300 (step S104), display an individual orthotic device information screen corresponding to the individual orthotic device information generated by the manufacturing management device 300, and change the individual orthotic device information in response to operations on the individual orthotic device information screen (steps S110 to S114). In this case, the functions of the display processing unit 142 and the information change unit 143 may be performed by the manufacturing management device 300. In this case, the display processing unit 142 generates a web page corresponding to the individual orthotic device information screen and displays the individual orthotic device information screen on the web browser of the requester terminal 100. In this case, the information change unit 143 accepts operations on the individual orthotic device information screen displayed on the web browser and changes the individual orthotic device information.

[0067] Depending on the operation, the personal shape information of the orthotic device user, obtained as three-dimensional shape data by the 3D scanner 200, may be acquired by the manufacturing management device 300 without going through the client terminal 100.

[0068] Furthermore, the manufacturing management system 300 may be distributed across multiple devices and servers, each assigned a predetermined function, and the functions of the manufacturing management system 300 may be realized through the cooperation of multiple devices and servers.

[0069] Furthermore, programs for realizing the functions of the aforementioned client terminal 100, 3D scanner 200, manufacturing management device 300, facility terminal 400, and orthotic device manufacturing device 500 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of the aforementioned client terminal 100, 3D scanner 200, manufacturing management device 300, facility terminal 400, and orthotic device manufacturing device 500. Here, "loading the programs recorded on the recording medium into a computer system and executing them" includes installing the programs into the computer system. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Also, "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Also, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Thus, the recording medium on which the program is stored may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Furthermore, the recording medium includes internal or external recording media accessible from the distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code in an executable format for the terminal device. In other words, the format in which it is stored on the distribution server is irrelevant as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in an executable format for the terminal device. It is also acceptable for the program to be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined on the terminal device, and for each of the divided programs to be distributed by a different distribution server. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" includes volatile memory (RAM) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when a program is transmitted over a network, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Furthermore, the program may be intended to implement only a part of the functions described above.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be implemented in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system, such as so-called differential files (differential programs).

[0070] <Note> (1) One aspect of this embodiment is an orthotic device manufacturing system comprising: an information acquisition unit (141) that acquires personal shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device attachment site on the orthotic device user's body; an information generation unit (321) that generates individual orthotic device information indicating the shape of the orthotic device used by the orthotic device user based on the personal shape information; and a manufacturing instruction unit (322) that causes an orthotic device manufacturing apparatus (500) using a pellet-type 3D printer to manufacture an orthotic device using the individual orthotic device information in response to the input of orthotic device shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device.

[0071] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is the orthotic device manufacturing system described in (1), wherein the personal shape information may be three-dimensional scan data of the orthotic device attachment site on the body of the orthotic device user.

[0072] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is the orthotic device manufacturing system described in (1) or (2), wherein the information generation unit may generate individual orthotic device information by changing standard orthotic device information that indicates the shape of an orthotic device defined as a standard based on the personal shape information.

[0073] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is an orthotic device manufacturing system described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the manufacturing instruction unit may, by referring to facility information for each of a plurality of facilities each equipped with an orthotic device manufacturing device, select a facility (manufacturing facility FC) suitable for manufacturing the orthotic device corresponding to the individual orthotic device information generated by the information generation unit, and input the individual orthotic device information to the orthotic device manufacturing device provided in the selected facility.

[0074] (5) One aspect of this embodiment is an orthotic device manufacturing system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the information generation unit may generate individual orthotic device information that satisfies predetermined specification conditions specified for the orthotic device to be manufactured.

[0075] (6) One aspect of this embodiment is the orthotic device manufacturing system described in (5), wherein the specification condition is that a pressure-relieving portion of the orthotic device that does not compress a predetermined body part has a predetermined gap with respect to the predetermined body part, and the information generation unit may generate the individual orthotic device information such that the pressure-relieving portion of the orthotic device to be manufactured has a predetermined gap with respect to the predetermined body part.

[0076] (7) One aspect of this embodiment is the orthotic device manufacturing system described in (5) or (6), wherein the specification is that the orthotic device to be manufactured is provided with a body fixation part for fixing a predetermined body part, and the information generation unit may generate the individual orthotic device information such that the strength of the body fixation part in the orthotic device to be manufactured is increased compared to other parts.

[0077] (8) One aspect of this embodiment is an orthotic device manufacturing system according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising an information modification unit that modifies the individual orthotic device information in accordance with an operation to modify the shape of the orthotic device indicated by the generated individual orthotic device information, so as to reflect the shape modified by said operation.

[0078] (9) One aspect of this embodiment is the orthotic device manufacturing system described in (8), wherein the information changing unit may be configured such that the operation to change the shape of the orthotic device is performed within an allowable range determined according to predetermined specification conditions specified for the orthotic device.

[0079] (10) One aspect of this embodiment is an orthotic device manufacturing system according to any one of (1) to (9), which further comprises a display processing unit that reproduces and displays in three dimensions an orthotic device manufactured based on individual orthotic device information generated by the information generation unit.

[0080] (11) One aspect of this embodiment is a method for manufacturing an orthotic device in an orthotic device manufacturing system, comprising: an information acquisition step in which an information acquisition unit acquires personal shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device attachment site on the orthotic device user's body; an information generation step in which an information generation unit generates individual orthotic device information indicating the shape of the orthotic device used by the orthotic device user based on the personal shape information; and a manufacturing instruction step in which a manufacturing instruction unit causes an orthotic device manufacturing apparatus using a pellet-type 3D printer, which manufactures orthotic devices in response to the input of orthotic device shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device, to manufacture an orthotic device using the individual orthotic device information.

[0081] (12) One aspect of this embodiment is a program that causes the computer in the orthotic manufacturing system to function as an information acquisition unit that acquires personal shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic attachment site on the orthotic user's body, an information generation unit that generates individual orthotic information indicating the shape of the orthotic used by the orthotic user based on the personal shape information, and a manufacturing instruction unit that causes an orthotic manufacturing apparatus using a pellet-type 3D printer to manufacture an orthotic using the individual orthotic information in response to the input of orthotic shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 100 Client terminal, 101 Communication unit, 102 Operation unit, 103 Display unit, 104 Control unit, 105 Storage unit, 141 Information acquisition unit, 142 Display processing unit, 143 Information modification unit, 200 3D scanner, 300 Manufacturing management device, 301 Input / output interface, 302 Control unit, 303 Storage unit, 321 Information generation unit, 322 Manufacturing instruction unit, 331 Manufacturing facility information storage unit, 332 Standard orthotic device information storage unit, 333 Individual orthotic device information storage unit, 400 Facility terminal, 500 Orthotic device manufacturing device

Claims

1. An information acquisition unit that acquires personal shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device attachment site on the body of the orthotic device user, An information generation unit that generates individual orthotic device information indicating the shape of the orthotic device used by the orthotic device user based on personal shape information, A manufacturing instruction unit instructs a pellet-type 3D printer, which manufactures orthotic devices in response to input orthotic shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device, to manufacture orthotic devices using the aforementioned individual orthotic device information. A system for manufacturing orthotic devices that includes the following features.

2. The aforementioned personal shape information is three-dimensional scan data of the area on the body of the person using the orthotic device where the orthotic device is attached. The orthotic device manufacturing system according to claim 1.

3. The information generation unit generates individual orthotic device information by modifying standard orthotic device information, which indicates the shape of an orthotic device defined as a standard based on the personal shape information. The orthotic device manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The manufacturing instruction unit, by referring to facility information for each of several facilities equipped with orthotic device manufacturing equipment, selects a facility suitable for manufacturing the orthotic device corresponding to the individual orthotic device information generated by the information generation unit, and inputs the individual orthotic device information to the orthotic device manufacturing equipment installed in the selected facility. The orthotic device manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The information generation unit generates individual orthotic device information that satisfies predetermined specification conditions specified for the orthotic device to be manufactured. The orthotic device manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned specification condition is that the pressure-relieving portion of the orthosis, which does not compress a predetermined body part, has a predetermined gap with respect to the predetermined body part. The information generation unit generates the individual orthotic device information such that the pressure relief portion of the manufactured orthotic device has a predetermined gap with respect to the predetermined body part. The orthotic device manufacturing system according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned specification is that the manufactured orthotic device shall be provided with body fixation parts for fixing a predetermined body part, The information generation unit generates the individual orthotic device information such that the strength of the body fixation part in the manufactured orthotic device is increased compared to other parts. The orthotic device manufacturing system according to claim 5.

8. The system further includes an information modification unit that modifies the individual orthotic device information in response to an operation that changes the shape of the orthotic device indicated by the generated individual orthotic device information, so as to reflect the shape changed by the operation. The orthotic device manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The information modification unit ensures that the operation to change the shape of the orthosis is performed within an acceptable range determined according to the predetermined specifications specified for the orthosis. The orthotic device manufacturing system according to claim 8.

10. The system further includes a display processing unit that reproduces and displays in three dimensions the orthotic device manufactured based on the individual orthotic device information generated by the information generation unit. The orthotic device manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. A method for manufacturing orthotic devices in an orthotic device manufacturing system, The information acquisition unit performs an information acquisition step in which it acquires personal shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device attachment site on the orthotic device user's body, Information generation step: The information generation unit generates individual orthotic device information indicating the shape of the orthotic device used by the orthotic device user based on personal shape information. The manufacturing instruction unit gives a manufacturing instruction step instructing a pellet-type 3D printer used for manufacturing orthotic devices to manufacture orthotic devices using the individual orthotic device information, in response to the input of orthotic device shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device. A method for manufacturing orthotic devices that includes the following features.

12. Computers in orthotic manufacturing systems Information acquisition unit that acquires personal shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device attachment site on the body of the orthotic device user. An information generation unit that generates individual orthotic device information indicating the shape of the orthotic device used by the orthotic device user based on personal shape information. A manufacturing instruction unit that instructs a pellet-type 3D printer manufacturing apparatus, which manufactures orthotic devices in response to input orthotic shape information indicating the shape of the orthotic device, to manufacture orthotic devices using the aforementioned individual orthotic device information. A program designed to function as such.

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