EVALUATION APPARATUS, EVALUATION METHOD, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

In order to evaluate the flexibility of a body, provided is an evaluation device comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring position data pertaining to a plurality of measurement target sites established in an evaluation target segment of a body, a calculation unit for fitting circles to the plurality of measurement target sites and calculating the values of the diameters of the fitted circles, an evaluation unit for evaluating the flexibility of the evaluation target segment in accordance with the computed values of the circle diameters, and an output unit for outputting evaluation results relating to the flexibility of the evaluation target segment.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an evaluation device for evaluating physical flexibility. [Background technology]

[0002] Measurement of flexibility around the back, such as uniform spinal extension / flexion, is one of the evaluation items of motor function. There is no established method for measuring flexibility around the back. Measurement of flexibility around the back is often done based on the trainer's experience.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a motor function evaluation device that evaluates the function of a body part using information on the curvature of the trajectory of the body part. The device of Patent Document 1 acquires curvature-related information related to the curvature from multiple pieces of position information indicating the position of the body part when the person being evaluated moves the body part. The device of Patent Document 1 evaluates the function of the body part using the acquired curvature-related information.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a measuring device that measures the load applied to an intervertebral disc. The device of Patent Document 2 photographs the back of a subject during movement and measures the movement of the vertebrae that make up the spine. The device of Patent Document 2 calculates the deformation of the spine based on the measured movement of the vertebrae. The device of Patent Document 2 estimates the load applied to the intervertebral disc based on the calculated deformation of the spine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-285273 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2010-214098 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The method of Patent Document 1 can evaluate the function of the upper limbs based on the curvature of the trajectory of the upper limbs. However, the method of Patent Document 1 cannot evaluate the flexibility of the body.

[0007] The method of Patent Document 2 makes it possible to calculate deformation of the spine based on the movement of the vertebrae that make up the spine. However, Patent Document 2 does not disclose how to evaluate flexibility of the spine.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an evaluation device etc. capable of evaluating body flexibility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An evaluation device of one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires positional data of multiple measurement target parts set in an evaluation target segment of the body, a calculation unit that fits circles to the multiple measurement target parts and calculates the diameter value of the fitted circle, an evaluation unit that evaluates the flexibility of the evaluation target segment based on the calculated diameter value of the circle, and an output unit that outputs an evaluation result regarding the flexibility of the evaluation target segment.

[0010] In one aspect of the evaluation method of the present disclosure, positional data for a plurality of measurement target parts set in an evaluation target segment of the body is obtained, circles are fitted to the plurality of measurement target parts, a diameter value of the fitted circle is calculated, flexibility of the evaluation target segment is evaluated according to the calculated diameter value of the circle, and an evaluation result regarding the flexibility of the evaluation target segment is output.

[0011] A program of one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: acquiring positional data of multiple measurement target parts set in an evaluation target body segment; fitting circles to the multiple measurement target parts and calculating the diameter value of the fitted circle; evaluating the flexibility of the evaluation target segment based on the calculated diameter value of the circle; and outputting an evaluation result regarding the flexibility of the evaluation target segment. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an evaluation device and the like capable of evaluating body flexibility. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an evaluation device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example (extension) of a posture to be evaluated by the evaluation device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining another example (forward bending) of a posture to be evaluated by the evaluation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of performing circle fitting on a subject who is an evaluation target with the evaluation device according to the first embodiment in an extended posture. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of performing circle fitting on a subject who is an evaluation target with a forward bending posture by the evaluation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining assessment of body flexibility by the evaluation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation of the evaluation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a circle fitting process performed by the evaluation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an application example of the evaluation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an evaluation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of performing ellipse fitting on a subject who is an evaluation target with an extended posture by the evaluation device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a criterion for determining uniformity in body flexion by an evaluation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the evaluation device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an ellipse fitting process performed by the evaluation device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an application example of an evaluation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an application example of an evaluation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of an evaluation device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for executing control and processing according to each embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, the embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are limited in a manner that is technically preferable for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the following. In addition, in all the drawings used to explain the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for similar parts unless otherwise specified. In addition, in the following embodiments, repeated explanations of similar configurations and operations may be omitted.

[0015] (First embodiment) First, an evaluation device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The evaluation device according to this embodiment evaluates body flexibility based on position information of a plurality of measurement target parts set on the body. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the flexibility of the upper body is evaluated in a posture in which the body is bent backward in a standing position (extended posture). The method of this embodiment can also be applied to a posture in which the body is bent forward in a standing position (forward bending posture) and a posture in which the body is bent laterally in a standing position (lateral bending posture). The method of this embodiment can also be applied to a posture in which the body is bent while sitting on the floor and a posture in which the upper body is bent while lying prone.

[0016] (composition) 1 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of an evaluation device 10 according to this embodiment. The evaluation device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a calculation unit 12, an evaluation unit 13, and an output unit 15.

[0017] The acquisition unit 11 acquires measurement data including position information of a plurality of measurement target parts set on the body. For example, the acquisition unit 11 acquires position information of markers set on the measurement target parts of the body of the subject. At least three markers are set. The position information of the markers is measured using an image captured by a camera. For example, if a sensor capable of measuring position information is mounted on the marker, the position of the measurement target part can be identified according to the position information measured by the sensor. For example, the markers are set on the back, head, hands, knees, and ankles of the subject. If the markers are set on the back, head, hands, knees, and ankles, the overall flexibility of the subject's body can be evaluated. For example, multiple markers are set along the spine of the subject. If multiple markers are set along the spine, the flexibility of the spine can be evaluated.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example in which markers are placed at the positions of the subject's hands, head, spine, knees, and ankles. FIG. 2 shows a posture in which the upper body is bent backward (extension). In FIG. 2, the positions of the subject's hands, head, spine, knees, and ankles are indicated as M11, M12, M13, M14, and M15, respectively. The markers may be placed according to the segment to be evaluated for flexibility. When the segment to be evaluated for flexibility is the spine, multiple markers may be placed along the spine.

[0019] For example, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire position information of a measurement target part detected from an image of a subject who does not have a marker installed on the body. For example, measurement target parts such as hands, head, spine, knees, and ankles can be extracted according to features detected from the image. The position of the measurement target part may be measurement data measured by general-purpose pose analysis software. For example, the position of the measurement target part may be estimated using an image taken by a three-dimensional camera used for motion analysis. For example, the position of the measurement target part may be estimated by applying physical quantities such as acceleration and angular velocity measured by an inertial measurement unit installed on the measurement target part to a skeletal model.

[0020] The acquisition unit 11 may acquire measurement data related to postures other than extension. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a posture in which the upper body is bent forward (forward bending). FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example in which markers are set at the positions of the subject's head, shoulders, spine, waist, and buttocks. In FIG. 2, the positions of the subject's head, shoulders, spine, waist, and buttocks are represented as M21, M22, M23, M24, and M25, respectively. Measurement data related to a posture in which the body is bent laterally (lateral bending) can also be measured at the positions of the markers in FIG. 3. When the segment to be evaluated for flexibility is the spine, multiple markers may be set along the spine. For example, the segment to be evaluated may be set to the cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, and lumbar vertebrae that constitute the spine. Also, as in this embodiment, the segment to be evaluated may be set to the entire body including the arms and legs.

[0021] The calculation unit 12 acquires position information of a plurality of measurement target sites related to the subject from the acquisition unit 11. The calculation unit 12 fits the acquired positions of the plurality of measurement target sites to a circle. For example, the calculation unit 12 uses the least squares method to fit a circle to the positions of the plurality of measurement target sites. For example, the calculation unit 12 may fit position information of three consecutive measurement target sites among the plurality of measurement target sites to a circle. In this case, the calculation unit 12 calculates the radius and center position of the circle fitted to the three consecutive measurement target sites. Then, the calculation unit 12 averages the radius of the circle fitted for each group of three consecutive measurement target sites with respect to the plurality of measurement target sites.

[0022] Fig. 4 shows an example where a circle is fitted to a posture in which the upper body is bent backward (extension). The calculation unit 12 fits a circle to the measurement target portions M11 to M15. In the case of the example of Fig. 4, the radius of the circle fitted to the measurement target portions M11 to M15 is r1. The center position of the circle fitted to the measurement target portions M11 to M15 is P1. For example, the calculation unit 12 may average the circles fitted to each of the three groups of measurement target portions M11 to M13, M12 to M15, and M13 to M15, and calculate the radius and center position of the averaged circle.

[0023] Fig. 5 shows an example in which a circle is fitted to a posture in which the upper body is bent forward (bending). The calculation unit 12 fits a circle to the measurement target parts M21 to M25. In the case of the example of Fig. 5, the radius of the circle fitted to the measurement target parts M21 to M25 is r2. The center position of the circle fitted to the measurement target parts M21 to M25 is P2. For example, the calculation unit 12 may average the circles fitted to each of the three groups of measurement target parts M21 to M23, M22 to M25, and M23 to M25, and calculate the radius and center position of the averaged circle.

[0024] For example, the calculation unit 12 uses the following formula 1 to calculate the radius r of a circle fitted to a plurality of measurement target sites. For example, the calculation unit 12 calculates the positions (X i , Y i ) into Equation 1, and analytically solving Equation 1, the center position (X 0 , Y 0 For example, the calculation unit 12 calculates the center position (X 0 , Y 0 ) and radius r.

[0025] The calculation unit 12 calculates the curvature of the circle using the radius of the circle fitted to the multiple measurement target parts. The calculation unit 12 outputs the calculated curvature of the circle to the evaluation unit 13. When the radius of the circle fitted to the multiple measurement target parts is used to evaluate the flexibility of the evaluation target segment, the calculation unit 12 outputs the calculated radius of the circle to the evaluation unit 13. For example, the calculation unit 12 may calculate the diameter as the diameter of the circle fitted to the multiple measurement target parts.

[0026] For example, the calculation unit 12 uses the following formula 2 to calculate the curvature c of a circle fitted to the measurement target portion. TIFF0007679893000002.tif6150

[0027] The radius and curvature of the circle calculated by the calculation unit 12 are the results of the circle fitting.

[0028] For example, the calculation unit 12 may calculate the radius and curvature of the fitting circle by the azimuth difference or the second derivative of the position information. For example, the calculation unit 12 may calculate the radius and curvature of the fitting circle by approximating the second derivative by the Runge-Kutta method. There is no particular limitation on the method of calculating the radius and curvature of the fitting circle by the calculation unit 12.

[0029] The evaluation unit 13 acquires the result of the circle fitting by the calculation unit 12. The evaluation unit 13 evaluates the flexibility of the evaluation target segment according to the acquired result of the circle fitting. For example, the evaluation unit 13 evaluates the flexibility of the evaluation target segment according to the relationship between a preset threshold and a curvature. For example, the evaluation unit 13 evaluates the flexibility of the evaluation target segment according to the relationship between a preset threshold and a radius. For example, the evaluation unit 13 may evaluate the flexibility of the evaluation target segment according to the relationship between a preset threshold and a diameter. The evaluation unit 13 outputs the evaluation result regarding the flexibility of the subject to the output unit 15.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of the evaluation of flexibility of the evaluation target segment by the evaluation unit 13. A threshold value T is set for flexibility. When the curvature of the circle fitted to the bending posture of the subject exceeds the threshold value T, the evaluation unit 13 evaluates the flexibility of the subject as low. When the curvature of the circle fitted to the bending posture of the subject falls below the threshold value T, the evaluation unit 13 evaluates the flexibility of the subject as high. In the example of FIG. 6, the flexibility of subject A is below the threshold value T, so that the flexibility is high. On the other hand, the flexibility of subject B is above the threshold value T, so that the flexibility is low. For example, the evaluation unit 13 may evaluate the flexibility according to the radius of the circle fitted to the bending posture of the subject. In that case, the evaluation unit 13 evaluates the flexibility as being lower as the radius of the fitted circle is larger, and the flexibility as being higher as the radius of the fitted circle is smaller.

[0031] The output unit 15 acquires the evaluation result from the evaluation unit 13. The output unit 15 outputs the acquired evaluation result. For example, the output unit 15 displays the flexibility evaluation result on the screen of the subject (user)'s mobile terminal. For example, the output unit 15 outputs the evaluation result to an external system or the like that uses the evaluation result. There are no particular limitations on the use of the flexibility information output from the output unit 15.

[0032] For example, the evaluation device 10 is connected to an external system constructed in a cloud or a server through a mobile terminal (not shown) carried by the subject (user). The mobile terminal (not shown) is a portable communication device. For example, the mobile terminal is a mobile communication device having a communication function such as a smartphone, a smart watch, or a mobile phone. For example, the evaluation device 10 is connected to the mobile terminal through a wire such as a cable. For example, the evaluation device 10 is connected to the mobile terminal through wireless communication. For example, the evaluation device 10 is connected to the mobile terminal through a wireless communication function (not shown) conforming to a standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark). Note that the communication function of the evaluation device 10 may conform to a standard other than Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark). The evaluation result regarding flexibility may be used by an application installed in the mobile terminal. In that case, the mobile terminal executes a process using the evaluation result regarding flexibility by application software or the like installed in the mobile terminal.

[0033] (operation) Next, the operation of the evaluation device 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the overall operation of the evaluation device 10 (FIG. 7) will be described, and then the circle fitting process (FIG. 8) included in the overall operation will be described.

[0034] Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the evaluation device. In the explanation following the flowchart of Fig. 7, the evaluation device 10 will be described as the subject of the operation.

[0035] In FIG. 7, first, the evaluation device 10 acquires measurement data of a plurality of measurement target sites on the subject (step S11).

[0036] Next, the evaluation device 10 executes a circle fitting process (step S12). The details of the circle fitting process in step S12 will be described later.

[0037] Next, the evaluation device 10 evaluates the flexibility of the subject according to the result of the circle fitting (step S13). For example, the evaluation device 10 evaluates the flexibility of the subject according to a relationship with a preset threshold value.

[0038] Next, the evaluation device 10 outputs the evaluation result regarding flexibility (step S14).

[0039] [Circle fitting process] Next, the circle fitting process (step S12 in FIG. 7) will be described. FIG 8 is a flowchart for explaining the circle fitting process. In the explanation following the flowchart in FIG 8, the evaluation device 10 will be described as the subject of the operations.

[0040] 8, first, the evaluation device 10 fits a plurality of measurement target parts to a circle (step S121). For example, the evaluation device 10 fits a plurality of measurement target parts to a circle using the least squares method.

[0041] Next, the evaluation device 10 calculates the radius of a circle fitted to the multiple measurement target sites (step S122).

[0042] Next, the evaluation device 10 calculates the curvature of a circle fitted to the multiple measurement target sites using the calculated circle radius (step S123). The results of the circle fitting, such as the calculated circle radius and curvature, are used in step S13 of FIG.

[0043] (Examples) Next, application examples according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following application examples, an example will be shown in which a result of a flexibility evaluation on a subject is displayed on a screen of a mobile terminal carried by the subject.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of displaying the evaluation result by the evaluation device 10 on the screen of the mobile terminal 160 carried by the subject. In the example of FIG. 9, the result of the circle fitting, "radius of curvature: XX", is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 160 as information on the flexibility of the subject. Also, according to the result of the circle fitting, information, "Your body flexibility is declining" is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 160. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 9, recommendation information according to the evaluation result of the flexibility, "Training Z is recommended. Please watch the video below", is displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 160. A user who has confirmed the information displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 160 can practice training that leads to improvement of flexibility by exercising with reference to the video of Training Z according to the recommendation information. For example, information on the evaluation result of flexibility may be output to a terminal device (not shown) used by a trainer or physical therapist who manages the physical condition of the subject, a family member of the subject, or the like. For example, information on flexibility may be recorded in a database (not shown) constructed for the purpose of health management or the like.

[0045] As described above, the evaluation device of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a calculation unit, an evaluation unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires position data of a plurality of measurement target parts set in an evaluation target body segment. The calculation unit fits a circle to the plurality of measurement target parts and calculates a diameter value of the fitted circle. The evaluation unit evaluates the flexibility of the evaluation target segment according to the calculated diameter value of the circle. The output unit outputs an evaluation result regarding the flexibility of the evaluation target segment.

[0046] According to this embodiment, body flexibility can be evaluated according to the value of the diameter of a circle fitted to a plurality of measurement target parts.

[0047] In one aspect of this embodiment, the calculation unit calculates the curvature before fitting to the multiple measurement target parts. The evaluation unit evaluates the flexibility of the evaluation target segment according to the value of the curvature of the circle. According to this aspect, the flexibility of the body can be evaluated according to the value of the curvature of the circle fitted to the multiple measurement target parts.

[0048] In one aspect of this embodiment, the acquisition unit acquires position data of a plurality of measurement target sites set in an evaluation target segment included in the spinal column of a subject in an extension posture. The evaluation unit evaluates the flexibility of the evaluation target segment included in the spinal column and the uniformity of bending of the evaluation target segment included in the spinal column for the subject in an extension posture. According to this aspect, it is possible to evaluate the flexibility of the evaluation target segment included in the spinal column for the subject in an extension posture.

[0049] In one aspect of this embodiment, the acquisition unit acquires position data of a plurality of measurement target sites set in an evaluation target segment included in the spinal column of a subject in a bent-forward posture. The evaluation unit evaluates the flexibility of the evaluation target segment included in the spinal column and the uniformity of bending of the evaluation target segment included in the spinal column for the subject in a bent-forward posture. According to this aspect, it is possible to evaluate the flexibility of the evaluation target segment included in the spinal column for the subject in a bent-forward posture.

[0050] In one aspect of this embodiment, the output unit is connected to a terminal device having a screen. The output unit outputs information related to the evaluation result related to the evaluation target segment to the terminal device. According to this aspect, the information related to the evaluation result can be displayed on the screen of the terminal device. By referring to the information displayed on the screen of the terminal device, the flexibility of the evaluation target segment and the uniformity of the bending of the evaluation target segment can be recognized.

[0051] Second embodiment Next, an evaluation device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The evaluation device of this embodiment fits a measurement target part of a subject to an ellipse and evaluates the uniformity of a bent body part.

[0052] (composition) 10 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the evaluation device 20 according to this embodiment. The evaluation device 20 includes an acquisition unit 21, a calculation unit 22, an evaluation unit 23, and an output unit 25. The calculation unit 22 includes a first calculation unit 221 and a second calculation unit 222.

[0053] The acquiring unit 21 has the same configuration as the acquiring unit 11 of the first embodiment. The acquiring unit 21 acquires measurement data including position information of a plurality of measurement target parts set on the body.

[0054] The first calculation unit 221 has the same configuration as the calculation unit 12 of the first embodiment. The first calculation unit 221 acquires position information of the measurement target part related to the subject from the acquisition unit 21. The first calculation unit 221 fits the acquired position of the measurement target part to a circle.

[0055] The second calculation unit 222 acquires position information of the measurement target site of the subject from the acquisition unit 21. The second calculation unit 222 also acquires the radius of a circle (also called a fitting circle) that is calculated by the first calculation unit 221 and that is fitted to the multiple measurement target sites. As with the first calculation unit 221, the second calculation unit 222 selects three consecutive measurement target sites from the multiple measurement target sites. The second calculation unit 222 fits the positions of the measurement target sites to an ellipse for each group consisting of the three selected measurement target sites. The second calculation unit 222 fits the positions of the grouped three measurement target sites to an ellipse based on the positions of the grouped three measurement target sites and the radius of the fitting circle. In the ellipse fitting, the second calculation unit 222 sets the radius of the fitting circle to the major axis of the ellipse. The second calculation unit 222 calculates the minor axis of the ellipse with the radius of the fitting circle set to the major axis. The second calculation unit 222 may set the radius of the fitting circle to the minor radius of the ellipse, and calculate the major radius of the ellipse in which the radius of the fitting circle is set to the minor radius. The second calculation unit 222 outputs the minor radius of the ellipse calculated for each group to the evaluation unit 23. The second calculation unit 222 may also fit an ellipse for a group consisting of four measurement target sites. In this case, the second calculation unit 222 may fit the ellipse using the least squares method.

[0056] For example, the second calculation unit 222 sets the radius of the fitting circle to the major axis a, and calculates the minor axis b of the ellipse for each group, using the following formula 3. TIFF0007679893000003.tif15166In equation 3 above, θ is the tilt of the semimajor axis of the ellipse with respect to the x-axis. For example, the second calculation unit 222 calculates the positions (X i , Y i ) and the radius of the fitting circle (major axis a) are substituted into Equation 3, and the center position of the ellipse (X 0 , Y 0 ), the inclination θ, and the minor axis b. For example, the second calculation unit 222 applies the least squares method to four or more measurement target parts to calculate the center position (X 0 , Y 0 ), the inclination θ, and the minor axis b may be calculated. For example, an initial value may be set for the inclination θ.

[0057] FIG. 11 shows an example where an ellipse is fitted for each group to a posture (extension) where the upper body is bent backward. The second calculation unit 222 fits an ellipse to the three groups of the measurement target parts M11 to M13, M12 to M15, and M13 to M15. The calculation unit 12 calculates the minor radius of the ellipse fitted to the three groups of the measurement target parts M11 to M13, M12 to M15, and M13 to M15. In FIG. 11, ellipses E2 to E4 are fitted to each of the three groups of the measurement target parts M11 to M13, M12 to M15, and M13 to M15. In the example of FIG. 11, the minor radius of the ellipses E2 to E4 fitted to each of the three groups is calculated. The ellipse E2 is used to evaluate the measurement target part M12. The ellipse E3 is used to evaluate the measurement target part M13. The ellipse E4 is used to evaluate the measurement target part M14. For example, when the minor radius of the ellipse E3 indicates an abnormal value compared with the minor radius of the ellipse E2 and the ellipse E4, it is estimated that there is an abnormality in the measurement target part M13 corresponding to the ellipse E3. Ellipse fitting can also be applied to a posture in which the upper body is bent forward (flexion) and a posture in which the upper body is bent to the side (lateral bending). Ellipse fitting may also be performed for each evaluation target segment such as the spine.

[0058] The evaluation unit 23 acquires a result of the circle fitting by the first calculation unit 221. The evaluation unit 23 evaluates the flexibility of the evaluation target segment according to the acquired result of the circle fitting. For example, the evaluation unit 23 evaluates the flexibility of the evaluation target segment according to the relationship between a preset threshold value and the curvature.

[0059] Furthermore, the evaluation unit 23 acquires the result of the ellipse fitting by the second calculation unit 222. The evaluation unit 23 evaluates the uniformity of bending of the evaluation target segment according to the acquired result of the ellipse fitting. The evaluation unit 23 evaluates the uniformity of bending of the evaluation target segment according to the distribution of the minor radii of the ellipses fitted for each group. The evaluation unit 23 outputs the evaluation result regarding the flexibility of the evaluation target segment of the subject and the uniformity during bending to the output unit 25.

[0060] FIG. 12 is a graph for explaining the uniformity of the evaluation target segment when it is bent by the evaluation unit 23. FIG. 12 shows the evaluation results for a certain subject. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 12 indicates the measurement target part in the evaluation target segment. The vertical axis of the graph in FIG. 12 indicates the minor radius of the ellipse fitted for each group. The minor radius of the ellipse indicates an upper threshold U and a lower threshold L of the minor radius of the fitted ellipse. A measurement target part whose minor radius exceeds the upper threshold U protrudes compared to the other measurement target parts. A measurement target part whose minor radius is below the lower threshold L is recessed compared to the other measurement target parts.

[0061] In the example of Fig. 12, the minor radius (solid line) of the ellipse fitted to the subject exceeds the upper threshold U. Therefore, the subject's evaluation target segment includes a protruding abnormality. For example, if the evaluation target segment is the spine, it is presumed that the abnormality exists in the bone at the measurement target site where the abnormality appears.

[0062] The output unit 25 has the same configuration as the output unit 15 of the first embodiment. The output unit 25 acquires the evaluation results of the evaluation unit 23. The output unit 25 outputs the acquired evaluation results. For example, the output unit 25 displays the evaluation results of the flexibility of the evaluation target segment and the uniformity during bending on the screen of the subject (user)'s mobile terminal. For example, the output unit 25 outputs the evaluation results to an external system or the like that uses the evaluation results. There are no particular limitations on the use of the information regarding flexibility output from the output unit 25.

[0063] (operation) Next, the operation of the evaluation device 20 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the overall operation of the evaluation device 20 (FIG. 13) will be described, followed by the ellipse fitting process (FIG. 14) included in the overall operation. The circle fitting process is the same as in the first embodiment (FIG. 8), and therefore will not be described.

[0064] Fig. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the evaluation device. In the explanation following the flowchart of Fig. 13, the evaluation device 20 will be described as the subject of the operation.

[0065] In FIG. 13, first, the evaluation device 20 acquires measurement data of a plurality of measurement target sites on the subject (step S21).

[0066] Next, the evaluation device 20 executes a circle fitting process (step S22). Details of the circle fitting process in step S22 are similar to those in the first embodiment (FIG. 8), and therefore will not be described.

[0067] Next, the evaluation device 20 evaluates the flexibility of the subject according to the result of the circle fitting (step S23). For example, the evaluation device 20 evaluates the flexibility of the subject according to a relationship with a preset threshold value. When only the uniformity of the evaluation target segment during bending is evaluated, step S23 may be omitted.

[0068] When the uniformity of the evaluation target segment when bent is to be evaluated (Yes in step S24), the evaluation device 20 executes an ellipse fitting process. Details of the ellipse fitting process in step S24 will be described later. When the uniformity of the evaluation target segment when bent is not to be evaluated (No in step S24), the process proceeds to step S27.

[0069] After step S25, the evaluation device 20 evaluates the uniformity of the evaluation target segment when bent, depending on the result of the ellipse fitting (step S26).

[0070] If the answer is No in step S24, or following step S26, the evaluation device 20 outputs the evaluation results regarding the flexibility of the evaluation target segment and the uniformity of the evaluation target segment when bent (step S27).

[0071] [Ellipse fitting process] Next, the ellipse fitting process (step S25 in FIG. 13) will be described. FIG 14 is a flowchart for explaining the ellipse fitting process. In the explanation following the flowchart in FIG 14, the evaluation device 20 will be described as the subject of the operations.

[0072] In FIG. 14, first, the evaluation device 20 groups three consecutive measurement target sites from among a plurality of measurement target sites (step S231).

[0073] Next, the evaluation device 20 fits each of the three grouped measurement target sites with an ellipse whose major axis is the radius of the fitting circle (step S232).

[0074] Next, the evaluation device 20 calculates the minor radius of the fitted ellipse for each of the three grouped measurement target sites (step S233).

[0075] (Examples) Next, application examples according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following application examples, an example will be shown in which the evaluation result of the uniformity of the evaluation target segment when bent for the subject is displayed on the screen of a mobile terminal carried by the subject.

[0076] FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of displaying the evaluation result by the evaluation device 20 on the screen of the mobile terminal 260 carried by the subject. In the example of FIG. 15, information "There is an abnormality in a part of the spine" is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 260 as information on the uniformity of the spine, which is the segment to be evaluated by the subject, when the spine is bent. Also, in the example of FIG. 15, recommendation information "We recommend that you receive a medical examination at a hospital" is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 260 according to the evaluation result of the uniformity of the spine bend. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 15, links to sites of hospitals where the subject can be examined and telephone numbers are displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 260 according to the evaluation result of the uniformity of the spine bend. For example, a subject who has viewed information according to the evaluation result of the uniformity of the spine bend displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 260 can select an action according to the information. For example, information on the evaluation result by the evaluation device 20 may be output to a terminal device (not shown) used by a trainer or physical therapist who manages the physical condition of the subject, a family member of the subject, or the like. For example, the evaluation results by the evaluation device 20 may be recorded in a database (not shown) constructed for the purpose of health management or the like.

[0077] Fig. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of displaying the evaluation result by the evaluation device 20 on the screen of a terminal device 265 that can be viewed by a doctor examining the subject. In the example of Fig. 16, a graph related to the uniformity of the spine, which is the segment to be evaluated of the subject, during bending is displayed on the screen of the terminal device 265. For example, a subject who views a graph related to the uniformity of the bending of the subject's spine displayed on the screen of the terminal device 265 can make a diagnosis according to the condition of the subject read from the graph.

[0078] As described above, the evaluation device of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a calculation unit, an evaluation unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires position data of a plurality of measurement target parts set in an evaluation target segment of the body. The calculation unit fits a circle to the plurality of measurement target parts and calculates a value of a diameter of the fitted circle. The calculation unit groups at least three continuous measurement target parts among the plurality of measurement target parts. The calculation unit fits an ellipse to each of the grouped measurement target parts. The calculation unit calculates at least one of a minor radius and a major radius of the ellipse fitted to each of the grouped measurement target parts. The evaluation unit evaluates the flexibility of the evaluation target segment according to the calculated value of the diameter of the circle. The evaluation unit evaluates the uniformity of the bending of the evaluation target segment according to the distribution of at least one of the values ​​of the minor radius and the major radius of the ellipse fitted to each of the grouped measurement target parts. The output unit outputs an evaluation result regarding the flexibility of the evaluation target segment. The output unit outputs an evaluation result regarding the uniformity of the bending of the evaluation target segment.

[0079] According to this embodiment, the uniformity of the curvature of the evaluation target segment can be evaluated according to the distribution of at least one of the values ​​of the minor axis and the major axis of the ellipse fitted to each grouped measurement target portion.

[0080] In one aspect of this embodiment, the calculation unit fits an ellipse, the major axis of which is the radius of a circle fitted to the multiple measurement target sites, to each of the grouped measurement target sites. The calculation unit calculates the minor axis of the ellipse fitted to each of the grouped measurement target sites. According to this aspect, by fitting an ellipse, the major axis of which is the radius of a circle fitted to the multiple measurement target sites, to each of the grouped measurement target sites, the minor axis of the ellipse fitted to each of the grouped measurement target sites can be calculated.

[0081] In one aspect of this embodiment, the evaluation unit evaluates that there is an abnormality in a measurement target site where the value of the minor radius of the ellipse fitted to each grouped measurement target site exceeds a predetermined threshold. According to this aspect, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the measurement target site according to the value of the minor radius of the ellipse fitted to each grouped measurement target site.

[0082] (Third embodiment) Next, an evaluation device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The evaluation device according to this embodiment has a simplified configuration of the evaluation devices according to the first and second embodiments.

[0083] 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the evaluation device 30 of this embodiment. The evaluation device 30 includes an acquisition unit 31, a calculation unit 32, an evaluation unit 33, and an output unit .

[0084] The acquisition unit 31 acquires position data of a plurality of measurement target parts set in the evaluation target body segment. The calculation unit 32 fits a circle to the plurality of measurement target parts and calculates the value of the diameter of the fitted circle. The evaluation unit 33 evaluates the flexibility of the evaluation target segment according to the calculated value of the diameter of the circle. The output unit 35 outputs the evaluation result regarding the flexibility of the evaluation target segment.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the flexibility of the body can be evaluated according to the value of the diameter of a circle fitted to a plurality of measurement target parts set in the evaluation target segment of the body.

[0086] (Hardware) Here, a hardware configuration for executing the control and processing according to each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using an information processing device 90 in Fig. 18 as an example. Note that the information processing device 90 in Fig. 18 is an example of a configuration for executing the control and processing according to each embodiment, and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 18, an information processing device 90 includes a processor 91, a main storage device 92, an auxiliary storage device 93, an input / output interface 95, and a communication interface 96. In Fig. 18, the interface is abbreviated as I / F (Interface). The processor 91, the main storage device 92, the auxiliary storage device 93, the input / output interface 95, and the communication interface 96 are connected to each other via a bus 98 so as to be able to communicate data with each other. In addition, the processor 91, the main storage device 92, the auxiliary storage device 93, and the input / output interface 95 are connected to a network such as the Internet or an intranet via the communication interface 96.

[0088] The processor 91 loads a program stored in an auxiliary storage device 93 or the like into a main storage device 92. The processor 91 executes the program loaded into the main storage device 92. In this embodiment, a software program installed in the information processing device 90 may be used. The processor 91 executes control and processing according to each embodiment.

[0089] The main memory device 92 has an area in which a program is loaded. The processor 91 loads a program stored in the auxiliary memory device 93 or the like in the main memory device 92. The main memory device 92 is realized by a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Furthermore, a non-volatile memory such as a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) may be configured / added to the main memory device 92.

[0090] The auxiliary storage device 93 stores various data such as programs. The auxiliary storage device 93 is realized by a local disk such as a hard disk or a flash memory. Note that it is also possible to configure the main storage device 92 to store various data and omit the auxiliary storage device 93.

[0091] The input / output interface 95 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 90 to peripheral devices based on standards and specifications. The communication interface 96 is an interface for connecting to external systems and devices through a network such as the Internet or an intranet based on standards and specifications. The input / output interface 95 and the communication interface 96 may be a common interface for connecting to external devices.

[0092] Input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel may be connected to the information processing device 90 as necessary. These input devices are used to input information and settings. When a touch panel is used as an input device, the display screen of the display device may also serve as an interface for the input device. Data communication between the processor 91 and the input devices may be mediated by an input / output interface 95.

[0093] The information processing device 90 may be equipped with a display device for displaying information. When the display device is equipped, the information processing device 90 is preferably equipped with a display control device (not shown) for controlling the display of the display device. The display device may be connected to the information processing device 90 via the input / output interface 95.

[0094] The information processing device 90 may also be provided with a drive device. The drive device mediates between the processor 91 and a recording medium (program recording medium) for reading data and programs from the recording medium, writing the processing results of the information processing device 90 to the recording medium, and the like. The drive device may be connected to the information processing device 90 via an input / output interface 95.

[0095] The above is an example of a hardware configuration for enabling the control and processing according to each embodiment of the present invention. The hardware configuration in FIG. 18 is an example of a hardware configuration for executing the control and processing according to each embodiment, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, a program for causing a computer to execute the control and processing according to each embodiment is also included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a program recording medium on which a program according to each embodiment is recorded is also included in the scope of the present invention. The recording medium can be realized, for example, by an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The recording medium may be realized by a semiconductor recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) card. The recording medium may also be realized by a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk or other recording medium. When a program executed by a processor is recorded on a recording medium, the recording medium corresponds to a program recording medium.

[0096] The components of each embodiment may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, the components of each embodiment may be realized by software or by a circuit.

[0097] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10, 20, 30 Evaluation device 11, 21, 31 Acquisition part 12, 22, 32 calculation section 13, 23, 33 Evaluation Section 15, 25, 35 Output section 221 1st calculation section 222 2nd Calculation Department

Claims

1. an acquisition means for acquiring position data of a plurality of measurement target parts measured by sensors installed in each of a plurality of measurement target parts set in an evaluation target segment of the body; A calculation means for fitting a circle to the plurality of measurement target portions and calculating a diameter value of the fitted circle; an evaluation means for evaluating the flexibility of the evaluation target segment according to the calculated value of the diameter of the circle; and an output means for outputting an evaluation result regarding the flexibility of the evaluation target segment.

2. The calculation means is Calculating the curvature of the circle fitted to the plurality of measurement target portions; The evaluation means includes: The evaluation device according to claim 1 , wherein the flexibility of the evaluation target segment is evaluated according to a value of the curvature of the circle.

3. The calculation means is Grouping at least three consecutive measurement target sites among the plurality of measurement target sites; Fitting an ellipse to each of the grouped measurement target parts; Calculating at least one of the minor axis and the major axis of the ellipse fitted to each of the grouped measurement target sites; The evaluation means includes: Evaluating uniformity of curvature of the evaluation target segment according to a distribution of at least one of the values ​​of the minor axis and the major axis of the ellipse fitted to each of the grouped measurement target portions; The output means includes: The evaluation device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an evaluation result regarding uniformity of bending of the evaluation target segment, the evaluation result being outputted.

4. The calculation means is fitting the ellipse, the major axis of which is the radius of the circle fitted to the plurality of measurement target sites, to each of the grouped measurement target sites; The evaluation device according to claim 3 , further comprising: a step of calculating a minor radius of the fitted ellipse for each of the grouped measurement target portions.

5. The evaluation means includes:

5. The evaluation device according to claim 3, wherein the measurement target site is evaluated as having an abnormality when the value of the minor radius of the ellipse fitted to each of the grouped measurement target sites exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

6. The acquisition means includes: acquiring position data of a plurality of measurement target sites set in the evaluation target segment included in the spinal column of the subject in an extension posture; The evaluation means includes: The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which evaluates the flexibility of the evaluation target segment included in the spinal column and the uniformity of flexion of the evaluation target segment included in the spinal column for the subject in the extended posture.

7. The acquisition means includes: acquiring position data of a plurality of measurement target sites set in the evaluation target segment included in the spinal column of the subject in a forward bending posture; The evaluation means includes: The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which evaluates the flexibility of the evaluation target segment included in the spinal column and the uniformity of the flexion of the evaluation target segment included in the spinal column for the subject in the forward bending posture.

8. The output means includes: connected to a terminal device having a screen, The evaluation device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a terminal device that outputs information regarding an evaluation result relating to the evaluation target segment.

9. The computer acquiring position data of a plurality of measurement target parts measured by sensors installed in each of a plurality of measurement target parts set in an evaluation target segment of the body; Fitting a circle to the plurality of measurement target portions and calculating a diameter value of the fitted circle; Evaluating the flexibility of the evaluation target segment according to the calculated value of the diameter of the circle; The evaluation method outputs an evaluation result regarding the flexibility of the evaluation target segment.

10. A process of acquiring position data of a plurality of measurement target parts measured by sensors installed in each of the plurality of measurement target parts set in the evaluation target segment of the body; A process of fitting a circle to the plurality of measurement target portions and calculating a value of a diameter of the fitted circle; A process of evaluating the flexibility of the evaluation target segment according to the calculated value of the diameter of the circle; and outputting an evaluation result regarding the flexibility of the evaluation target segment.

Images