Condition setting device, measurement device, data processing device, condition setting method, and program

Abstract

In order to set measurement conditions for measuring a gait with proper timing while reducing power consumption, a condition setting device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires measurement success / failure information about whether a physical quantity of a leg motion has been successfully measured in a measurement chance, which is included in an object measurement time period, by a measuring device mounted on a user's leg; and a measurement condition setting unit that sets measurement conditions including a standby time from the detection of walking to the start of measurement in a measurement chance included in an associated measurement time period, which is associated with the object measurement time period, the measurement conditions being set on the basis of the measurement success / failure information in the object measurement time period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a condition setting device for setting measurement conditions in gait measurement and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the increasing interest in healthcare for physical condition management, services that measure features (also called gait) included in a walking pattern and provide information to a user according to the gait have attracted attention. For example, devices that analyze a user's gait by mounting a pressure measurement device or an inertial measurement device on footwear such as shoes have been developed. In gait measurement using such a measurement device, since there is a restriction on the battery capacity, the measurement time zone is limited in order to reduce power consumption. Although the measurement time zone includes several measurement chances, if the measurement fails in all measurement chances, the measurement for that measurement time zone fails. Therefore, in order to reduce the power consumption of the measurement device, it is required to efficiently set the timing of measurement by the measurement device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a sensor control device that controls the operation of a pressure sensor inserted into a shoe. The device of Patent Document 1 detects the start and end of the swing phase based on sensor data output by a motion sensor. The device of Patent Document 1 suppresses power consumption during the swing phase by stopping the operation of the pressure sensor at the timing when the start of the swing phase is detected and starting the operation of the pressure sensor at the timing when the end of the swing phase is detected.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses an energization control device for a hot water heater for washing water and a heated toilet seat. The device of Patent Document 2 predicts the unused time zone of the user based on the outputs of the timekeeping means and the human body detection means. For the predicted unused time zone, the device of Patent Document 2 performs energization control to cut off the power supply. The device of Patent Document 2 sets a usage frequency level for each of the time zones obtained by dividing one day into predetermined time units. The device of Patent Document 2 sets the usage frequency levels of a plurality of time zones before and after the time zone including the output of the human body detection means to be large, gradually reduces the usage frequency level of the time zone without the output of the human body detection means, and sets the time zone with the minimum usage frequency level as the unused time zone.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a sanitary cleaning device that controls power supply to a power-saving target circuit section such as a water heater heater and a toilet seat heater. The device of Patent Document 3 stores usage history information indicating the usage status of the toilet in each of the time zones provided by dividing one day into a plurality of parts, and sequentially stores usage history information indicating that the toilet has been used in the corresponding time zone in response to toilet use. During normal operation, the device of Patent Document 3 constantly supplies power to the power-saving target circuit section. When switched to the automatic power-saving operation in response to a predetermined operation, the device of Patent Document 3 determines the necessity of the power-saving operation in each time zone based on the stored usage history information of the same time zone. In the case of a time zone where power saving is not required, the device of Patent Document 3 supplies power to the power-saving target circuit section. In the case of a time zone where power saving is required, the device of Patent Document 3 stops supplying power to the power-saving target circuit section and automatically performs a power-saving operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the method of Patent Document 1, during the swing phase when measurement by a pressure sensor is not performed, the operation of the pressure sensor is stopped to reduce the power consumption of the battery. In the method of Patent Document 1, since sensor data cannot be measured during the swing phase, the gait during the swing phase could not be measured.

[0008] In the method of Patent Document 2, based on the outputs of the timekeeping means and the human body detection means, the non-use time zone of the user is predicted to reduce the power consumption by a hot water heater for washing water or a heated toilet seat. In the method of Patent Document 2, when predicting the non-use time zone, the output by the human body detection means is used. A pyroelectric infrared sensor, which is an example of the human body detection means, has a lower power consumption compared to a hot water heater for washing water or a heated toilet seat, but standby power is generated. Therefore, the method of Patent Document 2 is easy to apply to an environment where power supply is always possible like a toilet, but it is difficult to apply to an environment where it is difficult to continuously supply power like during walking.

[0009] In the method of Patent Document 3, power saving is achieved by determining whether power saving is necessary based on usage history information during a time zone where power saving is required. In the method of Patent Document 3, the use of the toilet is detected in response to the detection of sitting by a sitting detection unit. Therefore, in the method of Patent Document 3, when sitting is detected during a time zone where power saving is required, there may be a case where the hot water heater or the toilet seat heater is not adjusted to an appropriate temperature. Also, in the method of Patent Document 3, regarding a toilet used by a plurality of people, the time zone where power saving is not required cannot be efficiently reduced, and power cannot necessarily be efficiently saved.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a condition setting device or the like that can set measurement conditions for performing gait measurement at an appropriate timing while reducing power consumption.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] The condition setting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires measurement success / failure information indicating whether the measurement of a physical quantity related to the movement of a foot, which is executed by a measurement device installed on the user's foot, is successful or not in a measurement opportunity included in a target measurement time period, and a measurement condition setting unit that sets a measurement condition including a waiting time from when walking is detected until measurement starts in a measurement opportunity included in a related measurement time period related to the target measurement time period based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time period.

[0012] In the condition setting method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer acquires measurement success / failure information indicating whether the measurement of a physical quantity related to the movement of a foot, which is executed by a measurement device installed on the user's foot, is successful or not in a measurement opportunity included in a target measurement time period, and sets a measurement condition including a waiting time from when walking is detected until measurement starts in a measurement opportunity included in a related measurement time period related to the target measurement time period based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time period.

[0013] The program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring measurement success / failure information indicating whether the measurement of a physical quantity related to the movement of a foot, which is executed by a measurement device installed on the user's foot, is successful or not in a measurement opportunity included in a target measurement time period, and a process of setting a measurement condition including a waiting time from when walking is detected until measurement starts in a measurement opportunity included in a related measurement time period related to the target measurement time period based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time period.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a condition setting device or the like that can set measurement conditions for performing gait measurement at an appropriate timing while reducing power consumption.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, although the embodiments described below have technically preferable limitations for carrying out the present invention, they do not limit the scope of the invention below. In all the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts unless otherwise specified. In the following embodiments, repeated descriptions of the same configuration and operation may be omitted.

[0017] (First Embodiment) First, a gait measurement system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The gait measurement system of this embodiment measures physical quantities (sensor data) related to the movement of the feet by a measurement device installed in the footwear worn by the user. For example, the physical quantities related to the movement of the feet include the acceleration in three axial directions (also called spatial acceleration) measured by an acceleration sensor and the angular velocity around three axes (also called spatial angular velocity) measured by an angular velocity sensor. The gait measurement system of this embodiment measures the gait of the user based on the measured sensor data.

[0018] (Configuration) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gait measurement system 1 of this embodiment. The gait measurement system 1 includes a measurement device 11 and a data processing device 12. The measurement device 11 and the data processing device 12 may be connected by wire or wirelessly. Also, the measurement device 11 and the data processing device 12 may be configured as a single device.

[0019] The measurement device 11 is installed on the foot. For example, the measurement device 11 is installed in footwear such as shoes. In this embodiment, an example of arranging the measurement device 11 at the position on the back side of the arch of the foot will be described. The measurement device 11 has, for example, an inertial measurement device including an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor. An example of the inertial measurement device is an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). The IMU includes an acceleration sensor that measures the acceleration in three axial directions and an angular velocity sensor that measures the angular velocity around three axes. Also, the measurement device 11 may be realized by an inertial measurement device such as a VG (Vertical Gyro) or an AHRS (Attitude Heading). The measurement device 11 may be realized by a GPS / INS (Global Positioning System / Inertial Navigation System). Also, the measurement device 11 has a microcomputer or a microcontroller that performs control processing and arithmetic processing of the measurement device 11, and a real-time clock (hereinafter also called a clock) that marks time. The microcomputer or the microcontroller is also called a control unit (controller).

[0020] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of arranging the measuring device 11 inside the shoe 100. In the example of FIG. 2, the measuring device 11 is installed in a position that hits the back side of the arch of the foot. For example, the measuring device 11 is arranged on an insole inserted into the shoe 100. For example, the measuring device 11 is arranged on the bottom surface of the shoe 100. For example, the measuring device 11 is embedded in the main body of the shoe 100. The measuring device 11 may be detachable from the shoe 100 or may not be detachable from the shoe 100. Note that the measuring device 11 may be installed at a position other than the back side of the arch of the foot as long as it can acquire sensor data related to the movement of the foot. Also, the measuring device 11 may be installed on socks worn by the user or ornaments such as anklets worn by the user. Also, the measuring device 11 may be directly attached to the foot or embedded in the foot. In FIG. 2, an example of installing the measuring device 11 in the shoe 100 on the right foot side is shown, but the measuring device 11 may be installed in the shoes 100 on both the left and right feet. If the measuring device 11 is installed in the shoes 100 on both the left and right feet, the gait can be measured based on the movement of the feet on both the left and right feet.

[0021] The measuring device 11 includes an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor. The measuring device 11 measures physical quantities such as the acceleration in three axial directions (also called spatial acceleration) measured by the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity around three axes (also called spatial angular velocity) measured by the angular velocity sensor as physical quantities related to the movement of the foot of the user wearing the footwear. The physical quantities related to the movement of the foot measured by the measuring device 11 also include the velocity and position (trajectory) in three axial directions and the angle around three axes calculated by integrating the acceleration and angular velocity. The measuring device 11 converts the measured analog data (physical quantity) into digital data (also called sensor data).

[0022] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a local coordinate system (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) set in the measurement device 11 and a world coordinate system (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis) set with respect to the ground when the measurement device 11 is installed on the back side of the arch. In the world coordinate system (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis), with the user standing upright, the lateral direction of the user is the X-axis direction (right is positive), the front direction of the user (travel direction) is the Y-axis direction (forward is positive), and the direction of gravity is the Z-axis direction (vertically upward is positive). In the present embodiment, a local coordinate system composed of the x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction with respect to the measurement device 11 is set.

[0023] The measurement device 11 transmits the converted sensor data to the data processing device 12. For example, the measurement device 11 is connected to the data processing device 12 via a mobile terminal (not shown) carried by the user. When the communication between the measurement device 11 and the mobile terminal is successful and the sensor data is transmitted from the measurement device 11 to the mobile terminal, the measurement in that measurement time period is completed. When the communication between the measurement device 11 and the mobile terminal is successful, the clock time of the measurement device 11 is synchronized with the time of the mobile terminal. For example, when the communication between the measurement device 11 and the mobile terminal fails and the sensor data is not transmitted from the measurement device 11 to the mobile terminal, the sensor data in that measurement time period may be retransmitted in subsequent measurement time periods. For example, when the communication between the measurement device 11 and the mobile terminal fails, the transmission of the sensor data in that measurement time period may be repeated until the communication is successful. For example, when the communication between the measurement device 11 and the mobile terminal fails, the transmission of the sensor data in that measurement time period may be repeated within a predetermined time. The sensor data of the measurement time period in which the transmission fails may be stored in a storage device (not shown) such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) until the next transmission timing.

[0024] When the measurement devices 11 are mounted on both the left and right feet, if the clock times of these measurement devices 11 are synchronized with the time of the mobile terminal, the times of the measurement devices 11 mounted on both feet can be synchronized. The measurement devices 11 mounted on both feet may perform measurements at the same timing or at different timings. For example, based on the measurement times and the number of measurement failures of both feet, if there is a significant deviation in the measurement timing by the measurement devices 11 mounted on both feet, correction may be performed to reduce the deviation in the measurement timing. The correction of the measurement timing may be performed by a data processing device 12 that can verify the sensor data of both feet or in a higher-level system.

[0025] A mobile terminal (not shown) connected to the measurement device 11 is realized by a portable communication device that can be carried by a user. For example, the mobile terminal is a portable communication device having a communication function such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, or a mobile phone. The mobile terminal receives sensor data regarding the movement of the user's feet from the measurement device 11. The mobile terminal transmits the received sensor data to a server or the like on which the data processing device 12 is mounted. Note that the function of the data processing device 12 may be realized by application software (also referred to as an app) installed in the mobile terminal. In that case, the mobile terminal processes the received sensor data by the app installed in itself.

[0026] For example, when starting to use the gait measurement system 1 of the present embodiment, an app related to the gait measurement system 1 is downloaded to the user's mobile terminal and user information is registered. At that time, the device identifier and the measurement time zone of the measurement device 11 are registered in the app of the user's mobile terminal. For example, the measurement time zone registered in the app is transmitted to the measurement device 11 and set in the measurement device 11. For example, when setting the measurement time zone in the measurement device 11, if the time of the mobile terminal and the clock time of the measurement device 11 are synchronized, the unique time of the measurement device 11 can be set in accordance with the universal time.

[0027] The measurement device 11 is activated during a preset measurement time zone. The measurement time zone is set for each user. The measurement time zone includes the time when measurement starts (also referred to as the measurement time zone start time) and the time for which the measurement continues. The measurement time zone may include the time when measurement ends (also referred to as the measurement time zone end time). Also, the measurement time zone may be defined by the measurement time zone start time and the measurement time zone end time.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the measurement time zone. In the example of FIG. 4, three measurement time zones T M are set between 0:00 and 24:00 (one day). The measurement time zone T M is the time zone between the measurement time zone start time t S and the measurement time zone end time t E . For example, each of the three measurement time zones T M is set to the same time width. For example, each of the three measurement time zones T M is set to 3 hours. For example, each of the three measurement time zones T M may be set to a different time width from each other. For example, the measurement time zone T M is set according to the user's morning and evening school commuting time zones or commuting time zones. For example, the measurement time zone T M is set according to the user's noon break time zone. For example, the measurement time zone T M is set according to the user's walking time zone. The examples given here are just examples, and the measurement time zone start time t S , the measurement time zone end time t E , and the time width of the measurement time zone T M can be set arbitrarily. For example, the measurement time zone start time t S , the measurement time zone end time t E , and the time width of the measurement time zone T M may be preset at the time of factory shipment, may be set when the user starts using it, or may be set by the user at an arbitrary timing.

[0029] When the measurement device 11 is activated in response to the arrival of the measurement time zone, it shifts from the sleep mode to the vibration detection mode. In the sleep mode, everything except the clock is stopped. For example, in the sleep mode, since the clock operates, a current of several microamperes (μA) flows. When shifting to the vibration detection mode, the sensor and the control unit are activated with low power consumption. In the vibration detection mode, the sensor and the control unit are controlled to the minimum current value capable of detecting the vibration of the user's start of walking. For example, the current value of the sensor in the vibration detection mode is set to about 10 to several tens of μA.

[0030] When the measurement device 11 detects the start of walking in the vibration detection mode, it shifts to the measurement mode. For example, when the acceleration or the angular velocity exceeds a preset threshold value in the vibration detection mode, the measurement device 11 shifts to the measurement mode. For example, when the acceleration in the traveling direction exceeds 3.5G in the vibration detection mode, the measurement device 11 shifts to the measurement mode. When shifting to the measurement mode, the limit on the current value of the sensor is released. For example, when shifting to the measurement mode, the current value of the sensor reaches the order of mA at most. Also, when shifting to the measurement mode, the limit on the current value of the control unit is released. For example, when the limit on the current value of the control unit is released, a current of several milliamperes (mA) flows.

[0031] When a predetermined time (also called the standby time) has elapsed after shifting to the measurement mode, the measurement of sensor data is started. The standby time is set by the measurement device 11. The timing of measurement that occurs when the standby time has elapsed after shifting to the measurement mode is called the measurement chance. For example, in one measurement time zone, several measurement chances are set.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the measurement chance set in the measurement time zone T M In the example of FIG. 5, the start time t S of the measurement time zone and the end time t E of the measurement time zone, the measurement time zone T MA plurality of measurement opportunities (MC1 to n) are set (n is a natural number). The plurality of measurement opportunities (MC1 to n) may be set regularly or randomly.

[0033] Pattern 1 in FIG. 5 is an example in which a plurality of measurement opportunities (MC1 to n) are set regularly. For example, in Pattern 1, the plurality of measurement opportunities (MC1 to n) are set at equal intervals within the measurement time period T M For example, in Pattern 1, the plurality of measurement opportunities (MC1 to n) are set at intervals based on a preset rule.

[0034] Pattern 2 in FIG. 5 is an example in which a plurality of measurement opportunities (MC1 to n) are set randomly. For example, in Pattern 2, the plurality of measurement opportunities (MC1 to n) are set randomly within the measurement time period T M For example, in Pattern 2, the plurality of measurement opportunities (MC1 to n) may be set at predetermined random intervals or may be set randomly in response to the arrival of the measurement time period.

[0035] The waiting time from the start time of measurement is preferably set according to the time from when walking is detected until steady walking is achieved. For example, assuming the commuting time period, the walking of the user varies widely, such as the time to get on and off the elevator at home, the time to walk from home to the bus stop or station, and whether to stop by a convenience store or not. For example, if a plurality of measurement opportunities (MC1 to n) arrive regularly, it may continue to deviate from the steady walking period in the same way, and there is a possibility that the measurement failure continues. On the other hand, if a plurality of measurement opportunities (MC1 to n) are set randomly, the measurement is performed at a timing deviating from a specific regularity, so there is a possibility that the measurement timing matches the steady walking period and the measurement probability is improved.

[0036] When shifting to the measurement mode, the digit of the current value used in the measuring device 11 increases from the order of μA to the order of mA. Therefore, the measurement mode is preferably set for as short a time as possible. That is, the key to reducing power consumption lies in setting the measurement chance at what timing within one measurement time period. In the measurement time period, it is sufficient if the measurement is successful even once. For example, if the measurement can be performed once in the measurement time period, the measurement in that measurement time period is terminated. On the other hand, if the measurement fails at all the measurement chances included in the measurement time period, the measurement in that measurement time period is a failure. For example, the measurement may be performed several times in the measurement time period and the measured values in that measurement time period may be averaged, but it is possible to reduce the power consumption more by ending the measurement with one success rather than repeating the measurement several times.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining an example of the operation timings of the clock, sensor, and control unit included in the measuring device 11. The timing chart of FIG. 6 schematically shows the presence or absence of operations and the magnitude of the power consumption during the operations, but does not accurately represent them. The clock operates constantly while the measuring device 11 is in use. In FIG. 6, the situation where the clock marks the time is omitted. When the time of the clock reaches the time of the measurement chance (measurement start time T MC ), the sensor and the control unit are activated and shift from the sleep mode to the vibration detection mode. In the vibration detection mode, the sensor and the control unit operate with low power consumption capable of detecting walking. When walking is detected by the sensor, the measurement mode is shifted to. When shifting to the measurement mode, the control unit operates with normal power consumption. In normal power consumption, the restriction on the current value is released. Note that the control unit may be configured to be activated at the stage of shifting to the measurement mode.

[0038] In FIG. 6, from the detection of walking, the standby time T wWhen the time elapses, the control unit starts measuring the sensor data. If the measurement during a measurement chance is successful, the measurement in that measurement time zone is completed. If the measurement during a measurement chance fails, wait until the next measurement chance. When all the measurement chances in a measurement time zone end, the measurement in that measurement time zone ends. In the present embodiment, in order to suppress the generation of unnecessary power consumption, at the stage where all the measurement chances in a measurement time zone end, regardless of whether the measurement is correct or not, the measurement in that measurement time zone is completed. For example, if the measurement fails in a certain measurement time zone, the measurement may be continued until it succeeds for a predetermined period after that measurement time zone ends.

[0039] For example, the measurement time for each measurement chance is set to about 10 seconds. If it is a walk of about 10 seconds, sensor data for about 3 steps is measured. The measurement device 11 transmits the sensor data measured in the measurement time zone to the data processing device 12. For example, the measurement device 11 may directly transmit the sensor data for several steps to the data processing device 12, or may transmit the sensor data for several steps after averaging it to the data processing device 12. For example, the measurement device 11 may extract the sensor data for one step from the sensor data for several steps and transmit the extracted sensor data for one step to the data processing device 12. If the sensor data for several steps is averaged or the sensor data for one step is extracted, the data capacity to be transmitted can be reduced. For example, if the transmission of the sensor data measured in a certain measurement time zone fails, the sensor data that has failed to be transmitted is temporarily stored in a storage unit (not shown). Then, at the timing of transmitting the sensor data in the next measurement time zone, the sensor data for a plurality of times may be transmitted together.

[0040] The measurement device 11 records information regarding the success or failure of measurement during a measurement time period (also referred to as measurement success / failure information). For example, the measurement success / failure information includes information such as the measurement time, startup conditions, information indicating at which measurement attempt the measurement was successful (also referred to as trial number information), and the timing at which measurement failure occurred. For example, the measurement success / failure information may include information such as the time period, date and time, day of the week, and season in which measurement failure occurred. For example, the measurement success / failure information may include a flag indicating the success or failure of measurement. For example, the measurement success / failure information may include sensor data. The measurement device 11 sets a standby time in a measurement time period (also referred to as a related measurement time period) related to a certain measurement time period (also referred to as a reference measurement time period) according to the measurement success / failure information in that measurement time period. Details of the setting of the standby time by the measurement device 11 will be described later.

[0041] The data processing device 12 acquires sensor data from the measurement device 11. The data processing device 12 generates a waveform (also referred to as a walking waveform) based on the time-series data of the acquired sensor data. For example, the data processing device 12 generates a walking waveform regarding acceleration, angular velocity, speed, angle, and position (trajectory) on a plane (also referred to as a human body plane) set for the human body.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the human body plane. In the present embodiment, a sagittal plane that divides the body into left and right, a coronal plane that divides the body into front and back, and a horizontal plane that divides the body horizontally are defined. In the upright state as shown in FIG. 7, the world coordinate system and the local coordinate system coincide. In the present embodiment, rotation within the sagittal plane with the x-axis as the rotation axis is defined as roll, rotation within the coronal plane with the y-axis as the rotation axis is defined as pitch, and rotation within the horizontal plane with the z-axis as the rotation axis is defined as yaw. Also, the rotation angle within the sagittal plane with the x-axis as the rotation axis is defined as the roll angle, the rotation angle within the coronal plane with the y-axis as the rotation axis is defined as the pitch angle, and the rotation angle within the horizontal plane with the z-axis as the rotation axis is defined as the yaw angle.

[0043] The data processing device 12 executes data processing related to gait measurement using the generated gait waveform. For example, the data processing device 12 detects gait events using the gait waveform. For example, the data processing device 12 estimates the user's physical characteristics and physical condition based on the detected gait events. The data processing by the data processing device 12 is not particularly limited as long as it is data processing related to gait.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining one gait cycle with the right foot as a reference. The horizontal axis in FIG. 8 is a gait cycle normalized with 100% being one gait cycle of the right foot, starting from the time when the heel of the right foot touches the ground and ending at the time when the heel of the right foot touches the ground next. One gait cycle of a single foot is roughly divided into a stance phase where at least a part of the sole of the foot is in contact with the ground and a swing phase where the sole of the foot is away from the ground. In the present embodiment, normalization is performed such that the stance phase occupies 60% and the swing phase occupies 40%. The stance phase is further subdivided into an initial stance T1, a mid-stance T2, a terminal stance T3, and a pre-swing T4. The swing phase is further subdivided into an initial swing T5, a mid-swing T6, and a terminal swing T7. Note that the gait waveform for one gait cycle does not necessarily start from the time when the heel touches the ground.

[0045] Figure 8(a) represents the event where the heel of the right foot touches the ground (Heel Strike: HS). Figure 8(b) represents the event where the tip of the left foot leaves the ground while the sole of the right foot is in contact with the ground (Opposite Toe Off: OTO). Figure 8(c) represents the event where the heel of the right foot is lifted while the sole of the right foot is in contact with the ground (Heel Rise: HR). Figure 8(d) is the event where the heel of the left foot touches the ground (Opposite Heel Strike: OHS). Figure 8(e) represents the event where the tip of the right foot leaves the ground while the sole of the left foot is in contact with the ground (Toe Off: TO). Figure 8(f) represents the event where the left and right feet cross while the sole of the left foot is in contact with the ground (Foot Adjacent: FA). Figure 8(g) represents the event where the tibia of the right foot becomes almost perpendicular to the ground while the sole of the left foot is in contact with the ground (Tibia Vertical: TV). Figure 8(h) represents the event where the heel of the right foot touches the ground (Heel Strike: HS). Figure 8(h) corresponds to the end of the walking cycle starting from Figure 8(a) and also corresponds to the start of the next walking cycle.

[0046] For example, the data processing device 12 is implemented in a server (not shown) or the like. For example, the data processing device 12 may be realized by an application server. For example, the data processing device 12 may be realized by an application installed in a mobile terminal (not shown). For example, the result of data processing by the data processing device 12 is displayed on the screen of a display device (not shown). For example, the result of data processing by the data processing device 12 is output to a system that utilizes the result. The use of the result of data processing by the data processing device 12 is not particularly limited.

[0047] 〔Measurement Device〕 Next, the detailed configuration of the measuring device 11 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the detailed configuration of the measuring device 11. The measuring device 11 includes a clock 110, an acceleration sensor 111, an angular velocity sensor 112, a control unit 113, a condition setting unit 115, a transmission / reception unit 116, and a battery 117. The condition setting unit 115 may be configured as a single device (condition setting device).

[0048] The clock 110 is a real-time clock that marks time at a predetermined period. For example, the clock 110 includes a crystal oscillator. The time marked by the clock 110 is synchronized with the time of a clock included in a mobile terminal (not shown) on which the data processing device 12 is mounted at the timing when the measuring device 11 and the data processing device 12 are connected. The clock 110 continues to operate in any of the sleep mode, vibration detection mode, and measurement mode. The time marked by the clock 110 is referred to during control by the control unit 113 and when switching modes.

[0049] The acceleration sensor 111 is a sensor that measures the acceleration in three axial directions (also called spatial acceleration). When the time marked by the clock 110 reaches the measurement start time, the acceleration sensor 111 is activated and shifts to the vibration detection mode. In the vibration detection mode, the acceleration sensor 111 operates in a low power consumption mode capable of detecting walking. For example, the current value of the acceleration sensor 111 in the vibration detection mode is set to several tens of μA. When the start of walking is detected in the vibration detection mode, the acceleration sensor 111 shifts to the measurement mode. For example, when the acceleration exceeds a preset threshold value in the vibration detection mode, the acceleration sensor 111 shifts to the measurement mode. For example, when the acceleration in the traveling direction exceeds 3.5G in the vibration detection mode, the measurement device 11 shifts to the measurement mode. When detecting walking based on the angular velocity measured by the angular velocity sensor 112, the acceleration sensor 111 may be configured to be activated at the timing of shifting to the measurement mode. When shifting to the measurement mode, the limit on the current value of the acceleration sensor 111 is released. For example, when shifting to the measurement mode, the current value of the acceleration sensor 111 reaches the order of mA at most. In the measurement mode, the acceleration sensor 111 measures the spatial acceleration. The acceleration sensor 111 outputs the measured acceleration to the control unit 113.

[0050] For example, as the acceleration sensor 111, a piezoelectric type, piezoresistive type, capacitive type, or other type of sensor can be used. Note that the sensor used for the acceleration sensor 111 is not limited to the measurement method as long as it can measure acceleration.

[0051] The angular velocity sensor 112 is a sensor that measures the angular velocity in three axial directions (also called the spatial angular velocity). When the time marked by the clock 110 reaches the measurement start time, the angular velocity sensor 112 is activated and shifts to the vibration detection mode. In the vibration detection mode, the angular velocity sensor 112 operates in a low power consumption mode capable of detecting walking. For example, the current value of the angular velocity sensor 112 in the vibration detection mode is set to several tens of μA. When the start of walking is detected in the vibration detection mode, the angular velocity sensor 112 shifts to the measurement mode. For example, when the acceleration exceeds a preset threshold value in the vibration detection mode, the angular velocity sensor 112 shifts to the measurement mode. When detecting walking based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 111, the angular velocity sensor 112 may be configured to be activated at the timing of shifting to the measurement mode. When shifting to the measurement mode, the limit on the current value of the angular velocity sensor 112 is released. For example, when shifting to the measurement mode, the current value of the acceleration sensor 111 reaches the order of mA at most. In the measurement mode, the angular velocity sensor 112 measures the spatial angular velocity. The angular velocity sensor 112 outputs the measured angular velocity to the control unit 113.

[0052] For example, as the angular velocity sensor 112, a sensor of a type such as a vibration type or a capacitance type can be used. Note that the sensor used for the angular velocity sensor 112 is not limited to the measurement method as long as it can measure the angular velocity.

[0053] The control unit 113 is activated when shifting to the vibration detection mode. In the vibration detection mode, the control unit 113 operates in a low power consumption mode capable of detecting walking based on the measured values measured by the acceleration sensor 111 and the angular velocity sensor 112. When the start of walking is detected in the vibration detection mode, the control unit 113 shifts to the measurement mode. For example, in the vibration detection mode, when the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 111 exceeds a preset threshold value, the control unit 113 shifts to the measurement mode. For example, in the vibration detection mode, when the acceleration in the traveling direction measured by the acceleration sensor 111 exceeds 3.5G, the control unit 113 shifts to the measurement mode. Note that the control unit 113 may be configured to be activated at the stage of shifting to the measurement mode.

[0054] In the measurement mode, the control unit 113 measures sensor data under normal operating conditions based on the set measurement conditions. For example, when shifting to the measurement mode, the control unit 113 switches from the low power consumption operating conditions to the normal operating conditions. For example, when the control unit is operating normally, a current of several milliamperes (mA) flows. For example, the control unit 113 switches to the normal operating conditions at the timing when the standby time has elapsed since the start time of the measurement mode. The control unit 113 acquires the three-axis acceleration and the angular velocity around the three axes from each of the acceleration sensor 111 and the angular velocity sensor 112.

[0055] The control unit 113 converts the acquired acceleration and angular velocity into digital data, and outputs the converted digital data (also referred to as sensor data) to the transceiver unit 116. The sensor data at least includes acceleration data converted into digital data and angular velocity data converted into digital data. Further, the sensor data includes the measurement times of the acceleration and the angular velocity. The acceleration data includes the acceleration vectors in three axial directions. The angular velocity data includes the angular velocity vectors around three axes. Note that the acquisition times of those data are associated with the acceleration data and the angular velocity data. Further, the control unit 113 may be configured to output sensor data obtained by applying corrections such as implementation error, temperature correction, and linearity correction to the acquired acceleration data and angular velocity data. Further, the control unit 113 may generate angle data around three axes using the acquired acceleration data and angular velocity data.

[0056] Further, the control unit 113 outputs the measurement success / failure information of the measured sensor data to the measurement condition setting unit 156. The measurement success / failure information output to the measurement condition setting unit 156 is used for generating the standby time in the measurement mode.

[0057] For example, the control unit 113 is a microcomputer or a microcontroller that performs overall control and data processing of the measurement device 11. For example, the control unit 113 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, and the like. The control unit 113 controls the acceleration sensor 111 and the angular velocity sensor 112 to measure the angular velocity and acceleration. For example, the control unit 113 performs AD conversion (Analog-to-Digital Conversion) on physical quantities (analog data) such as the measured angular velocity and acceleration, and stores the converted digital data in the flash memory. Note that the physical quantities (analog data) measured by the acceleration sensor 111 and the angular velocity sensor 112 may be converted into digital data in each of the acceleration sensor 111 and the angular velocity sensor 112. The digital data stored in the flash memory is output to the transceiver unit 116 at a predetermined timing.

[0058] The condition setting unit 115 acquires measurement success / failure information in the measurement time zone from the control unit 113. The condition setting unit 115 records the acquired measurement success / failure information. The measurement success / failure information includes information such as the measurement time, the start condition, and the trial number information indicating at which measurement chance the measurement was successful. The measurement success / failure information may include sensor data. The measurement success / failure information may include a flag (also called a success flag) when the measurement is successful in the measurement time zone and a flag (also called a failure flag) when the measurement fails in the measurement time zone. The measurement success / failure information with a success flag attached is also called success information, and the measurement success / failure information with a failure flag attached is also called failure information. When the measurement is executed but the measurement is not completed, the condition setting unit 115 registers failure information including the date and time of the measurement time zone and the number of failures in the measurement time zone in a storage unit (not shown).

[0059] The condition setting unit 115 sets the standby time in the measurement time zone related to the measurement time zone according to the measurement success or failure information for each measurement time zone. The standby time set based on the measurement success or failure information of a certain measurement time zone may be reflected in the measurement time zone immediately after that measurement time zone, or may be reflected in the measurement time zones after the next day. In order to set the standby time according to the user's habits, it is preferable that the standby time is reflected in the same measurement time zone after the next day.

[0060] The condition setting unit 115 calculates the success probability or failure probability of measurement for each measurement time zone. In the following, an example in which the standby time is set based on the success probability of measurement will be described. The condition setting unit 115 extracts the measurement time zones with a low success probability. The measurement time zones with a low success probability are the time zones (also referred to as target time zones) for which the standby time is to be changed. The condition setting unit 115 extracts the failure time zones in the extracted target time zones from the failure information accumulated over several weeks. For example, the condition setting unit 115 extracts the failure information in the same time zone on the same day of the week. The condition setting unit 115 changes the standby time of the target time zone based on the extracted failure information. For example, the condition setting unit 115 changes the standby time in the target time zone within a predetermined time range such as ±5 to 10 seconds. The standby time may be changed regularly or randomly.

[0061] The condition setting unit 115 calculates the success probability or failure probability of measurement in the target time zone where the standby time has been changed. When the success probability or failure probability of measurement in the target time zone meets the standard, the condition setting unit 115 leaves the standby time in that target time zone as it is. For example, when the success probability of measurement in the target time zone exceeds a predetermined threshold value, or when the failure probability of measurement in the target time zone is below a predetermined threshold value, the condition setting unit 115 does not change the standby time of that target time zone any further.

[0062] If the success probability or failure probability of measurement in the target time period does not meet the criteria, the condition setting unit 115 changes the waiting time in that target time period again. For example, as a result of increasing the waiting time, if the increase in the success probability of measurement or the decrease in the failure probability in the target time period is insufficient, the condition setting unit 115 further increases the waiting time. For example, as a result of decreasing the waiting time, if the increase in the success probability of measurement or the decrease in the failure probability in the target time period is insufficient, the condition setting unit 115 further decreases the waiting time. For example, as a result of increasing the waiting time, if the decrease in the success probability of measurement or the increase in the failure probability in the target time period occurs, the condition setting unit 115 decreases the waiting time. For example, as a result of decreasing the waiting time, if the decrease in the success probability of measurement or the increase in the failure probability in the target time period occurs, the condition setting unit 115 increases the waiting time.

[0063] For example, if a measurement failure occurs during a measurement chance included in a certain measurement time period, the waiting time for the next measurement chance in that measurement time period may be changed. By doing so, there is a possibility that the measurement will succeed when the stable walking period of the user coincides with the measurement chance. If the measurement is successful, if the waiting time in that case is set as the waiting time for the same measurement time period on the next day, the measurement in the same measurement time period on the next day is likely to succeed. If the measurement does not succeed even after shifting the waiting time several times, the measurement time period may be shifted by about one hour. The waiting time for each measurement time period is fixed at a time when the success probability of measurement is high.

[0064] The transmission / reception unit 116 acquires sensor data from the control unit 113. The transmission / reception unit 116 transmits the acquired sensor data to the data processing device 12. The transmission / reception unit 116 may transmit the sensor data to the data processing device 12 via a wired connection such as a cable, or may transmit the sensor data to the data processing device 12 via wireless communication. For example, the transmission / reception unit 116 is configured to transmit sensor data to the data processing device 12 via a wireless communication function (not shown) that complies with standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark). Note that the communication function of the transmission / reception unit 116 may comply with standards other than Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark).

[0065] The battery 117 is the power source for the components included in the measurement device 11. The power of the battery 117 is consumed in the operations of the clock 110, the acceleration sensor 111, the angular velocity sensor 112, the control unit 113, the condition setting unit 115, and the transmission / reception unit 116. For example, the battery 117 is realized by a primary battery. For example, the battery 117 is realized by a primary battery such as a lithium battery, a nickel-based battery, a manganese-based battery, an alkaline battery, a nickel-manganese battery, a silver oxide battery, a mercury battery, or an air zinc battery. For example, the battery 117 may be realized by a secondary battery. For example, it may be realized by a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. When the measurement device 11 is mounted on an insole inserted inside a footwear as in the present embodiment, the battery 117 preferably has a thin structure like a button-type battery. For example, the battery 117 may be realized by a button-type battery such as a graphite fluoride lithium battery, a lithium manganese dioxide battery, a lithium copper oxide battery, an alkaline battery, a mercury battery, an air zinc battery, a silver oxide battery, or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The battery 117 is not limited in type or form as long as it can be used for gait measurement.

[0066] 〔Condition Setting Unit〕 Next, the detailed configuration of the condition setting unit 115 included in the measurement device 11 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the condition setting unit 115. The condition setting unit 115 includes an acquisition unit 151, a storage unit 153, a measurement condition setting unit 156, a calculation unit 155, and an output unit 157. The condition setting unit 115 may be configured as a single device.

[0067] The acquisition unit 151 acquires measurement success / failure information in the measurement time zone from the control unit 113. The acquisition unit 151 stores the acquired measurement success / failure information in the storage unit 153. For example, the measurement success / failure information includes information such as the measurement time, startup conditions, information indicating at which measurement attempt the measurement was successful (also referred to as trial count information), and the timing at which measurement failure occurred. For example, the measurement success / failure information may include information such as the time zone, date and time, day of the week, and season when measurement failure occurred. Among the measurement success / failure information, the factors related to measurement failure are also referred to as failure factors. Further, the measurement success / failure information may include a success flag when the measurement is successful in the measurement time zone and a failure flag when the measurement fails in the measurement time zone. The measurement success / failure information with a success flag attached is also referred to as success information, and the measurement success / failure information with a failure flag attached is also referred to as failure information. The measurement success / failure information may include sensor data. The measurement device 11 stores failure information including the date and time of the measurement time zone when the measurement was executed but the measurement was not completed and the number of failures in that measurement time zone in the storage unit 153. The acquisition unit 151 may be configured as the same communication interface as the output unit 157.

[0068] The storage unit 153 stores the measurement success / failure information acquired by the acquisition unit 151. The measurement success / failure information includes information such as the measurement time, startup conditions, and number of trial information. The measurement success / failure information may include sensor data. The measurement success / failure information may include a success flag when the measurement is successful in the measurement time zone and a failure flag when the measurement fails in the measurement time zone. The measurement success / failure information with a success flag is also called success information, and the measurement success / failure information with a failure flag is also called failure information. For example, when the measurement is executed but the measurement is not completed, the storage unit 153 stores failure information including the date and time of the measurement time zone and the number of failures in that measurement time zone.

[0069] The calculation unit 155 calculates the success probability and failure probability of the measurement for each measurement time zone based on the measurement success / failure information stored in the storage unit 153. Also, the calculation unit 155 calculates the success probability and failure probability of the measurement in the target time zone where the standby time is changed. The success probability and failure probability of the measurement calculated by the calculation unit 155 are referred to in the setting of the standby time by the measurement condition setting unit 156. When the success probability and failure probability of the measurement are not referred to in the setting of the standby time by the measurement condition setting unit 156, the calculation unit 155 may be omitted.

[0070] The measurement condition setting unit 156 extracts a measurement time zone with a low success probability or a high failure probability based on the calculation result by the calculation unit 155. The measurement time zone with a low success probability or a high failure probability is the target time zone (also called the target time zone) for changing the standby time. That is, the measurement condition setting unit 156 sets the standby time in the measurement time zone related to the target time zone based on the failure information extracted in the target time zone. For example, the measurement condition setting unit 156 changes the standby time in the target time zone within a predetermined time range such as ±5 to 10 seconds. The standby time may be changed regularly or randomly. The measurement condition setting unit 156 sets the measurement conditions including the set standby time. The measurement condition setting unit 156 outputs the set measurement conditions to the output unit 157.

[0071] For example, based on the calculation results by the calculation unit 155, the measurement condition setting unit 156 extracts a measurement time zone with a low success probability or a measurement time zone with a high failure probability. For example, the measurement condition setting unit 156 extracts a failure time zone in the extracted target time zone from the failure information accumulated over several weeks. For example, the measurement condition setting unit 156 extracts failure information in the same time zone on the same day of the week. For example, in the same time zone on the same day of the week, the user is highly likely to take similar actions. Therefore, if the standby time is set based on the failure information in the same time zone on the same day of the week, it becomes less likely for measurement failures to occur.

[0072] When the success probability or failure probability of measurement in the target time zone meets the standard, the measurement condition setting unit 156 does not change the standby time in that target time zone. For example, when the success probability of measurement in the target time zone exceeds a predetermined threshold or when the failure probability of measurement in the target time zone is below a predetermined threshold, the measurement condition setting unit 156 does not change the standby time of that target time zone any further.

[0073] When the success probability or failure probability of measurement in the target time zone does not meet the standard, the measurement condition setting unit 156 changes the standby time in that target time zone again. For example, if, as a result of increasing the standby time, the increase in the success probability or the decrease in the failure probability of measurement in the target time zone is insufficient, the measurement condition setting unit 156 further increases the standby time. For example, if, as a result of shortening the standby time, the increase in the success probability or the decrease in the failure probability of measurement in the target time zone is insufficient, the measurement condition setting unit 156 further shortens the standby time. For example, if, as a result of increasing the standby time, a decrease in the success probability or an increase in the failure probability of measurement in the target time zone occurs, the measurement condition setting unit 156 shortens the standby time. For example, if, as a result of shortening the standby time, a decrease in the success probability or an increase in the failure probability of measurement in the target time zone occurs, the measurement condition setting unit 156 increases the standby time.

[0074] For example, the measurement condition setting unit 156 sets the standby time based on factors such as the number of times the measurement has failed and the timing at which the failure occurred. For example, the measurement condition setting unit 156 changes the standby time for the target time period over multiple times and selects the standby time at which the success probability of the measurement is maximized. For example, the measurement condition setting unit 156 repeats the update of the standby time until the success probability of the measurement satisfies a threshold value. For example, the measurement condition setting unit 156 may randomly set the standby time for each of a plurality of measurement chances included in the same measurement time period and set the standby time with a high success probability. For example, the measurement condition setting unit 156 may set the standby time with a high success probability in a certain measurement time period as the standby time for another measurement time period.

[0075] For example, the measurement condition setting unit 156 may weight by month, week, time, number of times, etc. to determine the cause of measurement failure and set the standby time according to the month, week, time, number of times. For example, the measurement condition setting unit 156 may record the optimal standby time for each day of the week and time and set the standby time according to the day of the week and time. For example, the measurement condition setting unit 156 may reset the standby time in accordance with the changing seasons.

[0076] The output unit 157 acquires the measurement conditions from the measurement condition setting unit 156. The output unit 157 outputs the measurement conditions set by the measurement condition setting unit 156 to the control unit 113. The output unit 157 may be configured as the same communication interface as the acquisition unit 151.

[0077] 〔Data Processing Device〕 Next, the detailed configuration of the data processing device 12 included in the gait measurement system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the data processing device 12. The data processing device 12 includes an operation reception unit 120, a transmission / reception unit 121, a generation unit 122, a detection unit 123, and a data processing unit 127.

[0078] The operation reception unit 120 receives information input by the user (also referred to as input information). For example, the input information is input via a terminal device (not shown) connected to the data processing device 12 or a mobile terminal (not shown) in which the data processing device is installed. For example, the input information is input according to a key input by a keyboard, an input operation on a touch panel, or an operation of a mouse. For example, when the user starts using the gait measurement system 1, input information such as the device identifier of the measurement device 11 and the measurement time zone is input to the operation reception unit 120. The operation reception unit 120 outputs the input information to the transmission / reception unit 121.

[0079] The transmission / reception unit 121 receives sensor data from the measurement device 11. The transmission / reception unit 121 outputs the received sensor data to the generation unit 122. For example, the transmission / reception unit 121 receives sensor data from the measurement device 11 via wireless communication. For example, the transmission / reception unit 121 is configured to receive sensor data from the measurement device 11 via 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 transmission / reception unit 121 may conform to a standard other than Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark). For example, the transmission / reception unit 121 may receive sensor data from the measurement device 11 via a wired connection such as a cable.

[0080] In addition, the transmission / reception unit 121 acquires input information according to an operation by the user from the operation reception unit 120. The transmission / reception unit 121 transmits the input information to the measurement device 11. For example, the measurement time zone input by the user is set in the measurement device 11. For example, the transmission / reception unit 121 transmits the time of the mobile terminal to the measurement device 11 at the timing of setting the measurement time zone in the measurement device 11 to synchronize the time of the mobile terminal and the time of the clock of the measurement device 11. By synchronizing the time of the mobile terminal and the time of the clock of the measurement device 11, the time of the measurement device 11 with a unique time axis set can be set according to the universal time of the mobile terminal.

[0081] The generation unit 122 acquires sensor data from the transmission / reception unit 121. The generation unit 122 converts the coordinate system of the acquired sensor data from the local coordinate system to the world coordinate system. The generation unit 122 generates time-series data of the sensor data (also referred to as a walking waveform) after conversion to the world coordinate system. The generation unit 122 outputs the generated walking waveform to the detection unit 123.

[0082] For example, the generation unit 122 generates a walking waveform such as spatial acceleration and spatial angular velocity. Also, the generation unit 122 integrates the spatial acceleration and spatial angular velocity to generate a walking waveform such as spatial velocity and spatial angle (plantar angle). Further, the generation unit 122 double-integrates the spatial acceleration to generate a walking waveform of the spatial trajectory. The generation unit 122 generates a walking waveform at a predetermined timing or time interval set according to a general walking cycle or a walking cycle unique to the user. The timing at which the generation unit 122 generates a walking waveform can be arbitrarily set. For example, the generation unit 122 is configured to continuously generate a walking waveform during the period in which the user's walking continues. Also, the generation unit 122 may be configured to generate a walking waveform at a specific time.

[0083] The detection unit 123 acquires a walking waveform from the generation unit 122. The detection unit 123 detects a walking event from the walking waveform. For example, the detection unit 123 detects walking events such as heel strike, toe-off, foot crossing, and tibial verticality. The detection unit 123 outputs data used for gait measurement, such as the timing of the detected walking event and the value of the sensor data in a predetermined period starting from the timing of the walking event, to the data processing unit 127.

[0084] The data processing unit 127 acquires data used for gait measurement from the detection unit 123. The data processing unit 127 performs gait measurement using the acquired data. For example, the data processing unit 127 estimates the user's physical characteristics and physical condition based on the detected walking events. The data processing by the data processing unit 127 is not particularly limited as long as it is data processing related to gait. For example, the result of gait measurement by the data processing unit 127 is displayed on a display device (not shown). For example, the result of gait measurement by the data processing unit 127 is output to a system that uses the result. There is no particular limitation on how the result of gait measurement by the data processing unit 127 is used.

[0085] (Operation) Next, the operation of the gait measurement system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the operations of the measurement device 11 and the data processing device 12 included in the gait measurement system 1 will be described individually.

[0086] [Control Unit] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the control unit 113 included in the measurement device 11. In the explanation along the flowchart of FIG. 12, the control unit 113 will be described as the operating entity.

[0087] In FIG. 12, first, when the measurement conditions are acquired (Yes in step S11), the control unit 113 updates the measurement conditions (step S12). If the measurement conditions have not been acquired (No in step S11), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0088] Next to step S12, or when No in step S11, when it becomes the measurement time zone (Yes in step S13), the control unit 113 executes the measurement process (step S14). Details of the measurement process will be described later (FIGS. 13 to 14). If it is not the measurement time zone (No in step S13), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0089] Next to step S14, the control unit 113 transmits the sensor data measured in the measurement process to the data processing device 12 (step S15).

[0090] Next to step S15, or if the answer in step S13 is No, if the process is to continue (No in step S16), the process returns to step S11. If the process is to end (Yes in step S16), the process along the flowchart of FIG. 12 ends. The timing to end the process along the flowchart of FIG. 12 can be arbitrarily set. For example, the timing to end the process along the flowchart of FIG. 12 may be set in advance. For example, the process may be ended according to an instruction input by a user who uses the gait measurement system 1.

[0091] 〔Measurement process〕 FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the measurement process (step S14 in FIG. 12) of the control unit 113 included in the measurement device 11. In the explanation along the flowchart of FIG. 13, the control unit 113 is described as the operating entity.

[0092] In FIG. 13, first, when a measurement opportunity arrives (Yes in step S111), the control unit 113 shifts to the vibration detection mode (step S112). When shifting to the vibration detection mode, the acceleration sensor 111, the angular velocity sensor 112, and the control unit 113 are activated. In the vibration detection mode, the control unit 113 operates with low power consumption and detects walking according to values such as acceleration and angular velocity. When a measurement opportunity has not arrived (No in step S111), the control unit 113 waits until a measurement opportunity arrives. For example, in preparation for setting or counting errors of the measurement opportunity, if a measurement opportunity does not arrive during the measurement time zone, the measurement in that measurement time zone may be configured to be aborted (proceed to step S16 in FIG. 12).

[0093] After transitioning to the vibration detection mode in step S112, if walking is detected (Yes in step S113), the control unit 113 transitions to the measurement mode (step S114). If walking is not detected (No in step S113), the control unit 113 waits until walking is detected. For example, there may be a situation where walking is not detected after transitioning to the measurement mode. In preparation for such a situation, at the stage where a certain period of time has elapsed after transitioning to the measurement mode, it may be configured to forcibly start the measurement in that measurement chance or to abort the measurement in that measurement chance.

[0094] Next to step S114, when the waiting time has elapsed (Yes in step S115), the control unit 113 executes sensor data measurement processing (step S116). The sensor data measurement processing in step S116 will be described later. If the waiting time has not elapsed (No in step S115), the control unit 113 waits until the waiting time has elapsed.

[0095] Next to step S116, if there are remaining measurement chances (Yes in step S117), it returns to step S111. On the other hand, if there are no remaining measurement chances (No in step S117), the processing along the flowchart of FIG. 13 ends (proceeds to step S16 in FIG. 12).

[0096] 〔Sensor Data Measurement Processing〕 FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the sensor data measurement processing (step S116 in FIG. 13) of the control unit 113 included in the measurement device 11. In the explanation along the flowchart of FIG. 14, the control unit 113 will be described as the operating entity.

[0097] In FIG. 14, first, the control unit 113 measures sensor data in accordance with the timing when the waiting time has elapsed after transitioning to the measurement mode (step S121). The control unit 113 measures sensor data based on the sensor values measured by the acceleration sensor 111 and the angular velocity sensor.

[0098] When the measurement is successful (Yes in step S122), the control unit 113 stores the measured sensor data in a storage unit (not shown) (step S123). If the measurement fails (No in step S122), the process proceeds to step S125.

[0099] Next to step S123, the control unit 113 outputs the measured sensor data to the transceiver unit 116 (step S124). The sensor data output to the transceiver unit 116 is transmitted to the data processing device 12.

[0100] Next to step S124, or when No in step S122, the control unit 113 outputs measurement success / failure information to the condition setting unit 115 (step S125). The measurement success / failure information output to the condition setting unit 115 is used for setting measurement conditions including changing the waiting time.

[0101] 〔Condition Setting Unit〕 FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of measurement condition generation processing by the condition setting unit 115 included in the measuring device 11. In the explanation along the flowchart of FIG. 15, the condition setting unit 115 is described as the operating entity.

[0102] In FIG. 15, first, the condition setting unit 115 acquires measurement success / failure information from the control unit 113 (step S131).

[0103] Next, the condition setting unit 115 stores the acquired measurement success / failure information (step S132).

[0104] Next, the condition setting unit 115 calculates the success probability of measurement for each measurement time zone using the stored measurement success / failure information (step S133). In step S133, the failure probability may be calculated instead of the success probability.

[0105] Here, when the success probability does not exceed the threshold value (No in step S134), the condition setting unit 115 changes the waiting time in the target time zone based on a preset condition (step S135). When the success probability exceeds the threshold value (Yes in step S134), the processing along the flowchart of FIG. 15 ends.

[0106] Next to step S135, the condition setting unit 115 outputs measurement conditions including the waiting time to the control unit 113 (step S136).

[0107] 〔Data Processing Device〕 FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the data processing device 12. In the explanation along the flowchart of FIG. 16, the data processing device 12 is described as the operating entity.

[0108] In FIG. 16, first, the data processing device 12 acquires sensor data from the measurement device 11 (step S151).

[0109] Next, the data processing device 12 converts the coordinate system of the sensor data from the local coordinate system to the world coordinate system (step S152).

[0110] Next, the data processing device 12 generates time-series data using the sensor data converted into the world coordinate system (step S153). For example, the data processing device 12 generates time-series data of acceleration, speed, position (trajectory) in three axial directions, and time-series data of angular velocity and angle around three axes.

[0111] Next, the data processing device 12 extracts a walking waveform from the generated time-series data (step S154).

[0112] Next, the data processing device 12 detects a walking event from the extracted walking waveform (step S155).

[0113] Next, the data processing device 12 executes data processing related to the walking posture based on the detected walking event (step S156). For example, the data processing device 12 estimates the physical characteristics and physical condition of the user based on the detected walking event.

[0114] As described above, the walking posture measurement system of the present embodiment includes a measurement device and a data processing device. The walking posture measurement system of the present embodiment is characterized in that the condition setting device is included in the measurement device.

[0115] The measurement device includes a condition setting unit (condition setting device), a sensor, a control unit, and a data transmission / reception unit. The condition setting unit acquires measurement success / failure information indicating the success or failure of measuring a physical quantity related to the movement of the foot, which is executed by the measurement device installed on the user's foot, in a measurement chance included in the target measurement time zone. The condition setting unit sets measurement conditions including a waiting time from when walking is detected until measurement starts in a measurement chance included in a related measurement time zone related to the target measurement time zone based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time zone. The sensor measures spatial acceleration and spatial angular velocity. The control unit is activated in at least one measurement chance included in the measurement time zone based on the measurement conditions set by the condition setting device. The control unit generates sensor data based on the spatial acceleration and spatial angular velocity measured by the sensor. The data transmission / reception unit transmits the sensor data to the data processing device. Further, the data transmission / reception unit receives input information input by the user from the data processing device.

[0116] The data processing device includes an operation reception unit, a transmission / reception unit, a generation unit, a detection unit, and a data processing unit. The operation reception unit receives input information input in response to a user's operation. The transmission / reception unit receives sensor data related to the movement of the foot measured by the measurement device installed on the user's foot. The generation unit generates a walking waveform, which is time-series data of the sensor data received by the transmission / reception unit. The detection unit detects a walking event from the walking waveform generated by the generation unit. The data processing unit executes data processing using the walking event detected by the detection unit.

[0117] In this embodiment, the measurement device varies and sets measurement conditions including the waiting time from the detection of the user's walking to the start of measurement according to the user's lifestyle. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by setting an appropriate waiting time according to the user's lifestyle, it is possible to set measurement conditions for performing gait measurement at an appropriate timing while reducing power consumption. If the power consumption of the measurement device is reduced, the battery life is extended. Also, even if the battery life is not extended, the reduced power consumption can be allocated to other data processing to enrich the service content.

[0118] In general gait measurement, since gait measurement is performed at an arbitrary timing when stable walking is detected, the battery built into the measurement device is severely consumed. If the usage environment allows frequent battery replacement or charging, the measurement device can be used for a long time. However, frequent battery replacement or charging is not preferable in order to improve user usability. Therefore, it is required to enable stable gait measurement for a long period of time without battery replacement. In order to stably perform gait measurement for a long time without battery replacement, the measurement time zone of gait may be restricted according to the user's lifestyle. However, even if the measurement time zone of gait is adjusted according to the user's lifestyle, the user's walking in each measurement time zone is not always constant, so gait measurement may fail. For example, immediately after the user starts stable walking and starts measurement, changes in the walking state occur in situations such as going up and down stairs, using an elevator, selecting and checking out items in a store such as a supermarket, and picking up and dropping off children. If the walking state changes every time a measurement chance included in the measurement time zone occurs, measurement failures frequently occur. According to the method of this embodiment, since the waiting time from when stable walking is detected to the start of measurement can be set according to the user's walking characteristics in the measurement time zone set according to the user's lifestyle, measurement failures are less likely to occur.

[0119] In one aspect of the present embodiment, the acquisition unit acquires measurement success / failure information including the time and number of times of measurement failure in a measurement opportunity included in the target measurement time period. The measurement condition setting unit changes the standby time in the measurement opportunity included in the related measurement time period related to the target measurement time period based on the time and number of times of measurement failure in the measurement opportunity included in the target measurement time period. In this aspect, based on the time and number of times of measurement failure in the measurement time period of the target measurement time period, the standby time of the measurement opportunity included in the related measurement time period is changed. Therefore, according to this aspect, in the measurement in the measurement time period where measurement failure is likely to occur, measurement conditions where failure is less likely to occur can be set.

[0120] In one aspect of the present embodiment, the measurement condition setting unit sets the standby time in the measurement opportunity included in the related measurement time period of the same time period following the target measurement time period based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time period. The living habits of the user tend to act in a similar pattern if it is the same time period. In this aspect, by setting the standby time in the measurement opportunity included in the related measurement time period of the same time period following the target measurement time period, the standby time is set according to the living habits of the user. Therefore, according to this aspect, Standby By setting the time, it is possible to realize gait measurement customized to the user's life.

[0121] The condition setting device according to one aspect of the present embodiment includes a calculation unit that calculates the measurement success probability in at least one measurement opportunity included in the target measurement time period based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time period. The measurement condition setting unit sets the standby time exceeding the threshold value as the standby time in the measurement opportunity included in the related measurement time period related to the target measurement time period. According to this aspect, by setting the standby time according to the measurement success probability, the accuracy of gait measurement is improved.

[0122] The condition setting device according to one aspect of the present embodiment includes a calculation unit that calculates the success probability of measurement in at least one measurement chance included in the target measurement time zone based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time zone. The measurement condition setting unit sets the standby times in a plurality of measurement chances included in the related measurement time zone related to the target measurement time zone to different times based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time zone. The measurement condition setting unit sets the standby time at which the success probability of measurement in at least one measurement chance included in the related measurement time zone becomes maximum as the standby time in the measurement chance included in the measurement time zone related to the related measurement time zone. According to this aspect, by setting the standby time at which the success probability of measurement becomes maximum, the accuracy of gait measurement is further improved.

[0123] (Second Embodiment) Next, the gait measurement system according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The gait measurement system of this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the data Processing device includes a condition setting unit.

[0124] (Configuration) FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gait measurement system 2 of this embodiment. The gait measurement system 2 includes a measurement device 21 and a data processing device 22. The measurement device 21 and the data processing device 22 may be connected by wire or wirelessly. Also, the measurement device 21 and the data processing device 22 may be configured as a single device. Hereinafter, the measurement device 21 and the data processing device 22 will be described individually.

[0125] 〔Measurement Device〕 FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the detailed configuration of the measurement device 21. The measurement device 21 has a clock 210, an acceleration sensor 211, an angular velocity sensor 212, a control unit 213, a transmission / reception unit 216, and a battery 217. The measurement device 21 has a configuration in which the measurement condition setting unit 156 is removed from the measurement device 11 of the first embodiment.

[0126] The clock 210 is a real-time clock that marks time. The clock 210 has the same configuration as the clock 110 in the first embodiment.

[0127] The acceleration sensor 211 is a sensor that measures the acceleration in three axial directions (also called spatial acceleration). The acceleration sensor 211 has the same configuration as the acceleration sensor 111 in the first embodiment. The acceleration sensor 211 measures the acceleration in three axial directions according to the set measurement conditions. The acceleration sensor 211 outputs the measured acceleration to the control unit 213.

[0128] The angular velocity sensor 212 is a sensor that measures the angular velocity in three axial directions (also called spatial angular velocity). The angular velocity sensor 212 has the same configuration as the angular velocity sensor 112 in the first embodiment. The angular velocity sensor 212 measures the angular velocity in three axial directions according to the set measurement conditions. The angular velocity sensor 212 outputs the measured angular velocity to the control unit 213.

[0129] The control unit 213 has the same configuration as the control unit 113 in the first embodiment. The control unit 213 acquires the acceleration in three axial directions and the angular velocity around three axes from each of the acceleration sensor 211 and the angular velocity sensor 212 according to the set measurement conditions. The control unit 213 converts the acquired acceleration and angular velocity into digital data, and outputs the converted digital data (also called sensor data) to the transceiver 216. The sensor data includes the measurement time of the acceleration and the angular velocity. In addition, the control unit 213 outputs the measurement success / failure information of the measured sensor data to the transceiver 216.

[0130] The transmission / reception unit 216 has the same configuration as the transmission / reception unit 116 of the first embodiment. The transmission / reception unit 216 acquires sensor data from the control unit 213. Also, the transmission / reception unit 216 acquires measurement success / failure information of the sensor data from the control unit 213. When the measurement is successful, the transmission / reception unit 216 transmits the sensor data and the measurement success / failure information to the data processing device 22. When the measurement is successful, the transmission / reception unit 216 may transmit only the sensor data to the data processing device 22. When the measurement fails, the transmission / reception unit 216 transmits the measurement success / failure information to the data processing device 22. Even when the measurement fails, if the sensor data has been measured, the transmission / reception unit 216 may transmit the sensor data to the data processing device 22.

[0131] The transmission / reception unit 216 receives measurement conditions from the data processing device 22. The measurement conditions received by the transmission / reception unit 216 are set as conditions in the measurement by the measurement device 21. The measurement conditions include a standby time in the measurement time zone. The set standby time may be reflected in the measurement time zone immediately after reception, or may be reflected in the measurement time zone after the next day. In order to set the standby time according to the user's habit, it is preferable that the standby time is reflected in the same measurement time zone after the next day.

[0132] The battery 217 is the power source for the components included in the measurement device 21. The battery 217 has the same configuration as the battery 117 of the first embodiment. The power of the battery 217 is consumed in the operations of the clock 210, the acceleration sensor 211, the angular velocity sensor 212, the control unit 213, and the transmission / reception unit 216.

[0133] 〔Data Processing Device〕 FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the data processing device 22. The data processing device 22 includes an operation reception unit 220, a transmission / reception unit 221, a generation unit 222, a detection unit 223, a condition setting unit 225, and a data processing unit 227. The data processing device 22 has a configuration in which the condition setting unit 115 of the first embodiment is added to the data processing device 12 of the first embodiment. The condition setting unit 225 may be configured as a single device (condition setting device).

[0134] The operation reception unit 220 receives information (also referred to as input information) input by the user. The operation reception unit 220 has the same configuration as the operation reception unit 120 in the first embodiment. For example, the operation reception unit 220 may receive the standby time set by the user as input information. The operation reception unit 220 outputs the input information to the transmission / reception unit 221.

[0135] The transmission / reception unit 221 receives sensor data and measurement success / failure information from the measurement device 21. The transmission / reception unit 221 has the same configuration as the transmission / reception unit 121 in the first embodiment. The transmission / reception unit 221 outputs the received sensor data to the generation unit 222. The transmission / reception unit 221 outputs the received measurement success / failure information to the condition setting unit 225. Also, the transmission / reception unit 221 acquires measurement conditions from the condition setting unit 225. The transmission / reception unit 221 transmits the acquired measurement conditions to the measurement device 21. Further, the transmission / reception unit 221 acquires input information according to the operation by the user from the operation reception unit 220. The transmission / reception unit 221 transmits the input information to the condition setting unit 225 and the measurement device 21.

[0136] The generation unit 222 has the same configuration as the generation unit 122 in the first embodiment. The generation unit 222 acquires sensor data from the transmission / reception unit 221. The generation unit 222 converts the coordinate system of the acquired sensor data from the local coordinate system to the world coordinate system. The generation unit 222 generates time-series data (also referred to as a walking waveform) of the sensor data after conversion to the world coordinate system. The generation unit 222 outputs the generated walking waveform to the detection unit 223.

[0137] The detection unit 223 has the same configuration as the detection unit 123 in the first embodiment. The detection unit 223 acquires the walking waveform from the generation unit 222. The detection unit 223 detects a walking event from the walking waveform. The detection unit 223 outputs data used for gait measurement, such as the timing of the detected walking event and the values of the sensor data in a predetermined period starting from the timing of the walking event, to the data processing unit 227.

[0138] The condition setting unit 225 acquires measurement success / failure information in the measurement time zone from the transmission / reception unit 221. The condition setting unit 225 has the same configuration as the condition setting unit 115 in the first embodiment. The condition setting unit 225 records the acquired measurement success / failure information. The measurement success / failure information includes information such as the measurement time, startup conditions, and trial count information indicating the number of attempts when the measurement was successful. The measurement success / failure information may include sensor data. The measurement success / failure information may include a success flag when the measurement is successful in the measurement time zone and a failure flag when the measurement fails in the measurement time zone. The measurement success / failure information with a success flag is also called success information, and the measurement success / failure information with a failure flag is also called failure information. When the measurement is executed but the measurement is not completed, the condition setting unit 225 registers failure information including the date and time of the measurement time zone and the number of failures in the measurement time zone in a storage unit (not shown).

[0139] The condition setting unit 225 sets the standby time in the measurement time zone subsequent to the measurement time zone according to the measurement success / failure information for each measurement time zone. For example, the condition setting unit 225 changes the standby time of the target time zone (also called the target time zone) based on the failure information in the time zone for which the standby time is to be changed. For example, the condition setting unit 225 changes the standby time of the target time zone according to the success probability or failure probability of the measurement in the target time zone whose standby time has been changed.

[0140] For example, the condition setting unit 225 sets the standby time based on failure factors such as the number of times the measurement has failed and the timing at which the failure has occurred. For example, the condition setting unit 225 changes the standby time of the target time zone over a plurality of times and selects the standby time at which the success probability of the measurement is maximized. For example, the condition setting unit 225 repeats the update of the standby time until the success probability of the measurement exceeds a threshold value. For example, the condition setting unit 225 may randomly set the standby time for each of a plurality of measurement chances included in the same measurement time zone and set the standby time with a high success probability. For example, the condition setting unit 225 may set the standby time with a high success probability in a certain measurement time zone as the standby time for another measurement time zone.

[0141] For example, the condition setting unit 225 may determine the failure factors of measurement by weighting them according to months, weeks, times, number of times, etc., and set the standby time according to months, weeks, times, and number of times. For example, the condition setting unit 225 may record the optimal standby time for each day of the week and time, and set the standby time according to the day of the week and time. For example, the condition setting unit 225 may reset the standby time at the timing of the change of seasons. For example, when the data processing device 22 is realized by an application installed on a mobile terminal, the condition setting unit 225 may set the standby time using the position information acquired by the GPS (Global Positioning System) of the mobile terminal. For example, if the walking location of the user can be specified by the position information, it is possible to determine whether there is a high possibility of stable walking.

[0142] When the measurement device 21 is mounted on the footwear of both the left and right feet, due to individual differences in the measurement device 21 and circumstances such as the user's dominant foot, the measurement time zones and standby times set for the left and right feet may deviate significantly. For example, when starting to walk from a stopped state, for a user who steps out with the left foot, the timing for the left foot to shift to stable walking is earlier. For example, when there are many curves on the path where the user walks, if the standby time is set according to the timing of walking on the curve, the deviation between the left and right standby times may increase. When the deviation between the left and right standby times increases, regarding normal walking, the standby time for one foot becomes longer, and there is a possibility that the effect of reducing power consumption is reduced. Therefore, it is preferable that the standby time does not deviate significantly between the left and right feet. For example, when the standby times of the measurement devices 21 mounted on the footwear of both the left and right feet deviate beyond a specified value, an algorithm for reducing the deviation of the standby times of these measurement devices 21 may be added to the setting of the measurement conditions by the condition setting unit 225.

[0143] The data processing unit 227 has the same configuration as the data processing unit 227 in the first embodiment. The data processing unit 227 acquires data used for gait measurement from the detection unit 223. The data processing unit 227 performs gait measurement using the acquired data. For example, the result of gait measurement by the data processing unit 227 is displayed on a display device (not shown). For example, the result of gait measurement by the data processing unit 227 is output to a system that uses the result. There is no particular limitation on how the result of gait measurement by the data processing unit 227 is used.

[0144] As described above, the gait measurement system of this embodiment includes a measurement device and a data processing device. The gait measurement system of this embodiment is characterized in that the condition setting device is included in the data processing device.

[0145] The measurement device has a sensor, a control unit, and a data transmission / reception unit. The sensor measures the spatial acceleration and the spatial angular velocity. The control unit is activated at least once in a measurement chance included in the measurement time zone based on the measurement conditions set by the condition setting device. The control unit generates sensor data based on the spatial acceleration and the spatial angular velocity measured by the sensor. The data transmission / reception unit transmits the sensor data to the data processing device. Also, the data transmission / reception unit receives input information input by the user and the measurement conditions set by the data processing device from the data processing device.

[0146] The data processing device includes a condition setting unit (condition setting device), an operation reception unit, a transmission / reception unit, a generation unit, a detection unit, and a data processing unit. The condition setting unit acquires measurement success / failure information indicating the success or failure of measurement of a physical quantity related to the movement of the foot, which is executed by a measurement device installed on the user's foot, in a measurement chance included in the target measurement time zone. Based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time zone, the condition setting unit sets measurement conditions including a waiting time from when walking is detected until measurement starts in a measurement chance included in a related measurement time zone related to the target measurement time zone. The operation reception unit receives input information input in response to the user's operation. The transmission / reception unit receives sensor data related to the movement of the foot measured by a measurement device installed on the user's foot. Also, the transmission / reception unit transmits the input information input by the user and the measurement conditions set by the condition setting device to the measurement device. The generation unit generates a walking waveform, which is time-series data of the sensor data received by the transmission / reception unit. The detection unit detects a walking event from the walking waveform generated by the generation unit. The data processing unit executes data processing using the walking event detected by the detection unit.

[0147] In this embodiment, the data processing device variably sets measurement conditions including a waiting time from when the user's walking is detected until measurement starts according to the user's lifestyle. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by setting an appropriate waiting time according to the user's lifestyle, it is possible to set measurement conditions for performing gait measurement at an appropriate timing while reducing power consumption. Also, according to this embodiment, by having the measurement device set the measurement conditions, the power consumption of the measurement device is reduced compared to the first embodiment.

[0148] In one aspect of the present embodiment, when the waiting time included in the measurement conditions of the measurement devices installed on the user's left and right feet deviates beyond a specified value, the condition setting device changes the waiting time of at least one of the measurement devices installed on the user's left and right feet. The condition setting device reduces the deviation of the waiting times of the measurement devices installed on the user's left and right feet. According to this aspect, by reducing the deviation of the waiting times included in the measurement conditions of the measurement devices installed on the left and right feet, the accuracy of gait measurement can be further improved.

[0149] (Third Embodiment) Next, the condition setting device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The gait measurement system of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the condition setting unit (condition setting device) of each embodiment is simplified.

[0150] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the condition setting device 350 of the present embodiment. The condition setting device 350 includes an acquisition unit 351 and a measurement condition setting unit 356. The acquisition unit 351 acquires measurement success / failure information indicating the success or failure of measurement of a physical quantity related to the movement of the foot, which is executed by the measurement device installed on the user's foot, in a measurement opportunity included in the target measurement time zone. The measurement condition setting unit 356 sets measurement conditions including a waiting time from when walking is detected until measurement starts in a measurement opportunity included in a related measurement time zone related to the target measurement time zone, based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time zone.

[0151] In the present embodiment, the measurement conditions including the waiting time from the detection of the user's walking until the start of measurement are variably set according to the user's lifestyle. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by setting an appropriate waiting time according to the user's lifestyle, it is possible to set measurement conditions for performing gait measurement at an appropriate timing while reducing power consumption.

[0152] (Hardware) Here, the hardware configuration for executing the control and processing according to each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described by taking the information processing apparatus 90 in FIG. 21 as an example. Note that the information processing apparatus 90 in FIG. 21 is a configuration example for executing the control and processing of each embodiment, and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 21, the information processing apparatus 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. 21, 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 be able to communicate with each other via a bus 98. Further, 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.

[0154] The processor 91 expands the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 93 or the like into the main storage device 92. The processor 91 executes the program expanded in the main storage device 92. In this embodiment, a configuration using the software program installed in the information processing apparatus 90 may be adopted. The processor 91 executes the control and processing according to this embodiment.

[0155] The main storage device 92 has an area where the program is expanded. In the main storage device 92, the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 93 or the like is expanded by the processor 91. The main storage device 92 is realized by a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), for example. Further, a non-volatile memory such as MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory) may be configured / added as the main storage device 92.

[0156] 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 to store various data in the main storage device 92 and omit the auxiliary storage device 93.

[0157] The input / output interface 95 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 90 and peripheral devices based on standards and specifications. The communication interface 96 is an interface for connecting to an external system or device 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 shared as an interface for connecting to external devices.

[0158] Input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel may be connected to the information processing device 90 as necessary. Those input devices are used for inputting information and settings. When using a touch panel as an input device, the display screen of the display device may also serve as the interface of the input device. Data communication between the processor 91 and the input device may be mediated by the input / output interface 95.

[0159] Further, the information processing device 90 may be provided with a display device for displaying information. When providing a display device, it is preferable that the information processing device 90 is provided 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.

[0160] Further, the information processing device 90 may be provided with a drive device. The drive device mediates the reading of data and programs from the recording medium and the writing of the processing result of the information processing device 90 to the recording medium between the processor 91 and the recording medium (program recording medium). The drive device may be connected to the information processing device 90 via the input / output interface 95.

[0161] The above is an example of the hardware configuration for enabling the control and processing according to each embodiment of the present invention. Note that the hardware configuration in FIG. 21 is an example of the hardware configuration for executing the control and processing according to each embodiment, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Also, a program for causing a computer to execute the processing related to the control and processing according to each embodiment is included in the scope of the present invention. Further, a program recording medium in which the program according to each embodiment is recorded is included in the scope of the present invention. The recording medium can be realized by, for example, 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. Also, the recording medium may be realized by a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk or other recording media. When the program executed by the processor is recorded on the recording medium, the recording medium corresponds to the program recording medium.

[0162] The components of each embodiment may be arbitrarily combined. Also, the components of each embodiment may be realized by software or by a circuit.

[0163] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0164] 1, 2 Step Volume Measurement System 11, 21 Measuring Device 12, 22 Data Processing Device 110, 210 Clock 111, 211 Acceleration Sensor 112, 212 Angular Velocity Sensor 113, 213 Control Unit 115, 225 Condition Setting Unit 116 and 216 Transmission / Reception Unit 117 and 217 Battery 120 and 220 Operation Reception Unit 121 and 221 Transmission / Reception Unit 122 and 222 Generation Unit 123 and 223 Detection Unit 127 and 227 Data Processing Unit 151 Acquisition Unit 153 Memory Unit 155 Calculation Unit 156 Measurement Condition Setting Unit 157 Output Unit 350 Condition Setting Device 351 Acquisition Unit 356 Measurement Condition Setting Unit

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring measurement success / failure information indicating whether measurement of a physical quantity related to the movement of a foot, which is executed by a measurement device installed on the user's foot, is successful or not in a measurement opportunity included in a target measurement time zone; Measurement condition setting means for setting a measurement condition including a waiting time from when walking is detected until measurement starts in a measurement opportunity included in a related measurement time zone related to the target measurement time zone, based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time zone; and The acquisition means is To acquire the measurement success / failure information including the time and number of times of measurement failure that occurred in the measurement opportunity included in the target measurement time zone, The measurement condition setting means is A condition setting device that changes the waiting time in a measurement opportunity included in the related measurement time zone related to the target measurement time zone, based on the time and number of times of measurement failure that occurred in the measurement opportunity included in the target measurement time zone.

2. An acquisition means for acquiring measurement success / failure information indicating whether measurement of a physical quantity related to the movement of a foot, which is executed by a measurement device installed on the user's foot, is successful or not in a measurement opportunity included in a target measurement time zone; Measurement condition setting means for setting a measurement condition including a waiting time from when walking is detected until measurement starts in a measurement opportunity included in a related measurement time zone related to the target measurement time zone, based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time zone; and Calculation means for calculating the success probability of measurement in at least one measurement opportunity included in the target measurement time zone, based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time zone; and The measurement condition setting means is A condition setting device that sets the waiting time when the success probability exceeds a threshold value as the waiting time in a measurement opportunity included in the related measurement time zone related to the target measurement time zone.

3. Acquisition means for acquiring measurement success / failure information indicating the success or failure of measurement of a physical quantity related to the movement of the foot, which is executed by a measurement device installed on the foot of the user, in a measurement opportunity included in the target measurement time zone; Measurement condition setting means for setting measurement conditions including a waiting time from when walking is detected until measurement starts in a measurement opportunity included in a related measurement time zone related to the target measurement time zone, based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time zone; Calculation means for calculating the success probability of measurement in at least one measurement opportunity included in the target measurement time zone, based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time zone, comprising: The measurement condition setting means: Based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time zone, sets the waiting times in a plurality of measurement opportunities included in the related measurement time zone related to the target measurement time zone to different times; A condition setting device that sets the waiting time at which the success probability of measurement in at least one of the measurement opportunities included in the related measurement time zone becomes maximum, as the waiting time in the measurement opportunity included in the measurement time zone related to the related measurement time zone.

4. The measurement condition setting means: The condition setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which sets the waiting time in a measurement opportunity included in the related measurement time zone of the same time zone following the target measurement time zone, based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time zone.

5. A measurement device comprising: the condition setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; A sensor for measuring spatial acceleration and spatial angular velocity; Control means that starts in at least one measurement opportunity included in the measurement time zone based on the measurement conditions set by the condition setting device, and generates sensor data based on the spatial acceleration and the spatial angular velocity measured by the sensor.

6. The condition setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, operation reception means for receiving input information input in response to a user operation; transmission / reception means for receiving sensor data regarding the movement of the foot measured by a measuring device installed on the foot of the user; generation means for generating a walking waveform which is time-series data of the sensor data received by the transmission / reception means; detection means for detecting a walking event from the walking waveform generated by the generation means; data processing means for executing data processing using the walking event detected by the detection means, comprising: The transmission / reception means is a data processing device that transmits the input information input to the operation reception means and the measurement conditions set by the condition setting device to the measurement device installed on the foot of the user.

7. The condition setting device When the standby time included in the measurement conditions of the measurement devices installed on the left and right feet of the user deviates beyond a specified value, the standby time of at least one of the measurement devices installed on the left and right feet of the user is changed to reduce the deviation of the standby times of the measurement devices installed on the left and right feet of the user. The data processing device according to claim 6.

8. acquisition means for acquiring measurement success / failure information indicating whether or not measurement of a physical quantity related to the movement of the foot, performed by a measurement device installed on the foot of a user, has been successful in a measurement opportunity included in a target measurement time period; and measurement condition setting means for setting a measurement condition including a standby time from when walking is detected until measurement starts in a measurement opportunity included in a related measurement time period related to the target measurement time period, based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time period, a condition setting device having: operation reception means for receiving input information input in response to a user operation; Transmission and reception means for receiving sensor data regarding the movement of the foot measured by a measuring device installed on the foot of the user; Generation means for generating a walking waveform which is time-series data of the sensor data received by the transmission and reception means; Detection means for detecting a walking event from the walking waveform generated by the generation means; Data processing means for executing data processing using the walking event detected by the detection means, and comprising: The transmission and reception means: Transmits the input information input to the operation reception means and the measurement conditions set by the condition setting device to the measurement device installed on the foot of the user; The condition setting device: When the standby time included in the measurement conditions of the measurement devices installed on the left and right feet of the user deviates beyond a specified value, changes the standby time of at least one of the measurement devices installed on the left and right feet of the user, and reduces the deviation of the standby times of the measurement devices installed on the left and right feet of the user.

9. A computer: In a measurement opportunity included in a target measurement time period, obtains measurement success / failure information indicating the success or failure of measurement of a physical quantity related to the movement of the foot, which is executed by a measurement device installed on the foot of the user; Based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time period, sets measurement conditions including a standby time from when walking is detected until measurement starts in a measurement opportunity included in a related measurement time period related to the target measurement time period; In the obtaining: Obtains the measurement success / failure information including the time and number of times of occurrence of measurement failure in the measurement opportunity included in the target measurement time period; In the setting: A method for setting conditions for changing a waiting time in a measurement chance included in the related measurement time zone related to the target measurement time zone based on a time and a number of times when a measurement failure occurred in the measurement chance included in the target measurement time zone.

10. On a computer, In a measurement chance included in a target measurement time zone, a process of acquiring measurement success / failure information indicating success or failure of measurement of a physical quantity related to foot movement, which is executed by a measurement device installed on a user's foot; A process of setting measurement conditions including a waiting time from when walking is detected until measurement starts in a measurement chance included in a related measurement time zone related to the target measurement time zone based on the measurement success / failure information in the target measurement time zone; In the process of acquiring, A process of acquiring the measurement success / failure information including the time and the number of times when a measurement failure occurred in the measurement chance included in the target measurement time zone; In the process of setting, A program for causing execution of a process of changing the waiting time in a measurement chance included in the related measurement time zone related to the target measurement time zone based on the time and the number of times when a measurement failure occurred in the measurement chance included in the target measurement time zone.

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