School supplies
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- INTERMESTIC INC
- Filing Date
- 2026-06-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
AI Technical Summary
【0021】 本考案により、考案の課題のうち、1つ以上を解決することができる。
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Figure 0003256941000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to school supplies for protecting students' eyes from ultraviolet rays.
Background Art
[0002] Ultraviolet rays are a type of electromagnetic wave contained in sunlight and are classified into three types: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C according to the wavelength. Among these, UV-C has a wavelength in the range of 100 nanometers to 280 nanometers and is absorbed by the ozone layer, so it does not reach the earth's surface. On the other hand, UV-B has a wavelength in the range of 280 nanometers to 315 nanometers, and although most of it is absorbed by the ozone layer, a part reaches the earth's surface. UV-A has a wavelength in the range of 315 nanometers to 400 nanometers, has the property of easily penetrating substances, and a relatively large amount reaches the earth's surface. <所提供文本中此标签对应的内容缺失,无法准确翻译,保留原标签
[0003] <所提供文本中此标签对应的内容缺失,无法准确翻译,保留原标签 According to the data of the Meteorological Agency, the amount of ultraviolet rays reaching the earth's surface is increasing year by year (for example, refer to the data of the erythemal ultraviolet ray amount in 2012 shown in Non-Patent Document 1). The average annual UV-B amount in the 28 years from 1997 to 2024 is 14.73 kilojoules per square meter, which is 0.82 kilojoules per square meter higher than the average value in 1997 when the observation started. In particular, in 2023, it reached 16.96 kilojoules per square meter, an increase of 3.05 kilojoules per square meter from 1997, recording the highest value during the observation period. This tendency has been commonly observed at both Tsukuba and Sapporo, suggesting that the amount of ultraviolet rays is increasing throughout Japan. <所提供文本中此标签对应的内容缺失,无法准确翻译,保留原标签 <所提供文本中此标签对应的内容缺失,无法准确翻译,保留原标签
[0004] <所提供文本中此标签对应的内容缺失,无法准确翻译,保留原标签 It is known that ultraviolet rays not only affect the human skin but also have a serious impact on the eyes. The impact of ultraviolet rays on the eyes varies depending on the type of ultraviolet rays. UV-B is easily absorbed by the cornea and causes inflammation in the cornea. This inflammation may cause pterygium, which leads to dry eye, and may also cause irregular astigmatism. UV-A reaches the lens, and long-term exposure causes the loss of transparency of the lens and promotes the progression of cataracts. [[ID=所提供文本中此标签对应的内容缺失,无法准确翻译,保留原标签 [[ID=所提供文本中此标签对应的内容缺失,无法准确翻译,保留原标签
[0005] Furthermore, information about corneal inflammation caused by ultraviolet (UV) light is transmitted to the hypothalamus in the brain via the trigeminal nerve. It has been suggested that this neural pathway stimulates the hypothalamus, altering the balance of the autonomic nervous system and potentially leading to symptoms such as sympathetic nervous system activation and fatigue. Additionally, when UV light enters the eye, inflammation occurs in the cornea, which in turn stimulates melanin production throughout the body via the brain. The reaction is stronger via the eye than through the skin, and strong visible light has a similar effect.
[0006] On the other hand, ultraviolet (UV) light is essential for the skin to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and plays a major role in bone development. However, in recent years, the number of children with vitamin D deficiency has been increasing, partly due to lifestyles that excessively avoid UV light, as well as a decrease in outdoor play and activity caused by the increased use of digital devices such as tablets and smartphones. Cases of bone growth disorders and rickets are also being seen, indicating that moderate UV exposure is necessary to support healthy bone development.
[0007] In particular, young people in their growth phase spend more time outdoors than adults and are therefore more susceptible to the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The WHO (World Health Organization) has announced that more than half of the UV radiation a person receives in their lifetime is received by the age of 18, highlighting the importance of early protection for younger generations. In fact, teenagers spend more time outdoors than adults and are estimated to receive about half of their lifetime UV radiation by the age of 18. Furthermore, children tend to be more susceptible to the effects of UV radiation because the lens of their eye is more transparent and allows UV rays to pass through easily. Also, because they are shorter, they are more likely to be directly exposed to UV rays reflected from the ground, which further increases their UV exposure. It has been suggested that the amount of UV radiation a person receives by adulthood may significantly affect their eye health later in life, so using sunglasses outdoors and taking daily UV protection measures from high school age onwards is considered very significant in protecting future eye health.
[0008] In addition, the increasing prevalence of myopia among young people due to the widespread use of digital devices has become a serious issue. The combined effects of ultraviolet light and digital devices can lead to eye strain and decreased concentration, potentially impacting the learning environment. Early intervention is needed to protect an environment where children can maintain healthy vision and concentration and engage in learning with confidence.
[0009] Several findings have been reported regarding the relationship between temperature and eye diseases. Exposure to direct sunlight raises the surface temperature of the eye, and it has been reported that the risk of developing cataracts is particularly high in hot regions. It is thought that the surface temperature of the eye and the ambient temperature raise the temperature of the lens, which in turn accelerates the aging of the lens and causes cataracts. Presbyopia is also an age-related phenomenon in which focusing becomes difficult as the elasticity of the lens is gradually lost, but recent research has revealed that not only aging but also the environmental temperature of the region in which one lives greatly influences the timing of its onset. Multiple studies have consistently shown that the onset of presbyopia tends to be earlier in regions with higher temperatures. This is thought to be because high temperatures raise the surface temperature of the eye and the temperature inside the lens, accelerating the hardening of the lens.
[0010] Against this backdrop, the importance of eyewear, especially sunglasses, to protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays has become increasingly recognized. In Japan, the wearing of sunglasses to protect eye health is beginning to spread among police officers, train drivers, and others. Furthermore, in 2025, Kumamoto Castle issued a statement saying that "staff may wear sunglasses to prevent eye health damage caused by ultraviolet rays." Wearing sunglasses by police officers during patrol duties has been accepted nationwide, and railway companies have also begun initiatives to have train drivers wear sunglasses. In all of these cases, the perspective of "protecting eye health" is the underlying reason.
[0011] Traditionally, the following types of eyewear were known for protecting the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays: Firstly, there are sunglasses with general UV-blocking and anti-glare (visible light-blocking) functions. These block UV rays and reduce glare, but they are mainly designed for adults and were not intended for daily use by students. Secondly, there are sunglasses for fashion purposes. These mainly have dark lenses and prioritize decorative appearance, and their function as UV protection is not always sufficient. Thirdly, there are sports sunglasses. These have shapes and functions specialized for competitive sports, but are often unsuitable for everyday use. Fourthly, there are regular eyeglasses with UV-blocking functions. These have UV-blocking functions added to prescription or non-prescription lenses, but their ability to reduce glare is limited. Fifthly, there are eyeglasses with photochromic lenses. Photochromic lenses have the function of changing color according to the amount of UV rays, but some products have too high a photochromic rate and are not suitable for use at school. Sixthly, there are sunglasses with light-colored lenses. These sunglasses, with their lightly tinted lenses, were designed to be easy to use indoors, but depending on the lens material, they may not have been sufficiently effective in protecting against ultraviolet rays. Seventh, there are children's sunglasses. These were primarily designed for leisure and beach use, and were not intended for everyday use at school.
[0012] These conventional technologies had the following problems:
[0013] Firstly, in terms of design and appearance, there were no designs that considered harmony or uniformity with school uniforms. Many sunglasses were positioned more as "fashion items," and students and teachers tended to feel resistance to wearing them daily at school. Also, because dark lenses were the mainstream, they looked unnatural when moving around in classrooms or indoors, making them difficult to use in school life. Furthermore, although eyewear for UV protection can be colorless, dark lenses are essential for eyewear for glare protection, so the two were often confused. As a result of this confusion, there was a tendency to choose unnecessarily dark lenses when selecting eyewear for UV protection.
[0014] Next, in terms of function and application, the eyewear was not designed with use during commuting to school in mind. It did not accommodate the diverse scenes of school life, such as going to and from school, outdoor classes, and club activities. In particular, it was not optimized for the characteristics of club activities such as tennis or song leadership. Also, eyewear for UV protection and eyewear for glare protection tended to be confused, making it difficult to select the appropriate product.
[0015] Furthermore, in terms of dissemination and implementation, standards and selection processes for school-designated sunglasses were not established. There was no system in place for all students to wear them uniformly, resulting in individual differences. The economic burden was distributed among families, which acted as a barrier to widespread adoption. In addition, the perception that "sunglasses = play / fashion" hindered their acceptance in schools. Moreover, there was the problem that school teachers could not instantly determine whether the glasses worn by students met the standards for school-issued eyewear.
[0016] Efforts are underway to protect students' eye health. For example, in June 2025, a junior and senior high school in Tokyo held a special lesson for junior and senior high school students on the effects of ultraviolet rays on the eyes, with the aim of "creating a culture where wearing sunglasses is natural in school life." After the lesson, the students themselves selected the sunglasses they would wear during the summer vacation. In a post-trial survey, students commented, "Wearing sunglasses reduced the pain in my eyes when I went outside," and "I realized how much strain I had been putting on my eyes and decided to take better care of them." In addition, a senior high school in Saitama Prefecture is operating as a "Health & Safe Promotion School," and students in the tennis club and song leader club wear sunglasses.
[0017] However, despite these efforts, the pursuit of quality befitting "school supplies" and the consideration of a mark to back up "school supplies" have only just begun within some companies, and at present, eyewear specifically designed as "school supplies" for UV protection has not yet been developed. In Japan, the culture of using sunglasses daily for UV protection is not yet fully established, and the sunglasses wearing rate remains below 20%. As a result, many students are not receiving adequate eye care. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]
[0018] [Non-Patent Document 1] Japan Meteorological Agency, "Annual Summary of Ozone Layer and Ultraviolet Radiation (2012)," Part 2, Chapter 1: Ultraviolet Radiation in Japan, [Accessed: April 20, 2026].<URL:https: / / www.data.jma.go.jp / env / ozonehp / report2012 / part2chap1.pdf> [Non-Patent Document 2] Intermestic Co., Ltd., "To protect students' eyes from ultraviolet rays," [Accessed: April 20, 2026].<URL:https: / / www.zoff.com / sustainability / school-sunglasses / > [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0019] The present invention aims to provide school supplies that protect students' eyes from ultraviolet rays. For example, the present invention aims to solve the problems of the conventional technology as described above. For example, it aims to provide eyewear that effectively protects students' eyes from ultraviolet rays and can be worn daily in school life as school supplies. For example, it aims to provide eyewear that harmonizes with school uniforms and has a design that students can wear without feeling uncomfortable. For example, it aims to provide eyewear with optimized lens color and density so that it can be used both indoors and outdoors. For example, it aims to provide eyewear with a design that clearly positions it as a "health management product". For example, it aims to provide eyewear that has functions that can be used in a variety of scenes in school life, such as commuting to and from school, outdoor classes, and club activities. For example, it aims to provide eyewear that is optimized according to the characteristics of club activities, such as tennis and song leadership. For example, it aims to provide eyewear for which an introductory model has been established that can be worn uniformly by all students as a school-designated item. For example, it aims to provide eyewear that employs a means to instantly determine whether it meets the standards for eyeglasses as school supplies. [Means for solving the problem]
[0020] The problem of this invention is solved by the configuration described in claim 1. [Effects of the Invention]
[0021] This invention can solve one or more of the problems described in the original invention.
[0022] For example, it is possible to provide eyewear as school supplies that can effectively protect students' eyes from ultraviolet rays and can be worn daily in school life. By setting the ultraviolet transmittance of the lens to less than 7.00%, the risk of ophthalmic diseases such as corneal inflammation, pinguecula, pterygium, and cataract caused by ultraviolet rays can be reduced. In addition, by providing guidelines for adapting as school supplies, a design and function that can be worn without discomfort in school life can be realized.
[0023] For example, a design that can be coordinated with school uniforms and can be worn by students without discomfort can be realized. By setting the color of the rim to be coordinated with the school color or the color of the uniform, the eyewear can blend naturally into school life. In addition, by appropriately setting the thickness and shape of the rim, the presence of the eyewear is not overly emphasized, and its use is permitted in the school education site.
[0024] For example, it is possible to provide eyewear with optimized lens color and density so that it can be used both indoors and outdoors. By setting the degree of lens coloring to 40% or less in density, the direction of the line of sight can be confirmed, and its use is permitted in the school education site while sufficiently suppressing glare. In addition, by setting the chroma of the lens color in the Lab color system to less than 30, the color is natural and can be worn without discomfort in school life.
[0025] For example, it is possible to provide eyewear with a design that clearly positions it as "health management supplies". By attaching a mark indicating that it is school supplies, teachers in the school can easily confirm whether it is school supplies that comply with school regulations, and an environment where students can wear it with confidence is created.
[0026] For example, we can provide eyewear that offers features to accommodate a variety of school life scenarios, such as commuting to and from school, outdoor classes, and club activities. The lenses are appropriately sized to ensure a sufficient field of vision without being overly conspicuous. Furthermore, the eyeglass frames pass durability and sweat resistance tests, ensuring they can withstand long-term use in school life.
[0027] For example, we can provide eyewear with an established model that can be uniformly worn by all students as school-designated items. Once the eyewear is approved, recommended, or permitted as suitable school supplies by the school, the students attending that school, the board of education, or the PTA, uniform UV protection can be implemented throughout the school. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0028] [Figure 1] This is a view of eyewear, a school supply according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from an oblique angle above. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows the overall configuration of the information communication system, network, and user terminals of this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration related to the information communication system of this embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the processing steps for selling eyewear as school supplies to students of a school via online sales. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a purchase screen for eyewear as school supplies. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0029] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0030] <School supplies> Figure 1 is a perspective view of eyewear according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from diagonally above. The school supplies of this invention include eyewear intended for use by students. Here, "student" refers to a child or student attending elementary school, junior high school, or high school. Eyewear is a device that holds lenses in front of the eyes and protects the eyes from ultraviolet rays. As shown in Figure 1, the eyewear includes a right lens RLZ, a left lens LLZ, a front part FRT, and a temple part TPL.
[0031] The right lens RLZ and the left lens LLZ are transparent or translucent components placed in front of the student's right and left eyes, respectively. The lenses are made from an optically transparent material, such as plastic or glass. The lenses may be non-prescription (prescription value zero) or prescription (prescription value non-zero).
[0032] In this invention, the right lens RLZ and the left lens LLZ are collectively referred to as "lenses." Lenses have the function of blocking ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet transmittance is an index that indicates the proportion of light in a specific wavelength range that passes through the lens, and is expressed as a percentage. The lower the ultraviolet transmittance, the more effectively ultraviolet rays can be blocked. In the eyewear of this invention, the ultraviolet transmittance of the lenses is less than 7.00% for all lenses. As a result, most of UV-B and UV-A are blocked by the lenses, and the reach of ultraviolet rays to the eyes is suppressed.
[0033] Lenses may be tinted or colorless and transparent. Tinted lenses absorb a portion of visible light, reducing glare. The degree of tinting is expressed as density. Density is an index related to the reciprocal of the visible light transmittance and is expressed as a percentage. The higher the density, the darker the lens appears and the greater the glare reduction effect. Conversely, the lower the density, the brighter the lens appears, making it easier to determine the direction of one's line of sight.
[0034] Lens colors are expressed in the Lab color system. The Lab color system is a color space defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), and it represents colors using three parameters: lightness L, the red-green axis a, and the yellow-blue axis b.
[0035] Lens size is expressed by its horizontal length and vertical length. The horizontal length is the straight-line distance between the leftmost and rightmost points of the lens. The vertical length is the straight-line distance between the topmost and bottommost points of the lens. Lens size affects the field of view and the appearance of the eyewear. Larger lenses provide a wider field of view, but the eyewear is more noticeable. Smaller lenses are less noticeable, but the field of view is narrower.
[0036] The front section (FRT) supports the right lens (RLZ) and the left lens (LLZ) and is positioned in front of the student's face. The front section (FRT) includes the right rim (RRM), the left rim (LRM), the bridge (BRG), and the nose rest (NPD).
[0037] The right rim (RRM) and left rim (LRM) surround the right lens (RLZ) and left lens (LLZ), respectively, and are frames that hold the lenses in place. The rims are made of metal, plastic, or a combination thereof. The rims can take the form of a full rim that surrounds the entire circumference of the lens, a half rim that surrounds only the top or bottom of the lens, or a rimless (two-point) design.
[0038] In this invention, the right rim (RRM) and the left rim (LRM) are collectively referred to as "rims." Rim thickness is an indicator of the rim's width and is expressed in millimeters. Rim thickness affects the appearance and strength of the eyewear. The thicker the rim, the more robust the eyewear is, but the more noticeable it is. The thinner the rim, the lighter and more understated the eyewear is, but the strength may be reduced.
[0039] The rim color is expressed in the Lab color system. The rim color greatly influences the appearance of the eyewear. When the rim color harmonizes with the school colors or uniform colors, the eyewear blends naturally into school life. The color difference ΔE is an index that shows the difference between two colors in the Lab color system and is calculated using the following formula. ΔE = √((L1 - L2)) 2 +(a1-a2) 2+(b1-b2) 2 ) The smaller the color difference ΔE, the more similar the two colors are; the larger the color difference ΔE, the more different the two colors are.
[0040] The shape of the rim affects the appearance and function of eyewear. Full-rim frames surround the entire circumference of the lens, ensuring secure lens retention and high strength. Full-rim frames are a recognized shape for standard eyewear and, from a strength perspective, are easily accepted in school educational settings.
[0041] The bridge (BRG) is a component that connects the right rim (RRM) and the left rim (LRM). The bridge sits on the student's nose and plays a role in maintaining the left-right balance of the eyewear. The length of the bridge is determined according to the distance between the eyes. The bridge is made from metal, elastomer, or plastic.
[0042] The nasal contact plate (NPD) is a component that keeps the lens in front of the student's eyes and comes into contact with the student's nose. The nasal contact plate is also called a nose pad. It is preferable that the nasal contact plate be made from a soft material.
[0043] The temple portion (TPL) extends backward from both ends of the front portion (FRT) and rests on the student's ears. The temple portion is a means of securing the eyewear to the student's head and keeping the lenses in front of the eyes. The temple portion is made of metal, elastomer, plastic, or a combination thereof. The tip of the temple portion is provided with a curved portion, or temple end, for resting on the ear and providing a non-slip function.
[0044] The temples are a means of keeping the lenses in front of the student's eyes and can be equally replaced with other components that have a similar function. For example, a strap that wraps around the head may be used instead of the temples. The strap is made of an elastic material and secures the eyewear by fitting snugly against the head. Using a strap makes it less likely for the eyewear to shift even during strenuous exercise.
[0045] <Embodiment> The eyewear of this embodiment has, without limitation, a design and performance suitable for school supplies and bears the mark for school supplies. The following describes each component in detail.
[0046] [School supplies intended for use by students] The eyewear of this embodiment is a school supply intended for use by students. As mentioned above, a student refers to a child or pupil attending elementary school, junior high school, or high school. School supplies are items used in school life and include textbooks, writing instruments, gym clothes, indoor shoes, etc. The eyewear of this embodiment is intended to be used on a daily basis in school life, similar to these school supplies.
[0047] Eyewear intended as school supplies should ideally possess the following characteristics: Firstly, it should be designed for use in school life. That is, it should harmonize with school uniforms, not be overly conspicuous, and be worn by students without feeling out of place. Secondly, it should be functionally suitable for use in school life. That is, it should be functional enough to accommodate various situations such as commuting to and from school, outdoor classes, and club activities. Thirdly, it should be approved, recommended, or permitted by the school or other relevant organization.
[0048] Eyewear sold as school supplies is marketed for its UV protection properties. Specifically, the product description mentions that the UV transmission rate of both the right and left lenses is less than 7.00%, explaining its suitability as school supplies. Such product descriptions allow parents and students to understand that the eyewear is suitable for school use and to purchase it with confidence.
[0049] [UV transmittance of the right and left lenses] In the eyewear of this embodiment, the ultraviolet transmittance of both the right lens RLZ and the left lens LLZ is less than 7.00%. The ultraviolet transmittance is measured in accordance with EN / ISO12312:2013 / Amd.1:2015. A ultraviolet transmittance of less than 7.00% measured according to this standard means that more than 92% of ultraviolet light is blocked by the lenses.
[0050] More preferably, the UV transmittance of the lens is less than 1.00% for 280 to 315 nanometers (UV-B) and 315 to 400 nanometers (UV-A). This ensures that more than 99% of UV rays are blocked by the lens, resulting in a higher level of protection. Even more preferably, the UV transmittance is less than 0.50%, preferably less than 0.10%, and optimally less than 0.01%. When the UV transmittance is less than 0.01%, UV rays are almost completely blocked (100% UV protection), minimizing the effects of UV rays on the eyes.
[0051] The UV-blocking function of lenses is achieved by utilizing the property of the lens material itself to absorb ultraviolet rays, by adding an ultraviolet absorber to the lens material, or by applying a coating containing an ultraviolet absorber to the lens surface. In the case of plastic lenses, polycarbonate and high refractive index plastics have the property of absorbing ultraviolet rays themselves. On the other hand, materials such as diethylene glycol bis-allyl carbonate have low ultraviolet absorption, so UV-blocking functionality is provided by adding an ultraviolet absorber or by applying a coating containing an ultraviolet absorber to the lens surface. In the case of glass lenses, UV-blocking functionality is also provided by applying a coating containing an ultraviolet absorber.
[0052] Lenses with an absolute prescription value of less than 2.00D are lenses that correct mild refractive errors or are non-prescription lenses. Such lenses may have insufficient UV absorption. However, in the eyewear of this embodiment, for example, by applying a coating containing a UV absorber, the UV transmittance can be reduced even for lenses with an absolute prescription value of less than 2.00D. This makes it possible to encourage UV protection even for students with mild myopia or students with a prescription value of 0 (no correction required).
[0053] [Guidelines for making school supplies suitable for school use] Non-limitingly, the eyewear of this embodiment is suitable for elementary schools, junior high schools, or high schools, and guidelines are provided for the degree of lens tinting, lens color, lens size, rim thickness, rim color, rim shape, and / or eyewear material in order to make it suitable as school supplies, and the eyewear conforms to these guidelines.
[0054] Here, "guidelines" refers to guidelines in the usual sense, such as school rules established by individual schools, those voluntarily set by the eyewear industry, those established by educational institutions (e.g., boards of education), those issued as notices by administrative agencies (e.g., the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology), or those that have been implicitly accepted as norms. Guidelines indicate the standards that eyewear as school supplies must meet, and by conforming to these standards, eyewear is permitted for use in school life.
[0055] The following are examples of items for which guidelines may be established: Firstly, the degree of lens tinting. The degree of lens tinting is expressed as the transmittance or density of visible light. Secondly, the color of the lens. Thirdly, the size of the lens. The size of the lens is expressed as the length in the horizontal direction and the length in the vertical direction. Fourthly, the thickness of the rim (e.g., the larger of the vertical width at the top and the vertical width at the bottom). The thickness of the rim is expressed in millimeters. Fifthly, the color of the rim. Sixthly, the shape of the rim. The shape of the rim is either full-rim, half-rim, or rimless. Seventhly, the material of the eyewear. The material of the eyewear is the material used for the lens and frame.
[0056] By conforming to these guidelines, the eyewear will have a design and functionality that allows for comfortable use in school life. Furthermore, by adopting eyewear that conforms to these guidelines as school-designated items, all students can wear uniform eyewear, contributing to the widespread use of UV protection.
[0057] [Degree of lens tinting] Non-limitingly, the eyewear of this embodiment has guidelines for the degree of lens tinting, with the degree of lens tinting being 40% or less. Lenses with a tint of 40% or less are tinted enough to allow the direction of gaze to be confirmed and are acceptable for use in school settings while sufficiently suppressing glare. However, this does not apply when outdoor use is a priority, and some schools may request tints exceeding 60%. Furthermore, as mentioned in the modified examples, if cycling to school is assumed, the tint may be 20% or less.
[0058] Lenses with a density of 40% or less transmit more than 60% of visible light. As a result, the view through the lenses is relatively bright, and it does not appear unnatural in classrooms or when moving indoors. In addition, others can see the student's facial expressions, which facilitates smoother communication. Furthermore, lenses with a density of 40% or less effectively suppress glare even outdoors. By absorbing 40% of visible light, the glare from direct sunlight is reduced, and eye strain is lessened.
[0059] When using photochromic lenses, it may be necessary to consider the degree of photochromicity. Photochromic lenses generally change color in response to the amount of ultraviolet light, but some types also change color in response to visible light. Photochromic lenses have the advantage of being suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments, as they darken outdoors and lighten indoors. However, the speed and degree of color change of photochromic lenses vary depending on temperature and the amount of ultraviolet light, and they may not lighten immediately upon entering an indoor space. Also, if the color change is too dark, it may look unnatural in a classroom. Furthermore, the color change performance of photochromic lenses deteriorates over time.
[0060] The degree of lens tinting is determined by measuring the transmittance of visible light. Visible light transmittance is calculated by integrating the transmittance of light in the wavelength range of 380 nanometers to 780 nanometers. The tint is calculated from the visible light transmittance using the following formula. Concentration (%) = 100 - Visible light transmittance (%) For example, if the transmittance of visible light is 60%, the density is 40%.
[0061] Lenses with a density of 40% or less are suitable for use in school life. When commuting to and from school, they protect the eyes from direct sunlight while allowing for a clear view of the surroundings. During outdoor classes, they reduce glare while maintaining good visibility of blackboards and teaching materials. During club activities, they prevent a decrease in athletic performance due to glare in outdoor activities such as tennis and song leadership. Furthermore, when moving indoors or in the classroom, the lenses are not too dark, ensuring a natural field of vision and facilitating smooth communication with other students and teachers. While polarized lenses are also acceptable, the degree of polarization should be no more than twice the target density (e.g., 80% or less, 60% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less), and it is desirable to achieve the desired density for the lens.
[0062] [Lens color] Non-limitingly, the eyewear of this embodiment has guidelines for lens color, and the lens color has a saturation of less than 30 in the Lab color system. Lenses with a saturation of less than 30 have a natural color and can be worn without feeling out of place in school life.
[0063] Saturation is calculated from the a and b values in the Lab color system using the following formula. Saturation=√(a 2 +b 2 ) The lower the saturation, the closer the color is to achromatic (gray); the higher the saturation, the more vivid the color. Lenses with a saturation of less than 30 have a light or natural color, are not too flashy, and are acceptable for use in school educational settings.
[0064] Common lens colors include gray, brown, green, and blue. Gray lenses absorb all wavelengths of light equally, resulting in high color reproduction. Brown lenses absorb blue light, improving contrast. Green lenses are considered gentle on the eyes and suitable for prolonged wear. Blue lenses absorb yellow light, reducing glare.
[0065] In this embodiment, by setting the saturation to less than 30, these colors appear lighter and more natural, allowing them to be worn without feeling out of place in school life.
[0066] [Lens size] Non-limitingly, the eyewear of this embodiment has guidelines for lens size, where the lens length is greater than 30.00 mm but less than 60.00 mm in the horizontal direction, and greater than 20.00 mm but less than 50.00 mm in the vertical direction. Lens sizes within this range do not excessively assert the presence of the eyewear and are acceptable for use in school educational settings.
[0067] A lens length greater than 30.00 millimeters ensures a sufficient field of view. If the lens length is 30.00 millimeters or less, the field of view is narrow and peripheral vision is limited. Conversely, a lens length of less than 60.00 millimeters prevents the eyewear from appearing excessively large, allowing for comfortable wear during school activities.
[0068] Similarly, a lens with a vertical length greater than 20.00 millimeters ensures a sufficient field of view. If the vertical length is 20.00 millimeters or less, the field of view is narrow, resulting in insufficient vision when going up or down stairs or looking up at a blackboard. On the other hand, a lens with a vertical length of less than 50.00 millimeters prevents the eyewear from appearing excessively large, allowing for comfortable wear during school activities.
[0069] The size of the lenses should be appropriately selected according to the size of the student's face. For elementary school students, the lenses should be smaller because their faces are smaller. For middle school and high school students, the lenses should be larger because their faces are larger.
[0070] The size of the lenses is determined by considering the balance between the field of view and the appearance. A wider field of view makes it easier to perceive the surrounding situation, improving safety. On the other hand, if the lenses are too large, the eyewear becomes too conspicuous, causing discomfort in school life. In this embodiment, by setting the lens size within the above range, a balance is achieved that ensures a sufficient field of view while allowing the eyewear to be worn comfortably in school life.
[0071] [Rim width] Non-limitingly, the eyewear of this embodiment has guidelines for rim thickness, with the rim thickness being less than 10.00 millimeters. The rim thickness being less than 10.00 millimeters ensures that the eyewear is not overly conspicuous and is acceptable for use in school educational settings.
[0072] Rim thickness is an indicator of rim width, and is the larger of the vertical width at the top of the rim and the vertical width at the bottom of the rim. A rim thickness of less than 10.00 millimeters makes the rim appear thin and understated, making the eyewear less noticeable. This allows for comfortable wear in school settings.
[0073] The rim thickness should preferably be less than 5.00 mm, and less than 3.00 mm is preferable. When the rim thickness is less than 5.00 mm, the rim appears thin, and the eyewear is less noticeable. This has the advantage in school settings, as it allows students' facial features to be seen naturally, facilitating smoother communication with others. When the rim thickness is less than 3.00 mm, the rim appears even thinner, presenting a very sophisticated appearance that matches modern school life.
[0074] In particular, for metal frames, it is desirable that the rim thickness be less than 2.00 mm, and less than 1.50 mm is preferable. Because metal frames are stronger than plastic frames, sufficient strength can be ensured even with thin rims. When the rim thickness of a metal frame is less than 2.00 mm, the rim appears very thin and delicate, giving an elegant impression. When the rim thickness of a metal frame is less than 1.50 mm, the rim appears even thinner and is almost inconspicuous. This aligns with the objective of this invention, which is to provide UV protection while minimizing the presence of eyewear.
[0075] On the other hand, for plastic frames, a rim thickness of approximately 3.00 to 5.00 millimeters is appropriate. Plastic frames are less strong than metal frames, so a certain thickness is necessary. If the rim thickness is less than 3.00 millimeters, the strength will be insufficient and it will be prone to breakage.
[0076] The rim thickness is determined by considering the balance between the strength and appearance of the eyewear. The thinner the rim, the more understated the appearance, making it suitable for school use without feeling out of place. On the other hand, if the rim is too thin, it will lack strength and become easily damaged. In this embodiment, by setting the rim thickness within the above range, a balance is achieved that ensures sufficient strength while allowing for comfortable wear in school use without feeling out of place.
[0077] [Rim color] Non-limitingly, the eyewear of this embodiment has guidelines for the rim color, and the rim color has a lightness of less than 40 in the Lab color system. Rims with a lightness of less than 40 are dark colors and are acceptable for use in school education settings.
[0078] Common rim colors include black, dark blue, and dark brown. Black is the color with the lowest brightness and easily harmonizes with any uniform. Black rims are achromatic and have zero saturation, so they are not too flashy and can be worn without feeling out of place in school life. Dark blue is a color used in many school uniforms and can create a sense of unity with the uniform. Dark blue rims are a slightly bluish dark color and give a calm impression. Dark brown also gives a calm impression and harmonizes particularly well with private school uniforms. Dark brown rims are a slightly brownish dark color and give a warm impression.
[0079] [Monochromaticity of the rim] Non-limitingly, the eyewear of this embodiment has a single-color rim, i.e., a color difference ΔE of less than 10. Because the rim is single-color, the presence of the eyewear is not overly conspicuous, making it acceptable for use in school educational settings.
[0080] The rim's color difference ΔE is an indicator of the difference in color between different parts of the rim. If the rim is a single color, the entire rim has the same color, and the color difference ΔE is small. On the other hand, if the rim has multiple colors, for example, if it has a gradient or pattern, the color difference ΔE will be large.
[0081] In this embodiment, by setting the color difference ΔE to less than 10, the rim appears almost monochromatic. When the color difference ΔE is less than 10 in small, three-dimensional objects like eyewear, the difference in color is almost indistinguishable to the human eye, and the rim appears to have a uniform color. As a result, the rim is not too flashy and can be worn without feeling out of place in school life.
[0082] The single-color rim gives the eyewear a calm impression and makes it easy to coordinate with school uniforms. Furthermore, the single-color rim is less likely to become tiresome and can be used for a long period of time. On the other hand, while rims with gradients or patterns are highly fashionable, they may be perceived as too flashy in a school setting. In this embodiment, by using a single-color rim, a design that is easily accepted in the school education environment is achieved.
[0083] [Rim shape] Non-limitingly, the eyewear of this embodiment has guidelines provided in the shape of the rim, and the rim is full-rim. A full rim is a shape that surrounds the entire circumference of the lens, is a shape that is recognized as normal eyewear, and is also a shape that is easily accepted in school education settings in terms of strength.
[0084] Full-rim eyewear securely holds the lens in place and offers high strength because it completely surrounds the lens. This makes it durable enough to withstand everyday use and impacts during commutes to and from school. Because full-rim eyewear completely covers the lens, it is less likely to fall out, providing high safety. Furthermore, full-rim eyewear is a traditional eyewear style and is easily accepted by many people. Full-rim eyewear can be worn without any issues in school settings.
[0085] On the other hand, half-rim and rimless glasses have the advantages of being lightweight and offering a wide field of view, but they have the disadvantage of being less durable. In school life, there are many opportunities for eyewear to fall or be subjected to impact, so full-rim glasses, which are more durable, are more suitable.
[0086] Full-rim frames come in a variety of shapes, including round, oval, square, Wellington, and Boston. The choice of shape depends on the student's face shape. Square and Wellington frames are suitable for students with round faces, as their angular shape helps to slim the facial contours. Round and Boston frames are suitable for students with long faces, as their rounded shape helps to soften the appearance of a longer face.
[0087] [Eyewear Approval, etc.] Non-limitingly, the eyewear of this embodiment is approved, recommended, or permitted by a school, a student attending that school, a board of education, or a PTA as suitable as school supplies.
[0088] School approval means that the school authorizes the use of the eyewear of this embodiment in its school rules or guidelines. Once school approval is granted, students can wear the eyewear with peace of mind. Furthermore, by the school recommending the wearing of eyewear to all students, UV protection will become more widespread. The procedure for school approval involves review by the principal and teachers, consultation with the student council, and explanations to parents. The specifications of the eyewear (lens tint, rim color, rim thickness, etc.) will be clearly stated in the school rules or guidelines, and only eyewear that meets the standards will be permitted for use.
[0089] Approval by students attending the school means that the student council or student representatives recognize the eyewear of this embodiment as school supplies. Student approval makes the eyewear more readily accepted among students. The student approval process involves deliberation by the student council, surveys, and trial wear. By incorporating student opinions, the design and functionality of the eyewear will meet the students' needs.
[0090] Approval by the Board of Education means that the local Board of Education recommends this eyewear as school supplies. Once approved by the Board of Education, the eyewear will be uniformly introduced in multiple schools within the region. The approval process involves deliberation by the Board of Education, consultation with experts, and trials at pilot schools. By formulating guidelines and notifying schools within the region, widespread protection against ultraviolet radiation will be achieved.
[0091] Approval by the PTA means that the PTA, an organization of parents and teachers, recommends the eyewear of this embodiment as school supplies. PTA approval fosters parental understanding and cooperation, promoting the widespread use of the eyewear. The PTA approval process involves deliberation at the PTA general meeting, surveys of parents, and lectures by experts. Parents understanding the importance of UV protection will encourage the purchase and use of the eyewear.
[0092] [School supplies for UV protection] The eyewear of this embodiment is intended for UV protection and is sold as school supplies. Here, "for UV protection" means that the UV transmittance of the right and left lenses is less than 7.00%. "Sold as school supplies" means that the product description mentions that it is suitable for use as school supplies.
[0093] Product descriptions are displayed on product shelves in stores, in brochures, on websites, or on packaging. Product descriptions must include one or more of the following: First, the lens's UV transmittance is less than 7.00%. For example, a label such as "UV cut rate of 92% or more" may be included. Second, the product is suitable as a school item. For example, a school item mark, "school item," "suitable for school use," or "sunglasses for commuting to school" may be included. Third, examples of usage scenarios in school life are provided. For example, a description such as "can be used when commuting to and from school, during outdoor classes, and during club activities" may be included. Fourth, the product conforms to guidelines. For example, a description such as "lens density is 40% or less, making it permissible for school use" or "rim color harmonizes with school uniforms" may be included. Fifth, whether or not the product has been approved by a school. For example, a label such as "designated product for XX Junior High School" or "recommended product by △△ Board of Education" may be included.
[0094] This product description allows parents and students to understand that the eyewear can be used in school life and to purchase it with confidence. Furthermore, by displaying the eyewear sold as school supplies separately from other eyewear in stores, it becomes easier for customers to identify it. For example, a dedicated display space such as a "School Supplies Corner" or "School Sunglasses Corner" could be set up in the store, and the eyewear of this embodiment could be placed there. Posters explaining the importance of UV protection and photographs showing usage scenarios in school life could be displayed in these spaces to facilitate customer understanding.
[0095] As described above, the eyewear of this embodiment has an appropriate design and performance as school supplies and can be worn daily in school life. The lens's UV transmittance is set to less than 7.00%, effectively protecting the eyes from ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, the design conforms to guidelines, harmonizing with school uniforms, allowing students to wear it without feeling out of place. Moreover, approval from schools, boards of education, and PTAs enables the implementation of unified UV protection measures throughout the school. The product description clearly states its suitability as school supplies, allowing parents and students to purchase and use it with confidence.
[0096] The following describes variations, but the contents described in these variations should be interpreted as being applicable at will.
[0097] <Example 1> Modification 1 concerns the degree of lens tinting. In this modification, guidelines are provided for the degree of lens tinting, which should be 30% or less in density, preferably 20% or less. Lenses with a density of 30% or less are suitable for students who frequently engage in outdoor activities as they can suppress glare. Lenses with a density of 30% or less transmit more than 70% of visible light, thus maintaining a bright field of vision. This ensures a natural field of vision even in classrooms or when moving indoors, allowing for comfortable wear. Lenses with a density of 20% or less are suitable for students who are expected to commute by bicycle.
[0098] <Modification 2> Modification 2 is another modification concerning the degree of lens tinting. In this modification, guidelines are provided for the degree of lens tinting, which is 15% or less in density. Lenses with a density of 15% or less are expected to have a glare-reducing effect, and are also a density that is difficult to notice as being tinted. Lenses with a density of 15% or less transmit more than 85% of visible light, so the scenery seen through the lens maintains a nearly natural brightness.
[0099] <Variation 3> Modification 3 is yet another modification concerning the degree of lens tinting. In this modification, guidelines are provided for the degree of lens tinting, which is 10% or less in density. Lenses with a density of 10% or less offer little effect in suppressing the glare of visible light, but they provide UV protection and appear colorless. Lenses with a density of 10% or less transmit more than 90% of visible light, so the view through the lens maintains a natural brightness, and it is hardly noticeable that the lens is tinted.
[0100] <Modification 4> Modification 4 concerns the color of the lenses. In this modification, guidelines are provided for the color of the lenses, which have negative a and b values in the Lab color system and a saturation of less than 40. A negative a value indicates that the lens color is greenish, and a negative b value indicates that the lens color is bluish. In other words, the lenses in this modification have a blue-green color. Blue-green is considered a color that is easy on the eyes and is suitable for prolonged wear.
[0101] <Modification 5> Modification 5 concerns the rim color. In this modification, guidelines are provided for the rim color, and the color difference ΔE between the school color and the rim color is less than 40. A color that matches the school color is a color permitted for use at that school. By having a color difference ΔE of less than 40, the rim color will be close to the school color, thus expressing the school's identity. It is desirable that the eyewear in this modification be marked with a mark that makes it possible to identify it as school supplies.
[0102] <Variation 6> Modification 6 is another modification concerning the rim color. In this modification, a guideline is set for the rim color, and the color difference ΔE between the color of the rim and the color of the fabric that occupies the largest area of the school's winter girls' uniform jacket is less than 40. A color that matches the uniform is a color that is permitted to be used at that school. By having a color difference ΔE of less than 40, the rim color will be close to the uniform color, and the eyewear will have a sense of unity with the uniform. In the case of a boys' school, the uniform will be equally replaced with the winter uniform. A smaller color difference ΔE is desirable, but since the eyewear rim and the uniform differ in other optical quantities such as gloss, it is not necessary to strictly match the color difference ΔE.
[0103] <Example 7> Modification 7 concerns modifications related to the rim thickness and rim color. In this modification, guidelines are provided for the rim thickness and rim color: the rim thickness is less than 2.00 millimeters, and the rim color has a saturation of less than 50 if the lightness in the Lab color system is greater than 60 and 70 or less, and less than 40 if the lightness is greater than 70. If the rim thickness is less than 2.00 millimeters, a certain degree of saturation is acceptable. A rim thickness of less than 1.50 millimeters is desirable, and less than 1.30 millimeters is preferred. In this modification, because the rim is thin, the presence of the eyewear is not excessively emphasized even if a bright or light color is used.
[0104] <Differentiation Example 8> Modification 8 is a modification relating to the durability of eyewear. In this modification, the lenses are made of resin, and the eyeglass frame passes the durability test described in JIS B7285 (2016), in which the number of repetitions is changed from 500 to 2000, and / or passes the sweat resistance test described in JIS B7285 (2016), in which the holding time of 8 hours is changed to 32 hours.
[0105] JIS B7285 (2016) is a Japanese Industrial Standard for evaluating the quality of eyeglass frames. This standard specifies durability tests and sweat resistance tests. The durability test evaluates the durability of the eyeglass frame by repeatedly opening and closing the temples. While the usual durability test specifies 500 repetitions, this modification changes it to 2000 repetitions. 2000 repetitions is equivalent to four times the number of repetitions in normal use, demonstrating high durability that can withstand long-term use.
[0106] The sweat resistance test involves exposing eyeglass frames to an artificial sweat solution to evaluate their corrosion resistance. While typical sweat resistance tests specify an 8-hour exposure time, this modification extends it to 32 hours. A 32-hour exposure time is four times longer than normal use, demonstrating high resistance to sweat and moisture.
[0107] By passing these rigorous tests, this modified eyewear possesses high durability, capable of withstanding long-term use in school life. In school life, eyewear is frequently exposed to sweat. In particular, large amounts of sweat adhere to the eyewear during club activities and physical education classes. This modified eyewear can withstand these harsh usage conditions.
[0108] From the standpoint of durability, resilience, and impact resistance, eyeglass frames are preferably made of thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic resin. An example of a thermoplastic elastomer is SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer). SEBS is a material that combines the flexibility of rubber with the processability of plastic, possessing high resilience and impact resistance. Examples of thermoplastic resins include super engineering plastics such as polyetherimide resin, celluloid, and acetate. Polyetherimide resin is a material with high strength and heat resistance, capable of withstanding long-term use. Celluloid is a traditional material for eyeglass frames and has excellent processability. Acetate is a plant-derived material and is environmentally friendly.
[0109] <Modification 9> Modification 9 is a modification concerning the lens prescription value. In this modification, the absolute value of the lens prescription value is less than 2.00D. "Less than 2.00D" includes non-prescription lenses. Plastic lenses (some low refractive index lenses) and glass lenses with an absolute prescription value of less than 2.00D may have insufficient UV protection effect from the material itself, but by using lenses with UV protection effect as school supplies, UV protection can be encouraged even for students with mild myopia.
[0110] <Variation 10> Modification 10 is a modification concerning the mark (identifier) indicating that the product is a school supply. In this modification, a mark indicating that the product is a school supply is attached. Furthermore, the mark indicating that the product is a school supply is attached to the inside of the temple in a way that it is not visible when worn.
[0111] The mark indicating that eyewear is a school supply is a symbol used to identify eyewear as a school supply used in school life. The mark consists of letters, figures, or a combination thereof. Examples of marks include the following:
[0112] Firstly, the mark includes the words "school supplies" or "for commuting to school," or the school name. Secondly, the mark includes a graphic representing the school's symbol. For example, the school emblem or the initials of the school name may be used. These graphics clearly indicate that the items are school supplies from that school. Thirdly, the mark combines text and a graphic. For example, the school's symbol may be combined with the words "school supplies."
[0113] The following are some methods for applying the mark: Firstly, the mark is printed. Secondly, the mark is engraved. Thirdly, the mark is made as a metal or resin emblem and attached to the frame by adhesive or screws. The lens may be a polarized lens, but in this case, the degree of polarization should be no more than twice the target density (e.g., 80% or less), and it is desirable that the lens has the desired density.
[0114] In this modified version, the mark is placed on the inside of the temple so that it is not visible when the eyewear is worn. The inside of the temple is the side that faces the head when the eyewear is worn. By placing the mark on the inside of the temple, the school cannot be identified when commuting to school. In addition, the appearance of the eyewear is kept simple.
[0115] On the other hand, within the school, the mark can be seen when the eyewear is removed. Teachers can determine whether the eyewear is suitable as school supplies by checking the mark on the inside of the temples.
[0116] <Variation 11> Modification 11 is a modification concerning an alternative placement of the mark indicating that the item is a school supply. In this modification, the mark indicating that the item is a school supply is affixed to the outside of the temple or the endpiece so that it is visible when worn. Furthermore, the eyewear is marked in a way that makes it possible to identify it as a school supply for that school. Teachers can easily check whether the school supplies comply with school regulations. The outside of the temple is the surface that faces outward when the eyewear is worn. The endpiece is the component that connects the temple to the front part. Visible when worn means that the mark is visible to others when the eyewear is being worn.
[0117] <Variation 12> Modification 12 is a modification relating to the ultraviolet transmittance of the lens. In this modification, the ultraviolet transmittance of the lens is less than 1.00% for 280 nanometers to 315 nanometers (UV-B) and 315 nanometers to 400 nanometers (UV-A).
[0118] In this modified version, the ultraviolet transmittance of the lens is set to less than 1.00% for both UV-B and UV-A. As a result, more than 99% of ultraviolet rays coming from the front are blocked by the lens.
[0119] The measurement of ultraviolet transmittance is carried out in accordance with EN / ISO12312:2013 / Amd.1:2015. This standard is an international standard for evaluating the light transmittance characteristics of eye and face protectors. As a measuring device, a spectrophotometer is used. A spectrophotometer is a device that irradiates light of a specific wavelength onto a lens and measures the intensity of the transmitted light. The measurement is carried out at intervals of 1 nanometer or 5 nanometers in the wavelength range from 280 nanometers to 400 nanometers. The transmittance at each wavelength is measured, and the average value or the maximum value is taken as the ultraviolet transmittance.
[0120] Preferably, the ultraviolet transmittance is less than 0.50%, preferably less than 0.10%, and optimally less than 0.01%. When the ultraviolet transmittance is less than 0.50%, more than 99.5% of the ultraviolet rays are blocked. When the ultraviolet transmittance is less than 0.10%, more than 99.9% of the ultraviolet rays are blocked. When the ultraviolet transmittance is less than 0.01%, more than 99.99% of the ultraviolet rays from the front direction are blocked.
[0121] <Variant Example 13> Variant Example 13 is a variant example regarding the light transmittance characteristics of the lens. In this variant example, the difference between the light transmittance at a wavelength of 450 nanometers and the light transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nanometers of the lens is 10.00% or less.
[0122] The light with a wavelength of 450 nanometers is blue light. The light with a wavelength of 550 nanometers is green light. When the difference between the light transmittance T1 at a wavelength of 450 nanometers and the light transmittance T2 at a wavelength of 550 nanometers of the lens is large and T1 < T2, it indicates that the lens selectively absorbs or reflects blue light. Such a lens is said to have a blue light cut function.
[0123] However, some argue that blue light filtering is inappropriate for children. Recent studies have shown that blue light contributes to regulating the body clock, improving mood, and maintaining cognitive function. Excessive blocking of blue light can lead to the loss of these effects, potentially resulting in sleep disorders, low mood, and impaired cognitive function. On the other hand, it is also said that excessive use of digital devices at night or before bedtime can disrupt the body clock, so there is a certain benefit to filtering blue light at night.
[0124] In this modified example, as one option to meet diverse customer needs, the difference between the light transmittance of the lens at a wavelength of 450 nanometers and at a wavelength of 550 nanometers is set to 10.00% or less. This allows the lens to transmit light of natural colors without selectively absorbing or reflecting blue light. If the difference in light transmittance is 10.00% or less, the lens is considered to have no blue light filtering function.
[0125] <Example 14> Modification 14 is a modification relating to a photochromic lens. In this modification, the lens is a photochromic lens in which the maximum density is suppressed to 60% or less. A photochromic lens is a lens whose color changes depending on the amount of ultraviolet light or visible light. Photochromic lenses become darker outdoors and lighter indoors. The maximum density is preferably 50% or less, and preferably 40% or less. By suppressing the maximum density to 60% or less, the density outdoors is not too high, and the direction of the line of sight can be confirmed.
[0126] <Variation 15> Modification 15 is a modification relating to a product description set. This modification is a product description set that includes the eyewear of the present invention and a product description that mentions its suitability as school supplies.
[0127] The product description set combines eyewear with a product description. The product description is included on product shelves in stores, in brochures, on websites, or on the packaging. The product description clearly states that the eyewear is suitable as school supplies.
[0128] The product description set may also be a product display shelf. A product display shelf is a shelf installed in a store that displays multiple eyewear items. The product display shelf may have labels such as "School Supplies," "Sunglasses for Commuting to School," and "Protect Students' Eyes." In addition, the product display shelf may have posters explaining the importance of UV protection and photographs showing how the eyewear is used in school life. Through these labels and displays, customers can recognize that the displayed eyewear is suitable as school supplies.
[0129] Product display shelves are designed specifically for this purpose. The shelf colors are those reminiscent of a school, such as navy blue, gray, and white. The shelf shape is designed to allow eyewear to be displayed clearly and easily.
[0130] Product descriptions may be in the form of brochures. A brochure is a booklet that describes the features, specifications, price, and purchasing methods of eyewear. The brochure should also include information on the importance of UV protection, how to choose eyewear, and how to care for it. Brochures are distributed in stores and also to students and parents through schools.
[0131] Product descriptions may be in the form of a website. The website should include information such as the eyewear's features, specifications, price, and purchasing methods. The website should also feature photos and videos of the eyewear, allowing buyers to view details. An online purchasing function should be available, allowing buyers to order from home.
[0132] The product description set allows buyers to clearly understand that the eyewear is suitable as school supplies, enabling them to purchase with confidence. Furthermore, the product description set effectively communicates the features and benefits of the eyewear, thereby increasing their desire to purchase.
[0133] <Variation 16> Modification 16 is a modification relating to a school supplies set. This modification is a school supplies set comprising the eyewear of the present invention and an instruction manual or packaging container that states that it is suitable as a school supply.
[0134] A school supplies set consists of eyewear and instructions or packaging. The instructions clearly state that the eyewear is suitable as school supplies. The packaging is labeled "School Supplies," allowing the purchaser to recognize the eyewear as school supplies.
[0135] The instruction manual is a booklet or card included with the eyewear. The instruction manual may include one or more of the following items, for example: Firstly, the features of the eyewear. Specifications such as the UV transmittance of the lenses, lens density, rim color, and rim thickness are listed. Secondly, that the eyewear is suitable as school supplies. Explanations such as "Suitable for use at school" and "Can be used for commuting to and from school, outdoor classes, and club activities" are included. Thirdly, the importance of UV protection. The effects of UV rays on the eyes and the necessity of UV protection for young people are explained. Fourthly, how to use the eyewear. How to put on, adjust, and take off the eyewear is explained with illustrations. Fifthly, how to care for the eyewear. How to clean the lenses and how to store the frames are explained. Sixthly, the warranty details of the eyewear. The warranty period, scope of the warranty, and how to apply for the warranty are listed.
[0136] Instruction manuals come in a variety of formats. Firstly, there are foldable leaflets. Leaflets are made by folding a single sheet of paper, making them compact and easy to carry. Secondly, there are booklets. Booklets consist of multiple pages and can contain detailed information. Thirdly, there are cards. Cards are small, business card-sized pieces of paper that contain only the essential points.
[0137] The packaging is a box or case for storing eyewear. The packaging must be marked with the words "School Supplies." This marking can be applied by printing, a sticker, or a label. The marking can be located on the front, side, or top of the packaging. The marking must be large and clear so that the purchaser can easily recognize it.
[0138] The packaging includes specifications for the eyewear, such as the UV transmission rate of the lenses, lens tint, rim color, and rim thickness. This allows the buyer to check the specifications of the eyewear without opening the packaging.
[0139] The packaging container serves to protect the eyewear. It is made from a rigid material and can withstand external impacts. Cushioning material is placed inside the container to secure the eyewear, preventing damage during transport and storage. However, a soft case may suffice if the primary purpose is dust protection.
[0140] The packaging also serves as a storage container for the eyewear. Purchasers can store their eyewear in the packaging when not in use. The packaging is designed to be a convenient size and shape for carrying. If the packaging has a handle or strap, it will be easier to carry.
[0141] The school supplies set allows buyers to clearly understand that the eyewear is suitable as school supplies, enabling them to purchase with confidence. Furthermore, the school supplies set ensures that proper usage and care instructions for the eyewear are communicated, extending the lifespan of the eyewear.
[0142] This invention can also take the following forms. [Note 1] School supplies intended for use by students, The aforementioned school supplies are The right lens and The left lens and A front section having a right rim for supporting the right lens, a left rim for supporting the left lens, a bridge for connecting the right rim and the left rim, and a nose rest member for keeping the lens in front of the student's eye, The eyewear includes temples to keep the lenses in front of the student's eyes, The ultraviolet transmittance of both the right lens and the left lens is less than 7.00%. School supplies.
[0143] According to Appendix 1, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: effectively protecting students' eyes from ultraviolet rays, providing eyewear that can be worn daily in school life, preventing corneal inflammation caused by ultraviolet rays, reducing the risk of developing pinguecula and pterygium, suppressing the progression of cataracts, preventing long-term eye health damage caused by ultraviolet exposure in young people, and providing eyewear as school supplies.
[0144] [Note 2] Schools are elementary schools, junior high schools, or high schools. Guidelines are provided for the degree of tinting of the lenses, the color of the lenses, the size of the lenses, the thickness of the rims, the color of the rims, the shape of the rims, and / or the material of the eyewear, in order to make them suitable as school supplies. The aforementioned eyewear conforms to the aforementioned guidelines. School supplies as listed in Appendix 1.
[0145] According to Appendix 2, it is possible to solve one or more of the following challenges: achieving a design that harmonizes with school uniforms, providing eyewear that students can wear without feeling uncomfortable, providing eyewear that is acceptable for use in school education settings, establishing standards for school-designated items, providing an introductory model that all students can wear uniformly, clarifying its position as a "health management product," and providing eyewear that is easy to obtain approval, recommendation, and acceptance from schools.
[0146] [Note 3] School supplies for which guidelines are provided regarding the degree of tinting of the aforementioned lenses, The degree of coloration of the aforementioned lens is 40% or less in density. School supplies as described in Appendix 1 or 2.
[0147] According to Appendix 3, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: providing a lens that allows confirmation of the direction of gaze; providing a lens that is acceptable for use in school education settings while sufficiently suppressing glare; providing a lens that can be used both indoors and outdoors; providing a lens that does not look unnatural when moving around in a classroom or indoors; making it possible to confirm the facial expressions of students' eyes; and facilitating smooth communication.
[0148] [Note 4] School supplies for which guidelines are provided regarding the degree of tinting of the aforementioned lenses, The degree of coloration of the aforementioned lens is 30% or less in density. School supplies as described in Appendix 1 or 2.
[0149] According to Appendix 4, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: providing lenses that can suppress glare, providing lenses suitable for students who have many opportunities to engage in outdoor activities, providing lenses that maintain a bright field of view, and ensuring a natural field of view even inside the classroom.
[0150] [Note 5] School supplies for which guidelines are provided regarding the degree of tinting of the aforementioned lenses, The degree of coloration of the aforementioned lens is 15% or less in density. School supplies as described in Appendix 1 or 2.
[0151] According to Appendix 5, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: providing a lens that can be expected to have a glare-reducing effect, providing a lens that is not easily noticeable as being tinted, providing a lens that maintains a nearly natural brightness in the view seen through the lens, and providing a lens that does not feel out of place in school life.
[0152] [Note 6] School supplies for which guidelines are provided regarding the degree of tinting of the aforementioned lenses, The degree of coloration of the aforementioned lens is 10% or less in density. School supplies as described in Appendix 1 or 2.
[0153] According to Appendix 6, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: the problem of obtaining UV protection, the problem of providing lenses that appear colorless, the problem of not noticing that the lenses are colored, and the problem of providing lenses that feel the least uncomfortable during school life.
[0154] [Note 7] School supplies for which a guideline is provided for the color of the aforementioned lens, The color of the aforementioned lens has a saturation of less than 30 in the Lab color system. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 6.
[0155] According to Appendix 7, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: providing lenses with natural colors, providing lenses that can be worn without feeling out of place in school life, providing lenses that are not too flashy, and providing lenses that are acceptable for use in school education settings.
[0156] [Note 8] School supplies for which a guideline is provided for the color of the aforementioned lens, The color of the aforementioned lens has negative a and b values in the Lab color system, and a saturation of less than 40. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 6.
[0157] According to Appendix 8, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: providing lenses with eye-friendly colors, providing lenses suitable for prolonged wear, and providing comfortable vision with a blue-green tint.
[0158] [Note 9] The aforementioned school supplies have guidelines for the size of the lens, The aforementioned lens has a length in the left-right direction greater than 30.00 mm and less than 60.00 mm, and a length in the up-down direction greater than 20.00 mm and less than 50.00 mm. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 8.
[0159] According to Appendix 9, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: ensuring a sufficient field of view, not making the presence of eyewear excessively noticeable, providing lenses of a size acceptable for use in school education settings, enabling students to be aware of their surroundings while commuting to and from school or participating in club activities, and ensuring safety.
[0160] [Note 10] A school supply in which guidelines are provided for the thickness of the rim, The diameter of the aforementioned rim is less than 10.00 mm. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 9.
[0161] According to Appendix 10, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: providing rims that do not excessively draw attention to the presence of eyewear; providing rims of a thickness that is acceptable for use in school education settings; providing eyewear with thin, understated rims; and providing eyewear that can be worn without feeling out of place in school life.
[0162] [Note 11] School supplies for which guidelines are provided for the color of the rim, The color of the aforementioned rim has a lightness of less than 40 in the Lab color system. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 10.
[0163] According to Appendix 11, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: providing dark-colored rims, providing rims in colors that are acceptable for use in school education settings, providing eyewear that gives a calm impression, providing rims that harmonize well with school uniforms, providing eyewear that appears inconspicuous, and providing rims that do not easily show dirt.
[0164] [Note 12] School supplies for which guidelines are provided for the color of the rim, The color difference ΔE between the school's school color and the color of the rim is less than 40. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 11.
[0165] According to Appendix 12, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: providing rims in colors that match the school colors; providing rims in colors that are permitted for use at that school; providing eyewear that can express the school's identity; and providing eyewear that is likely to be adopted as school-designated items.
[0166] [Note 13] School supplies for which guidelines are provided for the color of the rim, The color difference ΔE between the color of the fabric that occupies the largest area of the school's winter uniform jacket and the color of the rim is less than 40. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 11.
[0167] According to Appendix 13, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: providing rims in colors that match the uniform, providing rims in colors that are permitted for use at that school, ensuring that the eyewear blends seamlessly with the uniform, and providing eyewear that female students can wear without feeling out of place.
[0168] [Note 14] School supplies for which guidelines are provided for the color of the rim, The rim is monochromatic, i.e., the color difference ΔE is less than 10. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 13.
[0169] According to Appendix 14, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: the problem of not making the presence of eyewear excessively prominent, the problem of providing rims that are acceptable for use in school education settings, the problem of providing eyewear that gives a calm impression, the problem of providing rims that harmonize well with school uniforms, and the problem of providing eyewear that does not become tiresome and can be used for a long period of time.
[0170] [Note 15] School supplies for which guidelines are provided for the thickness and color of the rim, The diameter of the rim is less than 2.00 mm. The color of the aforementioned rim has a saturation of less than 50 if its lightness is greater than 60 and 70 or less in the Lab color system, and less than 40 if its lightness is greater than 70. School supplies listed in any one of the appendices 1 through 14.
[0171] According to Appendix 15, when the rim is thin, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: the problem that the presence of the eyewear does not become excessively prominent even if the saturation is somewhat high; the problem that bright or light colors can be used; the problem that the degree of freedom in design can be increased; and the problem that eyewear can be provided that creates a modern atmosphere.
[0172] [Note 16] The aforementioned rim shape is provided with guidelines for school supplies, The aforementioned rim is a full rim. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 15.
[0173] According to Appendix 16, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: the challenge of securely holding the lens, the challenge of providing highly durable eyewear, the challenge of providing eyewear that can withstand the impacts of daily use and commuting to and from school, the challenge of providing a shape that is recognized as normal eyewear, the challenge of providing eyewear with a shape that is easily accepted in the school education setting, and the challenge of providing highly safe eyewear.
[0174] [Note 17] The aforementioned lens is made of resin, Eyeglass frames are, The durability test described in JIS B7285 (2016), where the number of repetitions is changed from 500 to 2000, must be passed, and / or The product passes the sweat resistance test described in JIS B7285 (2016), when the 8-hour holding time is changed to 32 hours. School supplies listed in any one of the appendices 1 through 16.
[0175] According to Appendix 17, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: providing high durability to withstand long-term use in school life; providing high resistance to sweat and moisture; withstanding harsh usage conditions during club activities and physical education classes; not being damaged even when the eyewear is opened and closed frequently; providing durable eyewear; and providing eyewear with excellent resilience and impact resistance.
[0176] [Note 18] The absolute value of the prescription value of the aforementioned lens is less than 2.00D. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 17.
[0177] According to Appendix 18, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: encouraging UV protection even for students with mild myopia; providing UV-cutting functionality even with non-prescription lenses; achieving UV protection even with lenses whose UV-blocking effect is insufficient; and spreading UV protection to a wider range of students.
[0178] [Note 19] The aforementioned eyewear is approved, recommended, or permitted by the school, the students attending that school, the board of education, or the PTA as suitable as school supplies. School supplies listed in any one of the appendices 1 through 18.
[0179] According to Appendix 19, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: ensuring that students can wear eyewear with peace of mind, implementing unified UV protection measures throughout the school, establishing an implementation model that can be worn uniformly by all students as school-designated items, gaining the understanding and cooperation of parents, promoting the spread of UV protection, and providing eyewear that is easily approved, recommended, and accepted by schools.
[0180] [Note 20] It has a mark indicating that it is a school supply. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 19.
[0181] According to Appendix 20, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: the ability to identify whether an item conforms to the standards for school supplies; the ability to clarify its position as a "health management item"; the ability for school teachers to confirm whether a school supply conforms to school rules; and the ability to create an environment in which students can wear the items with peace of mind.
[0182] [Note 21] A mark indicating that the item is a school supply is affixed to the inside of the temple in a way that it is not visible when the item is being worn. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 20.
[0183] According to Appendix 21, this solution can address one or more of the following issues: preventing students from being identified as a school student during their commute; reducing the risk of leakage of students' personal information; resolving safety issues, especially for female students; maintaining a simple appearance for the eyewear; protecting student privacy; and ensuring the mark can be seen within the school.
[0184] [Note 22] A mark indicating that the item is a school supply is affixed to the outside of the temple or endpiece so that it is visible when the item is worn. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 20.
[0185] According to Appendix 22, this system can solve one or more of the following problems: the challenge of teachers being able to easily check whether school supplies comply with school rules; the challenge of adopting a means to instantly identify whether items meet the standards for school supplies; the challenge of being able to check whether school supplies meet the standards even from a distance; and the challenge of making management easier at school.
[0186] [Note 23] The aforementioned eyewear is marked with a symbol that allows it to be identified as school supplies. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 22.
[0187] According to Appendix 23, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: the problem of being able to identify that the supplies belong to that school, the problem of being able to express the school's identity, the problem of clearly defining the position of the supplies as school-designated items, and the problem of being able to distinguish them from school supplies of other schools.
[0188] [Note 24] The ultraviolet transmittance of the aforementioned lens is less than 1.00% for 280-315 nm (UV-B) and 315-400 nm (UV-A). School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 23.
[0189] According to Appendix 24, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: blocking more than 99% of ultraviolet rays, suppressing the reach of ultraviolet rays to the eyes, significantly reducing ultraviolet damage to the cornea and lens, minimizing the risk of ophthalmic diseases such as pinguecula, pterygium, and cataracts, and providing a higher level of ultraviolet protection.
[0190] [Note 25] The difference between the light transmittance of the aforementioned lens at a wavelength of 450 nm and the light transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nm is 10.00% or less. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 24.
[0191] According to Appendix 25, this device can solve one or more of the following problems: the problem that blue light filtering is inappropriate for children; the problem that it does not excessively block blue light; the problem that it transmits blue light which contributes to regulating the body clock, improving mood, and maintaining cognitive function; the problem that it prevents sleep disorders, mood swings, and cognitive decline; the problem that it supports the healthy development of children in their growth period; and the problem that it transmits light of natural colors.
[0192] [Note 26] The aforementioned lens is a photochromic lens in which the maximum density is suppressed to 60% or less. School supplies as listed in any one of the appendices 1, 2, 7 through 25.
[0193] According to Appendix 26, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: the problem of the lens density not being too high outdoors, the problem of providing photochromic lenses that allow the direction of the gaze to be confirmed, the problem of providing photochromic lenses that can be used both indoors and outdoors, and the problem of providing photochromic lenses that are permissible for use in school life.
[0194] [Note 27] It is sold as a UV protection product and also as a school supply. School supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 26.
[0195] According to Appendix 27, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: the problem of parents and students recognizing eyewear as school supplies, the problem of providing eyewear that can be purchased with confidence, the problem of clearly stating in the product description that it is suitable as a school supply, the problem of clearly defining its position as a UV protection product, and the problem of promoting sales as a school supply.
[0196] [Note 28] The school supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 27, The aforementioned school supplies have a product description that mentions their suitability as school supplies. Product description set.
[0197] According to Appendix 28, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: the challenge of enabling purchasers to recognize eyewear as school supplies, the challenge of providing an environment in which purchases can be made with confidence, the challenge of effectively communicating the features and advantages of eyewear, the challenge of promoting the desire to purchase, the challenge of easily identifying eyewear sold as school supplies in stores, and the challenge of distinguishing eyewear from other eyewear on product shelves.
[0198] [Note 29] The school supplies listed in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 27, The aforementioned school supplies have an instruction manual or packaging container that states that they are suitable as school supplies. School supplies set.
[0199] According to Appendix 29, it is possible to solve one or more of the following problems: the problem of buyers recognizing eyewear as school supplies, the problem of providing an environment in which purchases can be made with peace of mind, the problem of properly communicating how to use and care for eyewear, the problem of extending the lifespan of eyewear, the problem of communicating the importance of UV protection through the instruction manual, the problem of clearly defining the position of eyewear as school supplies through the packaging, and the problem of protecting and storing eyewear through the packaging.
[0200] <<Industrial Applicability>> The school supplies of this invention can be widely used as eyewear for students attending elementary, junior high, or high school. In particular, for students who frequently engage in outdoor activities such as commuting to and from school, outdoor classes, and club activities, the school supplies of this invention are useful as an effective means of protecting their eyes from ultraviolet rays. Furthermore, by adopting the school supplies of this invention as designated school items, a unified approach to UV protection can be implemented throughout the school. In addition, the school supplies of this invention can be widely distributed by being sold at opticians, school supply stores, and online shops.
[0201] ------------- Eyewear Purchase Support System -------------
[0202] <<Technical Field>> This invention relates to an information and communication system that enables students who wish to purchase eyewear for protection against ultraviolet rays to do so smoothly.
[0203] <<Background technology>> Companies that sell eyewear through multiple stores are implementing measures to manage information on the prescription values of registered customers, thereby facilitating eyewear purchases and retaining customers. Such systems allow customers to share their vision data across stores, improving convenience for repeat purchases. Note that "multiple stores" may mean, for example, having 10 or more stores, 30 or more stores, 50 or more stores, or 100 or more stores, and / or having multiple stores in both the Kanto and Kansai regions.
[0204] Furthermore, a variety of eyewear products, including sunglasses, are sold as protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are known to have adverse effects on eye health, and appropriate UV protection is desirable, especially for students in their growth period, to reduce the risk of future eye diseases. However, some eyewear sold as UV protection products are unsuitable for commuting to school or school use due to reasons such as dark lenses or flashy frame designs. In school life, due to educational considerations, there is a tendency to prefer eyewear with a calm appearance that is not overly decorative.
[0205] Traditionally, eyewear for UV protection and eyewear for glare protection have often been confused. UV protection can be achieved even with clear lenses if they have UV-absorbing properties, but glare protection requires dark lenses. This confusion has made it difficult for students to choose eyewear suitable for school use.
[0206] <<Problems the invention aims to solve>> The objective of this invention is to provide a novel information and communication system that enables students to easily purchase eyewear for UV protection. For example, it aims to make it easier for students to find eyewear suitable for their school. For example, it aims to make it easier for students to purchase eyewear designated as school supplies. For example, it aims to improve convenience for parents and students by making certified school supplies available for online purchase. For example, it aims to clearly distinguish between eyewear for UV protection and eyewear for glare protection so that students can select the appropriate product. For example, it aims to efficiently provide eyewear that conforms to the standards set by each school. For example, it aims to reduce confusion during purchase by displaying only products that conform to the school rules or guidelines set by each school. For example, it aims to create a system in which school officials can recommend and sell appropriate eyewear to their students.
[0207] <<Means for solving the problem>> The problem of this invention is solved by the configuration described in claim 1.
[0208] <<Effects of the invention>> This invention can solve one or more of the problems described in the original invention.
[0209] <<Brief explanation of the drawing>> <<Figure 1>> This is a perspective view of eyewear according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from diagonally above. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of this embodiment, including the information communication system, network, and user-side terminal. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration related to the information and communication system of this embodiment. <<Figure 4>> This flowchart shows the processing procedure when selling eyewear as school supplies to students of a school via online sales. <<Figure 5>> This figure shows an example of a purchase screen for eyewear as school supplies.
[0210] <<Forms for implementing the invention>> The embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0211] <School supplies> Regarding eyewear as school supplies, I have already mentioned this.
[0212] <Overall Structure> The overall configuration of this invention, including the information and communication system, will now be described.
[0213] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an information communication system (ICS), a network (NW), and a user-side terminal 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention (this embodiment).
[0214] [Configuration of Information and Communication Systems] The information and communication system (ICS) comprises a storage device 10, a processing device 20, and a communication device 30. The ICS may be built on-premises, or part or all of it may be built on a cloud environment. When a cloud environment is adopted, the system's scalability and maintainability are improved, and it can flexibly handle access from a large number of users.
[0215] [Storage device] The storage device 10 is a device that stores various information about the eyewear, as will be described later. The storage device 10 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, or a combination thereof. A database managed by a database management system may be built on the storage device 10. The database may be a relational database, a document-oriented database, or another type of database.
[0216] The types of information stored in the storage device 10 vary widely depending on the purpose of this invention. For example, it may include user attribute information, information on eyewear specifications and inventory, school information, and information on eyewear suitability. This information is stored in data tables, files, or other formats.
[0217] Furthermore, the storage device 10 stores website-related files such as HTML files, CSS files, image files, and video files necessary to configure the website. In addition, it also stores computer programs, operating systems, and various device drivers necessary to operate the processing unit 20.
[0218] Figure 2 separately shows a storage device 15. The storage device 15 functions as cloud storage and can replace part or all of the storage device 10. Adopting the storage device 15 facilitates data backup and access from multiple locations. The storage device 15 may be located outside the information and communication system (ICS) and connected via a network (NW).
[0219] [Processing device] The processing unit 20 is a device that executes various processes based on instructions from a computer program. The processing unit 20 performs various processes related to eyewear, as will be described later. In this invention, "processing unit" means "multiple CPUs" and / or "multiple CPU cores". The processing performed by the processing unit 20 is performed by at least one CPU or CPU core included in the processing unit 20 (cooperative processing such as parallel processing and distributed processing). Because the processing unit 20 has multiple cores, parallel processing and distributed processing become possible, and large amounts of data and complex calculations can be processed efficiently.
[0220] The processing performed by the processing unit 20 includes a variety of processes, such as data acquisition, data processing, data transmission, user authentication, session management, database access, web page generation, and communication control. These processes are executed by at least one information processing processor included in the processing unit 20. When multiple processes are performed in parallel, each process may be assigned to a different core for execution, enabling cooperative processing.
[0221] The processing unit 20 operates in conjunction with random access memory (RAM), which functions as main memory. The RAM temporarily holds the code of the running program and data being processed. The processing unit 20 may also be equipped with cache memory, and processing speed can be improved by storing frequently accessed data in the cache.
[0222] [Communication equipment] The communication device 30 is a device for communicating with external devices via a network NW. The communication device 30 is composed of, for example, a network interface card, a router, a switch, or a combination thereof. The communication device 30 may perform wired communication or wireless communication.
[0223] [network] The network NW is a communication network connecting the information and communication system ICS and the user terminal 50. The network NW may be the Internet, an intranet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or a combination thereof. The network NW is composed of a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination thereof.
[0224] [User-side terminal] The user-side terminal 50 is a terminal device used by users to access the information and communication system (ICS). Figure 2 shows multiple user-side terminals 50, illustrating that many users can use the system simultaneously.
[0225] The user terminal 50 may be a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, laptop, wearable device, etc. Alternatively, the user terminal 50 may be a terminal used to serve customers in a store or similar establishment. For store terminals, a desktop computer, tablet, or dedicated business terminal may be used.
[0226] In this specification, "user side" refers to the user themselves or the store staff serving the user. Therefore, the user-side terminal 50 is a concept that includes not only terminals operated directly by the end user, but also terminals operated by store staff and automated customer service terminals within the store (e.g., AI customer service terminals).
[0227] <Hardware Configuration> Next, an example of the hardware constituting the information communication system (ICS) will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration related to the information communication system of this embodiment. The information communication system (ICS) includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) H11 as a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) H12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) H13, a bus H14, an input / output interface H15, an output unit H16, an input unit H17, a storage unit H18, a communication unit H19, and a drive H20.
[0228] CPUH11 executes various processes according to the program stored in ROMH12 or the program loaded into RAMH13 from memory unit H18. RAMH13 also stores data necessary for CPUH11 to execute these processes. CPUH11, ROMH12, and RAMH13 are interconnected via bus H14. An input / output interface H15 is also connected to this bus H14.
[0229] The input / output interface H15 is connected to the output unit H16, input unit H17, storage unit H18, communication unit H19, and drive H20. The output unit H16 consists of a display, speaker, etc., and outputs various information as images and sounds. The input unit H17 consists of a keyboard, mouse, etc., and inputs various information. The storage unit H18 consists of a hard disk, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various data. The communication unit H19 communicates with other devices via a network, including the internet.
[0230] Drive H20 is appropriately equipped with removable media H21, which may consist of a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory. Programs read from removable media H21 by drive H20 are installed in storage unit H18 as needed. Removable media H21 can also store various data stored in storage unit H18, just like storage unit H18.
[0231] Here, for example, in Figure 2, the storage device 10 corresponds to the storage unit H18, the processing unit 20 corresponds to the CPU H11, and the communication device 30 corresponds to the communication unit H19. Note that the hardware configuration described is merely an example. The computer described in this embodiment, including the information communication system ICS, may have the same configuration as the one in Figure 3, or it may have a different configuration. Each terminal, device, etc. in Figure 2 may be, for example, a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone having a configuration similar to the hardware configuration shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the information communication system ICS may be composed of two or more information processing devices, etc.
[0232] [System-wide operation] The information and communication system (ICS) accepts access requests from user terminals 50 and provides appropriate information. Specifically, the user accesses the ICS by launching a web browser or dedicated application on the user terminal 50. This access request reaches the communication device 30 via the network (NW).
[0233] The communication device 30 forwards the received access request to the processing device 20. The processing device 20 analyzes the content of the access request and retrieves data from the storage device 10 or storage device 15 as needed. The retrieved data is processed by the processing device 20 and configured as a web page or application screen. The configured data is sent to the network NW via the communication device 30 and delivered to the user terminal 50.
[0234] On the user-side terminal 50, the received data is displayed on the display device. The user browses the displayed information and performs operations using the input device as needed. The content of the user's operations is transmitted again to the information communication system ICS via the network NW and processed by the processing device 20. Through such two-way communication, the user can perform various operations such as information browsing, searching, and purchasing.
[0235] The information communication system ICS is designed to be able to handle simultaneous access from multiple user-side terminals 50. Since the processing device 20 has multiple cores, it can process multiple requests in parallel. Also, by appropriately ensuring the capacities of the storage device 10 and the storage device 15, a large amount of data can be efficiently managed.
[0236] From a security perspective, the information communication system ICS may have a user authentication function. The user can log in to their account by entering a user ID and password. After logging in, session management is performed and the user's state is maintained. The session information may be temporarily stored in the storage device 10, allowing multiple pages to be browsed while maintaining the logged-in state. Exceptionally, the information communication system ICS may communicate with users who do not have an account, but considering after-sales services related to eyewear, it is desirable to at least encourage the registration of nickname accounts.
[0237] As described above, the information communication system ICS of the present invention has a storage device 10, a processing device 20, and a communication device 30, and is connected to a plurality of user-side terminals 50 via the network NW, thereby realizing the provision and processing of various information related to eyewear.
[0238] <Embodiment 1> The information communication system ICS of this embodiment is used by a company that distributes eyewear sales across multiple stores to provide information related to eyewear.
[0239] [Storage Device] The storage device 10 of this embodiment stores, without limitation, user attribute information regarding the attributes of a user and eyewear information regarding eyewear. In addition to these data, the storage device 10 stores website-related files, computer programs, device drivers, and the like.
[0240] The user attribute information includes the user's personal information, purchase history, information regarding eyesight, information regarding the school the user commutes to, and the like. For example, basic information such as the user's name, date of birth, gender, address, telephone number, and e-mail address is stored. In addition, the purchase history, such as the date and time of purchase, the store where the purchase was made, the purchase amount, and the model number of the purchased eyewear, when the user purchases eyewear is stored.
[0241] As information regarding eyesight, the prescription value of the user is stored. The prescription value is an index indicating the refractive power of a lens and is expressed in diopters. For each of the right and left eyes, the spherical power, cylindrical power, axis angle, addition power, and the like are stored. The prescription value is registered in the information communication system ICS at the time of eyesight measurement. By storing the prescription value, online purchase of eyewear becomes easier. However, when the user is in the growth stage, it is desirable to measure it each time.
[0242] When the user is a student, the user attribute information includes student information indicating that the user is a student. The student information indicates that the user is a child or student attending elementary school, junior high school, or high school. In addition, commuting school information regarding the school the user commutes to is stored. The commuting school information includes the school name, the location of the school, the type of school, the grade, and the like. For example, information such as "A High School", "XX Ward, Tokyo", "High School", and "Second-year student" is stored.
[0243] By storing the commuting school information, the information communication system ICS can present the user with eyewear suitable for that school. Based on the commuting school information, by displaying only eyewear that meets the standards regarding the degree of lens coloring, the color of the lens, the color of the rim, the thickness of the rim, the shape of the rim, and the like, the user can surely purchase eyewear that is permitted for use at school.
[0244] Eyewear information includes specifications, prices, and stock availability of the eyewear being sold. Eyewear specifications include frame model number, frame shape, frame color, frame material, lens type, lens color, and UV transmission rate. For example, for eyewear with model number "ZA231043-14E1," information such as "Boston style," "black," "plastic," and "99% UV protection" would be stored.
[0245] The system stores price information such as regular price, sale price, and student discount price. It also stores inventory status, including online availability and availability at individual stores. By updating this information in real time, users can purchase eyewear based on the latest information.
[0246] Eyewear information also includes information indicating suitability as school supplies. For example, a flag indicating that a particular pair of eyewear is suitable as a school supply, or information indicating that it meets the criteria for school supplies, is stored. Specifically, information is stored indicating whether the eyewear meets or does not meet the criteria, such as "lens density 40% or less," "rim color brightness less than 40," "rim diameter less than 10 millimeters," and "full rim."
[0247] Furthermore, eyewear information specific to each school organization is stored. A school organization refers to a single school or a group of schools. For example, it could refer to a single school called "A High School" or a group of schools called "○○ Municipal Junior High School Group." The eyewear information for each school organization includes a list of eyewear that that school organization has approved as school supplies. For example, it might store a list of eyewear model numbers approved by A High School, a list of lens colors permitted by A High School, and frame shapes recommended by A High School.
[0248] By storing eyewear information for each school organization, eyewear can be provided in accordance with each school's policies. Some schools may have designated eyewear models as required items. Furthermore, some schools may have restrictions on lens color, such as "only gray or brown is acceptable." By storing this information in the storage device 10, students and parents can reliably purchase eyewear that meets school standards.
[0249] [Processing device] The processing performed by the processing unit 20 of this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, user attribute information acquisition processing, eyewear information acquisition processing, user attribute information transmission processing, and eyewear information transmission processing.
[0250] The user attribute information acquisition process is the process of acquiring user attribute information from the storage device 10. For example, when a user logs into a website, the user attribute information of that user is read from the storage device 10 based on the user ID. The read user attribute information is temporarily held in the memory of the processing device 20.
[0251] The user attribute information retrieval process determines whether the user is a student. If student information is included in the user attribute information, the user is determined to be a student. Furthermore, if school attendance information is included, the school the user attends is identified. This information is used in subsequent processing to identify eyewear information suitable for the user.
[0252] The eyewear information acquisition process is the process of acquiring eyewear information from the storage device 10. In the eyewear information acquisition process, eyewear information suitable for the user is identified based on the user attribute information.
[0253] For example, if the user is a student, the system retrieves information on eyewear suitable as school supplies. Specifically, it extracts eyewear that meets the criteria for school supplies from the eyewear information stored in the storage device 10. Only eyewear that meets the conditions is selected as a candidate to be presented to the user.
[0254] Furthermore, if the user's school information is identified, eyewear information specific to that school organization is retrieved. For example, if the user is a student at High School A, a list of eyewear approved by High School A is retrieved. Eyewear approved by High School A is guaranteed to comply with High School A's school rules or guidelines, allowing students to purchase it with confidence.
[0255] The eyewear information acquisition process also suggests lens types based on the user's vision information. For example, if the user's prescription values are stored, a frame that can accommodate lenses corresponding to those prescription values will be selected. If the absolute value of the prescription value is large, the lenses will be thicker, so a frame shape that minimizes the appearance of lens thickness will be recommended.
[0256] The user attribute information transmission process is the process of sending user attribute information to the communication device 30 in order to display the user attribute information on the user's terminal screen. For example, when a user views their My Page, information such as the user's name, grade level, and school attended will be displayed on the screen. This allows the user to confirm their registered information.
[0257] The user attribute information transmission process includes transmitting student information indicating that the user is a student, and / or school information regarding the school the user attends. For example, the My Page may display "Student" or "School Attended: A High School". It also includes the transmission of the school name and the grade level. For example, information such as "A High School" and "2nd Year" may be displayed.
[0258] By displaying this information, users can confirm that their attribute information is correctly registered. They can also recognize that the ICS (Information and Communication System) is providing appropriate services based on their attributes.
[0259] The eyewear information transmission process is a process of transmitting eyewear information to the communication device 30 in order to display the eyewear information on the user-side terminal screen. In the eyewear information transmission process, the eyewear information specified based on the user attribute information is transmitted.
[0260] For example, when the user is a student, information regarding eyewear suitable for students is transmitted. Specifically, the product image, model number, price, specifications, etc. of the eyewear that meet the criteria as school supplies are displayed on the user-side terminal screen. A explanatory text such as "Suitable as school supplies" or an icon indicating that it is school supplies may also be displayed on the screen.
[0261] In the eyewear information transmission process, the detailed information of the eyewear is also transmitted. The detailed information includes the material of the frame, the type of lens, the UV cut-off rate, the visible light transmittance, the degree of lens coloring, the color of the rim, the thickness of the rim, etc.
[0262] Also, the inventory status is transmitted. By displays such as "Online inventory available" and "In-store inventory available", the user can judge the purchase possibility. When there is in-store inventory, the name of the nearest store and the number of inventories may be displayed. For example, information such as "There are 3 in stock at ○○ store" is displayed.
[0263] Furthermore, review information or evaluation information may be transmitted. By displaying evaluations, comments, etc. when other users purchase the eyewear, the user can obtain materials for the purchase decision. In particular, when reviews by students of the same school are displayed, reference information regarding the usage feeling at school can be obtained.
[0264] [Communication device] The communication device 30 communicates with the user-side terminal 50 via the network NW.
[0265] [User-side terminal] Non-limitingly, the user-side terminal 50 in this embodiment is a terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer owned by the user. Alternatively, the user-side terminal 50 may be a terminal used to serve users in a store or other establishment. For example, a store employee can measure a user's eyesight and register the results in the information and communication system (ICS) using a tablet terminal installed in the store.
[0266] The user side refers to either the user themselves or the store employee serving the user. The terminal used by the employee also displays the user's attribute information and eyewear information, allowing for product suggestions tailored to the user.
[0267] The user terminal 50 utilizes services provided by the information and communication system ICS by running a web browser or a dedicated application.
[0268] [Selection function on the online eyewear purchase screen] Non-limitingly, the online purchase screen for eyewear in this embodiment may allow users to choose whether or not to limit the types of eyewear to school supplies. For example, a checkbox labeled "Filter to school supplies" may be provided on the search screen, and by checking this box, only eyewear suitable as school supplies may be displayed.
[0269] This feature allows student users to search for eyewear suitable for school use and eyewear for personal use separately. If the search is not limited to school supplies, all products will be displayed, including fashionable eyewear and sports eyewear.
[0270] Furthermore, even when narrowing the search to school supplies, it may be possible to further refine the search using more specific criteria. For example, by specifying conditions such as "lens density 15% or less," "rim color: black only," and "frame shape: Boston or Wellington," users can efficiently find products that suit their preferences.
[0271] <Embodiment 2> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing steps when selling eyewear as school supplies to students of a school via online sales. Figure 5 shows an example of a purchase screen for eyewear as school supplies. Using Figures 4 and 5, this embodiment will explain the procedure for processing (eyewear sales processing) when selling eyewear as school supplies to students of a school via the internet. In this embodiment, students and guardians can purchase only eyewear approved by the school through a dedicated webpage provided for each school organization.
[0272] [Information transmission processing by school organization] The processing performed by the processing device 20 of this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, school organization-specific information transmission processing. School organization-specific information transmission processing is the process of transmitting school organization-specific eyewear information, which is information relating to eyewear for each school organization.
[0273] A school organization refers to a single school or a group of schools. For example, it could refer to a single school such as "A High School," or it could refer to a group of multiple junior high schools such as "○○ Municipal Junior High School Group." When referring to a group of schools, this could include a group of schools under the jurisdiction of the same board of education, or a group of schools operated by the same governing body.
[0274] The eyewear information for each school organization includes a list of eyewear that the school organization has approved as school supplies. For example, it may include a list of eyewear model numbers approved by High School A, a list of lens colors permitted by High School A, and frame shapes recommended by High School A. This information is stored in the storage device 10 for each school organization.
[0275] In the school organization-specific information transmission process, eyewear information corresponding to the school organization accessed by the user is transmitted. For example, if a user accesses the webpage dedicated to High School A, only eyewear information certified by High School A will be transmitted. Eyewear certified by other schools and general eyewear will not be displayed.
[0276] The school organization-specific information transmission process may transmit school organization-specific eyewear information on a website dedicated to that school organization. A website dedicated to a school organization is a website that can only be accessed by users associated with a specific school organization. For example, a URL such as "https: / / www.zoff.co.jp / school / a-highschool / XYZ39 / " is set as the webpage dedicated to A High School. The website dedicated to a school organization may be set as a private URL. A private URL is a URL that is not made public to the general public and is known only to those involved. The school notifies students and guardians of the dedicated URL. The URL may contain a random string of characters that is difficult to guess, such as "XYZ39".
[0277] [School Organization Personnel Authentication Process] The processing performed by the processing unit 20 of this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, school organization personnel authentication processing. School organization personnel authentication processing is an authentication process for granting access permission to school organization personnel to school organization-specific eyewear information.
[0278] As shown in Figure 4, when a user visits a webpage provided by a specific school organization, an authentication process is performed to determine whether they are affiliated with that school organization (S10). A school organization affiliate refers to a student attending that school, their parent or guardian, a teacher at that school, or any other person associated with that school.
[0279] Authentication of school organization personnel can be implemented in various ways. The first method is authentication by accessing a private URL.
[0280] The second method is authentication by entering an authentication code. The school distributes authentication codes to students and their guardians. The authentication codes may be changed periodically, and different codes may be assigned to each grade level or class.
[0281] The third method is authentication via an authenticated service. Authenticated services include, for example, social media or authentication services such as LINE, Facebook, and Google. Users can access a webpage in an authenticated state by clicking a link from the LINE app.
[0282] The fourth method is email address verification. If the school has provided students with a school-designated email address, verification will be performed using that email address. Access will be granted when the user clicks the link in the verification email.
[0283] The fifth method is passkey authentication. The passkey may be the device's biometric authentication or the device's PIN code.
[0284] Through the school organization authentication process, the user is confirmed to be a student attending the school organization (A High School) and granted access. If authentication is successful, the user can view school-specific eyewear information and proceed with the eyewear purchase process.
[0285] [Eyewear purchase screen display information provision processing] In this embodiment, if authentication is successful, the processing unit 20 provides the user terminal 50 with eyewear purchase screen display information, which is information for displaying the eyewear purchase screen (S20).
[0286] As shown in Figure 5, the eyewear purchase screen is displayed on the user terminal 50. The eyewear purchase screen is titled "A High School Uniform Glasses Purchase Screen" and displays a list of product images of eyewear that A High School has certified as school supplies.
[0287] The product image list displays multiple eyewear items side-by-side. For each piece of eyewear, the product image, model number, price, and features are displayed.
[0288] The eyewear purchase screen only displays eyewear approved by A High School. Even if unapproved eyewear meets the standards for school supplies, it will not be displayed on this screen. This ensures that students and parents can select only school-approved products, avoiding situations where students are denied permission to use their purchased eyewear after purchase.
[0289] The eyewear purchase screen also displays stock availability. Checkboxes such as "In stock online" and "In stock in-store" are provided, allowing users to view only products that are in stock. If an item is in stock online, the user can complete the purchase process immediately and choose home delivery. If an item is in stock in-store, the user can pick up the product at their nearest store.
[0290] [Eyewear filtering process] Non-limitingly, the eyewear purchase screen of this embodiment is provided with a user interface for setting filtering and sorting conditions. As shown in Figure 5, filtering conditions such as "gender," "frame shape," and "frame features" are displayed.
[0291] By filtering by gender, users can select eyewear that suits their gender. Unisex eyewear is designed to be worn by both men and women.
[0292] The frame shape selection feature includes checkboxes for options such as "Boston," "Wellington," "Square," "Oval," and "Round." Users can choose a frame shape that best suits their face shape.
[0293] The frame filtering options include checkboxes for "Standard," "Durable," "Lightweight," "Metal Allergy," and "Midface Shortening Effect." Selecting "Durable" displays only frames with high durability. Selecting "Lightweight" displays only lightweight frames. Selecting "Metal Allergy" displays only frames made from materials suitable for people with metal allergies. Selecting "Midface Shortening Effect" displays frames with a design that creates a slimming effect by making the central part of the face appear shorter.
[0294] Sorting criteria include "by sales" and "by price (lowest first)." Selecting "by sales" displays eyewear in order of sales performance. Eyewear with high sales performance is chosen by many students, so you can purchase it with confidence.
[0295] When an instruction is received from the user terminal 50, the processing unit 20 performs a filtering process to select eyewear that matches the specified conditions (S30). In the filtering process, only eyewear that satisfies the conditions specified by the user is extracted from the eyewear information stored in the storage device 10. The extracted eyewear information is sent to the user terminal 50, and the screen is updated.
[0296] The filtering function allows users to efficiently find suitable eyewear products from a vast number of options. This filtering feature is particularly useful when considering eyewear specific to a particular school organization, where dozens of products may be certified.
[0297] [Processing to provide lens color selection screen] In this embodiment, if the user selects eyewear, the processing unit 20 provides lens color selection screen display information, which is information for displaying a screen for selecting lens colors on the user terminal 50 (S40).
[0298] A lens color selection screen is displayed on the user's terminal 50. The lens color selection screen displays a list of lens colors permitted by A High School. For example, options such as "clear," "gray (10% density)," "gray (20% density)," "brown (10% density)," and "brown (20% density)" are displayed.
[0299] A sample image may be displayed for each lens color. A description of the characteristics of each lens color may also be displayed.
[0300] The lens color selection screen displays only lens colors permitted by the school. By displaying only suitable lens colors as options, students will not mistakenly select lenses that violate school standards.
[0301] Users choose lens colors according to their needs. If the main purpose is UV protection during commuting to and from school, clear or light gray lenses are suitable. If protection from glare outdoors is also necessary, such as during club activities, gray or brown lenses with a tint of around 20% are suitable.
[0302] For prescription lenses, the lens color selection screen may include information about eye exams and frame reservations at nearby stores. The lens color selection screen may display a message such as, "If you would like an eye exam, please visit a nearby store," and provide a list of nearby stores and a reservation link.
[0303] [Processing to provide the eyewear purchase screen] In this embodiment, if the user selects a lens color, the processing unit 20 provides the user terminal 50 with eyewear purchase screen display information, which is information for displaying a screen for purchasing eyewear (S50).
[0304] The purchase screen displays the selected eyewear model number, frame color, lens color, quantity, and price. The user reviews the order details and enters their shipping address, payment method, and other information.
[0305] The purchase procedure screen displays an estimated delivery date. For non-prescription lenses that are in stock online, a message such as "Ships today" will be displayed. For prescription lenses, since lens processing takes time, a message such as "Ships within 1 business day" will be displayed.
[0306] Users can complete the eyewear purchase process online. Upon completion of the purchase, a confirmation email will be sent to the user. This email will include the order number, order details, shipping address, and estimated delivery date. Users can track the delivery status using the order number.
[0307] <Example 1> The processing performed by the processing unit 20 may further include the process of sending an eyewear search screen. The eyewear search screen sending process is the process of displaying an eyewear search screen on the user's terminal screen.
[0308] The eyewear search screen includes functions such as keyword search, category search, and detailed search criteria. In keyword search, eyewear is searched based on keywords entered by the user.
[0309] In category search, eyewear is classified based on pre-defined categories. These categories include "School Supplies," "Sports," "Fashion," and "Sunglasses." Users can select the "School Supplies" category to view only eyewear suitable for school use.
[0310] The detailed search function allows you to specify conditions such as frame shape, color, material, rim thickness, lens tint, and price range in detail.
[0311] The eyewear search screen will include a user interface that allows users to narrow down the search to eyewear suitable for school use. For example, a checkbox or button labeled "Filter to school use" will be displayed on the search screen. The "Filter to school use" function may be enabled by default for student users. Users can view all eyewear by unchecking the "Filter to school use" box as needed.
[0312] <Modification 2> The processing performed by the processing unit 20 may further include student information request processing. Student information request processing is the process of requesting the input or update of user attribute information about a student.
[0313] The student information request process is executed when a user registers for a new account. On the registration screen, the user enters basic information such as their name, date of birth, gender, and address. In addition to this basic information, the question "Are you a student?" is displayed. If the user selects "Yes," they will be prompted to enter more detailed student information.
[0314] Detailed student information includes the type of school, school name, and grade level. The type of school can be selected from options such as "elementary school," "junior high school," and "high school."
[0315] The student information request process may include a process to display the school information as a selection option for the user in order to obtain the school information from the user. School names should be entered using a pull-down menu or autocomplete function, rather than free text.
[0316] When using the pull-down menu, after selecting a prefecture, a list of schools within that prefecture will be displayed. The user then selects their school from the list.
[0317] When using the autocomplete function, if the user enters part of a school name, suggested school names will be automatically displayed. For example, if the user enters "A," suggestions such as "A High School," "A First High School," and "A Girls' High School" will be displayed. The user then selects their school from the displayed suggestions.
[0318] Displaying school information as a selection option helps prevent input errors. School names can vary; for example, "○○ High School" and "○○ Senior High School" may refer to the same school. Displaying them as options ensures consistent use of the official school name.
[0319] Furthermore, the student information request process may also request input from the user regarding the school they are attending if it is presumed that the user has advanced to higher education. The timing of advancement can be estimated from the user's date of birth and grade level. For example, if the user was in the third year of junior high school last year and the current date is April or later, it is presumed that the user has advanced to high school. However, since this does not necessarily mean that the user has advanced to higher education, the notification wording may be neutral, such as "Have there been any changes to your school information?"
[0320] By prompting users to update their school information, appropriate eyewear will be suggested based on the latest school information.
[0321] <Variation 3> The processing performed by the processing unit 20 may further include a discount information transmission process. The discount information transmission process includes sending student discount information to the communication device 30, which allows the user to purchase eyewear at a discounted price if the user is a student.
[0322] Student discounts are price reductions offered to users who are students. For example, a 10% discount from the regular price or a flat 1000 yen discount may be applied. By applying student discounts, the financial burden is reduced, and more students can purchase eyewear.
[0323] Student discount information will be displayed on the eyewear product page or on your My Page. For example, the product page may show "Student discount applied: ¥X,XXX → ¥X,XXX (10% off)". Additionally, your My Page will display a notification such as "You are eligible for the student discount. All eyewear is 10% off."
[0324] Furthermore, the discount information transmission process may include sending graduation discount information to the communication device 30, which allows the user to purchase eyewear at a discounted price when they graduate from school or are about to graduate.
[0325] Graduation discounts are offered to students who are about to graduate or who have recently graduated. At graduation, there is a high demand for new eyewear due to further education or employment. Offering graduation discounts encourages continued customer use.
[0326] The graduation discount period is set as a timeframe, for example, from January of the graduation year to June after graduation. The graduation discount applies to eyewear purchased during this period. The graduation discount may offer a discount rate equivalent to or higher than the student discount.
[0327] <Modification 4> The processing performed by the processing unit 20 may further include processing to exclude eyewear sales and processing to authorize eyewear sales. These processes are used by authorized personnel within the school organization, such as teachers in charge, to manage eyewear information by school organization.
[0328] The eyewear sales exclusion process is a procedure that removes specific eyewear from the sales market upon instruction from the user. For example, it is used when a teacher at A High School wants to exclude a certain model of eyewear from the sales market for reasons such as "the design is too flashy" or "the rim color does not conform to the school's policy."
[0329] The teacher in charge accesses a management screen specific to the school organization. The management screen displays a list of eyewear currently available for sale. The teacher selects the eyewear they wish to exclude and clicks the "Exclude from Sales" button. The excluded eyewear will no longer be displayed on the purchase screen for students and parents.
[0330] The eyewear sales authorization process is the process of adding specific eyewear to the sales catalog upon instruction from the user. It is used when a new model of eyewear is released, or when a previously excluded eyewear product needs to be reinstated.
[0331] The teacher in charge views a list of eyewear that is not available for sale on the administration screen. The list displays eyewear that meets the standards for school supplies. The teacher in charge selects the eyewear they wish to add to the sales market and clicks the "Add to Sales Market" button. The added eyewear will then appear on the purchase screen for students and parents.
[0332] These processes allow schools to provide students with eyewear that aligns with their school's policies. Because each school has different uniform designs, school culture, and student demographics, it's difficult to provide uniform eyewear suitable for all schools. By allowing schools to control what they sell, the system can address the specific needs of each school.
[0333] <Modification 5> The storage device 10 may store club activity information, which is information about the user's club activities. This club activity information includes the type of club the user belongs to, the frequency of activities, and the location of activities. For example, information such as "tennis club," "5 days a week," and "outdoors" may be stored.
[0334] The processing unit 20 suggests suitable eyewear for the user based on club activity information. If a student belongs to a club activity that takes place outdoors, eyewear with a slightly higher lens density is recommended because protection from ultraviolet rays and glare is necessary. For example, for students belonging to the tennis club, baseball club, or soccer club, eyewear with lenses with a density of 20% to 40% is suggested.
[0335] Furthermore, appropriate frame shapes or lens colors are suggested depending on the type of sport. For ball games, brown lenses are recommended to improve contrast and make it easier to track the ball's trajectory. For performances such as song leadership and cheerleading, gray lenses are recommended to allow for natural viewing of costume and background colors.
[0336] <Variation 6> The storage device 10 may also store commuting time information, which is information about the user's commuting time. Commuting time information includes the time it takes to commute, the means of transportation, and the route taken. For example, information such as "60 minutes one way," "bicycle and train," and "using south-facing roads" may be stored.
[0337] The processing unit 20 suggests suitable eyewear for the user based on commuting time information. Longer commuting times result in longer UV exposure, making UV protection more necessary. Additionally, for those commuting by bicycle, eyewear with larger lenses is recommended to prevent eye dryness caused by wind.
[0338] Lens colors may be suggested based on the direction of the route to school. If the road is east-facing during the morning commute, the morning sun will directly enter the eyes, so eyewear with a slightly higher lens tint is recommended to reduce glare. The same applies if the road is west-facing during the evening commute home.
[0339] <Example 7> The storage device 10 may store ultraviolet radiation data for the user's residential area. The ultraviolet radiation data is obtained using data published by public institutions such as the Japan Meteorological Agency, or data provided by private weather information services.
[0340] The processing unit 20 suggests suitable eyewear for the user based on UV radiation data. If the user lives in an area with high UV radiation levels, eyewear with higher UV protection performance is recommended. For example, for students in areas with high annual UV radiation levels, such as Okinawa Prefecture and the Kyushu region, eyewear with lenses that transmit less than 0.5% UV radiation is suggested.
[0341] Furthermore, suggestions are made based on seasonal changes in UV radiation levels, tailored to the timing of purchase. Since UV radiation increases from spring to summer, the importance of UV protection is emphasized to students purchasing eyewear during this period.
[0342] <Differentiation Example 8> The school organization-specific information transmission process may transmit school organization-specific eyewear information via a website dedicated to that school organization. This school organization-specific website is accessible only to users associated with a specific school organization and is not publicly accessible.
[0343] The school's dedicated website contains information about the school, information about school-approved eyewear, and instructions on how to purchase it. School information includes the school's name, address, contact information, and excerpts from school rules or guidelines. This allows students and parents to purchase eyewear with an understanding of the school's policies.
[0344] A website dedicated to a school organization may be linked from the school's official website. The school's official website could include a link such as "Purchase school uniform glasses here," making it easily accessible to students and parents.
[0345] Furthermore, the school's dedicated website will include frequently asked questions, important purchase information, and after-sales service details. This will help resolve any questions students and parents may have, creating an environment where they can purchase with confidence.
[0346] This invention can also take the following forms.
[0347] [Note 1] A company that operates multiple stores selling eyewear has an information and communication system for providing information about eyewear. The aforementioned information and communication system includes a storage device, a processing device, and a communication device. The aforementioned storage device stores user attribute information relating to the user's attributes, and eyewear information relating to the eyewear. The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device includes, as processing performed based on instructions from a computer program, user attribute information acquisition processing, eyewear information acquisition processing, user attribute information transmission processing, and eyewear information transmission processing. The user attribute information acquisition process includes the process of acquiring the user attribute information from the storage device, The aforementioned eyewear information acquisition process includes the process of acquiring the eyewear information from the storage device, The user attribute information transmission process includes a process of sending the user attribute information to the communication device in order to display the user attribute information on the user terminal screen. The aforementioned eyewear information transmission process includes a process of sending the eyewear information to the communication device in order to display the eyewear information on the user terminal screen. The aforementioned eyewear information includes eyewear information identified based on the user attribute information. Information and communication systems.
[0348] [Note 2] The user attribute information transmission process includes a process for transmitting student information indicating that the user is a student, and / or school attendance information relating to the school the user attends. The information and communication system described in Appendix 1.
[0349] [Note 3] The user attribute information transmission process includes a process for transmitting the school name. The information and communication system described in Appendix 1 or 2.
[0350] [Note 4] The aforementioned user attribute information transmission process includes a process for transmitting the grade level. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 to 3 of the appendix.
[0351] [Note 5] The aforementioned eyewear information transmission process transmits information regarding eyewear suitable for the user, who is a student, as the eyewear information. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items in Appendix 2 to 4.
[0352] [Note 6] The aforementioned eyewear information transmission process, upon receiving instructions from the user, transmits information regarding eyewear suitable for the user, who is a student, as the eyewear information. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 2 to 5 of the appendix.
[0353] [Note 7] The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device further includes the process of sending an eyewear search screen, The aforementioned eyewear search screen transmission process includes a process for displaying the eyewear search screen on the user-side terminal screen. The aforementioned eyewear search screen includes a user interface that allows the user to narrow down the eyewear to those suitable as school supplies. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 2 to 6 of the appendix.
[0354] [Note 8] The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device further includes student information request processing, The aforementioned student information request process includes a process that requests the input or update of the user attribute information relating to the student. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 2 through 7 of the appendix.
[0355] [Note 9] The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device further includes student information request processing, The aforementioned student information request process performs a process to obtain the school information the user attends from the user, and to display the school information the user attends as selectable options. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 2 through 8 of the appendix.
[0356] [Note 10] The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device further includes student information request processing, The aforementioned student information request process performs a process to request input of the school to which the user has enrolled if it is presumed that the user has enrolled in another school. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 2 through 9 of the appendix.
[0357] [Note 11] The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device further includes the processing of sending discount information, The discount information transmission process includes, if the user is a student, a process of sending student discount information to the communication device that allows the user to purchase eyewear at a discounted price. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items from Appendix 2 to 10.
[0358] [Note 12] The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device further includes the processing of sending discount information, The discount information transmission process includes sending graduation discount information to the communication device, which allows the user to purchase eyewear at a discounted price when the user graduates from school or is about to graduate. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items from Appendix 2 to 11.
[0359] [Note 13] The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device further includes school organization-specific information transmission processing, The aforementioned school organization-specific information transmission process includes a process for transmitting school organization-specific eyewear information, which is information relating to eyewear for each school organization. The aforementioned school organization is a single school or a collection of schools. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 through 12 of the appendix.
[0360] [Note 14] The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device further includes a school organization personnel authentication process. The aforementioned authentication process for school organization personnel includes an authentication process for granting access permission to the school organization-specific eyewear information to school organization personnel. The information and communication system described in Appendix 13.
[0361] [Note 15] The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device further includes eyewear sales processing, The aforementioned eyewear sales process is the process of selling eyewear to the user who has been granted access to the school organization-specific eyewear information. The information and communication system described in Appendix 14.
[0362] [Note 16] The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device further includes processing to exclude eyewear from sales, The aforementioned eyewear sales exclusion process is a process that excludes specific eyewear from being sold when instructed by the user. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 13 to 15 of the appendix.
[0363] [Note 17] The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device further includes processing for granting permission to sell eyewear, The aforementioned eyewear sales authorization process is a process that adds specific eyewear to the list of items for sale when instructed by the user. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 13 to 16 of the appendix.
[0364] [Note 18] The aforementioned school organization-specific information transmission process transmits the school organization-specific eyewear information on a website dedicated to the school organization. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 13 to 17 of the appendix.
[0365] [Note 19] Furthermore, including the user's terminal, An information and communication system as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 18.
[0366] <<Features of the supplementary invention>> The information and communication system according to this invention provides the remarkable effect of enabling students who wish to purchase eyewear for UV protection to reliably select products suitable for use at school. Specifically, by presenting students only with eyewear that meets the standards for school supplies (lens density, rim color, rim thickness, etc.), they can purchase products that are approved for use at school without hesitation. Furthermore, by clearly distinguishing between eyewear for UV protection and eyewear for glare protection, students can select the appropriate product according to their purpose.
[0367] By managing eyewear information for each school organization and establishing a system that provides only products certified by each school, it is possible to guarantee complete compliance with school rules and educational policies. Only certified products are displayed through a dedicated website for each school organization, and appropriate access control is achieved through authentication processing for school personnel. This allows parents and students to purchase with confidence, and schools can confirm that only products that conform to their school's policies are provided to students. Furthermore, schools can dynamically manage the addition and exclusion of products from the sales market, enabling flexible operation that is tailored to the realities of the educational setting.
[0368] Making school-designated eyewear available for online purchase will dramatically improve convenience for parents and students. By automatically suggesting appropriate eyewear based on user attribute information (student information, school information), an environment will be created where school-approved eyewear can be purchased 24 hours a day, without time or geographical constraints. Furthermore, filtering and sorting functions will allow users to efficiently find suitable products from a large selection.
[0369] By centrally managing user attribute information, eyewear information, and school-organization-specific eyewear information in a storage device, this system significantly improves operational efficiency for multi-store businesses. The processing unit links and processes each piece of information, providing optimized information for each user, simultaneously achieving improved customer satisfaction and reduced operational costs. Furthermore, real-time inventory management enables appropriate allocation between online and in-store inventory, maximizing sales opportunities. The multi-core processing unit efficiently handles simultaneous access from numerous users.
[0370] By appropriately communicating the importance of UV protection to students and their parents, and by providing financial support such as student and graduation discounts, this initiative has a social effect of promoting the widespread use of UV-protective eyewear. Protecting the eye health of students during their growth period leads to a reduction in the risk of future eye diseases, which has significant public health implications. Furthermore, by proposing products based on individual environmental factors such as commuting time, club activities, and the amount of UV radiation in their residential area, it is possible to provide optimal UV protection for each student. This allows for support of proper eye health management while minimizing the financial burden.
[0371] <<Industrial Applicability>> This invention is applicable to companies that sell eyewear through multiple stores. In particular, it is useful for companies that handle eyewear for students, as it strengthens collaboration with school organizations and facilitates the online sale of school-designated eyewear. This invention allows students to easily purchase eyewear suitable for their school, promoting the widespread use of UV protection. Furthermore, schools can provide students with eyewear that conforms to their policies, making it easier to ensure compliance with school rules.
[0372] ---------- School Information Management System ----------
[0373] <<Technical Field>> This invention relates to an information and communication system for managing school-related information used by a company that sells eyewear as school supplies.
[0374] <<Background technology>> As already mentioned, in recent years there has been a growing movement to protect children's eyes from ultraviolet rays.
[0375] However, there is a problem in that companies do not have a sufficient understanding of whether or not each school has eyewear selection guidelines, and what those guidelines entail. Furthermore, there is the difficulty for companies in developing inventory management and sales strategies for eyewear that conform to each school's guidelines.
[0376] <<Problems the invention aims to solve>> This invention aims to provide a novel information and communication system for companies that sell eyewear as school supplies to manage information related to schools. For example, it aims to centrally manage and make accessible the selection guidelines for eyewear as school supplies at each school. For example, it aims to build a system that can understand the different eyewear requirements of each school and propose appropriate products. For example, it aims to understand the inventory status of eyewear at each school and realize inventory management according to demand. For example, it aims to manage information on the person in charge of selecting eyewear at schools and enable smooth communication. For example, it aims to analyze the eyewear purchase history of each school and utilize it in formulating sales strategies. For example, it aims to comprehensively manage information on stakeholders involved in the selection of school supplies, such as boards of education, PTAs, and school personnel. For example, it aims to understand the market characteristics of each region and school and develop effective sales activities.
[0377] <<Means for solving the problem>> The problem of this invention is solved by the configuration described in claim 1.
[0378] <<Effects of the invention>> This invention can solve one or more of the problems described in the original invention.
[0379] <<Brief explanation of the drawing>> <<Figure 1>> This is a perspective view of the eyewear to be managed in an information communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an overall configuration diagram of this embodiment, including the information communication system, network, and user terminal. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration related to the information and communication system of this embodiment.
[0380] <<Forms for implementing the invention>> The embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0381] <School supplies> Regarding eyewear as school supplies, I have already mentioned this.
[0382] <Overall Structure> The overall configuration of this invention, including the information and communication system, is as previously described.
[0383] <Embodiment> The information and communication system of this embodiment is a system for a company that sells eyewear as school supplies to manage information related to schools such as elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools.
[0384] [Information stored in memory devices] In this embodiment, the storage device 10 may store school information, eyewear information, user attribute information, website-related files, computer programs, device drivers, and the like.
[0385] [School Information] Non-limitingly, the school information in this embodiment is information about at least one school from among elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools. The school information includes, for example, the name of the school, its address, contact information, the number of students, the grade level composition, whether or not there is a uniform, the color of the uniform, the school colors, whether or not there are guidelines regarding eyewear, and the content of the eyewear selection guidelines.
[0386] Information regarding the school's location includes the school's address, nearest train station, and geographical location information (latitude and longitude). This information can be used to calculate the distance between sales outlets and schools, and to improve delivery efficiency and plan sales activities.
[0387] School contact information includes the school's main telephone number, the telephone numbers for the administrative office, staff room, and / or the nurse's office, fax numbers, and email addresses. This information allows for direct communication with the school.
[0388] Information regarding school uniforms includes the type of uniform (blazer, sailor suit, etc.), the color of the uniform, the colors of each component of the uniform, and the school color. In particular, the color of the fabric that occupies the largest area of the winter girls' uniform jacket is important reference information when selecting the color of the eyewear rims. This is because harmony between the uniform color and the eyewear rim color is a factor that increases the acceptance of eyewear in the school.
[0389] [Information regarding eyewear selection guidelines] Non-limitingly, the information regarding the eyewear selection guidelines of this embodiment is information that indicates the standards for eyewear that schools will allow students to wear as school supplies. Selection guidelines may vary from school to school, and may be codified as school rules or operated on an implicit understanding basis.
[0390] The selection guidelines include, for example, criteria regarding the degree of lens tinting, lens color, lens size, rim thickness, rim color, rim shape, and eyewear material, as detailed above.
[0391] [Eyewear Information] Non-limitingly, the eyewear information of this embodiment is information relating to the frame and / or lenses of the eyewear. The eyewear information includes, for example, a product code, product name, manufacturer, price, frame shape, frame color, frame material, rim thickness, lens type, lens color, degree of lens tinting, lens UV transmittance, lens prescription value, and stock status, as previously described.
[0392] [Linking school information with eyewear information] In this embodiment, the storage device 10 stores school information and eyewear information in association. Specifically, the product codes of eyewear that conform to each school's selection guidelines are linked to the school information. This association makes it possible to quickly extract eyewear that can be recommended to a particular school.
[0393] For example, if A Junior High School's selection criteria are "lens density 30% or less, rim color black or dark blue, rim thickness less than 5.00 mm," then the product codes of eyewear that meet these conditions will be associated with A Junior High School's school information. When a sales representative searches for products for A Junior High School, the system can automatically extract and present suitable products.
[0394] Furthermore, the system may have a function to calculate the color difference ΔE between the color of the school uniform and the color of the eyewear rim, and to prioritize recommending products with a small color difference.
[0395] [Other memory information] Non-limitingly, the storage device 10 of this embodiment also stores user attribute information in addition to the above. User attribute information is information about users who use the system (such as store staff, sales representatives, and administrators), and includes user ID, name, affiliation, job title, and access rights. The range of information that each user can view is controlled by access rights.
[0396] The storage device 10 of this embodiment also stores a computer program. The computer program is a program executed by the processing device 20 and includes a set of instructions for performing tasks such as acquiring school information, creating display information, and sending display information.
[0397] [Processing performed by the processing unit] Non-limitingly, the processing unit 20 of this embodiment performs various processes based on instructions from a computer program.
[0398] [School Information Acquisition Processing] In a non-limiting manner, the school information acquisition process of this embodiment is a process of acquiring school information from the storage device 10. This process is executed in response to a request from the user terminal 50. For example, if the user enters a specific school name as a search keyword, the processing device 20 searches the storage device 10 for school information related to that school and acquires it.
[0399] There are various ways to obtain school information. For example, exact match searches by school name, partial match searches using part of the school name, regional searches by location, and range searches by student population are possible. Combined searches using multiple criteria are also possible. For instance, you could search for "junior high schools in Tokyo that have eyewear selection guidelines."
[0400] [Display information creation process] Non-limitingly, the display information creation process of this embodiment is a process for creating display information for displaying school information on the screen of a display device. The display information includes not only the content of the school information, but also elements that constitute the user interface (buttons, links, forms, etc.).
[0401] In this embodiment, the display information creation process creates display information for displaying school information and eyewear information on the screen of the display device. That is, the display information is configured so that school information and information on eyewear that conforms to the school's selection guidelines are displayed simultaneously.
[0402] For example, the display screen could be configured so that school information is shown on the left and a list of recommended eyewear is shown on the right. The school information would include the school name, address, and selection guidelines. The list of recommended eyewear would include product images, product names, prices, and stock availability. Users can view detailed information by selecting a specific product from the list.
[0403] Furthermore, the display information creation process may also create information to display the school's location on a map. For example, a map API can be used to place a marker indicating the school's location on the map, and the locations of nearby retail stores can also be displayed simultaneously. This allows for a visual understanding of the positional relationship between the school and the retail stores.
[0404] [Display information transmission process] Non-limitingly, the display information transmission process of this embodiment is the process of sending display information to the communication device 30 in order to display school information on a display device connected to the communication device 30. More specifically, it is the process of sending the display information to the network NW via the communication device 30 and distributing the display information to the user terminal 50.
[0405] In this embodiment, the display information transmission process sends display information to the communication device 30 in order to display school information and eyewear information on the display device connected to the communication device 30. This allows the user to simultaneously check the school selection guidelines and information on eyewear that conforms to those guidelines on a single screen.
[0406] [Functions of communication devices] In this embodiment, the communication device 30 transmits and receives data with the user terminal 50 via a network NW.
[0407] [Specific examples of how school information can be used] Without limiting it, a specific example of how the information and communication system of this embodiment can streamline eyewear sales activities will be described.
[0408] The sales representative uses the user terminal 50 to search for schools within their assigned area. The search results display a list of schools, along with basic information for each school and whether or not they have eyewear selection guidelines. The sales representative can then prioritize visiting schools that have selection guidelines.
[0409] Sales representatives specify a school name and request detailed information. The system displays the school's information and recommended eyewear. Sales representatives can review the selection guidelines and bring samples of the recommended eyewear with them during their visit. This allows for proposals that better meet the school's needs, increasing the success rate of business negotiations.
[0410] Furthermore, consider a scenario where store staff suggest eyewear to a customer (student or parent) who visits the store. If the customer provides the name of their school, the staff can use the system to check the school's selection guidelines. By suggesting products that meet the selection guidelines, the customer can purchase with confidence. In addition, inventory status can be checked in real time, allowing staff to immediately determine whether or not they can provide the product.
[0411] <Example 1> In Modification 1, the school information includes information about the person in charge of eyewear at that school. This information includes, for example, the person's name, job title, contact information (telephone number, email address), and the scope of their responsibilities.
[0412] The people responsible for selecting and purchasing eyewear at schools may include the vice-principal, the school administrator, the health officer, and PTA officers. By storing the information of these people in the storage device 10, sales representatives can contact the appropriate person directly.
[0413] For example, if a sales representative wants to provide information about a new product, they can retrieve the representative's contact information from the system and contact them by phone or email. Furthermore, by understanding the representative's job title and scope of responsibilities, appropriate topics and proposals can be prepared for business negotiations.
[0414] Personnel information needs to be updated regularly, as personnel changes at schools can alter the assigned person. The system records the update history of personnel information, ensuring that the latest information is always available. Furthermore, if there are multiple assigned persons, the system can distinguish between the primary and secondary personnel.
[0415] <Modification 2> In variation 2, the school information includes information about the eyewear purchase history of students at that school. This purchase history information includes, for example, the date and time of purchase, information about the purchaser (student or guardian), the product code of the purchased item, the quantity purchased, the purchase price, and the store where the purchase was made.
[0416] By accumulating purchase history data, it becomes possible to analyze the demand trends for eyewear at each school. For example, if it is found that C Elementary School tends to purchase a large number of eyewear pieces from new students every April, the retailer can secure sufficient inventory by the end of March. Also, in elementary and junior high schools, certain products may sell exceptionally well, allowing retailers to prioritize securing inventory for those products.
[0417] Furthermore, by analyzing purchase history data, it is possible to estimate the overall adoption rate of eyewear in schools. For example, if D Junior High School has 600 students and 180 purchases in the past three years, the adoption rate is estimated to be approximately 30%. For schools with low adoption rates, market expansion can be achieved by conducting activities to raise awareness of the usefulness of eyewear.
[0418] Purchase history information includes personal information and therefore requires appropriate management. Personally identifiable information (such as name and address) is anonymized during statistical processing to protect individual privacy. The system manages data in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act.
[0419] <Variation 3> Modification 3 involves a configuration that includes a function for analyzing school information. The analysis function is implemented as a computer program executed by the processing unit 20. The analysis function allows for the integrated analysis of information from multiple schools, enabling the extraction of trends and characteristics.
[0420] For example, the system could have a function to analyze trends in selection guidelines by region. There may be regional differences in the content of selection guidelines between schools in Tokyo and schools in Osaka. The analysis function can help understand the characteristics of each region and formulate product lineups and sales strategies tailored to those regions.
[0421] Furthermore, the system may also have a function to analyze differences in selection guidelines depending on the type of school (elementary school, junior high school, high school). Generally, elementary school students tend to prefer smaller frames because they have smaller faces. Junior high and high school students tend to place more importance on fashion. By quantitatively analyzing these trends, it is possible to propose the most suitable products for each type of school.
[0422] Furthermore, the system may include a function to analyze purchase data over time to understand seasonal and annual fluctuations. For example, if purchases tend to increase from spring to summer when ultraviolet rays are stronger, sales promotion activities can be planned for this period. In addition, by analyzing the trend of purchase quantities year by year, the growth potential and saturation level of the market can be evaluated.
[0423] The analysis results are displayed on the user's terminal 50 in the form of graphs and tables. Users can use the analysis results to make business decisions and formulate sales strategies.
[0424] <Modification 4> Modification 4 involves a configuration that includes a function for managing inventory on a school-by-school basis. This function allows for tracking the inventory status of eyewear that conforms to each school's selection guidelines, enabling inventory allocation to be tailored to demand.
[0425] Specifically, the storage device 10 stores a list of recommended products for each school and the inventory quantity of each product. The recommended product list is a list of products that meet the selection guidelines of the school. The inventory quantity includes the number of items in stock at each sales store, the number of items in stock at the warehouse, etc.
[0426] The processing unit 20 performs demand forecasting based on purchase history data for each school. Based on the demand forecast, it calculates the amount of inventory that will be needed within a certain period. It compares the calculated required inventory amount with the current inventory amount, and if a shortage is expected, it generates an order. The order is notified to the purchasing manager, ensuring that goods are procured at the appropriate time.
[0427] Furthermore, the system may include a function to support inventory sharing between multiple sales locations. For example, if store A has an excess of a particular product and store B has a shortage of the same product, the system can suggest moving the inventory from store A to store B. This improves overall inventory efficiency and prevents the loss of sales opportunities.
[0428] <Modification 5> Modification 5 involves a configuration that includes a function for managing information on stakeholders in the selection of school supplies. Stakeholders are those involved in the selection of eyewear as school supplies, and include school officials, boards of education, PTAs, eyewear industry associations, and parent groups.
[0429] The memory device 10 stores information about each stakeholder. For example, information about the Board of Education includes its jurisdiction, location, contact information, name of the person in charge, and policies regarding school supplies. Information about the PTA includes the affiliated school, name of the president, contact information, and activities.
[0430] The processing unit 20 has the function of organizing and displaying information for each stakeholder. When sales representatives conduct sales activities in a specific area, they can refer to information from the local education board and PTA to plan an appropriate approach.
[0431] For example, if the E City Board of Education is calling on elementary and junior high schools in the city to promote UV protection measures, a sales representative can use this information to proactively propose eyewear to schools in E City. They can also contact the Board of Education directly and request their cooperation in providing information to schools.
[0432] Furthermore, opportunities to exhibit and introduce eyewear at information sessions and lectures organized by the PTA can be obtained. Building good relationships with stakeholders will promote the widespread use of eyewear as school supplies.
[0433] Stakeholder information needs to be updated regularly, as school board officials and PTA officers may change annually. The system should record the update history of the information to ensure that the latest information is always available.
[0434] This invention can also take the following forms. [Note 1] An information and communication system to support the sale of items that students are expected to wear as school supplies, The aforementioned information and communication system includes a storage device, a processing device, and a communication device. The aforementioned storage device stores school information relating to at least one of the following schools: elementary school, junior high school, or high school. The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device includes, as processing performed based on instructions from a computer program, school information acquisition processing, display information creation processing, and display information transmission processing. The aforementioned school information acquisition process includes a process for acquiring the school information from the storage device, The aforementioned display information creation process includes a process for creating display information for displaying the school information on the screen of a display device, The display information transmission process includes a process of sending the display information to the communication device in order to display the school information on the display device connected to the communication device. Information and communication systems.
[0435] [Note 2] The aforementioned article is eyewear, The memory device further stores eyewear information relating to the frame and / or lenses of the eyewear. The aforementioned display information creation process includes a process for creating display information for displaying the school information and the eyewear information on the screen of the display device. The display information transmission process includes sending the display information to the communication device in order to display the school information and the eyewear information on the display device connected to the communication device. The information and communication system described in Appendix 1.
[0436] [Note 3] The eyewear information includes information about the eyewear that the school permits to be worn as school supplies. The information and communication system described in Appendix 2.
[0437] [Note 4] The aforementioned display information transmission process transmits information regarding the school's address as the school information. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 to 3 of the appendix.
[0438] [Note 5] The aforementioned school information includes information about the person in charge of the aforementioned eyewear at that school. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items in Appendix 2 to 4.
[0439] [Note 6] The eyewear information includes information regarding the selection guidelines for the eyewear that the school permits to be worn as school supplies. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 2 to 5 of the appendix.
[0440] [Note 7] The aforementioned school information includes information regarding the purchase history of the aforementioned eyewear by students of that school. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 2 to 6 of the appendix.
[0441] [Note 8] Furthermore, including the user's terminal, An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 through 7 of the appendix.
[0442] <<Features of the supplementary invention>> According to the information and communication system of this invention, the efficiency of sales and marketing activities is dramatically improved by centralized management of school information. Information such as school name, address, contact information, and eyewear selection guidelines are aggregated in a storage device and can be immediately accessed as needed, enabling sales representatives to obtain appropriate information before visiting schools and make accurate proposals. Furthermore, when providing customer service at sales stores, the selection guidelines of the school the customer attends can be quickly checked, preventing the proposal of unsuitable products and improving customer satisfaction.
[0443] By linking and managing school information with eyewear information, it becomes possible to automatically extract products that meet each school's selection guidelines and present them as recommended products. This reduces the burden on sales representatives and store staff to select appropriate products from a vast product lineup, resulting in shorter negotiation times and improved closing rates. In particular, it becomes possible to propose products that harmonize with the colors of school uniforms and eyewear rims, thereby increasing acceptance by schools.
[0444] Managing information on those responsible for eyewear within schools facilitates the development of personal networks in sales activities. Direct contact with appropriate personnel such as vice-principals, administrative managers, health officers, and PTA officers streamlines the decision-making process and increases the effectiveness of sales promotion activities. Furthermore, understanding the roles and responsibilities of these personnel allows for the preparation of appropriate topics and proposals during business negotiations, promoting the development of trust with schools.
[0445] By accumulating and analyzing eyewear purchase data for each school, the accuracy of demand forecasting can be improved, and appropriate inventory management can be achieved. For example, it is possible to predict increased demand during periods such as when new students enroll or when UV rays are strong, and secure sufficient inventory in advance. Furthermore, by identifying popular products for each school, it is possible to create an optimized product lineup for each school and prevent lost sales opportunities. In addition, by estimating the eyewear penetration rate across schools, it is possible to expand the market by conducting awareness campaigns in schools with low penetration rates.
[0446] By integrating and analyzing information from multiple schools, it becomes possible to understand regional and school-type trends and characteristics, enabling the development of strategic sales plans. Quantitative analysis of differences in selection criteria across regions and the characteristics of demand by school type (elementary, middle, and high school) allows for the optimization of product lineups tailored to each region and the formulation of sales strategies for each school type.
[0447] By comprehensively managing information from stakeholders such as the board of education, PTA, and school officials, it becomes possible to develop multifaceted sales activities. By utilizing information such as the policies of the board of education and events organized by the PTA, it becomes possible to reach out to the entire community in addition to directly approaching schools, thereby promoting the widespread use of eyewear as school supplies.
[0448] <<Industrial Applicability>> The information and communication system of this invention can be widely used by companies that sell eyewear as school supplies. In particular, it enables effective information management and sales support for companies with multiple stores and companies that target diverse schools in different regions. Furthermore, it can provide appropriate information to stakeholders such as school officials, boards of education, and PTAs, contributing to the widespread adoption of eyewear as a measure against ultraviolet rays.
[0449] ----------------- UV protection eyewear promotion system -----------------
[0450] <<Technical Field>> This invention relates to an information and communication system for promoting the use of eyewear for protection against ultraviolet rays.
[0451] <<Background technology>> As already mentioned, in recent years there has been a growing movement to protect children's eyes from ultraviolet rays.
[0452] However, when introducing UV-protective eyewear in schools, there are many factors to consider, including consistency with school rules, gaining parental understanding, securing a budget, and selecting appropriate products.
[0453] <<Problems the invention aims to solve>> This invention aims to provide a novel information and communication system for promoting the use of eyewear for UV protection. For example, it is necessary to effectively convey accurate information about UV protection eyewear to school officials, parents, and students. For instance, it aims to make it known that UV protection eyewear does not necessarily require dark lenses, and that there are eyewear with light-colored lenses that also have UV-cutting capabilities, and that there are eyewear designs and specifications suitable for school life. Furthermore, it aims to provide practical information, including case studies from other schools, regarding the procedures and considerations necessary when introducing UV protection eyewear in schools. In addition, it aims to provide a variety of options and explanations so that appropriate eyewear specifications can be selected according to the circumstances of individual schools and the age groups of students.
[0454] <<Means for solving the problem>> The problem of this invention is solved by the configuration described in claim 1.
[0455] <<Effects of the invention>> This invention can solve one or more of the problems described in the original invention.
[0456] <<Brief explanation of the drawing>> <<Figure 1>> This is a perspective view of the UV protection eyewear according to the present invention, seen from diagonally above. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the information and communication system, network, and user terminal according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration related to the information and communication system of this embodiment.
[0457] <<Forms for implementing the invention>> The embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0458] <School supplies> Regarding eyewear as school supplies, I have already mentioned this.
[0459] <Overall Structure> The overall configuration of this invention, including the information and communication system, is as previously described.
[0460] <Embodiment> More specifically, this embodiment relates to an information and communication system for promoting ultraviolet (UV) protection eyewear by providing information on UV protection eyewear. The information and communication system of this embodiment includes a storage device, a processing device, and a communication device, and these devices work together to provide various information on UV protection eyewear to a user-side terminal.
[0461] [Overall Configuration of the Information and Communication System] As shown in Figure 2, the information communication system ICS of this embodiment comprises a storage device 10, a processing device 20, and a communication device 30. The information communication system ICS is connected to a plurality of user-side terminals 50 via a network NW. The user-side terminals 50 are, for example, information terminals such as personal computers, tablet terminals, and smartphones used by school teachers and staff, education board officials, PTA members, parents, or students.
[0462] [Storage device] The storage device 10 stores various data and programs required in the information and communication system (ICS). The main data stored in the storage device 10 includes eyewear installation information, eyewear specification information, user attribute information, and access log information.
[0463] The eyewear introduction information covers the process of introducing UV-protective eyewear to schools, as well as information on its operation after introduction. This information includes, for example, methods for reaching consensus within the school during the consideration phase of introduction, methods for holding explanatory meetings for parents, how to proceed with consultations with the PTA, procedures for reporting to and obtaining approval from the board of education, methods for securing the budget, selection of purchasing methods (bulk purchase, individual purchase, use of subsidy programs, etc.), methods for checking usage after introduction, and procedures for handling loss or damage.
[0464] This information is compiled based on actual case studies from schools that have already implemented UV-protective eyewear, making it practical and useful for schools considering implementation. For example, case studies from elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools are recorded, allowing users to refer to examples appropriate to their school's educational level.
[0465] Eyewear specification information refers to the specific specifications of eyewear designed for UV protection. This information includes details such as the degree of lens tinting, lens color, lens size, rim thickness, rim color, rim shape, and the eyewear material. This information includes not only numerical values and names of specifications, but also explanations of the technical significance of each specification and its practical applicability in school life.
[0466] For example, regarding the degree of lens tinting, multiple options are available, such as 40% or less, 30% or less, 15% or less, and 10% or less. The UV protection performance, visibility in the classroom, and the impression given to others at each tint level are explained. It is explained that even lenses with low tint levels can have sufficient UV protection performance with UV-cut coatings, and can be worn without discomfort during school life.
[0467] Regarding lens color, a selection of shades suitable for school life is offered, including clear, gray, brown, and blue. These shades are chosen to avoid giving the impression of sunglasses and to be easy for students to wear on a daily basis.
[0468] The lens size is stored in memory, including the horizontal and vertical length ranges. These ranges are set to be suitable for the size of the student's face while ensuring a sufficient field of view.
[0469] Regarding the thickness of the rims, there are established standards to ensure that the eyewear doesn't stand out too much during school life.
[0470] Regarding rim colors, options such as dark rims, colors similar to the school's colors, and colors similar to the fabric that makes up the largest area of the school's winter girls' uniform jacket are stored in memory. This makes it possible to select eyewear that harmonizes with the school's characteristics.
[0471] The article also explains the advantages of having a single-color rim, i.e., a color difference ΔE of less than 10, stating that it can give a calm and understated impression without being overly flashy.
[0472] Regarding rim shape, it is remembered that full-rim glasses are preferable for school life. Full rims can securely hold the lens and reduce the risk of breakage.
[0473] It is important to remember that eyeglass frames should ideally meet the durability requirements of the modified durability and sweat resistance tests described in JIS B7285 (2016) (the number of repetitions has been changed from 500 to 2000, and the holding time from 8 hours to 32 hours). This is a standard to ensure that the frames are of sufficient quality to withstand daily use in school life.
[0474] Furthermore, the system also includes information on recommended materials for different educational stages, such as the preference for thermoplastic elastomer frames for elementary school students and full-rim metal frames for high school students. Thermoplastic elastomer frames are flexible, resistant to breakage, and can withstand the active movements of elementary school students. Metal frames are highly durable and offer a sophisticated look that suits the preferences of high school students.
[0475] Regarding the UV transmittance of eyewear, it is remembered that a basic requirement is that both the right and left lenses have a UV transmittance of less than 7.00%. Furthermore, it is remembered that a desirable standard is that the UV transmittance for 280-315nm (UV-B) and 315-400nm (UV-A) is less than 1.00%. This effectively protects students' eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
[0476] Regarding the light transmittance of the lens, it is remembered that the difference between the light transmittance at a wavelength of 450 nm and the light transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nm is 10.00% or less.
[0477] Regarding photochromic lenses, it is generally understood that those with a maximum tint of 60% or less are suitable for school life. Photochromic lenses darken outdoors to protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays and lighten indoors to ensure visibility. However, by limiting the maximum tint to prevent it from becoming excessively high, they can be used without discomfort during school life.
[0478] User attribute information refers to information about users who use the Information and Communication System (ICS). User attribute information includes the name and location of the school the user belongs to, the educational level (elementary school, junior high school, high school, etc.), the school's attributes (national, public, private, regional, educational content, etc.), and the user's position (teacher, education board representative, PTA member, parent, student, etc.). This information is entered when the user registers or is inferred from the user's access history.
[0479] Access log information is a record of a user's access history to the information and communication system (ICS), including pages viewed and documents downloaded. This access log information is used for system improvement and analysis of user needs.
[0480] The storage device 10 also stores website-related files, computer programs, device drivers, and other similar files.
[0481] [Processing device] The processing unit 20 executes various processes based on instructions from the computer program. The main processes executed by the processing unit 20 include, but are not limited to, the acquisition of eyewear installation information, the acquisition of eyewear specification information, the transmission of eyewear installation information, and the transmission of eyewear specification information.
[0482] The eyewear installation information acquisition process is the process of acquiring eyewear installation information from the storage device 10. In this process, based on a request sent from the user terminal 50, the system identifies the eyewear installation information required by the user and reads it from the storage device 10. For example, if the user is an elementary school teacher, information regarding implementation examples in elementary schools will be prioritized for acquisition. By referring to user attribute information, it is possible to selectively acquire information that is appropriate for the user.
[0483] Furthermore, the eyewear installation information acquisition process acquires information regarding the work leading up to installation, information regarding the work after installation, or both, according to the user's request. Information regarding the work leading up to installation includes information on the work content and parties involved in each stage, such as the consideration, planning, approval, purchase, and distribution phases. Information regarding the work after installation includes information on checking the wearing status, maintenance and management, and determining when replacement is necessary.
[0484] The eyewear specification information acquisition process is the process of acquiring eyewear specification information from the storage device 10. In this process, based on a request sent from the user terminal 50, the eyewear specification information required by the user is identified and read from the storage device 10. For example, if the user requests information about lens color, various options for lens color and their descriptions are acquired.
[0485] The eyewear specification information acquisition process allows for the acquisition of eyewear specification information categorized by educational stage and / or school attributes. For example, it is possible to acquire eyewear specification information for elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools. This allows users to easily consider specifications suitable for their school's situation.
[0486] Furthermore, the eyewear specification information acquisition process can obtain information on recommended specifications, standard specifications, or acceptable specifications. Recommended specifications are those considered most desirable, standard specifications are those commonly adopted, and acceptable specifications are the minimum standards that must be met. Users can use this information to select specifications that align with their school's policies.
[0487] The eyewear installation information transmission process is a process that transmits eyewear installation information to the communication device 30 in order to display the eyewear installation information on the screen of the user terminal 50. In this process, the eyewear installation information acquired in the eyewear installation information acquisition process is converted into a web page format, a PDF file format, or another displayable format and transmitted to the communication device 30.
[0488] The eyewear implementation information transmission process includes information about the tasks that users must perform before implementing UV-protective eyewear. This information includes the sequence of tasks, the specific details of each task, the parties involved (teachers, school boards, PTA, parents, etc.), the time required for the tasks, and examples of necessary documents and forms. This allows users to understand the overall implementation process and proceed with the tasks systematically.
[0489] Furthermore, the eyewear implementation information transmission process transmits information about the work performed at other schools that have implemented UV-protective eyewear. This includes success stories, failures, innovative approaches, and challenges, allowing users to utilize the experiences of other schools in their own implementation.
[0490] The eyewear introduction information transmission process also transmits information about the tasks that may be performed after the introduction of UV-protective eyewear and the people involved. This includes methods for checking the wearing rate, methods for instructing students who are not wearing the eyewear, methods for responding to inquiries from parents, procedures for handling damage, and criteria for determining when to replace the eyewear.
[0491] The eyewear implementation information transmission process also transmits statistical information regarding the actual implementation of eyewear. This statistical information includes implementation rates by prefecture, implementation rates by educational level, trends by year of implementation, and satisfaction levels at schools that have implemented eyewear. This statistical information provides objective criteria for decision-making when considering implementation.
[0492] The eyewear specification information transmission process is the process of sending eyewear specification information to the communication device 30 in order to display the eyewear specification information on the screen of the user terminal 50. In this process, the eyewear specification information acquired in the eyewear specification information acquisition process is converted into a web page format, image file, video file, or other displayable format and sent to the communication device 30.
[0493] The eyewear specification information transmission process includes information regarding the rim color and lens color of the eyewear. This information may include images or videos of the actual eyewear. Images or videos allow users to visually confirm the appearance of the eyewear and accurately grasp the impression of the colors.
[0494] The eyewear specification information transmission process transmits information regarding one or more items from the following: degree of lens tinting, lens color, lens size, rim thickness, rim color, rim shape, and / or eyewear material, along with information on available options and their descriptions. For each option, technical characteristics, practical advantages, and suitability for school life are described.
[0495] For example, regarding the degree of lens tinting, options such as 40% or less, 30% or less, 15% or less, and 10% or less are presented, and the UV protection performance, visibility in the classroom, and the impression given to others at each tint level are explained. Users can use these explanations to select the tint level that is appropriate for their school.
[0496] The eyewear specification information transmission process also transmits information regarding recommended, standard, or acceptable specifications for eyewear. Recommended specifications are those considered most desirable based on expert opinions and evaluations by implementing schools; standard specifications are common specifications adopted by many schools; and acceptable specifications are the minimum standards that do not interfere with school life.
[0497] The eyewear specification information transmission process further transmits eyewear specification information categorized by educational stage and / or school attributes. Educational stages are broadly divided into primary and secondary education, and more specifically into elementary school, junior high school, high school, or even developmental stages and grades such as lower elementary school and upper elementary school. School attributes include public / private status, region, and educational content (general education, specialized education). This allows users to efficiently obtain information best suited to their school's situation.
[0498] [communication equipment] The communication device 30 transmits and receives data with the user terminal 50 via the network NW. The communication device 30 also transmits data sent by the eyewear installation information transmission process and the eyewear specification information transmission process to the user terminal 50 via the network NW. In addition, the communication device 30 receives data such as requests, user attribute information, and search keywords sent from the user terminal 50 and transmits it to the processing device 20.
[0499] [Relationship between eyewear introduction information and eyewear specifications] Non-limitingly, the eyewear introduction information and eyewear specification information in this embodiment are closely related. When introducing eyewear to a school, it is first necessary to determine the specifications of the eyewear, and the process of determining those specifications is included in the eyewear introduction information.
[0500] Specifically, the eyewear introduction information includes information on how to hold meetings to decide on specifications, the parties who should be involved in deciding on specifications (teachers, parent representatives, student representatives, etc.), and the factors that should be considered when deciding on specifications (consistency with school rules, harmony with school colors, budget, durability, etc.).
[0501] On the other hand, eyewear specification information includes specific specification options and their descriptions. Users refer to eyewear implementation information to understand the specification determination process and select specific specifications by referring to eyewear specification information.
[0502] For example, when considering introducing eyewear to an elementary school, users would first browse eyewear introduction information to understand implementation examples in elementary schools, the specification decision process, and how to explain it to parents. Next, they would browse eyewear specification information to select the appropriate degree of lens tinting for elementary school students, the rim material (thermoplastic elastomer), and the rim color (a color that harmonizes with the school's colors).
[0503] In this way, eyewear introduction information and eyewear specification information are used in conjunction with each other, providing comprehensive support for the introduction of UV-protective eyewear in schools.
[0504] Furthermore, the storage device 10 stores a data structure that links eyewear implementation information and eyewear specification information. For example, the specifications adopted in a particular implementation case are clearly indicated, allowing users to easily access detailed information about the specifications adopted in a given implementation case when viewing that case. Conversely, when viewing a particular specification, users can also access examples of schools that have adopted that specification. This linked structure allows users to consider the implementation process and specification selection as an integrated process.
[0505] Furthermore, the processing unit 20 analyzes the user's browsing history and, if it determines that the user is interested in a particular educational stage or school attribute, it has a function to prioritize presenting eyewear introduction information and eyewear specification information that are appropriate for that educational stage or school attribute. This allows users to efficiently obtain information that is highly relevant to their school.
[0506] <Example 1> In Modification 1, the eyewear specification information transmission process transmits information about custom eyewear. Custom eyewear refers to eyewear that has been customized according to the requests of individual schools, including the color of the rim, the color of the lenses, the markings to be applied to the rim, the markings to be applied to the temples, the markings to be applied to the endpieces, etc.
[0507] For example, a wide range of customizations are possible, such as matching the rim color to the school's colors, placing the school emblem on the outside or inside of the temple, or using different rim colors for each grade level. Information on custom eyewear includes customizable items, customization methods, the time and cost required for customization, and examples of schools that have adopted custom eyewear.
[0508] Custom eyewear can express a school's unique identity and enhance students' sense of belonging. Furthermore, the inclusion of a school-specific mark makes it easier to find lost eyewear, offering a practical benefit.
[0509] <Modification 2> In Modification 2, the eyewear introduction information transmission process includes information about a series of tasks and parties involved that may be performed up to the introduction of UV protection eyewear. The series of tasks may be the entire process from the start of consideration of introduction to actual distribution.
[0510] Specifically, this process includes raising concerns within the school at the initial stage of considering implementation, calling on interested teachers or parents, establishing a review committee, determining how to proceed with discussions within the committee, consulting with external experts, proposing solutions to the principal or chairman of the board, consulting with or reporting to the board of education, explaining at the PTA general meeting, holding parent information sessions, explaining to students, determining specifications, securing a budget, deciding on purchasing methods, selecting a vendor, placing orders, delivery, inspection, deciding on distribution methods, and implementing distribution.
[0511] For each task, the parties performing the task (principal, vice-principal, school nurse, health officer, PTA president, parent representative, student council representative, etc.), those supporting the task (board of education representative, ophthalmologist, eyewear supplier, etc.), and stakeholders (all faculty and staff, all parents, all students, etc.) are clearly identified. This allows users to clearly understand their roles and responsibilities in the implementation process.
[0512] <Variation 3> In Modification 3, the eyewear introduction information transmission process includes information on the tasks that may be performed after the introduction of UV-protective eyewear and the parties involved. Post-introduction tasks include checking the wearing status, providing guidance to students who are not wearing the eyewear, responding to inquiries from parents, providing guidance on eyewear maintenance, responding to damage or loss, periodic inspections, determining when to replace the eyewear, and evaluating the effectiveness of the introduction.
[0513] Regarding checking attendance, methods for teachers and staff to regularly check student attendance rates and methods for awareness campaigns to encourage attendance will be explained. For guidance for students who are not wearing their uniforms, methods such as individual interviews, contacting parents, and creating posters to encourage attendance will be presented.
[0514] Regarding procedures in case of damage or loss, the arrangement of repair companies, insurance coverage, and replacement procedures will be explained. For evaluating the effectiveness of the system, methods such as questionnaires for students and parents, analysis of ophthalmological examination results, and collection of opinions from faculty and staff will be presented.
[0515] <Modification 4> In Modification 4, the eyewear introduction information transmission process includes statistical information regarding the actual implementation of eyewear. This statistical information includes the introduction rate by prefecture, by municipality, by educational level (elementary school, junior high school, high school), by school attribute (national, public, private, region, educational content), trends by year of introduction, student wearing rate at schools that have introduced eyewear, satisfaction levels at schools that have introduced eyewear (satisfaction levels of teachers, parents, and students), and survey results regarding the effects of introduction on eye health.
[0516] These statistical information are displayed visually in the form of graphs or tables, allowing users to make implementation decisions based on objective data. The statistical information also includes analysis results such as the characteristics of regions or schools where implementation is progressing, factors that promote implementation, and factors that hinder implementation.
[0517] <Modification 5> In Modification 5, the information and communication system of this embodiment is linked to a monitoring system. The monitoring system is a system that continuously monitors the wearing status of UV-protective eyewear, UV exposure levels, and eye health status in schools.
[0518] The monitoring system records, for example, the rate and duration of eyewear use among students by class, and measures the amount of ultraviolet radiation exposure during outdoor activities. This data is transmitted to the information and communication system (ICS) via the network (NW) and stored in the storage device 10.
[0519] The processing unit 20 analyzes data collected from the monitoring system and supports tasks such as raising awareness in classes with low eyewear usage rates, strengthening educational activities during periods of high UV exposure, and creating reports on the effectiveness of eyewear. This allows schools to continuously improve their efforts to promote the widespread use of UV-protective eyewear.
[0520] <Variation 6> In Modification 6, the information and communication system of this embodiment has functions for providing educational content, on-site lessons, and explanatory materials for parents. The educational content consists of teaching materials for students to learn about the effects of ultraviolet rays on the eyes, the necessity of UV protection, and how to properly choose and use eyewear.
[0521] Educational content includes slides, videos, quizzes, and worksheets, which can be used in school lessons or homeroom. On-site lectures are a service where ophthalmologists, orthoptists, or eyewear specialists visit schools to give lectures to students and parents on UV protection.
[0522] Parent information materials include slides used in parent information sessions, brochures for distribution, and documents summarizing frequently asked questions and their answers. These materials are stored in storage device 10, and users can download them as needed, edit them to suit their school's situation, and use them.
[0523] <Example 7> In Modification 7, the information and communication system of this embodiment has a student-participatory selection support function and a virtual try-on function. The student-participatory selection support function is a function for collecting and reflecting students' opinions when deciding on the specifications of eyewear.
[0524] For example, multiple design options can be presented to students, and the most popular design can be selected through online voting. Giving students the opportunity to express their own opinions increases their attachment to eyewear, leading to improved wear rates.
[0525] The virtual try-on function overlays eyewear onto a photograph of the user's face taken with the camera on the user's device 50. This allows students and their guardians to check the appearance of the eyewear before actually purchasing it. The virtual try-on function is useful for comparing multiple designs and helps in selecting eyewear that meets user satisfaction.
[0526] <Differentiation Example 8> In Modification 8, the information and communication system of this embodiment provides information on common specifications for lower elementary school grades, upper elementary school grades, junior high school, and high school. These common specifications are the specifications that are recommended as standard at each educational stage.
[0527] The specifications for lower elementary school students include, for example, frames made of thermoplastic elastomer, lenses with a tinting density of 10% or less, bright and approachable rim colors (pale colors that are not too saturated), and lens sizes that are suitable for smaller faces. The specifications for upper elementary school students include designs that are slightly more mature than those for lower elementary school students.
[0528] Common specifications for junior high schools include, for example, frames made of resin or metal, lenses with a tinting level of 15% or less, rims in subdued colors (colors that harmonize with the school's colors), and lens sizes that accommodate facial growth. Common specifications for high schools include, for example, full-rim metal frames, lenses with a tinting level of 30% or less, rims in sophisticated colors, and the use of photochromic lenses.
[0529] These common specifications are standard and can serve as a reference for schools introducing eyewear for the first time. However, these common specifications are for reference only, and each school is encouraged to customize them according to its own circumstances.
[0530] <Modification 9> In Modification 9, the information and communication system of this embodiment provides information regarding implementation models at the level of education boards and local governments, and coordination with subsidy programs. A model is being considered in which an education board or local government takes the lead in introducing eyewear to multiple schools under its jurisdiction all at once.
[0531] This model allows for cost reduction and simplification of implementation procedures by standardizing specifications and purchasing equipment in bulk through the board of education or local government. Furthermore, the establishment of a subsidy system can alleviate the financial burden on parents.
[0532] The Information and Communication System (ICS) provides information on such implementation models, subsidy program design methods, subsidy application procedures, budget securing methods, and bulk purchase contract methods. This allows those in charge to efficiently promote the introduction of eyewear.
[0533] <Variation 10> In Modification 10, the information and communication system of this embodiment provides materials for school festivals, on-campus research, student council collaboration, and corporate experience programs. The materials for school festivals include display panels, handouts, and quiz materials used when setting up an awareness booth about UV protection at a school festival.
[0534] Internal research materials include literature, data, and suggested research methods that students can use as references when conducting research on the topic of UV protection. Student council collaboration materials include posters, flyers, and questionnaires used when the student council takes the lead in conducting UV protection campaigns.
[0535] Corporate experience materials are teaching materials provided by eyewear manufacturers for corporate experience programs, allowing students to learn about eyewear design, manufacturing, and quality control. These materials deepen students' understanding of UV-protective eyewear and promote proactive engagement.
[0536] This invention can also take the following forms. [Note 1] An information and communication system for promoting the use of UV-protective eyewear by providing information on UV-protective eyewear, The aforementioned information and communication system includes a storage device, a processing device, and a communication device. The aforementioned storage device stores eyewear introduction information regarding the introduction of eyewear for UV protection and eyewear specification information regarding the specifications of eyewear for UV protection. The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device includes, as processing performed based on instructions from a computer program, processing to acquire eyewear installation information, processing to acquire eyewear specification information, processing to send eyewear installation information, and processing to send eyewear specification information. The aforementioned eyewear installation information acquisition process includes a process for acquiring the eyewear installation information from the storage device. The aforementioned eyewear specification information acquisition process includes a process for acquiring the eyewear specification information from the storage device. The aforementioned eyewear installation information transmission process includes a process of sending the eyewear installation information to the communication device in order to display the eyewear installation information on the user terminal screen. The aforementioned eyewear specification information transmission process includes a process of transmitting the eyewear specification information to the communication device in order to display the eyewear specification information on the user terminal screen. Information and communication systems.
[0537] [Note 2] The eyewear introduction information transmission process includes, as eyewear introduction information, information regarding the tasks that the user must perform before introducing the UV protection eyewear. The eyewear specification information transmission process includes, as the eyewear specification information, the specifications of the ultraviolet protection eyewear, and includes information regarding the color of the rim and / or lens of the eyewear. The information and communication system described in Appendix 1.
[0538] [Note 3] The eyewear specification information transmission process transmits information as eyewear specification information, which includes information on one or more items among the degree of tinting of the lenses, the color of the lenses, the size of the lenses, the thickness of the rims, the color of the rims, the shape of the rims, and the material of the eyewear, along with information on the available options and their descriptions. The information and communication system described in Appendix 1 or 2.
[0539] [Note 4] The aforementioned eyewear specification information transmission process transmits information regarding the recommended specifications, standard specifications, and / or acceptable specifications of the eyewear as the eyewear specification information. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 to 3 of the appendix.
[0540] [Note 5] The aforementioned eyewear specification information transmission process transmits the aforementioned eyewear specification information by educational stage and / or school attribute. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 to 4 of the appendix.
[0541] [Note 6] The aforementioned eyewear specification information transmission process transmits information about custom eyewear as the eyewear specification information. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 to 5 of the appendix.
[0542] [Note 7] The eyewear introduction information transmission process includes, as eyewear introduction information, a series of tasks that may be performed up to the introduction of ultraviolet protection eyewear and information about the parties involved. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 to 6 of the appendix.
[0543] [Note 8] The eyewear introduction information transmission process includes, as eyewear introduction information, information regarding the work that may be performed after the introduction of ultraviolet protection eyewear and the parties involved. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 through 7 of the appendix.
[0544] [Note 9] The aforementioned eyewear installation information transmission process includes, as eyewear installation information, statistical information regarding the actual installation results of the eyewear. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 through 8 of the appendix.
[0545] [Note 10] The eyewear specification information transmission process transmits information regarding one or more items among the degree of tinting of the lenses, the color of the lenses, the size of the lenses, the thickness of the rims, the color of the rims, the shape of the rims, and the material of the eyewear, including information regarding the available options and their descriptions. The aforementioned eyewear specification information transmission process transmits information regarding the recommended specifications, standard specifications, and / or acceptable specifications of the eyewear as the eyewear specification information. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 through 9 of the appendix.
[0546] [Note 11] The eyewear specification information transmission process transmits information regarding one or more items among the degree of tinting of the lenses, the color of the lenses, the size of the lenses, the thickness of the rims, the color of the rims, the shape of the rims, and the material of the eyewear, including information regarding the available options and their descriptions. The aforementioned eyewear specification information transmission process transmits the aforementioned eyewear specification information by educational stage and / or school attribute. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 through 10 of the appendix.
[0547] [Note 12] The aforementioned eyewear specification information transmission process transmits information regarding the recommended specifications, standard specifications, and / or acceptable specifications of the eyewear as the eyewear specification information. The aforementioned eyewear specification information transmission process transmits the aforementioned eyewear specification information by educational stage and / or school attribute. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 11.
[0548] [Note 13] The eyewear introduction information transmission process includes, as eyewear introduction information, a series of tasks that may be performed up to the introduction of ultraviolet protection eyewear and information about the parties involved. The eyewear introduction information transmission process includes, as eyewear introduction information, information regarding the work that may be performed after the introduction of ultraviolet protection eyewear and the parties involved. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 through 12 of the appendix.
[0549] [Note 14] The eyewear introduction information transmission process includes, as eyewear introduction information, a series of tasks that may be performed up to the introduction of ultraviolet protection eyewear and information about the parties involved. The aforementioned eyewear installation information transmission process includes, as eyewear installation information, statistical information regarding the actual installation results of the eyewear. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 through 13 of the appendix.
[0550] [Note 15] The eyewear introduction information transmission process includes, as eyewear introduction information, information regarding the work that may be performed after the introduction of ultraviolet protection eyewear and the parties involved. The aforementioned eyewear installation information transmission process includes, as eyewear installation information, statistical information regarding the actual installation results of the eyewear. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 through 14 of the appendix.
[0551] [Note 16] The eyewear specification information transmission process transmits information regarding one or more items among the degree of tinting of the lenses, the color of the lenses, the size of the lenses, the thickness of the rims, the color of the rims, the shape of the rims, and the material of the eyewear, including information regarding the available options and their descriptions. The aforementioned eyewear specification information transmission process transmits information regarding the recommended specifications, standard specifications, and / or acceptable specifications of the eyewear as the eyewear specification information. The aforementioned eyewear specification information transmission process transmits the aforementioned eyewear specification information by educational stage and / or school attribute. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 through 15 of the appendix.
[0552] [Note 17] The eyewear introduction information transmission process includes, as eyewear introduction information, a series of tasks that may be performed up to the introduction of ultraviolet protection eyewear and information about the parties involved. The eyewear introduction information transmission process includes, as eyewear introduction information, information regarding the work that may be performed after the introduction of ultraviolet protection eyewear and the parties involved. The aforementioned eyewear installation information transmission process includes, as eyewear installation information, statistical information regarding the actual installation results of the eyewear. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 16.
[0553] [Note 18] Furthermore, including the user's terminal, An information and communication system as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to 17.
[0554] <<Features of the supplementary invention>> According to the information and communication system of this invention, by providing information on the introduction and specifications of eyewear in a centralized manner, it realizes an environment in which school personnel and others can efficiently obtain the information they need.
[0555] By providing practical information based on actual implementation examples from other schools, the overall implementation process becomes clearer. The series of tasks from the planning stage to post-distribution operation, the roles of those involved at each stage, and the required timeframes are all clearly outlined, enabling schools to proceed with implementation in a planned and smooth manner. In particular, for schools introducing eyewear for the first time, being able to refer to successful examples and innovative approaches from other schools is extremely useful in alleviating anxieties and increasing the feasibility of implementation.
[0556] This document provides a detailed explanation of the various options and their technical significance regarding eyewear specifications. It presents a range of possible choices for each item, including the degree of lens tinting, color, size, rim thickness, color, shape, and material, and clearly outlines the UV protection performance, durability, and suitability for school life for each option. This allows schools to rationally select the optimal specifications while considering their policies, budget, and student age groups. In particular, by explaining that even light-colored lenses offer sufficient UV protection, it dispels the misconception that "only dark lenses like sunglasses are effective," thereby promoting the widespread use of eyewear suitable for school life.
[0557] This system provides information optimized for each educational stage or school attribute. Since students' developmental stages, activities, and preferences differ between elementary, middle, and high schools, the appropriate eyewear specifications also differ. This invention allows each school to easily understand recommended, standard, and acceptable specifications according to their educational stage, enabling more efficient consideration and appropriate decision-making.
[0558] By providing statistical information on implementation results, we support decision-making based on objective data. Statistical information such as implementation rates by prefecture, implementation rates by educational level, trends by year of implementation, and satisfaction levels at schools that have implemented the system are important factors for schools to evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of implementation.
[0559] By providing visual information regarding rim and lens colors, it becomes possible to concretely visualize the appearance of the eyewear. Images or videos allow for confirmation of harmony with school colors and whether the eyewear looks appropriate for school life, thus facilitating consensus among stakeholders in determining specifications.
[0560] <<Industrial Applicability>> This invention can be used by schools, boards of education, local governments, PTAs, eyewear manufacturers, and others as an information and communication system for promoting the use of eyewear for UV protection.
[0561] -------------- School supplies eyewear management system --------------
[0562] <<Technical Field>> This invention relates to an information and communication system for managing whether ultraviolet protection eyewear is suitable as school supplies.
[0563] <<Background technology>> As already mentioned, in recent years there has been a growing movement to protect children's eyes from ultraviolet rays.
[0564] Therefore, there is a growing need for a system that allows for verification and management of whether or not UV-protective eyewear is suitable as school supplies in a particular school before purchase.
[0565] <<Problems the invention aims to solve>> The objective of this invention is to provide a novel information and communication system for managing whether UV-protective eyewear is suitable as school supplies. For example, it aims to efficiently determine and manage whether UV-protective eyewear is suitable as school supplies in a particular school. For example, it aims to systematically manage and provide information on eyewear wearing standards that differ from school to school. For example, it aims to determine suitability by comparing information on the specifications of UV-protective eyewear with information on wearing standards in schools. For example, it aims to provide a means to confirm suitability as school supplies before purchasing UV-protective eyewear, thereby preventing the purchase of unsuitable eyewear and the resulting returns. For example, it aims to reduce the burden on schools in managing the suitability of eyewear worn by students. For example, it aims to support manufacturers or distributors of UV-protective eyewear in planning, manufacturing, or selling products that meet school standards.
[0566] <<Means for solving the problem>> The problem of this invention is solved by the configuration described in claim 1.
[0567] <<Effects of the invention>> This invention can solve one or more of the problems described in the original invention.
[0568] <<Brief explanation of the drawing>> <<Figure 1>> This is a perspective view of eyewear according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from diagonally above. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall system configuration of this embodiment, including the information communication system, network, and user-side terminal. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration related to the information and communication system of this embodiment.
[0569] <<Forms for implementing the invention>> The embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0570] <School supplies> Regarding eyewear as school supplies, I have already mentioned this.
[0571] <Overall Structure> The overall configuration of this invention, including the information and communication system, is as previously described.
[0572] <Embodiment> This embodiment relates to an information and communication system for managing whether ultraviolet protection eyewear is suitable as school supplies.
[0573] [Storage device] The storage device 10 functions as a component of the information and communication system (ICS) and stores various types of information and data. The information stored in the storage device 10 includes, but is not limited to, eyewear compatibility information, eyewear specification information, user attribute information, website-related files, computer programs, device drivers, operating systems, database management systems, and log data.
[0574] [Eyewear compatibility information] Non-limitingly, the eyewear suitability information of this embodiment is information regarding whether or not the ultraviolet protection eyewear is suitable as school supplies. The eyewear suitability information includes eyewear suitability criteria information and eyewear suitability judgment result information.
[0575] (Eyewear Conformity Standards Information) Non-limitingly, the eyewear suitability criteria information of this embodiment is information regarding criteria for determining the suitability of ultraviolet protection eyewear as school supplies. These criteria define the requirements for eyewear worn by students in schools and include items relating to lens characteristics, frame characteristics, and other characteristics. These characteristics have already been described.
[0576] Eyewear conformity standard information is managed and stored by region, board of education, educational level, school attributes, school group, school, grade level, year of enrollment, and / or student attributes. This classification management makes it possible to accommodate a variety of standards.
[0577] Regional management involves organizing standard information based on geographical divisions such as prefectures, cities, towns, and villages. When common standards exist for multiple schools within the same region, this method reduces information redundancy and improves management efficiency.
[0578] Management by board of education involves organizing standard information according to the board of education that has jurisdiction over the school. When a board of education has established uniform standards for the schools under its jurisdiction, management by board of education clarifies the scope of application of those standards.
[0579] Educational stage-based management involves organizing standard information based on the distinction between primary and secondary education, or more specifically, the distinction between elementary, middle, and high schools. Appropriate eyewear specifications may differ depending on the developmental stage, and educational stage-based management allows for the setting of standards that are appropriate for age and developmental stage.
[0580] School attribute-based management involves organizing standard information based on factors such as whether the school is public or private, regional characteristics, and educational content. For example, the activities of students differ between schools providing general education and schools providing specialized education, and consequently, the performance requirements for eyewear may also differ. School attribute-based management makes it possible to set standards that are appropriate for the characteristics of each school.
[0581] School group-based management involves organizing standard information based on groups such as the school corporation as a whole (as seen in private schools), integrated elementary and junior high schools, integrated junior and senior high schools, and integrated elementary, junior high, and senior high schools. School groups sharing the same educational philosophy or operational policies may be subject to common standards, and school group-based management aims to unify standards within the group.
[0582] School-specific management involves organizing standard information for each individual school. Each school has its own unique educational policies and school culture, and may set its own standards accordingly. School-specific management makes it possible to address the individuality of each school.
[0583] Grade-level management involves organizing standard information for each grade level. Because students' physical size, comprehension abilities, and self-management skills differ between lower and upper grades, different standards may be set for each grade. Grade-level management allows for the setting of more detailed standards.
[0584] Managing information by year of enrollment involves organizing standard information on an annual basis. School standards may change from year to year due to changes in social circumstances, revisions to educational policies, etc. Managing information by year of enrollment allows for tracking the changes in standards and clearly defining the standards applicable to students who enrolled in each academic year.
[0585] Student attribute-based management involves organizing standard information according to each student's individual circumstances. Student attributes include extracurricular activities, commuting time, eyesight, and medical history. For example, students in outdoor clubs such as baseball teams may be recommended eyewear that considers not only UV protection but also glare reduction (visible light blocking). Similarly, students with long commutes may be recommended eyewear with higher UV protection. Student attribute-based management helps facilitate the selection of appropriate eyewear tailored to each student's needs.
[0586] (Eyewear suitability assessment results information) Non-limitingly, the eyewear suitability determination result information of this embodiment is information regarding the determination result of whether a particular pair of UV-protective eyewear is suitable as school supplies in a particular school. The determination result information includes identification information of the eyewear subject to determination, identification information of the school that served as the basis for the determination, the determination result (suitable, unsuitable, conditionally suitable, etc.), the reason for the determination, identification information of the person who made the determination, and the date and time the determination was made.
[0587] Eyewear compatibility assessment results are stored in association with frame identifiers and / or lens identifiers. Frame identifiers and lens identifiers may be model numbers, product numbers, barcodes, or two-dimensional codes (e.g., QR codes®). This association with identifiers makes it possible to uniquely identify the assessment result for a specific frame and lens combination.
[0588] The identification information of the person who made the judgment is recorded to ensure the reliability of the judgment. The judge may be a school teacher or staff member, an education board official, a sales representative, or an expert from a third-party organization. Recording the date and time the judgment was made makes it possible to verify the validity of the judgment result if the criteria change.
[0589] Eyewear suitability assessment results may be provided for searching for eyewear suitable for UV protection. For example, when parents or retailers search for eyewear suitable for a specific school, the assessment results can be used as search criteria. This makes it possible to efficiently find suitable eyewear.
[0590] [Eyewear Specifications] Non-limitingly, the eyewear specification information of this embodiment includes detailed information regarding the physical properties, optical properties, materials, dimensions, and colors of the ultraviolet protection eyewear. The eyewear specification information includes lens specification information and frame specification information.
[0591] Lens specifications include information on the lens's UV transmittance, visible light transmittance, degree of tinting, color, size, shape, material, refractive index, coating type, and whether or not it has photochromic functionality. UV transmittance may be measured for each wavelength; for example, transmittance in the ranges of 280-315 nm (UV-B) and 315-400 nm (UV-A) may be recorded. Visible light transmittance may be recorded as a value at specific wavelengths such as 450 nm and 550 nm, or as the average transmittance for the entire visible light spectrum. The degree of tinting is recorded as a numerical value of density, and the color is recorded as lightness, a-value, b-value, and chroma in the Lab color system. Size is recorded as the length in the left-right and up-down directions, and shape is recorded as the type of shape, such as circular, elliptical, or polygonal. Material is recorded as the type of material, such as glass or resin, and refractive index is recorded as a numerical value. Coating types include anti-reflective coatings, water-repellent coatings, anti-fog coatings, and hard coatings. The presence or absence of photochromic functionality and, if photochromic lenses are present, the maximum density are also recorded.
[0592] Frame specifications include information on rim thickness, rim color, rim shape, rim material, temple length, temple shape, temple material, bridge width, bridge shape, nose pad shape, and overall frame weight. Rim thickness is recorded in millimeters, rim color is recorded as lightness, a-value, b-value, and chroma in the Lab color system. Rim shape is recorded as type (full-rim, half-rim, rimless, etc.), and rim material is recorded as type (metal, plastic, celluloid, etc.). Temple length is recorded in millimeters, and temple shape and material are also recorded. Bridge width is recorded in millimeters, and bridge shape is recorded as type. The shape of the nose pad is also recorded. Overall frame weight is recorded in grams.
[0593] Eyewear specifications may also include test results regarding the durability and sweat resistance of the eyeglass frames. For example, the pass / fail results of the durability test described in JIS B7285 (2016), where the number of repetitions was changed from 500 to 2000, and the pass / fail results of the sweat resistance test described in JIS B7285 (2016), where the holding time was changed from 8 hours to 32 hours, may be recorded. These test results indicate that the product has the quality to withstand long-term use as school supplies.
[0594] Eyewear specification information is registered in the storage device 10 based on catalog information, product specifications, measurement data, etc., provided by the manufacturer or distributor.
[0595] [Other memories] In addition to eyewear compatibility information and eyewear specification information, the storage device 10 of this embodiment also stores user attribute information, website-related files, computer programs, device drivers, and the like.
[0596] User attribute information refers to information about users of the Information and Communication System (ICS), and includes user identification information, name, contact information, affiliated school, grade level, user type (parent, student, teacher, vendor, etc.), and login authentication information. User attribute information is used to provide appropriate information to each user and to manage access rights.
[0597] [Processing device] The processing unit 20 functions as a component of the information and communication system (ICS) and performs various processes based on instructions from a computer program.
[0598] The processing performed by the processing unit 20 includes, but is not limited to, the acquisition of eyewear suitability information, the acquisition of eyewear specification information, the transmission of eyewear suitability information, the transmission of eyewear specification information, and the determination of eyewear suitability. Each of these processes will be described in detail below.
[0599] [Eyewear compatibility information acquisition process] Non-limitingly, the eyewear compatibility information acquisition process in this embodiment is a process of acquiring eyewear compatibility information from the storage device 10. This process is executed in response to a request from the user terminal 50.
[0600] For example, if a parent operates the user terminal 50 to view eyewear conformity standard information for a specific school, the user terminal 50 sends a request to the information and communication system (ICS) via the network NW. The communication device 30 receives this request and transmits it to the processing unit 20. The processing unit 20 analyzes the school identification information and other data included in the request and instructs the storage device 10 to retrieve the corresponding eyewear conformity standard information. The storage device 10 searches for the relevant information based on the instruction and returns it to the processing unit 20.
[0601] In the process of acquiring eyewear compatibility information, it is desirable to control the scope of information acquired according to the user's permissions and requests. For example, general parents could be provided with only the standard information for the school their child attends, while vendors could be provided with standard information for multiple schools based on their contract. Furthermore, school staff could be granted the authority to view and update the standard information and judgment results for the school in which they work.
[0602] [Eyewear specification information acquisition process] In a non-limiting manner, the eyewear specification information acquisition process in this embodiment is a process of acquiring eyewear specification information from the storage device 10. This process is also executed in response to a request from the user terminal 50.
[0603] For example, if a parent or retailer wants to check the specifications of a particular piece of eyewear, a request containing the eyewear identifier is sent from the user terminal 50. The processing unit 20 analyzes the request and instructs the storage device 10 to retrieve the corresponding eyewear specification information. The storage device 10 searches for the relevant information based on the identifier and returns it to the processing unit 20.
[0604] In the process of acquiring eyewear specification information, it is conceivable to adjust the level of detail of the information acquired according to the type and requirements of the user. For example, basic specification information (such as the UV transmittance of the lenses, the degree of tinting, and the frame color) could be provided to general parents, while more detailed technical specifications (such as the refractive index of the lenses, the type of coating, and the chemical composition of the materials) could be provided to specialized retailers.
[0605] [Eyewear compatibility information transmission process] In a non-limiting manner, the eyewear compatibility information transmission process of this embodiment is a process of sending the acquired eyewear compatibility information to the communication device 30 in order to display it on the screen of the user terminal 50.
[0606] The processing unit 20 converts the eyewear compatibility information acquired through the eyewear compatibility information acquisition process into a format that can be displayed on the user terminal 50. The converted data is sent to the communication device 30, which then transmits the data to the user terminal 50 via the network NW.
[0607] The user terminal 50 displays the received data on its screen. The display format may be text, table, graph, etc. For example, eyewear suitability criteria information could be displayed as a list of each criterion item and its acceptable range. Eyewear suitability judgment result information could be displayed as text, along with an image of the eyewear subject to judgment, along with the judgment result and the reason for the judgment.
[0608] In the process of transmitting eyewear compatibility information, it is desirable to provide a display that is easy for the user to understand. For example, technical terms may be accompanied by explanatory text or tooltips, and numerical values may be accompanied by their meaning and standard range.
[0609] [Eyewear specification information transmission process] In a non-limiting manner, the eyewear specification information transmission process of this embodiment is a process of sending the acquired eyewear specification information to the communication device 30 in order to display it on the screen of the user terminal 50.
[0610] The processing unit 20 converts the eyewear specification information acquired through the eyewear specification information acquisition process into a format that can be displayed on the user terminal 50, and transmits it to the user terminal 50 via the communication device 30. The processing flow is the same as that of the eyewear compatibility information transmission process.
[0611] On the user terminal 50, eyewear specification information may be displayed along with images, 3D models, or videos of the eyewear. This allows the user to visually confirm the appearance and specifications of the eyewear. Furthermore, providing supplementary information explaining the technical significance and practical impact of each item of the specification information can deepen the user's understanding.
[0612] [Eyewear compatibility determination process] Non-limitingly, the eyewear suitability determination process of this embodiment is a process that determines whether a particular pair of eyewear is suitable as school supplies in a particular school, based on eyewear suitability criteria information and eyewear specification information, and outputs eyewear suitability determination result information.
[0613] The processing unit 20 first obtains eyewear conformity standard information for the school to be judged from the storage device 10. Next, it obtains eyewear specification information for the eyewear to be judged. Then, for each item specified in the standard information, it checks whether the corresponding value in the specification information meets the standard.
[0614] For example, if the standard information specifies that "the degree of lens tinting must be 30% or less," then it is checked whether the lens tinting density value in the specifications is 30% or less. If the specifications meet the standards for all standard items, the eyewear is judged to be compliant. If even one item does not meet the standards, the eyewear is judged to be non-compliant.
[0615] The judgment result is recorded in the storage device 10 as eyewear conformity judgment result information and is also sent to the user terminal 50 and displayed. The judgment result includes not only the conclusion of conformity or non-conformity, but also detailed confirmation results for each criterion item, and the reasons if it is determined to be non-conformity.
[0616] The eyewear suitability determination process may be performed automatically or may include human judgment. In the case of automatic determination, the processing unit 20 performs the determination according to a predetermined algorithm. If human judgment is included, the processing unit 20 may present the intermediate results or determination results to school teachers or other staff members and request confirmation or correction.
[0617] The eyewear suitability assessment process may be automated only for the parts that can be automatically determined. For example, lens density can be automatically determined because product information exists and the assessment criteria are clear. Rim color, although product information exists, is not a Lab value, so it may not be possible to determine it automatically. Regarding design, since information on fine details of decoration does not exist, human judgment is required.
[0618] The relationship between eyewear conformity standards information and eyewear specification information will be explained in more detail. Standard information defines the range of acceptable specifications and is expressed in the form of numerical ranges, choices, conditional expressions, etc. Specification information is the specific values that represent the actual specifications of the eyewear. In the judgment process, the value of each item in the specification information is logically evaluated to see whether or not it falls within the range or conditions defined in the standard information.
[0619] For example, if the standard information specifies that "the rim color has a lightness of less than 40 in the Lab color system," the value of "lightness of the rim color" in the specification information is obtained, and it is evaluated whether that value is less than 40. If the value is 35, it is determined that the standard is met. If the value is 45, it is determined that the standard is not met.
[0620] When there are multiple criteria, all criteria are evaluated, and the system is deemed to be compliant overall only if all criteria are met. If only some criteria are met, the system may be deemed to be conditionally compliant or partially compliant.
[0621] To clarify the relationship between reference information and specification information, the storage device 10 may manage mapping information that associates each item of the reference information with each item of the specification information. The mapping information automatically identifies the item of specification information that should be referenced in the determination process.
[0622] [communication equipment] The communication device 30 functions as a component of the information and communication system (ICS) and transmits and receives data with the user terminal 50 via the network (NW).
[0623] The communication device 30 receives requests sent from the user terminal 50 and transmits them to the processing unit 20. It also transmits data received from the processing unit 20 to the user terminal 50.
[0624] [User-side terminal] The user terminal 50 is a terminal operated by a user utilizing the information and communication system ICS.
[0625] The user terminal 50 displays eyewear compatibility information and eyewear specifications information on its screen, without limitation. Users refer to the displayed information and, as needed, perform operations such as searching, comparing, selecting, and ordering eyewear. In addition, users with the necessary authority, such as school faculty and staff, can use the user terminal 50 to perform management operations such as registering, updating, and deleting eyewear compatibility standard information.
[0626] [Example of system operation] The following describes an example of the operation of the information communication system ICS according to this embodiment.
[0627] Let's consider a scenario where a parent wants to purchase UV-protective eyewear that is suitable for their child's school. The parent operates the user terminal 50 and accesses a website provided by the information and communication system ICS. On the website, the parent selects the school their child attends. The information and communication system ICS retrieves eyewear suitability criteria information for the selected school from the storage device 10 and transmits and displays it on the user terminal 50. The parent checks the displayed criteria information and understands what specifications of eyewear are suitable.
[0628] Next, parents browse a list of eyewear available for sale on the website. Each piece of eyewear displays its specifications, allowing parents to compare them with the standard information to find suitable eyewear. Furthermore, the ICS (Information and Communication System) performs an eyewear suitability assessment, automatically determining the suitability of each piece of eyewear for the selected school and displaying the assessment results. From the eyewear determined to be suitable, parents select the eyewear to purchase, taking into consideration design, price, etc.
[0629] Thus, with the information and communication system ICS according to this embodiment, parents can check the suitability of the eyewear as school supplies before purchasing it, thus avoiding the risk of purchasing unsuitable eyewear.
[0630] <Example 1> Modification 1 relates to a form in which eyewear suitability determination result information is provided for the purpose of searching for eyewear for UV protection.
[0631] In this modified version, when a user searches for eyewear suitable for a specific school on the user terminal 50, the eyewear suitability judgment result information is used as a search criterion. For example, when a user selects a school and performs the operation "Search for eyewear suitable for this school," the information communication system ICS refers to the judgment result information recorded in the storage device 10, obtains a list of eyewear that has been determined to be suitable for the selected school, and displays it on the user terminal 50. This makes it possible for the user to efficiently find suitable eyewear from among a large number of options.
[0632] <Modification 2> Modification 2 relates to a form that utilizes an artificial intelligence engine in the eyewear suitability determination process.
[0633] In this modified example, when the processing unit 20 performs the eyewear suitability determination process, it requests the artificial intelligence engine to make a determination. The processing unit 20 sends eyewear suitability standard information and eyewear specification information to the artificial intelligence engine connected to the network NW via the communication device 30. The artificial intelligence engine analyzes the sent information and determines the suitability of the eyewear. The determination result is returned to the processing unit 20 via the communication device 30.
[0634] The artificial intelligence engine may be trained on past judgment cases, school trends, regional characteristics, etc., in which case it becomes possible to make judgments that take into account complex factors that cannot be captured by simple rule-based judgments. In this modified example, the processing unit 20 may also send eyewear suitability judgment result information of other UV-protective eyewear to the artificial intelligence engine as reference information (RAG). In this case, the artificial intelligence engine can use the reference information to refer to how similar eyewear was judged and improve the accuracy of the judgment. The artificial intelligence engine may also be an artificial intelligence agent.
[0635] <Variation 3> Modification 3 concerns a configuration in which a storage device 15 (cloud storage) that stores eyewear conformity standard information is operated and managed by an organization separate from the Information and Communication System (ICS).
[0636] In this modified example, the storage device 15 is installed on a server operated, for example, by an education board, a school association, or a third-party organization. The processing unit 20 of the information and communication system ICS accesses the storage device 15 via the communication device 30 as needed to obtain eyewear conformity standard information. There may be more than one store (company) that sells eyewear as school supplies. Therefore, it may be more rational for a third party to centrally manage the eyewear conformity standard information, which each store can then refer to.
[0637] <Modification 4> Modification 4 concerns a form in which the school updates the eyewear conformity standard information for that school.
[0638] In this modified version, school staff members use the user terminal 50 to access the information and communication system ICS and register, update, or delete eyewear conformity standard information related to their school. The updated standard information is recorded in the storage device 10 and reflected in subsequent judgment processing and information provision. This makes it possible to respond quickly to changes in school policy.
[0639] <Modification 5> Modification 5 relates to a configuration in which eyewear suitability determination processing is performed based on the update in Modification 4.
[0640] In this modified version, after the school updates its eyewear conformity criteria information, the ICS (Information and Communication System) re-executes the eyewear conformity assessment process for the eyewear associated with that school. This ensures that the latest assessment results based on the updated criteria are obtained, maintaining the accuracy of the information provided to the user.
[0641] <Variation 6> Modification 6 concerns a form in which the school updates the eyewear suitability assessment results information for the school in question.
[0642] In this modified version, school staff members use the user terminal 50 to directly input or modify the judgment results for specific eyewear. Compared to updating the eyewear suitability standard information, this increases the workload for the school, but it increases the accuracy of judgments for individual eyewear. For example, it becomes possible to make judgments that take into account subtle design impressions that cannot be captured by the standard information, school traditions, local customs, etc.
[0643] <Example 7> Modification 7 relates to a configuration in which an artificial intelligence engine analyzes eyewear suitability criteria information and / or eyewear suitability judgment result information to create a summary.
[0644] In this modified version, the artificial intelligence engine analyzes a large amount of eyewear suitability standard information and eyewear suitability judgment result information recorded in the memory device 10, and extracts trends, patterns, statistical features, etc. For example, a summary may be created stating, "In schools in area A, the average tint density of lenses is set low," or "Full-rim frames are preferred in schools under the jurisdiction of education board B." The created summary is provided to manufacturers or distributors and used as reference material for understanding market trends and product planning. It is also provided to school personnel and used as material to confirm how their school's standards compare to those of other schools.
[0645] This invention can also take the following forms.
[0646] [Note 1] An information and communication system for managing whether UV-protective eyewear is suitable as school supplies, The aforementioned information and communication system includes a storage device, a processing device, and a communication device. The aforementioned storage device stores eyewear suitability information, which is information regarding the suitability of UV-protective eyewear as school supplies, and eyewear specification information, which is information regarding the specifications of UV-protective eyewear. The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device includes, as processing performed based on instructions from a computer program, the acquisition of eyewear suitability information, the acquisition of eyewear specification information, the transmission of eyewear suitability information, and the transmission of eyewear specification information. The aforementioned eyewear compatibility information acquisition process includes a process for acquiring the eyewear compatibility information from the storage device. The aforementioned eyewear specification information acquisition process includes a process for acquiring the eyewear specification information from the storage device. The aforementioned eyewear compatibility information transmission process includes a process of sending the eyewear compatibility information to the communication device in order to display the eyewear compatibility information on the user terminal screen. The aforementioned eyewear specification information transmission process includes a process of transmitting the eyewear specification information to the communication device in order to display the eyewear specification information on the user terminal screen. Information and communication systems.
[0647] [Note 2] The memory device stores eyewear suitability criteria information, which is information regarding the criteria for determining the suitability of ultraviolet protection eyewear as school supplies, as eyewear suitability information. The aforementioned eyewear compatibility information acquisition process acquires the eyewear compatibility criteria information from the storage device. The information and communication system described in Appendix 1.
[0648] [Note 3] The memory device stores eyewear suitability criteria information, which is information regarding the criteria for determining the suitability of ultraviolet protection eyewear as school supplies, as eyewear suitability information, categorized by region, board of education, educational level, school attributes, school group, school, grade level, year of enrollment, and / or student attributes. The information and communication system described in Appendix 2.
[0649] [Note 4] The memory device stores eyewear suitability judgment result information, which is information regarding the suitability of ultraviolet protection eyewear as school supplies, as eyewear suitability information. The aforementioned eyewear compatibility information acquisition process acquires the eyewear compatibility determination result information from the storage device. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 to 3 of the appendix.
[0650] [Note 5] The memory device stores eyewear suitability judgment result information, which is information regarding the suitability of ultraviolet protection eyewear as school supplies, as eyewear suitability information, linked to the frame identifier and / or lens identifier. The information and communication system described in Appendix 4.
[0651] [Note 6] The aforementioned eyewear suitability determination result information is provided for the purpose of searching for eyewear for UV protection. The information and communication system described in Appendix 5.
[0652] [Note 7] The storage device stores, as eyewear suitability information, eyewear suitability criteria information, which is information regarding the criteria for determining the suitability of ultraviolet protection eyewear as school supplies, and eyewear suitability determination result information, which is information regarding the determination result of the suitability of ultraviolet protection eyewear as school supplies. The processing performed by the aforementioned processing device further includes an eyewear suitability determination process, The eyewear suitability determination process performs the process of outputting the eyewear suitability determination result information based on the eyewear suitability criteria information and the eyewear specification information. An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 to 6 of the appendix.
[0653] [Note 8] The aforementioned eyewear suitability determination process utilizes an artificial intelligence engine for determination. The eyewear suitability criteria information and the eyewear specification information are sent to the artificial intelligence engine via the communication device, and the results determined by the artificial intelligence engine are received via the communication device. The information and communication system described in Appendix 7.
[0654] [Note 9] The eyewear suitability determination process sends the eyewear suitability determination result information of other UV-protective eyewear to the artificial intelligence engine as reference information. The information and communication system described in Appendix 8.
[0655] [Note 10] Furthermore, including the user's terminal, An information and communication system as described in any one of the items 1 through 9 of the appendix.
[0656] <<Features of the supplementary invention>> According to the information and communication system of this invention, it becomes possible to manage the suitability of ultraviolet protection eyewear as school supplies in a systematic and efficient manner that was not possible with conventional methods.
[0657] This system enables the systematic management of school-specific eyewear usage standards using a unified data structure, allowing for rapid provision of information as needed. By managing eyewear suitability standard information through multi-layered classifications such as region, board of education, educational level, school, grade level, and year of enrollment, it can flexibly accommodate diverse standards while effectively reducing information redundancy. As a result, standards common to multiple schools within the same region can be centrally managed, dramatically improving the overall management efficiency of the system.
[0658] This system provides a function that automatically compares eyewear specification information with eyewear suitability criteria information and outputs suitability judgment results. This automatic judgment function suppresses the variability of human judgment for multiple criteria items such as lens tinting, UV transmittance, and rim thickness and color, enabling objective and accurate judgment. In particular, when utilizing an artificial intelligence engine, continuous learning of past judgment cases and school trends through machine learning enables advanced judgment that takes into account complex factors that cannot be captured by simple rule-based methods.
[0659] This system provides a means for parents to check whether eyewear meets the standards of their child's school before purchasing it for UV protection. By managing eyewear suitability assessment results linked to frame and lens identifiers and making this information searchable, parents can efficiently find suitable products from a large selection. As a result, it prevents situations where parents mistakenly purchase eyewear that does not meet the standards and are later forced to return it, significantly reducing the financial and time burden on parents.
[0660] This system reduces the burden on schools in managing the suitability of eyewear worn by students. While it is time-consuming and laborious for teachers and staff to individually verify the suitability of each piece of eyewear against the standards, this system streamlines management tasks because the judgment results are already recorded and provided. Furthermore, when a school updates its eyewear suitability standard information, the system automatically performs a reassessment, allowing for prompt reflection of the updated judgment results and maintaining accuracy in management.
[0661] This system provides manufacturers and distributors of UV-protective eyewear with valuable information on market demand trends and school standards. By using an artificial intelligence engine to analyze large amounts of standard and judgment data and create summaries, trends and patterns in specific regions and educational levels will become apparent. This information can then be used in product planning and manufacturing to promote the development and supply of products that meet school standards. This will accelerate the overall market adoption of products that meet the societal need to protect children's eyes from UV radiation.
[0662] <<Industrial Applicability>> The information and communication system according to this invention can be widely used by manufacturers and distributors of UV-protective eyewear, school officials, parents, and others. In particular, it is useful in the education and health industries as it contributes to the health management of children and the improvement of the quality of school life.
[0663] ------------------- UV Protection Eyewear Specification Management System -------------------
[0664] <<Technical Field>> This invention relates to an information and communication system for schools to manage the specifications of eyewear for protection against ultraviolet rays.
[0665] <<Background technology>> As already mentioned, in recent years there has been a growing movement to protect children's eyes from ultraviolet rays.
[0666] Against this backdrop, the demand for UV-protective eyewear is increasing, but most UV-protective eyewear on the market is designed for adults. The designs, colors, and shapes are often unsuitable for children's school life and may violate school rules.
[0667] <<Problems the invention aims to solve>> This invention aims to provide a novel information and communication system for schools to manage the specifications of UV-protective eyewear. For example, it aims to efficiently manage whether UV-protective eyewear is suitable as school supplies. Schools need to select eyewear that conforms to school rules and educational policies from a wide variety of products, and there is a need for a means to efficiently collect and manage the information for this purpose. For example, it aims to clarify the specifications of eyewear that schools will accept and share information about those specifications among relevant parties. When different standards exist for each school, a system is needed to provide specification information appropriate to each school and update it as needed. For example, it aims to facilitate the smooth exchange of information about UV-protective eyewear between schools and manufacturers or distributors. A communication method is needed that can appropriately respond to requests and questions from schools. For example, when multiple schools manage eyewear specifications according to different standards, it aims to efficiently provide information appropriate to each school. A system that allows for flexible management according to the circumstances of each school is necessary.
[0668] <<Means for solving the problem>> The problem of this invention is solved by an information and communication system for schools to manage the specifications of eyewear for UV protection, the information and communication system comprising a storage device, a processing device and a communication device, the storage device storing eyewear permissible information which is information regarding the permissibility of eyewear for UV protection for use in school, the processing device performing processing based on instructions from a computer program, and including eyewear permissible information storage processing, eyewear permissible information acquisition processing and eyewear permissible information transmission processing, the eyewear permissible information storage processing comprising the process of storing eyewear permissible information in the storage device, the eyewear permissible information acquisition processing comprising the process of acquiring eyewear permissible information from the storage device, and the eyewear permissible information transmission processing comprising the process of transmitting eyewear permissible information to the school via the communication device.
[0669] <<Effects of the invention>> This invention can solve one or more of the problems described in the original invention.
[0670] <<Brief explanation of the drawing>> <<Figure 1>> This is a perspective view of the eyewear in this embodiment, seen from diagonally above. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of this embodiment, including the information communication system, network, and user-side terminal. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration related to the information and communication system of this embodiment.
[0671] <<Forms for implementing the invention>> The embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0672] <School supplies> Regarding eyewear as school supplies, I have already mentioned this.
[0673] <Overall Structure> The overall configuration of this invention, including the information and communication system, is as previously described.
[0674] <Embodiment> This invention relates to an information and communication system for schools to manage the specifications of eyewear for UV protection. Not limited to this, the system of this embodiment includes a storage device, a processing device, and a communication device, and has the function of efficiently managing eyewear approval information and exchanging information with schools.
[0675] [Overall Configuration of the Information and Communication System] As shown in Figure 2, the information and communication system (ICS) comprises a storage device 10, a processing device 20, and a communication device 30. The ICS is connected to multiple user-side terminals 50 via a network (NW). The user-side terminals 50 are terminals used by school staff, board of education officials, PTA members, or other school-related personnel.
[0676] [Storage device] The storage device 10 stores various data and programs in the information and communication system (ICS). Not limited to, the storage device 10 of this embodiment stores eyewear tolerance information, user attribute information, eyewear-related information, website-related files, computer programs, device drivers, operating systems, database management systems, and other files necessary for system operation.
[0677] Eyewear acceptance information refers to information regarding the acceptance of UV-protective eyewear as school supplies. Specifically, eyewear acceptance information includes information on one or more of the following: lens color density, frame shape, lens material, frame material, compatibility with uniforms, eyewear weight, eyewear fit, UV transmittance, impact resistance, availability of prescription lenses, price, quality guarantee period, supply capacity, and customizability.
[0678] For example, information regarding the lens color density includes the acceptable density range (e.g., 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, 15% or less, or 10% or less). Information regarding the frame shape includes whether it is full-rim, half-rim, or two-point. Information regarding the lens material includes whether it is made of resin or glass.
[0679] Regarding information on harmony with the uniform, the color difference ΔE between the school's colors and the frame color, or the color difference ΔE between the color of the fabric occupying the largest area of the school's winter girls' uniform jacket and the frame color, is stored. Regarding information on ultraviolet transmittance, the upper limits of the transmittance for UV-A and UV-B (e.g., less than 8% and less than 1%) are stored.
[0680] User attribute information refers to information about the school-side person in charge of using the user terminal 50. User attribute information includes the person in charge's name, the name of the school they belong to, their job title, contact information (email address, phone number), login authentication information (user ID, password), permission level, and history information regarding the person in charge's transfers. Permission levels are set in stages, for example, permission to only view eyewear-permitted information, and permission to modify it.
[0681] Eyewear-related information includes questions, requests, reports of problems, or consultations received from schools regarding eyewear. For example, requests such as "Can the lens color be made a little lighter?", reports of problems such as "The frame is easily broken," and questions such as "Can you accommodate changes in prescription?" are recorded. This information is categorized by school and stored along with time information.
[0682] Website-related files include files that make up the website accessed by the school. The website provides functions such as displaying eyewear acceptance information, presenting eyewear options, accepting selection results, and accepting questions and requests.
[0683] The computer program includes program code for implementing various processes performed by the processing unit 20. Specifically, it includes a program for storing eyewear-permissible information, a program for acquiring eyewear-permissible information, a program for transmitting eyewear-permissible information, a program for receiving eyewear-permissible information, a program for receiving eyewear-related information, and a program for comprehensively managing these processes.
[0684] The storage device 10 also stores a database management system, which manages eyewear tolerance information, user attribute information, and eyewear-related information. The database has tables or collections for each school, and is indexed to allow for efficient searching and retrieval of eyewear tolerance information specific to each school.
[0685] As shown in Figure 2, the information and communication system (ICS) may further include a storage device 15. The storage device 15 is configured as cloud storage and is used to store large amounts of data. For example, product catalogs for eyewear, detailed specifications, quality test results, past transaction history, and detailed survey results may be stored in the storage device 15. The storage device 15 is accessible via the processing device 20 and the communication device 30, and data is read and written as needed.
[0686] [Processing device] The processing unit 20 performs various processes based on instructions from the computer program. The processes performed by the processing unit 20 include, but are not limited to, eyewear-permissible information storage processing, eyewear-permissible information acquisition processing, eyewear-permissible information transmission processing, eyewear-permissible information reception processing, and eyewear-related information reception processing.
[0687] [Eyewear-permissible information storage processing] The eyewear tolerance information storage process is the process of storing eyewear tolerance information in the storage device 10. This process is executed, for example, when a system administrator enters new eyewear tolerance information or when existing eyewear tolerance information is updated.
[0688] The eyewear tolerance information storage process can store eyewear tolerance information that differs from school to school. For example, school A may allow lenses with a density of 40% or less, while school B may only allow lenses with a density of 15% or less. The processing unit 20 stores the eyewear tolerance information along with information that identifies the school (e.g., school ID, school name) and manages the standards for each school separately.
[0689] Furthermore, the eyewear acceptance information storage process includes version control of the eyewear acceptance information. If the school changes the standards, older versions of the eyewear acceptance information are retained and recorded as change history. This makes it possible to refer to past standards and track the history of changes.
[0690] [Eyewear tolerance information acquisition process] The eyewear tolerance information acquisition process is the process of acquiring eyewear tolerance information from the storage device 10. This process is executed, for example, before sending the eyewear tolerance information to the school.
[0691] Specifically, the processing unit 20 issues a query to the database in the storage device 10 using information that identifies the destination school. The query includes the school ID or school name, and searches for the corresponding school's eyewear acceptance information. The database uses an index to perform a high-speed search and extracts the relevant record or document.
[0692] The acquired eyewear tolerance information is temporarily stored in the memory of the processing unit 20 and used in subsequent transmission processing.
[0693] [Eyewear permission information transmission process] The eyewear acceptance information transmission process involves transmitting eyewear acceptance information to the school via the communication device 30. This process allows the school to understand the specifications of eyewear that are acceptable for commuting to school.
[0694] The eyewear acceptance information transmission process includes the process of transmitting eyewear acceptance information so that schools can access it. In this case, school personnel can log in to the website and view their school's eyewear acceptance information. The website displays the acceptable ranges for each item, such as lens color density, frame shape, and UV transmittance, in a table format. Personnel can refer to this information to check whether the eyewear they are considering purchasing meets the standards.
[0695] Furthermore, the eyewear permission information transmission process includes a process that allows the school to send changes to the eyewear permission information. In this case, the website provides a form for editing the eyewear permission information. The person in charge can update the eyewear permission information by entering new values into the form and pressing the submit button. The updated information is received by the eyewear permission information reception process and stored in the storage device 10.
[0696] The eyewear acceptance information transmission process further includes the transmission of eyewear options to the school. The options are a list of products that are candidates for eyewear accepted by the school. For example, the processing unit 20 extracts products that match the school's eyewear acceptance information from the eyewear product database stored in the storage device 10 and transmits the product list to the school. The options include the name, model number, price, detailed specifications, and product image of each product.
[0697] The school representative can select products suitable for their school from the submitted options. The options are displayed in the form of checkboxes, and multiple selections are possible. Once the representative completes their selection and presses the submit button, the selection results are received by the eyewear acceptance information reception process.
[0698] [Eyewear permission information reception processing] The eyewear-permitted information reception process is the process of receiving eyewear-permitted information from the school via the communication device 30. Through this process, the eyewear-permitted information entered or modified by the school is incorporated into the system.
[0699] The received data includes information on acceptable eyewear as modified by the school, or the results of the eyewear selection made by the school.
[0700] When the eyewear selection results are received, the processing unit 20 stores the information of the selected products in the storage device 10. The selection results include the school ID, the model number of the selected product, the quantity selected, and the date and time of selection. This information is used for subsequent analysis and statistical processing. For example, by analyzing which products are chosen by many schools, it is possible to understand the trends of popular products.
[0701] [Eyewear-related information reception processing] The eyewear-related information receiving process involves receiving information from schools regarding questions, requests, problems, or consultations about eyewear. This process facilitates communication between schools and manufacturers or distributors.
[0702] Specifically, the processing unit 20 receives questions, requests, bug reports, or consultations sent from the school's user terminal 50 via the communication device 30. The website has a form for entering this information, allowing the person in charge to enter messages in a free-text format. The form includes a dropdown list for selecting a category (e.g., "Question," "Request," "Bug Report," "Consultation"), a text box for entering the subject, and a text area for entering the message body.
[0703] The received eyewear-related information is analyzed by the processing unit 20 and stored in the storage device 10. During storage, the sender's school ID, the name of the person in charge, the date and time of receipt, the category, the subject, and the body of the message are recorded. This information is stored in a database and used for subsequent searches and analyses. For example, if multiple schools report problems with a particular product, it suggests that the product may have quality issues.
[0704] The processing unit 20 can also automatically generate a response based on the received eyewear-related information. For example, for frequently asked questions, it automatically sends a reply using a pre-prepared answer template. If the question is complex or requires individual attention, a notification is sent to the person in charge, and the answer is created manually.
[0705] Furthermore, the eyewear-related information receiving process includes receiving information about the person in charge at the school. Specifically, it receives one or more pieces of information from the following: the name of the person in charge at the school, the contact information of the person in charge (email address, telephone number), changes in the person in charge's position, information about users (number of students, number of students using eyewear), usage status (how often the eyewear is used), and information about the usage environment (frequency of outdoor activities, content of physical education classes).
[0706] This information is used to understand the needs of each school and to provide more appropriate services. For example, schools with many outdoor activities can be given priority in being offered eyewear with high UV protection. When information about a change in personnel is received, the processing unit 20 updates the user attribute information of the new personnel and performs a process to invalidate the authority of the old personnel. It also receives information about the school to which the old personnel have been transferred and uses this information to expand sales channels.
[0707] [communication equipment] The communication device 30 is responsible for communica...
Claims
1. School supplies intended for use by students, The aforementioned school supplies are The right lens and The left lens and A front section having a right rim for supporting the right lens, a left rim for supporting the left lens, a bridge for connecting the right rim and the left rim, and a nose rest member for keeping the lens in front of the student's eye, The eyewear includes temples to keep the lenses in front of the student's eyes, The ultraviolet transmittance of both the right lens and the left lens is less than 7.00%. School supplies.
2. Schools are elementary schools, junior high schools, or high schools. Guidelines are provided for the degree of tinting of the lenses, the color of the lenses, the size of the lenses, the thickness of the rims, the color of the rims, the shape of the rims, and / or the material of the eyewear, in order to make them suitable as school supplies. The aforementioned eyewear conforms to the aforementioned guidelines. The school supplies described in claim 1.
3. School supplies for which guidelines are provided regarding the degree of tinting of the aforementioned lenses, The degree of coloration of the aforementioned lens is 40% or less in density. The school supplies described in claim 1.
4. School supplies for which guidelines are provided regarding the degree of tinting of the aforementioned lenses, The degree of coloration of the aforementioned lens is 30% or less in density. The school supplies described in claim 1.
5. School supplies for which guidelines are provided regarding the degree of tinting of the aforementioned lenses, The degree of coloration of the aforementioned lens is 15% or less in density. The school supplies described in claim 1.
6. School supplies for which guidelines are provided regarding the degree of tinting of the aforementioned lenses, The degree of coloration of the aforementioned lens is 10% or less in density. The school supplies described in claim 1.
7. School supplies for which a guideline is provided for the color of the aforementioned lens, The color of the aforementioned lens has a saturation of less than 30 in the Lab color system. The school supplies described in claim 1.
8. School supplies for which a guideline is provided for the color of the aforementioned lens, The color of the aforementioned lens has negative a and b values in the Lab color system, and a saturation of less than 40. The school supplies described in claim 1.
9. The aforementioned school supplies have guidelines for the size of the lens, The aforementioned lens has a length in the left-right direction greater than 30.00 mm and less than 60.00 mm, and a length in the up-down direction greater than 20.00 mm and less than 50.00 mm. The school supplies described in claim 1.
10. A school supply in which guidelines are provided for the thickness of the rim, The diameter of the rim is less than 10.00 mm. The school supplies described in claim 1.
11. School supplies for which guidelines are provided for the color of the rim, The color of the rim has a lightness of less than 40 in the Lab color system. The school supplies described in claim 1.
12. School supplies for which guidelines are provided for the color of the rim, The color difference ΔE between the school's school color and the color of the rim is less than 40. The school supplies described in claim 1.
13. School supplies for which guidelines are provided for the color of the rim, The color difference ΔE between the color of the fabric that occupies the largest area of the school's winter girls' uniform jacket and the color of the rim is less than 40. The school supplies described in claim 1.
14. School supplies for which guidelines are provided for the color of the rim, The rim is monochromatic, i.e., the color difference ΔE is less than 10. The school supplies described in claim 1.
15. School supplies for which guidelines are provided for the thickness and color of the rim, The diameter of the rim is less than 3.00 mm. The color of the aforementioned rim has a saturation of less than 50 if its lightness is greater than 60 and 70 or less in the Lab color system, and less than 40 if its lightness is greater than 70. The school supplies described in claim 1.
16. The aforementioned rim shape is provided with guidelines for school supplies, The aforementioned rim is a full rim. The school supplies described in claim 1.
17. The aforementioned lens is made of resin, Eyeglass frames are, The durability test described in JIS B7285 (2016), in which the number of repetitions is changed from 500 to 2000, has been passed, and / or, The product passes the sweat resistance test described in JIS B7285 (2016), when the 8-hour holding time is changed to 32 hours. The school supplies according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
18. The absolute value of the prescription value of the aforementioned lens is less than 2.00D. The school supplies according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
19. The aforementioned eyewear is approved, recommended, or permitted by the school, the students attending that school, the board of education, or the PTA as suitable as school supplies. The school supplies according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
20. It has a mark indicating that it is a school supply. The school supplies according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
21. A mark indicating that the item is a school supply is affixed to the inside of the temple in a way that it is not visible when the item is being worn. The school supplies according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
22. A mark indicating that the item is a school supply is affixed to the outside of the temple or endpiece so that it is visible when the item is worn. The school supplies according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
23. The aforementioned eyewear is marked with a symbol that allows it to be identified as school supplies. The school supplies according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
24. The ultraviolet transmittance of the aforementioned lens is less than 1.00% for 280-315 nm (UV-B) and 315-400 nm (UV-A). The school supplies according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
25. The difference between the light transmittance of the lens at a wavelength of 450 nm and the light transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nm is 10.00% or less. The school supplies according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
26. The aforementioned lens is a photochromic lens in which the maximum density is suppressed to 60% or less. The school supplies according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7 to 16.
27. It is sold as a UV protection product and also as a school supply. The school supplies according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
28. The school supplies described in any one of claims 1 to 16, The aforementioned school supplies have a product description that mentions their suitability as school supplies. Product description set.
29. The school supplies described in any one of claims 1 to 16, The aforementioned school supplies have an instruction manual or packaging container that states that they are suitable as school supplies. School supplies set.