Gait evaluation system and gait evaluation method

Abstract

To provide a technique for easily measuring the amount and quality of walking exercise and estimating an exercise effect.SOLUTION: A walking evaluation system 100 comprises: qualitative measured value acquiring units 40, 80 for acquiring at least measured values of stride and a pitch, as qualitative parameters indicating a walking form, measured by a measuring device 20 worn by a subject; and a qualitative result determining unit 96 for determining an evaluation result of the walking form using an evaluation expression which is set such that weight is applied to at least the measured value of the stride, as a prescribed evaluation model. The measured value of the stride is a body height ratio of a stride average of the subject measured.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a walking evaluation system. In particular, it relates to a system for analyzing the effects of walking exercise.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the increasing health awareness of people, so-called walking has become popular. Especially in recent years, with the spread of smartphones and wristwatches equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System) modules, anyone can easily record the log of walking exercise (hereinafter also referred to as "walking log"). The utilization of such walking logs serves as a motivation to continue and habituate walking, boosting the popularity of walking.

[0003] Here, there is a known technique of photographing the movements of a user's muscle training with a photographing device, calculating joint positions and angles from the photographed images, and estimating the training effect (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, there is a known technique of calculating the kinetic energy in a wearing part based on the detection result of a stretching sensor that detects the stretching and contraction of a wearing part worn on the body such as the knee joint (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The information recorded as walking logs often mainly concerns the amount of walking, such as walking time and distance, and does not necessarily concern the quality of walking. In this respect, even if the technology in Patent Document 1 is used to evaluate the quality of walking, a special environment is required to film the user's movements, and it is not something that users can easily film themselves outdoors. Furthermore, even if the technology in Patent Document 2 is used to calculate kinetic energy, a special device must be attached to the stretching parts, and it cannot be said that the quality of walking can be easily measured.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can easily measure the quantity and quality of walking exercise and estimate the effects of exercise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, a walking evaluation system in one aspect of the present invention includes: a quantitative measurement acquisition unit that acquires measured values ​​of quantitative parameters indicating walking volume measured by a measuring device worn by the subject; a qualitative measurement acquisition unit that acquires measured values ​​of at least stride and pitch as qualitative parameters indicating walking form measured by a measuring device worn by the subject; a quantitative result determination unit that determines the evaluation result of walking volume based on the measured values ​​of quantitative parameters; a qualitative result determination unit that determines the evaluation result of walking form based on a predetermined evaluation model that reflects the degree of approximation to a form tendency that is likely to exhibit walking exercise effects and the measured values ​​of qualitative parameters; and an output unit that outputs walking result information including the evaluation result of walking volume and the evaluation result of walking form.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is also a gait evaluation system. This gait evaluation system comprises: a quantitative measurement acquisition unit that acquires measured values ​​of quantitative parameters indicating walking volume measured by a measuring device worn by the subject; a qualitative measurement acquisition unit that acquires measured values ​​of at least pelvic movement and pitch as qualitative parameters indicating gait form measured by a measuring device worn by the subject; a quantitative result determination unit that determines the evaluation result of walking volume based on the measured values ​​of quantitative parameters; a qualitative result determination unit that determines the evaluation result of gait form based on a predetermined evaluation model that reflects the degree of approximation to a form tendency that is likely to exhibit walking exercise effects and the measured values ​​of qualitative parameters; and an output unit that outputs gait result information including the evaluation result of walking volume and the evaluation result of gait form.

[0009] A further aspect of the present invention is a gait evaluation method. This method comprises the steps of: acquiring measured values ​​of quantitative parameters indicating walking volume, measured by a measuring device worn by a subject; acquiring measured values ​​of at least stride and pitch as qualitative parameters indicating gait form, measured by a measuring device worn by a subject; determining an evaluation result of walking volume based on the measured values ​​of quantitative parameters; determining an evaluation result of gait form based on a predetermined evaluation model that reflects the degree of approximation to a form tendency that is likely to exhibit walking exercise effects, and the measured values ​​of qualitative parameters; and outputting gait result information including an evaluation result of walking volume and an evaluation result of gait form. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that allows for easy measurement of the quantity and quality of walking exercise and estimation of its effects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a gait evaluation system. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram showing the various components of the gait evaluation system. [Figure 3]This figure shows the relationship between walking speed, stride length, and muscle activity level. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example screen displaying estimated muscle activity levels. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example screen displaying measured values ​​as qualitative parameters. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example screen displaying the effects of exercise, separated into quantitative and qualitative parameters. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example screen displaying the effects of exercise on different body parts. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, based on preferred embodiments. In embodiments and modifications, the same or equivalent components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows the configuration of the gait evaluation system 100. The gait evaluation system 100 includes a wristwatch-type device 12, a waist-worn device 14, an information terminal-type device 16, and an information management server 60, all of which can be worn by a subject 10 performing walking exercises. The wristwatch-type device 12, the waist-worn device 14, and the information terminal-type device 16 are collectively referred to as the measurement device 20. The wristwatch-type device 12 is a sports watch or smartwatch capable of measuring location information and motion information. The waist-worn device 14 is a motion sensor that can be worn near the subject 10's waist to measure location information and motion information. The information terminal-type device 16 is a portable information terminal such as a smartphone that can measure location information and motion information while being held by the subject 10 in a pocket or similar location. Note that the measurement device 20 is not limited to devices such as the wristwatch-type device 12, the waist-worn device 14, and the information terminal-type device 16, but may also be a belt-type device that can be worn around the subject's chest, wrist, waist, or arm to acquire location information and motion information. In addition, various wearable devices can be used as measurement devices 20.

[0014] The subject 10 performs walking exercises while wearing at least one or all of the following measurement devices 20: a wristwatch-type device 12, a waist-worn device 14, and an information terminal-type device 16. The measurement devices 20 synchronize information with the information management server 60 via communication. However, since the communication means of the wristwatch-type device 12 and the waist-worn device 14 among the measurement devices 20 is short-range wireless communication, they do not communicate directly with the information management server 60, but rather synchronize information with the information terminal-type device 16 (which also functions as the "information terminal 50" described in detail later), and the information terminal 50 then synchronizes information with the information management server 60. Thus, the wristwatch-type device 12 and the waist-worn device 14 transmit information to the information management server 60 via synchronization with the information terminal 50, and therefore assume that the subject possesses the information terminal 50. However, it is not necessary to wear the information terminal 50 during the walking exercise; it is sufficient if the subject can synchronize with the information terminal 50 after the exercise. As an alternative configuration, the waist-worn device 14 may first synchronize information with the wristwatch-type device 12 via short-range wireless communication, and the wristwatch-type device 12 may then further synchronize information with the information terminal-type device 16 (information terminal 50) via short-range wireless communication.

[0015] Subject 10 wears the measurement device 20 and performs walking exercises, and at the start of walking exercises, operates a button or other control on the measurement device 20 to start measurement and recording of walking logs. During walking exercises, the measurement device 20 measures the elapsed time from the start of recording as walking time using a timer and records location information for each date and time at predetermined time intervals. The measurement device 20 measures the number of steps per unit time using its built-in motion sensor. The measurement device 20 further measures values ​​such as arm swing angle, pelvic movement, and left and right walking tempo using its built-in motion sensor.

[0016] When the subject 10 wears the wristwatch-type device 12 as the measurement device 20, values such as time information, position information, the number of steps per unit time, and the arm swing angle are measured to record a walking log. When the subject 10 wears the waist-mounted device 14 as the measurement device 20, values such as time information, position information, the number of steps per unit time, the movement of the pelvis (e.g., the rotation angle of the waist, the left and right inclination of the waist, the forward and backward bending of the waist, etc.), and the left and right walking tempo are measured to record a walking log. When the subject 10 wears the information terminal-type device 16 as the measurement device 20, values such as time information, position information, and the number of steps per unit time are measured to record a walking log.

[0017] After the walking exercise and the completion of the walking log recording, information such as walking time, position information, the number of steps, arm swing angle, pelvis movement, and left and right walking tempo is transmitted as a walking log from the measurement device 20 to the information management server 60. Note that the measurement device 20 may calculate information such as walking time, walking distance, and walking speed based on the time information and position information, and include the calculated information in the walking log and transmit it to the information management server 60.

[0018] The information management server 60 is a server computer connected to the Internet that transmits and receives data with the information terminals 50 of a plurality of subjects 10. The information management server 60 acquires measurement values such as time information, position information, the number of steps per unit time, and arm swing angle as the walking log data of the subject 10 received from the information terminal 50 together with the identification information and attribute information of the subject 10, and accumulates them together with various data and evaluation values calculated from each measurement value. The information management server 60 transmits the accumulated walking log data, evaluation values, etc. to the information terminal 50 in response to a request from the information terminal 50.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing each component of the walking evaluation system 100. The walking evaluation system 100 in the present embodiment is composed of a measurement device 20, an information terminal 50, and an information management server 60. However, the walking evaluation system 100 can be realized with various hardware configurations and software configurations. For example, the walking evaluation system 100 may be composed only of the information terminal 50, or may be composed of a combination of the information terminal 50 and the measurement device 20, or may be composed of a combination of the information terminal 50 and the information management server 60. Alternatively, it may be composed of a combination of the information terminal 50, the measurement device 20, and the information management server 60, or may be composed of a combination of the measurement device 20 and the information management server 60, or may be composed only of the information management server 60.

[0020] For example, assuming that various general-purpose devices are used as the measurement device 20 to measure walking motion and record it as a walking log, the walking evaluation system 100 may be composed only of the information terminal 50 and the information management server 60, or may be realized as a single device including all the software configurations included in the information terminal 50 and the information management server 60 in this figure. Therefore, regardless of the mode of its hardware configuration, the walking evaluation system 100 only needs to include at least the software configurations of the information terminal 50 and the information management server 60 in this figure.

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates the functional blocks realized by the coordination of various hardware and software configurations for the measurement device 20, information terminal 50, and information management server 60. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways using hardware alone, software alone, or a combination thereof. The measurement device 20 is composed of a combination of hardware such as a microprocessor, memory, communication module, positioning module, and motion sensor. The information terminal 50 is composed of a combination of hardware such as a microprocessor, memory, display, communication module, positioning module, and motion sensor. The information management server 60 is composed of a combination of hardware such as a microprocessor, memory, display, and communication module. The functions of the measurement device 20, information terminal 50, and information management server 60 will be described below.

[0022] The measurement device 20 is, for example, a waist-worn device 14. The measurement device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a time measurement unit 22, a position measurement unit 24, and a motion detection unit 26. The time measurement unit 22 measures the walking start time, i.e., the walking time from the measurement start time, by counting a timer. The position measurement unit 24 measures the current position using position information received from a satellite positioning system by a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The motion detection unit 26 detects the number of steps, pelvic movement, etc., during the walking motion of the subject 10 using a motion sensor. The measured step count includes the number of steps per unit time as well as the walking tempo from side to side. The measured pelvic movement includes the rotation angle of the pelvis or waist, the left-right tilt angle of the pelvis or waist, and the front-back bending angle of the pelvis or waist.

[0023] A wristwatch-type device 12 or an information terminal-type device 16 can also be used as the measurement device 20. When the wristwatch-type device 12 is used as the measurement device 20, the motion detection unit 26 of the wristwatch-type device 12 detects the number of steps taken by the subject 10 during walking, as well as the arm swing angle, etc., using a motion sensor. When the information terminal-type device 16 is used as the measurement device 20, the motion detection unit 26 of the information terminal-type device 16 detects the number of steps taken by the subject 10 during walking, using a motion sensor. The information terminal 50 may also serve as the information terminal-type device 16 as the measurement device 20, in which case, for example, a single mobile terminal such as a smartphone may have all the functions of both the measurement device 20 and the information terminal 50. If the information terminal 50 is not used as the measurement device 20, the information terminal 50 is not limited to a smartphone, but may also be a tablet terminal or personal computer owned by the subject 10.

[0024] The information terminal 50 includes a quantitative measurement acquisition unit 30, a qualitative measurement acquisition unit 40, an output unit 51, and a communication unit 52. The quantitative measurement acquisition unit 30 receives information measured by a measuring device 20 worn by the subject 10 via the communication unit 52. Based on the information received from the measuring device 20, the quantitative measurement acquisition unit 30 acquires measured values ​​of quantitative parameters indicating the amount of walking. The quantitative measurement acquisition unit 30 includes a time acquisition unit 32, a distance acquisition unit 34, and a speed acquisition unit 36.

[0025] The time acquisition unit 32 acquires the walking time of the subject 10 based on the information received from the time measurement unit 22, as one of the quantitative parameters indicating the amount of walking. The distance acquisition unit 34 acquires the walking distance of the subject 10 based on the information received from the position measurement unit 24, as one of the quantitative parameters indicating the amount of walking. The speed acquisition unit 36 ​​acquires the walking speed of the subject 10 based on the walking time and walking distance, as one of the quantitative parameters indicating the amount of walking.

[0026] The qualitative measurement unit 40 receives information measured by the measurement device 20 worn by the subject 10 via the communication unit 52. Based on the information received from the measurement device 20, the qualitative measurement unit 40 acquires at least one of the following as qualitative parameters indicating walking form: stride, pitch, arm swing angle, pelvic movement, left-right difference in walking tempo, etc. The qualitative measurement unit 40 includes a stride acquisition unit 42, a pitch acquisition unit 44, an arm movement acquisition unit 46, a waist movement acquisition unit 48, and a tempo acquisition unit 49.

[0027] The stride acquisition unit 42 acquires the subject 10's stride based on information received from the position measurement unit 24 and the motion detection unit 26, as one of the qualitative parameters indicating walking form. Here, the stride may be the average value of the stride per unit time or unit distance. The pitch acquisition unit 44 acquires the subject 10's pitch (also called cadence) based on information received from the motion detection unit 26, as one of the qualitative parameters indicating walking form. Here, the pitch may be the average value of the pitch per unit time or unit distance.

[0028] The arm motion acquisition unit 46 acquires the arm swing angle of the subject 10 based on the information received from the motion detection unit 26 as one of the qualitative parameters indicating walking form. The waist motion acquisition unit 48 acquires the pelvic movement of the subject 10 based on the information received from the motion detection unit 26 as one of the qualitative parameters indicating walking form. The measured values ​​of "pelvic movement" here may include the rotation angle of the pelvis or waist, the left-right tilt angle of the pelvis or waist, and the front-back bending angle of the pelvis or waist. The tempo acquisition unit 49 acquires the left-right difference in walking tempo of the subject 10 based on the information received from the motion detection unit 26 as one of the qualitative parameters indicating walking form. The "left-right difference in walking tempo" here may be the difference between the pitch interval from the left foot to the right foot and the pitch interval from the right foot to the left foot.

[0029] The output unit 51 displays on the screen the measured values ​​of quantitative parameters (walking time, walking distance, walking speed) indicating the amount of walking acquired by the quantitative measurement acquisition unit 30, and the measured values ​​of qualitative parameters (stride, pitch, arm swing angle, pelvic movement, left-right difference in walking tempo) indicating the walking form acquired by the qualitative measurement acquisition unit 40. The output unit 51 may display both the measured values ​​of quantitative parameters and qualitative parameters on the screen while the subject 10 is performing the walking exercise, or it may display only the quantitative parameters on the screen while the walking exercise is being performed. The output unit 51 may also display the measured values ​​of quantitative parameters and qualitative parameters on the screen after the walking exercise has finished. The output unit 51 transmits the measured values ​​of quantitative parameters and qualitative parameters, along with the attribute information of the subject 10, as walking log data to the information management server 60 via the communication unit 52. The output unit 51 may also send time information, location information, steps per unit time, arm swing angle, and other measured values ​​acquired from the measurement device 20 to the information management server 60 as a walking log, or it may send information such as walking time, walking distance, walking speed, stride, and pitch along with each measured value acquired from the measurement device 20 to the information management server 60 as a further walking log.

[0030] The information management server 60 includes a communication unit 62, a log acquisition unit 64, a quantitative measurement value acquisition unit 70, a qualitative measurement value acquisition unit 80, a result determination unit 90, a data storage unit 98, and an output unit 99. The log acquisition unit 64 acquires walking log data from the information terminal 50 via the communication unit 62 and stores it in the data storage unit 98.

[0031] The quantitative measurement unit 70 acquires measured values ​​of quantitative parameters indicating walking amount, such as walking time, walking distance, and walking speed, based on the walking log data acquired by the log acquisition unit 64. The quantitative measurement unit 70 includes a time acquisition unit 72, a distance acquisition unit 74, and a speed acquisition unit 76.

[0032] The time acquisition unit 72 acquires the walking time of the subject 10 based on the walking log data as one of the quantitative parameters indicating the amount of walking. The distance acquisition unit 74 acquires the walking distance of the subject 10 based on the walking log data as one of the quantitative parameters indicating the amount of walking. The speed acquisition unit 76 acquires the walking speed of the subject 10 based on the walking log data as one of the quantitative parameters indicating the amount of walking.

[0033] The qualitative measurement acquisition unit 80 acquires at least one of the following as qualitative parameters indicating walking form, based on the walking log data acquired by the log acquisition unit 64: stride, pitch, arm swing angle, pelvic movement, and left-right difference in walking tempo. The qualitative measurement acquisition unit 80 includes a stride acquisition unit 82, a pitch acquisition unit 84, an arm movement acquisition unit 86, a hip movement acquisition unit 88, and a tempo acquisition unit 89.

[0034] The stride acquisition unit 82 acquires the stride of the subject 10 based on walking log data as one of the qualitative parameters indicating walking form. The pitch acquisition unit 84 acquires the pitch of the subject 10 based on walking log data as one of the qualitative parameters indicating walking form. The arm movement acquisition unit 86 acquires the arm swing angle of the subject 10 based on walking log data as one of the qualitative parameters indicating walking form. The hip movement acquisition unit 88 acquires the pelvic movement of the subject 10 based on walking log data as one of the qualitative parameters indicating walking form. The tempo acquisition unit 89 acquires the left-right difference in walking tempo of the subject 10 based on walking log data as one of the qualitative parameters indicating walking form.

[0035] The result determination unit 90 includes an attribute acquisition unit 92, a reference value calculation unit 93, a quantitative result determination unit 94, a qualitative result determination unit 96, and a condition determination unit 97.

[0036] The attribute acquisition unit 92 acquires attribute information of the subject 10 from the data storage unit 98 based on the walking log data or the identification information of the subject 10 linked to the walking log data. The attribute information includes, for example, information such as the subject 10's age, gender, and height, as well as information on the level to which the subject 10 belongs in terms of physical fitness and health. The physical fitness level is based on measured values ​​that comprehensively measure, for example, muscle strength, flexibility (hip joint and shoulder joint range of motion), grip strength, leg strength (sit-to-stand test), balance (single-leg stance with eyes closed), and endurance. The physical fitness level may also include physical fitness levels evaluated by other commonly used physical fitness evaluation measurement items. The health level is based on measured values ​​that measure, for example, health checkup indicators (height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, blood indicators) and stress indicators.

[0037] The reference value calculation unit 93 calculates average measured values ​​by attribute and level to which the subject 10 belongs, as reference values ​​to be used for comparison of various measured values ​​of the subject 10. For example, the reference value calculation unit 93 calculates average values ​​by generation, gender, physical fitness level, and health level.

[0038] The quantitative result determination unit 94 determines the evaluation result of walking volume based on the measured values ​​of quantitative parameters acquired by the quantitative measurement value acquisition unit 70. The quantitative result determination unit 94 may also determine the evaluation result by comparing the measured values ​​of quantitative parameters such as walking time, walking distance, and walking speed with the average values ​​for each affiliation level. For example, if the walking time is above the generation average, it may be evaluated as "high exercise volume," and if the walking time is below the generation average, it may be evaluated as "low exercise volume."

[0039] The qualitative result determination unit 96 determines the evaluation result of the walking form based on the measured values ​​of the qualitative parameters acquired by the qualitative measurement value acquisition unit 80 and a predetermined evaluation model that reflects the degree of approximation to a form tendency that is likely to produce walking exercise effects. As a predetermined evaluation model that reflects the degree of approximation to a form tendency that is likely to produce walking exercise effects, for example, an evaluation formula can be considered in which the weight coefficient for a particular qualitative parameter is increased when a good value for that particular qualitative parameter brings the form closer to an ideal form with high exercise effect, thereby making it easier to reflect in the evaluation. Alternatively, different values ​​may be set as the weight coefficient for each qualitative parameter in proportion to the magnitude of its contribution to the exercise effect.

[0040] The qualitative result determination unit 96 determines the evaluation result of walking form using an evaluation formula set to weight at least the stride measurement as a predetermined evaluation model. The qualitative result determination unit 96 may also determine the evaluation result of walking form using an evaluation formula that calculates the sum of a weighted value of the subject 10's stride-to-height ratio relative to the average for each attribute level and a value of the subject 10's pitch relative to the average for each attribute level as a predetermined evaluation model. The qualitative result determination unit 96 may also determine the evaluation result of walking form using an evaluation formula set to weight at least the pelvic movement measurement as a predetermined evaluation model. The qualitative result determination unit 96 may also determine the evaluation result of walking form using an evaluation formula set to weight at least the arm swing angle measurement as a predetermined evaluation model. Evaluation models and evaluation formulas will be described later.

[0041] The condition determination unit 97 determines whether at least one of the evaluation results of walking volume and walking form has met the predetermined goal achievement conditions. In recent years, a method called gamification has been used to encourage the continuation of exercise habits aimed at improving health through exercise. For example, in addition to calculating energy consumption from walking distance and number of steps and estimating and displaying the amount of body fat reduction, a game-like method can be considered in which a specific game is played each time certain conditions are met, and discount coupons or points are issued according to the degree of achievement in that game. The condition determination unit 97 determines whether one of the multiple types of goal achievement conditions presented to the subject 10 as such game-like elements has been met.

[0042] The goal achievement conditions determined by the condition determination unit 97 may be, for example, a condition that awards 1 point for every 1km walked, or a condition that awards 1 point for every 100 steps taken. Furthermore, while the point awarding rate is normally 1x, it may be increased to 1.1x or more each time a good result is achieved in the evaluation of walking form. Other goal achievement conditions may include, for example, "walking for 30 minutes or more five times," "achieving good results in thigh exercise five times," "walking 3km or more once," "achieving an average walking speed of 6km / h five times," "achieving good results in waist exercise five times," "achieving good results in upper arm exercise five times," "walking 10km once," or "performing walking exercises ten times." These various goal achievement conditions may also be displayed on the screen in a 3x3 grid, and the game may be cleared in a bingo-like manner when the goal is achieved in any of the rows, columns, or diagonals.

[0043] The output unit 99 outputs walking result information, including the evaluation results of walking volume and walking form, to the information terminal 50 via the communication unit 62. The output unit 99 also outputs walking result information, including whether or not at least one of the evaluation results of walking volume and walking form met the predetermined goal achievement conditions, to the information terminal 50 via the communication unit 62. By displaying the information on whether or not the goal achievement conditions were met on the screen of the information terminal 50, the output unit 99 can motivate the subject 10 to exercise and encourage them to continue exercising.

[0044] The output unit 99 outputs walking result information, including information on the exercise effect for each body part based on the evaluation results of walking volume and walking form, to the information terminal 50 via the communication unit 62. The output unit 99 may also represent the exercise effect for each body part by, for example, displaying objects on the screen of the information terminal 50 on an image of a human body model that indicate the type and magnitude of the exercise effect for each body part.

[0045] Figure 3 shows the relationship between walking speed, stride length, and muscle activity level. The muscle activity level is an example of a qualitative evaluation value of walking motion estimated by the qualitative outcome determination unit 96 using a predetermined evaluation model. Here, the greater the muscle activity for each body part, the greater the exercise effect for that body part. For example, in the case of a type called the so-called pitch type, where the pitch is relatively high, the range of motion of the legs is relatively narrow, the leg muscles are not sufficiently stretched, and the amount of muscle activity is relatively small. Conversely, in the case of a type called the so-called stride type, where the stride is relatively large, the range of motion of the legs is relatively wide, the leg muscles are sufficiently stretched, and the amount of muscle activity is relatively large. Therefore, walking with a large range of motion and a small number of repetitions is considered to place a greater load on the leg muscles than walking with a small range of motion and a large number of repetitions. Thus, in this figure, we will explain the muscle activity level, which particularly evaluates the relationship with stride length.

[0046] Figure 3 shows the results of interval walking performed by subject 10, which alternates between walking at a speed that is not quite running (also called fast walking) and walking at a slow speed approximately every 3 minutes. This type of interval walking is known to provide exercise benefits comparable to running, while placing less strain on the legs. In the graph in Figure 3, the horizontal axis represents walking time [minutes]. The right vertical axis represents stride length [cm], and the left vertical axis represents walking speed [km / h] and estimated muscle activity level.

[0047] In the graph in Figure 3, the line for walking speed 110 shows the average walking speed per minute. The line for walking speed 110 shows an increase to about 7-8 km / h during fast walking, and a decrease to about 5-6 km / h during slow interval walking, repeating this increase and decrease in speed approximately every 3 minutes. The line for stride 112 shows the average stride length per minute. The line for stride 112 shows walking with a large stride of about 100-120 cm immediately after starting, and shows that the stride gradually decreases to about 80 cm as walking time progresses. The line for estimated muscle activity level 114 shows the average of the estimated muscle activity level per minute. The line for estimated muscle activity level 114 shows that it rises to about 6 immediately after starting, and shows that the estimated muscle activity level increases and decreases in line with the increase and decrease in walking speed 110, and gradually decreases to about 4.5-5 as walking time progresses.

[0048] The qualitative evaluation values ​​for walking can be divided into multiple evaluation values ​​for each body part, allowing for the measurement of exercise effects on each body part. This makes it possible to measure the exercise effect as a diet targeting specific body parts, sometimes referred to as "spot reduction." The following explains how to estimate evaluation values ​​for each body part.

[0049] (Muscle activity levels of the glutes and thighs) The line 114 in the graph of Figure 3 represents the estimated muscle activity level of the glutes and thighs. Typically, the activity levels of the gluteal and thigh muscle groups, such as the gluteus maximus, hamstrings, and rectus femoris, are proportional to walking speed. Furthermore, walking speed is considered to be more influenced by stride length than cadence. The muscle activity level of the glutes and thighs can be estimated from two variables: stride and cadence. The estimated muscle activity level y per minute is determined by the qualitative result determination unit 96 using the following estimation formula. y = 4*a / A + 1*b / B Here, a represents the stride-to-height ratio per minute, and b represents the pitch per minute. A represents the generation average stride-to-height ratio, and B represents the generation average pitch. The "stride-to-height ratio" represents the ratio of stride to height for subject 10. To weight the data so that the contribution of stride is greater than that of pitch, the weighting coefficient for stride is set to, for example, 4, and the weighting coefficient for pitch is set to, for example, 1.

[0050] For example, if the stride and pitch measurements are equal to the generation average, then both a / A and b / B are 1, so y=5, and this value becomes the baseline. In the graph in Figure 3, the "5" mark located in the middle of the left vertical axis indicates the baseline. If the evaluation value is above this baseline, that is, if the estimated value y is greater than the baseline of 5, then subject 10's gluteal and thigh muscle activity levels can be evaluated as high. If the evaluation value is below this baseline, that is, if the estimated value y is less than the baseline of 5, then subject 10's gluteal and thigh muscle activity levels can be evaluated as low.

[0051] (Muscle activity level around the waist) Normally, the activity level of the abdominal muscles, such as the rectus abdominis and oblique muscles, increases as the pelvis rotates significantly during walking. The muscle activity level around the waist can be estimated from two variables: the pelvic rotation angle and pitch. The estimated muscle activity level y per minute is determined by the qualitative result determination unit 96 using the following estimation formula. y = 4 * c / C + 1 * b / B Here, c represents the average pelvic rotation angle per minute, and b represents the pitch per minute. C represents the average pelvic rotation angle, and B represents the generation-average pitch. To weight the data such that the contribution of pelvic rotation angle is greater than that of pitch, the weighting coefficient for pelvic rotation angle is set to, for example, 4, and the weighting coefficient for pitch is set to, for example, 1.

[0052] For example, if the measured values ​​of pelvic rotation angle and pitch are equal to the generation average, then both c / C and b / B are 1, resulting in y=5, and this value becomes the baseline. If the estimated value y is greater than the baseline value of 5, the muscle activity level around the waist of subject 10 can be evaluated as high. If the estimated value y is less than the baseline value of 5, the muscle activity level around the waist of subject 10 can be evaluated as low.

[0053] Furthermore, while the pelvic rotation angle contributes significantly to estimating the muscle activity level around the waist, measurements of lateral tilt and anterior-posterior curvature of the waist do not directly affect the estimation of muscle activity level around the waist and have a relatively low contribution. However, by adding measurements of lateral tilt and anterior-posterior curvature of the waist as variables with relatively low weight coefficients to the evaluation formula for muscle activity level around the waist, it may be possible to more accurately measure the degree of approximation to a form tendency that is conducive to exhibiting walking exercise effects.

[0054] (Muscle activity level of the upper arm) Typically, the activity level of the upper arm muscles, such as the biceps and triceps, increases with large arm swings during walking. The upper arm muscle activity level can be estimated from two variables: arm swing angle and pitch. The estimated muscle activity level y per minute is determined by the qualitative result determination unit 96 using the following estimation formula. y = 4 * d / D + 1 * b / B Here, d represents the average arm swing angle per minute, b represents the pitch per minute, D represents the average arm swing angle, and B represents the generation-average pitch. To weight the data such that the arm swing angle contributes more than the pitch, the weighting coefficient for the arm swing angle is set to, for example, 4, and the weighting coefficient for the pitch is set to, for example, 1.

[0055] For example, if the measured values ​​of arm swing angle and pitch are equal to the generation average, then both d / D and b / B are 1, so y=5, and this value becomes the baseline. If the estimated value y is greater than the baseline value of 5, the muscle activity level of subject 10's upper arm can be evaluated as high. If the estimated value y is less than the baseline value of 5, the muscle activity level of subject 10's upper arm can be evaluated as low.

[0056] Figure 4 shows an example screen displaying estimated muscle activity levels. Screen 120 shows the content displayed on the information terminal 50. The first frame 122 displays the number "6" as the estimated muscle activity level determined by the qualitative result determination unit 96. The second frame 124 represents the generation average ratio of stride length as a stick picture object indicating the magnitude of muscle activity level based on the skeletal structure of a person performing walking motion. As shown in the figure, the first stick picture 123 representing subject 10 is displayed at a skeletal position where the magnitude of muscle activity level differs from that of the second stick picture 125 representing the generation average, visually representing that the subject's activity level is above the generation average. The first stick picture 123 and the second stick picture 125 may also be displayed as walking animations, in which case the magnitude of arm swing, leg movement, and hip sway may be represented by the magnitude of skeletal movement in the animation. In addition, some body parts of the first stick picture 123 that are mainly evaluated as muscle activity levels may be highlighted with specific colors. In the third frame, 126, the measured arm swing angle is displayed using a level indicator 127 and text 128. As shown in the diagram, the level indicated by the level indicator 127 is displayed at the 6th level out of 8 levels, visually representing that it is greater than the standard value, which is the midpoint.

[0057] As shown in the diagram, by indicating that the arm swing angle is the primary evaluation, the muscle activity level estimates displayed in the first frame 122 and the second frame 124 indicate that they are primarily based on an evaluation of the muscle activity level of the upper arm. In other embodiments, if the muscle activity levels of the buttocks and thighs are the primary evaluation, for example, the third frame 126 may indicate that the results are primarily based on an evaluation of stride. In other embodiments, if the muscle activity levels around the waist are the primary evaluation, for example, the third frame 126 may indicate that the results are primarily based on an evaluation of the average rotation angle of the pelvis.

[0058] Figure 5 shows an example screen displaying measured values ​​as qualitative parameters. Screen 120 shows the content displayed on the information terminal 50. Screen 120 contains the fourth frame 132, the fifth frame 134, and the sixth frame 136. In the fourth frame 132, the rotation of the waist is indicated by an arrow in the third stick picture 130, and the level of waist rotation is shown by the level indicator 133. The measured value of the waist rotation angle (for example, a numerical value such as "20.5°") is displayed in characters 135. In the fifth frame 134, the left-right sway of the waist is indicated by an arrow in the third stick picture 130, and the level of sway is shown by the level indicator 133. The measured value of the left-right tilt angle of the pelvis (for example, a numerical value such as "17.3°") is displayed in characters 135. In the sixth frame 136, the level indicator 133 shows the level of the pitch difference between left and right, and the measured value of the pitch difference (for example, a numerical value such as "105 milliseconds") is displayed in letters 135. As shown in this figure, the measured values ​​of the arm swing angle, the anterior-posterior pelvic flexion angle, and the stride and pitch measurements may also be displayed.

[0059] Figure 6 shows an example screen displaying the effects of exercise, divided into quantitative and qualitative parameters. Screen 120 shows the content displayed on the information terminal 50. In the graph in the figure, the horizontal axis represents the amount of exercise, i.e., walking time as walking volume, and the vertical axis represents the quality of exercise, i.e., muscle activity level. Among the matrices in the graph, the first effect object 140 in the upper right, which indicates high quantity and quality of exercise, is a large flame mark indicating complete combustion. The second effect object 142 in the upper left, which indicates low quantity but high quality of exercise, is a small flame mark indicating complete combustion. The third effect object 144 in the lower right, which indicates high quantity but low quality of exercise, is a large flame mark indicating incomplete combustion. The fourth effect object 146 in the lower left, which indicates low quantity and quality of exercise, is a small flame mark indicating incomplete combustion. In the actual screen, by displaying one of the first effect object 140, second effect object 142, third effect object 144, or fourth effect object 146, the level of exercise quantity and quality is visually represented so that it can be grasped at a glance.

[0060] Figure 7 shows an example screen displaying the exercise effects for different body parts. Screen 120 shows the content displayed on the information terminal 50. In this example screen, a human body model 150 is displayed in the center of the screen, and flame-shaped objects are displayed for each body part. For example, the fifth effect object 151 and the sixth effect object 152 are displayed at the locations corresponding to the left and right upper arms. The fifth effect object 151 and the sixth effect object 152 are large flame marks indicating incomplete combustion, similar to the third effect object 144 in Figure 6. This visually shows that the exercise effect for the left and right upper arms was high in quantity but low in quality. For example, the seventh effect object 153 is displayed at the waist. The seventh effect object 153 is a large flame mark indicating complete combustion, similar to the first effect object 140 in Figure 6. This visually shows that the exercise effect for the waist was high in both quantity and quality. For example, the eighth effect object 154 and the ninth effect object 155 are displayed at the locations of the left and right thighs. The eighth effect object 154 and the ninth effect object 155 are large flame marks indicating complete combustion, similar to the first effect object 140 in Figure 6. This visually demonstrates that the exercise had a high level of both quantity and quality in relation to the thighs. In cases where the amount of exercise is low, effect objects similar to the second effect object 142 and the fourth effect object 146 in Figure 6 may be displayed on the target body part. This allows for a quick understanding of the effect of the quantity and quality of exercise on each body part.

[0061] The present invention has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in combinations of their respective components and processing processes, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be generalized to obtain the following embodiments.

[0062] [Aspect 1] A quantitative measurement value acquisition unit that acquires quantitative parameter values ​​indicating the amount of walking, measured by a measuring device worn by the subject, A qualitative measurement unit that acquires at least stride and pitch measurements as qualitative parameters indicating walking form, measured by a measuring device worn by the subject, A quantitative result determination unit that determines the evaluation result of walking volume based on the measured values ​​of the aforementioned quantitative parameters, A qualitative result determination unit determines the evaluation result of walking form based on a predetermined evaluation model that reflects the degree of approximation to a form tendency that is likely to exhibit walking exercise effects, and measured values ​​of the qualitative parameters, An output unit that outputs walking result information including the evaluation results of the walking amount and the evaluation results of the walking form, A gait evaluation system characterized by comprising the following features.

[0063] [Aspect 2] The gait evaluation system according to embodiment 1, characterized in that the qualitative result determination unit determines the evaluation result of the gait form using an evaluation formula set to add weight to at least the stride measurement as a predetermined evaluation model.

[0064] [Aspect 3] The gait evaluation system according to embodiment 1 or 2, characterized in that the stride measurement value is the height ratio of the measured average stride of the subject.

[0065] [Aspect 4] The gait evaluation system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, characterized in that the qualitative result determination unit determines the evaluation result of the gait form using an evaluation formula that calculates the sum of a weighted value of the ratio of the subject's stride-to-height ratio to the average for each attribute level and a value of the ratio of the subject's pitch to the average for each attribute level, as a predetermined evaluation model.

[0066] [Aspect 5] The qualitative measurement value acquisition unit further acquires measurements of pelvic movement as qualitative parameters, The gait evaluation system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, characterized in that the qualitative result determination unit determines the evaluation result of the gait form using an evaluation formula set to add weight to at least the measured value of pelvic movement as a predetermined evaluation model.

[0067] [Aspect 6] The qualitative measurement acquisition unit further acquires a measurement value of the arm swing angle as the qualitative parameter, The walking evaluation system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, characterized in that the qualitative result determination unit determines the evaluation result of the walking form using an evaluation formula set to add weight to at least the measured value of the arm swing angle as a predetermined evaluation model.

[0068] [Aspect 7] The walking evaluation system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, characterized in that the output unit outputs walking result information including whether or not at least one of the walking amount evaluation result and the walking form evaluation result satisfies a predetermined goal achievement condition.

[0069] [Aspect 8] The walking evaluation system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, characterized in that the output unit outputs walking result information including information on the exercise effect for each body part based on the evaluation result of the walking amount and the evaluation result of the walking form.

[0070] [Aspect 9] A quantitative measurement value acquisition unit that acquires quantitative parameter values ​​indicating the amount of walking, measured by a measuring device worn by the subject, A qualitative measurement unit that acquires at least pelvic movement and pitch measurements as qualitative parameters indicating walking form, measured by a measuring device worn by the subject, A quantitative result determination unit that determines the evaluation result of walking volume based on the measured values ​​of the aforementioned quantitative parameters, A qualitative result determination unit determines the evaluation result of walking form based on a predetermined evaluation model that reflects the degree of approximation to a form tendency that is likely to exhibit walking exercise effects, and measured values ​​of the qualitative parameters, An output unit that outputs walking result information including the evaluation results of the walking amount and the evaluation results of the walking form, A gait evaluation system characterized by comprising the following features.

[0071] [Aspect 10] The process of obtaining quantitative parameter measurements indicating the amount of walking, measured by a measuring device worn by the subject, A process for obtaining at least stride and pitch measurements as qualitative parameters indicating walking form, measured by a measuring device worn by the subject, The process of determining the evaluation result of walking volume based on the measured values ​​of the aforementioned quantitative parameters, A process for determining the evaluation result of walking form based on a predetermined evaluation model that reflects the degree of approximation to a form tendency that is likely to exert walking exercise effects, and measured values ​​of the qualitative parameters, A process for outputting walking result information including the evaluation results of the walking amount and the evaluation results of the walking form, A gait evaluation method characterized by comprising the following features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10 Subject, 20 Measurement device, 30 Quantitative measurement acquisition unit, 40 Qualitative measurement acquisition unit, 51 Output unit, 70 Quantitative measurement acquisition unit, 80 Qualitative measurement acquisition unit, 90 Result determination unit, 94 Quantitative result determination unit, 96 Qualitative result determination unit, 99 Output unit, 100 Gait evaluation system.

Claims

1. A quantitative measurement value acquisition unit that acquires quantitative parameter values ​​indicating the amount of walking, measured by a measuring device worn by the subject, A qualitative measurement unit that acquires at least stride and pitch measurements as qualitative parameters indicating walking form, measured by a measuring device worn by the subject, A quantitative result determination unit that determines the evaluation result of walking volume based on the measured values ​​of the aforementioned quantitative parameters, A qualitative result determination unit determines the evaluation result of walking form based on a predetermined evaluation model that reflects the degree of approximation to a form tendency that is likely to exhibit walking exercise effects, and measured values ​​of the qualitative parameters, An output unit that outputs walking result information including the evaluation results of the walking amount and the evaluation results of the walking form, Equipped with, The gait evaluation system is characterized in that the qualitative result determination unit determines the evaluation result of the gait form using an evaluation formula that calculates the sum of a weighted value of the ratio of the subject's stride-to-height ratio to the average for each attribute level and a value of the ratio of the subject's pitch to the average for each attribute level, as a predetermined evaluation model.

2. The gait evaluation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the qualitative result determination unit determines the evaluation result of the gait form using an evaluation formula set to add weight to at least the stride measurement as a predetermined evaluation model.

3. The gait evaluation system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stride measurement value is the height ratio of the measured average stride of the subject.

4. The qualitative measurement value acquisition unit further acquires measurements of pelvic movement as qualitative parameters, The gait evaluation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the qualitative result determination unit determines the evaluation result of the gait form using an evaluation formula set to add weight to at least the measured value of pelvic movement as a predetermined evaluation model.

5. The qualitative measurement acquisition unit further acquires a measurement value of the arm swing angle as the qualitative parameter, The gait evaluation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the qualitative result determination unit determines the evaluation result of the gait form using an evaluation formula set to add weight to at least the measured value of the arm swing angle as a predetermined evaluation model.

6. The walking evaluation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the output unit outputs walking result information including whether or not at least one of the walking amount evaluation result and the walking form evaluation result satisfies a predetermined goal achievement condition.

7. The walking evaluation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the output unit outputs walking result information including information on the exercise effect for each body part based on the evaluation result of the walking amount and the evaluation result of the walking form.

8. A quantitative measurement value acquisition unit that acquires quantitative parameter values ​​indicating the amount of walking, measured by a measuring device worn by the subject, A qualitative measurement unit that acquires at least pelvic movement and pitch measurements as qualitative parameters indicating walking form, measured by a measuring device worn by the subject, A quantitative result determination unit that determines the evaluation result of walking volume based on the measured values ​​of the aforementioned quantitative parameters, A qualitative result determination unit determines the evaluation result of walking form based on a predetermined evaluation model that reflects the degree of approximation to a form tendency that is likely to exhibit walking exercise effects, and measured values ​​of the qualitative parameters, An output unit that outputs walking result information including the evaluation results of the walking amount and the evaluation results of the walking form, Equipped with, The gait evaluation system is characterized in that the qualitative result determination unit determines the evaluation result of the gait form using an evaluation formula that calculates the sum of a value obtained by adding a weight to the ratio of the subject's pelvic rotation angle to the average pelvic rotation angle and a value obtained by calculating the ratio of the subject's pitch to the average for each attribute level, as a predetermined evaluation model.

9. The process of obtaining quantitative parameter measurements indicating the amount of walking, measured by a measuring device worn by the subject, A process for obtaining at least stride and pitch measurements as qualitative parameters indicating walking form, measured by a measuring device worn by the subject, The process of determining the evaluation result of walking volume based on the measured values ​​of the aforementioned quantitative parameters, A process for determining the evaluation result of walking form based on a predetermined evaluation model that reflects the degree of approximation to a form tendency that is likely to exert walking exercise effects, and measured values ​​of the qualitative parameters, A process for outputting walking result information including the evaluation results of the walking amount and the evaluation results of the walking form, Equipped with, The process for determining the evaluation result of the walking form is a walking evaluation method characterized by determining the evaluation result of the walking form using an evaluation formula that calculates the sum of a weighted value of the ratio of the subject's stride-to-height ratio to the average for each affiliation level and a value of the ratio of the subject's pitch to the average for each affiliation level, as a predetermined evaluation model.

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