How to support purchasing products

Abstract

To provide a technique that allows for properly grasping the usage of functions offered by a product.SOLUTION: An information recording device 200 is provided, comprising: a detection unit configured to detect information pertaining to each of a plurality of functions offered by a product; a storage unit configured to store usage information pertaining to usage of each of the plurality of functions selected or generated from the information detected by the detection unit; and an output unit configured to output the usage information stored in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information recording device, a prosthetic limb capable of using an information recording device, an analysis system for analyzing information recorded by the information recording device, an information recording method, and a product purchase support method for supporting the purchase of a product by utilizing the recorded information. [Background technology]

[0002] Various prosthetic limbs are provided for people who have lost a part of a limb to restore the shape or function of the limb. The technology for manufacturing prosthetic limbs is improving year by year, and prosthetic limbs with various functions that can improve the quality of life of people who have lost a part of a limb are now available (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a knee joint that includes a knee section that is bent by a multi-joint link mechanism and a fluid cylinder that assists the movement of the knee section according to the bending angle. In this knee joint, the multi-joint link mechanism makes the movement of the knee section closer to that of a living knee joint, making it easier for the knee section to move more naturally. In addition, the fluid cylinder supports the walking motion, improving the stability of walking. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5465365 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Generally, the more functions a prosthesis has, the more expensive it is, so prostheses users consult with doctors, prosthetists, physical therapists, etc. to select a product to purchase by weighing the functions they need against the product's price, but it has been difficult to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the functions they need. This issue is not limited to prostheses, but can be applied to other products with multiple functions as well.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a technique that enables accurate understanding of the usage status of functions provided in a product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an information recording device of one embodiment of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding each of a plurality of functions provided in a product, a memory unit that stores usage information regarding the use of each of the plurality of functions selected or generated from the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and an output unit that outputs the usage information stored in the memory unit.

[0008] Another aspect of the prosthetic limb of the present invention comprises a main body unit that is attached to any of the user's limbs, a functional unit that exhibits a function of supporting a physical function of any of the user's limbs, and an information recording device, wherein the information recording device comprises an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding each of a plurality of functions exhibited by the functional unit, a memory unit that stores usage information regarding the use of each of the plurality of functions selected or generated from the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and an output unit that outputs the usage information stored in the memory unit.

[0009] An analysis system according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes a usage information acquisition unit that acquires usage information from the information recording device, an analysis unit that analyzes the usage information acquired by the usage information acquisition unit, and a presentation unit that presents the results of the analysis by the analysis unit.

[0010] Yet another aspect of the information recording method of the present invention has a computer execute steps of detecting information relating to each of a plurality of functions provided in a product, storing in a memory unit usage information relating to the use of each of the plurality of functions selected or generated from the detected information, and outputting the usage information stored in the memory unit.

[0011] A further aspect of the present invention is a product purchasing assistance method comprising the steps of acquiring usage information regarding the use of each of a plurality of functions recorded when a prospective purchaser of a product having a plurality of functions tries out the product, analyzing the usage information, and generating evidence data proving that the prospective purchaser requires the functions provided in the product based on the results of the analysis, when submitted to an examination organization that examines an application for assistance in the purchase cost of the product.

[0012] In addition, any combination of the above components, or mutual substitution of the components or expressions of the present invention among methods, devices, programs, temporary or non-temporary storage media recording programs, systems, etc., are also valid aspects of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that enables accurate understanding of the usage status of functions provided in a product. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall view of an example of a prosthetic leg equipped with a single-axis knee joint. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a knee joint portion. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a multi-link knee joint. [Figure 4] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating examples of functions of a knee joint. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an analysis system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the prosthetic leg. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the communication terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the analysis device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure of a product purchase support method according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10]4 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure of a product purchase support method according to the embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In the following embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted. In addition, in each drawing, for convenience of explanation, some of the components are omitted as appropriate.

[0016] As an embodiment of the present invention, a technology for recording information regarding the use of each of a plurality of functions provided in a product (hereinafter also referred to as "usage information") will be described. A product equipped with all of the plurality of functions that can be installed is loaned to a prospective purchaser who is considering purchasing a product, and the prospective purchaser is allowed to try it out for a certain period of time, and the usage information for each function is recorded. The recorded usage information is then analyzed to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the functions that the prospective purchaser needs and those that are not needed, and a product that suits the prospective purchaser is recommended from a lineup of products equipped with different types of functions. This makes it possible to improve convenience for the prospective purchaser.

[0017] The recorded information can be used by product manufacturers and sellers to accurately grasp the usage status of the product's functions by users and to develop new products and conduct marketing, etc. For example, usage information on new functions added to a product can be collected and used for function improvement and development, product sales promotion, etc. This can also improve the convenience of the product manufacturers and sellers.

[0018] As described above, prosthetic limbs with many functions are relatively expensive, so many purchasers purchase prosthetic limbs with assistance such as public funds, insurance money, and subsidies from companies. When applying for assistance with purchase costs, it is often mandatory to submit an evaluation report by a prosthetist or doctor to prove the need for the prosthesis, but it has been difficult to present objective and quantitative evidence. In addition, the criteria for determining whether or not an application is accepted are unclear even in the review organization that reviews the application, and criteria for objectively determining whether or not an application is accepted based on quantitative grounds are needed. According to the technology of this embodiment, evidence data for objectively and quantitatively proving that the purchaser needs the functions provided in the prosthesis to be purchased can be generated from usage information and submitted to the review organization, so that the review organization can easily and objectively determine whether or not the application is accepted based on clear criteria using quantitative evidence data. Therefore, the technology of this embodiment can not only improve the convenience of the user or purchaser of the product, but is also beneficial to the review organization that reviews the application for assistance with the purchase cost of the product.

[0019] In the following embodiment, a prosthetic limb, particularly a prosthetic leg with a knee joint, will be described as an example of a product with multiple functions. As the knee joint, for example, there is a single-axis knee joint with a single-axis knee part and a multi-joint link knee joint with a multi-joint link mechanism knee part. First, the configuration of these will be briefly described.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows an overall view of an example of a prosthetic leg equipped with a single-axis knee joint. The thigh prosthesis 10 is equipped with a resin socket 11 for inserting the amputated stump, a knee joint 30 for providing knee flexion-extension function, and a foot 16 that serves as the ground contact part. The thigh prosthesis 10 also includes a length-adjustable adapter 15 and a rotary joint 17 that allows rotation around the axis to adapt the axial length of the prosthesis to the wearer. A leg-shaped cover 13 covers the outside of these components.

[0021] Looking at the knee joint 30, the thigh prosthesis 10 is equipped with a knee axis 12 that rotatably connects a first component member (knee member) 18 on the thigh side and a second component member (frame member) 14 on the lower leg side. Furthermore, the thigh prosthesis 10 is equipped with a cylinder device 19 as a fluid pressure control device to assist the flexion-extension function.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows the cross-sectional structure of the knee joint 30. Inside the upper part of the frame member 14 of the knee joint 30, there are a brake mechanism 21 located around the knee axis 12, a sensor 22 including a magnet 23m on the knee member 18 side and a proximity switch 23s on the frame member 14 side. The cylinder device 19 has a first support point 29 at one end of a piston rod 40 and a second support point 36 at the bottom of a cylindrical cylinder body 32 that is a housing member. The piston rod 40 holds a piston 33 as a partition member inside the cylinder body 32. The piston 33 divides the inside of the cylinder body 32 into a first chamber 31 and a second chamber 34. When the knee is bent and extended, air flows between the first chamber 31 and the second chamber 34. A communication passage that connects the first chamber 31 and the second chamber 34 is located inside the piston 33 and inside the cylinder body 32. These communication passages are parallel to each other. In the middle of the communication passage in the cylinder body 32, there is a variable control valve 24 that can change the valve opening or throttling. The variable control valve 24 is a valve that provides resistance to the bending of the knee. The larger the valve opening, the smaller the resistance to bending, and conversely, the smaller the valve opening, the greater the resistance to bending.

[0023] The variable control valve 24 is a needle valve, and the opening degree of the valve can be changed by moving the needle in the axial direction. A drive mechanism 26 moves the needle of the variable control valve 24. The drive mechanism 26 includes an electronically controllable stepping motor 27 and a screw portion 25 that converts the rotation of the stepping motor 27 into linear motion. The linear motion generated by the screw portion 25 can move the needle of the variable control valve 24 in the axial direction.

[0024] The drive mechanism 26 is located on the cylinder bottom side of the cylinder device 19. On the cylinder bottom side, there is an electronic control circuit 38 that gives control commands to the drive mechanism 26. The electronic control circuit 38 has a power supply terminal 37 for connecting to a battery 39, a connector 35 for setting control data suited to each individual prosthesis wearer, and further a sensor terminal 28 for receiving a signal from a sensor 22 (i.e., a sensor for detecting walking speed) consisting of a magnet 23m and a proximity switch 23s.

[0025] Fig. 3 shows an example of a multi-link knee joint. The four-link knee joint 50 includes a frame 60, a knee 70 of a four-link mechanism, a fluid cylinder 80 that uses oil as a working fluid and generates resistance to limit the movement of the knee 70, a drive unit 93 for changing the characteristics of the fluid cylinder 80, a position detector 90 as an extension amount detector that detects the position of the piston rod 82 relative to the cylinder tube 81 of the fluid cylinder 80 as the extension amount of the fluid cylinder 80, a signal processing circuit 94 for processing the signal output from the position detector 90, a computer 95 for controlling the operation of the drive unit 93 to control the characteristics of the fluid cylinder 80 (the magnitude of the generated resistance), and a battery (not shown) for supplying power to various components such as the drive unit 93, the signal processing circuit 94, and the computer 95.

[0026] Although the driving device 93, the signal processing circuit 94, the computer 95 and the battery are not shown in FIG. 3, they are actually attached to the frame 60 or the fluid cylinder 80.

[0027] A knee section 70 is fixed to the frame 60. The frame 60 is provided with a foot connection section 61 for connecting a foot pipe (not shown) at the end opposite to the knee section 70. The frame 60 also has a shaft 62 that rotatably supports a cylinder tube 81. The four-bar link knee joint 50 is combined with a foot to form a prosthetic leg.

[0028] The knee section 70 includes an upper link 71 having a thigh connection section 71a for connecting a thigh socket of a prosthetic leg user, a lower link 72 fixed to the frame 60, a front link 73 to which the upper link 71 and the lower link 72 are connected, and a rear link 74 to which the upper link 71 and the lower link 72 are connected. The upper link 71 includes an axis 71b that rotatably supports the piston rod 82. The lower link 72 includes an axis 72a that rotatably supports the rear link 74. The front link 73 includes an axis 73a that rotatably supports the upper link 71, and an axis 73b that is rotatably supported by the lower link 72. The rear link 74 includes an axis 74a that rotatably supports the upper link 71.

[0029] The shaft 71b is disposed above the line connecting the shafts 73a and 74a. The shaft 62 that rotatably supports the cylinder tube 81 is disposed below the frame 60. Therefore, the fluid cylinder 80 is housed inside the frame 60 so as to be able to expand, contract, and swing.

[0030] The fluid cylinder 80 includes a cylinder tube 81, a piston rod 82 movable relative to the cylinder tube 81, and a piston 83 movably housed in the cylinder tube 81 and to which the piston rod 82 is fixed. The piston rod 82 is made of a non-magnetic material. The piston rod 82 also includes a rod body 82a having a space for housing a magnet 91 (described later), a rod end 82b fixed to the rod body 82a, and spacers 82c and 82d adjusted to a predetermined length for sandwiching and fixing the magnet 91 in the piston rod 82. The rod body 82a is formed with a female screw. The rod end 82b is formed with a male screw that is combined with the female screw of the rod body 82a.

[0031] The position detection device 90 includes a magnet 91 housed in the piston rod 82, and a magnetic sensor 92 that is fixed to the cylinder tube 81 and detects the position of the magnet 91. The magnet 91 is, for example, an alnico magnet. The magnetic sensor 92 is a sensor that detects the position of the magnet 91 based on the magnitude of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 91, and is, for example, a Hall element.

[0032] After the spacer 82c, magnet 91, and spacer 82d are stored in the rod main body 82a of the piston rod 82, the male thread of the rod end 82b is tightened against the female thread of the rod main body 82a, thereby fixing the magnet 91 at a predetermined position inside.

[0033] The computer 95 is, for example, an MCU (Micro Control Unit). The computer 95 converts the position detected by the magnetic sensor 92 to obtain the flexion angle of the knee 70, that is, the flexion (or extension) angle of the four-link knee joint 50 relative to the thigh of the prosthetic limb user connected to the thigh connection part 71a.

[0034] FIG. 4 shows an example of the functions of the knee joint. Examples of functions that can be installed in the knee joint as described above include a walking speed adjustment function, a stance flexion resistance function, a stance extension damper function, a lock function, and a multi-axis function. Product A is the highest-end type that has all the functions, and is the most expensive of products A to E. Products B to E are medium- or low-end types that have only some of the functions, and are priced lower than product A. A user of a prosthetic limb selects a product to purchase from a lineup of multiple products, taking into consideration the functions he or she needs and the price of the product. In order to support the user of a prosthetic limb in purchasing a product, the analysis system according to this embodiment records usage information for each function when the user tries out product A that has all the functions, analyzes the recorded usage information to identify the functions required by the user, and recommends a product that suits the user. In addition, a report is generated with evidence data to objectively and quantitatively prove that the user needs a specific function.

[0035] 5 shows the configuration of an analysis system according to an embodiment. The analysis system 1 includes an information recording device 200 that is built into the prosthetic leg 3 and records the usage information of a plurality of functions provided by the prosthetic leg 3, a communication terminal 300 that transmits the usage information recorded in the information recording device 200 to an analysis device 400, an analysis device 400 that analyzes the usage information, and the Internet 2, which is an example of a communication network that connects these devices. If the prosthetic leg 3 or the information recording device 200 has a communication function, the usage information may be transmitted directly to the analysis device 400 without going through the communication terminal 300.

[0036] The analysis device 400 acquires usage information from the multiple information recording devices 200 built into the multiple prosthetic legs 3, respectively, and analyzes the usage information for each user. The analysis device 400 also accumulates the usage information of the multiple users and analyzes the big data.

[0037] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the prosthetic leg 3. Each block shown in the block diagram in this specification can be realized in hardware terms by electronic elements and mechanical parts such as a computer CPU, and in software terms by a computer program, but here, functional blocks realized by the cooperation of these are depicted. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by combining hardware and software.

[0038] The prosthetic leg 3 includes a sensor 180, a drive unit 182, a control device 190, an information recording device 200, and a power supply unit 184 that supplies power to these devices.

[0039] The sensor 180 detects various types of information used by the control device 190 to execute each function provided in the prosthetic leg 3. The sensor 180 is, for example, the knee joint sensor 22 shown in Fig. 2. The sensor 180 may also be software for detecting that a function has been controlled by the function control unit 194. As the sensor 180, various sensors that are provided in advance in the prosthetic leg 3 to execute each function of the prosthetic leg 3 can be used.

[0040] The drive unit 182 is an example of a functional unit that realizes each function provided in the prosthetic leg 3, and drives each component of the prosthetic leg 3. The drive unit 182 is controlled by a function control unit 194 of the control device 190.

[0041] The control device 190 includes a detection information acquisition unit 192 , a function control unit 194 , and a detection information output unit 196 .

[0042] The detection information acquisition unit 192 acquires information detected by the sensor 180. The function control unit 194 controls the configuration of the drive unit 182 and the like to realize a plurality of functions of the prosthetic leg 3 based on the detection information acquired by the detection information acquisition unit 192. The detection information output unit 196 outputs the detection information to the information recording device 200.

[0043] The information recording device 200 includes a detection information acquisition unit 202 , a usage information recording unit 204 , a usage information output unit 206 , and a usage information storage unit 208 .

[0044] The usage information storage unit 208 stores the usage information selected or generated from the function information. The usage information may be, for example, whether or not each function is used, the number of times it is used, the duration of use, the time of use, etc. The duration of use may include, for example, the cumulative duration of use, the maximum continuous duration of use, the minimum continuous duration of use, the average continuous duration of use, etc. The usage information may include detection information used for controlling each function. The usage information may include information indicating the usage mode or usage situation of the function. The information indicating the usage mode or usage situation of the function may include, for example, the value of a control variable for controlling the function, the drive amount of the drive unit, etc. The usage information storage unit 208 may store the usage information in a method such as a ring buffer. In this case, when the usage information recorded exceeds the capacity of the ring buffer, the oldest usage information is erased in order. When the prosthetic leg 3 equipped with the information recording device 200 is lent to multiple buyers, the usage information stored in the usage information storage unit 208 may be erased when the user of the prosthetic leg 3 is changed. The usage information stored in the usage information storage unit 208 may be erased when a reset of the usage information storage unit 208 is instructed by the user or the communication terminal 300, or when a change in the user is detected. The usage information storage unit 208 temporarily stores the usage information, and may be erased when the usage information is output from the usage information output unit 206 to the communication terminal 300 or the analysis device 400.

[0045] The detection information acquisition unit 202 acquires the detection information from the control device 190. The usage information recording unit 204 selects or generates usage information to be stored in the usage information storage unit 208 from the detection information acquired by the detection information acquisition unit 202, and records the usage information in the usage information storage unit 208. The usage information recording unit 204 selects or generates the usage information by executing a recording program distributed from the analysis device 400, as described below. All of the detection information acquired by the detection information acquisition unit 202 may be recorded in the usage information storage unit 208. In that case, it is not necessary to provide a recording program for selecting or generating usage information from the detection information.

[0046] The usage information output unit 206 reads out the usage information from the usage information storage unit 208 at a predetermined timing and outputs it to the communication terminal 300 or the analysis device 400. The usage information output unit 206 may output the usage information periodically at a predetermined time interval, may output the usage information when a certain trial period ends, or may output the usage information when an output request is received from the communication terminal 300 or the analysis device 400, for example.

[0047] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the communication terminal 300 according to the embodiment. Each block shown in this figure can also be realized in various forms by combining hardware and software. The communication terminal 300 is an example of an external communication means, and may be a mobile phone terminal, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc., used by a user of the prosthetic leg 3 or a person who wishes to purchase the prosthetic leg 3.

[0048] The communication terminal 300 includes a communication device 302 , a display device 304 , an input device 306 , and a control device 320 .

[0049] The communication device 302 controls communication with other devices. The communication device 302 may perform communication by any communication method, such as wired or wireless. The display device 304 displays a screen generated by the control device 320. The display device 304 may be a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, or the like. The input device 306 transmits instruction input by a user or a person who wishes to purchase the prosthetic leg 3 to the control device 320. The input device 306 may be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad, or the like. The display device 304 and the input device 306 may be implemented as a touch panel.

[0050] The control device 320 includes a usage information acquisition unit 321, a related information acquisition unit 322, a usage information transmission unit 323, a usage information presentation unit 324, a program acquisition unit 325, a program update unit 326, an analysis result acquisition unit 327, an analysis result presentation unit 328, a report acquisition unit 329, an application transmission unit 330, an application result acquisition unit 331, a re-proposal request unit 332, and an order unit 333.

[0051] The usage information acquisition unit 321 acquires usage information from the information recording device 200. The related information acquisition unit 322 acquires information related to the use of the prosthetic leg 3 (hereinafter also referred to as "related information") that can be acquired from devices or equipment other than the prosthetic leg 3. The related information is information different from the usage information recorded in the information recording device 200 when the prosthetic leg 3 is used, and is further referred to by the analysis device 400 in order to analyze the usage manner and usage situation of the prosthetic leg 3. The related information may include information useful for the analysis device 400 to analyze the usage manner and usage situation of the prosthetic leg 3, such as attribute information such as the age, sex, weight, height, muscle strength, and medical history of the prospective purchaser who tried the prosthetic leg 3, measured values ​​such as the prospective purchaser's heart rate, body temperature, and blood pressure, meteorological information such as temperature, humidity, and weather, environmental information such as the layout of the prospective purchaser's home and workplace, daily used transportation, facilities, travel routes, and range of movement, location information indicating the location of the prospective purchaser during the trial, and captured images of the surroundings. If the prospective purchaser has experience using a prosthetic leg, the related information may include information such as prosthetic leg length, foot length, stump length, amputation level, amputated limb, activity level, prosthetic leg use history, and reason for amputation. The usage information sending unit 323 sends the usage information acquired by the usage information acquiring unit 321 to the analysis device 400, together with the related information acquired by the related information acquiring unit 322. The usage information presenting unit 324 displays the usage information and the related information on the display device 304 and presents them to the purchaser. The related information may be sent to the prosthetic leg 3 and used for controlling the prosthetic leg 3, etc.

[0052] The program acquisition unit 325 acquires a recording program used by the usage information recording unit 204 of the information recording device 200 to select or generate usage information from the analysis device 400. When the recording program distributed from the analysis device 400 is updated, the program update unit 326 transmits the recording program acquired by the program acquisition unit 325 to the information recording device 200 to update it. As a result, even if the usage information used by the analysis device 400 for analysis is changed or the specifications of the report submitted for the purchase application of the prosthetic leg 3 are changed, the recording program can be updated so that the information recording device 200 records the necessary usage information.

[0053] The analysis result acquisition unit 327 acquires the analysis result from the analysis device 400. The analysis result may include, for example, a combination of functions required by the prospective purchaser, and information on the product of the prosthetic leg 3 having the combination of functions. The analysis result presentation unit 328 displays the analysis result acquired by the analysis result acquisition unit 327 on the display device 304 and presents it to the prospective purchaser. This allows the prospective purchaser of the prosthetic leg 3 to consider a product to purchase from the lineup of prosthetic legs 3 by referring to the analysis result based on the usage information when the prosthetic leg 3 was actually tried on, and therefore allows the prospective purchaser to easily and accurately select a more appropriate product.

[0054] The report acquisition unit 329 acquires from the analysis device 400 a report to be submitted to an examination organization such as a government agency when a prospective purchaser who wishes to receive assistance for the cost of purchasing the prosthesis 3 applies for assistance for the purchase of the prosthesis 3. The report describes the analysis results of the usage information as evidence data to prove that the prospective purchaser needs the functions provided in the prosthesis 3 to be purchased. This allows the application to be accompanied by highly reliable, objective and quantitative evidence data based on the usage information when the prosthesis 3 was actually tried on, so that the necessity of the functions can be more persuasively appealed to the examination organization. In addition, the burden on the prosthetist who prepares the report can be significantly reduced. For the examination organization, the examination criteria, which were previously ambiguous, can be clarified, so that the application can be examined more easily and objectively. This allows the limited budget to be more appropriately distributed to the prospective purchasers.

[0055] The application sending unit 330 sends the report acquired by the report acquisition unit 329 to the reviewing organization, and also sends information necessary for applying for assistance with the purchase cost to the reviewing organization. In one application, multiple candidates for prosthetic legs 3 may be clearly indicated in the report in order of suitability. The reviewing organization compares and evaluates the multiple candidates for prosthetic legs 3 based on the submitted report and the evidence data attached to the report, and decides to approve one of the multiple candidates or not to approve all of the candidates. The application result acquisition unit 331 acquires the result of the review of the application from the reviewing organization. The re-proposal request unit 332 requests the analysis device 400 to re-proposal a recommended prosthetic leg 3 when none of the multiple candidates for prosthetic legs 3 applied for is approved. The analysis result acquisition unit 327 acquires information on the re-proposed prosthetic leg 3 product, the analysis result presentation unit 328 presents the analysis results acquired by the analysis result acquisition unit 327, the report acquisition unit 329 acquires a report on the re-proposed prosthetic leg 3 product, and the application transmission unit 330 re-applies for assistance with the purchase cost of the re-proposed prosthetic leg 3. If the application is approved, the ordering unit 333 orders the prosthetic leg 3 from the prosthetic leg manufacturer or the prosthetic leg manufacturer. The functions of the application transmission unit 330, the application result acquisition unit 331, the re-proposal request unit 332, and the ordering unit 333 may be automatically executed online, or may be executed according to an instruction from a purchaser or the like, or these configurations may not be provided.

[0056] 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an analysis device 400 according to an embodiment. Each block shown in the figure can also be realized in various forms by combining hardware and software. The analysis device 400 may be realized by a server device, a personal computer, or the like.

[0057] The analysis device 400 includes a communication device 402 , a display device 404 , an input device 406 , a storage device 408 , and a control device 420 .

[0058] The communication device 402 controls communication with other devices. The communication device 402 may perform communication by any communication method, such as wired or wireless. The display device 404 displays a screen generated by the control device 420. The display device 404 may be a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, or the like. The input device 406 transmits instructions input by the analyst to the control device 420. The input device 406 may be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad, or the like. The display device 404 and the input device 406 may be implemented as a touch panel.

[0059] The storage device 408 stores various data and programs used by the control device 420. The storage device 408 stores, for example, product information on the prosthetic leg 3, report formats, recording programs distributed to the information recording device 200, and the like. The storage device 408 also accumulates usage information recorded by a plurality of information recording devices 200. The analysis device 400 may acquire the results of an application to an examination organization, information on the prosthetic leg actually purchased by the user, and the like from the communication terminal 300 and accumulate it in the storage device 408.

[0060] The control device 420 includes a usage information acquisition unit 421 , an analysis unit 422 , a recommended function determination unit 423 , a recommended product determination unit 424 , a report generation unit 425 , an analysis result transmission unit 426 , and a program distribution unit 427 .

[0061] The usage information acquisition unit 421 acquires usage information from the information recording device 200 or the communication terminal 300 and stores it in the storage device 408. The analysis unit 422 analyzes the usage information acquired by the usage information acquisition unit 421. The recommended function determination unit 423 determines the functions of the prosthetic limb recommended to the prospective purchaser of the prosthetic limb based on the analysis results by the analysis unit 422. The recommended product determination unit 424 determines the product having the functions determined by the recommended function determination unit 423 as the recommended product. The report generation unit 425 generates a report based on the analysis results of the usage information to be submitted to an examination organization by the prospective purchaser in order to apply for assistance for the purchase cost. The analysis result transmission unit 426 transmits the analysis results such as the recommended functions, the recommended products, and the report to the communication terminal 300.

[0062] If the application screening criteria at the screening agency, the format of the report to be submitted, the type or format of evidence data, and the like differ from one screening agency to another, the usage information acquisition unit 421 may further acquire information on the administrative agency or screening agency to which the application for purchase cost assistance is being made and store it in the storage device 408. In this case, the analysis unit 422, the recommended function determination unit 423, the recommended product determination unit 424, and the report generation unit 425 further refer to the administrative agency or screening agency to which the application is being made, analyze the usage information, determine the recommended functions or recommended products, or generate a report.

[0063] The analysis unit 422 may analyze the usage information of multiple potential purchasers, in addition to analyzing the usage information of an individual potential purchaser. The analysis result transmission unit 426 may transmit the results of comparing the usage information of the individual potential purchaser with the usage information of multiple other potential purchasers to the communication terminal 300 and cause it to be displayed. For example, it may be possible to cause it to display the position of the frequency of use of a particular function by a certain potential purchaser in the distribution of all potential purchasers. This allows the necessity of the function to be grasped more objectively and accurately.

[0064] When the recording program stored in the storage device 408 is updated, the program distribution unit 427 distributes the recording program to the information recording device 200. The program distribution unit 427 may distribute the recording program to the communication terminal 300 by using a distribution service of an application that runs on a smartphone. When distributing the recording program to a personal computer or the like, the program distribution unit 427 may notify the personal computer or the like of the distribution destination of the update when the recording program is updated.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the product purchase support method according to the embodiment. This diagram shows the procedure until the prosthetic limb user decides which prosthetic limb he / she wishes to purchase, and includes the procedure of the information recording method according to the embodiment. When the prosthetic limb user requests the purchase of a prosthetic limb from a prosthetic limb manufacturer (S10), the prosthetic limb manufacturer requests the manufacturer of the prosthetic limb to lend a knee joint (S12). The manufacturer lends the highest-class knee joint, which incorporates the above-mentioned information recording device 200 and has all the functions that can be installed, to the prosthetic limb manufacturer (S14). The prosthetic limb manufacturer assembles a prosthetic limb with the lent knee joint (S16) and lends it to the prosthetic limb user (S18). The prosthetic limb user tries out the lent prosthetic limb in daily life (S20). During this time, the information recording device 200 built into the prosthetic limb records the usage information. When the lending period ends, the usage information is transmitted to the analysis device 400 of the manufacturer (S22). When the prosthetic limb manufacturer receives the prosthetic limb from the prosthetic limb user (S24), it disassembles the prosthetic limb (S26) and returns the knee joint that was loaned to the manufacturer (S28). The analysis device 400 analyzes the usage information (S30), determines the functions required by the prosthetic limb user, and selects a knee joint that has the determined functions (S32). The analysis device 400 generates a report to be submitted to the examination organization (S34), and transmits the report together with the analysis results to the prosthetic limb manufacturer and the prosthetic limb user (S36). The prosthetic limb manufacturer checks the analysis results transmitted from the analysis device 400 (S38), and if there are no problems, the prosthetic limb user decides on the knee joint that he or she wishes to purchase (S40).

[0066] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the product purchase support method according to the embodiment. This diagram shows the procedure for a prosthetic limb user to apply to an administrative agency for assistance with the purchase cost of a prosthetic limb. When a prosthetic limb user applies to an administrative agency for assistance with the purchase cost of a prosthetic limb that the prosthetic limb user wishes to purchase (S50), the administrative agency examines whether or not to approve the application (S52). If multiple prosthetic limb candidates have been applied for (Y in S54), the administrative agency examines all the candidates. If the applications for all the candidates are not approved (N in S54), the prosthetic limb user requests the analysis device 400 to re-suggest a prosthetic limb to be purchased (S56). The analysis device 400 returns to S32 in FIG. 9, reselects a knee joint product recommended to the prosthetic limb user (S32), generates a report (S34), and re-suggests the product to the prosthetic limb user (S36). The prosthetic limb user re-decides which knee joint he or she wishes to purchase based on the new proposal made by the analysis device 400 (S40), and again applies for assistance with the purchase cost to the government agency (S50). If the application is approved (Y in S52), the prosthetic limb user places an order for the approved prosthetic limb with the prosthetic limb manufacturer (S64), and the prosthetic limb manufacturer orders the knee joint from the manufacturer (S66). When the knee joint is shipped from the manufacturer, the prosthetic limb manufacturer assembles the prosthetic limb (S70) and delivers it to the prosthetic limb user (S72). This allows the prosthetic limb user to purchase a prosthetic limb that fits him or her while receiving assistance with the purchase cost.

[0067] The present invention has been described above based on an embodiment. This embodiment is merely an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0068] In the above embodiment, a technology for recording and analyzing usage information of functions provided mainly in a knee joint has been described, however, the above technology can also be applied to prosthetic limbs such as below-knee prostheses, hip prostheses, artificial arms and fingers, medical devices such as pacemakers, welfare devices such as wheelchairs, electric beds, walking frames and welfare vehicles, various electronic devices, communication devices, home appliances, etc.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an information recording device includes an acquisition unit that acquires information on each of a plurality of functions provided in a product, a storage unit that stores usage information on the use of each of the plurality of functions selected or generated from the information detected by the acquisition unit, and an output unit that outputs the usage information stored in the storage unit. According to this embodiment, it is possible to accurately grasp the usage status of the functions provided in the product.

[0070] The plurality of functions may include a function for supporting a physical function of the user. The usage information may include a number of times, a time, or a timing when the function is used. According to this aspect, it is possible to objectively and quantitatively grasp the usage status of the function when the user uses a product having a function for supporting the physical function of the user.

[0071] The acquisition unit may acquire information detected for execution of each of the multiple functions. According to this aspect, the usage information can be recorded using the detection unit provided in the product without adding a configuration for acquiring the usage information, so that the manufacturing cost of the product can be reduced.

[0072] The information acquisition unit may further include a recording unit that selects or generates usage information to be stored in the storage unit from the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and records the selected usage information in the storage unit. According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the amount of data of the information to be recorded in the storage unit, thereby reducing the capacity of the storage unit and reducing the number of steps required to analyze the usage information.

[0073] The usage information stored in the storage unit may be erased when the user of the product is changed. According to this aspect, even when the product for recording usage information is lent to a plurality of potential purchasers, the usage information can be recorded for each potential purchaser.

[0074] The output unit may output the usage information stored in the storage unit to an external communication means, and the external communication means may transmit the usage information output by the output unit to a server. According to this aspect, a large amount of usage information can be accumulated in the server and used as a target for analysis.

[0075] The external communication means may further acquire information different from the usage information and transmit the information to the server together with the usage information. According to this aspect, the usage information can be analyzed by further taking into account information such as the usage environment of the product, so that the usage status of the functions can be more accurately understood.

[0076] The external communication means may acquire and update a program for selecting or generating the usage information in the recording section. According to this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately respond to changes in the analysis specifications, etc.

[0077] When a user uses multiple products, the external communication means may transmit the usage information of each of the multiple products to the server. According to this embodiment, even when a product for recording the usage information is changed, the usage information can be appropriately analyzed.

[0078] Another aspect of the present invention provides a prosthetic limb comprising a main body section attached to any of the limbs of a user, a functional section that realizes a function to support a physical function of any of the limbs of the user, and an information recording device. The information recording device comprises an acquisition section that acquires information on each of the multiple functions realized by the functional section, a storage section that stores usage information on the use of each of the multiple functions selected or generated from the information acquired by the acquisition section, and an output section that outputs the usage information stored in the storage section. According to this aspect, the usage status of the prosthetic limb functions can be accurately grasped.

[0079] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an analysis system includes a usage information acquisition unit that acquires usage information from the information recording device, an analysis unit that analyzes the usage information acquired by the usage information acquisition unit, and a presentation unit that presents the results of the analysis by the analysis unit. According to this aspect, the usage status of the functions of the product can be accurately analyzed and presented.

[0080] The presenting unit may be provided in a terminal that can be used by a user of the product, and the usage information acquiring unit and the analyzing unit may be provided in a server device that can communicate with the terminal. According to this aspect, the usage status of the product by a plurality of users can be combined and analyzed.

[0081] The analysis unit may analyze the usage information of the individual user. According to this embodiment, the usage status of the individual user can be accurately understood.

[0082] The presenting unit may present the usage information. According to this aspect, the user can check his / her own usage information.

[0083] The device may further include a storage device that stores the usage information of the plurality of users. The analysis unit may analyze the usage information of the plurality of users. According to this aspect, the usage status can be analyzed more accurately using the usage information of the plurality of users.

[0084] The presenting unit may present the usage information of the individual user in comparison with the usage information of a plurality of other users. According to this aspect, by comparing the usage status of the function with that of other users, it is possible to objectively determine the necessity of the function.

[0085] The analysis unit may identify functions recommended to the user based on the usage information of the user. According to this aspect, functions required by the user can be easily and objectively identified and recommended based on the quantitative usage status of the functions.

[0086] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an information recording method causes a computer to execute the steps of: detecting information relating to each of a plurality of functions provided in a product; storing usage information relating to the use of each of the plurality of functions selected or generated from the detected information in a storage unit; and outputting the usage information stored in the storage unit. According to this aspect, it is possible to accurately grasp the usage status of the functions provided in the product.

[0087] The method may further include the steps of: analyzing the usage information; and presenting the analysis results. According to this aspect, it is possible to accurately analyze and present the usage status of the functions provided in the product.

[0088] A further aspect of the present invention is a method for supporting product purchases, which includes the steps of acquiring usage information regarding the use of each of a plurality of functions recorded when a prospective purchaser of a product having a plurality of functions tries out the product, analyzing the usage information, and generating evidence data for proving that the prospective purchaser needs the functions of the product based on the results of the analysis, when the evidence data is submitted to an examination organization that examines an application for assistance with the purchase cost of the product. According to this aspect, it is possible to easily apply for assistance with the purchase cost of the product. Also, it is possible to objectively determine whether assistance with the purchase cost of the product is granted based on quantitative evidence data based on the actual usage record of the product.

[0089] The method may further include a step of obtaining a judgment result from the examination organization, and a step of proposing to the prospective purchaser the purchase of another product having different functions when the assistance for the purchase cost of the product is not approved. According to this aspect, an appropriate re-suggestion can be made taking into consideration the needs of the user and the judgment result from the examination organization, thereby improving the convenience of the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 Analysis system, 2 Internet, 3 Prosthetic limb, 180 Sensor, 182 Drive unit, 192 Detection information acquisition unit, 194 Function control unit, 196 Detection information output unit, 200 Information recording device, 202 Detection information acquisition unit, 204 Usage information recording unit, 206 Usage information output unit, 208 Usage information storage unit, 300 Communication terminal, 321 Usage information acquisition unit, 322 Related information acquisition unit, 323 Usage information transmission unit, 324 Usage information presentation unit, 325 Program acquisition unit, 326 Program update unit, 327 Analysis result acquisition unit, 328 Analysis result presentation unit, 329 Report acquisition unit, 330 Application transmission unit, 331 Application result acquisition unit, 332 Re-proposal request unit, 333 Order unit, 400 Analysis device, 408 Storage device, 421 Usage information acquisition unit, 422 Analysis unit, 423 Recommended function determination unit, 424 A recommended product determination unit, 425 a report generation unit, 426 an analysis result transmission unit, and 427 a program distribution unit.

Claims

1. A computer comprising: A step of lending a top-class product having all of the multiple functions that can be installed to a person who wants to purchase a product having multiple functions, and acquiring usage information regarding the use of each of the multiple functions recorded when the person tries out the product for a certain period of time; Analyzing functions required by the potential purchaser based on the usage information; generating evidence data for proving that the intended purchaser requires the functions of the product when submitting the application for financial assistance for the purchase of the product to an examination organization that examines the application based on the results of the analysis; A product purchase support method comprising:

2. obtaining a judgment result from the examination organization; a step of proposing to the prospective purchaser the purchase of another product having different functions when the support for the purchase cost of the product is not approved; 2. The method for supporting product purchase according to claim 1, further comprising causing a computer to execute the steps of:

3. the highest-class product is provided with an information recording device for recording the usage information, The information recording device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding each of a plurality of functions provided in the highest-level product; a storage unit that stores usage information regarding the use of each of the plurality of functions selected or generated from the information acquired by the acquisition unit; an output unit that outputs the usage information stored in the storage unit; 3. The product purchase support method according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The product is A main body that is attached to any one of the user's limbs; A functional part that exhibits a function to support any physical function of the user's limbs; It is a prosthetic leg that has The product purchase support method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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