Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

An information processing device 60 comprises: an acquisition unit 64; a correction unit 68; a conversion unit 70; and a storage unit 74. The acquisition unit 64 acquires foot shape data in a prescribed data format. The correction unit 68 detects, from the foot shape data, a prescribed measurement direction for defining the size of a foot, and corrects the foot shape data so that the measurement direction is a direction common to a target data format. The conversion unit 70 converts the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format. The storage unit 74 stores the foot shape data corrected by the correction unit 68 and converted by the conversion unit 70 as normalized foot shape data.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

[0002] A technology is known that can easily measure a user's foot size based on an image of the user's foot (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The technology described in Patent Document 1 allows a user to easily measure their own foot size, which can be used to select footwear of the appropriate size for the user's foot. Patent Document 1 also describes that a three-dimensional model (foot shape model) of the user's foot can be generated.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 059716

[0004] Foot shape model data (hereinafter referred to as "foot shape data") obtained using the technology described in Patent Document 1 and the like exists in a variety of data formats. Furthermore, the foot orientations defined in the foot shape data vary depending on the foot shape measurement method, etc. This makes it difficult to process multiple pieces of foot shape data at once or to compare different sets of foot shape data.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can improve the ease of handling foot shape data.

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires foot shape data in a predetermined data format, a correction unit that detects a predetermined measurement direction that defines a foot size from the foot shape data and corrects the foot shape data so that the measurement direction is a direction common to a target data format, a conversion unit that converts the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format, and a storage unit that stores the foot shape data corrected by the correction unit and converted by the conversion unit as normalized foot shape data.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method including the steps of acquiring foot shape data in a predetermined data format, detecting a predetermined measurement direction that defines a foot size from the foot shape data and correcting the foot shape data so that the measurement direction is a common direction to a target data format, converting the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format, and storing the corrected and converted foot shape data as normalized foot shape data.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to perform the following functions: acquire foot shape data in a predetermined data format, detect a predetermined measurement direction that defines a foot size from the foot shape data and correct the foot shape data so that the measurement direction is a common direction to a target data format, convert the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format, and store the corrected and converted foot shape data as normalized foot shape data.

[0009] In addition, any combination of the above components, or mutual substitution of the components or expressions of the present disclosure between methods, devices, programs, temporary or non-temporary storage media storing programs, systems, etc., are also valid aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a technique can be provided that can improve the ease of handling foot shape data.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of an information processing system. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing system shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conversion unit shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic outline of foot shape data viewed from directly above. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic three-dimensional homologous model. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the information processing device shown in Fig. 1.

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

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system 100. The information processing system 100 includes a measuring device 15, such as a three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 and an information terminal 16, and an information processing device 60. The three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 serving as the measuring device 15 scans the foot shape of a user 10. Either the three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 or the information terminal 16 may be used alone, or both may be used in combination. The information terminal 16 serving as the measuring device 15 is, for example, a mobile phone terminal, and photographs the feet of the user 10 using a built-in camera. The user 10 may operate the measuring device 15 to photograph their own feet, or someone other than the user 10, such as a shoe store clerk, may operate the measuring device 15 to photograph the feet of the user 10. Alternatively, the measuring device 15 may be configured to automatically photograph the feet of the user 10.

[0014] The three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 acquires foot shape data of the user 10 by laser measurement. In this specification, "foot shape data" includes point cloud data in a three-dimensional coordinate system. The three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 transmits the foot shape data to the information processing device 60. The three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 may also transmit the foot shape data to a database 90 shown in FIG. 2.

[0015] The information terminal 16 may capture an image of the user 10's feet so that a predetermined reference object is reflected in the image. Here, the "reference object" is a comparison object for measuring the user 10's foot length and foot width based on the image, and is a flat or three-dimensional object whose size and shape are predetermined. This "reference object" may be a general-purpose object or a dedicated object as long as its size and shape are defined. A general-purpose object can be paper of a specified size, such as A4 size (210 mm x 297 mm) or letter size. White paper is preferred, but other colors are also acceptable. In this case, the user 10 may place their feet on the A4 paper and photograph their feet using the information terminal 16. A dedicated object can be the measurement mat 12 shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the user 10 may place their feet on the measurement mat 12 and photograph their feet using the information terminal 16. Whether a general-purpose object or a dedicated object is used as the reference object, someone other than the user 10 may photograph the user's feet using the information terminal 16. The information terminal 16 may capture an image of the feet of the user 10 without using a reference object.

[0016] The information terminal 16 may acquire multiple images by photographing the user's 10's feet from multiple angles. This allows for an image that captures the contours of the toes and heels and the contours of both the left and right sides of the forefoot and midfoot, making it possible to include information on foot length and foot width in the image. The information terminal 16 may acquire at least one image of the user's 10's feet photographed from above, with a part of the user's 10's foot, such as the heel, aligned with a predetermined position on a reference object. This allows for the position of a part of the user's 10's foot, such as the heel, to be identified in the image even if the part of the user's 10's foot is not directly visible in the image, making it possible to include information on foot length and foot width in the image.

[0017] As described above, the information terminal 16 captures an image of the user 10's feet (hereinafter referred to as a "foot image") to obtain an image of the foot shape of the user 10. The foot image may be a plurality of images or a single image. The foot image may also be a moving image based on a plurality of images acquired in chronological order. The information terminal 16 may generate foot shape data based on the foot image. The information terminal 16 transmits at least one of the foot image and the foot shape data to the information processing device 60. When the information terminal 16 transmits the foot image to the information processing device 60, the information processing device 60 generates foot shape data based on the received foot image. In the following description, it is assumed that the information terminal 16 transmits the foot shape data to the information processing device 60.

[0018] If the information terminal 16 has a three-dimensional scanner function using technology such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), it may scan the area around the foot and acquire foot shape data directly. Even if the information terminal 16 does not have a three-dimensional scanner function using LiDAR or the like, it may acquire foot shape data using image synthesis processing such as photogrammetry. In these cases, the information terminal 16 transmits the foot shape data to the information processing device 60. The information terminal 16 may transmit the foot shape data to the database 90 shown in FIG. 2 , similar to the three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18.

[0019] The information processing device 60 is, for example, a server computer connected to multiple 3D foot shape measuring devices 18 and information terminals 16 via a network line such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network) or a communication means such as wireless communication. When the information processing device 60 is a server computer, the information processing device 60 may be configured as a single server computer or a combination of multiple server computers.

[0020] The information terminal 16 and the information processing device 60 may each be configured as a mobile terminal or computer including a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an auxiliary storage device, a display device, a communication device, etc., and a program stored in the mobile terminal or computer. For example, the information processing device 60 may be configured so that a program executed on the information terminal 16 is accessed via a communication means. However, the functions of the information processing system 100 may be realized by a standalone device having the functions of the information terminal 16 and the information processing device 60, and the standalone device may be configured to execute a program. The standalone device may be a program-executable personal computer, a mobile device such as a smartphone, or a tablet device. Alternatively, the standalone device may be a program-executable terminal installed in a shoe store.

[0021] The "information processing device" in the claims may refer to the entire information processing system 100 or may refer to the information processing device 60. In this embodiment, since the information processing device 60 is provided with many of the characteristic functions included in the "information processing device" in the claims, the information processing device 60 essentially corresponds to the "information processing device."

[0022] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of information processing system 100. As shown in Figure 2, information processing system 100 may further include a database 90. Each functional block shown in Figure 2 and other figures can be realized in terms of hardware using elements or mechanical devices such as a computer processor or memory, or in terms of software using a computer program, etc., but here, functional blocks realized by the cooperation of these elements are depicted. These functional blocks can be realized in various ways using hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0023] The three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18, the information terminal 16, the information processing device 60, and the database 90 are connected to each other via a network 40. The information terminal 16 includes an operation processing unit 22, an imaging unit 24, a display unit 26, a communication unit 28, and a presentation unit 30.

[0024] The operation processing unit 22 accepts operation inputs from the user 10. The operation processing unit 22 accepts instructions from the user 10 regarding the start of a series of programs. The display unit 26 starts displaying the contents of the foot shape measurement program on a screen and displays details regarding the measurement procedure based on the instructions accepted by the operation processing unit 22. In terms of hardware, the operation processing unit 22 and the display unit 26 may be configured, for example, as a touch panel.

[0025] The imaging unit 24 photographs the feet of the user 10 and acquires foot images based on instructions received by the operation processing unit 22. In terms of hardware, the imaging unit 24 may be configured, for example, by a camera module. The communication unit 28 transmits at least one of the foot images and foot shape data and other data to the information processing device 60 via the network 40. The communication unit 28 receives data such as normalized foot shape data from the information processing device 60. The normalized foot shape data will be described later. In terms of hardware, the communication unit 28 may be configured, for example, by a wireless communication module for wireless LAN communication, mobile phone communication, or the like.

[0026] The presentation unit 30 visualizes the normalized foot shape data received from the information processing device 60 and presents it to the user 10 through a screen display on the display unit 26. The presentation unit 30 may have the same functions as a presentation unit 72 of the information processing device 60, which will be described later. Furthermore, at least one of the functions of these "presentations" may be realized by the information terminal 16 alone, or by the information processing device 60 alone, or may be realized by cooperation between the information terminal 16 and the information processing device 60. That is, after the information terminal 16 receives the normalized foot shape data, the presentation unit 30 of the information terminal 16 may convert the normalized foot shape data into display data and perform visualization processing, or the presentation unit 72 of the information processing device 60 may convert the normalized foot shape data into display data and perform visualization processing, and then transmit the converted display data to the information terminal 16.

[0027] The information processing device 60 includes a communication unit 62, an acquisition unit 64, a determination unit 66, a correction unit 68, a conversion unit 70, a storage unit 74, and a presentation unit 72. The communication unit 62 receives foot shape data from the three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 or the information terminal 16, and transmits data such as normalized foot shape data to the three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 or the information terminal 16. The communication unit 62 may receive foot shape data stored in a database 90, or may transmit data such as normalized foot shape data to the database 90. In terms of hardware, the communication unit 62 may be configured with a communication module such as a wired LAN.

[0028] The acquisition unit 64 acquires foot shape data. The foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit 64 has a predetermined data format. Foot shape data has different data formats depending on the type, and the data format of the foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit 64 is one of a plurality of data formats. Foot shape data in any data format includes point cloud data in a three-dimensional coordinate system. Specifically, the foot shape data may be data consisting of only point clouds, or may be data consisting of point clouds and lines connecting the point clouds. The point clouds included in the foot shape data are mainly arranged at positions that form the outline of the foot.

[0029] Differences in data formats depending on the type of foot shape data include, for example, differences in the arrangement and number of point cloud data. For example, there are data formats in which point clouds are arranged at regular intervals along the foot length direction of the foot shape data, data formats in which point clouds are arranged at irregular intervals, and data formats in which point clouds are arranged according to predetermined conditions such as anatomical features. Furthermore, differences in data formats depending on the type of foot shape data may be due to differences in measurement conditions or measurement methods when acquiring the foot shape data, and are likely to appear as differences in file name extensions. Foot shape data may be used in different data formats depending on the purpose. Furthermore, foot shape data may be managed in different databases for each data format.

[0030] The foot directions included in the foot shape data are not necessarily uniform. That is, each time the acquisition unit 64 acquires foot shape data, it may acquire foot shape data including feet in various directions. The foot directions included in the foot shape data may be determined according to the data format of the foot shape data, or may be unrelated to the data format of the foot shape data. That is, even if the foot shape data has the same data format, the foot directions included in the foot shape data may differ.

[0031] When the foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit 64 is based on the feet of the user 10, the foot shape data may be associated with identification information of the user 10. The identification information of the user 10 is information that enables the user 10 to be identified from other users, and may be, for example, account information used in a foot shape data management service described below. Whether or not to associate the foot shape data with the identification information of the user 10 may be selectable, and the user 10 may select this via the information terminal 16, for example.

[0032] The determination unit 66 determines whether the data format of the foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit 64 is the same as the target data format. The target data format is a data format obtained by conversion by the conversion unit 70, which will be described later, in order to unify the data format of the foot shape data. The determination unit 66 also determines whether a predetermined measurement direction detected from the foot shape data is a direction common to the target data format. The predetermined measurement direction will be described later. Note that the determination by the determination unit 66 is not an essential process.

[0033] The correction unit 68 detects a predetermined measurement direction that defines the foot size from the foot shape data. The correction unit 68 corrects the foot shape data so that the measurement direction is a direction common to the target data format. The correction unit 68 may perform the above-mentioned correction process when the determination unit 66 determines that the measurement direction is not a direction common to the target data format. The "measurement direction" may be any direction used to measure foot size, including, for example, the foot length direction, the foot width direction, the foot height direction, etc. As described above, even if the foot shape data has the same data format, the foot orientation included in the foot shape data may differ. Therefore, the correction unit 68 corrects the foot orientation included in the corrected foot shape data so that it is a certain orientation. In this specification, this orientation is referred to as a "direction common to the target data format." Note that the measurement direction may be defined depending on the target data format.

[0034] The correction unit 68 may detect the measurement direction using any known method. For example, the correction unit 68 detects the foot length direction as the measurement direction using the following method. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the contour line of the foot shape data 120 viewed from directly above. First, the correction unit 68 extracts the contour line of the foot shape data 120 viewed from directly above, as shown in FIG. 4. Then, the correction unit 68 determines the midpoint M between the lateral point MF of the contour, which is located 60-70% from the heel point H, the most extreme end of the heel, and the medial point MT of the contour, which is located 65-75% from the heel point H, within the range between the maximum and minimum values ​​in the vertical axis direction of the coordinate system of the foot shape data 120. The correction unit 68 then determines the line connecting the heel point H and the midpoint M as the long axis of the foot, and detects the direction along the long axis as the foot length direction.

[0035] 3 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the conversion unit 70. The conversion unit 70 includes a data conversion unit 82. The data conversion unit 82 converts the data format of the foot shape data into a target data format. If the determination unit 66 determines that the data format of the foot shape data is not the same as the target data format, the data conversion unit 82 may convert the data format into the target data format.

[0036] The conversion unit 70 may further include a model storage unit 84. The model storage unit 84 stores in advance a group of three-dimensional coordinates representing the anatomical features of the foot as a three-dimensional homologous model. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a three-dimensional homologous model 140. The three-dimensional homologous model 140 is a model that defines a group of coordinates representing the anatomical features of an average foot in three-dimensional space. The group of coordinates representing the anatomical features of an average foot is obtained in advance based on foot samples obtained from a large number of subjects. A predetermined number of contour points, for example, 295 points, are defined in the three-dimensional homologous model 140. The three-dimensional homologous model 140 shown in FIG. 5 is composed of the 295 contour points and lines connecting the contour points. As shown in FIG. 5, each contour point is assigned a unique ID (in the range of 1 to 295).

[0037] The conversion unit 70 performs data conversion, for example, as follows. First, the conversion unit 70 detects anatomical features of the foot from the foot shape data before conversion. For example, the conversion unit 70 detects a coordinate group indicating the anatomical features of the foot from the three-dimensional coordinate group indicated by the point cloud data of the foot shape data before conversion. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3 , the conversion unit 70 may further include a contour detection unit 86. The contour detection unit 86 then detects the foot contour from the foot shape data before conversion. The contour detection unit 86 may detect the foot contour from the point cloud included in the foot shape data, or, if the foot shape data includes lines connecting the point clouds, may detect the foot contour using information about the lines. The contour detection unit 86 may detect a position indicating the anatomical features of the foot from the point cloud included in the foot shape data before conversion, or a point cloud closest to that position.

[0038] Next, the conversion unit 70 aligns the three-dimensional coordinate group of the three-dimensional homologous model 140 stored in the model storage unit 84 with the foot shape defined in the pre-conversion foot shape data based on the anatomical features of the pre-conversion foot shape data. For example, the conversion unit 70 brings the three-dimensional coordinate group of the three-dimensional homologous model 140 closer to the coordinate group indicating the anatomical features of the foot detected from the pre-conversion foot shape data. Alternatively, the data conversion unit 82 moves the contour of the three-dimensional homologous model 140 toward the contour of the foot shape data to a position where the sum of the positional differences between the three-dimensional coordinate group of the three-dimensional homologous model 140 and the detection points included in the contour of the foot shape data is minimized. In this way, the data conversion unit 82 brings the three-dimensional homologous model closer to the contour of the foot shape data. The positional difference between the contour points of the three-dimensional homologous model 140 and the detection points on the contour of the foot shape data is expressed, for example, by the following equation (1):

[0039] Sum of position differences=Σ{Wi(detected point j−contour point i)} (1) where Wi=weight, 1≦i≦295, 1≦j≦maximum number of detected points

[0040] The data conversion unit 82 brings the three-dimensional homologous model 140 closer to the contour of the foot shape data by deforming the three-dimensional homologous model 140 so as to minimize the position difference calculated by the above equation (1). In this way, the data conversion unit 82 converts the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format. The number of contour points of the three-dimensional homologous model 140 is not limited to 295. The more contour points of the three-dimensional homologous model 140, the more accurate the reproduction of the foot shape becomes but the larger the data volume becomes, and vice versa; therefore, the number can be set according to the purpose.

[0041] The conversion unit 70 may convert the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format using a model other than the three-dimensional homologous model 140. In this case, the model storage unit 84 may pre-store a predetermined number of point cloud data to be used in the target data format. The conversion unit 70 may further include a thinning unit 88 and a complementing unit 89. If the number of point cloud data included in the pre-conversion foot shape data is greater than the number of point cloud data to be used in the target data format, the thinning unit 88 performs a thinning process on the point cloud data included in the pre-conversion foot shape data. The thinning process is a process of reducing the number of point cloud data by deleting some point clouds. By performing the thinning process on the point cloud data included in the pre-conversion foot shape data by the thinning unit 88, it is possible to obtain effects such as a reduction in processing time due to a reduction in the amount of calculations involved in the conversion process, a reduction in data volume, and a reduction in display and loading time. Note that the thinning unit 88 does not need to perform the thinning process on coordinate groups representing anatomical features among the three-dimensional coordinate groups represented by the point cloud data of the pre-conversion foot shape data. This allows the conversion unit 70 to appropriately perform conversion using the three-dimensional homology model 140 .

[0042] Conversely, if the number of point cloud data included in the pre-conversion foot shape data is smaller than the number of point cloud data to be used in the target data format, the complementing unit 89 performs complementing processing on the point cloud data included in the pre-conversion foot shape data. The complementing processing is processing to increase the number of point cloud data by adding other point clouds to positions such as on lines connecting point clouds. In this way, the converting unit 70 may perform at least one of thinning processing and complementing processing on the point cloud data included in the pre-conversion foot shape data so that the number of point cloud data included in the pre-conversion foot shape data becomes the number of point cloud data to be used in the target data format.

[0043] The conversion unit 70 may perform the following preprocessing before the data conversion by the data conversion unit 82. For example, the contour detection unit 86 detects the contour of the foot based on the point cloud data included in the foot shape data before conversion. The data conversion unit 82 converts the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format using point cloud data located at a distance equal to or less than a predetermined threshold from the detected contour. In other words, the data conversion unit 82 excludes point cloud data that is farther away from the detected contour than the predetermined threshold from the data to be converted into the target data format. This makes it possible to reduce noise.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, the thinning unit 88 performs a thinning process on the point cloud data included in the foot shape data before conversion. The data conversion unit 82 converts the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format using the point cloud data after the thinning process. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of calculation involved in the conversion process. Note that if the number of point cloud data in the foot shape data before conversion is sufficiently greater than the number of point cloud data in the target data format, performing the thinning process as preprocessing is unlikely to result in a significant difference in the converted data.

[0045] 2 , the storage unit 74 stores, as normalized foot shape data, the foot shape data that has been acquired by the acquisition unit 64, determined by the determination unit 66, and processed by the correction unit 68 and the conversion unit 70 in accordance with the determination result. That is, the normalized foot shape data has a measurement direction that is the same as the target data format, and a data format that is the target data format. In this way, the foot shape data is stored in the storage unit 74 as normalized data with a unified direction and data format. As described above, the normalized foot shape data includes point cloud data in a three-dimensional coordinate system.

[0046] The storage unit 74 may store the normalized foot shape data in association with at least one piece of information on the foot length, foot width, and foot height defined in the pre-conversion foot shape data. This allows simple information on the foot size included in the foot shape data to be stored together with the normalized foot shape data. The storage unit 74 may also store at least one piece of information on the foot length, foot width, and foot height defined in the pre-conversion foot shape data as normalized data. In other words, the storage unit 74 does not necessarily have to store this information in association with the normalized foot shape data. The normalized data may also be, for example, shape information on a predetermined part of the foot shape included in the foot shape data. The shape information is, for example, toe information that defines the appearance of the toe region. The toe region is not limited to the region of the toes themselves, such as the first to fifth toes, but may also be a region closer to the heel, for example, a region including the MP joint. The toe information includes at least one of the following: toe width, toe length, toe orientation, nail shape, external shape of the toes, spacing between the toes, and external shape around the MP joints. The information stored in the storage unit 74 may be stored in an external database 90.

[0047] If the foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit 64 is associated with the identification information of the user 10, the storage unit 74 may store the normalized foot shape data in association with the identification information of the user 10. This makes it easier to manage the normalized foot shape data for each user 10. It also makes it easier to link with a foot shape data management service used by the user 10. Furthermore, if the target data format is a data format that can reduce the data size compared to the data format of the foot shape data before conversion, it is possible to reduce the storage capacity of the normalized foot shape data.

[0048] The presentation unit 72 visualizes the normalized foot shape data and transmits it to the information terminal 16 via the communication unit 62, thereby presenting it to the user 10. When visualizing the normalized foot shape data, the presentation unit 72 may perform an appropriate complement process for display to provide a smoother display mode.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing system 100. The information processing system 100 includes an integrated database 210, a first service database 220, a second service database 230, a third service database 240, a user terminal 260, and an administrator terminal 270. The integrated database 210 is a database server that mainly has the functions of an information processing device 60. The user terminal 260 and the administrator terminal 270 mainly have the functions of an information terminal 16. Although Fig. 6 shows first to third service databases 220 to 240, the number of these is not limited to three and may be two, or four or more.

[0050] The user terminal 260 is a terminal used mainly by those who provide their own foot shape data, such as the user 10. The first to third service databases 220 to 240 are database servers for providing different foot shape data management services. The administrator terminal 270 is a terminal used by those who manage and operate the first to third service databases 220 to 240, researchers, etc.

[0051] The user terminal 260 is connected to each of the first to third service databases 220 to 240 via a network or the like, and transmits foot shape data to one of the first to third service databases 220 to 240 depending on the service being used. The first to third service databases 220 to 240 store foot shape data in different data formats. The administrator terminal 270 is connected to each of the first to third service databases 220 to 240 via a network or the like, and accesses the first to third service databases 220 to 240 depending on the type of service being provided.

[0052] The integrated database 210 is connected to each of the first to third service databases 220 to 240 via a network or the like, and converts the foot shape data stored in each of the first to third service databases 220 to 240 and stores the converted foot shape data. The integrated database 210 also stores each normalized foot shape data in association with the original foot shape data stored in each of the first to third service databases 220 to 240.

[0053] The user terminal 260 and the administrator terminal 270 are connected to the integrated database 210 via a network or the like, and, as necessary, access the normalized foot shape data stored in the integrated database 210. Furthermore, the user terminal 260 and the administrator terminal 270 also access, as necessary, the original foot shape data stored in each of the first to third service databases 220 to 240 associated with the respective normalized foot shape data.

[0054] As described above, even when multiple services manage foot shape data in different data formats, the information processing system 100 can improve convenience by linking the database servers used for each service. Furthermore, the information processing system 100 can use normalized foot shape data with a unified data format and foot orientation while taking advantage of the advantages of each service. Furthermore, standardizing the data format and foot orientation using normalized foot shape data makes it easier for researchers to analyze even when a large amount of normalized foot shape data has been accumulated, thereby shortening the development time for services and products. Furthermore, compared to using foot shape data with inconsistent data formats and foot orientations, using normalized foot shape data increases the amount of data that can be analyzed in the same amount of time, thereby improving the reliability of the analysis results. Furthermore, because the integrated database 210 manages the normalized foot shape data, stores and other locations do not need to store and manage foot shape data individually, thereby reducing the man-hours required by store staff. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of a unified format for foot shape data, such as normalized foot shape data, will deepen the public's understanding of the parameters used in such a unified format and improve the interpretability of feet.

[0055] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the information processing device 60. The acquisition unit 64 acquires foot shape data (S10). The determination unit 66 determines whether a predetermined measurement direction detected from the foot shape data is a direction common to the target data format (S12). If the determination unit 66 determines that the predetermined measurement direction is a direction common to the target data format (Y in S12), the process proceeds to step S16. If the determination unit 66 determines that the predetermined measurement direction is not a direction common to the target data format (N in S12), the correction unit 68 corrects the foot shape data so that the measurement direction of the foot shape data is a direction common to the target data format (S14), and the process proceeds to step S16.

[0056] In step S16, the determination unit 66 determines whether the data format of the foot shape data is the same as the target data format (S16). If the determination unit 66 determines that the data format of the foot shape data is the same as the target data format (Y in S16), the process proceeds to step S20. If the determination unit 66 determines that the data format of the foot shape data is not the same as the target data format (N in S16), the conversion unit 70 converts the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format (S18), and the process proceeds to step S20.

[0057] In step S20, the storage unit 74 stores the foot shape data to be processed as normalized foot shape data, and then the process ends. In the above-described process, the information processing device 60 may execute the processes of steps S12 and S14 after the processes of steps S16 and S18. In other words, the order in which the correction process by the correction unit 68 and the conversion process by the conversion unit 70 are executed is not particularly limited.

[0058] The above-described embodiment may be a program for causing a computer to implement the functions for implementing the above-described method, or a recording medium for storing the program. The recording medium for storing such a program may be a non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable storage medium, such as a non-volatile memory, a magnetic storage medium such as a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk, or an optical storage medium such as an optical disk.

[0059] The above is a description of an embodiment. This embodiment is merely an example, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment can be generalized to provide the following aspects.

[0060] [Aspect 1] An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires foot shape data in a predetermined data format; a correction unit that detects a predetermined measurement direction that defines a foot size from the foot shape data and corrects the foot shape data so that the measurement direction is a direction common to a target data format; a conversion unit that converts the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format; and a storage unit that stores the foot shape data corrected by the correction unit and converted by the conversion unit as normalized foot shape data.

[0061] The information processing device according to this aspect corrects the measurement direction of the acquired foot shape data so that it is consistent with the target data format, converts the data format to the target data format, and stores the data as normalized foot shape data. This makes it possible to obtain normalized foot shape data with a unified data format and aligned foot shape orientations, thereby improving the ease of handling foot shape data. For example, this provides advantages such as facilitating simultaneous processing of multiple foot shape data and facilitating comparison of foot shape data.

[0062] [Aspect 2] The information processing device according to Aspect 1, wherein the predetermined data format may be any one of a plurality of data formats, and the information processing device may further include a determination unit that determines whether the data format of the foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit is identical to the target data format, and the conversion unit may convert the data format into the target data format when it is determined that the data format of the foot shape data is not identical to the target data format.

[0063] According to this aspect, it is possible to efficiently convert the data format of foot shape data that is not in the same data format as the target data format.

[0064] [Aspect 3] In the information processing device according to Aspect 2, the determination unit may further determine whether the measurement direction detected from the foot shape data is a direction common to the target data format, and the correction unit may correct the foot shape data when it is determined that the measurement direction is not a direction common to the target data format.

[0065] According to this aspect, the measurement direction of foot shape data that is not a common direction for the target data format can be efficiently corrected.

[0066] [Aspect 4] The information processing device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the pre-conversion foot shape data and the normalized foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit may each include point cloud data in a three-dimensional coordinate system, and the conversion unit may convert the pre-conversion foot shape data into the target data format by pre-storing a group of three-dimensional coordinates indicating anatomical features of the foot as a three-dimensional homologous model, detecting the anatomical features of the foot from the pre-conversion foot shape data, and aligning the group of three-dimensional coordinates of the three-dimensional homologous model with a foot shape defined in the pre-conversion foot shape data based on the anatomical features of the pre-conversion foot shape data.

[0067] According to this aspect, the data format of the foot shape data is converted into a target data format using a three-dimensional homologous model based on the anatomical characteristics of the foot, so that the target data format can be a data format that includes contour points in areas that are relatively important in measuring various foot sizes.

[0068] [Aspect 5] In the information processing device according to Aspect 4, the conversion unit may detect a contour from the foot shape data before conversion, and convert the three-dimensional homologous model into the target data format by moving the contour of the three-dimensional homologous model toward the detected contour to a position where a sum of positional differences between the group of three-dimensional coordinates and coordinate points included in the detected contour is minimized, thereby bringing the three-dimensional homologous model closer to the detected contour.

[0069] According to this aspect, the contour of the three-dimensional homologous model can be made to closely approximate the contour detected from the foot shape data with high accuracy.

[0070] [Aspect 6] The information processing device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the pre-conversion foot shape data and the normalized foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit may each include point cloud data in a three-dimensional coordinate system, and the conversion unit may store in advance a predetermined number of point cloud data to be used in the target data format, and perform at least one of a thinning process and a complementation process on the point cloud data included in the pre-conversion foot shape data so that the number of point cloud data included in the pre-conversion foot shape data becomes the number of point cloud data to be used in the target data format.

[0071] According to this aspect, even if the number of point cloud data included in the foot shape data before conversion differs from the number of point cloud data used in the target data format, the data format can be appropriately converted.

[0072] [Aspect 7] In the information processing device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, the storage unit may store the normalized foot shape data in association with at least one piece of information among a foot length, a foot width, and a foot height defined in the foot shape data before conversion acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0073] According to this aspect, the normalized foot shape data is stored in association with information defining the foot size, which further improves ease of handling of the foot shape data.

[0074] [Aspect 8] The information processing device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the pre-conversion foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit may include point cloud data in a three-dimensional coordinate system, and the conversion unit may detect a foot contour based on the point cloud data included in the pre-conversion foot shape data, and perform the conversion using point cloud data located at a distance equal to or less than a predetermined threshold from the contour.

[0075] According to this aspect, conversion is performed using point cloud data included in the foot shape data before conversion that is relatively close to the foot contour, so normalized foot shape data with reduced noise can be generated.

[0076] [Aspect 9] The information processing device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the foot shape data before transformation acquired by the acquisition unit may include point cloud data in a three-dimensional coordinate system, and the conversion unit may perform a thinning process on the point cloud data included in the foot shape data before transformation, and perform the conversion using the point cloud data after the thinning process.

[0077] According to this aspect, the thinning process is performed before converting the data format of the foot shape data, so that the amount of calculation involved in the conversion process can be reduced.

[0078] [Aspect 10] The information processing device according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the storage unit may store the pre-conversion foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit and the normalized foot shape data in association with each other.

[0079] According to this aspect, since the pre-conversion foot shape data and the post-conversion foot shape data can be mutually referenced, it is possible to select the foot shape data to be used depending on the purpose, for example.

[0080] [Aspect 11] An information processing method including: a step of acquiring foot shape data in a predetermined data format; a step of detecting a predetermined measurement direction that defines a foot size from the foot shape data and correcting the foot shape data so that the measurement direction is a direction common to a target data format; a step of converting the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format; and a step of storing the corrected and converted foot shape data as normalized foot shape data.

[0081] According to the information processing method of this aspect, the acquired foot shape data is corrected so that the measurement direction is consistent with the target data format, the data format is converted to the target data format, and the data is stored as normalized foot shape data. This makes it possible to obtain normalized foot shape data with a unified data format and a uniform foot shape orientation, thereby improving the ease of handling foot shape data. For example, it becomes easy to process multiple foot shape data at once, making it easier to compare foot shape data.

[0082] [Aspect 12] A program for causing a computer to perform the following functions: acquire foot shape data in a predetermined data format; detect a predetermined measurement direction that defines a foot size from the foot shape data, and correct the foot shape data so that the measurement direction is a direction common to a target data format; convert the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format; and store the corrected and converted foot shape data as normalized foot shape data.

[0083] According to the program of this aspect, the acquired foot shape data is corrected so that the measurement direction is consistent with the target data format, the data format is converted to the target data format, and the data is stored as normalized foot shape data. This makes it possible to obtain normalized foot shape data with a unified data format and a uniform foot shape orientation, thereby improving the ease of handling foot shape data. For example, it becomes easy to process multiple foot shape data at once, making it easier to compare foot shape data.

[0084] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

[0085] 60 Information processing device, 64 Acquisition unit, 66 Determination unit, 68 Correction unit, 70 Conversion unit, 74 Storage unit, 100 Information processing system, 120 Foot shape data, 140 Three-dimensional homologous model.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires foot shape data in a predetermined data format; a correction unit that detects a predetermined measurement direction that determines a foot size from the foot shape data and corrects the foot shape data so that the measurement direction is a direction common to a target data format; a conversion unit that converts the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format; and a memory unit that stores the foot shape data corrected by the correction unit and converted by the conversion unit as normalized foot shape data.

2. The information processing device of claim 1, further comprising a judgment unit that judges whether the data format of the foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit is identical to the target data format, and when it is determined that the data format of the foot shape data is not identical to the target data format, the conversion unit converts the data format into the target data format.

3. The information processing device of claim 2, wherein the determination unit further determines whether the measurement direction detected from the foot shape data is a direction common to the target data format, and the correction unit corrects the foot shape data when it is determined that the measurement direction is not a direction common to the target data format.

4. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pre-conversion foot shape data and the normalized foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit each include point cloud data in a three-dimensional coordinate system, and the conversion unit pre-stores a group of three-dimensional coordinates indicating anatomical features of the foot as a three-dimensional homology model, detects the anatomical features of the foot from the pre-conversion foot shape data, and converts into the target data format by aligning the group of three-dimensional coordinates of the three-dimensional homology model to a foot shape defined in the pre-conversion foot shape data based on the anatomical features of the pre-conversion foot shape data.

5. The information processing device of claim 4, wherein the conversion unit detects a contour from the pre-conversion foot shape data, and converts the three-dimensional homology model into the target data format by moving the contour of the three-dimensional homology model toward the detected contour to a position where the sum of position differences between the three-dimensional coordinate group and the coordinate points included in the detected contour is minimized, thereby bringing the three-dimensional homology model closer to the detected contour.

6. An information processing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pre-conversion foot shape data and the normalized foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit each include point cloud data in a three-dimensional coordinate system, and the conversion unit pre-stores a predetermined number of point cloud data to be used in the target data format, and performs at least one of a thinning process and a complementation process on the point cloud data included in the pre-conversion foot shape data so that the point cloud data included in the pre-conversion foot shape data becomes the number of point cloud data to be used in the target data format.

7. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the memory unit stores the normalized foot shape data in association with at least one of information on foot length, foot width and foot height defined in the pre-conversion foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the pre-conversion foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit includes point cloud data in a three-dimensional coordinate system, and the conversion unit detects a foot contour based on the point cloud data included in the pre-conversion foot shape data, and performs the conversion using point cloud data located at a distance equal to or less than a predetermined threshold from the contour.

9. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pre-conversion foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit includes point cloud data in a three-dimensional coordinate system, and the conversion unit performs a thinning process on the point cloud data included in the pre-conversion foot shape data, and executes the conversion using the point cloud data after the thinning process.

10. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the storage unit stores the pre-conversion foot shape data acquired by the acquisition unit and the normalized foot shape data in association with each other.

11. An information processing method comprising: a step of acquiring foot shape data in a predetermined data format; a step of detecting a predetermined measurement direction that defines a foot size from the foot shape data and correcting the foot shape data so that the measurement direction is a direction common to a target data format; a step of converting the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format; and a step of storing the corrected and converted foot shape data as normalized foot shape data.

12. A program for causing a computer to realize the following functions: acquiring foot shape data in a specified data format; detecting a specified measurement direction that determines foot size from the foot shape data and correcting the foot shape data so that the measurement direction is a common direction to a target data format; converting the data format of the foot shape data into the target data format; and storing the corrected and converted foot shape data as normalized foot shape data.

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