Glove manufacturing support system and manufacturing support method

Abstract

This invention provides a manufacturing support system and manufacturing support method that support the production of gloves capable of significantly alleviating symptoms in the wearer's hands. [Solution] The manufacturing support server 1 is a manufacturing support system for gloves made of a far-infrared emitting material, and comprises an acquisition unit that acquires hand shape data indicating the shape of the wearer's hand, a shape identification unit that identifies a glove shape suitable for the wearer based on the acquired hand shape data and the symptom area on the wearer's hand, and an output unit that outputs glove shape information relating to the identified glove shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a manufacturing support system and a manufacturing support method for assisting in the production of gloves.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, gloves provided with materials that emit far-infrared rays have been proposed for the purpose of promoting health. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses gloves obtained by mixing a powdery substance of a mineral that emits far-infrared rays. In the case of these gloves, the action of the far-infrared rays emitted from the powdery substance can be expected to promote the health of the wearer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, it is known that far-infrared rays have the effect of alleviating the symptoms of various joint pains and rheumatism. In order to more significantly exhibit this effect, it is desirable that the material that emits far-infrared rays be provided according to the symptom site of the wearer.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its main object is to provide a manufacturing support system and a manufacturing support method for gloves that can significantly exhibit the effect of alleviating the symptoms in the hands of the wearer.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a glove manufacturing support system according to one aspect of the present invention is a glove manufacturing support system provided with a far-infrared emitting material, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires hand shape data indicating the shape of the wearer's hand; a shape identification unit that identifies a glove shape suitable for the wearer based on the acquired hand shape data and the symptom area on the wearer's hand; and an output unit that outputs glove shape information relating to the identified glove shape.

[0007] In the above embodiment, the glove may further include a part identification unit that identifies the symptomatic area based on the hand shape data, and the shape identification unit may identify the shape of the glove based on the hand shape data and the identified symptomatic area.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the glove may include finger pockets that cover the wearer's fingers, the finger pockets may be provided with the material, the shape identification unit may identify the shape of the finger pockets based on the hand shape data and the symptomatic areas on the wearer's fingers, and the output unit may output the glove shape information relating to the identified shape of the finger pockets.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the shape-determining unit may determine the cutting position of the fingertip portion of the finger pocket based on the hand shape data and the symptomatic area on the wearer's fingers.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the shape-determining unit may determine the cutting position based on the position of the joints of the wearer's fingers as shown in the hand shape data.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the shape-determining unit may determine the cutting position based on the length of the wearer's fingers as shown in the hand shape data.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the acquisition unit may further include a determination unit that repeatedly acquires the hand shape data over time and determines whether or not there is a change in the shape of the wearer's hand based on the acquired hand shape data, and the output unit may further output the determination result of whether or not there is a change in shape.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the system may further include a determination unit that determines the arrangement of the materials in the glove suitable for the wearer based on the hand shape data and the symptom area, and the output unit may further output arrangement information relating to the determined arrangement of the materials.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the system may further include a determination unit that determines the amount of material in the glove suitable for the wearer based on the hand shape data and the symptom area, and the output unit may further output quantity information regarding the determined amount of material.

[0015] A product manufacturing support method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing gloves provided with a far-infrared emitting material, comprising: acquiring hand shape data indicating the shape of the wearer's hand; identifying a glove shape suitable for the wearer based on the acquired hand shape data and the symptomatic area on the wearer's hand; and outputting glove shape information relating to the identified glove shape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to manufacture gloves that can significantly alleviate symptoms in the wearer's hands. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the configuration of the manufacturing support system. [Figure 2A] A front view showing the configuration of a calibration plate for manual measurement. [Figure 2B] A front view showing the configuration of a calibration plate indicating hand placement. [Figure 3]A diagram showing an example of the layout of the plate database. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the layout of the distribution destination database. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the layout of the distribution status database. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the layout of the wearer database. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of the layout of the measurement result database. [Figure 8A] A plan view showing the structure of the glove. [Figure 8B] A plan view showing the structure of the glove before cutting the fingertips. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the manufacturing support process. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the shape change detection process. [Figure 11] A perspective view showing another configuration of the calibration plate for manual measurement.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Each of the embodiments shown below illustrates a method and apparatus for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to the following. Various changes can be made to the technical idea of the present invention within the technical scope described in the claims.

[0019] (Configuration of the System) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the manufacturing support system of the present embodiment. The manufacturing support system of the present embodiment is composed of a manufacturing support server 1. This manufacturing support server 1 is a computer system that supports the manufacture of gloves by utilizing hand shape data indicating the shape of the hand of the wearer of the gloves.

[0020] The manufacturing support server 1 is connected to the user terminal 2 via the internet 101, enabling communication. The user terminal 2 is an information terminal used by each wearer. Specifically, personal computers, smartphones, and tablet devices are used as user terminals 2. These user terminals 2 send and receive various data to and from the manufacturing support server 1 using an internet browser or a dedicated application.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the user terminal 2 is equipped with an input unit 21, a display unit 22, and a camera 23. The input unit 21 is composed of a touch panel or the like, and the display unit 22 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like. The camera 23 is an imaging unit composed of an image sensor such as a CCD.

[0022] A calibration plate 3 is provided on the wearer's side, which is photographed together with the wearer's hand. This calibration plate 3 is used for calibration when measuring the shape of the hand through image processing. The calibration plate 3 is photographed together with the hand, which is the part being photographed, by the camera 23 of the user terminal 2.

[0023] Each calibration plate 3 is distributed to the wearer in advance. For example, calibration plates 3 are distributed to stores that sell gloves, medical facilities that treat hand diseases, etc., and are used to measure the shape of the wearer's hand. In some cases, multiple calibration plates 3 may be distributed to the same recipient. Calibration plates 3 may also be distributed to individual wearers.

[0024] Figures 2A and 2B are plan views showing the configuration of the calibration plate 3, with Figure 2B showing the position of the wearer's hands. As shown in Figure 2A, the calibration plate 3 is flat and has a rectangular mounting plate 31 on which the wearer's hands are placed. Boundary lines 32 and a two-dimensional code 33 are attached to the upper surface of the mounting plate 31.

[0025] The boundary line 32 is a rectangular line provided inside the mounting plate 31, indicating the boundary of the area where the wearer places either the palm or back of their right or left hand. In Figure 2B, an example of the placement of the wearer's palm or back of the hand is shown by a dashed line. This boundary line 32 may be printed directly on the upper surface of the mounting plate 31, or it may be attached to the mounting plate 31 using a sticker or the like.

[0026] The two-dimensional code 33 is a code that represents at least the access destination to the manufacturing support server 1 (e.g., a URL (Uniform Resource Locator)) and the plate ID, which is an identifier for the calibration plate 3. Various means can be envisioned for applying the two-dimensional code 33 to the mounting plate 31. For example, the two-dimensional code 33 can be applied to the mounting plate 31 by attaching a sticker with the two-dimensional code 33 printed on it to any position on the mounting plate 31. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2A and the like, the two-dimensional code 33 is applied to the lower left side of the mounting plate 31, in the area outside the boundary line 32.

[0027] The detailed configuration of the manufacturing support server 1 is described below. The manufacturing support server 1 consists of one or more computers equipped with a control unit including a CPU, RAM, and ROM, and a storage unit, and the various processes described later are executed by this control unit. As shown in Figure 1, the storage unit of the manufacturing support server 1 is equipped with the following databases: plate database (DB) 11, distribution destination database (DB) 12, distribution status database (DB) 13, wearer database (DB) 14, and measurement results database (DB) 15. The details of these databases are described below.

[0028] (A) Plate DB11 Plate DB11 is a database that stores information about the calibration plate 3 described above. Figure 3 shows an example of the layout of Plate DB11. As shown in Figure 3, Plate DB11 stores information such as the plate ID of the calibration plate 3, information indicating whether the measurement will be of the 2D or 3D shape of the hand captured along with the calibration plate 3, and information to identify the computer program used for measurement. This computer program measures the shape of the wearer's hand contained in the captured image through image processing.

[0029] In the example shown in Figure 3, for example, the calibration plate 3, with plate IDs "100001 to 120000", is used to measure the two-dimensional shape of the wearer's hand, and the measurement process is specified to be performed using the program "aaa". Note that, as shown in the example for plate IDs "200001 to 220000", when measuring the three-dimensional shape of the wearer's hand, the measurement process is performed using a different program, "bbb".

[0030] (B) Distribution destination DB12 As mentioned above, calibration plates 3 are distributed in advance to stores that sell gloves. Distribution destination DB12 is a database that stores information about the distribution destinations. Figure 4 shows an example of the layout of distribution destination DB12. As shown in Figure 4, distribution destination DB12 stores information such as the distribution destination ID, which is the identifier of the distribution destination, the name and contact information of the distribution destination, and information indicating the shooting environment at the distribution destination.

[0031] In the example shown in Figure 4, for instance, a distribution destination with the distribution destination ID "500001" is specified as having the name "○○ Store," a contact email address "xxx@xx.xx," and a shooting environment such as "high illumination." Note that the contact information may be something other than an email address, and the shooting environment may be information other than illumination.

[0032] (C) Distribution status DB13 The distribution status DB13 is a database that stores information regarding the distribution status of calibration plates 3. Figure 5 shows an example of the layout of the distribution status DB13. As shown in Figure 5, the distribution status DB13 stores information such as the plate ID of the calibration plate 3 distributed to each recipient, the recipient's ID, the distribution date, and the current usage status.

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 5, for instance, 100 calibration plates 3 with plate IDs "100001 to 1000100" were distributed to a recipient with recipient ID "500001" on "2024 / 11 / 10" and are currently in use. Each calibration plate 3 has a predetermined usable period, and is considered "usable" within that period and "unusable" outside of it. Furthermore, even within the usable period, if the use of calibration plate 3 is stopped due to circumstances on the part of the operator of the manufacturing support server 1 or the recipient, it will be considered "deactivated".

[0034] (D) Wearer DB14 The wearer database 14 is a database that stores information about the wearer of the gloves. For example, if a customer who visits a glove store becomes the wearer, the store staff will obtain the customer's name, age, etc., and notify the manufacturing support server 1 of this information using the user terminal 2. In this case, the manufacturing support server 1 will use the information received from the user terminal 2 to register the wearer's information in the wearer database 14. Alternatively, the customer may provide their name and other information to the manufacturing support server 1 using their own information terminal.

[0035] Figure 6 shows an example of the layout of the wearer database 14. As shown in Figure 6, the wearer database 14 stores information such as the wearer ID, which is the wearer's identifier, the wearer's name, and other attributes (age, gender, occupation, etc.).

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 6, for instance, it is specified that the wearer ID is "900001", the wearer's name is "xxxx", and that the wearer has attributes such as "50 years old, female, company employee".

[0037] Furthermore, the manufacturing support server 1 can continuously record and manage hand shape data for each wearer based on the concept of PHR (Personal Health Record). Therefore, although it is necessary to identify the wearer, it is not necessarily required to know the wearer's name and other attributes. Consequently, these attributes do not need to be stored in the wearer DB 14.

[0038] Furthermore, it is also possible to use an identifier already assigned to each wearer as the wearer ID mentioned above. Examples of such identifiers include My Number (individual number), driver's license number, and employee ID.

[0039] (E) Measurement results DB15 The Measurement Record DB15 is a database that stores measurement results for parts of the wearer's body. Figure 7 shows an example of the layout of the Measurement Record DB15. As shown in Figure 7, the Measurement Record DB15 stores information such as the date and time of measurement, the plate ID of the calibration plate 3 used for measurement, the distribution destination ID indicating the store where the measurement was performed, the wearer's wearer ID, and information indicating the measurement results. In this way, the Measurement Record DB15 registers the measurement results in association with the calibration plate 3.

[0040] Furthermore, the measurement data database (DB15) also stores information indicating the symptomatic areas on the wearer's hand and the location of the amputation at the fingertips of the gloves. These symptomatic areas and amputation locations will be explained in detail later.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 7, the measurement result is exemplified by the value of "first finger length," but the measurement result may also include values ​​indicating the length of each finger and the position of the joints. Furthermore, if the measurement process yields two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape data indicating the shape of the wearer's hand, the shape data itself or information such as the location where the shape data is stored may be stored in the measurement results DB15 as part of the measurement results.

[0042] (Glove composition) Next, the configuration of the gloves manufactured with the support of the manufacturing support server 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figures 8A and 8B are plan views of the gloves as seen from the back of the hand. As shown in Figure 8A, the gloves 5 are equipped with finger pockets 51 that cover each of the wearer's fingers, and the fingertips of each of these finger pockets 51 are cut off. Therefore, when a wearer puts on the gloves 5, the fingertips of the wearer's fingers are exposed outward from each finger pocket 51, making it possible to operate a smartphone or perform other actions while wearing the gloves 5.

[0043] Figure 8B shows the glove 5 before the fingertips of each finger pocket 51 are cut off. By cutting off the fingertips of each finger pocket 51 of the glove 5 in this state, the glove 5 provided to the wearer is obtained. Here, the location at which the fingertips of the finger pocket 51 are cut off is determined by the manufacturing support server 1 according to the location of the wearer's symptoms, as will be described later.

[0044] Glove 5 incorporates a material that emits far-infrared rays, which alleviate the symptoms of various hand conditions in the wearer (such as Heberden's nodes, Bouchard's nodes, rheumatism, tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis). The material that emits far-infrared rays is not limited to a specific material, but examples include powdered natural minerals that emit far-infrared rays, such as tourmaline and black silica.

[0045] The gloves 5 are obtained by sewing fabric. Specifically, powdered natural minerals that emit far-infrared rays are printed as dots on the surface of the fabric, and the gloves 5 are obtained by cutting the fabric and sewing it with a sewing machine or the like. The shape of each dot formed by the dot printing is arbitrary, but examples include circles, rectangles, and hexagons. When the inventors manufactured gloves using fabric on which a mixture of powdered tourmaline and black silica was printed as dots (each dot being hexagonal), a good symptom-relieving effect was observed in several subjects with hand diseases.

[0046] (System operation) The following describes the operation of the manufacturing support system using the example of a glove wearer visiting a glove retailer and having the shape of their hand measured using a calibration plate 3. The manufacturing support server 1, which constitutes the manufacturing support system, works in cooperation with the user terminal 2 to perform manufacturing support processes to assist in the production of gloves. The details of these manufacturing support processes are described below.

[0047] (Manufacturing support processing) The salesperson first uses the camera 23 of the user terminal 2 to read the 2D code 33 attached to the mounting plate 31 of the calibration plate 3 installed at the sales office. The user terminal 2 identifies the access destination represented by the 2D code 33 through this reading and accesses that destination, i.e., the manufacturing support server 1. This initiates the manufacturing support process to be executed between the manufacturing support server 1 and the user terminal 2.

[0048] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the manufacturing support process procedure. The salesperson uses the input section 21 of the user terminal 2 to enter the wearer's wearer ID. If a My Number is used as the wearer ID, the user terminal 2 may read the My Number card to input the wearer ID. If the wearer in question has not yet been assigned a wearer ID, the wearer ID input is not required. In that case, the manufacturing support server 1 will assign a wearer ID to the wearer. Here, we will continue the explanation assuming that the wearer has already been assigned a wearer ID.

[0049] When the user terminal 2 receives the wearer ID from the staff member (S101), it acquires an image of the wearer's hand (S102). Prior to acquiring this hand image, the wearer places one hand on the mounting plate 31 of the calibration plate 3 provided at the store. At this time, the wearer places their hand inside the boundary line 32. While the wearer maintains this posture, the staff member operates the user terminal 2 and uses the camera 23 to photograph the entire calibration plate 3. This obtains a hand image, which is an image including one of the wearer's hands (S102). The hand image of the other hand is acquired in the same manner.

[0050] Next, the user terminal 2 transmits the acquired hand images of both hands of the wearer and ID information to the manufacturing support server 1 (S103). Here, the ID information includes the wearer ID that was input in step S101 and the plate ID represented by the two-dimensional code 33 attached to the calibration plate 3.

[0051] When the manufacturing support server 1 receives a hand image and ID information from the user terminal 2 (S201), it determines whether the calibration plate 3 identified by the plate ID is available for distribution and usable, based on the plate ID included in the ID information and the distribution status DB 13 (S202). If the calibration plate 3 is not available for distribution or is unavailable even if it has been distributed, i.e., it is not available for distribution and usable (NO in S202), the manufacturing support server 1 sends measurement impossible information to the user terminal 2, indicating that the measurement process cannot be performed (S203).

[0052] When user terminal 2 receives measurement failure information from manufacturing support server 1 (S104), it displays an error message on display unit 22 indicating that the manufacturing support server 1 has refused to perform the measurement (S105). In this way, if the distribution of the calibration plate 3 used in this case cannot be confirmed, or if its use has already ended, the process will end without the measurement process being executed. This prevents situations in which the measurement process is performed incorrectly or inappropriately.

[0053] In step S202, if it is determined that the calibration plate 3 has been distributed and is in use (YES in S202), the manufacturing support server 1 refers to the plate DB 11 to identify the computer program to be used for the measurement (S204), and uses that computer program to perform the measurement process of the two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape of the wearer's hand included in the hand image (S205). At this time, the shape and boundary lines 32 of the calibration plate 3 included in the hand image are used as a reference when measuring the shape of the wearer's hand. In addition, appropriate corrections are made using the shooting environment stored in the distribution destination DB 12. This enables highly accurate measurement.

[0054] Next, the manufacturing support server 1 generates the wearer's hand shape data based on the measurement processing results (S206). This provides the length, width, and joint position of each of the wearer's fingers, as well as the width and position of the wrist.

[0055] Next, the manufacturing support server 1 identifies the symptomatic areas on the wearer's hand based on the shapes of each part of the wearer's hand as shown in the hand shape data (S207). For example, based on the hand shape data, it extracts parts that have a shape that differs significantly from the standard shape and identifies those parts as symptomatic areas.

[0056] As described above, in this embodiment, the manufacturing support server 1 automatically identifies the symptomatic area on the wearer's hand, but it is not limited to this. For example, a store employee may ask the wearer about the symptomatic area, input the information indicating that symptomatic area into the user terminal 2, and pass that information from the user terminal 2 to the manufacturing support server 1. In that case, in step S207, the manufacturing support server 1 will identify the symptomatic area based on the information received from the user terminal 2.

[0057] Next, the manufacturing support server 1 determines the cutting position of the fingertips in the finger pockets of the gloves based on the hand shape data and the identified symptom areas (S208). For example, if the symptom areas are the first joints of each finger, the manufacturing support server 1 identifies the position of the first joint of each finger using the hand shape data and determines a position a predetermined length higher than that position, i.e., a position where the first joint is covered by the tip of the finger pocket, as the cutting position (S208).

[0058] Next, the manufacturing support server 1 registers the generated hand shape data and the measurement results, including the identified symptom area and amputation location, in the measurement results DB 15 (S209), and then transmits the measurement results information, including the measurement results, to the user terminal 2 (S210).

[0059] When the user terminal 2 receives measurement result information from the manufacturing support server 1 (S106), it uses that measurement result information to display the measurement results, including hand shape data, on the display unit 22 (S107). The glove retailer's representative will then explain to the wearer that gloves suitable for the wearer will be manufactured based on these measurement results.

[0060] Furthermore, the manufacturing support server 1 outputs glove specification information, including the shape of the glove suitable for the wearer, according to the measurement results (S211). This glove specification information is an example of glove shape information. The output of the glove specification information is performed by displaying it on a display unit provided by the manufacturing support server 1 or by printing it by a printer. Alternatively, the manufacturing support server 1 may provide the glove specification information to the glove manufacturer to perform this output.

[0061] The glove specification information described above includes various information regarding the shape of the glove suitable for the wearer. For example, hand shape data, affected area, and amputation location may be included in the glove specification information, and various information derived from this information, such as glove size (S, M, L, etc.), the shape of the finger pockets to cover the affected area, and information regarding patterns based on hand shape data may also be included.

[0062] Furthermore, the shape of the glove near the wearer's finger joints, such as the circumference of the finger pocket, is related to the ease of bending the fingers, so it is preferable that the glove be sized appropriately for the wearer. In particular, for wearers with joint pain such as Heberden's nodes, which makes bending and straightening the fingers difficult, it is important to have an appropriate circumference for the finger pocket. Therefore, the manufacturing support server 1 identifies an appropriate finger pocket circumference for the wearer based on hand shape data and symptom areas, and includes this in the glove specification information.

[0063] Furthermore, the thickness, length, and width of the finger pockets of the gloves also affect how easily the fingers can bend. For example, the thickness, length, and width may be varied between the front and back (palm side) depending on the wearer's preference and the intended use of the gloves. In this embodiment, the manufacturing support server 1 can accurately identify the position and shape of the joints of the wearer's fingers by using the wearer's hand shape data, and can then identify the appropriate thickness, length, and width of the finger pockets for that wearer and include these in the glove specification information.

[0064] After the above manufacturing support process is completed, the gloves are manufactured by the manufacturer according to the glove specification information and provided to the wearer. Although the tips of the finger pockets are cut off, exposing the wearer's fingertips, the cutting position is identified by the manufacturing support server 1 as described above, so the affected area on the wearer's fingers is covered by the fabric of the finger pockets. Therefore, the far-infrared rays emitted from the material in the finger pockets act effectively to alleviate the symptoms. In addition, since gloves are produced that are shaped to fit the wearer's hand, a good fit can be achieved.

[0065] In addition, while the above states that measurement recording is possible only if calibration plate 3 has been distributed and is usable, if it can be confirmed that it has been distributed, measurement recording may be possible without confirming whether or not it is usable.

[0066] As described above, by enabling measurement recording only when calibration plates 3 have been distributed, it is possible to prevent the misuse of calibration plates 3 that have not been properly distributed by the operators of the manufacturing support server 1, or the use of calibration plates 3 that are incapable of proper calibration. Therefore, this is advantageous for both service providers and users and contributes to the realization of a sustainable service.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the measurement results are recorded and managed in association with the calibration plate 3, it is possible to later determine which calibration plate 3 was used for the measurement result. For example, when the calibration plate 3 is replaced with a new one due to improvements in the computer program for measurement, it becomes possible to appropriately compare the measurement results when using the previous calibration plate 3 with the measurement results when using the new calibration plate 3.

[0068] Furthermore, the wearer may repeatedly send images of their hands to the manufacturing support server 1. In this case, the above measurement process will be continuously performed on the wearer, and their hand shape data will be continuously recorded. This will allow for the management of the wearer's hand condition, which can contribute to health promotion.

[0069] As described above, when images of the wearer's hands are repeatedly provided to the manufacturing support server 1, the manufacturing support server 1 can grasp changes in the shape of the wearer's hands. Depending on these changes in shape, the shape of the gloves suitable for the wearer's hands may also change. The following shape change detection process is performed to detect these changes and recommend replacing the gloves accordingly.

[0070] (Shape change detection process) Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for shape change processing performed by the manufacturing support server 1. First, the manufacturing support server 1 extracts multiple measurement results related to a specific wearer's hand from the measurement record DB 15 (S301), and then determines the shape change of the wearer's hand based on these measurement results (S302). For example, if the deformation of the fingers progresses due to the worsening of symptoms such as Heberden's nodes, the manufacturing support server 1 detects that deformation.

[0071] Next, the manufacturing support server 1 determines whether or not a change in hand shape has been detected (S303). If a change in shape is detected (YES in S303), it determines whether or not the gloves need to be replaced due to that change in shape (S304). For example, if it is found that the joints of the fingers have deformed to the point where those joints are exposed outside the finger pockets of the purchased gloves, the manufacturing support server 1 determines that replacement is necessary. On the other hand, if a change in hand shape is observed, but it is determined that there is no problem with continuing to use the purchased gloves, the manufacturing support server 1 determines that replacement is not necessary.

[0072] If it is determined in step S204 that the gloves need to be replaced (YES in S304), the manufacturing support server 1 provides the wearer with replacement recommendation information (S305). This is done, for example, by sending an email to the wearer's email address if it is stored in the wearer DB 14, or by sending an email to the facility the wearer is using. This replacement recommendation information includes messages indicating that a change in hand shape has been detected, that the current gloves may have reduced effectiveness in alleviating symptoms based on the detection results, and therefore, replacement of the gloves is recommended.

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that there is no change in shape (NO in S303), or if it is determined in step S304 that there is no need to replace the gloves (NO in S304), the manufacturing support server 1 provides the wearer with shape change information indicating that a change in shape was observed on the wearer's hand (S306). This provision is carried out in the same manner as the provision of the replacement recommendation information described above.

[0074] When a wearer receives information recommending replacement or information about changes in shape, they can understand that their symptoms are worsening, making it easier for them to take action, such as visiting a hospital for treatment. If a wearer wishes to replace their gloves in accordance with the replacement recommendation information, this is notified to the manufacturing support server 1 via the user terminal 2 or similar device. Upon receiving this, the manufacturing support server 1 generates the aforementioned glove specification information based on the latest measurement results and provides it to the manufacturer. This makes it possible to smoothly manufacture gloves with a shape suitable for the wearer's hand at that time.

[0075] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the calibration plate 3 is flat, but it is not limited to this and may have other shapes. For example, as shown in Figure 11, it may have a support plate for the wearer's hands. This calibration plate 4 comprises a rectangular support plate 41 whose upper part is tilted backward at a predetermined angle, and a rectangular base plate 42 connected to the lower end of the support plate 41 and supporting the support plate 41. A boundary line 43 and a two-dimensional code 44 are attached to the front surface of the support plate 41. Here, the boundary line 43 and the two-dimensional code 44 are the same as the boundary line 32 and the two-dimensional code 33 in the above embodiment.

[0076] Furthermore, while the above embodiment provides support for manufacturing gloves with the tips of each finger pocket cut off, it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to provide support for manufacturing gloves with uncut finger pockets. In that case, the manufacturing support server 1 may identify the shape, length, and thickness of the finger pockets as a glove shape suitable for the wearer's hand. Also, if there are multiple glove sizes such as S, M, and L, the manufacturing support server 1 may identify a glove shape suitable for the wearer's hand by selecting the appropriate size according to the length of the wearer's fingers, etc.

[0077] Furthermore, although the arrangement of the far-infrared emitting material is not specifically described in the above embodiment, the manufacturing support server 1 may be configured to specify its arrangement. For example, the manufacturing support server 1 may refer to the wearer's hand shape data and symptomatic areas, specify the arrangement of the far-infrared emitting material so that it is provided in the areas that the symptomatic areas touch, and output glove specification information including this arrangement.

[0078] In addition to the placement of far-infrared emitting materials, the manufacturing support server 1 may also determine the quantity of such materials. For example, the manufacturing support server 1 may refer to the wearer's hand shape data and symptomatic areas, determine the quantity of such material so that the amount of material in the areas touched by the symptomatic areas is greater than in other areas, and output glove specification information that includes this quantity.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the manufacturing support server 1 generates hand shape data based on a hand image, but the manner in which hand shape data is acquired is not limited to this. For example, the user terminal 2 may generate hand shape data based on a hand image and transmit it to the manufacturing support server 1, thereby acquiring the hand shape data.

[0080] Furthermore, while the above embodiment uses a calibration plate 3 to acquire hand images, it is not limited to this. For example, a hand image may be acquired by placing a hand on a rectangular piece of white paper and then imaging the area including the white paper. Even in this case, the manufacturing support server 1 can accurately perform the measurement process of the shape of the wearer's hand included in the hand image by using the four corners of the white paper as references.

[0081] Furthermore, while the above embodiment uses the manufacturing support of a cloth glove 5 as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to the manufacturing support of a leather glove with a cloth lining made of a material that emits far-infrared rays. In that case, the cloth portion of the lining corresponds to the glove 5 in the above embodiment, so its shape is specified in the same way as in the above embodiment. Similarly, the manufacturing support server 1 can also specify the overall shape and the shape of the finger pocket portion of the leather outer layer. By joining the outer layer and lining, whose shapes have been specified and manufactured in this way, a leather glove suitable for the wearer can be obtained. For example, it is effective in the manufacture of gloves such as driving gloves. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1. Manufacturing support server 11 Plate Database 12 Distribution Database 13 Distribution Status Database 14. Wearer Database 15. Measurement Record Database 2. User terminals 21 Input section 22 Display section 23 Cameras 3,4 Calibration Plate 31,41 Mounting plate 32,43 Boundary Line 33,44 2D codes 42 Bottom plate 5 Gloves 51 Finger pocket 101 Internet

Claims

1. A manufacturing support system for gloves equipped with a material that emits far-infrared rays, An acquisition unit that acquires hand shape data showing the shape of the wearer's hand, A shape identification unit that identifies the shape of the glove suitable for the wearer based on acquired hand shape data and the symptomatic area on the wearer's hand, An output unit that outputs glove shape information relating to the identified glove shape, A glove manufacturing support system equipped with the following features.

2. Based on the hand shape data, the symptom area is identified by the area identification unit. Furthermore, The shape identification unit identifies the shape of the glove based on the hand shape data and the identified symptom area. A glove manufacturing support system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned glove is equipped with finger pockets that cover the wearer's fingers, The aforementioned finger pocket portion is provided with the aforementioned material. The shape identification unit identifies the shape of the finger pocket based on the hand shape data and the symptomatic area on the wearer's fingers. The output unit outputs the glove shape information relating to the identified shape of the finger pocket portion. A glove manufacturing support system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The shape identification unit identifies the cutting position of the fingertip portion of the finger pocket based on the hand shape data and the symptomatic area on the wearer's fingers. A glove manufacturing support system according to claim 3.

5. The shape identification unit identifies the cutting position based on the position of the joints of the wearer's fingers as shown in the hand shape data. A glove manufacturing support system according to claim 4.

6. The shape identification unit identifies the cutting position based on the length of the wearer's fingers as shown in the hand shape data. A glove manufacturing support system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The acquisition unit repeatedly acquires the hand shape data over time. The system further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a change in the shape of the wearer's hand based on multiple hand shape data acquired. The output unit further outputs the result of determining whether or not the shape has changed. A glove manufacturing support system according to claim 3.

8. The system further includes a determination unit that determines the arrangement of the material in the glove suitable for the wearer based on the hand shape data and the symptom area. The output unit further outputs arrangement information relating to the determined arrangement of the materials. A glove manufacturing support system according to claim 1.

9. The system further includes a determination unit that determines the amount of material in the glove suitable for the wearer based on the hand shape data and the symptom area. The output unit further outputs quantity information relating to the determined amount of the material. A glove manufacturing support system according to claim 1.

10. A method for supporting the manufacture of gloves equipped with a material that emits far-infrared rays, We obtain hand shape data that shows the shape of the wearer's hand, Based on the acquired hand shape data and the symptomatic areas on the wearer's hand, the shape of the glove suitable for the wearer is identified. Output glove shape information relating to the identified glove shape. A method for supporting the manufacture of gloves.

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