Cranial shape correction helmet management system, cranial shape correction helmet management method, and program

Abstract

Provided are a cranial shape correction helmet management system, a cranial shape correction helmet management method, and a program that can improve the efficiency of data management and exchange of data or the like related to a cranial shape correction helmet between a clinician and a manufacturer. A cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 comprises: a doctor-side terminal 2 used by a clinician; a manufacturing-side terminal 4 used by a manufacturer of a cranial shape correction helmet 7 on the basis of shape data related to the shape of the head of a subject 100; and a server 3 for inputting and outputting helmet information and shape data related to the cranial shape correction helmet 7 between the doctor-side terminal 2 and the manufacturing-side terminal 4. The server 3 receives the shape data from the doctor-side terminal 2, transmits the received shape data to the manufacturing-side terminal 4, receives helmet information from the manufacturing-side terminal 4, and transmits the received helmet information to the doctor-side terminal 2.

Description

Cranial shape correction helmet management system, cranial shape correction helmet management method and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a cranial shape corrective helmet management system, a cranial shape corrective helmet management method, and a program.

[0002] Conventionally, cranial shape correction helmets that correct the shape of the head of subjects such as infants who have cranial deformities that require treatment, such as plagiocephaly, have been known. Patent Document 1, for example, describes this type of cranial shape correction helmet.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a skull correction helmet for babies that is designed based on the external shape of the baby's head and includes an exterior member for pressing against the head to correct the skull shape, and an interior member attached to the inside of the exterior member for cushioning the irritation to the head caused by the exterior member.

[0004] JP 2015-183330 A

[0005] Incidentally, cranial shape correction helmets are manufactured by specialized manufacturers based on images or 3D data acquired by a doctor or other therapist performing a 3D scan of the patient's head shape. Cranial shape correction helmets must have an appropriate shape for treatment, and it is desirable for the therapist to check the design data before manufacturing. However, treatment is not limited to a single patient; the design data must be checked before manufacturing for each patient. Furthermore, both the therapist and the manufacturer must manage data for each patient, leaving room for improvement in terms of management efficiency.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a cranial shape correction helmet management system, a cranial shape correction helmet management method, and a program that can streamline the exchange and management of data related to cranial shape correction helmets between therapists and manufacturers.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a cranial shape correction helmet management system that includes a doctor's terminal used by a therapist treating a subject's cranial shape, a manufacturer's terminal used by a manufacturer that manufactures a cranial shape correction helmet to be worn on the subject's head to correct the cranial shape of the subject based on shape data regarding the shape of the subject's head, and a server that inputs and outputs helmet information and shape data regarding the cranial shape correction helmet between the doctor's terminal and the manufacturer's terminal.

[0008] The cranial shape correction helmet management system, cranial shape correction helmet management method, and program of the present invention can improve the efficiency of data exchange and data management related to cranial shape correction helmets between therapists and manufacturers.

[0009] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cranial shape corrective helmet management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a cranial shape corrective helmet managed by the cranial shape corrective helmet management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the shape of the shell of a cranial shape corrective helmet. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a doctor's terminal in the cranial shape corrective helmet management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server in the cranial shape corrective helmet management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server in the cranial shape corrective helmet management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a display example of a three-point reference specification screen including 3D data of an actual head. FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining an example of a method for measuring cranial shape based on three-point references. FIG. 8 is a display example showing a graph of changes in an index indicating distortion of cranial shape over the course of treatment. FIG. 9 is a display example of an order screen displayed on a doctor's terminal by an order management unit. FIG. 10 is a display example of a target data confirmation screen displayed on a doctor's terminal by a target helmet data management unit. FIG. 11 is a display example of a helmet data confirmation screen displayed on a doctor's terminal by a target helmet data management unit. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the head circumference of 3D data showing the actual head shape and the head circumference of the target data. FIG. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between a head circumference growth curve and the head circumference of the target data. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the head circumference of target data without taking delivery date into account and the head circumference of target data taking delivery date into account. FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between the head circumference growth curve and the head circumference of target data taking delivery date into account. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram explaining the calculation of slit width based on head growth. FIG. 4 is a display example of detailed patient data displayed on the doctor's terminal by the patient data management unit. FIG. 5 is a display example of a wearing time screen of the treatment record app on the subject's terminal. FIG. 6 is a display example of a treatment progress graph of the treatment record app on the subject's terminal. FIG. 7 is a display example of 3D data of the treatment record app on the subject's terminal. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a part of the flow of a management process for managing a cranial shape correction helmet. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a part of the flow of a management process for managing a cranial shape correction helmet. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a part of the flow of a management process for managing a cranial shape correction helmet.FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a part of the flow of a management process for managing a cranial shape corrective helmet.

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <Overall System Configuration> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cranial shape corrective helmet management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cranial shape corrective helmet management system 1 is a system for manufacturing a cranial shape corrective helmet 7 that corrects the shape of the head of a subject 100. As shown in Figure 1, the cranial shape corrective helmet management system 1 of this embodiment is configured to include a doctor's terminal 2, a server 3, a manufacturer's terminal 4, and a subject's terminal 5.

[0012] The doctor terminal 2 is an information processing device used by a therapist who provides treatment to the subject 100. The therapist may be, for example, a doctor or a doctor's assistant. The doctor terminal 2 may be, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like.

[0013] The therapist acquires shape data relating to the shape of the head of the subject 100 in order to measure the shape of the head of the subject 100. For example, the therapist performs 3D scanning to capture images of the head of the subject 100 from various angles, and acquires shape data. Examples of shape data include multiple images, videos, and 3D data of the head of the subject 100. In this embodiment, in order to improve the accuracy of measuring the head shape, the subject 100 is photographed while wearing a cap 6 having an identification marker. Note that the cap 6 is not necessarily required for measuring the head shape of the subject 100 in 3D scanning. The captured shape data (3D scan data) is uploaded from the doctor's terminal 2 to the server 3.

[0014] The server 3 is connected to the doctor terminal 2, the manufacturer terminal 4, and the patient terminal 5 via a predetermined communication network such as the Internet. The server 3 is an information processing device that receives (input processing) and provides (output processing) various information for manufacturing the cranial shape corrective helmet 7 to the doctor terminal 2, the manufacturer terminal 4, and the patient terminal 5. The server 3 is configured, for example, by a computer.

[0015] The manufacturing terminal 4 is an information processing device used by a manufacturer that produces the cranial shape corrective helmet 7. The manufacturing terminal 4 is configured, for example, as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, etc. The manufacturer downloads multiple images, videos, or 3D data of the head of the subject 100 from the server 3 via the manufacturing terminal 4, and generates 3D data showing the shape of the head of the subject 100 and manufactures the cranial shape corrective helmet 7 based on the downloaded data.

[0016] The subject terminal 5 is an information processing device used by the subject 100 or a person related to the subject 100. For example, a person related to the subject 100 is a guardian if the subject 100 is an infant. The subject terminal 5 is configured by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, etc.

[0017] The cranial shape correcting helmet 7 is worn on the head of the subject 100 to promote deformation so that the shape of the skull is corrected as the skull grows. The subject 100 may be, for example, an infant or a small child with a cranial deformity requiring treatment, such as plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, or dolichocephaly. Plagiocephaly is a deformed shape in which the skull is not symmetrical but tilted to one side. Brachycephaly is a deformed shape in which the skull is significantly short in the anterior-posterior direction. Dolichocephaly is a deformed shape in which the skull is significantly long in the anterior-posterior direction. Note that the subject 100 is not limited to an infant or a small child.

[0018] Next, an example of the configuration of a cranial shape corrective helmet 7 that is managed by the cranial shape corrective helmet management system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a cranial shape corrective helmet 7 managed by the cranial shape corrective helmet management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the shape of the shell 70 of the cranial shape corrective helmet 7. Figure 3 shows a horizontal cross-section of the shell 70 as viewed in the up-down direction.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the cranial shape correction helmet 7 comprises an annular shell 70, a cushioned inner liner 71 that is positioned inside the shell 70 and comes into contact with the head of the subject 100, and a belt portion 72 for adjusting the shape of the shell 70.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3 , the shell 70 has a cross-sectional shape that is roughly C-shaped in a plan view, forming a head accommodation space Sp inside. The shell 70 also has a gap with a slit width d between one end 73 and the other end 74. The shell 70 can accommodate changes in the head shape of the subject 100 by adjusting the size of the gap with the slit width d. As the subject 100's head grows larger, the belt portion 72 can be adjusted to increase the slit width d, allowing the outer shape of the shell 70 to fit the enlarged head of the subject 100. In this way, the cranial shape correction helmet 7 can adjust the size of the head accommodation space Sp that accommodates the head of the subject 100 depending on the treatment status of the head of the subject 100.

[0021] Note that the shape of the cranial shape correction helmet 7 described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 is just one example, and the objects managed by the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 can include cranial shape correction helmets 7 of various shapes and configurations.

[0022] <Hardware Configuration> Next, an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the cranial shape corrective helmet management system 1 will be described.

[0023] First, an example of the hardware configuration of the doctor's terminal 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the doctor's terminal 2 in the cranial shape corrective helmet management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] 4, the doctor's terminal 2 includes a computer 26, an imaging unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, and a display unit 25. A bus 264 and the like connect these units together.

[0025] The computer 26 includes a processor 261 and a read-only memory (ROM) 262 and a random-access memory (RAM) 263 as main storage devices. The processor 261 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Alternatively, the processor 261 may be a combination of these. The processor 261 may also be a combination of these with a hardware accelerator. The processor 261 controls each component to realize various functions of the doctor terminal 2 based on programs such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 262, the RAM 263, or an auxiliary storage device that is part of the storage unit 22. Note that some or all of these programs may be incorporated into the circuitry of the processor 261.

[0026] The photographing unit 21 is a device that photographs a subject, and mainly includes an imaging lens 211 , an adjustment mechanism 212 , an image sensor 213 , and an A / D conversion unit 214 .

[0027] The imaging lens 211 is configured with a lens that condenses light in order to capture an image of a subject. Examples of the imaging lens 211 include a lens that forms an image of a subject on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 213 and a lens that can freely change the focal length within a certain range.

[0028] The adjustment mechanism 212 is a mechanism for adjusting exposure time, aperture, ISO sensitivity, focal length, and the like.

[0029] The image sensor 213 forms an image of a subject on a light receiving surface having pixels arranged two-dimensionally in a matrix, and converts the image into an electrical signal. The image sensor 213 may be, for example, a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor.

[0030] The A / D converter 214 converts the electrical signal read from the image sensor 213 into a digital signal. An image is formed from the digital signal converted by the A / D converter 214. The image captured by the imaging unit 21 is transmitted to the computer 26, the storage unit 22, the display unit 25, etc.

[0031] The storage unit 22 is a storage area for various programs and various data for causing the hardware group to function as the doctor's terminal 2, and can be configured with ROM, RAM, flash memory, a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), etc. Specifically, the storage unit 22 stores programs for causing the computer 26 to execute each function of this embodiment, the size of the image sensor 213 of the imaging unit 21, the size and shape of the identification marker on the cap 6, quality standards for images (described later), etc.

[0032] The communication unit 23 executes processing for the doctor terminal 2 to communicate with the server 3 and other devices. The communication unit 23 of this embodiment is configured to be capable of wireless communication between the doctor terminal 2 and the server 3.

[0033] The input unit 24 is a user interface electrically connected to the computer 26. The input unit 24 is composed of buttons and a display. The display is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescent (EL) display, and a touch panel that detects the position touched by the user is provided on the image display surface of the display. The user can input information by touching the image display surface of the display.

[0034] The display unit 25 is a user interface electrically connected to the computer 26. The display unit 25 is configured by a display, and displays images and various information transmitted from the photographing unit 21, the storage unit 22, the computer 26, etc.

[0035] In the doctor's terminal 2, the imaging unit 21 may be physically housed in the same housing as the other components, or may be a separate component independent of the housing that houses the other components. In the case of a separate component, the imaging unit 21 may be configured to exchange acquired image information with the other components via wired or wireless communication.

[0036] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the server 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 3 in the cranial shape corrective helmet management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] 5, the server 3 includes a computer 33, a storage unit 31, and a communication unit 32. A bus 334 and the like connect these units together.

[0038] The computer 33 includes a processor 331 and a read-only memory (ROM) 332 and a random-access memory (RAM) 333 as main storage devices. The processor 331 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Alternatively, the processor 331 may be a combination of these. The processor 331 may also be a combination of these with a hardware accelerator or the like. The processor 331 controls each unit to realize various functions of the server 3 based on programs such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 332, the RAM 333, or an auxiliary storage device that is part of the storage unit 31. Note that some or all of the programs may be incorporated into the circuitry of the processor 331.

[0039] The storage unit 31 is a storage area for various programs and various data for causing the hardware group to function as the server 3, and can be configured with ROM, RAM, flash memory, a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), etc. Specifically, the storage unit 31 stores programs for causing the computer 33 to execute each function of this embodiment, images acquired from the doctor's terminal 2, generated 3D data of the head, etc.

[0040] The communication unit 32 executes processing for the server 3 to communicate with the doctor terminal 2 and other devices via the network. The communication unit 32 of this embodiment is configured to be capable of wireless communication between the doctor terminal 2 and the server 3.

[0041] In this embodiment, the manufacturing terminal 4 has a configuration that is the same as or similar to the hardware configuration described in Fig. 5. The target terminal 5 has a configuration that is the same as or similar to the hardware configuration described in Fig. 4.

[0042] <Functional Configuration> Next, various functions realized by the hardware configuration of the server 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, the server 3 includes a data acquisition unit 51, a severity calculation unit 52, an order management unit 53, a target helmet data management unit 54, a treatment period estimation unit 55, a target head circumference calculation unit 56, a slit width calculation unit 57, a patient data management unit 58, an application linkage unit 59, and an interaction means presentation unit 60 as functional units operating on a processor (processor 331).

[0043] The data acquisition unit 51 acquires 3D scan data (multiple images) uploaded from the doctor's terminal 2 and registers it in a patient database constructed in the storage unit 31. The manufacturer downloads the 3D scan data from the server 3 using the manufacturing terminal 4 and creates 3D data showing the actual shape of the head based on the downloaded image data. The data acquisition unit 51 also acquires 3D data of the subject 100 uploaded from the manufacturing terminal 4.

[0044] The severity calculation unit 52 calculates an index indicating the severity based on three reference points specified by the therapist for the 3D data of the actual head. The severity calculation unit 52 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. The three reference points are a nose reference point 101 based on the position of the nose, a left ear reference point 102 based on the position of the left ear, and a right ear reference point 103 based on the position of the right ear. The three reference points are specified by the therapist for the 3D data of the head of the actual subject 100.

[0045] 7 shows an example of a display of a three-reference-point specification screen including 3D data of an actual head. In the example of FIG. 7, a 3D data display section 401, a six-plane display section 402, a cross-sectional display section 403, and a numerical display section 404 are shown.

[0046] The 3D data display unit 401 displays 3D data showing the actual head shape. The therapist can specify three reference points on the 3D data display unit 401. For example, the therapist can specify the three reference points by clicking on the points on the display screen that indicate the three reference points and moving them to the specified location. Alternatively, the processor 331 may automatically identify the locations of the three reference points to specify the three reference points without the therapist's involvement. The six-sided display unit 402 displays a six-sided view of the 3D data. The six-sided view also reflects the display of the three reference points specified by the therapist. The cross-sectional display unit 403 displays a cross-section of the subject's head taken along the third plane, which is the third plane from the bottom, excluding the zeroth plane, when the head is divided into ten parts parallel to the zeroth plane, starting from the plane containing the three reference points. The third plane tends to have the largest head circumference among the ten-part division. The numerical value display unit 404 displays a table showing the numerical values ​​of each index calculated based on the specified three reference points and the numerical values ​​indicating the head shape.

[0047] The calculation of various numerical values ​​by the severity calculation unit 52 will now be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for measuring skull shape based on a three-point reference. As shown in FIG. 8 , the severity calculation unit 52 draws a pair of first and second oblique lines OL1 and OL2 inclined at a predetermined angle θ1 from a nose center line (a line segment representing the anterior-posterior diameter Ln of the head), which is a straight line connecting the nose reference point 101 and the skull center 104 and extending to the occipital side. The predetermined angle is, for example, 30 degrees. The severity calculation unit 52 calculates the intersections of the first and second oblique lines OL1 and OL2 with the head contour 105. The severity calculation unit 52 calculates the length L1 of the first oblique line OL1 inside the contour 105. The severity calculation unit 52 calculates the length L2 of the second oblique line OL2 inside the contour 105. The severity calculation unit 52 calculates the degree of deformation of the skull based on the difference between L1 and L2.

[0048] In this embodiment, the indices calculated by the severity calculation unit 52 are CA (Cranial Asymmetry), CVAI (Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index), and CI (Cephalic Index).

[0049] CA is an index that indicates distortion (plagiocephaly) due to a difference in the shape of the head between the left and right sides. CA is calculated, for example, by the following formula 1. The unit is mm. [Formula 1] CA=|L1-L2|

[0050] CAVI is an index that indicates distortion (degree of plagiocephaly) based on the plagiocephaly ratio. CAVI is calculated, for example, by the following formula 2. The unit is %. [Formula 2] CAVI=(L1-L2) / L2×100

[0051] CI is an index showing distortion (brachycephaly) based on the ratio of the left-right diameter Le to the front-to-back diameter Ln of the head in a plane determined by three reference points. CI may also be used as an index showing the degree of cranial crest. CI is calculated, for example, by the following formula 3. The unit is %. [Formula 3] CI=Le / Ln×100

[0052] The example of the numerical display section 404 in Fig. 7 shows the head shape (head circumference, left-right diameter, front-to-back diameter, etc.) on a plane determined by three reference points, the indices CA, CVAI, CI, etc., the frontal symmetry rate, and the occipital symmetry rate. The corresponding measurement results are also shown for each indices. In this example, the CI measurement result indicates normal, the CA measurement result indicates moderate, and the CVAI measurement result indicates moderate.

[0053] The severity calculation unit 52 can also display a graph plotting each calculated index on the doctor's terminal 2. The therapist can refer to the graph plotting each index to determine the severity of the subject 100 and consider a treatment plan. Figure 9 is an example of a display showing a graph of changes in indices indicating distortion of cranial shape over the course of treatment. Figure 9 shows a first graph display section 411 showing changes in plagiocephaly and a second graph display section 412 showing changes in brachycephaly.

[0054] The first graph display unit 411 displays a graph with the number of treatment days on the horizontal axis and the CVAI or CA on the vertical axis. In the example of FIG. 9 , a graph with the CVAI on the vertical axis is displayed. The first graph display unit 411 displays a predetermined range of CVAI (e.g., a range of 0 to 20%), divided into multiple categories for each diagnostic information corresponding to the measurement results, such as most severe, severe, moderate, mild, and normal. By plotting the CVAI on the first graph display unit 411, the therapist can easily and quickly determine the symptoms and treatment plan. Furthermore, the first graph display unit 411 also plots indices based on periodic 3D scans taken during monthly or twice-monthly examinations, allowing the therapist to easily understand the treatment effect based on changes in the indices over time.

[0055] 9, the first graph display section 411 plots CVAI, but a graph of CA can also be displayed by using the graph display switching section 413, which is an operation section for switching the display. In this case, too, the predetermined range of CA is displayed in multiple sections for each piece of diagnostic information corresponding to the measurement results.

[0056] The second graph display section 412 displays a graph with the number of treatment days on the horizontal axis and the CI on the vertical axis. The second graph display section 412 displays a predetermined range of CI (e.g., a range of 70-120%) divided into multiple categories according to diagnostic information corresponding to the measurement results, such as severe, mild, and normal. By plotting the CI on the second graph display section 412, the therapist can easily and quickly determine the symptoms and treatment plan. Furthermore, the second graph display section 412 also plots indices based on periodic 3D scans taken during monthly or twice-monthly examinations, allowing the therapist to easily grasp the effectiveness of treatment based on changes in the indices over time.

[0057] The severity calculation unit 52 may output notification information to the doctor's terminal 2 to prompt the completion of treatment of the subject 100 based on the indices indicating plagiocephaly, such as CA and CVAI, and the indices indicating brachycephaly, such as CI, which are information generated by the severity calculation unit 52. The notification information may be output as an image on a display, such as the display unit 25, or as audio. The severity calculation unit 52 may be configured to output notification information indicating that the skull shape is severe to the doctor's terminal 2 when the calculated indices exceed a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, when both the indices indicating plagiocephaly and the indices indicating brachycephaly of the subject 100 receiving treatment fall within the normal range for the first time after the start of treatment, the severity calculation unit 52 may output notification information to the doctor's terminal 2 informing the subject 100 that the treatment may be completed if both indices are again within the normal range at the next examination. Then, if both the index indicating plagiocephaly and the index indicating brachycephaly fall within the normal range in two consecutive examinations after treatment has started, the severity calculation unit 52 may urge the patient to complete treatment and output notification information to the doctor's terminal 2 that informs the patient that continuous wearing of the cranial shape correcting helmet 7 is not recommended. This allows the therapist to easily determine the appropriate timing to complete treatment for the subject 100.

[0058] The order management unit 53 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The order management unit 53 receives order information required for helmet production from the therapist, and notifies the manufacturer that a request for helmet production has been made based on the received order information.

[0059] Fig. 10 is an example of an order screen displayed on the doctor's terminal 2 by the order management unit 53. The therapist places an order for the cranial shape correction helmet 7 using the order screen shown in Fig. 10. The example in Fig. 10 shows an order information input section 421, a helmet pattern designation section 422, and an order form creation instruction section 423.

[0060] The order information input section 421 is an operation section that accepts input of information required for ordering, such as patient ID, name of person in charge, email address, gestational age, type of helmet, delivery date, expected fitting date, etc. The helmet pattern designation section 422 is an operation section that presents images of helmet patterns as options and accepts the selected image as order information indicating the designation of the helmet pattern. The order form creation instruction section 423 is an operation section that accepts an instruction to create an electronic order form based on the input content in the order information input section 421 and the selection content in the helmet pattern designation section 422.

[0061] The target helmet data management unit 54 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. The target helmet data management unit 54 acquires target data and helmet data created based on 3D data showing the actual shape of the head. The target helmet data management unit 54 provides the target data and helmet data to the therapist in response to a viewing request from the doctor's terminal 2. The target helmet data management unit 54 of this embodiment acquires the target data and helmet data uploaded from the manufacturer's terminal 4, and displays a confirmation screen for allowing the doctor's terminal 2 to confirm the target data and a confirmation screen for allowing the doctor's terminal 2 to confirm the helmet data.

[0062] Fig. 11 is an example of a display of a confirmation screen for target data displayed on the doctor's terminal 2 by the target helmet data management unit 54. The therapist determines the validity of the target data through the confirmation screen as shown in Fig. 11. On the confirmation screen shown in Fig. 11, 3D data of the actual head shape and target data showing the ideal head shape are displayed superimposed on each other.

[0063] In the example of Figure 11, a three-dimensional display section 501, a six-sided display section 502, a cross-sectional display section 503, a cutting position change section 504, a data A display section 505, a data B display section 506, a display switching section 507, a confirmation point display section 508, and a correction selection section 509 are shown to visually confirm the head shape.

[0064] The three-dimensional display section 501 is a display section that allows the orientation of the head, with 3D data and target data superimposed, to be checked from an oblique angle, and the display orientation can be changed by operating the doctor's terminal 2. The six-sided display section 502 is a display section that displays six views of the head, with 3D data and target data superimposed. The cross-sectional display section 503 is a cutting plane based on three points, and the display position of the cutting plane can be changed by the cutting position change section 504. The data A display section 505 shows the numerical values ​​of the actual head shape (3D data), and the data B display section 506 shows the numerical values ​​of the ideal head shape (target data).

[0065] The display switching unit 507 is an operation unit that changes the display mode, allowing switching between displaying 3D data (data A), displaying target data (data B), and transparent display. The confirmation point display unit 508 displays the judgment criteria for confirming validity in text. The confirmation point display unit 508 shows the judgment criteria for CI and CIAV index values ​​and the judgment criteria for the shape of the target data. The correction selection unit 509 is an operation unit that allows the therapist to select the validity of the target data through the doctor's terminal 2. If the therapist judges the target data to be valid, he / she selects "OK" in the correction selection unit 509, and if the target data needs to be corrected, he / she selects "correction required." The selection result can be confirmed by the manufacturer through the manufacturer's terminal 4.

[0066] Fig. 12 is an example of a helmet data confirmation screen displayed on the doctor's terminal 2 by the target helmet data management unit 54. The therapist determines the validity of the helmet data through the confirmation screen shown in Fig. 12. The confirmation screen shown in Fig. 12 displays 3D data of the actual head shape and data of the helmet to be manufactured superimposed on each other. Note that determining the validity of the helmet data means determining whether the size, shape, etc. of the cranial correction helmet indicated by the helmet data are compatible with head treatment based on the target data from the 3D data indicating the actual head shape.

[0067] In the example of Figure 12, a three-dimensional display section 601, a six-sided display section 602, a cross-sectional display section 603, a cutting position change section 604, a confirmation point display section 608, and a correction selection section 609 are shown to visually confirm the head shape.

[0068] The three-dimensional display section 601 is a display section that allows the orientation of the head, with 3D data and helmet data superimposed, to be checked from an angle, and the display orientation can be changed by operating the doctor's terminal 2. The six-sided display section 602 is a display section that displays six views of the head, with 3D data and helmet data superimposed. The cross-sectional display section 603 is a cut plane based on three points, and displays the cut plane of the helmet data along with the head. The display position of this cross-sectional display section 603 can also be changed by a cut position change section 604. The example of Figure 12 also shows a scan data display section 605 that shows numerical values ​​of the actual head shape.

[0069] The confirmation point display section 608 shows in text judgment criteria based on the positional relationship between the head and face parts and the helmet. This is an operation section that allows the therapist to select the validity of the helmet data via the doctor's terminal 2. If the therapist judges the helmet data to be valid, they select "OK" in the correction selection section 609, and if the helmet data needs to be corrected, they select "correction required." The manufacturer can confirm the selection results via the manufacturer's terminal 4.

[0070] 13 and 14, a method for estimating a treatment period by the treatment period estimation unit 55 will be described. The treatment period estimation unit 55 of this embodiment estimates the treatment period required for the current head circumference to reach the head circumference of the target data.

[0071] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the head circumference of 3D data showing the actual head shape and the head circumference of target data. Fig. 14 is a graph showing the relationship between the head circumference growth curve and the head circumference of target data. The horizontal axis of the graph in Fig. 14 represents age in months, and the vertical axis represents head circumference according to age in months. The curve in the graph is a head circumference growth curve showing the average theoretical head circumference that changes with age in months. For the head circumference growth curve, data issued by a public institution such as the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare can be used, for example.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 13, if the head circumference of the target data is M and the head circumference of the 3D data showing the actual head shape (hereinafter also referred to as the 3D model head circumference) is S, the grown head circumference D can be calculated using the following formula 4. [Formula 4] D=M-S

[0073] The growth rate of infants varies greatly depending on their age in months. Therefore, the treatment period estimation unit 55 calculates the estimated treatment period as the period required for the theoretical head circumference A on the head circumference growth curve at the scan age photographed by the doctor's terminal 2 to grow to the growth head circumference D, rather than the age at which the head circumference M of the target data will be achieved.

[0074] A calculation method using the head circumference growth curve in Figure 14 will be specifically described. In this embodiment, an equation that approximates the curve of the average values ​​for boys and girls using a power series is used. Head circumference can be found using the following equation 5. Age in months can be calculated from equation 5 using equation 6. [Equation 5] Head circumference = 365 x age in months ^t (approximation coefficient) [Equation 6] Age in months = e^(ln(head circumference / 365) / t (approximation coefficient))

[0075] By substituting the scan age for "age in months" in Equation 5, the theoretical head circumference A on the head circumference growth curve is calculated. As described above, by adding the grown head circumference D to this theoretical head circumference A, the theoretical target head circumference Bt on the head circumference growth curve is calculated. By substituting this theoretical target head circumference Bt for "head circumference" in Equation 6, the estimated treatment end age is calculated. The estimated treatment end age indicates the age at which the theoretical target head circumference Bt is reached on the head circumference growth curve. Since the estimated treatment end age is a numerical value indicating the age at which treatment ends, the estimated treatment period is finally calculated by subtracting the scan age from the estimated treatment end age. That is, the treatment period estimation unit 55 of this embodiment estimates the treatment period required to correct the skull shape of an infant or young child as the subject 100 based on the current head circumference measurement results, the head circumference of the target data, and the head circumference growth curve. More specifically, the treatment period estimation unit 55 estimates the treatment period required to correct the infant's cranial shape based on the difference (growth head circumference D) between the current head circumference (3D model head circumference S) and the head circumference of the target data (target data head circumference M), and the head circumference on the head circumference growth curve at the current age in months.

[0076] Next, the target head circumference calculation unit 56 will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. The target head circumference calculation unit 56 calculates the head circumference of target data taking into account the growth of the subject 100 up until the delivery date when the cranial shape corrective helmet 7 is actually delivered to the subject 100 (hereinafter referred to as the target head circumference). The delivery date can also be referred to as the planned date on which the subject 100 will wear the helmet or the planned date of receipt. The head circumference growth curve is also used to calculate the target head circumference taking into account this delivery date.

[0077] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the head circumference of the target data without taking the delivery date into account and the target head circumference with the delivery date into account. There is a waiting period for manufacturing, shipping, etc. before the cranial shape corrective helmet 7 actually arrives to the subject 100. Because the head circumference of infants and young children changes with age, even if the waiting period is set to about two weeks, it is highly likely that the head circumference will have changed from the scan age mentioned above. As shown in Figure 15, it is preferable to set the target head circumference T taking growth into account.

[0078] FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between the head circumference growth curve and the target head circumference taking into account the delivery date. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 16 is age in months, and the vertical axis is head circumference according to age in months. As shown in FIG. 16, the target head circumference calculation unit 56 calculates theoretical head circumference A on the head circumference growth curve by substituting the scan age for "age in months" in Equation 5. Next, the value obtained by adding the number of delivery days to the scan age is substituted for "age in months" in Equation 5 to calculate theoretical head circumference B at the time of delivery. Note that in Equation 5, the number of delivery days is calculated in units that match the age in months.

[0079] The theoretical growth head circumference Dt can be calculated using the following formula 7. By adding this theoretical growth head circumference Dt to the head circumference M of the target data, the target head circumference T taking the delivery date into consideration is calculated. If the head circumference of the target data is M and the theoretical growth head circumference is Dt, the target head circumference T can be calculated using the following formula 8. In this way, in this embodiment, the target head circumference calculation unit 56 calculates the target head circumference T taking the delivery date into consideration. That is, the target head circumference calculation unit 56 of this embodiment calculates the target head circumference taking into consideration the growth of the subject 100 until the delivery date, based on the difference between the head circumference on the head circumference growth line at the current age in months (theoretical head circumference A) and the head circumference on the head circumference growth line at the age at delivery (theoretical head circumference B), and the head circumference of the target data. [Formula 7] Dt = B - A [Formula 8] T = M + Dt

[0080] Next, the slit width calculation unit 57 will be described with reference to Figure 17. When the cranial shape correction helmet 7 is worn for a long time, the correction force of the cranial shape correction helmet 7 causes the minor axis A1 (corresponding to OL1 in Figure 8) of the head to grow, but the length of the major axis B1 (corresponding to OL2 in Figure 8) does not. However, when the cranial shape correction helmet 7 is worn for a short time, the minor axis A1 and major axis B1 may grow to the minor axis A2 and major axis B2 (A1 < A2, B1 < B2).

[0081] Since the cranial shape corrective helmet 7 is manufactured in anticipation of the growth of the subject 100, even if the circumferential length of the head is set so that no gaps are created when the helmet is worn, the head accommodation space Sp can be expanded as the subject grows (see FIG. 3). In the example of FIG. 17, the slit width d is created as the head grows along the long axis B2.

[0082] The slit width calculation unit 57 calculates the slit width d based on the elongation of the long axis (B1, B2) of the head, which affects the shape of the cranial shape correction helmet 7 when it is worn. In other words, the slit width d is information that is determined based on, for example, the long axis B1 of the head of the subject 100 at the start of wearing the cranial shape correction helmet 7, and the long axis B2 of the head of the subject 100 during treatment using the cranial shape correction helmet 7. The slit width calculation unit 57 of this embodiment approximates the circumference as 2πr and calculates the slit width d using the following formula 9 based on the elongated length of the long axis: [Formula 9] d = (B2 - B1) × π

[0083] In this embodiment, as described above, the cranial shape correction helmet 7 is manufactured in anticipation of the growth of the subject 100, and therefore the length of the cranial shape correction helmet 7 in the circumferential direction of the head is set so that no gaps will occur at the start of treatment. In other words, the length of the cranial shape correction helmet 7 in the circumferential direction of the head is set so that no slit width d will occur when the subject 100 begins wearing the cranial shape correction helmet 7. In this embodiment, the long axis B1 at the start of wearing is determined based on the long axis of 3D data showing the actual head shape of the subject 100 obtained by 3D scanning before the start of treatment, and time information such as the date of the 3D scanning and the delivery date of the cranial shape correction helmet 7 to the subject 100. More specifically, the long axis B1 at the start of wearing is the long axis obtained from the long axis of the 3D data by taking into account the growth of the subject 100's head from the time of the 3D scanning to the delivery date of the cranial shape correction helmet 7.

[0084] The slit width calculation unit 57 outputs notification information corresponding to the slit width d based on information regarding the slit width d generated by the unit 57. For example, the slit width calculation unit 57 may be configured to output notification information to the doctor's terminal 2 or the manufacturer's terminal 4 informing the patient that the cranial shape correction helmet 7 should not be used if the slit width d is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 15 mm). If the slit width d exceeds the threshold value, the cranial shape correction helmet 7 currently being worn may not match the head shape of the subject 100 as the patient grows. In this case, the cranial shape correction helmet 7 must be remade based on new 3D data representing the head shape of the subject 100. The therapist or manufacturer can appropriately determine the timing to remake the cranial shape correction helmet 7 using the alert output function. The slit width calculation unit 57 may also output the slit width d generated by the unit 5 as notification information.

[0085] If the slit width d is other than 0, the slit width calculation unit 57 may output to at least one of the doctor's terminal 2 and the subject's terminal 5 notification information informing the subject 100 that the time the cranial shape correction helmet 7 has been worn by the subject 100 may be short, and notification information urging the subject 100 to check whether there are any problems with the wearing of the cranial shape correction helmet 7. This allows the therapist to prompt the subject 100 or a person related to the subject 100 to wear the cranial shape correction helmet 7 for the required time and to inquire about the wearing status at an appropriate time. Furthermore, if there is a problem with the wearing of the cranial shape correction helmet 7, the subject 100 or a person related to the subject 100 can recognize the need to improve the wearing at an appropriate time.

[0086] When the head circumference is equal to or larger than the head circumference M of the target data or equal to or larger than the target head circumference T, and the slit width d of the cranial shape correction helmet 7 worn by the subject 100 is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 10 mm), the server 3 may output notification information to the doctor's terminal 2 indicating that the cranial shape correction helmet 7 may be reaching its wearing limit. This allows the therapist to know in advance that the time to replace the cranial shape correction helmet 7 or to complete the treatment of the subject 100 is approaching, allowing for safer treatment.

[0087] When the head circumference is equal to or larger than the head circumference M of the target data or equal to or larger than the target head circumference T, and the slit width d of the cranial shape correction helmet 7 worn by the subject 100 is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 15 mm), the server 3 may output notification information to the doctor's terminal 2 informing the subject 100 that the cranial shape correction helmet 7 is prohibited from use. This allows the therapist to easily grasp the appropriate timing for replacing the cranial shape correction helmet 7 or completing the subject 100's treatment.

[0088] The server 3 may output notification information based on the condition of the scalp shown in an image of the head of the subject 100 after treatment has started. Specifically, when the server 3 determines that redness or a bedsore is present on the scalp shown in the image of the head of the subject 100 acquired from the subject terminal 5, the server 3 may output notification information that prompts confirmation of the condition of the skin trouble or treatment of the skin trouble. This allows the subject 100 or a person related to the subject 100 to ask the therapist to check the symptoms at any time if any worrisome symptoms such as redness or a bedsore occur on the head of the subject 100, and the therapist can quickly check the symptoms.

[0089] The server 3 may output notification information based on 3D data showing the head shape of the subject 100 after treatment has begun and the head circumference growth curve. For example, if the subject 100 does not deviate from the head circumference growth curve and the head circumference growth is below a predetermined threshold, the server 3 may output notification information encouraging the subject 100 to continue using the cranial shape corrective helmet 7. For example, if the subject 100's head circumference deviates from the head circumference growth curve, the server 3 may output notification information encouraging the subject 100 to check whether there is a possibility of a condition other than positional cranial deformity. This allows the therapist to easily determine when it is necessary to check the treatment status based on more accurate information on the cranial shape treatment status.

[0090] Next, the patient data management unit 58 will be described with reference to Fig. 18. The patient data management unit 58 acquires and presents various information related to the patient to the doctor terminal 2, the manufacturer terminal 4, or the patient terminal 5.

[0091] Fig. 18 is a display example of detailed patient data displayed on the doctor's terminal 2 by the patient data management unit 58. As shown in Fig. 18, the patient data management unit 58 can display various types of information related to the patient on the doctor's terminal 2. In the example of Fig. 18, a patient information display unit 701 and an imaging information display unit 702 are shown.

[0092] The patient information display unit 701 displays various information such as patient ID, sex, date of birth, age in months, gestational age, status (under treatment, ordered, etc.), delivery date of the cranial shape correction helmet 7, planned fitting date, color of the cranial shape correction helmet 7, age in months at first scan, age in months at start of treatment, number of months of treatment / estimated treatment period, current head circumference / estimated target head circumference, etc. When the planned fitting date is entered, information indicating how many days have passed since the first scan is added. Display items for this various information may be specified on the server 3 side depending on access restrictions.

[0093] Among the items displayed on the patient information display unit 701, the age at start of treatment indicates the age in months on the scheduled date of insertion, the number of months of treatment / estimated treatment period indicates the treatment period until the target data head circumference is reached, and the current head circumference / estimated target head circumference etc. indicate the target head circumference taking into account growth until the delivery date.

[0094] The imaging information display unit 702 displays various information such as the imaging date, head circumference, left-right diameter, front-to-back diameter, CI, CA, CVAI, long axis, slit width, memos, etc. The imaging information display unit 702 also includes display instruction units such as "Scan" for displaying an image of 3D data, "Target" for displaying an image of target data, and "Helmet" for displaying an image of helmet data. The imaging information display unit 702 also includes an addition instruction unit "+Image" for adding a captured image or 3D data.

[0095] 19 to 21, the application linking unit 59 will be described. The application linking unit 59 links various information with applications installed on the subject terminal 5. Hereinafter, the application installed on the subject terminal 5 will be described as a treatment record application.

[0096] Fig. 19 is a display example of the wearing time screen of the treatment record app of the subject terminal 5. In the example of Fig. 19, a wearing time display section 810, a wearing time graph display section 811, a subject display section 812, and an entry section 813 are shown.

[0097] The wearing time display section 810 displays numerical values ​​indicating the wearing time of the subject 100, such as today's wearing time, yesterday's wearing time, number of days of wearing, average daily wearing time, total wearing time, etc. The wearing time graph display section 811 displays the wearing record for a predetermined number of days in the past (e.g., 30 days) in a graph (e.g., a line graph) showing the relationship between the number of days and time. The subject display section 812 displays an image of the subject 100. The subject display section 812 displays display images uploaded by the subject 100 or persons related to the subject 100.

[0098] The entry section 813 is a section that accepts input of information related to the wearing time of the subject 100 by the operator of the subject terminal 5. Information related to the wearing time includes the wearing start time, the wearing completion time, notes, images, etc. The operator of the subject terminal 5 taps the entry section 813 to open an input window, and can input information related to the wearing time into the input window.

[0099] In this way, the subject 100 or a person related to the subject 100 (parent) can input the amount of time the cranial shape correction helmet 7 is worn into the server 3 via the subject's terminal 5. If the amount of time worn per day is short, the treatment may not be effective. In conventional technology, it was difficult for the therapist to grasp the amount of time the subject 100 wore the helmet, and it was sometimes impossible to determine whether the lack of effectiveness was due to the amount of time the helmet was worn or to a problem with the shape of the cranial shape correction helmet 7. In this regard, according to this embodiment, the therapist can obtain the amount of time the patient has worn the helmet from the server 3 via the doctor's terminal 2.

[0100] If the input wearing time is inappropriate, the therapist can input that the wearing time is inappropriate to the server 3 from the doctor's terminal 2. The input information is associated with the subject 100 and registered in the patient database. Furthermore, if the wearing time input by the subject 100 or a person related to the subject 100 is inappropriate, the server 3 may notify the therapist by alerting that the wearing time is inappropriate. Furthermore, the subject 100 or a person related to the subject 100 may be notified by alert on the subject's terminal 5 via a treatment record app or the like that the wearing time is inappropriate.

[0101] Fig. 20 is a display example of a treatment progress graph of the treatment record app on the subject terminal 5. In the example of Fig. 20, a plagiocephaly graph display section 821, a brachycephaly graph display section 822, a next examination date display section 823, a display selection section 824, and an entry section 813 are shown.

[0102] The plagiocephaly graph display section 821 displays a graph similar to the first graph display section 411 described in Fig. 9, and the brachycephaly graph display section 822 displays a graph similar to the second graph display section 412 described in Fig. 9. The next examination date display section 823 displays the next examination date. The next examination date can be input by operating the patient terminal 5. The display selection section 824 is an operation section for selecting the display content from a summary screen showing the treatment progress, a 3D data screen, and a helmet screen. In Fig. 20, the summary screen is selected.

[0103] Fig. 21 is a display example of 3D data in the treatment record app of the subject terminal 5. In the example of Fig. 21, a 3D data display section 831, an imaging date selection section 832, a next examination date display section 823, a display selection section 824, and an entry section 813 are shown.

[0104] The 3D data display section 831 displays a 3D model in which the head shape of the subject 100 is superimposed on an ideal head shape based on the target data. The imaging date selection section 832 is an operation section for selecting 3D data to display based on the imaging date. When the date portion of the imaging date selection section 832 is selected, a 3D model in which the head shape of the subject 100 based on the 3D scan imaging on the selected date is superimposed on an ideal head shape based on the target data is displayed. The next examination date display section 823, display selection section 824, and entry section 813 are the same as those described in Figures 19 and 20. In Figure 21, display of 3D data showing the actual head shape by the 3D data display section 831 is selected.

[0105] Next, the dialogue means presentation unit 60 will be described. The dialogue means presentation unit 60 provides a chat-style dialogue means between the doctor terminal 2 and the subject terminal 5. The dialogue means presentation unit 60 may provide a chat-style dialogue means on a treatment record app. The dialogue means provided by the dialogue means presentation unit 60 allows the subject 100 or the subject's 100's guardian to ask questions to the therapist, and the therapist can also communicate treatment guidelines and the like to the subject 100. For example, the therapist can input instructions to the patient based on the wearing time.

[0106] The dialogue means presentation unit 60 also provides a chat-style dialogue means between the doctor terminal 2 and the manufacturer terminal 4. The dialogue means provided by the dialogue means presentation unit 60 allows the therapist and manufacturer to exchange information about 3D data, how to use the helmet, how to deal with problems, etc.

[0107] <Processing Flow> Next, the flow of management processing by the cranial shape correcting helmet management system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 22 to 26. Figures 22 to 26 are flow charts showing the flow of management processing for managing cranial shape correcting helmets 7. The flows shown in Figures 22 to 26 are merely examples of processing, but are assumed to be continuous as indicated by the diagram numbers and step numbers.

[0108] In step S1, the doctor's terminal 2 accepts patient information input by the doctor and outputs the accepted patient information to the server 3. For example, the patient information may include the patient's name, date of birth, medical history, etc. In step S2, the patient data management unit 58 of the server 3 registers the patient information input from the doctor's terminal 2 in a patient database constructed in the storage unit 31.

[0109] In step S3, the doctor's terminal 2 acquires image data of the 3D scan performed on the patient. In step S4, the doctor's terminal 2 uploads the acquired 3D scan image data to the server 3. In step S5, the data acquisition unit 51 of the server 3 associates the 3D scan image data input from the doctor's terminal 2 with the patient and registers it in the patient database.

[0110] In step S6, the manufacturing terminal 4 downloads and acquires the image data of the 3D scan from the server 3. In step S7, the manufacturing terminal 4 acquires 3D data created based on the image data of the 3D scan. The 3D data is created, for example, on the manufacturing terminal 4. In step S8, the manufacturing terminal 4 uploads the created 3D data to the server 3. In step S9, the data acquisition unit 51 of the server 3 acquires the uploaded 3D data. The acquired 3D data is associated with the subject 100 and registered in the patient database.

[0111] In step S10, the doctor's terminal 2 outputs designation information that designates three reference points (nose reference point 101, left ear reference point 102, and right ear reference point 103) for the 3D data to the server 3. For example, the therapist requests the server 3 to view the 3D data, causing the doctor's terminal 2 to display the three reference points designation screen of FIG. 7. The therapist operates the doctor's terminal 2 to designate the three reference points designation screen. As a result, the three reference points are registered in the patient database of the server 3. In step S11, the severity calculation unit 52 calculates the severity and each index based on the designation information designated by the therapist. The severity and each index calculated by the severity calculation unit 52 are associated with the subject 100 and registered in the patient database.

[0112] In step S12, the doctor's terminal 2 displays information necessary for making a judgment, such as the numerical display section 404 of the three-point reference specification screen in Fig. 7 and the graph showing the indicators in Fig. 9. The therapist checks the information displayed on the doctor's terminal 2 and determines whether the cranial shape correction helmet 7 is suitable for the subject 100. If the therapist determines that the cranial shape correction helmet 7 is suitable, in step S13, the doctor's terminal 2 displays the order screen of Fig. 10, and inputs the patient information, color, delivery date, and other information required for ordering the cranial shape correction helmet 7 on the order screen. In step S14, the order management unit 53 of the server 3 outputs information regarding the electronic contract based on the received order information to the manufacturer's terminal 4.

[0113] In step S15, the manufacturer creates target data on the manufacturing terminal 4 based on the order information and 3D data indicating the actual head shape. In step S16, the manufacturer creates helmet data indicating the helmet shape based on the target data on the manufacturing terminal 4. In step S17, the manufacturing terminal 4 uploads the target data and helmet data to the server 3. In step S18, the data acquisition unit 51 of the server 3 associates the target data and helmet data uploaded by the manufacturing terminal 4 with the patient and registers them in the patient database.

[0114] In step S19, the doctor's terminal 2 outputs a viewing request to the server 3, and displays the target data confirmation screen of FIG. 11 and the helmet data confirmation screen of FIG. 12. The therapist inputs the confirmation results on the confirmation screen. In step S20, the patient data management unit 58 of the server 3 accepts the target data and helmet data confirmation results from the doctor's terminal 2 and registers the confirmation results in the patient database. The confirmation results are also output from the server 3 to the manufacturer's terminal 4.

[0115] If the confirmation result is NG or requires correction, in step S21 the manufacturer corrects the target data and helmet data on the manufacturing terminal 4. In step S22, the manufacturing terminal 4 uploads the corrected target data and helmet data to the server 3. In step S23, the data acquisition unit 51 of the server 3 associates the corrected target data and helmet data with the patient and registers them in the patient database.

[0116] In step S24, the doctor's terminal 2 outputs a viewing request to the server 3 and displays a confirmation screen for the corrected target data and helmet data. The therapist inputs the confirmation results on the confirmation screen. In step S25, the patient data management unit 58 of the server 3 accepts the confirmation results of the target data and helmet data from the doctor's terminal 2 and registers the confirmation results in the patient database. If there are no problems with the confirmation results, in step S26, the treatment period estimation unit 55 estimates the treatment period and the target head circumference calculation unit 56 calculates the target head circumference.

[0117] Here, the process from manufacturing to delivery of the cranial shape correction helmet 7 that is actually manufactured will be described. The process from manufacturing to delivery of the cranial shape correction helmet 7 will be described with reference to the block enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 24. The manufacturer actually manufactures the cranial shape correction helmet 7 based on the target data and helmet data confirmed by the therapist. The cranial shape correction helmet 7 is manufactured using, for example, a 3D printer. Next, the manufacturer ships the cranial shape correction helmet 7 to the therapist, who actually receives it. The therapist hands the cranial shape correction helmet 7 to the subject 100 by handing it over at the therapist's visit or by shipping it. The subject 100 wears the received cranial shape correction helmet 7.

[0118] In step S27, the application linking unit 59 of the server 3 creates a QR code (registered trademark) for linking various information to the subject terminal 5, and outputs it to the doctor terminal 2. In step S28, the doctor terminal 2 prints the QR code input from the server 3 using a printer (not shown). The printed QR code is handed over or shipped to the subject 100, similar to the cranial shape correcting helmet 7.

[0119] In step S29, the subject 100 downloads the treatment record app by operating the subject terminal 5. In step S30, the treatment record app is installed on the subject terminal 5, and patient information is registered in the treatment record app. In step S31, the subject 100 operates the subject terminal 5 to read the QR code provided by the therapist.

[0120] In step S32, the subject terminal 5 reads the QR code and outputs app linkage information indicating that linkage processing of the treatment record app has been performed to the server 3. In step S33, the app linkage unit 59 of the server 3 registers the app linkage information input from the subject terminal 5 and links various information registered in the treatment record app and the patient database of the server 3. In step S34, the subject terminal 5 is in a state where it can display the severity and various indicators using the linked treatment record app. In step S35, the subject terminal 5 is in a state where it can display the goal data and helmet data using the linked treatment record app.

[0121] In step S36, the subject terminal 5 receives information such as the time the cranial shape corrective helmet 7 has been worn by the subject 100 and images of the subject 100 wearing and not wearing the helmet, and then registers the received information in the treatment record app and outputs it to the server 3. The images of the worn state are used, for example, by the therapist to check how the subject 100 is wearing the cranial shape corrective helmet 7. The images of the not worn state are used, for example, by the therapist to check for any abnormalities in the subject 100, such as redness of the skin.

[0122] In step S37, the subject terminal 5 is in a state where it can display the wearing time and images using the treatment record app. In step S38, the subject terminal 5 is in a state where it can display summary data related to treatment (see FIG. 19 ) using the treatment record app. In step S39, the patient data management unit 58 of the server 3 associates the information such as the wearing time and images input from the subject terminal 5 with the patient and registers it in the patient database.

[0123] In step S40, the doctor terminal 2 acquires image data of the 3D scan performed on the patient during the monthly examination. In step S41, the doctor terminal 2 uploads the acquired 3D scan image data to the server 3. In step S42, the data acquisition unit 51 of the server 3 associates the 3D scan image data input from the doctor terminal 2 with the patient and registers it in the patient database.

[0124] In step S43, the manufacturing terminal 4 downloads and acquires the 3D scan image data from the server 3. In step S44, the manufacturing terminal 4 acquires newly created 3D data based on the 3D scan image data acquired in step S43. In step S45, the manufacturing terminal 4 uploads the created 3D data to the server 3. In step S46, the data acquisition unit 51 of the server 3 acquires the uploaded 3D data and registers it in association with the patient database. In step S47, the application linkage unit 59 links with the treatment record application to enable the newly created 3D data to be displayed on the subject terminal 5.

[0125] In step S48, the doctor's terminal 2 outputs to the server 3 specification information specifying three reference points for the 3D data. In step S49, the severity calculation unit 52 calculates the severity and each index based on the specification information specified by the therapist. The calculated severity and each index are registered in the patient database. In step S50, the application linkage unit 59 links with the treatment record application to enable the newly created severity and each index to be displayed on the subject terminal 5. In step S51, the patient data management unit 58 creates a graph showing the treatment progress. In step S52, the application linkage unit 59 links with the treatment record application to enable the newly created graph to be displayed on the subject terminal 5. In step S53, the slit width calculation unit 57 calculates the expected slit width d. In step S54, the application linkage unit 59 links with the treatment record application to enable the expected slit width d to be displayed on the subject terminal 5.

[0126] In step S55, the patient data management unit 58 creates a treatment progress report based on a predetermined format and outputs the created treatment progress report to the manufacturing terminal 4. In step S56, the manufacturing terminal 4 prints out the treatment progress report created by the patient data management unit 58 of the server 3 using a printer.

[0127] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified as appropriate.

[0128] According to the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the following effects are achieved.

[0129] (1) The cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 comprises a doctor's terminal 2 used by a therapist who treats the cranial shape of the subject 100, a manufacturing terminal 4 used by a manufacturer who manufactures the cranial shape correction helmet 7 to be worn on the head of the subject 100 to correct the cranial shape based on multiple images of the subject's 100's head taken by the therapist, and a server 3 that inputs and outputs helmet information and multiple images related to the cranial shape correction helmet 7 between the doctor's terminal 2 and the manufacturing terminal 4.

[0130] As a result, the therapist uploads images of the subject's 100's head to the server 3 via the doctor's terminal 2, allowing the manufacturer to easily download the images of the subject's 100's head via the manufacturer's terminal 4. The manufacturer can also upload helmet information, such as 3D data, target data, and helmet data, created based on images of the subject's 100's head, to the server 3. This allows the therapist to check the shape of the cranial shape correction helmet 7 before manufacturing on the cloud (server 3), making it easy to instruct the manufacturer on corrections, etc. Furthermore, since information uploaded or input by the doctor's terminal 2 or the manufacturer's terminal 4 can be managed by the server 3, the doctor's terminal 2 or the manufacturer's terminal 4 does not need to build its own database to manage the subject's 100's information, thereby reducing management costs. In this way, the configuration of this embodiment makes it possible to efficiently exchange and manage data related to the cranial shape correction helmet 7 between the therapist and the manufacturer.

[0131] (2) In the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in (1), the server 3 inputs and outputs treatment period information regarding the estimated treatment period required to correct the cranial shape of the subject 100 between the doctor's terminal 2 and the manufacturer's terminal 4.

[0132] This allows therapists and manufacturers to obtain an estimated treatment period without having to calculate it themselves, based on the information output from the server 3. Using the estimated treatment period also makes it easier to predict changes in the head due to growth during the treatment period, and makes it possible to efficiently manufacture cranial shape correction helmets 7 that are shaped to take into account future changes in head shape.

[0133] (3) In the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in (1), the subject 100 is an infant, and the treatment period information is estimated based on the current head circumference of the subject 100, the head circumference of target data indicating the ideal head shape of the subject 100, and a head circumference growth curve indicating the average head circumference that changes with the infant's age.

[0134] This allows the treatment period to be estimated taking into account the head circumference growth curve, making it possible to estimate and share a more accurate treatment period even for infants whose head circumferences change over a short period of time.

[0135] (4) The cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in any of (1) to (3) further includes a subject terminal 5 used by the subject 100, and the cranial shape correction helmet 7 is capable of adjusting the size of the head storage space Sp that accommodates the head, and the helmet information includes a slit width d as size information regarding the size of the head storage space Sp that is suitable for the subject 100, and the subject terminal 5 is capable of acquiring the size information from the server 3.

[0136] This allows the subject 100 and those related to the subject 100 to understand the appropriate slit width d without having to undergo an examination, etc., making it easy to wear the cranial shape correction helmet 7 with the appropriate slit width d.

[0137] (5) In the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in (4), the slit width d as size information is information determined based on helmet data indicating the shape of the cranial shape correction helmet 7 to be worn by the subject 100 and 3D data indicating the shape of the subject 100's head after treatment begins.

[0138] This allows the slit width d to be calculated accurately based on the shape of the head after treatment has started (after a predetermined period has elapsed), thereby achieving higher wearability.

[0139] (6) In the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in any one of (1) to (5), the server 3 outputs notification information based on the acquired information or information generated by itself.

[0140] This allows the therapist, manufacturer, subject 100, or those related to subject 100, etc. to understand the status of the cranial shape correction helmet and treatment at the appropriate time.

[0141] (7) In the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in any of (1) to (6), it further includes a subject terminal 5 used by the subject 100 or a person related to the subject 100, and the server 3 provides a chat-style communication means between the doctor's terminal 2 and the manufacturer's terminal 4 and between the doctor's terminal 2 and the subject's terminal 5.

[0142] This allows information about the cranial shape correction helmet 7 to be shared and exchanged in real time between the therapist and the manufacturer, and information about the treatment to be shared and exchanged between the therapist and the subject 100 or those related to the subject 100.

[0143] (8) In the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in any of (1) to (7), the server 3 outputs an operation unit to the doctor's terminal 2 for the therapist to select the validity of at least one of the helmet information and shape data, obtains the selection result of the validity selected through the operation unit output to the doctor's terminal 2, and outputs it to the manufacturing terminal 4.

[0144] This allows the therapist to select on the cloud (server 3) the appropriateness of the shape data uploaded by the manufacturer to the server 3 and the cranial shape correction helmet 7 at the pre-manufacturing stage, and the manufacturer can confirm on the cloud the results of the therapist's selection, i.e., whether or not the therapist needs to correct the data. This eliminates the need for complicated processes such as exchanging emails between the therapist and manufacturer, and allows the work to proceed smoothly from data confirmation to manufacturing.

[0145] (9) The cranial shape correction helmet management method has a computer (server 3) execute a process to input and output helmet information and shape data regarding the cranial shape correction helmet 7 between a doctor's terminal 2 used by a therapist treating the cranial shape of the subject 100 and a manufacturer's terminal 4 used by a manufacturer that manufactures the cranial shape correction helmet 7 to be worn on the head of the subject 100 to correct the cranial shape based on shape data regarding the head shape of the subject 100.

[0146] (10) The program enables a computer (server 3) to realize the function of inputting and outputting helmet information and shape data regarding the cranial shape correction helmet 7 between a doctor's terminal 2 used by a therapist treating the cranial shape of the subject 100 and a manufacturer's terminal 4 used by a manufacturer of the cranial shape correction helmet 7, which is worn on the head of the subject 100 to correct the cranial shape, based on shape data regarding the shape of the subject's 100's head photographed by the therapist.

[0147] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified as appropriate.

[0148] For example, the server 3 may not include at least one of the severity calculation unit 52, the treatment period estimation unit 55, the target head circumference calculation unit 56, and the slit width calculation unit 57. For example, if the server 3 does not include the treatment period estimation unit 55, the therapist may calculate an estimated treatment period required to correct the cranial shape of the subject 100 and input the calculated estimated treatment period to the server 3 via the doctor's terminal 2. This allows the subject 100 or a person related to the subject 100 to obtain the estimated treatment period from the server 3 using the subject's terminal 5, and information regarding the treatment period can be easily shared with the therapist. Also, for example, if the server 3 does not include the slit width calculation unit 57, the therapist may calculate a slit width d appropriate for the subject 100 and input the calculated slit width d to the server 3 via the doctor's terminal 2. This allows the manufacturer of the cranial shape correction helmet 7, the subject 100, or a person related to the subject 100 to obtain information regarding the slit width d from the server 3 via the manufacturer's terminal 4 or the subject's terminal 5.

[0149] The above-described embodiment can also be described as follows.

[0150] (11) The cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 includes a doctor's terminal 2 used by a therapist treating the cranial shape of the subject 100, a manufacturing terminal 4 used by a manufacturer of a cranial shape correction helmet 7 to be worn on the head of the subject 100 to correct the cranial shape based on shape data regarding the head shape of the subject 100, and a server 3 that inputs and outputs helmet information and shape data regarding the cranial shape correction helmet 7 between the doctor's terminal 2 and the manufacturing terminal 4, and the server 3 receives shape data from the doctor's terminal 2 and transmits the received shape data to the manufacturing terminal 4, receives helmet information from the manufacturing terminal 4, and transmits the received helmet information to the doctor's terminal 2.

[0151] (12) In the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in (11), the helmet information includes 3D data generated based on shape data and indicating the shape of the head, target data generated based on the 3D data and indicating the ideal head shape, and helmet data generated based on the target data and indicating the shape of the cranial shape correction helmet 7 to be worn by the subject 100.

[0152] (13) In the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in (11) or (12), the doctor's terminal 2 is equipped with a display unit 25, and the server 3 displays treatment period information regarding the estimated treatment period required to correct the cranial shape of the subject 100 on the display unit 25 of the doctor's terminal 2.

[0153] (14) In the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in (13), the subject 100 is an infant, and the helmet information includes the current head circumference of the subject 100's head and the head circumference of the target data indicating the ideal head shape of the subject 100, and the treatment period information is estimated based on the current head circumference of the subject 100's head, the head circumference of the target data indicating the ideal head shape of the subject 100, and a head circumference growth curve indicating the average head circumference that changes with the infant's age.

[0154] (15) In the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in (14), the treatment period information is further estimated based on the delivery date on which the cranial shape correction helmet 7 is delivered to the subject 100.

[0155] (16) The cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in any of (11) to (15) further includes a subject terminal 5 used by the subject 100 or a person related to the subject 100, the cranial shape correction helmet 7 is capable of adjusting the size of the head accommodation space Sp that accommodates the head of the subject 100, the helmet information includes size information regarding the size of the head accommodation space Sp that is suitable for the subject 100, and the subject terminal 5 is capable of acquiring the size information from the server 3.

[0156] (17) In the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in (16), the size information is information determined based on the long axis of the head of the subject 100 at the time when the subject begins wearing the cranial shape correction helmet 7 and the long axis of the head of the subject 100 during treatment using the cranial shape correction helmet 7.

[0157] (18) In the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in any of (11) to (17), the server 3 outputs notification information based on 3D data showing the head shape of the subject 100 after treatment begins and the head circumference growth curve.

[0158] (19) In the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in any one of (11) to (18), the cranial shape correction helmet 7 is capable of adjusting the size of the head accommodation space Sp that accommodates the head of the subject 100, the helmet information includes size information regarding the size of the head accommodation space Sp that is suitable for the subject 100, and the server 3 outputs notification information based on the size information.

[0159] (20) The cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in any of (11) to (19) further includes a subject terminal 5 used by the subject 100 or a person related to the subject 100, and the server 3 provides a chat-style communication means between the doctor's terminal 2 and the manufacturer's terminal 4 and between the doctor's terminal 2 and the subject's terminal 5.

[0160] (21) In the cranial shape correction helmet management system 1 described in any of (11) to (20), the server 3 outputs an operation unit to the doctor's terminal 2 for the therapist to select the validity of the helmet information, obtains the selection result of the validity selected through the operation unit output to the doctor's terminal 2, and outputs it to the manufacturing terminal 4.

[0161] (22) The cranial shape correction helmet management method causes a computer to execute a process for inputting and outputting helmet information and shape data regarding the cranial shape correction helmet 7 between a doctor's terminal 2 used by a therapist treating the cranial shape of the subject 100 and a manufacturing terminal 4 used by a manufacturer that manufactures the cranial shape correction helmet 7 to be worn on the head of the subject 100 to correct the cranial shape of the subject 100 based on shape data regarding the head shape of the subject 100.In the input and output process, shape data is received from the doctor's terminal 2 and the received shape data is sent to the manufacturing terminal 4, and helmet information is received from the manufacturing terminal 4 and the received helmet information is sent to the doctor's terminal 2.

[0162] (23) The computer program enables the computer to perform the function of inputting and outputting helmet information and shape data regarding the cranial shape correction helmet 7 between a doctor's terminal 2 used by a therapist treating the cranial shape of the subject 100 and a manufacturing terminal 4 used by a manufacturer that manufactures the cranial shape correction helmet 7 to be worn on the head of the subject 100 to correct the cranial shape of the subject 100 based on shape data regarding the head shape of the subject 100.In the input and output process, the computer receives shape data from the doctor's terminal 2 and sends the received shape data to the manufacturing terminal 4, receives helmet information from the manufacturing terminal 4, and sends the received helmet information to the doctor's terminal 2.

[0163] 1 Cranial shape correction helmet management system 2 Doctor's terminal 3 Server 4 Manufacturer's terminal 5 Subject's terminal 7 Cranial shape correction helmet Sp Head accommodation space d Slit width

Claims

1. A cranial shape correction helmet management system comprising: a doctor's terminal used by a therapist who treats the cranial shape of a subject; a manufacturing terminal used by a manufacturer who manufactures a cranial shape correction helmet to be worn on the head of the subject to correct the cranial shape of the subject based on shape data regarding the shape of the subject's head; and a server that inputs and outputs helmet information and shape data regarding the cranial shape correction helmet between the doctor's terminal and the manufacturing terminal, wherein the server receives the shape data from the doctor's terminal and transmits the received shape data to the manufacturing terminal, and receives helmet information from the manufacturing terminal and transmits the received helmet information to the doctor's terminal.

2. A cranial shape correction helmet management system as described in claim 1, wherein the helmet information includes 3D data generated based on the shape data and indicating the shape of the head, target data generated based on the 3D data and indicating the ideal head shape, and helmet data generated based on the target data and indicating the shape of the cranial shape correction helmet to be worn by the subject.

3. A cranial shape correction helmet management system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the doctor's terminal is equipped with a display unit, and the server displays treatment period information regarding the estimated treatment period required to correct the cranial shape of the subject on the display unit of the doctor's terminal.

4. A cranial shape correcting helmet management system as described in claim 3, wherein the subject is an infant, the helmet information includes the current head circumference of the subject's head and the head circumference of target data indicating the subject's ideal head shape, and the treatment period information is estimated based on the current head circumference of the subject's head, the head circumference of target data indicating the subject's ideal head shape, and a head circumference growth curve indicating the average head circumference that changes with the infant's age.

5. A cranial shape correction helmet management system as described in claim 4, wherein the treatment period information is estimated further based on the delivery date when the cranial shape correction helmet is delivered to the subject.

6. A cranial shape correction helmet management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a subject terminal used by the subject or a person related to the subject, wherein the cranial shape correction helmet is capable of adjusting the size of the head accommodation space that accommodates the subject's head, the helmet information includes size information regarding the size of the head accommodation space that is suitable for the subject, and the subject terminal is capable of obtaining the size information from the server.

7. A cranial shape correction helmet management system as described in claim 6, wherein the size information is determined based on the long axis of the subject's head at the time the subject begins wearing the cranial shape correction helmet and the long axis of the subject's head during treatment using the cranial shape correction helmet.

8. A cranial shape correction helmet management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the server outputs notification information based on 3D data showing the shape of the subject's head after treatment begins and a head circumference growth curve.

9. A cranial shape correction helmet management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cranial shape correction helmet is capable of adjusting the size of the head accommodation space that accommodates the head of the subject, the helmet information includes size information regarding the size of the head accommodation space that is suitable for the subject, and the server outputs notification information based on the size information.

10. A cranial shape correction helmet management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a subject terminal used by the subject or a person related to the subject, wherein the server provides a chat-style communication means between the doctor's terminal and the manufacturer's terminal and between the doctor's terminal and the subject's terminal.

11. A cranial shape correction helmet management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the server outputs an operation unit to the doctor's terminal for the therapist to select the validity of the helmet information, obtains the selection result of the validity selected through the operation unit output to the doctor's terminal, and outputs it to the manufacturer's terminal.

12. A cranial shape correction helmet management method that causes a computer to execute a process for inputting and outputting helmet information and shape data related to the cranial shape correction helmet between a doctor's terminal used by a therapist treating the cranial shape of a subject and a manufacturing terminal used by a manufacturer that manufactures a cranial shape correction helmet to be worn on the head of the subject to correct the cranial shape of the subject based on shape data related to the shape of the head of the subject, wherein the input / output process includes receiving the shape data from the doctor's terminal and transmitting the received shape data to the manufacturing terminal, and receiving the helmet information from the manufacturing terminal and transmitting the received helmet information to the doctor's terminal.

13. A computer program that implements a function for inputting and outputting helmet information and shape data relating to a cranial shape correction helmet between a doctor's terminal used by a therapist who treats the cranial shape of a subject and a manufacturer's terminal used by a manufacturer of a cranial shape correction helmet that is worn on the head of the subject to correct the cranial shape of the subject based on shape data relating to the head shape of the subject, wherein the input and output process includes receiving the shape data from the doctor's terminal and transmitting the received shape data to the manufacturer's terminal, and receiving the helmet information from the manufacturer's terminal and transmitting the received helmet information to the doctor's terminal.

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