Information notification device

Abstract

An information notification device (10A) comprises: a longitudinal data storage unit (12) that stores, for a plurality of samples, longitudinal data indicating changes over time in the foot size of a sample; a user data storage unit (13) that stores user data including sex, age, and past foot size of a subject; a foot size prediction unit (14) that predicts, on the basis of the current foot size of the subject and the longitudinal data, a change in the foot size of the subject in a period from the present to a future time point; and a notification processing unit (15) that performs processing to cause a display unit (11) to display the prediction for the change in the foot size of the subject in the period from the present to the future time point.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an information notification device that predicts changes in the foot size of a target person to be predicted and causes the changes to be displayed on a display unit.

Background Art

[0002] Shoes need to be of an appropriate size that fits the foot size of the wearer, such as foot length, foot circumference, and arch height. Wearing shoes of an inappropriate size can cause hallux valgus or shoe friction.

[0003] Since foot size changes with aging, even shoes that are currently optimal for the current foot size may no longer be optimal for the foot size in the future.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an invention that predicts changes in height and notifies the determination result of whether an item of clothing can be worn after a certain period of time. When applying the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 to the prediction of foot size, it is possible to notify the determination result of whether the shoes currently being used can be worn after a certain period of time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Shoe purchasers may purchase shoes of a size appropriate for their future foot size rather than the size currently optimal for their foot size. For example, a purchaser of children's shoes may purchase shoes one size larger so as to be optimal for the foot size at a future point in time in anticipation of the growth of the child.

[0007] However, there are individual differences in how foot size changes with age. Furthermore, even for the same person, the amount of change in foot size over a certain period differs depending on their age in months. Therefore, the appropriate lifespan of a pair of shoes varies from person to person, as well as from person to person and from age in months. As a result, predictions of foot size changes can be inaccurate, leading to situations where purchased shoes quickly become too tight, or shoes remain too large for extended periods after purchase.

[0008] Even if the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied to predicting foot size, it only notifies the result of whether or not shoes can be worn, and it does not provide information on how foot size is predicted to change in the future.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide an information notification device that can notify a user of predictions about future changes in foot size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the information notification device according to the present invention comprises: a longitudinal data storage unit that stores longitudinal data showing the temporal changes in foot size of one sample for multiple samples; a user data storage unit that stores user data including the gender, age, and past foot size of the person to be predicted; a foot size prediction unit that predicts the change in the foot size of the person to be predicted over a period from the present to a future point in time based on the person's current foot size and longitudinal data; and a notification processing unit that performs processing to display the prediction of the change in the foot size of the person to be predicted over a period from the present to a future point in time on a display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The information notification device according to the present invention has the effect of notifying the user of predictions about future changes in foot size. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the configuration of an information notification device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the information notification device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a foot size change notification screen displayed on the display unit of the information notification device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows another example of a foot size change notification screen displayed on the display unit of the information notification device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the configuration of an information notification device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the information notification device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the configuration of an information notification device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the information notification device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a foot size input screen displayed on a terminal device by the information notification device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the configuration of an information notification device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a foot size change notification screen displayed on a terminal device by the information notification device according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows another example of a foot size change notification screen displayed on a terminal device by the information notification device according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows yet another example of a foot size change notification screen displayed on a terminal device by the information notification device according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the configuration of an information notification device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a foot size change notification screen displayed on a terminal device by the information notification device according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an event detail screen that the information notification device according to Embodiment 5 causes the terminal device to display. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing yet another example of a foot size change notification screen that the information notification device according to Embodiment 5 causes the terminal device to display. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information notification device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the information notification device according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a scatter diagram showing an example of the correlation between the father's foot length and the child's foot length. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a scatter diagram showing an example of the correlation between the mother's foot length and the child's foot length. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a scatter diagram showing an example of the correlation between the father's height and the child's foot length. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a scatter diagram showing an example of the correlation between the mother's height and the child's foot length. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the relationship between the annual foot length growth amount and the age. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the relationship between the annual foot length growth amount and the foot length growth achievement rate. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the effect of correction by the prediction value correction unit of the information notification device according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the configuration of the information notification device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the information notification device according to Embodiment 7. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of the foot length growth type of the prediction target person. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the foot length growth type of the prediction target person. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of the foot length growth type of the prediction target person. [Figure 32] Figure 32 shows an example of a leg length growth type for a person being predicted. [Figure 33] Figure 33 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information notification device according to Embodiments 1 to 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of the information notification device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In the embodiments described below, the same or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0014] In the following explanation, we will use the example of foot size being foot length, but foot size can be any measurable dimension, such as foot circumference and arch height, and is not limited to the dimensions of a specific part. Furthermore, foot size may be a combination of dimensions from different parts of the foot, such as foot length, foot circumference, and arch height, or it may be three-dimensional scan data of the subject's foot. In addition, foot size may be considered not only as the size of the foot itself, but also as the dimensions of the part of the shoe corresponding to foot length, foot circumference, and arch height.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 shows the configuration of an information notification device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The information notification device 10A includes a display unit 11 which is a display device for displaying information, a longitudinal data storage unit 12 which stores longitudinal data for multiple samples, which is data tracking the change in foot size over time of one sample, that is, the growth of the foot size of one person, a user data storage unit 13 which stores user data including the gender, age, and past foot size of the person to be predicted, a foot size prediction unit 14 which predicts the change in the foot size of the person to be predicted over a period from the present to a first future point in time based on the person's current foot size and longitudinal data, and a notification processing unit 15 which processes the display of the prediction of the change in the foot size of the person to be predicted over a period from the present to a first future point in time on the display unit 11. The display unit 11 can be a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent display, but other display devices may also be used.

[0016] The information notification device 10A is connected to a foot size measuring device 20. The foot size measuring device 20 measures the current foot length of the person being predicted and outputs the measured current foot length data. The data of the person being predicted is input to the foot size prediction unit 14. The data of the person being predicted is also stored in the user data storage unit 13. Alternatively, the information notification device 10A may be provided with an input interface, and the data of the person being predicted may be input via the input interface. Alternatively, the information notification device 10A may acquire the data of the person being predicted by communicating with another device that stores the data of the person being predicted.

[0017] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the information notification device according to Embodiment 1. In step S11, the foot size prediction unit 14 acquires the current foot length data of the person to be predicted from the foot size measuring device 20.

[0018] In step S12, the foot size prediction unit 14 predicts the change in the subject's foot length based on the subject's current foot length and longitudinal data. For example, the foot size prediction unit 14 calculates the average increase in foot length by age from the longitudinal data and predicts the foot length for each age based on the subject's current age in months, current foot size, and the average increase in foot length by age. The average increase in foot length by age can be calculated by extracting the increase in foot length at the target age from the longitudinal data of a sample of the same gender as the subject and taking the average of multiple samples. The predicted foot length for the birth month at age (X+1) is expressed as the sum of the current foot length and the predicted increase from the present to the birth month at age (X+1). Therefore, if the current age is X and the number of months elapsed since the birth month is Y, the predicted increase from the present to the birth month at age (X+1) is ((average increase in foot length at age X+1)) × (12-Y) / 12. Similarly, the predicted foot length for the birth month at age (X+2) is expressed as the sum of the predicted foot length for the birth month at age (X+1) and the average increase in foot length at age (X+2).

[0019] Furthermore, if at least one of the following is known: the subject's weight, hand size, presence or absence of growing pains, the parent's foot length, the parent's height, and the peak growth period of the parent, the foot size prediction unit 14 may correct the prediction of changes in the subject's foot length based on this information. For example, if the subject's weight or hand size is above the average for their age group, it is expected that their foot length will increase significantly in the future, so the prediction of changes in the subject's foot length can be corrected by applying a positive correction to the foot length. Also, if the subject has growing pains, it is expected that their foot length will increase significantly in the future, so the prediction of changes in the subject's foot length can be corrected by applying a positive correction to the foot length. In addition, if the subject's current age exceeds the peak growth age of their parent, it is expected that future changes in foot length will be smaller, so the prediction of changes in the subject's foot length can be corrected by applying a negative correction to the foot length. Furthermore, since the growth peak of the predicted individual is expected to be around the same age as the growth peak of their parents, if the age of the predicted individual is close to the growth peak age of their parents, the change in the predicted individual's leg length can be corrected by applying a positive correction to the leg length.

[0020] In step S13, the notification processing unit 15 displays a foot size change notification screen 90 on the display unit 11, which represents the predicted change in the foot length of the person being predicted. For example, the notification processing unit 15 displays the predicted change in the foot length of the person being predicted on the display unit 11 using a diagram or image. The diagram may be a scatter plot showing the predicted change in the foot length of the person being predicted using plots on a plane with foot length on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis, but is not limited to this. Lines interpolating between plots may also be displayed alongside the plots. The lines interpolating between plots may be line segments connecting the plots, or they may be approximation curves connecting the plots. The diagram may also be a bar graph, for example.

[0021] Figure 3 shows an example of a foot size change notification screen displayed on the display unit of the information notification device according to Embodiment 1. The foot size change notification screen 90 includes a scatter plot showing the foot length of the person being predicted as a plot on a plane with foot length on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. The foot size change notification screen 90 also shows the standard deviation range 91 and a line 92 indicating the average foot length for the period from the present to five years from now, along with the plot of foot length. Note that the white plots within dashed frames on the foot size change notification screen 90 indicate predicted values ​​for future foot length. By displaying at least one of the standard deviation range 91 and the line 92 indicating the average foot length along with the plot of foot length, it becomes possible to determine whether the person being predicted has a larger or smaller foot length compared to people of the same age.

[0022] Note that the foot size change notification screen 90 shown in Figure 3 has a horizontal axis scale in 1-year increments, but it may be modified to display in 1-month increments through operation via the input interface.

[0023] Figure 4 shows another example of a foot size change notification screen displayed on the display unit of the information notification device according to Embodiment 1. The foot size change notification screen 90 includes a scatter plot showing the foot length of the person being predicted as plots on a plane with foot length on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. The foot size change notification screen 90 displays the past changes in the person being predicted, along with the predicted changes in foot length. Similar to Figure 3, the white plots with dashed borders indicate predicted values ​​for future foot length. In addition, the foot size change notification screen 90 shown in Figure 4 shows solid lines interpolating between plots showing the past foot length of the person being predicted, and dashed lines interpolating between plots showing predicted values ​​for future foot length. By showing the past changes in the person being predicted along with the future changes in foot length, users can more easily recognize the trend of changes in the person's foot length. For example, they can recognize a trend where changes in foot length were small in the past, but will become larger from now on.

[0024] The information notification device 10A according to Embodiment 1 displays a prediction of future changes in foot size on the display unit 11. Users who see the prediction of changes in foot size displayed on the display unit 11 can refer to the predicted value when deciding on the size of shoes to purchase. Therefore, it becomes easier to select shoes that are the right size for the person whose foot size is predicted to change in the future. For example, if the change in foot length was small in the past, but is predicted to be large from now on, the user can choose a larger size when purchasing shoes or purchase shoes earlier. Conversely, if the change in foot length was large in the past, but is predicted to be small from now on, the user can choose a smaller size when purchasing shoes or postpone purchasing shoes.

[0025] Furthermore, cross-sectional data including age-specific foot length data for at least one of the parents, older siblings, and older sisters of the person being predicted may be used. In that case, the foot size prediction unit 14 may correct the predicted value of the change in the foot size of the person being predicted based on the age-specific foot length data for at least one of the parents, older siblings, and older sisters of the person being predicted. Since there is a correlation between the foot lengths of the parents, older siblings, and the foot length of the person being predicted, such correction can improve the accuracy of the prediction of the person's foot length.

[0026] (Embodiment 2) Figure 5 shows the configuration of an information notification device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The information notification device 10B according to Embodiment 2 includes a cross-sectional data storage unit 16 that stores cross-sectional data which is accumulated from foot size data of multiple samples for each gender and age, and a foot size estimation unit 17 that estimates the current foot size of the person to be predicted based on user data and cross-sectional data. The user data also includes data on the height of the person to be predicted or the size of shoes owned by the person to be predicted. Otherwise, it is the same as the information notification device 10A according to Embodiment 1.

[0027] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the information notification device according to Embodiment 2. In step S21, the foot size prediction unit 14 acquires data on the current foot length of the person to be predicted from the foot size measuring device 20. In step S22, the foot size prediction unit 14 determines whether or not it was able to acquire data on the current foot length of the person to be predicted from the foot size measuring device 20. If the current foot length data was not acquired, the result in step S22 is No, and the process proceeds to step S23. If the current foot length data was acquired, the result in step S22 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S24. If the information notification device 10B acquires data on the current foot length by input operation to the input interface, the result in step S22 is Yes if an input operation to the input interface is performed, and No if no input operation is performed. Furthermore, if the information notification device 10B acquires data on the current foot length by communication with another device, the result in step S22 is No if data reception fails due to a communication error, and Yes if data is successfully received.

[0028] In step S23, the foot size estimation unit 17 estimates the current foot size of the person to be predicted based on user data and cross-sectional data. Specifically, it estimates the current foot length of the person to be predicted by substituting the person's age into a foot length prediction regression equation that shows the relationship between age and foot length, which is created based on cross-sectional data of the same gender as the person to be predicted.

[0029] Furthermore, if the dimensions of parts of the human body that correlate with foot size can be measured, the current foot length of the subject can be estimated by substituting the measured values ​​into a foot length prediction regression equation that shows the relationship between the dimensions of those parts and foot length. For example, if the subject's height is known, the current foot length can be estimated by substituting the subject's height into a foot length prediction regression equation that shows the relationship between height and foot length. The foot length prediction regression equation that shows the relationship between the dimensions of parts that correlate with foot size and foot length can be created based on cross-sectional data of the same gender as the subject. Examples of parts of the human body that correlate with foot size include, but are not limited to, hand size and forearm length, in addition to height. Also, even if the dimensions of parts of the human body that correlate with foot size cannot be measured, if the size of the shoes the subject owns is known, the current foot length of the subject can be estimated from the shoe size.

[0030] The operations of steps S24 and S25 are the same as those of steps S12 and S13 of the information notification device 10A according to Embodiment 1. However, if the current foot length of the person to be predicted is estimated, the estimated current foot length of the person to be predicted is used in the processing in steps S24 and S25.

[0031] In the information notification device 10B according to Embodiment 2, even if the current foot length of the person to be predicted is unknown, the foot size prediction unit 14 can predict changes in foot length using the estimated value estimated by the foot size estimation unit 17. Measuring foot length with the foot size measuring device 20 requires removing shoes and socks, which is time-consuming. The foot size estimation unit 17 estimates foot length from dimensions that are easier to measure than foot length, such as height, hand size, or forearm length, so it can predict changes in foot length without causing any inconvenience to the person to be predicted.

[0032] (Embodiment 3) Figure 7 shows the configuration of an information notification device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The information notification device 10C according to Embodiment 3 differs from the information notification device 10B according to Embodiment 2 in that it includes a communication unit 18 and does not include a display unit 11. The information notification device 10C is connected to a terminal device 40 via a network 30. The communication unit 18 is a functional unit that performs communication via the network 30. The connection between the information notification device 10C and the network 30 can be either wireless or wired.

[0033] The terminal device 40 comprises an input unit 41, a display unit 42, and a communication unit 43. The network 30 is, for example, the internet, but may also be a closed network. The terminal device 40 can be a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, but may also be other devices. The input unit 41 can be a keyboard, a pointing device, or a touch panel, but may also be other devices. The display unit 42 can be a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, but may also be other display devices. The communication unit 43 is a functional unit that communicates via the network 30. The connection between the terminal device 40 and the network 30 may be either wireless or wired.

[0034] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the information notification device according to Embodiment 3. In step S31, the notification processing unit 15 determines whether or not the user data of the person to be predicted is stored in the user data storage unit 13. If the user data of the person to be predicted is not stored in the user data storage unit 13, the result in step S31 is No, and in step S32, the user registration screen is displayed on the display unit 42. The user registration screen includes input fields for gender and date of birth. In step S33, the notification processing unit 15 obtains the information entered on the user registration screen and creates user data. If the user data of the person to be predicted is stored in the user data storage unit 13, the result in step S31 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S34.

[0035] In step S34, the notification processing unit 15 displays an initial screen on the display unit 42. The initial screen includes a foot size input screen display button and a skip button. In step S35, the notification processing unit 15 determines whether the foot size input screen display button or the skip button was pressed. If the foot size input screen display button is pressed, the result in step S35 is Yes, and in step S36, the notification processing unit 15 displays the foot size input screen 50 on the display unit 42, and the process proceeds to step S37. On the other hand, if the skip button is pressed, the result in step S35 is No, and in step S37, the notification processing unit 15 displays the foot size change notification screen 90 on the display unit 42. The foot size change notification screen 90 is a screen that, similar to Embodiment 1, displays a prediction of the change in foot length from the present to a future point in time, along with the past changes in the foot length of the person being predicted.

[0036] Figure 9 shows an example of a foot size input screen displayed on a terminal device by the information notification device according to Embodiment 3. The foot size input screen 50 includes a measurement date input field 51, a foot length input field 52, and a complete button 53. The measurement date entered in the measurement date input field 51 and the foot length entered in the foot length input field 52 are sent to the information notification device 10C via the network 30 when the complete button 53 is pressed. The information notification device 10C updates the user data stored in the user data storage unit 13 based on the received measurement date and foot length information. As a result, the past foot length data included in the user data stored in the user data storage unit 13 includes the received measurement date and foot length. The units for displaying foot size, such as foot length, may be changed as appropriate depending on the user's preference or the country in which the user resides. For example, the display may be changed to millimeters or centimeters according to the user's preference. In countries where the metric system is adopted, the display may be in millimeters or centimeters, and in countries where the imperial system is adopted, the display may be in inches.

[0037] The information notification device 10C according to Embodiment 3 displays a foot size change notification screen 90 on the display unit 42 of a terminal device 40 connected via the network 30. Therefore, as long as the terminal device 40 is in an environment where it can be connected to the network 30, the user can view the predicted change in foot length even when away from the information notification device 10C. Accordingly, by using a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet as the terminal device 40, the user can refer to the predicted change in foot length at the shoe store when purchasing shoes and select the size of shoes to buy.

[0038] (Embodiment 4) Figure 10 shows the configuration of an information notification device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The information notification device 10D according to Embodiment 4 includes, in addition to the information notification device 10C according to Embodiment 3, a product specification storage unit 19 that stores the product specifications of shoes. The user data also includes information on shoes that the target person has purchased in the past. The information on shoes purchased in the past includes information on when the target person purchased the shoes most recently and the size of the shoes purchased. The notification processing unit 15 displays on the display unit 42, along with the predicted result of the change in the target person's foot size, the type of shoes to recommend the target person to purchase and the timing of the recommendation, based on the size of shoes that the target person has purchased in the past included in the user data, the prediction result of the foot size prediction unit 14, and the product specifications stored in the product specification storage unit 19.

[0039] The notification processing unit 15 displays at least one candidate timing for recommending the purchase of shoes to the person being predicted on the display unit 42, based on the standard deviation of the predicted change in the person's foot size and the purchase date and size of the shoes included in the information of shoes purchased in the past.

[0040] Figure 11 shows an example of a foot size change notification screen displayed on a terminal device by the information notification device according to Embodiment 4. The foot size change notification screen 90 displays the timing at which it is recommended that the person being predicted purchase shoes, and the type of shoes that are recommended to be purchased. For example, it is possible to encourage the person being predicted to purchase shoes before the shoes they have previously purchased no longer fit their feet. Also, since there are slight differences in size between shoe models even if the stated size is the same, it is possible to recommend the purchase of a model that better fits the person being predicted to purchase shoes. Therefore, the person being predicted can purchase shoes that fit their feet before the shoes they have been wearing no longer fit, and can increase their satisfaction with the purchased shoes.

[0041] In addition, the foot size change notification screen 90 shown in Figure 11 shows two timings when it is recommended that the person being predicted purchase shoes, but it is also possible to show only one timing when it is recommended that the person being predicted purchase shoes, or to show three or more timings.

[0042] Furthermore, when displaying shoes that are recommended for purchase, the notification processing unit 15 may display an image of the shoes and a unified resource location identifier for the website of the e-commerce business that sells the shoes that are recommended for purchase on the display unit 42.

[0043] Figure 12 shows another example of a foot size change notification screen displayed on a terminal device by the information notification device according to Embodiment 4. An image 93 of shoes recommended for purchase and a purchase button 94 associated with a unified resource location identifier for the website of an e-commerce business that sells shoes are displayed on the foot size change notification screen 90. By displaying the image 93 of shoes recommended for purchase on the foot size change notification screen 90, it is possible to prevent users from mistakenly purchasing a different model of shoes when purchasing shoes at a physical store. In addition, since the purchase button 94 is displayed on the foot size change notification screen 90, simply by pressing the purchase button 94, an e-commerce screen where shoes can be purchased can be displayed on the terminal device 40, improving user convenience. Note that if the administrator of the information notification device 10D and the e-commerce business are the same person, the information notification device 10D may be equipped with e-commerce functionality.

[0044] Furthermore, the user data may include information indicating the athletic ability of the person being predicted, and the notification processing unit 15 may determine which shoe product to recommend based on the person's athletic ability and product specifications. Examples of athletic ability include, but are not limited to, sprint times, sprint times, vertical jump height, and the number of lateral jumps.

[0045] In particular, sports shoes are often offered in multiple models tailored to the wearer's performance level. Generally, beginner models prioritize ease of use over performance, while advanced models prioritize performance over ease of use. Therefore, if someone with low athletic ability wears an advanced model, they will not be able to fully utilize the shoe's inherent performance, and as a result, the wearer will not be able to fully demonstrate their performance. Conversely, if someone with high athletic ability wears a beginner model, they will be limited by the shoe's performance, and the wearer will not be able to fully demonstrate their performance. The information notification device 10D according to Embodiment 4 can recommend the purchase of shoes that are easier for the wearer to perform well in by determining the type of shoes to recommend based on the wearer's athletic ability.

[0046] Figure 13 shows yet another example of a foot size change notification screen displayed on a terminal device by the information notification device according to Embodiment 4. The user data includes user registration data 86 registered by the person to be predicted, and the foot size change notification screen 90 displays the changes in foot size over time up to the present, the predicted results of the foot size change, along with images 85 of shoes previously purchased by the person to be predicted and the user registration data 86. Here, the user registration data 86 is text data, but it may also be image data, moving image data, or audio data. In addition, an information collection device, such as a so-called photo server that stores image data and transmits image data to the requesting device in response to a request from another device, may be connected to the information notification device 10D. In this case, the notification processing unit 15 can display the image data acquired from the information collection device on the foot size change notification screen 90. Note that the data acquired from the information collection device may also be data other than image data. By displaying the images 85 of shoes previously purchased by the person to be predicted and the user registration data 86 on the foot size change notification screen 90, the past foot length of the person to be predicted can be linked and displayed together with past events.

[0047] (Embodiment 5) Figure 14 shows the configuration of an information notification device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. The information notification device 10E according to Embodiment 5 includes an event information storage unit 67 that stores information on events in which the predicted person can participate, in addition to the information notification device 10D according to Embodiment 4. Figure 15 shows an example of a foot size change notification screen displayed on a terminal device by the information notification device according to Embodiment 5. The foot size change notification screen 90 displays event information 87 along with the change in the predicted person's foot size. When the input unit 41 of the terminal device 40 performs an operation to indicate participation in an event whose information is displayed on the display unit 42, the notification processing unit 15 displays an event details screen 89 as a pop-up on the display unit 42.

[0048] Figure 16 shows an example of an event details screen displayed on a terminal device by the information notification device according to Embodiment 5. The event details screen 89 displays information such as the event venue and necessary equipment, along with a participation button 891 for registering to participate in the event and a purchase button 892 associated with a unified resource location identifier for the website of an e-commerce business that sells shoes recommended for use at the event. By pressing the purchase button 892 in the input operation on the input unit 41, shoes can be purchased through e-commerce, thus preventing participants from being unable to participate in the event due to forgetting to buy shoes. In addition, by pressing the participation button 891 in the input operation on the input unit 41, participants can easily register to participate in the event.

[0049] Furthermore, for events that have already been registered for, displaying a mark 88 indicating that registration has been completed can deter duplicate registrations. Additionally, on the event details screen 89 for registered events, the "Participate" button 891 may be hidden or disabled.

[0050] The information notification device 10E according to Embodiment 5 displays images of shoes recommended for use by the person being predicted to participate in the event on the foot size change notification screen 90, making it easy for the person being predicted to recognize that they need shoes to participate in the event. Furthermore, a purchase button 892 for purchasing the recommended shoes is displayed on the event details screen 89, allowing the person being predicted to easily purchase the shoes necessary to participate in the event.

[0051] In each of the embodiments described above, there was only one person whose foot length was to be predicted, but the predicted changes in foot length for two or more people may be displayed together. Figure 17 is a diagram showing yet another example of the foot size change notification screen displayed on a terminal device by the information notification device according to Embodiment 5. The foot size change notification screen 90 displays the past changes in foot length and the predicted changes in foot length for two siblings. By displaying the past changes in foot length and the predicted changes in foot length for two people simultaneously, it is possible to easily compare how each person's foot length has changed. In other embodiments as well, similar effects can be obtained by displaying the past changes in foot length and the predicted changes in foot length for two or more people whose foot length is to be predicted together.

[0052] (Embodiment 6) Figure 18 shows the configuration of an information notification device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. The information notification device 10F according to Embodiment 6 includes: a final foot size prediction unit 21 that predicts the final foot size of a person to be predicted based on at least one of the height and foot size of at least one of the father and mother of the person to be predicted; a growth achievement rate calculation unit 22 that calculates the current growth achievement rate of the person to be predicted based on the current foot size of the person to be predicted and the final foot size of the person to be predicted; and a prediction value correction unit 23 that corrects the predicted value of the change in the foot size of the person to be predicted over a period from the present to a future point in time based on the current growth achievement rate of the person to be predicted. In addition, the user data stored in the user data storage unit 13 includes at least one of the height and foot size of at least one of the parents of the person to be predicted.

[0053] The operation of the information notification device 10F according to Embodiment 6 will be described below, using the case where foot size refers to foot length as an example. Note that the same operation can be performed even if foot size refers to foot circumference and arch height, etc. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the information notification device according to Embodiment 6. In step S41, the foot size prediction unit 14 acquires data on the current foot length of the person to be predicted from the foot size measuring device 20. In step S42, the foot size prediction unit 14 predicts the change in the foot length of the person to be predicted based on the current foot length of the person to be predicted and the longitudinal data. In step S43, the final foot size prediction unit 21 predicts the final foot length of the person to be predicted based on at least one of the height and foot length of at least one of the father and mother of the person to be predicted.

[0054] Figure 20 is a scatter plot showing an example of the correlation between the father's foot length and the child's foot length. Figure 21 is a scatter plot showing an example of the correlation between the mother's foot length and the child's foot length. Figure 22 is a scatter plot showing an example of the correlation between the father's height and the child's foot length. Figure 23 is a scatter plot showing an example of the correlation between the mother's height and the child's foot length. The dashed lines in Figures 20, 21, 22, and 23 are regression lines. The plots in Figures 20 and 21 are clustered near the regression line, indicating a positive correlation between the parents' foot lengths and the child's foot length. Therefore, the child's final foot length, which is the foot length at the time growth stops, can be predicted based on the foot length of at least one parent. Similarly, the plots in Figures 22 and 23 are clustered near the regression line, indicating a positive correlation between the parents' height and the child's foot length. Therefore, the child's final foot length can be predicted based on the height of at least one parent. Furthermore, since shoe size corresponds to the wearer's foot length, it is also possible to predict a child's final foot length based on the shoe size of at least one parent instead of the foot length of at least one parent.

[0055] Furthermore, the correlation between a child's foot length and their father's foot length, or their mother's foot length, differs depending on the child's gender. Similarly, the correlation between a child's foot length and their father's height, or their mother's height, also differs depending on the child's gender. For this reason, when the final foot size prediction unit 21 predicts the final foot length of a subject based on at least one of the height and foot length of both the subject's father and mother, it may weight the predicted value based on at least one of the height and foot length of the subject's father and the predicted value based on at least one of the height and foot length of the subject's mother, based on the subject's gender, to predict the subject's final foot length. Predicting the subject's final foot length by weighting it based on the subject's gender can improve the accuracy of the final foot length prediction. The weight of the less correlated predicted value between at least one of the height and foot length of the subject's father and at least one of the height and foot length of the subject's mother may be set to 0. In other words, the final foot length of the person being predicted may be predicted based only on the prediction value that has a greater correlation with either the height or foot length of the person being predicted or the height or foot length of the person being predicted or the mother being predicted. That is, the final foot length of a child does not need to be determined by individually calculating prediction values ​​from the foot length or height of each parent, but can also be calculated from a regression line between the foot length or height of one parent and the foot length of the child.

[0056] In step S44, the growth achievement rate calculation unit 22 calculates the current foot length growth achievement rate of the person to be predicted based on the person's current foot length and their final foot length.

[0057] The leg length growth achievement rate is the ratio of the current leg length to the predicted final leg length. For example, if the final leg length is 26 cm and the current leg length is 20 cm, the leg length growth achievement rate is 20 ÷ 26 = 79.6%. A high leg length growth achievement rate indicates that there is little room for growth to reach the final leg length. Conversely, a low leg length growth achievement rate indicates that there is a large room for growth to reach the final leg length. In other words, a high leg length growth achievement rate suggests that future leg length growth will be small, while a low leg length growth achievement rate suggests that future leg length growth will be large.

[0058] In step S45, the prediction value correction unit 23 corrects the predicted value of the change in the leg length of the person being predicted over the period from the present to a future point in time, based on the person's current leg length growth achievement rate.

[0059] Figure 24 shows the relationship between annual leg length growth and age. Figure 25 shows the relationship between annual leg length growth and the leg length growth achievement rate. Figures 24 and 25 show the change in annual leg length growth for the same sample. In Figures 24 and 25, the dashed line represents the growth peak where the annual leg length growth is maximum. As shown in Figure 24, there are individual differences in the age at which the growth peak, where the amount of leg length growth is greatest, appears. Therefore, it is difficult to correct the predicted value of the change in leg length based on the age of the person being predicted. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 25, when the leg length growth achievement rate is used as the basis, the individual differences in the timing of the peak in annual leg length growth become smaller. In this way, the prediction value correction unit 23 corrects the predicted value of the change in leg length based on the leg length growth achievement rate of the person being predicted, thereby improving the accuracy of the predicted value of the change in leg length of the person being predicted over the period from the present to a future point in time.

[0060] Figure 26 is a diagram showing the effect of correction by the prediction value correction unit of the information notification device according to Embodiment 6. The final foot length predicted by the final foot size prediction unit 21 may not be the same as the final value of the foot length predicted based on the current foot length of the person being predicted and the longitudinal data. In Figure 26, the final foot length predicted by the final foot size prediction unit 21 is larger than the final value of the foot length predicted based on the current foot length of the person being predicted and the longitudinal data.

[0061] Furthermore, in Figure 26, a positive correction is applied to the amount of leg length growth between X% and Y% of the leg length growth achievement rate, and a negative correction is applied to the amount of leg length growth between Y% and 100%. As a result, the graph showing the change in leg length is closer to the actual change in leg length than the graph of the predicted value of leg length based on the current leg length of the target person and longitudinal data.

[0062] The information notification device 10F according to Embodiment 6 can predict the final foot length of a person being predicted with high accuracy based on at least one of the height and foot length of at least one of the father and mother of the person being predicted. Furthermore, the information notification device 10F according to Embodiment 6 calculates the current foot length growth achievement rate of the person being predicted based on the highly accurate predicted final foot length, and corrects the predicted value of the foot length based on the current foot length growth achievement rate. Therefore, the predicted value of the foot length after correction by the prediction value correction unit 23 of the information notification device 10F according to Embodiment 6 is likely to have a small difference from the actual foot length.

[0063] The operation in step S46 is the same as the operation in step S13 of the information notification device 10A according to Embodiment 1. However, the change in the predicted person's foot length displayed on the display unit 11 is corrected based on the predicted person's foot length growth achievement rate.

[0064] The information notification device 10F according to Embodiment 6 corrects the predicted value of foot length change based on the foot length growth achievement rate, thereby enabling highly accurate prediction of the foot length of the person being predicted. Therefore, users who see the predicted foot length change displayed on the display unit 11 can more easily select shoes that are the appropriate size for the person being predicted to have future foot length.

[0065] (Embodiment 7) Figure 27 shows the configuration of an information notification device according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. The information notification device 10G according to Embodiment 7 differs from the information notification device 10F according to Embodiment 6 in that it includes a growth type estimation unit 24 that estimates a foot size growth type representing the growth pattern of the foot size of the person to be predicted, based on past changes in the foot size of the person to be predicted.

[0066] In the information notification device 10G according to Embodiment 7, the prediction value correction unit 23 further corrects the predicted value of the foot size of the person to be predicted for the period from the present to a future point in time, which has been corrected based on the person's current growth achievement rate, based on the person's foot size growth type.

[0067] The operation of the information notification device 10G according to Embodiment 7 will be described below, using the case where foot size is foot length as an example. Note that the same operation can be performed even if foot size is foot circumference and arch height. Figure 28 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the information notification device according to Embodiment 7. The processing from step S51 to step S55 is the same as the processing from step S41 to step S45 of the information notification device 10F according to Embodiment 6. In step S56, the growth type estimation unit 24 estimates a foot length growth type, which is a foot size growth type representing the growth pattern of the foot length of the person to be predicted, based on the past changes in the foot length of the person to be predicted. Note that if foot size is foot circumference, the foot size growth type estimated by the growth type estimation unit 24 will be a foot circumference growth type, and if foot size is arch height, the foot size growth type estimated by the growth type estimation unit 24 will be an arch height growth type.

[0068] Figures 29, 30, 31, and 32 illustrate examples of leg length growth types for individuals being predicted. Figure 29 shows a late-blooming type where leg length growth is below average during the early years, but above average at older ages. Figure 30 shows an early-blooming type where leg length growth is above average during the early years, but below average at older ages. Figure 31 shows a consistently large-legged type where leg length growth is always above average throughout the growth period. Figure 32 shows a consistently small-legged type where leg length growth is always below average. Note that leg length growth types are not limited to the four examples shown.

[0069] If the current leg length is below average and the final leg length is around average, the growth type estimation unit 24 determines that the leg length growth type of the person being predicted is a late-blooming type. If the current leg length is above average and the final leg length is around average, the growth type estimation unit 24 determines that the leg length growth type of the person being predicted is an early-blooming type. If the current leg length is above average and the final leg length is above average, the growth type estimation unit 24 determines that the leg length growth type of the person being predicted is a consistently large type. If the current leg length is below average and the final leg length is less than average, the growth type estimation unit 24 determines that the leg length growth type of the person being predicted is a consistently small type.

[0070] In step S57, the prediction value correction unit 23 corrects the predicted value of the change in the leg length of the person being predicted over the period from the present to a future point in time, based on the leg length growth type of the person being predicted.

[0071] Even if the current leg length growth achievement rate is the same, the amount of change in leg length from now on will differ if the leg length growth type is different. For this reason, the prediction value correction unit 23 further corrects the predicted value of the leg length of the subject from the present to a future point in time, which has been corrected based on the subject's current leg length growth achievement rate, based on the subject's leg length growth type. That is, if the subject is a late-growing type or a consistently large-growing type, the predicted value of leg length is corrected so that the amount of growth from now on will be large. On the other hand, if the subject is an early-growing type or a consistently small-growing type, the predicted value of leg length is corrected so that the amount of growth from now on will be small.

[0072] The operation in step S58 is the same as the operation in step S46 of the information notification device 10F according to Embodiment 6. However, the change in the predicted person's foot length displayed on the display unit 11 has been corrected based on the predicted person's foot length growth achievement rate and foot length growth type.

[0073] Thus, the information notification device 10G according to Embodiment 7 can predict changes in the leg length of a person being predicted with high accuracy because it further performs corrections based on the leg length growth type of the person being predicted.

[0074] Next, the hardware configuration of the information notification devices 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, and 10G in each of the above embodiments will be described. Figure 33 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information notification device according to Embodiments 1 to 7. Figure 33 shows the hardware configuration when the functions of the information notification devices 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, and 10G are realized by using hardware that executes a program.

[0075] The information notification devices 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, and 10G each include a processor 81 that performs various processes, a built-in memory 82, a storage device 83 that stores information, and an interface circuit 84 for inputting information to the information notification devices 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, and 10G and outputting information from the information notification devices 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, and 10G. The processor 81 reads programs stored in the storage device 83 into the memory 82 and executes them. The longitudinal data storage unit 12, user data storage unit 13, cross-sectional data storage unit 16, product specification storage unit 19, and event information storage unit 67 are implemented by the storage device 83. The communication unit 18 is implemented by the interface circuit 84.

[0076] The configurations shown in the embodiments described above are merely examples of the content of the present invention, and can be combined with other known technologies. It is also possible to omit or modify parts of the configuration without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, although the above description uses the example of changes in a child's foot size, it can also be applied to changes in the foot size of adults or the elderly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 10A,10B,10C,10D,10E,10F,10G Information notification device, 11,42 Display unit, 12 Longitudinal data storage unit, 13 User data storage unit, 14 Foot size prediction unit, 15 Notification processing unit, 16 Cross-sectional data storage unit, 17 Foot size estimation unit, 18,43 Communication unit, 19 Product specifications storage unit, 20 Foot size measuring device, 21 Final foot size prediction unit, 22 Growth achievement rate calculation unit, 23 Prediction value correction unit, 24 Growth type estimation unit, 30 Network, 40 Terminal device, 41 Input unit, 50 Foot size input screen, 51 Measurement date input field, 52 Foot length input field, 53 Complete button, 67 Event information storage unit, 81 Processor, 82 Memory, 83 Storage device, 84 Interface circuit, 85 Image of shoes previously purchased by the prediction target, 86 User registration data, 87 Event information, 88 Mark, 89 Event details screen, 90 Foot size change notification screen, 91 Standard deviation range, 92 Line showing average foot length, 93 Image of shoes recommended for purchase, 94,892 Purchase button, 891 Participate button.

Claims

1. A longitudinal data storage unit that stores longitudinal data showing the temporal changes in foot size of one specimen for multiple specimens, A user data storage unit that stores user data including the gender, age, and past shoe size of the person to be predicted, A foot size prediction unit calculates the average increase in foot length by age from the longitudinal data, and predicts the change in the foot size of the subject of prediction over a period from the present to a future point in time by summing the current foot size of the subject of prediction with the average increase in foot length. A notification processing unit that performs processing to display on the display unit the predicted change in the foot size of the person to be predicted during the period from the present to the aforementioned future point in time, A final foot size prediction unit predicts the final foot size of the person to be predicted based on the height and foot size of at least one of the father and mother of the person to be predicted, A growth achievement rate calculation unit calculates the current growth achievement rate of the person to be predicted based on the person's current foot size and the person's final foot size. The system includes a prediction value correction unit that corrects the predicted value of the change in the foot size of the person being predicted over the period from the present to the future time, based on the current growth achievement rate of the person being predicted. The final foot size prediction unit predicts the final foot size of the person to be predicted based on at least one of the height and foot size of the person to be predicted, the person to be predicted based on the height and foot size of the person to be predicted, and the person to be predicted based on the gender of the person to be predicted, by weighting the predicted value based on at least one of the height and foot size of the person to be predicted and the predicted value based on at least one of the height and foot size of the person to be predicted.

2. The information notification device according to claim 1, wherein the notification processing unit displays the prediction of the change in the foot size of the person to be predicted on the display unit using a diagram or image.

3. The information notification device according to claim 2, wherein the diagram represents the prediction of changes in the foot size of the person to be predicted by plotting it on a plane with foot size on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis.

4. The information notification device according to claim 3, wherein the diagram displays interpolation lines between plots in conjunction with the plots on the display unit.

5. The system includes a growth type estimation unit that estimates a foot size growth type representing the growth pattern of the foot size of the person being predicted, based on past changes in the foot size of the person being predicted. The growth type estimation unit determines the foot size growth type to be a late-maturing type if the current foot size of the person to be predicted is below average and the final foot size is around average; determines the foot size growth type to be an early-maturing type if the current foot size of the person to be predicted is above average and the final foot size is around average; determines the foot size growth type to be a normal-large type if the current foot size of the person to be predicted is above average and the final foot size is above average; and determines the foot size growth type to be a normal-small type if the current foot size of the person to be predicted is below average and the final foot size is less than average. The information notification device according to claim 1, wherein the prediction value correction unit further corrects the predicted value of the change in the foot size of the person to be predicted during the period from the present to the future time, which has been corrected based on the current growth achievement rate of the person to be predicted, based on the foot size growth type of the person to be predicted.

6. It is equipped with a product specification memory unit that stores the product specifications of shoes, The user data includes information on shoes previously purchased by the person being predicted. The information notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the notification processing unit displays on the display unit the type of shoes to recommend the person to purchase and the timing to recommend the purchase, based on the shoe sizes previously purchased by the person to be predicted, which are included in the user data, the prediction results of the foot size prediction unit, and the product specifications stored in the product specifications storage unit, together with the prediction results of changes in the person's foot size.

7. The user data includes information indicating the athletic ability of the person being predicted, The information notification device according to claim 6, wherein the notification processing unit determines a shoe product that corresponds to the product specifications suitable for the athletic ability of the person to be predicted as the shoe product to be recommended for purchase.

8. The aforementioned information on shoes purchased in the past includes information on the most recent purchase date and size of the shoes purchased by the person being predicted. The information notification device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the notification processing unit causes the display unit to display at least one candidate timing for recommending the purchase of shoes to the person being predicted, based on the standard deviation of the prediction of the change in the foot size of the person being predicted during the period from the present to the future time, and the purchase date and the size of the shoes purchased, which are included in the information of shoes purchased in the past.

9. The information notification device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the notification processing unit causes the display unit to display an image of shoes recommended for purchase by the target person and a unified resource location identifier for the website of an e-commerce business that sells the shoes recommended for purchase.

10. The system includes an event information storage unit that stores information about events that the predicted target person can participate in, The notification processing unit displays the event information on the display unit along with the predicted result of the change in the foot size of the person being predicted. The information notification device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein when an operation to indicate participation in the event is performed on the display unit, the display unit displays a unified resource location identifier for the website of an e-commerce business that sells shoes recommended for use when participating in the event.

11. The information notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the notification processing unit performs a process to display the changes in the foot size of the person to be predicted up to the present on the display unit, in conjunction with the prediction of changes in the foot size of the person to be predicted.

12. The information notification device according to claim 11, wherein the notification processing unit causes the display unit to display a graph of the changes in the foot size of two or more prediction target persons over time up to the present, and a prediction of the changes in the foot size of the prediction target persons from the present to the future point in time.

13. The user data includes user registration data registered by the person to be predicted, The information notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the notification processing unit causes the display unit to display at least one of the following: the change in foot size over time up to the present, the predicted change in foot size from the present to the future, an image of shoes previously purchased by the person being predicted, the user registration data, and information obtained from the information collection device.

14. The user data includes data on the height of the person to be predicted or the size of the shoes the person to be predicted owns. A cross-sectional data storage unit stores cross-sectional data that accumulates foot size data of multiple samples for each sex and age, The information notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a foot size estimation unit that estimates the current foot size of the person to be predicted based on the user data and the cross-sectional data.

15. The aforementioned cross-sectional data includes age-specific foot size data for at least one of the parents, older brothers, and older sisters of the person being predicted. The information notification device according to claim 14, wherein the foot size prediction unit corrects the predicted value of the change in the foot size of the person to be predicted over the period from the present to the future time, based on age-specific foot size data of at least one of the parent, older brother, and older sister of the person to be predicted.

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