Insole manufacturing system, insole manufacturing method, and insole
The insole manufacturing system addresses the limitations of conventional methods by using a computer-designed unit to create custom insoles that support dynamic foot movements, enabling efficient and cost-effective production regardless of location.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024560328
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-24
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-09-24
AI Technical Summary
Conventional insole manufacturing methods require face-to-face measurements and are limited by region, leading to increased costs and difficulties in producing custom-made insoles that effectively support dynamic foot movements during exercise.
A system and method for manufacturing insoles using a computer-designed unit that selects and arranges multiple parts to create insoles tailored to individual foot shapes, allowing for the production of thousands to hundreds of billions of patterns, and enabling the support of dynamic foot movements by guiding the center of foot pressure (COP) trajectory.
This approach allows for the easy, cost-effective, and region-independent manufacturing of custom-made insoles that optimize foot support and movement, enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for manufacturing an insole for footwear such as a shoe, a method for manufacturing an insole, and an insole. [Background technology]
[0002] Insoles (also called foot insoles or corrective insoles) that are fitted inside footwear such as shoes are known to be formed into a three-dimensional shape to fit the shape of the sole of the foot (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Many of these types of insoles are commercially available as so-called ready-made insoles (see, for example, Patent Document 2), which are designed and manufactured to fit the average shape of the sole of a person's foot.
[0003] Meanwhile, in addition to ready-made insoles, custom-made insoles manufactured according to the characteristics of the user are also commercially available (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
[0004] For example, there is a growing need for custom-made insoles as orthotics for improving and preventing symptoms, preventing injuries, and maintaining and improving performance in the medical field, sports industry, and other areas.
[0005] Conventionally, when making a custom-made insole, a technician (such as a doctor or a person working under the doctor's instructions) must meet with the user to measure the sole of the user's foot and take a mold of the foot. The insole is made based on the measured and molded shape of the user's foot (static foot shape, i.e., foot shape in a standing, lying, or sitting position). In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 3, an insole is made to have an arch support portion that supports the arch of the sole of the user's foot, based on the measured static foot shape of the user.
[0006] Conventional general insoles are designed to be manufactured to support the entire sole and the arch of the foot in accordance with the static shape of the user's foot.
[0007] In the case of custom-made insoles, it is necessary to measure the user's feet, take a mold of the feet, etc., and this requires space and time for measuring, etc.
[0008] In particular, when measurements are taken face-to-face, insoles can only be made in specific regions where technicians or makers (hereinafter referred to as technicians, etc.) who make the insoles are practicing. In the case of custom-made insoles, the fact that such insoles can only be made in specific regions poses the problem that prices are high due to the supply and demand balance. Furthermore, there is the problem that it may become even more difficult to make or obtain them due to price issues, etc.
[0009] In response to the problem that custom-made insoles cannot be produced without a technician, semi-custom-made insoles have become available in recent years (see, for example, Patent Documents 4 to 6). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0010] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5498631 [Patent Document 2] JP 2008-62005 A [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2022-528573 [Patent Document 4] JP 2003-088405 A [Patent Document 5] JP 2008-048863 A [Patent Document 6] Utility model registration No. 3210276 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0011] Semi-custom-made insoles are made by combining several parts so that the shape of the insole can be changed for each customer, making it relatively easy for even those who are not skilled in making insoles, such as engineers, to make insoles that are tailored to each customer.
[0012] However, in the conventional techniques such as Patent Documents 4 to 6, the shape patterns of the parts are limited to a practical range from the viewpoint of commercialization, in other words, the technical significance is poor. For this reason, the number of shape patterns is at most several tens to several hundreds, which is far from sufficient considering that the foot characteristics are completely different for each customer.
[0013] For reference, biometric authentication using fingerprints, retinas, etc. is known, but it is said that identical patterns cannot exist for fingerprints, retinas, etc. Furthermore, the error rate of current biometric authentication systems is about one in a million.
[0014] When it comes to the characteristics of a human foot, which is a living organism, (foot shape, characteristics of the sole, and other characteristics of the foot as a living organism), it is believed that theoretically and practically no two feet are completely identical.
[0015] Considering these points, the semi-custom-made insoles of the conventional technology described above were completely lacking in product patterns that could be tailored to the characteristics of a person's foot, for which no identical pattern would exist.
[0016] As described above, with conventional insoles, custom-made (specifically, fully custom-made) insoles required a technician to be present to produce the insoles, and measurements had to be taken in person.
[0017] In order to solve such problems, semi-custom-made insoles have been proposed. However, since the characteristics of each person's feet are completely different, in reality, the product patterns are limited to a range of several tens to several hundreds, and it is not possible to provide the optimal insole for each individual.
[0018] Another problem is that conventional insoles, whether ready-made, semi-custom-made, or custom-made, are manufactured based on a static foot mold. Meanwhile, the situation in which the insole is used is usually one in which dynamic load is applied to the foot, such as standing, walking, or other exercise. In this case, the shape of the foot also changes dynamically, but conventional insoles do not take this into consideration.
[0019] Furthermore, in the design of semi-custom insoles, etc., dedicated software and systems are used, but in some cases, knowledge and design techniques may be required to utilize the functions of the software to perform the best design. Also, it is common that relatively expensive costs and physical space are required to build a production environment for producing insoles.
[0020] There are a number of complex issues that prevent the creation of an environment in which people can easily, cheaply, and uniformly create insoles that are best suited to them.
[0021] Let's reorganize the issues.
[0022] When it comes to custom-made insoles, the traditional face-to-face production method had the following issues:
[0023] It is difficult to produce regardless of region (there are disparities in services between regions).
[0024] It is difficult to produce casually.
[0025] It is difficult to manufacture at low cost.
[0026] Thus, in the past, it was not possible to achieve a desirable form of service provision.
[0027] In this regard, in recent times, there have been emergencies such as pandemics caused by viral infections and wars, which have affected the production and distribution of goods, resulting in problems such as chronic shortages and price hikes. These problems have highlighted the above issues more clearly.
[0028] Due to these issues, there has been a strong desire for a situation where anyone, anywhere in the world, can easily make and obtain insoles at a reasonable cost according to their needs.
[0029] In response to this, advances in the Internet have led to the proposal of a system for producing insoles by exchanging information over the Internet. This makes it possible to obtain information about the foot by inputting information about the foot or taking an image of the foot, and then produce the insole without the need for face-to-face measurements.
[0030] However, even in such cases, the insole is only manufactured to fit the static foot shape of the user as described above. In other words, no consideration is given to the dynamic foot shape (dynamic deformation of the foot shape) during exercise or to guiding the weight transfer, or this is done insufficiently.
[0031] Conventional insoles have been focused on simply supporting the entire sole of the foot or the arch of the foot, and have not focused on supporting dynamic changes and movements, specifically supporting (controlling) the movement (trajectory) of the "center of pressure (COP)," which is an important element in exercise. Even if they have been mentioned, there is room for improvement in terms of technical solutions.
[0032] Such conventional insoles may, in some cases, impede the movement of the foot during exercise, which may lead to poor overall movement from the foot. In this case, contrary to the original intention, there are concerns that symptoms may worsen, the risk of injury may occur, and performance may decrease.
[0033] The present disclosure provides an insole that has increased freedom and versatility in the production of insoles and is superior in terms of functionality.
[0034] Specifically, the present disclosure provides an insole manufacturing system and method that enables anyone, anywhere in the world, to manufacture desired insoles according to their needs.
[0035] The present disclosure provides an insole capable of supporting the movement (trajectory) of the center of foot pressure (COP), and a manufacturing system and method for the insole.
[0036] The present disclosure provides an insole that not only has the function of supporting the foot as a structure, but also, in addition to that function, elicits muscle activity in the foot and creates movement of the entire body from the movement of the foot (sole), as well as a manufacturing system and manufacturing method for the insole. [Means for solving the problem]
[0037] The manufacturing system of the present disclosure is a manufacturing system for an insole composed of a plurality of parts. There are several thousand or more patterns, preferably several hundred thousand or more patterns, and more preferably several tens of billions or more patterns of insoles that can be manufactured by the manufacturing system of the present disclosure. The manufacturing system includes a design unit configured by a computer, which selects the plurality of parts from a predetermined parts list according to input design specifications, and designs the insole by arranging the selected plurality of parts.
[0038] Here, "selection" refers to the selection of parts that are necessary or sufficient to satisfy practicality or functionality when combined with multiple parts. "Arrangement" refers to the arrangement of selected parts in an intended positional relationship (positional relationship according to a predetermined arrangement logic) rather than randomly. In other words, the selection and arrangement are performed according to a predetermined rule or logic.
[0039] According to this production system, an engineer (insole manufacturer) can simply input design specifications and the design unit can design the insole. The design unit is configured to select multiple parts from a predetermined parts list according to the input design specifications and design the insole by arranging the selected multiple parts, thereby making it possible to design an insole suitable for each consumer (insole user). An algorithm for selecting parts according to the design specifications can be prepared in advance and implemented in the production system.
[0040] This algorithm reflects and incorporates the results of calculations and simulations, knowledge and data shown in research and papers, knowledge and data based on experience, etc. The results of calculations and simulations are, for example, data and results derived from trial and error design in accordance with various programs on a computer. Knowledge and data shown in research and papers may include, for example, data and results found through various studies, theoretical knowledge (for example, knowledge derived from the characteristics of the human body structure), clinical trial data, etc. Knowledge and data based on experience may include, for example, the actual usage experience, impressions, and results of continued use of the consumer (the insole user). Based on such feedback from the consumer (the insole user), the design algorithm is modified to improve the design, and the knowledge and data based on experience are reflected in the algorithm.
[0041] In addition to the types of parts, algorithms for selecting and arranging the parts may enable the manufacturing system of the present disclosure to design thousands or more patterns of insoles, preferably hundreds of thousands or more patterns, and more preferably hundreds of billions or more patterns.
[0042] The production system of the present disclosure may include an output unit that outputs to the outside information on the actual size shape or relative shape information of the multiple parts selected and arranged by the design unit in an arranged state.
[0043] "Form" includes at least shape, size, and positional relationship. "Form" may further include thickness, material, hardness, etc. "Life-size form information" means at least information on the life-size shape, size, and positional relationship between parts. "Relative form information" means information on a similar form to the actual parts, rather than the life-size shape, size, and positional relationship. Specifically, it means at least information on the relative shape, size, and positional relationship of all multiple parts and their positional relationships when enlarged or reduced at the same ratio.
[0044] "External output" includes, for example, displaying on a display screen, projecting onto a projection surface using a projector or the like, printing out on paper, and outputting in other forms that can be recognized by humans.
[0045] The information output by the output unit enables an engineer (insole maker) or the like to easily recognize how the multiple parts that make up the insole are positioned and in what positional relationship.
[0046] In particular, when information on the actual size of the part is output to the outside, the technician (insole manufacturer) can recognize the parts in a form that conforms to the actual product, and can more naturally grasp the type of parts and the relative positions of the parts, etc., and can therefore recognize them more easily and clearly. This can make the manufacture of the insole easier and more reliable.
[0047] Furthermore, when the relative form information is output to the outside, particularly when the information is output to the outside in an enlarged form, the type of parts and the positional relationship between the parts can be more easily recognized due to the enlargement. For example, it is easier for people with symptoms such as myopia or farsightedness to recognize the information.
[0048] In addition, when the image is output externally in a reduced form, the output area can be saved, and the manufacturing system can be introduced even when there is a physical limit to the manufacturing location of the insole. For example, when projecting an image of the shape of a part, even if the size of the projection surface is limited, the problem of the size of the projection surface can be solved by reducing the image and projecting it. In addition, when the shape of a part is printed out on paper, it can be printed out on a relatively small paper surface, which is advantageous in terms of convenience and resource saving.
[0049] The manufacturing system of the present disclosure may include a display unit that displays each of the multiple parts selected and arranged by the design unit in a recognizable superimposed manner. "Displaying in a recognizable superimposed manner" may mean, for example, displaying the outline of a part that is hidden under a certain part in an arrangement relationship in which the part is arranged under the other part and is hidden by the other part. In this case, the outline of the part hidden under may be displayed with a dashed line. This makes it easier and more reliable to recognize the multiple parts, and makes it easier to recognize where the multiple parts should be arranged and in what positional relationship. This makes it easier and more reliable for engineers (insole makers) and the like to manufacture insoles.
[0050] Here, the display unit may be included in the output unit, in other words, the output unit may have the display unit, or the output unit may have the function of the display unit.
[0051] Furthermore, the display unit may be configured to display the multiple parts in a superimposed manner so that the order of superimposition of the multiple parts can be recognized. In the case of "displaying the multiple parts in a superimposed manner so that the order of superimposition can be recognized," for example, it is possible to change the thickness, shade, or type of the outline line according to the order of superimposition, or to change the color or shade of the entire part (for example, by applying a gradation). Since not only the parts are simply displayed in a superimposed manner but also the order of superimposition can be recognized, an engineer (an insole manufacturer) or the like can recognize in what order the multiple parts should be arranged. This can make it possible to manufacture the insole more smoothly.
[0052] The production system of the present disclosure may include a comparison unit that compares the arrangement state of multiple parts arranged by a design unit (hereinafter referred to as model arrangement) with the arrangement state of multiple parts as actual objects arranged at predetermined positions (hereinafter referred to as actual arrangement), and a judgment unit that judges whether the model arrangement and actual arrangement match based on the result of the comparison by the comparison unit.
[0053] The comparison unit may include a detection unit or function for detecting a plurality of real parts arranged at predetermined positions, such as a camera unit for capturing images of the parts.
[0054] According to a production system including a comparison unit and a judgment unit, it is possible to judge whether the type and arrangement of parts match the design specifications and the parts as actual objects that are actually arranged. This makes it possible to suppress or prevent production errors. More specifically, by feeding back the judgment result to an engineer (insole manufacturer), etc., it is possible to suppress or prevent production errors by the engineer (insole manufacturer), etc. The comparison and / or judgment may be performed at a predetermined time interval or in real time, or may be performed, for example, after detecting that a part has been arranged, each time one part is arranged or each time a predetermined number of parts are arranged.
[0055] By performing the comparison and / or judgment at a predetermined time interval rather than in real time, the resources (processing load of the computer) of the production system can be reduced. On the other hand, by performing the comparison and / or judgment in real time, it becomes possible to suppress or prevent production errors in real time. Furthermore, by feeding back the judgment results in real time, the production of the insoles can be made smoother.
[0056] In the production system of the present disclosure, the insole includes at least one of a base part and an additional part, and the base part and the additional part may be selected from a plurality of parts prepared for each area arbitrarily divided in the approximate human foot shape. Furthermore, the additional part may be arbitrarily selected from a plurality of parts having at least one element different from the group of elements of shape, size, thickness, and hardness. Here, the base part may be a part having an approximate human foot shape. When both the base part and the additional part are used, the additional part may be used in combination with the base part.
[0057] In this case, the insole may include at least a base sole layer that serves as a foundation, a part layer that is disposed on the base sole layer, and an intermediate layer that is disposed adjacent to at least one of the two surfaces of the part layer.
[0058] The parts layer may be a layer in which a plurality of parts constituting the insole are arranged in any combination and in any positional relationship.
[0059] It is preferable that the plurality of parts are chamfered by cutting corners, etc., to soften the impact on the sole of the foot. On the other hand, according to the configuration including the intermediate layer, the intermediate layer can be interposed to prevent the corners of each part from directly hitting the sole of the foot. Therefore, the intermediate layer can soften the impact on the sole of the foot. Furthermore, by providing the intermediate layer, it is possible to obtain the same effect as chamfering, which cuts the corners of the parts. Therefore, such chamfering can be omitted. In the case of performing chamfering, equipment and labor are required, which significantly increases the cost, but if only the intermediate layer is provided, additional equipment for chamfering is not required, and the labor can be significantly reduced by the amount of labor not required for chamfering. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce the overall cost and takt time.
[0060] In the production system of the present disclosure, the parts list may include a list of part groups formed by combining any number of parts in advance, and the design unit may be configured to be able to select one or more part groups from the list of part groups as the parts to select.
[0061] The combination of multiple parts can be patterned to some extent in order to achieve a desired effect. Therefore, the multiple parts that make up the patterned combination can be registered in advance as a parts group, and the parts group can be included in a parts list and made selectable, thereby reducing the design load. More specifically, by selecting a part group that is already combined from the beginning, rather than selecting and combining parts one by one, computer processing can be simplified and the processing load can be reduced.
[0062] The present disclosure also includes a method of making an insole, which may be as follows:
[0063] Specifically, the method is for producing a desired insole from several thousand patterns, preferably several hundred thousand patterns, and more preferably several trillion patterns, for an insole composed of several parts, in which the insole is designed using a design unit configured by a computer, which selects the several parts from a predetermined parts list in accordance with input design specifications, and designs the insole by arranging the selected several parts.
[0064] The present disclosure also includes insoles made with the above-described manufacturing system and / or manufacturing method.
[0065] Furthermore, the present disclosure may also include a computer program for implementing the above-mentioned production system and / or production method on a computer, and a recording medium for storing the computer program. Effect of the Invention
[0066] According to the insole manufacturing system, manufacturing method, and insole manufactured thereby disclosed herein, it is possible to manufacture insoles without the consumer (insole user) and the engineer (insole manufacturer) meeting face-to-face in person. Specifically, as long as there is an environment where communication is possible via a communication network, it is possible to manufacture insoles regardless of geographical issues. Therefore, anyone who wants insoles can manufacture and obtain the insoles they want according to their needs, regardless of region.
[0067] Furthermore, according to the insole manufacturing system and method disclosed herein, the parts of the insole can be arranged according to the output information (e.g., the projected image), and no advanced skills or knowledge are required for manufacturing. This greatly expands the range of people who can be involved in manufacturing as engineers on the manufacturing side. Anyone with a minimum level of dexterity can be involved in manufacturing insoles.
[0068] According to the insole manufacturing system, manufacturing method, and insole manufactured thereby disclosed herein, by providing a design unit configured by a computer, it is excellent in ease of manufacturing, high versatility, etc., and as described above, it is possible to manufacture a desired insole from more than several thousand patterns, preferably more than several hundred thousand patterns, and more preferably more than several tens of billions of patterns. In addition, by providing a design unit configured by a computer, it is possible to implement a unique algorithm. Such unique features make it possible to realize a design focused on COP.
[0069] Regarding optimal walking and running movements, it is said that walking or running movements are performed so that the heel strikes the ground and the COP moves from the heel toward the fourth toe, then the COP transitions smoothly between the big toe and the second toe, and finally the COP exits from the ball of the foot toward the front in the walking or running direction, reducing the load on the bones and muscles of the legs and hips and enabling smoother, faster movements with less energy loss.
[0070] In any movement, the strength and direction of the push-off are determined by the trajectory and end point of the COP, and the force that can be generated thereby determines the direction and speed of the body's center of gravity, thereby forming the movement of the entire body.
[0071] According to the insole manufacturing system and manufacturing method of the present disclosure, and the insole manufactured thereby, the trajectory and end point of the COP, and therefore the movement of the entire body, can be optimized to a desired state. Then, it is realized that such an insole can be manufactured with a higher degree of freedom without restrictions such as the place and time for manufacturing. Furthermore, it is possible to realize that anyone can easily and reliably manufacture an insole by simply combining parts without requiring advanced expertise or a high level of skill. According to the insole manufacturing system and manufacturing method of the present disclosure, and the insole manufactured thereby, it is possible to provide an insole that not only has the function of supporting the foot as a structure, but also, in addition to such function, draws out the muscle activity of the foot and creates the movement of the entire body from the movement of the foot (sole). [Brief description of the drawings]
[0072] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating the center of gravity of a human body and ground reaction force, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a typical example of the movement trajectory of the COP and the center of gravity of the body. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2A shows an ideal COP movement trajectory, FIG. 2B shows a typical example of the COP movement trajectory in the case of flat feet, and FIG. 2C shows a typical example of the COP movement trajectory in the case of hallux valgus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an insole manufacturing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an installation configuration of a production side terminal and a projector. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an installation configuration of a production side terminal and a projector. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a case where a short focus projector is used. [Figure 7]1 is a diagram showing an interface screen (menu screen) for designing (producing) an insole. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing an interface screen (pattern template registration screen) for registering a pattern template. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing an example of area division of an insole. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is an example of a parts diagram of an insole. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is an example of a parts diagram of an insole. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an example of a parts diagram of an insole. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a combination of insole parts. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a combination of insole parts. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of layering. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of layering. [Figure 17] 17A to 17C are diagrams for explaining parts groups. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a specific structure of an insole. [Figure 19] 19A and 19B are diagrams showing an example of processing of parts. [Figure 20] 1 is a drawing showing an example of processing of parts. [Figure 21] FIG. 21A is a diagram for explaining an intermediate layer, and FIG. 21B is a diagram for explaining a state in which each layer is adhered (bonded). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0073] An insole is used in footwear such as shoes (hereinafter, also simply referred to as shoes, etc.). Insoles include those that are manufactured separately from shoes, etc., as well as those that are sewn into shoes, etc. during the manufacturing process of shoes, etc.
[0074] The basic concept (basic design concept) of the insole in the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram for explaining the center of gravity of a human body and a floor reaction force.
[0075] FIG. 1A shows a schematic diagram of a simulated body with the upper body removed resting on an object shaped like a semi-ellipse, for the purpose of facilitating visual understanding of the relationship between the center of gravity 26 of the body and the COP (Center Of Pressure) in a standing human body.
[0076] It can be said that all movements that people perform on a daily basis are movements that control the body's center of gravity 26. In order to control the body's center of gravity 26, COP is important from the perspective of biomechanics.
[0077] 1A, a force W1 acting in the direction of gravity from the center of gravity 26 of the human body is transmitted to the foot 25 via the simulated hip joint 22, the simulated knee joint 23, and the simulated ankle joint 24, and acts on the floor from the foot 25 via the object on the sole of the foot. Meanwhile, a reaction force (hereinafter referred to as floor reaction force W2) acts on the entire sole of the foot 25 from the floor via the object on the sole of the foot.
[0078] The COP is widely used in scientific calculations as the origin of the resultant vector (floor reaction force W2) of forces acting on the entire contact surface between the sole of the foot 25 and an object. The motion of each joint in the entire body, including the motion of the body's center of gravity, is physically determined by the magnitude and direction of the floor reaction force W2 based on this COP.
[0079] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a typical example of the movement trajectory of the COP and the body center of gravity.
[0080] The ideal COP movement trajectory during walking is shown in Figure 1B by the line Y drawn connecting the left foot LF and the right foot RF. The arrow indicated by Z is the trajectory of the body's center of gravity. COP differs between individuals, and optimizing this COP movement trajectory Y may not only improve walking style and reduce pain, but also improve sports performance.
[0081] In most sports and everyday movements, the COP usually originates at or near the heel of the foot (hereinafter, this origin will also be referred to as the COP origin) and ends at the toes (hereinafter, this end will also be referred to as the COP end point).
[0082] FIG. 2A shows an ideal COP movement trajectory, FIG. 2B shows a typical example of the COP movement trajectory in the case of flat feet, and FIG. 2C shows a typical example of the COP movement trajectory in the case of hallux valgus.
[0083] In normal walking, it is said that the ideal gait is for the heel to strike the ground and for the COP to end at the area between the first and second toes. The same is true for jogging and running.
[0084] In golf, for example, it is said that it is ideal for the medial part of the big toe to be the COP end point for the foot (usually the right foot) distal to the target during a golf swing.
[0085] In addition, ideal COP movement trajectories have been found depending on the type of sport, or the type and characteristics of the movement, etc.
[0086] The strength and direction of the push-off are determined by which toe the COP end point is near, or which specific part of the toe it is at, and the resulting force determines the direction and speed of the body's center of gravity, thereby forming the body's movement.
[0087] Anatomically and kinematically, it is said that the most efficient COP end point is near the big toe. This is because the metatarsal, proximal phalanx, and distal phalanx of the big toe are larger than those of the other fingers, and the big toe has a muscle arrangement that functions independently, unlike the other fingers.
[0088] If the COP ends in an inappropriate location, it can cause impairment or pain during any movement, including walking, or lead to reduced performance in sports.
[0089] In humans who walk on two legs, differences in the push-off force of the left and right feet caused by differences in the position of the COP end point or the speed at which the COP moves can have a twisting effect on the entire lower limbs, pelvis, and trunk, which can similarly lead to various pains and other disorders.
[0090] By guiding the COP end point to a specific area near the big toe, it is possible to improve the push-off force at a specific area near the big toe, or to increase or decrease the push-off force in each foot, thereby creating an exercise that is more suited to the purpose.
[0091] This disclosure focuses on the COP (the movement trajectory of the COP) and discloses a technical idea of guiding the movement trajectory of the COP to a desired trajectory. Based on this idea, the insole of the disclosure is designed to be able to guide the movement trajectory of the COP to a desired trajectory. Specifically, the shape, size, thickness, hardness, and combination of the insole and the parts that make up the insole are designed to guide the movement from the foot touching the ground to the kicking off.
[0092] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an insole manufacturing system 10 of the present disclosure.
[0093] The insole manufacturing system 10 includes a manufacturing terminal 11, a projector 12, and a server 13. The manufacturing terminal 11 and the server 13 are communicatively connected via a communication network 14 (for example, the Internet).
[0094] The production side terminal 11 is a general computer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. (not shown). The production side terminal 11 may be a PC (including a desktop PC and a notebook PC), or a mobile terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The computer may also be a computer equipped with AI (artificial intelligence), and may further include any calculator capable of performing calculations or processing, such as a quantum computer or a photon computer.
[0095] The projector 12 is a device that projects an image. The projector 12 is communicably connected to the production-side terminal 11, and projects an image in accordance with data transmitted from the production-side terminal 11.
[0096] The projector 12 may be any type that has brightness and resolution equal to or higher than a predetermined standard. The production system 10 includes the projector 12 as an example, but is not limited to the form of a projector as long as it can display images and videos for producing an insole in a desired form and at a desired position. For example, instead of a projector, a smartphone or tablet capable of projecting images and the like may be used, or a display device such as a display (e.g., a sheet-like display) may be used. In this case, the parts of the insole may be arranged according to the image on the display. Such a display is an example of an output unit or a display unit in the present disclosure.
[0097] In addition to a projector that projects images and videos for producing the insoles, a printing device that prints out drawings (design drawings, parts drawings, etc.) for producing the insoles may be provided so that the drawings are printed on paper and output.
[0098] Such a projector 12, a printing device, etc. are also examples of the output unit and the display unit in this disclosure.
[0099] An example of the output unit and the display unit is an Augmented Reality (AR) The insole may be a device that embodies AR (Augmented Reality) (hereinafter also referred to as an AR device). Specifically, it is conceivable that the AR device can be used to superimpose digital information of the insole (more specifically, digital information of the insole parts) on the real world, thereby supporting the placement of parts in the real world. In this case, the worker (creator) can create the insole by placing the parts as real objects according to the superimposed digital information of the insole parts in the real world.
[0100] AR devices include devices that project digital information onto the real world, such as smartphones and / or tablet devices, as well as wearable devices such as smart glasses, which overlay digital information onto the real world through the lenses of the glasses.
[0101] The server 13 has a function of designing an insole. The server 13 designs an insole, and provides data for manufacturing the insole to the manufacturer terminal 11 based on the design data of the insole.
[0102] The server 13 may be anything that is communicatively connected to the production terminal 11 and capable of transmitting the above data to the production terminal 11. The server 13 may include, for example, an AP (application) server, a Web server, and a DB server. The AP server stores application programs and operates according to the programs to realize various functions. The Web server provides various functions and information to other computers via a network on a Web system. The DB server stores various information in a readable and writable manner.
[0103] The server 13 may simply transmit data (data for producing an insole) to the production-side terminal 11. Alternatively, the server 13 may be configured to provide the production-side terminal 11 with a function for designing an insole (for example, an application program, etc.) in addition to the above data. The design of the insole may be performed by the server 13 or by the production-side terminal 11. Either case is within the technical scope of the present disclosure.
[0104] The location of the server 13 does not matter. The server 13 may be installed in the same country as the location (country) where the production side terminal 11 is located, or may be installed outside that country. The case where the server 13 and the production side terminal 11 are installed in different countries or regions is also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. The server 13 and / or the production side terminal 11 are an example of a design unit of the present disclosure.
[0105] In addition, as long as data transmission and reception is realized, the above-mentioned server does not necessarily have to be used. For example, a distributed network system in which multiple computers cooperate to build a network, communication using blockchain technology, and other communication forms that do not require a specific server are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.
[0106] 4 and 5 are perspective views showing the installation configuration of the production side terminal 11 and the projector 12. In other words, they show the hardware configuration for producing an insole.
[0107] The projector 12 is attached to a stand 15. The stand 15 has a holding mechanism 151 (see also FIG. 5) that can adjust the position of the projector 12 while fixedly holding the projector 12, and a work base 152 that functions as a base and projects an image by the projector 12.
[0108] Referring also to FIG. 5, the holding mechanism 151 has a support post 151a, a first bracket 151b, two second brackets 151c, two holding brackets 151d, and a housing 151e.
[0109] The support pillar 151a is a member that extends vertically up and down. The support pillar 151a includes a guide mechanism 1511a. The guide mechanism 151g is configured so that the fixed position can be adjusted along the support pillar 151a.
[0110] The first bracket 151b extends laterally (horizontally) in the attached state. The first bracket 151b is attached and fixed to the support 151a via a guide mechanism 1511a. The attachment position can be adjusted vertically by adjusting the position of the guide mechanism 1511a along the support 151a. The first bracket 151b has an attachment groove 1511b.
[0111] The two second brackets 151c are attached and fixed to the first bracket 151b by screws via the attachment grooves 1511b. The attachment positions are adjustable in the lateral direction (horizontal direction) along the attachment grooves 1511b. When attached, each of the two second brackets 151c extends upright from the first bracket 151b.
[0112] A holding bracket 151d is provided at each of the tips of the two second brackets 151c. The two holding brackets 151d fix and hold the housing 151e so that the orientation of the housing 151e can be adjusted. Specifically, the holding bracket 151d has an orientation adjustment screw S, and the orientation of the housing 151e can be adjusted by manipulating and adjusting the orientation adjustment screw S.
[0113] The housing 151e accommodates the projector 12. With the projector 12 accommodated in the housing 151e, the orientation of the housing 151e can be adjusted to hold the projector 12 in a desired orientation.
[0114] The production system 10 is configured so that a life-size image of an insole is projected onto a work base 152 by a projector 12. Image data of the insole is provided from a production side terminal 11. The production system 10 is configured so that a worker (producer) can produce an insole according to the projected specifications by arranging the parts of the insole according to the image projected onto the work base 152. Details will be described later.
[0115] 4 and 5 show an example of a configuration in which the up / down / left / right position and orientation of projector 12 can be adjusted using fixing means such as screws, but this is merely one example, and any configuration may be adopted as long as it allows the position and orientation of the projector to be adjusted.
[0116] Specifically, other configuration examples will be described. As another configuration, a configuration using a short-focus projector with a short focal length can be mentioned. More specifically, a short-focus projector is a projector equipped with a short-focus lens (wide-angle lens) and capable of projecting an image by diffusing it widely. Generally, short-focus projectors with a focal length of about 0 to 300 mm are known.
[0117] This short focus projector allows the distance from the short focus projector to the projection surface to be relatively short, which reduces the overall volume of the production system 10 and the area occupied by the production system 10. This allows the production system 10 to be constructed in a smaller area, improving ease of construction and versatility.
[0118] Furthermore, by using a short-focus projector, the location of the projector is not limited to overhead (directly above), but can also be in front, to the side, diagonally above, etc. This is because the focal length is relatively short.
[0119] If there is enough space and the projector can be installed overhead (directly above), and if a short-focus projector is not required, a relatively inexpensive projector can be used, which is advantageous in that it reduces the overall cost of the production system 10. In addition, by projecting an image from a vertical direction, an image without distortion can be easily projected, which is advantageous in that it makes it easier to build the production system 10.
[0120] If I had to point out a problem, it would be that if the creator tries to look at the projected image from directly above, the projector's light may overlap with his or her own and obstruct the projection of the image.
[0121] In this regard, by configuring the production system 10 to use a short-focus projector to project images from positions such as the front, the side, or diagonally upward, it is possible to alleviate the problem of image projection being obstructed by parts of the creator's body.
[0122] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a comparison between a short focus projector 12S and a normal projector 12. In FIG.
[0123] When the short focus projector 12S is used, it is possible to install the short focus projector 12S at a position closer to the projection surface compared to the normal projector 12 assumed in Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figure 6, the installation distance can be significantly reduced compared to the projector 12.
[0124] This prevents the creator from blocking the image projection with, for example, their own head, making the work of production easier and improving work efficiency.
[0125] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an interface screen (menu screen) for designing (producing) the insole of the present disclosure. The interface screen (menu screen) shown in Fig. 7 is displayed on a terminal (server 13 or production side terminal 11) that designs the insole. The server 13 or production side terminal 11 allows the design (production) of the insole via an interface. The interface screen (menu screen) of Fig. 7 will be described below.
[0126] <(1) Data entry> The ID is a unique number or symbol for identification. The ID may be input arbitrarily. In other words, setting and input of the ID may be omitted.
[0127] The name is the first and last name of the user of the insole. The name may be entered arbitrarily. In addition, the name may be a nickname or the like as long as it is identifiable.
[0128] The pattern code indicates the specifications of the designed insole, and more specifically indicates the type, purpose, component parts, etc. of the insole by code. This pattern code is configured such that, when predetermined information required for designing the insole is input and a "Generate" tab, which will be described later, is pressed, the insole is designed according to a preset logic, and a pattern code corresponding to the design content is generated and displayed in the display field A10.
[0129] The "Delete" tab is a tab for deleting the pattern code currently displayed in the display field A10. By pressing the "Delete" tab, the pattern codes are all deleted and reset.
[0130] The "Paste" tab is used when pasting a character string (text). When the "Paste" tab is pressed, the character string saved in the so-called clipboard is copied (pasted) into the display field A10.
[0131] The "Apply" tab is a tab for activating the pattern code displayed in the display field A10. Specifically, when the "Apply" tab is pressed, elements such as the distance from the bottom edge of the ball of the big toe, the distance directly below the big toe, the distance from the little toe, the size, the sole type, the sole use, and the area-specific pattern are input or selected based on the input pattern code. Note that if "(2) Work Preparation" described below has been performed before pressing the "Apply" tab, "(2) Work Preparation" must be performed again.
[0132] The "Generate" tab is a tab for generating a pattern code from input or selected information such as the distance from the bottom edge of the ball of the big toe, the distance directly below the big toe, the distance from the little toe, the size, the sole type, the sole use, the pattern by area, etc. When the "Generate" tab is pressed, a pattern code is generated based on the above information.
[0133] By pressing the "Generate" tab, it is possible to generate a pattern code from the input or selected information such as the distance from the bottom edge of the ball of the big toe, the distance directly below the ball of the big toe, the distance from the little toe, the size, sole type, sole use, and area-specific pattern. Also, by pressing the "Apply" tab, it is possible to input (generate) elements such as the distance from the bottom edge of the ball of the big toe, the distance directly below the ball of the big toe, the distance from the little toe, the size, sole type, sole use, and area-specific pattern from the pattern code displayed in display field A10. In this way, data can be generated and updated in both directions between the pattern code and the information on each element. This can improve the convenience of design (production).
[0134] The "distance from the bottom edge of the ball of the foot" refers to the distance from the heel to the bottom edge of the ball of the foot, and is set for each of the left foot and the right foot (the same applies below, and the explanation will be omitted as appropriate).
[0135] "Distance directly below the big toe" refers to the distance from the heel to the bottom of the big toe.
[0136] "Little toe distance" refers to the distance from the heel to the little toe (fifth toe).
[0137] "Size" indicates which base sole is used among the base soles prepared in advance. The base sole is the part that serves as the foundation of the insole, and the insole is produced by arranging and attaching various parts on the base sole. There are various types of base soles prepared to cover the shoe manufacturers and foot sizes sold on the market.
[0138] "Sole family" indicates a pre-defined family. More specifically, for example, each shoe manufacturer has specifications for the sole shape for each type of shoe, and characteristics are found in those specifications. For example, it is possible that the specifications of a certain manufacturer A are similar to the specifications of another manufacturer B. By grouping and consolidating these specifications, it is possible to group them into a specific type of family. "Sole family" indicates which of those classified families it is.
[0139] That is, in this case, the specifications of the base sole are collected widely from each of the existing shoe manufacturers, and then classified, and a desired specification can be selected from the classified specifications.
[0140] "Sole use" refers to the use of the insole, such as walking, running, golf, general sports, etc.
[0141] "Pattern template" indicates a type of template. In the present disclosure, an insole for which various values have been set or input (in other words, a designed insole) is configured to be assigned an identifier (name) and registered as a template. When performing registration, various values are set or input, and then the "Pattern template registration" tab is pressed. This executes registration. The registered template can be called up and used.
[0142] Here, the registration of the pattern template will be further explained with reference to FIG.
[0143] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an interface screen (pattern template registration screen) for registering a pattern template.
[0144] In this interface screen (pattern template registration screen), first, the sole use indicates the use of the insole as described above, and is configured to be selectable in a pull-down manner. However, immediately after the "Pattern Template Registration" tab in the menu screen of FIG. 7 is pressed and the pattern template registration screen of FIG. 8 is displayed, the item in the "Sole Use" column that was set at the time of the menu screen of FIG. 7 is displayed (selected). The displayed use item (name) may be a combination of a serial number and a description indicating the use. The registration of the pattern template is executed with any one of the items (names) displayed in the "Sole Use" column of FIG. 8.
[0145] Based on the selected "sole use", the pattern corresponding to that "sole use" is displayed in the "selected pattern" column. The pattern displayed in this column corresponds to the pattern code displayed in display column A10 in Fig. 7, but among the pattern codes displayed in display column A10, the codes indicating the distance from the bottom edge of the ball of the big toe, the distance from the bottom of the big toe, the distance from the little toe, the size, the sole type, and the sole use are omitted, and only the codes indicating the parts are displayed. If the content of the pattern is to be changed, the "Close" tab is pressed to return to the menu screen in Fig. 7, and the changes can be made by inputting or resetting the information indicating the content of the pattern.
[0146] In the interface of Fig. 8, to execute registration, click the "Register" tab. When the "Register" tab is clicked, you will be prompted to enter a name. By entering any name here, the template will be registered with that name. If an existing name is entered to execute registration, the pattern template with that existing name will be overwritten.
[0147] The "Registered Templates" field displays a list of templates registered for the sole purpose selected in "Sole Use." If there is a template you wish to delete from the displayed list of templates, you can select it and click the "Delete" tab to remove it from the list.
[0148] <(2) Preparation for Work [Execution]> Returning to Figure 7, we will explain the tab "(2) Work Preparation [Execute]." When this tab is pressed, the following process is executed.
[0149] The PowerPoint file associated with the base sole (base insole) system specified in the above-mentioned "(1) Data input" section is accessed (opened), and based on the values entered in the "(1) Data input" section, the base sole, arch pad (here, the arch pad is the part applied to the arch portion (arch of the foot)), and individual parts are selected and prepared.
[0150] When the value of the "(1) Data Entry" item is changed, or when "Apply" is performed in the "(1) Data Entry" item, the process reflecting the changes (selection and preparation of parts, etc.) can be realized by pressing the "(2) Work Preparation [Execute]" tab and executing the process.
[0151] <(3) Area-specific pattern selection> This is a field for selecting and determining part patterns for each area of the right foot and the left foot.
[0152] First, select whether you want a right or left foot by pressing the "Right Foot" tab or the "Left Foot" tab.
[0153] Next, select an area. Specifically, select one of the tabs A1(*) to A9(*). In FIG. 7, A1(b), A2(e), A3(d), A4(d), A5(d), A6(d), A7(c), A8(none), and A9(d) are shown.
[0154] To explain this meaning by taking A1(b), it means that pattern b (part) is selected for area A1. In the example of Fig. 7, pattern a (A15), pattern b (A16), and pattern c (A17) are displayed for area A1. In addition, it can be recognized that pattern b (A16) is selected among pattern a (A15), pattern b (A16), and pattern c (A17) when area A1 is selected.
[0155] "(None)" means that no pattern (part) is selected. Patterns (parts) may be selected arbitrarily depending on the required use or function, or may not be selected at all. When an arbitrary area (A1 to A9) is selected, an image of the selectable patterns (parts) corresponding to that area is displayed, and the tag corresponding to the selected pattern (part) is displayed in a pressed state (i.e., the selected pattern (part) is visible).
[0156] <(4) Apply pattern [Execute]> When the user clicks the tag "(4) Apply Pattern [Execute]", a display image is created based on the selected pattern. The display image is an image that represents the designed insole. In one example, the information may be output to an application such as PowerPoint to create a display image in the form of a PowerPoint slide. Note that this "(4) Apply pattern [execute]" process cannot be executed unless the above-mentioned "(2) Work preparation [execute]" process has been executed.
[0157] <(5) PDF output> Clicking the "(5) PDF Output" tag will execute the output of the PDF file. The output of the PDF file cannot be executed unless the "(4) Apply Pattern [Execute]" process has been executed. When the output of the PDF file is complete, the output path is displayed. The output destination may be set in advance, or may be configured so that it can be set (selected) when outputting. After the output of the PDF file is executed, a pattern code is automatically generated. In other words, the final pattern code when the output of the PDF file is executed is automatically generated. The generated pattern code is automatically output and saved in a specified path.
[0158] <Form Reset> When the "Form Reset" tag is pressed, the data being worked on will be initialized, and data being entered, selected data, etc. will be reset or erased.
[0159] <Pattern Code> The pattern code is text information that describes the specific specifications of the insole in the form of a code. The pattern code may include information necessary for manufacturing the insole, such as purpose, whether it is for the right foot or left foot, size, parts / groups of parts used, etc.
[0160] Each part constituting the insole is coded. Here, coding means that a unique code is assigned to each individual part. In other words, a part and its unique code are associated one-to-one. Also, a group of parts (a group of parts arranged within a specified area, or a group of parts arranged across multiple areas) are associated one-to-one with their unique codes.
[0161] This allows the design of the insole (determination of specifications) to be performed using code. Specifically, by writing code, it is possible to describe the necessary parts, production process, and the insole in its completed state. In this manner, it is possible to automatically design the insole on a computer while outputting the parts, production process, etc. required for production. Furthermore, by using code, a series of calculations is simplified, and it is possible to perform calculations and output with a relatively small load. Furthermore, based on the output results, it becomes possible to produce the insole using the parts and production process according to the output results. This makes it possible to easily and reliably produce the insole as designed.
[0162] Furthermore, by describing the insole with a code, it is theoretically possible for a person managing production to recognize the insole from the described code without having to look at a specific plan view or three-dimensional view of the insole's shape, appearance, etc., which can be highly convenient in some situations.
[0163] As the code, in addition to a unique code for the part, a customer code indicating the customer, a usage code indicating the usage, a code indicating the design date, the manufacturing date, etc., a code indicating the lot number, etc. may be described.
[0164] In the present disclosure, the specifications of the insole are described by the above-mentioned codes. Specifically, the unique codes for each part are described in the order in which they are attached, with the code corresponding to the base member being the first. Note that they do not have to be described in order, and it is also possible to attach all of the described parts. In this case, the description order may be random. Also, in this case, the parts may be attached from any point.
[0165] In other words, first the code indicating the base material is written. Next, the code of the part that should be attached to the base material first is written next to the code of the base material. When written side by side, they can be written vertically or horizontally, or in any order as long as the order can be understood and recognized. By default, they are written in order from left to right, just like the order of the language.
[0166] Furthermore, when a code is written, the description may be in the form of only the code, or the name of the part and the code together. Also, a description including the name, number, remarks, etc. of the part may be written separately from the description in which only the code is written.
[0167] From the viewpoint of enabling people, such as those managing the production, to roughly recognize each part, a typical embodiment would be to describe the names of the parts (either together or separately).
[0168] By describing parts in code, parts management by code becomes possible. This allows inventory management, order processing, and the like to be performed by code. In this case, it is also easy to establish a system for selling and distributing parts by utilizing an existing EC (E-Commerce) site. By distributing parts through an existing distribution network without building a unique distribution network for parts, a more stable supply system for products and services can be established, which is one of the major advantages of the insole production system disclosed herein.
[0169] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an insole according to the present disclosure, and is a diagram for explaining an insole produced (designed) via the aforementioned interface screen.
[0170] 9 is a diagram showing an example of area division of an insole. The insole of the present disclosure is produced by dividing it into predetermined areas, and selecting, arranging, and attaching predetermined parts according to specifications for each area.
[0171] The diagram shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to the right foot. The front side of the diagram corresponds to the ground contact side, and the back side corresponds to the side facing the sole of the human foot. Although the left foot is not shown, the same applies to the left foot. The left and right insoles may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. In one example, a rule may be set that they are always symmetrical. In another example, whether they are symmetrical or asymmetrical may be determined as a result of a design (determination of specifications) made in accordance with the characteristics of the user at the design (determination of specifications) stage.
[0172] The insole (in other words, it can be understood as a base sole) is formed into an outer shape (midsole shape) that fits the inside of the shoe as a whole, and is divided into nine areas, Areas 1 to 9, as follows. Areas 1 to 9 correspond to A1 to A9 on the menu screen in FIG. 7.
[0173] Area 1: Anterior lateral area Area 2: Medial lateral Area 3: Four toes Area 4: Lateral arch Area 5: Under the ball of the foot Area 6: Lower Inside Area 7: Inner heel Area 8: Outer heel Area 9: Tip of the big toe Area 1 corresponds to the relatively outer region of the forefoot.
[0174] Area 2 corresponds to a relatively outer region of the midfoot.
[0175] Area 3 corresponds to a slightly outer region of the midfoot.
[0176] Area 4 corresponds to approximately the center of the midfoot.
[0177] Area 5 corresponds to the lower portion of the ball of the foot.
[0178] Area 6 corresponds to the medial and lower part of the midfoot.
[0179] Area 7 corresponds to the medial region of the heel.
[0180] Area 8 corresponds to the lateral region of the heel portion.
[0181] Area 9 corresponds to the big toe portion of the forefoot.
[0182] Here, the number of divided regions, the manner in which each region is divided, the specific boundaries of the regions, etc. are merely examples and are not limited to the aspects described above and shown in the figures.
[0183] For the insole of the present disclosure, for each area, several to several tens of parts, preferably several to several hundreds, and more preferably several to several thousands of parts can be arbitrarily set. Details of the parts will be described later, but the elements of the parts may include at least shape, size, thickness, hardness, and material. In other words, at least any of these elements may differ for each part. And, there may be at least several million combination patterns of parts, and if no particular limit is imposed, there may be several hundred million to several tens of billions of patterns.
[0184] For each area, a predetermined part is arbitrarily selected, and the selected parts are pasted on the base sole in a predetermined order. Since the parts have thickness, unevenness may occur due to the individual thickness of the parts when pasted together, but this unevenness is removed by rounding and / or tapering (hereinafter referred to as tapering). This makes it possible to finish the sole so that it feels smooth and natural against the sole of the foot without the uneven feeling caused by the thickness of the parts. This allows the user to wear the sole without feeling any discomfort when using it. Details of such tapering will be described later.
[0185] The tapering may be performed on each individual part before they are attached to each other, or the tapering may be performed on the whole of the shoe after the parts are attached to each other, or such tapering may be omitted in some cases as long as a comfortable fit can be provided.
[0186] 19 and 20 are diagrams showing examples of part processing. Each part is precisely processed according to the characteristics, design specifications, etc. of the part.
[0187] FIG. 19A shows examples of taper processing and middle edge processing. Taper processing is processing to chamfer the corners of parts (see cross section AA). As a result, the cross-sectional shape of the part can be trapezoidal. Tapered processing (in other words, chamfering) softens the contact with the sole of the foot, making the contact sensation of the sole of the foot softer. From the viewpoint of COP induction, the sole of the foot feels the presence of a moderately convex part, but tapered processing softens the protruding sensation on the sole of the foot, making the contact more natural.
[0188] If the protrusions or the foot contact is too strong, those parts are more likely to develop inflammation, blisters, etc. due to rubbing, but tapering (chamfering) can prevent such problems from occurring.
[0189] Mid-edge processing is a process in which an acute-angled end is chamfered over a wider area than in the case of taper processing. Mid-edge processing is a process in which a larger area is cut off from one end, resulting in an acute angle overall (see cross section BB). By cutting off a larger area, the whole shape becomes gentler, resulting in a more natural feel on the foot.
[0190] Fig. 19B also shows an example of middle edge processing. In the example of Fig. 19B, as shown by cross section CC, a relatively large area is cut. The extent of the area to be cut can be determined depending on various factors such as the desired naturalness of the foot, the size of the part (width, etc.), the desired hardness, strength, thickness of the part as a finished product, and the hardness, strength, thickness of the part before processing.
[0191] FIG. 20 shows an example of complete edge machining. Complete edge machining is a process in which a specified surface is cut at an angle over the entire surface. In other words, a tapered surface is cut over the entire surface. In this case, as shown in FIG. 20, the cross section can be on a bevel over the entire width of the part.
[0192] Although an example of tapering has been described, as mentioned above, tapering may be omitted as long as a comfortable fit can be provided. This point will be further described with reference to FIG.
[0193] In Fig. 21, layer 21 is a base sole layer, which will be hereinafter referred to as base sole layer 21. Layer 23 indicates a layer of a base part and / or an additional part, which will be hereinafter referred to as part layer 23. Layer 22 is an intermediate layer disposed between base sole layer 21 and additional part 23, which will be hereinafter referred to as intermediate layer 22. Layer 24 is a layer that functions as a cover, which will be hereinafter referred to as cover layer 24.
[0194] Fig. 21A is a schematic diagram of each layer separated. Fig. 21B is a schematic diagram showing the state in which each layer is bonded. Although Figs. 21A and 21B show four layers, only four layers are shown for convenience, and in one example, the film may be composed of five to seven layers.
[0195] The base sole layer 21 serves as the base of the insole, and a part layer 23 is disposed on the base sole layer 21 (below the top and bottom of the drawing in FIG. 21). However, here, an intermediate layer 22 is interposed between the base sole layer 21 and the part layer 23. A cover layer 24 is disposed on the part layer 23 (below the top and bottom of the drawing in FIG. 21).
[0196] As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 21B, by interposing intermediate layer 22 between base sole layer 21 and part layer 23, intermediate layer 22 can cover the edges of part layer 23 (more specifically, the edges of the base parts and / or additional parts that constitute part layer 23), thereby creating a predetermined roundness.
[0197] This reduces the impact on the sole of the foot caused by the thickness and edges of the part layer 23, and as a result, it is possible to obtain the same effect as when the part layer 23 is tapered. For the user of the insole, even if the part layer 23 is not tapered, the insole user can obtain a soft feel on the foot by making it difficult or impossible to feel the impact of the edges of the part layer 23 by sandwiching one intermediate layer 22. By interposing the intermediate layer 22 between the base sole layer 21 and the part layer 23, it is possible to avoid the sole of the foot from being hurt by the edges of the part layer 23, even if the tapering of the part layer 23 is omitted.
[0198] The material of the intermediate layer 22 may be a sponge-like material or a rubber-like material having elasticity, but more preferably, it is a material with low elasticity. If the material is a sponge-like material or a rubber-like material having elasticity, unevenness will be generated relatively directly according to the shape of the part layer 23, and the effect of softening the contact of the edge of the part layer 23 will be small. On the other hand, if the material has low elasticity, the edge of the part layer 23 can be appropriately covered due to its low elasticity, and the contact of the foot at the edge portion of the part layer 23 can be appropriately softened. More specifically, by applying a predetermined tension to cover the edge of the part layer 23 using a material with low elasticity, pressure can be applied to the corner of the edge portion of the part layer 23, and the edge portion can be rounded. This effectively obtains the effect of avoiding the above-mentioned pain in the sole of the foot.
[0199] In the insole of the present disclosure, a high-strength material may be used for the base sole layer 21. High strength refers to a strength that is not prone to being punctured by foreign objects such as pebbles.
[0200] Another advantage of the configuration using the intermediate layer 22 is that the taper processing of the parts layer 23 can be omitted, so that the manufacturing process of the parts layer 23 and therefore the manufacturing process of the insole can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the number of steps can be reduced, so that the insole can be manufactured at low cost. In particular, the smaller the size of the parts layer 23 and the thinner the parts layer 23, the more difficult the taper processing becomes. However, by omitting the taper processing, the problem of the high difficulty does not need to be considered any more. This makes it easier to manufacture the insole, and the insole can be manufactured at low cost.
[0201] Furthermore, by providing the intermediate layer 22, it is possible to effectively prevent the parts layer 23 from peeling off or falling off, etc., and therefore it is possible to improve the strength and lifespan of the insole.
[0202] Here, the order of the intermediate layer 22 and the part layer 23 may be reversed. Specifically, the part layer 23 may be disposed directly on the base sole layer 21 (directly below the base sole layer 21 in FIG. 21), and the intermediate layer 22 may be disposed on the part layer 23 (below the top and bottom of the drawing in FIG. 21). In this case, the order may be the base sole layer 21, the part layer 23, the intermediate layer 22, and the cover layer 24, in order from the bottom (from the base sole layer 21 to the bottom of the drawing in FIG. 21).
[0203] The intermediate layer 22 may be, for example, a film having a thickness of about 0.6 mm.
[0204] 10 to 12 show examples of insole parts. Note that the types of parts described in the drawings and the detailed description of the invention are merely examples and are only a part. Of course, other types of parts may also be present.
[0205] FIG. 10 shows a base part of the insole (hereinafter also referred to as a base part).
[0206] The basic parts are a short arch pad and a heel pad. The short arch pad is located in the approximate center of the insole, and corresponds to the arch part (arch part) of the sole of the foot. The heel pad is located in the part of the insole that corresponds to the heel part.
[0207] The basic parts include parts for the left and right feet, parts of multiple sizes corresponding to the size of human feet, and multiple types of parts that differ in each element of shape, size, thickness, and hardness.
[0208] In other words, there are a plurality of types of basic parts that differ in characteristics at least with respect to each of the elements of shape, size, thickness, and hardness.
[0209] 11 and 12 show additional parts that are further placed on the basic parts. As an example, 10 types of additional parts A are shown in Fig. 11. The additional parts A include a relatively small triangle "small triangle", a relatively medium-sized triangle "medium triangle", a relatively sharp angle "pointed", a round shape "circle", a square shape "square", a roughly tabi-shaped "tabi", a relatively long "long heel" placed on the heel, a relatively short "short heel" placed on the heel, a relatively thick "thick heel" placed on the heel, and a relatively long and thin "slender" shape.
[0210] As with the basic parts, some additional parts A are available in left and right foot sizes. Also, there are a number of sizes of parts available according to the size of human feet.
[0211] 12 shows three types of additional parts B as examples of parts that are further placed on the basic parts. The additional parts B include a "banana front leg" that is approximately banana-shaped and placed on the front leg, a "long front leg" that is also placed on the front leg and has a relatively long shape, and a "short front leg" that is relatively short.
[0212] Like the basic parts, the additional parts B also have parts for left and right feet. In addition, there are parts of multiple sizes according to the size of human feet.
[0213] As the additional parts A and B, similar to the basic parts, there are a plurality of types of parts that differ in characteristics at least with respect to each of the elements of shape, size, thickness, and hardness.
[0214] The desired insole is produced by combining the basic part with the additional part A and / or the additional part B.
[0215] 13 and 14 show examples of part combinations.
[0216] Fig. 13 shows an example in which the additional parts A and B are combined with a short arch pad as a basic part. Fig. 14 shows an example in which the additional parts A and B are combined with a base sole as a basic part.
[0217] Multiple pieces and types of additional parts A and B are combined, and a unique three-dimensional shape is created by the way they are overlapped and combined. The thickness, hardness, size, and shape created by the combination of parts (basic parts and additional parts A and B) can directly act on the sole of the user's foot. The three-dimensional shape characteristics and hardness of the insole directly act on the sole of the user's foot, inducing the movement (trajectory) of the COP and adjusting the center of gravity movement of the entire body. Here, the basic parts may be omitted and only additional parts A and B may be used.
[0218] The additional parts A and B are selected from a plurality of parts by general computer processing. There are various methods for this, and in this disclosure, the arbitrary parts can be finally selected by the following method.
[0219] In the data processed by the computer, all parts that can be placed (selected) for each area are provisionally placed from the beginning.
[0220] 13 and 14 show, as an example, a state in which all placeable (selectable) additional parts A and B are placed on the data. In order to show this state, in Figs. 13 and 14, the shape of each of the multiple additional parts A and B is shown to be recognized, and the multiple additional parts A and B are shown overlapping each other multiple times.
[0221] In the method proposed in this disclosure, all selectable parts are provisionally placed in the data, and then a desired part is selected from among the provisionally placed parts. Only the selected parts are then drawn (displayed) to the outside world. Conversely, parts that were not selected are placed in the data but are not drawn (displayed). In this case, the creator is aware of the existence of only the selected parts, and the unselected parts are perceived as if they do not exist. This results in a situation similar to that in which the creator is aware that only the selected desired part itself is placed.
[0222] In other words, although multiple types of parts (all types of parts) exist in the data, only the parts that are ultimately selected are visible, and unnecessary parts that are not selected cannot be seen.
[0223] The merit of such a method is that, in data processing in a computer, it is only necessary to select a part, and it is not necessary to arrange the selected part in a predetermined position after the part is selected, so that the processing load of the computer can be reduced. Furthermore, in addition to being able to reduce the processing load of the computer, since it is not necessary to carry out a so-called complicated process of arranging the part in an arbitrary position after the fact after the fact, it is possible to process the part not only with a special system or software but also with a very general system or software, and the processing speed is improved and mass production is easily possible. Therefore, it is possible to process the part offline. Of course, it is also possible to process the part online, more specifically, on a server connected to a communication network, and the processing load of such a server can also be reduced. Therefore, it has an effect of increasing versatility, and the ease of building a system and the usability of the system can be improved.
[0224] Any unnecessary portions of the selected parts that would otherwise protrude when placed are removed and finished by cutting or the tapering process described above.
[0225] The logic for arranging parts (logic for selection) will be further explained with reference to FIG.
[0226] In the insole, the areas may be classified into areas 1 to 9, for example, as described above. In this case, a layer is prepared for each area, and parts are arranged (selected) for each layer.
[0227] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, nine layers, area 1 to area 9, are prepared. Then, for each layer (area), a desired part is selected from a plurality of parts that can be applied to that area and placed. This process is performed for each of the left foot and the right foot. Finally, the layers corresponding to areas 1 to 9 are superimposed to realize a completed insole.
[0228] Furthermore, the parts to be selected may be selected individually one by one, or may be selected as a group of parts with a combination formed in advance. Specifically, instead of selecting parts one by one, a configuration may be used in which parts are combined in a specific pattern in advance to prepare a combination of parts.
[0229] For example, an optimal combination of parts may already exist for a particular area, purpose, size, etc. This optimal combination of parts may be or has been derived from research, trials, simulations, user feedback, etc. over a period of time, or may be theoretically derived computationally, for example from a full computer simulation.
[0230] In FIG. 15, for example, areas 2 to 7 may be understood as showing a state in which parts are arranged as a combination of a plurality of parts.
[0231] This may be understood as the result of each part being selected individually, or, as mentioned above, it may be understood as the optimal combination being constructed in advance, and one group of parts being selected and arranged as that combination.
[0232] In this manner, in the present disclosure, there may be a method in which each part is selected individually one by one, or a method in which a group of parts that are optimally combined in advance is selected. The method to be selected is arbitrary.
[0233] Furthermore, something equivalent to a part group that has been optimally combined in advance may be prepared as a single part and used. The term "part group" refers to the idea of assembling a plurality of parts to construct a part group, but the idea of preparing something equivalent to a part group as a single part is, as the wording suggests, a technical idea of constructing something equivalent to a part group as a single part. According to this technical idea, a part group made up of a plurality of parts is constructed as a single part, which ultimately reduces the number of parts.
[0234] In this case, the number of steps in production (specifically, the number of steps in attaching parts) can be reduced. If a group of parts is constructed as a single part, attachment only needs to be done once by attaching that single part. Of course, the production and processing of parts can also be simplified by constructing them as a single part. In this case, the number of parts can be reduced, which is also advantageous in terms of inventory management, etc.
[0235] In this way, the technical concept of constructing what corresponds to a group of parts as a single part offers great advantages in that it reduces the number of manufacturing steps and simplifies inventory management.
[0236] Here, the part groups may include different types of part groups, such as part groups that are placed within a specified area (more specifically, part groups that are placed within the range of a specified area out of the nine areas listed above) and part groups that are placed across multiple areas.
[0237] The former part group may be a pattern formed by combining multiple parts. The combination (patterning) of multiple parts may be realized on the system. In this case, it is assumed that the parts are arranged within a predetermined area and do not extend over to other areas, so the multiple parts may overlap each other.
[0238] The latter group of parts is configured so that they do not overlap due to the nature of spanning multiple areas. In other words, multiple parts are combined and placed on the same plane without overlapping. This group of parts is a combination (fusion) of parts placed in each area.
[0239] Fig. 16 shows a diagram illustrating a state in which layers are sequentially superimposed. Fig. 16 shows an example in which three layers, layers 1 to 3, are sequentially superimposed.
[0240] In layer 1, pads are arranged on the base sole from the heel to the arch. Several parts or groups of parts are arranged in layers 2 and 3, and an insole having a three-dimensional shape is realized by sequentially stacking layers 1, 2, 3, and subsequent layers (not shown). In practice, each layer or each part may be color-coded to make them easy to recognize visually.
[0241] The parts will be further described with reference to FIG.
[0242] FIG. 17A shows an example in which additional parts are attached one by one, and each of the additional parts 30a to 30g is an independent additional part that is disposed on the same layer.
[0243] Fig. 17B shows a part that corresponds to a part group. Part 30 in Fig. 17B is a single part, and this single part 30 exerts the same function as the combination of additional parts 30a to 30g. Part 30 can also be said to be a part that integrates additional parts 30a to 30g.
[0244] Part 30 can be placed in this one part as shown in FIG. 17C.
[0245] With such a part group (part 30), the part 30 can also serve as the additional parts 30a to 30g, making it possible to omit attaching each of the additional parts 30a to 30g one by one.
[0246] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a specific structure of the insole. In the example of Fig. 18, the insole has a multi-layer structure including a base sole layer 31, an intermediate layer 32, a base part layer 33, an additional part layer 34, and a cover layer 35.
[0247] The base sole layer 31 is a layer that comes into contact with the sole of the foot. When the insole is manufactured, it serves as a base for attaching parts such as an arch pad and additional parts. The base sole layer 31 includes a first base sole layer 31a and a second base sole layer 31b. The first base sole layer 31a may be made of Ecsaine (registered trademark). The second base sole layer 31b is attached to the first base sole layer 31a and may be made of a shock absorbing material. The thickness of the second base sole layer 31b is preferably about 2 mm.
[0248] The intermediate layer 32 is made of a film having a thickness of, for example, about 0.6 mm.
[0249] The base parts layer 33 is a layer on which base pads such as an arch pad and a heel pad are arranged.
[0250] The additional parts layer 34 is a layer in which the additional parts are arranged, and here, as described above, the combination patterns of the additional parts exceed several thousand to several hundred billion. The additional parts layer 34 is a layer that generates several thousand to several hundred billion patterns of insoles.
[0251] The cover layer 35 is a layer that functions as a cover. An anti-slip material may be used as the cover layer 35. The cover layer 35 may have a first cover layer 35a and a second cover layer 35b. The first cover layer 35a and the second cover layer 35b may be made of different materials.
[0252] In the present disclosure, a design drawing of an insole that is relatively life-size is produced. Specifically, the focal length, subject distance, projector angle, and focus are set so that the insole is absolutely life-size, and it is possible to produce the insole based on the projected design drawing.
[0253] Here, the projector 12 may be configured to project an image of the insole that is relatively life-size. "Relative life-size" means that the design drawing is enlarged or reduced, the positional relationship of the arrangement matches the designed insole, and the absolute size of the insole (absolute size of the parts) is different from the design specifications. However, the relative size relationship between the parts matches the design specifications.
[0254] In this case, the image may not be projected by the projector 12 but may be output in a paper-based, printed state on paper.
[0255] Furthermore, digital information (digital images) may be superimposed on the real world using augmented reality (AR) technology.
[0256] The insole maker simply arranges and pastes the parts according to the projected design drawing. Therefore, according to the manufacturing system of the present disclosure, as long as the equipment is available, anyone can easily and reliably manufacture the desired insole in any location without requiring advanced skills.
[0257] The parts that can be combined create a three-dimensional shape depending on how they overlap and how they are combined. The thickness, hardness, size, and shape of the parts themselves act directly on the sole of the foot. The three-dimensional shape of the insole acts on the sole of the foot, changing the trajectory of the COP on the sole and adjusting the center of gravity movement of the entire body. Of course, it goes without saying that it also has the function of supporting the structure of the foot itself, just like conventional custom-made insoles.
[0258] In the present disclosure, the detailed shape of the insole can be custom-made in consideration of the user's characteristics. In the past, this required detailed measurements of each part of the user's foot, which was previously done face-to-face with a technician.
[0259] In the present disclosure, the method described below allows for the production of custom-made insoles in a non-face-to-face manner, for example, based on the transmission, reception, and response of data over the Internet.
[0260] To achieve a non-face-to-face type, mainly anatomical information of the foot and information on the body's movements are used. More specifically, the information is (1) a statistical model, (2) shape data based on ergonomics, (3) electronic movement data, and (4) questionnaire data that can be answered online. By combining these pieces of information, it becomes possible to produce custom-made insoles of the same quality as those produced in a face-to-face type. In this disclosure, the shape of the insole is determined not only from skeletal data of the foot itself (data when the user is stationary) but also from movement data (data when the user is moving) that can be exchanged as electronic data.
[0261] (1) A statistical model is a model for statistically calculating manufacturing data required to manufacture an insole that matches the characteristics of a user's foot, based on actual data such as the foot size measured from a photograph of the user's foot. The manufacturing data can be calculated by comparing the actual data measured from a photograph of the user's foot with the statistical model. A more specific explanation is as follows.
[0262] The data that can be measured from a photograph is generally limited to the length between anatomical landmarks (parts with distinctive shapes, such as bony protrusions) on the foot, and it is practically difficult to measure the length to parts that do not have landmarks. In contrast, by using a statistical model, it is statistically possible to calculate the distance to parts that do not have landmarks based on data measured from landmarks.
[0263] Although errors may occur in values calculated using statistical models, it is possible to mathematically derive the extent of the errors (error range). As a result of verifying this error, it has become mathematically clear that even when using statistical models, data can be calculated with a very small error range that does not cause practical problems.
[0264] (2) Shape data based on ergonomics refers to data on average and neutral shapes (arch shape data) that can be used regardless of race or gender. The human foot is made up of 28 bones, and it is known that the structure and shape of such a human foot falls within a certain shape range, even when differences in gender and race are taken into consideration. Based on this shape range, there is an average and neutral arch shape that functionally controls the movement trajectory of the COP during movement. By positioning the ergonomic shape as the average shape and modifying the shape from that shape to suit the individual movements of the user, it is possible to determine the optimal shape according to the characteristics of the user.
[0265] (3) Electronic operational data and (4) information obtained via the Internet are specifically the following electronic data:
[0266] (A) Foot skeletal information obtained from directly above or from each direction (hereinafter referred to as foot skeletal data) (B) Comprehensive Motion Data (C) Medical interview data that can be answered online (hereinafter, medical interview data) First, (A) foot skeletal data is foot skeletal information acquired from directly above the foot or from each direction as necessary, specifically including photographic and video data of the foot taken from those directions, data from a sensor capable of acquiring foot size information, etc. Using these, foot size is measured based on the anatomical landmarks of the foot (parts with characteristic shapes, such as bony protrusions and joints).
[0267] Here, foot size includes the general foot length (length from heel to toe) as well as the foot width and the distance between each toe.
[0268] Specific examples of landmark locations include the most prominent part of the medial side of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, the most prominent part of the lateral side of the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint, the most prominent part of the calcaneus, the most prominent part of the toe, and the toe joint.
[0269] To measure foot size, landmark-based foot size data is used as an independent variable, and a unique statistical model derived from multivariate analysis is used to calculate the foot size of parts without landmarks.
[0270] Multivariate analysis is a method in statistics for predicting some outcome from multiple independent variables, one type of which is multiple regression analysis. It is a statistical method that quantifies in the form of a function which of the multiple factors (explanatory variables) related to a certain outcome (target variable) influences the outcome and to what extent, expressing the relationship between the two, and can then make predictions based on that.
[0271] In this method of calculating foot size in areas without landmarks using statistics, the length of the most important part for production is the length from the heel to the rear edge of the ball of the foot (hereinafter referred to as the rear edge distance). As the name suggests, the rear edge of the ball of the foot is the end behind (towards the heel) of the spherical first metatarsophalangeal joint. Even if the foot length (length from heel to toe) is the same, the rear edge distance is not necessarily the same. In the method disclosed herein, as described above, foot size data is used as an independent variable, and the rear edge distance is calculated by multivariate analysis.
[0272] On the other hand, the rear edge distance may be calculated as follows. Specifically, instead of the length from the heel to the rear edge of the ball of the big toe, the length from the heel to the most protruding part of the ball of the big toe (hereinafter referred to as the HB length) is calculated by a calculation according to a certain rule (a rule based on statistical data), and a point moved (descended) a certain length (the length determined by the above-mentioned certain rule) toward the heel from a point that is the HB length from the heel is set as the rear edge of the ball of the big toe. The length from the heel to the point set as the rear edge of the ball of the big toe is set as the rear edge distance. The rear edge distance may be calculated in this manner.
[0273] In the conventional face-to-face method, it was very important to palpate the rear edge of the ball of the foot, which differs between individuals, and to create an insole that fits that area. In other words, whether or not the insole fits the rear edge of the ball of the foot, which differs between individuals, is one of the clear differences that distinguish custom-made insoles from ready-made insoles that are pre-made in a factory and can be used by everyone. In the present disclosure, the rear edge distance, which differs between individuals, is calculated (estimated) from foot size data to improve compatibility.
[0274] After calculating the rear edge distance using the above method, the size of the arch shape based on ergonomics is determined. Once the rear edge distance is determined, it is possible to adapt the arch shape based on ergonomics to the shape of the human foot regardless of race. This ergonomic arch shape is an intermediate (neutral) and incomplete shape, and cannot properly induce the trajectory of the COP that differs between individuals, but it serves as a basic shape for inducing the COP.
[0275] By performing partial shape changes in millimeters from this basic shape, the insole shape is changed to appropriately guide the COP trajectory and physical movement that differs between individuals. By performing shape changes with over several thousand to several hundred billion different patterns, it is possible to create a custom-made insole by changing the shape pattern to one that best suits the individual's movements. The data required for this shape are the motion data and interview data in (B), (b-1) to (b-5), and (C) described below.
[0276] (B) Comprehensive motion data is motion data obtained as comprehensive electronic data of daily life movements and sports playing. Comprehensive data here refers to continuous data containing multiple movements, and does not refer to electronic data of movements performed by limiting them to specific movements.
[0277] For example, it is continuous motion data such as standing up from a chair, starting to walk, changing direction and reaching a destination in daily life, or continuous motion data such as throwing a ball, running, changing direction and stopping in sports. It is preferable to record these comprehensive motions for about one minute, and it is also preferable to include various motion elements as described above.
[0278] It is even better if the data is acquired from two directions at the same time. It is preferable to take pictures from a camera fixed on a tripod, but if necessary, the measurement terminal may be moved to follow the subject. It is preferable to acquire data closer to the subject in order to increase the accuracy of the data.
[0279] (B) In the case where it is difficult to obtain comprehensive motion data, five types of modified motion data may be used as electronic data. The five types of modified motion data are: (b-1) balance motion data while standing on one leg (hereinafter, one-leg balance data), (b-2) stepping motion data on the spot (hereinafter, stepping data), (b-3) walking motion data (hereinafter, walking data), (b-4) repeated side jumps or similar motion data of quickly turning left and right in succession (hereinafter, side step data), and (b-5) motion data specific to a sport (for example, a golf swing motion in golf, a bat swing motion or pitching motion in baseball, etc. (hereinafter, specific motion data). These five types of modified motion data may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
[0280] The above-mentioned electronic data refers to all data that can be transmitted and received via an Internet line, and includes, for example, video data, still image data, sensor data, audio data, text data, CSV data, XML data, and the like.
[0281] Furthermore, sensor data is data measured by various sensors that detect movement and are equipped on smartphones, tablet devices, etc. For example, there is acceleration data obtained by an acceleration sensor. By repeatedly performing differential processing on the obtained data, data on speed and position can be obtained, making it possible to express movement as data. There is also real space data, which is a representative of recent sensing technology. This is sensor data known as augmented reality (AR) technology, which recognizes the surrounding situation, including human movement, by irradiating the surrounding real environment with laser light and measuring the scattered and reflected light. As described above, it has become possible in recent years to digitize human movement using various sensors.
[0282] (b-1) One-legged balance data, which is one variation of (B), can be a variation of comprehensive motion data, since one-legged standing motion is an evaluation method that embodies the state of whole-body balance in any motion. Motion data is based on evaluating the whole body, and in some cases, partial movements (balance) are evaluated. Data is basically obtained from the front, but can be obtained from other directions as necessary. Stand on one leg for a few seconds, then switch sides. Applied motions can also be added as necessary. Focus is on the differences in how balance is achieved when standing on one leg with both feet and the whole body.
[0283] (b-2) Stepping data, which is one of the variations of (B), is an evaluation method that embodies balance on one leg and the state of walking, and can be a variation of comprehensive movement data. The height, speed, and number of times the leg is raised can be changed as necessary, and the evaluation is performed by paying attention to the movement of each part of the body when performing these.
[0284] (b-3) Gait data, which is one of the variations of (B), can be a variation of comprehensive motion data because walking is one of the most common daily movements, and poor gait often leads to problems throughout the body and reduced performance in sports. Data on the walkable distance is obtained from the front and back, and from the side if necessary. Conditions such as walking speed are changed as necessary. It is preferable to perform several walking trials to grasp the tendency of the movement.
[0285] (b-4) Side step data, which is one of the variations of (B), can be a variation of comprehensive motion data because side turning is often used in sports and the ability to turn left and right directly affects sports performance. Data on side step motion is obtained from the front and from each direction as necessary. Evaluate how the foot and body parts are used to perform side turning motions.
[0286] (b-5) Specific motion data, which is one of the variations of (B), has different specific motions for each sport. In the case of sports, it goes without saying that it is important to evaluate the required sports motion in order to change the shape according to the performance you want to achieve. For example, motion data for each sport, such as a golf swing motion in golf and a batting motion in baseball, is obtained from the direction required.
[0287] The above-mentioned comprehensive motion data and the above-mentioned five types of modified motion data used as necessary are acquired as motion data in the form of electronic data by the user or assistant, and are acquired through the Internet and other electronic data exchanges. The COP trajectory is estimated from these motion data, and a shape change of several millimeters is performed in a pattern to optimize it. In addition, the method of shape change is determined from the motion data by a unique algorithmized method. For example, the relationship between the degree of shoulder sway and the position of the pelvis during the motion, the direction of kicking out the foot, etc. are used as evaluation points, and the shape change is determined by at least one of a human and a computer. This may be performed in collaboration between a human and a computer, or may be performed only by a human, or may be performed only by a computer. In reality, it is preferable to perform it automatically by a computer only.
[0288] (C) The interview data mainly includes information on (I) the location of calluses on the feet, (II) the type of trouble, and (III) body pain. These (I) to (III) are used to improve the accuracy of the shape change determined from (B), (b-1) to (b-5), and (C), and to determine whether the shape change places a burden on the body. In other words, these data can be used to make a final check on the shape change determined from the motion data. Furthermore, if necessary, the interview data may be given priority in evaluation before the shape change based on the motion data, and the motion data may be referenced based on the evaluation.
[0289] (I) The location of the calluses on the soles of the feet means that the skin on the soles of the feet is thickened, and therefore the area is subject to repeated loading. In other words, the COP often follows a path that passes through the callused area during movement, and the validity of the judgment based on the movement can be confirmed by the location of the calluses on the soles of the feet. In addition, by first evaluating the location of the calluses on the soles of the feet and then evaluating the movement based on that information, more accurate movement analysis is possible.
[0290] (II) The type of trouble you have will affect the trajectory of your COP. In the case of knee or hip pain, you will tend to walk with your shoulders swinging from side to side, which will cause the COP to move in a distinctive way. As with (I) the position of the calluses on your feet, these will help you to confirm the validity of the judgment based on your movements and to analyze your movements more accurately.
[0291] (III) When it comes to physical pain, the body tries to reduce pain by skillfully using escape and compensatory movements to avoid strain as much as possible. However, these abnormal movements can cause the following problems. By investigating in this way which part of the body is in pain, what type of pain is present, and how much pain is present, it is possible to confirm the validity of the shape change judgment obtained from the evaluation of movement and to perform more accurate movement analysis.
[0292] In addition, additional questionnaire items and contents may be added as necessary, and it is preferable to use free-form items, etc., to obtain a wide range of information regarding the user's concerns.
[0293] By acquiring electronic data via the Internet using the above-mentioned scheme, it is possible to produce custom-made insoles of the same quality as those produced in person, but without meeting the customer.
[0294] According to the insole manufacturing system of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the convex portion to be provided on the insole is determined based on the user's motion data in the form of electronic data. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture custom-made insoles that match the dynamic condition of the foot and body without the need to meet with an engineer, based on various data transmitted via a communication line such as the Internet.
[0295] In addition, based on foot skeletal data obtained from skeletal information of the user's foot, foot size is measured from the shape of the bone protrusions of the foot, and the foot size data is used as an independent variable to calculate the foot size of the part of the foot without bone protrusions using a unique statistical model derived by multivariate analysis, so that foot size of the part of the foot without bone protrusions (part without landmarks) that previously required face-to-face measurements can be calculated without face-to-face measurements. Therefore, by simply obtaining foot skeletal data, which is skeletal information of the foot, a custom-made insole that fits the user can be produced.
[0296] In particular, by calculating the length from the heel to the rear edge of the ball of the foot, which is the part of the foot that varies most from person to person, this measurement, which could previously only be measured face-to-face, can now be calculated without face-to-face measurements. Therefore, by simply sending and receiving foot skeletal data via the Internet, a custom-made insole that is tailored to the user can be produced.
[0297] In recent years, there have been insole manufacturing methods that mainly use foot type data obtained using sensing technology such as 3D scanners. However, it has been kinematically and anatomically revealed that the foot type data obtained by 3D scanners and the like is merely the static foot type of the user (foot type when standing still, lying down, or sitting), and that the shape is completely different from the foot type during movement. Rather, the foot is constantly deforming during movement according to the position where the load is applied and the shape of the floor surface, and it is this function of the deforming foot that forms the basis of such excellent human walking ability. Therefore, it is difficult to manufacture an optimal insole that matches the dynamic state of the foot and body during walking, sports, etc., with an insole manufactured mainly based on this static foot type data. The present disclosure is superior to conventional manufacturing systems that mainly use static foot type data obtained from 3D scanners and the like in that it is a more logically valid and rational method that makes it possible to determine the shape of the convex parts to be provided in a custom-made insole based on dynamic motion data.
[0298] Furthermore, since the method includes a process of partially modifying the shape of the insole based on the comprehensive motion data obtained as electronic data of daily living movements and sports playing, the shape of the protrusions on the insole can be partially modified or fine-tuned in millimeters based on the data, making it possible to produce a custom-made insole that can correct the movement trajectory of the COP, which differs between individuals, to an optimal position.
[0299] Furthermore, as a variation of the comprehensive motion data, it is also possible to fine-tune the shape of the convex portion based on one or a combination of two or more of five types of variation motion data as electronic data: one-legged balance data, stepping data, walking data, side step data, and specific motion data.
[0300] In addition, the shape of the insole is partially changed based on the interview data, which is information about the location of calluses on the feet, the type of trouble the user is having, and the parts of the body where pain occurs, so it is possible to determine whether the shape change determined from (B), (b-1) to (b-5), and (C) will improve accuracy and whether the shape change will cause a burden to the body. This makes it possible to create a custom-made insole that is more suitable for the user.
[0301] Furthermore, by acquiring electronic data of the user's foot skeletal information, such as foot skeletal data, motion data, or medical interview data, via an Internet line, various data required to produce custom-made insoles can be easily transmitted and received via the Internet without the need to meet with an engineer. This makes it possible to solve the problems of regional service differences and rising sales prices that have been issues with custom-made insoles. In addition, by producing custom-made insoles that match the dynamic foot and physical condition, it becomes possible to produce better custom-made insoles that are higher in quality and medically logically valid than conventional ones.
[0302] Regarding the sensation in the soles of the human feet and the movement (action) of the feet based on the sensation in the soles of the feet, it has been found that humans have the tendency to consciously or unconsciously step on objects or parts that feel hard.
[0303] More precisely, a person consciously or unconsciously steps on a part when the hardness, height, etc. of the part are within a certain range. On the other hand, when the hardness, height, etc. of the part exceed a certain limit, the person or the sole of the person's foot feels uncomfortable in that part and consciously tries to avoid stepping on it. Thus, depending on the degree of hardness or height, there may be cases where the person consciously or unconsciously steps on the part, or conversely, where the person consciously tries to avoid stepping on it.
[0304] This will be explained in more detail below.
[0305] [Physical Effects (Edge Effects)] The movement of the COP can be likened to the trajectory of skiing. When skiing down an obliquely curved part (edge) on the slope of a snowy mountain, a phenomenon occurs in which the skier is pulled down the slope. Similar to this phenomenon, by providing a slightly curved edge (unevenness) on the sole of the foot, the COP can be guided in the opposite direction to the edge. This phenomenon and effect are also referred to as the edge effect.
[0306] By utilizing this edge effect, the movement (trajectory) of the COP can be intentionally created to match the movement characteristics of various sports, including walking. For example, by providing an edge on the outside of the sole of the foot (on the little toe side) inside the shoe, the COP can be made to move more inward, and as a result, it becomes easier to obtain the force to quickly turn inward. In this case, the instantaneousness of turning can be improved in sports that involve many turns, such as soccer. In golf, the edge effect can appropriately guide the movement of the foot and achieve a stable swing centered on rotational motion (in other words, a swing that suppresses "sway (movement of the body axis from side to side during a swing)").
[0307] [Effects on activating foot function] It is known that in modern times, the percentage of people whose little toe does not touch the ground is very high. In response to this, by compressing the lower part of the little toe on the sole of the foot, the activity of the flexor hallucis brevis and / or abductor hallucis minimi can be improved. In this case, the little toe is activated in terms of muscle activity. As a result, the functionality of the lateral part of the foot can be improved. This makes it possible to suppress excessive lateral displacement of the COP during exercise such as walking, leading to efficient movement.
[0308] Furthermore, the peroneus longus muscle slides on the lateral midfoot of the sole, and in this respect, the lateral midfoot of the sole can be said to be an important part responsible for changing the direction of movement. By compressing the lateral midfoot of the sole, it is possible to increase the activity of the flexor hallucis brevis and abductor hallucis minimi as well as the peroneus longus muscle.
[0309] The peroneus longus is known to be active when the ball of the foot touches the ground and pushes off, and is a very important muscle in movements such as walking and various sports. Furthermore, among the muscles originating in the lower leg, the peroneus longus is the only muscle that can move the COP to the inside of the foot (toward the big toe), and therefore can be said to be an essential muscle for COP control and center of gravity control.
[0310] Therefore, by activating the peroneus longus muscle, the stepping down of the medial side of the foot (the side of the big toe) is improved, which suppresses excessive lateral displacement of the COP. As a result, it becomes possible to lead to efficient movement during exercise such as walking, which suppresses excessive lateral displacement of the body's center of gravity.
[0311] By utilizing these characteristics, the design concept and manufacturing system of the present disclosure make it possible to adjust the height and hardness of parts while arranging the parts according to the trajectory so that the COP traces a desired trajectory.
[0312] In other words, by controlling the placement of the parts and the height and hardness of those parts, the COP trajectory can be induced by causing a person to consciously or unconsciously step into a specific area due to that part.
[0313] According to the present disclosure, by taking into consideration various elements in a comprehensive and integrated manner, such as the (A) foot skeletal data, (B) comprehensive motion data, (C) interview data, and the like already explained above, as well as the characteristics of human stepping as described above, it becomes possible to design and manufacture any insole that can guide the COP trajectory as desired.
[0314] Here, the design (creation of a design drawing) may be performed using artificial intelligence (AI). In the present disclosure, as described above, several thousand or more design patterns, preferably several hundred thousand or more, and more preferably several tens of billions or more design patterns are assumed. Machine learning is performed on such a huge number of design patterns by linking them with the measured foot shape data. Machine learning here refers to learning in a form in which an input pattern is determined. In the present disclosure, the insole is classified into areas 1 to 9, and a part is selected for each area. For example, "a part is selected for each area" is one of the input patterns. Here, learning a design pattern in a form in which such an input pattern is determined is referred to as machine learning.
[0315] On the other hand, learning may be performed in a form in which the input pattern is not determined. Here, such learning is called deep learning. In deep learning, for example, a design pattern (arrangement pattern of parts) is captured as an image as it is and learned. In such deep learning, learning is performed without accompanying information on rules (patterns), such as that insoles are classified into areas 1 to 9, or that parts are selected for each area. In this case, learning that has a wider and deeper range of application is possible.
[0316] Furthermore, there are various methods of so-called deep learning, and other forms and formats of deep learning may also be included. For example, although it was mentioned above that "parts are selected for each area," it is also possible to have AI deep-learn to select parts for each area as if a human were selecting them.
[0317] Alternatively, learning may be performed by constructing a large-scale language model (LLM). In this case, pattern codes describing the specifications of the insole are taken in as text information and learned. In other words, pattern codes of several thousand patterns, preferably several hundred thousand patterns, and more preferably several hundred billion patterns are learned by linking them with the measured foot shape data.
[0318] In AI-assisted design, when input (in this case, foot shape data and design specifications) is given based on the learning model trained using the methods described above, an output that matches the input (in this case, a design drawing for the insole) is returned.
[0319] Here, the learning value may further include various elements related to the use, such as specific effects, actual effects, sensory effects, user evaluations, impressions, etc. In addition to elements related to the use, marketing elements, such as sales status, sales region, sales trends, and attributes of purchasers, may also be included.
[0320] According to the present disclosure, production can proceed without the user and the maker actually meeting in person, and regardless of the region or area where the user lives, the user can request and have an insole made.
[0321] Also, as for the manufacturer, as long as they have the minimum necessary equipment, they can easily and reliably make insoles without advanced skills or knowledge. Specifically, they can make insoles by combining the parts of the insole according to the projected image. Therefore, they can be made without any location restrictions.
[0322] The importance of this advantage has become even more evident in light of recent global situations and trends. For example, in recent years, emergencies such as the global spread of viruses such as COVID-19 and wars have occurred, which have affected the production and logistics of goods, resulting in problems such as chronic shortages and price hikes. Such problems have been particularly serious when, for example, production bases and logistics bases are concentrated or limited to specific locations or regions. When production bases and logistics bases are concentrated or limited to specific locations or regions, the impact is enormous if those bases stop functioning.
[0323] In this regard, according to the insole manufacturing system and manufacturing method disclosed herein, there is no need to concentrate the place or region of manufacturing in a specific place or region, and there is no restriction. Therefore, the place or region of manufacturing can be dispersed, and it can be said that it can be dispersed naturally. This is because, as described above, various data required for manufacturing insoles can be transmitted and received via the Internet, etc., and insoles can be manufactured based on this data. It goes without saying that a supply chain can be constructed so that insole parts can be obtained from a wide distribution network.
[0324] Furthermore, when production bases, logistics bases, supply chains, etc. are dispersed and commercial transactions are conducted both domestically and internationally due to globalization, exchange rate risks may also arise. In addition to emergencies such as the global spread of viruses such as the COVID-19 pandemic and war, as mentioned above, exchange rates often fluctuate significantly due to various factors such as political events and speculators' schemes. In such cases, fluctuations in the prices of goods and services (for example, price hikes) may occur, which may also threaten the stable supply of goods and services (supply at a constant price).
[0325] According to the insole manufacturing system and manufacturing method disclosed herein, for example, it is easy to establish a manufacturing base domestically in order to avoid exchange rate risks, etc., and the issue of exchange rate risks can also be resolved.
[0326] Furthermore, there are no limitations on the location of the production base, and it can be built in any location, such as a private home, a public facility, a welfare facility, etc. For example, public facilities, welfare facilities, etc. are usually equipped with earthquake resistance and seismic isolation measures, and by setting up a production base in such a facility, it is possible to operate even during natural disasters such as earthquakes.
[0327] In addition, by locating production bases in public facilities, welfare facilities, etc., job creation can be effectively achieved. Effective job creation can lead to stable production.
[0328] In this way, according to the insole manufacturing system and manufacturing method of the present disclosure, in response to the above-mentioned problems, it is possible to arbitrarily and easily construct an effective manufacturing system and supply system, such as by distributing the manufacturing bases or setting up the manufacturing bases in desired locations. For example, even without setting up a large-scale factory, it is possible to realize a supply system equivalent to or better than that of a large-scale factory while reducing risks. In addition, it is possible to enjoy benefits that cannot be obtained, for example, in a system of production in a large-scale factory.
[0329] According to the insole manufacturing system and manufacturing method disclosed herein, it is possible to realize a more stable supply of goods and services and effectively correct the problem of regional disparities in services.
[0330] Furthermore, the insole manufacturing system and method disclosed herein do not require high skill and can be made anywhere, in which case it is also practical for the user to make the insole themselves.
[0331] These effects can be obtained not only in Japan but in any other country, that is, the insole manufacturing system and method disclosed herein can be deployed in any country. The insole manufacturing system and method disclosed herein will bring benefits on a global scale and contribute to the economy.
[0332] The above describes an insole manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible based on the technical concept of the present disclosure.
[0333] For example, in this embodiment, foot skeletal data, motion data, or medical interview data obtained from skeletal information of the user's foot are acquired through an Internet line, but this is not limited to this. For example, by storing these various data in a recording medium such as a DVD and sending the recording medium by mail, a custom-made insole can be produced without the need to meet with a technician.
[0334] In addition, in the present embodiment, the insole that is attached as the inner sole of a shoe has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to footwear in which a convex portion is formed as a midsole. In other words, the present invention can also be used as a manufacturing system for footwear equipped with a custom-made midsole.
[0335] [Other embodiments] Another aspect of the present disclosure may be a method for producing an insole that is used as a shoe inner sole and is custom-made to fit the condition of a user's foot, the method comprising determining a shape of a convex portion to be provided on the insole based on motion data, which is electronic data representing the user's motion.
[0336] The motion data may be comprehensive motion data that includes a mixture of multiple motions. The motion data may be one or a combination of two or more of one-leg balance data, stepping data, walking data, side step data, and specific motion data.
[0337] The motion data and the comprehensive motion data may be 2D and / or 3D moving images for estimating the position and movement trajectory of the COP and determining a method for changing the shape of the convex portion using a predetermined algorithm.
[0338] Based on foot skeletal data obtained from skeletal information on the user's foot, the foot size can be measured from the shape of the bony protrusions and joints of the user's foot, and the foot size data can be used as an independent variable to calculate the foot size of areas of the foot that do not have bony protrusions using a unique statistical model derived by multivariate analysis.
[0339] The foot size may be calculated as the length from the heel to the rear edge of the ball of the foot. The shape of the insole may be partially changed based on interview data, which is information about the location of calluses on the feet, the type of troubles the wearer is having, and the part of the body where pain is felt. The motion data, foot skeletal data, or interview data may be acquired via an internet line.
[0340] This provides a method for producing an insole that allows a custom-made insole to be produced without needing to meet with a technician.
[0341] Currently, in some regions, there are people who cannot obtain insoles, and people who are unaware of their existence and cannot benefit from them. The root of this disparity is face-to-face production, and by establishing a non-face-to-face production method (business model) through this disclosure, it will be possible to provide this technology to people all over the world who are suffering from physical problems or sports performance, not just in Japan, and the service disparity will be rectified.
[0342] It has become clear from kinematics and anatomy that the static foot shape data acquired by 3D scanners, which have been widely used in recent years, is merely the static foot shape of the user (foot shape when standing still, lying down, or sitting), and is a completely different shape from the foot shape during movement. Rather, the foot is constantly deforming during movement according to the position where the load is applied and the shape of the floor surface, and this function of the deforming foot is the basis of such excellent human walking ability. Therefore, it is difficult to manufacture an optimal insole that matches the dynamic foot and body conditions during walking, sports, etc., with an insole manufactured mainly based on this static foot shape data. In the present disclosure, it is possible to determine the shape of the convex parts to be provided in a custom-made insole based on dynamic motion data that can be electronically exchanged, and therefore it is possible to provide insoles that match the dynamic foot and body conditions to people all over the world, which was difficult to do with conventional manufacturing methods.
[0343] Because it is a face-to-face type, the price of insoles has risen, and they are only purchased by certain wealthy people or are limited to production using Japan's medical insurance system. In order for more people to benefit from custom-made insoles, it is essential to reduce the price. In addition, due to the nature of medical insurance, insurance is only applied after a diagnosis is made, making it difficult to produce insoles from the perspective of preventive medicine. Since pain caused by poor movement of the body and characteristic poor movements that cause injuries in sports occur at a stage before a diagnosis is made at a medical institution, preventive medical tools that do not involve medical insurance are very important. This disclosure discloses a technical idea that can accelerate the promotion of foot health and greatly contribute to society.
[0344] In one example, the insole may have an upper surface divided into three regions, a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a rearfoot region, and a convex portion having a height of 0.2 mm or more and 15 mm or less protruding upward from the upper surface of the insole or downward from the lower surface of the insole on the outer sides of any one of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the rearfoot region, or any two of the three regions, or all of the three regions.
[0345] The height of the protrusions may be 0.2 mm or more and 11 mm or less, or 0.2 mm or more and 7 mm or less.
[0346] The lateral forefoot convexity formed on the forefoot portion may push the metatarsals and phalanges on the lateral side of the sole of a person's foot upward, the lateral midfoot convexity formed on the midfoot portion may push the area just below the cuboid bone or slightly distal to the cuboid bone upward higher than the arch height of the medial edge of the navicular bone, and the lateral hindfoot portion formed on the hindfoot portion may push the lateral side of the calcaneus upward higher than the medial side of the calcaneus.
[0347] The protrusions of the front foot portion, the mid foot portion and the rear foot portion may be formed integrally and continuously. A second protrusion may be provided on an inner edge of the front foot portion.
[0348] According to the insole of the present disclosure, the lateral part of the sole of the user's foot is pushed upward, which makes it difficult for the COP to shift outward and guides the COP inward (toward the big toe). The trajectory of the COP movement has the characteristic of reflecting the trajectory of the center of gravity of the body (located near the pelvis when a person is standing), and by guiding the trajectory of the COP movement, the trajectory of the center of gravity of the body is corrected, which may lead to efficient movement in which excessive lateral shift of the center of gravity of the body is suppressed.
[0349] In one example, the insole of the present disclosure may have an upper surface divided into three regions, namely, a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a rearfoot region, and a group of medial forefoot convex portions may be provided on the medial side of the forefoot region, protruding upward from the upper surface of the insole or downward from the lower surface of the insole and positioned so as to wrap around the outer circumference of the big toe when viewed in a plane.
[0350] The medial forefoot convex portion group may be composed of one or a combination of two or more of: a first convex portion arranged near the first toe and the proximal phalanx between the second toes; a second convex portion extending from the first convex portion toward the toes; a third convex portion extending from the first convex portion toward the first toe so as to cross the proximal phalanx of the first toe; a fourth convex portion arranged along the rear edge of the ball of the foot; and a fifth convex portion arranged from the rear edge of the ball of the foot along the curve of the medial edge of the insole.
[0351] The present disclosure may be footwear having a group of medial forefoot projections as a midsole.
[0352] According to the insole of the present disclosure, the provision of the medial forefoot convex portion group can encourage pushing off at a specific site near the big toe and improve the pushing off force.
[0353] Herein, the present disclosure may include the inventive concepts of the following methods of fabrication.
[0354] [Item 1] A method for producing an insole, the method comprising the steps of: producing a desired insole from a combination of several thousand patterns, preferably several hundred thousand patterns, and more preferably several tens of billions of patterns, by combining the several parts; A manufacturing method for designing the insole using a design unit configured by a computer, the design unit selecting the plurality of parts from a predetermined parts list in accordance with input design specifications, and arranging the selected plurality of parts to design the insole.
[0355] [Item 2] using an output unit for outputting information on the shape of each of the plurality of parts selected and arranged by the design unit, as the actual size of the parts in the arranged state, or information on the relative shape of the parts to the outside; The production method described in item 1.
[0356] [Item 3] The manufacturing method according to item 1, further comprising using a display unit that displays the plurality of parts selected and arranged by the design unit in a recognizable superimposed manner.
[0357] [Item 4] a comparison unit for comparing an arrangement state of the plurality of parts arranged by the design unit (hereinafter referred to as a model arrangement) with an arrangement state of the plurality of parts as actual objects arranged at predetermined positions (hereinafter referred to as an actual object arrangement); a determination unit that determines whether the model layout and the actual layout match based on a result of the comparison by the comparison unit; 2. The method of claim 1, comprising using
[0358] [Item 5] The insole is At least one of a basic part and an additional part is included, selecting the basic parts and the additional parts from a plurality of parts prepared for each area arbitrarily divided in the approximate shape of a human foot; Furthermore, the additional parts are arbitrarily selected from a plurality of types of parts that differ in at least one element selected from the group of elements including shape, size, thickness, and hardness. The production method described in item 1.
[0359] [Item 6] The insole includes at least The sole layer includes a base sole layer serving as a foundation, a part layer disposed on the base sole layer, and an intermediate layer disposed adjacent to at least one of both surfaces of the part layer. The production method described in item 1.
[0360] [Item 7] The parts list includes a list of parts groups configured by combining a plurality of arbitrary parts in advance, The design unit is configured to be able to select one or more part groups from the list of part groups as parts to be selected. The production method described in item 1.
[0361] The present disclosure may also include the inventive concept of the insole itself produced by the above-described production system and production method.
Claims
1. An insole manufacturing system for an insole, the insole being composed of a plurality of parts, the insole being manufactured from a plurality of combinations by combining the plurality of parts, a design unit configured with a computer, which receives input data including foot shape data representing a target foot shape and design specifications as input data, selects the plurality of parts from a predetermined parts list based on a design algorithm previously installed in the computer, and designs the insole by arranging the selected plurality of parts; The design algorithm includes at least data of a mechanism that represents a dynamic deformation of a foot shape of a human during a human movement; A manufacturing system, wherein the design unit is configured to complete the design based solely on calculations on a computer using the design algorithm.
2. and an output unit for outputting information on a shape of each of the plurality of parts selected and arranged by the design unit, as the part is arranged, in a life-size form or in a relative form to the outside. The production system of claim 1 .
3. The manufacturing system according to claim 1 , further comprising a display unit that displays each of the plurality of parts selected and arranged by the design unit in a recognizable superimposed manner.
4. a comparison unit for comparing an arrangement state of the plurality of parts arranged by the design unit (hereinafter referred to as a model arrangement) with an arrangement state of the plurality of parts as actual objects arranged at predetermined positions (hereinafter referred to as an actual object arrangement); a determination unit that determines whether the model layout and the actual layout match based on a result of the comparison by the comparison unit; The fabrication system of claim 1 , comprising:
5. The insole is At least one of a basic part and an additional part is included, the base part and the additional part are selected for each area arbitrarily divided in an approximate human foot shape from a plurality of parts prepared according to the area; Furthermore, the additional parts are arbitrarily selected from a plurality of types of parts that differ in at least one element selected from the group of elements of shape, size, thickness, and hardness. The production system of claim 1 .
6. The insole includes at least The sole layer includes a base sole layer serving as a foundation, a part layer disposed on the base sole layer, and an intermediate layer disposed adjacent to at least one of both surfaces of the part layer. The production system of claim 1 .
7. The parts list includes a list of parts groups configured by combining a plurality of arbitrary parts in advance, The design unit is configured to be able to select one or more part groups from the list of part groups as parts to be selected. The production system of claim 1 .
8. An insole manufacturing system for manufacturing an insole comprising a plurality of parts, the system manufacturing a desired insole from a plurality of combinations by combining the plurality of parts, A design unit configured by a computer, which selects the plurality of parts from a predetermined parts list based on a design algorithm previously installed in the computer in accordance with input design specifications, and designs the insole by arranging the selected plurality of parts, A manufacturing system, wherein the design unit is configured to complete the design based solely on calculations on a computer using the design algorithm.
9. An insole manufacturing system for manufacturing an insole comprising a plurality of parts, the insole being manufactured from a plurality of combinations by combining the plurality of parts, A design unit configured by a computer, which selects the plurality of parts from a predetermined parts list according to input design specifications, and designs the insole by arranging the selected plurality of parts; a display unit that displays the plurality of parts selected and arranged by the design unit in a superimposed manner so that each part can be recognized and the superimposition order of the individual parts can be recognized.
Citation Information
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