Cane selection device, cane selection system, and program

Abstract

A processing unit (11) for selecting a type of cane: acquires one or more from among the angle of a cane at a prescribed timing when a user of the cane uses the cane, a mechanical component analysis result obtained by analyzing the force applied to the cane when the user of the cane uses the cane, and a kinematic analysis result relating to orientation and / or movement when the user of the cane walks using the cane; and selects the type of cane on the basis of at least one of the acquired cane angle, mechanical component analysis result, or kinematic analysis result. An output unit (14) displays or outputs the selected type of cane.

Description

Cane selection device, cane selection system, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a cane selection device, a cane selection system, and a program, and more particularly to a cane selection device, a cane selection system, and a program for selecting a cane suitable for a cane user.

[0002] Conventional walking canes are either single-point or multi-point canes. A single-point cane is a cane with a straight, rod-shaped shaft that touches the ground at a single point at the tip. A multi-point cane is a cane that touches the ground at multiple points at the tip, and four-point canes that touch the ground at four points are becoming more common. It is believed that using such canes improves walking function.

[0003] In recent years, high-performance canes, such as curved canes made of carbon, have been developed, and it has been reported that they improve walking speed and abnormal walking posture compared to rod-shaped canes (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 7351556 Japanese Patent No. 7351557 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2023-166298

[0005] Japan Physical Therapy Association website, "Methods for displaying and measuring joint range of motion," https: / / www.japanpt.or.jp / info / 20220308_274.html, [Retrieved February 22, 2024]

[0006] However, there is no consensus on the cases in which these rod-shaped canes, multi-point canes, and high-function canes are appropriate. The decision on which cane to use is generally based on recommendations from rehabilitation-related professions and welfare equipment providers, as well as the user's own experience. As a result, many cane users have difficulty selecting a cane, purchasing multiple canes of different types and sizes and comparing them to see which one is best for them. Furthermore, because the type of cane that is appropriate is largely dependent on the individual and the surrounding environment, there are regional differences in the canes used.

[0007] In view of the above, the present invention aims to select a cane that is suited to the manner in which the cane user uses the cane and the walking conditions of the cane user. Also, the present invention aims to select components of the cane that are suited to the manner in which the cane user uses the cane and the walking conditions of the cane user.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cane selection device comprising: a processing unit that selects a type of cane, which acquires one or more of the following: the angle of the cane at a predetermined timing when the cane user uses the cane; a mechanical component analysis result that analyzes the forces acting on the cane when the cane user uses the cane; and a kinematic analysis result regarding the posture and / or movement of the cane user when walking using the cane; and a processing unit that selects a type of cane based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, the mechanical component analysis result, and the kinematic analysis result; and an output unit that displays or outputs the selected type of cane.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cane selection system comprising: a server that selects a type of cane, which acquires one or more of the following: the angle of the cane at a predetermined timing when the cane user uses the cane; a mechanical component analysis result that analyzes the forces acting on the cane when the cane user uses the cane; and a kinematic analysis result regarding the posture and / or movement of the cane user when walking using the cane; and the server selects a type of cane based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, mechanical component analysis result, and kinematic analysis result, and transmits the selected cane type; and a terminal that displays or outputs the cane type received from the server.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program executed by a computer, which performs the following steps: acquiring one or more of the angle of the cane at a predetermined timing when a cane user uses the cane; a mechanical component analysis result that analyzes the forces acting on the cane when the cane user uses the cane; and a kinematic analysis result regarding the posture and / or movement of the cane user when walking using the cane; and displaying on a display unit or outputting from an output unit a type of cane selected based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, the mechanical component analysis result, and the kinematic analysis result.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cane selection device for selecting the shape and dimensions of a cane having a grip portion that is held by a cane user, a foot portion that comes into contact with the ground when the cane is in use, and a shaft portion that supports the user's weight between the grip portion and the foot portion, the cane selection device acquiring one or more of: the cane angle at a predetermined timing when the cane user is using the cane; a mechanical component analysis result that analyzes the forces acting on the cane when the cane user is using the cane; and a kinematic analysis result regarding the posture and / or movement of the cane user when walking using the cane; a processing unit that selects one or more of the shapes or dimensions of the grip portion, shaft portion and foot portion of the cane based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, the mechanical component analysis result and the kinematic analysis result; and an output unit that displays or outputs the shape or dimensions of the grip portion, shaft portion and foot portion of the selected cane.

[0012] According to the present invention, a cane can be selected according to the manner in which the cane user uses the cane and the walking conditions of the cane user. Also, according to the present invention, components of the cane can be selected according to the manner in which the cane user uses the cane and the walking conditions of the cane user.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a cane selection device. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a high-function cane. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing another example of a high-function cane. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cane selection device. Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram of a cane selection system.

[0014] The present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (First embodiment) The cane selection device of this embodiment is a device that selects a cane according to the physical capabilities of a cane user. The processing unit of the device determines the type of cane, the shape and thickness of the cane shaft, the shape and thickness of the foot, and the shape of the grip based on one or more of the following information.

[0016] (Cane Selection Device) FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a cane selection device. The cane selection device 10 includes, for example, a processing unit 11, a memory unit 12, an input unit 13, an output unit 14, and a communication control unit 15. In this embodiment, the cane selection device 10 is described as being configured as a single device, but as will be described later, it may also be a cane selection system configured in a distributed manner including a terminal used by a user and a server connected to the terminal via a network such as the Internet. In this embodiment, a person who uses a cane may be referred to as a stick user, and a person who uses this device and system may be referred to as a system user. A system user may be, for example, a cane seller or a rehabilitation provider.

[0017] The processing unit 11 executes the processing of the cane selection device 10. The processing unit 11 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 12 stores various data. The storage unit 12 is, for example, a magnetic storage device such as a memory or a hard disk, or a semiconductor storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD). The input unit 13 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse. The input unit 13 may also be an input interface that inputs data from an external device. For example, the cane selection device 10 may input data from the measuring device 20 via the input unit 13. The output unit 14 may be an output interface that outputs data to a printer or the like, or may be display means such as a display. The communication control unit 15 is means for exchanging data with external devices via a wired or wireless network.

[0018] The measuring device 20 is, for example, a device for measuring at least part of the information about the cane user, which will be described later. The measuring device 20 does not necessarily have to be connected to the cane selection device 10, and may also be omitted.

[0019] For example, the processing unit 11 acquires one or more of the following: the angle of the cane at a predetermined timing when the cane user uses the cane; a mechanical component analysis result (hereinafter simply referred to as the mechanical component analysis result) that analyzes the forces acting on the cane when the cane user uses the cane; and a kinematic analysis result (hereinafter simply referred to as the kinematic analysis result) regarding the posture and / or movement of the cane user when walking with the cane. The output unit 14 displays or outputs the selected cane type. The selected cane type may be, for example, a single-pronged cane (single cane), a four-pronged cane, a high-performance cane, or a Lofstrand cane, but is not limited to these. For example, the cane type may be selected from two or more suitable types of canes.

[0020] (Types of Canes) Here, a description will be given of high-performance canes. In this embodiment, a high-performance cane is a cane other than a one-point cane, a four-point cane, or a Lofstrand cane, and refers to a cane that is more improved than a one-point cane or a four-point cane.

[0021] Figure 2 shows an example of a high-performance cane (e.g., a curved cane made of carbon fiber), and is a right side view of the high-performance cane. The high-performance cane shown in Figure 2 includes a grip portion 71 that is held by the cane user, a foot portion 73 that comes into contact with the ground when the cane is in use, and a shaft portion 72 that supports the weight of the cane user between the grip portion 71 and the foot portion 73.

[0022] The grip portion 71 of the cane in FIG. 2 is grasped by a user placing their palm on the grip portion 71 and wrapping their index finger through their little finger downward through the front of the grip portion 71. The shaft portion 72 is flat and twisted. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the shaft portion 72 are referred to as the thickness in the front-to-back direction and the width in the left-to-right direction. However, in a case where the shaft portion 72 has a twist, the width may be referred to as the width in one direction of the horizontal cross section and the thickness in the perpendicular direction. In FIG. 2, the length of the shaft portion 72 is represented by L1, the width by W1, and the thickness by D1. The shaft portion 72 is curved so that it is convex toward the outside (near or farther from the page) that faces away from the user when the cane is in use. The foot portion 73 extends forward from the lower end of the shaft portion 72 and comes into contact with the ground at a surface or multiple points. In FIG. 2, the length (front-to-back direction) of the foot portion 73 is represented by L2 and the thickness by D2. The foot portion 73 has a predetermined width (depth direction in the drawing).

[0023] Figure 3 shows another example of a high-performance cane (e.g., a curved cane made of carbon fiber), and is a right side view of the high-performance cane. The high-performance cane shown in Figure 3 includes a grip portion 74 that is held by the cane user, a foot portion 76 that comes into contact with the ground when the cane is in use, and a shaft portion 75 that supports the user's weight between the grip portion 74 and the foot portion 76.

[0024] The grip portion 74 of the cane in Figure 3 is held by the user from the outside of the cane, for example, by pinching the shaft portion 75 between the middle finger and ring finger. The shaft portion 75 is flat and curved so that it is convex forward in the walking direction. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the shaft portion 75 are referred to as the thickness in the front-to-back direction and the width in the left-to-right direction. In Figure 3, the length of the shaft portion 75 is represented by L1 and the thickness by D1. The foot portion 76 extends from the lower end of the shaft portion 75 above the ground contact portion, splitting into front and rear portions, respectively. The front ground contact portion, rear ground contact portion, and the connection portion with the shaft portion 75 form a roughly triangular shape in side view. This shape generates elasticity in the vertical direction. In Figure 3, the length (front-to-back direction) of the foot portion 76 is represented by L2, and the thicknesses of each illustrated portion are represented by D21 to D23. The foot portion 76 has a predetermined width (depth direction in the figure).

[0025] The high-function cane is not limited to the above examples, but may be any suitable cane other than a one-point cane, a four-point cane, or a Lofstrand cane.

[0026] (Operation) FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cane selection device.

[0027] In step S101, the processing unit 11 obtains one or more of the following: a) mechanical component analysis results that analyze the angle of the cane at a specified timing when the cane user uses the cane and the force applied to the cane when the cane user uses the cane; and b) kinematic analysis results regarding the posture and / or movement of the cane user when walking using the cane.

[0028] Here, examples of each data will be described, but the data is not necessarily limited to the following examples.

[0029] a) The cane angle is, for example, the contact angle, take-off angle, and lateral (horizontal) tilt angle of the cane when the cane user uses the cane. The contact angle is the angle of the cane when the cane user touches the ground when walking with the cane. The take-off angle is the angle of the cane when the cane user lifts the cane off the ground when walking with the cane. The lateral (horizontal) tilt angle is the lateral (horizontal) tilt angle of the cane when the cane user walks with the cane, and the tilt angle during walking may be acquired in time series at predetermined time intervals, for example. Such angles can be measured, for example, by having the cane user walk with a single cane and photographing the walking scene. The angle may be, for example, an angle relative to the vertical direction.

[0030] The results of the mechanical component analysis, which analyzed the forces acting on a cane when the user uses it, are the results of analyzing the forces acting on the cane in the lateral, front-back, and vertical directions over time. These forces can be obtained using force sensors and force sensors.

[0031] b) Examples of kinematic analysis results such as the user's posture when walking with a cane include the following: (b-1) Analysis results of upper limb load, such as the joint (shoulder joint, elbow joint, wrist joint, and fingers) angles of the cane-using upper limb of the cane user, and the amount of joint load on the upper limb caused by using the cane. (b-2) Spatiotemporal analysis results of walking, including the walking, stance, and swing times, step length, stride length, and / or walking rhythm. (b-3) Analysis results of abnormal walking movements, indicating the presence or absence of abnormal walking, such as deviations from normal walking in joint angles or center of gravity movement of the entire body.

[0032] The angles represented by the above-mentioned joint angles are disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, and the present embodiment will be described in accordance with this disclosure.

[0033] The processing unit 11 may acquire analyzed data by inputting the analyzed data, or may acquire analyzed data by inputting pre-analysis data and having the processing unit 11 perform an analysis process. For example, the angle of the cane at a predetermined timing when a cane user uses the cane may be input as a numerical value from the input unit 13 by an operator of the device, or an image (video or still image) of the cane user using the cane may be input and image processing may be performed to calculate the angle of the cane at the predetermined timing. The input data before such analysis process may be referred to as source data or raw data, and the processed data may be referred to as analyzed data. The source data may be measured by the measuring device 20, for example, or may be measured in advance and stored in an appropriate storage medium. The same applies to other data.

[0034] In step S103, the processing unit 11 selects the type of cane based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, the mechanical component analysis result, and the kinematic analysis result. A specific example will be described below. Note that this embodiment is not limited to the following example.

[0035] (Example 1) a) The maximum value of the lateral tilt angle of the cane while walking is less than a predetermined angle (first threshold, for example, 10°), and the maximum value of the total value of the mechanical component analysis results applied to the cane (the total value of the lateral, front-back, and vertical directions for each time period; the same applies below) is less than a predetermined value (second threshold, for example, 30 N), and b-1) the maximum elevation angle of the shoulder joint is less than a predetermined angle (third threshold, for example, 10°), the maximum extension angle of the elbow joint is less than a predetermined angle (fourth threshold, for example, −5°), and the maximum palmar-dorsiflexion angle of the wrist joint is less than a predetermined angle (fifth threshold, for example, 40°), b-2) If the left-right difference (difference between the left and right legs) in the spatiotemporal analysis results is within a predetermined range from the average value for healthy people (for example, a range determined by a predetermined multiple of the average value and standard deviation (sixth threshold) for healthy people, as an example, the average value for healthy people ±2 standard deviations), and further, b-3) if the analysis results of abnormal walking movements are within a predetermined range from the average value for healthy people (for example, a range determined by a predetermined multiple of the average value and standard deviation (seventh threshold) for healthy people, as an example, the average value for healthy people ±2 standard deviations), the processing unit 11 selects a single-point cane as the recommended cane.

[0036] (Example 2) a) The maximum value of the contact angle and / or take-off angle of the cane during walking is less than a predetermined angle (e.g., an eighth threshold, 20°), and the maximum value of the total value (lateral, front-back, and vertical directions) of the mechanical component analysis results acting on the cane is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., a ninth threshold, 30 N); b-1) the maximum elevation angle of the shoulder joint is less than a predetermined angle (e.g., a tenth threshold, 10°), the maximum extension angle of the elbow joint is less than a predetermined angle (e.g., an eleventh threshold, −5°), and the maximum palmar and dorsiflexion angle of the wrist joint is less than a predetermined angle (e.g., a twelfth threshold, 40°); b- 2) If the average value or left-right difference of the spatiotemporal analysis results is within a predetermined range from the average value for healthy people (for example, a range determined by a predetermined multiple of the average value and standard deviation (13th threshold) for healthy people, as an example, the average value for healthy people ±2 standard deviations), and further, b-3) if the analysis results of abnormal gait movement are within a predetermined range from the average value for healthy people (for example, a range determined by a predetermined multiple of the average value and standard deviation (14th threshold) for healthy people, as an example, the average value for healthy people ±2 standard deviations), the processing unit 11 selects a four-point cane as the recommended cane.

[0037] (Example 3) a) The landing angle and / or take-off angle of the cane while walking is within a predetermined range (a range determined by the 15th and 16th thresholds, for example, a range of 10 to 60°), the lateral tilt angle is within a predetermined range (a range determined by the 17th and 18th thresholds, for example, a range of 0 to 60°), the total value of the results of the mechanical component analysis applied to the cane (lateral, front-back, vertical directions) is within a predetermined range (a range determined by the 19th and 20th thresholds, for example, a range of 20 to 200 N), b-1) The maximum elevation angle of the shoulder joint is within a predetermined range (a range determined by the 21st and 22nd thresholds, for example, a range of 0 to 20°), the maximum extension angle of the elbow joint is within a predetermined range (a range determined by the 23rd and 24th thresholds, for example, a range of 0 to 20°), The processing unit 11 selects a high-performance cane (for example, a curved carbon cane) as the recommended cane when: a-1) the maximum palmar and dorsiflexion angle of the joint is within a predetermined range (a range determined by the 25th and 26th thresholds, for example, a range of 10 to 60°); b-2) the average value or left-right difference of the spatiotemporal analysis results is within a predetermined range from the average value of healthy people (for example, a range determined by a predetermined multiple of the average value and standard deviation of healthy people (27th threshold), for example, the average value of healthy people ±2 standard deviations or more); or b-3) the analysis results of abnormal gait movement is within a predetermined range from the average value of healthy people (for example, a range determined by a predetermined multiple of the average value and standard deviation of healthy people (27th threshold), for example, the average value of healthy people ±2 standard deviations or more).

[0038] (Example 4) a) If the maximum value of the total value (lateral, front-to-back, and vertical) of the mechanical component analysis results applied to the cane while walking is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (28th threshold, for example, 200 N), the processing unit 11 selects a Lofstrand cane as the recommended cane.

[0039] In step S105, if a curved cane made of carbon is selected in step S103 (Example 3 above), the processing unit 11 selects the shape and / or dimensions of the components of the cane.

[0040] For example, b-1) the processing unit 11 selects the shape of the grip portion depending on the maximum pronation angle of the forearm and / or the maximum palmar and dorsiflexion angle of the wrist. For example, when the pronation angle of the forearm is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle (a 29th threshold, for example, 30°) or the palmar and dorsiflexion angle of the wrist is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle (a 30th threshold, for example, 40°), the processing unit 11 selects a grip designed to maintain pronation, and in other cases, selects a grip designed to maintain a functional limb position.

[0041] Furthermore, a) the processing unit 11 selects the thickness of the shaft portion of the cane based on the total value of the mechanical component analysis results of the cane. For example, the processing unit 11 selects a thickness of 6.0 mm when the total value of the mechanical component analysis results of the cane (lateral, front-to-back, and vertical directions) is within a predetermined range (a range determined by the 30th and 31st thresholds, e.g., 20 to 50 N), selects a thickness of 7.0 mm when the total value is within a predetermined range (a range determined by the 31st and 32nd thresholds, e.g., 50 to 100 N), selects a thickness of 8.0 mm when the total value is within a predetermined range (a range determined by the 32nd and 33rd thresholds, e.g., 100 to 150 N), and selects a thickness of 9.0 mm when the total value is within a predetermined range (a range determined by the 33rd and 34th thresholds, e.g., 150 to 200 N). Note that the thickness may be determined in increments of 1.0 mm or any other appropriate increment. Furthermore, although the thickness is classified into four levels in this example, it may also be classified into any appropriate number of levels, e.g., two or more.

[0042] Furthermore, a) the processing unit 11 selects the dimensions of the foot according to the contact angle and take-off angle of the cane while walking. For example, when either the contact angle or the take-off angle or both are equal to or greater than a predetermined angle (a 35th threshold, for example, 10°), the processing unit 11 selects a vertical width (with the direction of travel while walking being vertical) of 15 cm or more, and when the angle is less than the predetermined angle (a 35th threshold, for example, 10°), the processing unit 11 selects a vertical width of 10 to 15 cm. Similarly, the processing unit 11 may select the shape and / or thickness of the foot.

[0043] Furthermore, when a) the lateral tilt angle of the cane is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle (threshold 36, for example, 20°), or the result of the lateral mechanical component analysis is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (threshold 37, for example, 15 N), or the analysis result in the frontal plane (the plane in which the walking pattern is viewed from the front or back) in b-2) and / or b-3) above is within a predetermined range from the average value for healthy people (for example, a range determined by a predetermined multiple of the average value and standard deviation for healthy people (threshold 38), as an example, equal to or greater than the average value for healthy people ±2 standard deviations), the processing unit 11 selects a shape with an outward curve as the shape of the shaft portion.

[0044] The above-mentioned numerical values ​​are merely examples and are not necessarily limited to these. The above-mentioned predetermined angles, predetermined values, predetermined ranges, and other values ​​may be determined in advance and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0045] In step S107, the processing unit 11 displays or outputs the type of cane selected in step S103 and the shape and / or dimensions (if any) selected in step S105. For example, the processing unit 11 may display this data on the output unit 14, store this data in the memory unit 12, transmit this data to another device via the communication control unit 15, or print this data via the output unit 14, for example.

[0046] (Effects) The above device makes it possible to select the (optimal) cane that is best suited to the cane user's use and walking conditions. This makes it possible to make a significant leap forward in the effectiveness of conventional canes. In addition, by accumulating data, long-term follow-up becomes possible, making it possible to switch to an appropriate cane in response to changes in aging or physical condition.

[0047] Furthermore, the use and walking conditions of elderly people and people with disabilities (such as hemiplegia) who need canes vary. Therefore, it is difficult to say that the conventional one-size-fits-all canes are suitable for all people. By using the device to provide the optimal cane for each individual, we can expect to improve usability and physical function.

[0048] Rather than selecting the optimal material for the same cane shape as in the past, by providing the user with a cane that is suited (optimal) to the way the cane is used and the posture when walking, it is possible to maximize the physical abilities and walking ability of the person.

[0049] Furthermore, by selecting the type of cane based on one of the angle of the cane when the user uses it, the results of the mechanical component analysis, and the results of the kinematic analysis, it is possible to select a cane that is suitable for the cane user. Furthermore, by selecting the type of cane based on multiple of the angle of the cane when the user uses it, the results of the mechanical component analysis, and the results of the kinematic analysis, it is possible to select a cane that is more suitable for the cane user. Furthermore, by selecting the type of cane based on at least one of the angle of the cane when the user uses it, the results of the mechanical component analysis, and the results of the kinematic analysis, it is possible to select a cane that is suitable for an individual, and regional differences can be corrected.

[0050] (Variations) The processing unit 11 of the cane selection device 10 may select a type of cane based on one of the above-mentioned information a) to b-3). The processing unit 11 of the cane selection device 10 may select a type of cane based on any combination of the above-mentioned information a) to b-3). The type of cane selected by the processing unit 11 of the cane selection device 10 is not limited to selecting one cane, and multiple canes may be selected as recommended canes. For example, if a cane type cannot be uniquely determined based on one of the above-mentioned information a) to b-3), multiple canes (for example, two) may be selected as recommended canes.

[0051] The processing unit 11 of the cane selection device 10 may perform the above-described process of selecting the shape and / or dimensions of the cane components based on the results of mechanical component analysis, etc., without selecting the type of cane, assuming that the cane to be used is a high-performance cane (for example, the above-described curved carbon cane). Thus, in this modified example, the cane selection device (system) may be a device (system) that selects the shape and / or dimensions of the cane.

[0052] Second Embodiment FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a cane selection system according to this embodiment.

[0053] The cane selection system is a system in which the above-mentioned cane selection device 10 is distributed among a terminal 40 used by a user and a server 30 connected to the terminal 40 via a network 50 such as the Internet. The hardware configuration of the server 30 and the terminal 40 may be the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 1. For example, the processing unit of the server 30 executes the same processing as the above-mentioned cane selection device 10. Here, data input by the server 30 may be received from the terminal 40. Furthermore, data output by the server 30 may be transmitted to the terminal 40 and displayed by the terminal 40.

[0054] In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, modifications similar to those of the first embodiment can be made.

[0055] (Other) Each of the above-described embodiments may be realized by a computer program for realizing the functions of each of the above-described components on a computer, a computer program product, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the computer program.

[0056] (Additional Note) Each of the above-described embodiments may be configured as shown in the following configuration examples.

[0057] [Configuration Example 1] A cane selection device comprising: a processing unit that selects a type of cane, which acquires one or more of the following: the cane angle at a predetermined timing when a cane user uses the cane; mechanical component analysis results that analyze the forces acting on the cane when the cane user uses the cane; and kinematic analysis results regarding the posture and / or movement of the cane user when walking using the cane; and selects a type of cane based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, mechanical component analysis results, and kinematic analysis results; and an output unit that displays or outputs the selected type of cane.

[0058] [Configuration Example 2] The cane selection device according to Configuration Example 1, wherein the processing unit selects one of a one-point cane, a four-point cane, a high-performance cane, and a Lofstrand cane as the type of cane.

[0059] Configuration Example 3 The cane selection device according to Configuration Example 1, wherein the processing unit selects a type of cane based on the acquired mechanical component analysis result.

[0060] Configuration Example 4 The cane selection device according to Configuration Example 1, wherein the processing unit selects a type of cane based on the acquired kinematic analysis result.

[0061] [Configuration Example 5] The cane selection device described in Configuration Example 1, wherein the kinematic analysis results include one or more of the following: an upper limb load analysis result relating to the joint angle of the upper limb on the side of the cane user using the cane, and / or the amount of joint load generated in the upper limb due to use of the cane; a spatiotemporal analysis result of walking including the walking, stance and swing times, step length, stride length and / or walking rhythm; and an abnormal walking movement analysis result indicating whether or not the cane user has abnormal walking due to the joint angles of the entire body and the movement of the center of gravity deviating from normal walking.

[0062] [Configuration Example 6] The cane selection device described in Configuration Example 1, wherein the processing unit selects one or more of the shapes or dimensions of the grip portion, shaft portion, and foot portion of the cane based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, the mechanical component analysis results, and the kinematic analysis results, and the output unit displays or outputs the selected shapes or dimensions of the grip portion, shaft portion, and foot portion of the cane.

[0063] [Configuration Example 7] The cane selection device according to Configuration Example 6, wherein the processing unit further selects a shape of a grip portion of the cane based on the kinematic analysis results including the maximum pronation angle of the forearm or the maximum palmar-dorsiflexion angle of the wrist, and the output unit further displays or outputs the selected shape of the grip portion.

[0064] [Configuration Example 8] The cane selection device described in Configuration Example 6, wherein the processing unit further selects a thickness of the shaft portion of the cane based on the results of the mechanical component analysis, and the output unit further displays or outputs the selected thickness of the shaft portion.

[0065] [Configuration Example 9] A cane selection device as described in Configuration Example 5, wherein the processing unit further selects the shape of the cane shaft based on the results of an analysis of the mechanical components of the lateral tilt angle or lateral force of the cane when in use, or the results of the spatiotemporal analysis and / or the results of the abnormal gait movement analysis, in which the walking pattern is analyzed in the frontal plane as viewed from the front or back, and the output unit further displays or outputs the selected shape of the shaft.

[0066] [Configuration Example 10] The cane selection device described in Configuration Example 6, wherein the processing unit further selects dimensions of the cane foot based on the contact angle and / or take-off angle of the cane during walking, and the output unit further displays or outputs the selected foot shape.

[0067] [Configuration Example 11] A cane selection system comprising: a server that selects a type of cane, which acquires one or more of the following: the angle of the cane at a predetermined timing when a cane user uses the cane; mechanical component analysis results that analyze the forces acting on the cane when the cane user uses it; and kinematic analysis results regarding the posture and / or movement of the cane user when walking with the cane; and selects a type of cane based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, mechanical component analysis results, and kinematic analysis results, and transmits the selected cane type; and a terminal that displays or outputs the cane type received from the server.

[0068] [Configuration Example 12] A program executed by a computer, which executes the following steps: acquiring one or more of the angle of the cane at a predetermined timing when a cane user uses the cane; a mechanical component analysis result that analyzes the forces acting on the cane when the cane user uses the cane; and a kinematic analysis result regarding the posture and / or movement of the cane user when walking using the cane; and displaying on a display unit or outputting from an output unit a type of cane selected based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, the mechanical component analysis result, and the kinematic analysis result.

[0069] [Configuration Example 13] A cane selection device that selects the shape and dimensions of a cane having a grip portion that is held by a cane user, a foot portion that comes into contact with the ground when the cane is in use, and a shaft portion that supports the user's weight between the grip portion and the foot portion, the cane selection device comprising: a processing unit that acquires one or more of the following: the cane angle at a predetermined timing when the cane user is using the cane; a mechanical component analysis result that analyzes the forces acting on the cane when the cane user is using the cane; and a kinematic analysis result related to the posture and / or movement of the cane user when walking using the cane; and a processing unit that selects one or more of the shapes or dimensions of the grip portion, shaft portion and foot portion of the cane based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, mechanical component analysis result and kinematic analysis result; and an output unit that displays or outputs the shapes or dimensions of the grip portion, shaft portion and foot portion of the selected cane.

[0070] The present invention can be used in the manufacture and sale of walking sticks, and is particularly suitable as an apparatus and system for providing walking sticks for the elderly, disabled people, and people with neurological disorders.

[0071] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10: Wand selection device 11: Processing section 12: Storage section 13: Input section 14: Output section 15: Communication control section 30: Server 40: Terminal

Claims

1. A cane selection device comprising: a processing unit for selecting a type of cane, which acquires one or more of the following: the cane angle at a predetermined timing when a cane user uses the cane; a mechanical component analysis result that analyzes the forces acting on the cane when the cane user uses the cane; and a kinematic analysis result regarding the posture and / or movement of the cane user when walking using the cane; and selects a type of cane based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, mechanical component analysis result, and kinematic analysis result; and an output unit that displays or outputs the selected type of cane.

2. The cane selection device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit selects one of a single-point cane, a four-point cane, a high-performance cane, and a Lofstrand cane as the type of cane.

3. The cane selection device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit selects the type of cane based on the acquired results of the mechanical component analysis.

4. The cane selection device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit selects the type of cane based on the acquired kinematic analysis results.

5. A cane selection device as described in claim 1, wherein the kinematic analysis results include one or more of the following: an upper limb load analysis result relating to the joint angle of the upper limb on the side of the cane user using the cane, and / or the amount of joint load generated in the upper limb due to the use of the cane; a spatiotemporal analysis result of walking including the walking, stance and swing times, step length, stride length and / or walking rhythm; and an abnormal walking movement analysis result indicating the presence or absence of abnormal walking due to deviations from normal gait in the joint angles and center of gravity movement of the cane user's entire body.

6. The cane selection device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit selects one or more of the shapes or dimensions of the grip portion, shaft portion and foot portion of the cane based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, the mechanical component analysis results and the kinematic analysis results, and the output unit displays or outputs the selected shapes or dimensions of the grip portion, shaft portion and foot portion of the cane.

7. The cane selection device according to claim 6, wherein the processing unit further selects a shape of the grip portion of the cane based on the results of the kinematic analysis, including the maximum pronation angle of the forearm or the maximum palmar-dorsiflexion angle of the wrist, and the output unit further displays or outputs the selected shape of the grip portion.

8. The cane selection device according to claim 6, wherein the processing unit further selects the thickness of the cane shaft based on the results of the mechanical component analysis, and the output unit further displays or outputs the selected thickness of the shaft.

9. A cane selection device as described in claim 5, wherein the processing unit further selects the shape of the cane shaft based on the results of an analysis of the mechanical components of the lateral tilt angle or lateral force of the cane when in use, or the results of the spatiotemporal analysis and / or the results of the abnormal gait movement analysis, in which the walking pattern is analyzed in the frontal plane from the front or back, and the output unit further displays or outputs the selected shape of the shaft.

10. The cane selection device according to claim 6, wherein the processing unit further selects the dimensions of the cane foot based on the contact angle and / or take-off angle of the cane during walking, and the output unit further displays or outputs the selected foot shape.

11. A cane selection system comprising: a server that selects the type of cane, which acquires one or more of the following: the angle of the cane at a specified time when the cane user uses the cane; mechanical component analysis results that analyze the forces acting on the cane when the cane user uses it; and kinematic analysis results regarding the posture and / or movement of the cane user when walking with the cane; and selects the type of cane based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, mechanical component analysis results, and kinematic analysis results, and transmits the selected type of cane; and a terminal that displays or outputs the type of cane received from the server.

12. A program executed by a computer, which executes the following steps: acquiring one or more of the angle of the cane at a predetermined timing when the cane user uses the cane; mechanical component analysis results analyzing the forces acting on the cane when the cane user uses the cane; and kinematic analysis results regarding the posture and / or movement of the cane user when walking with the cane; and displaying on a display unit or outputting from an output unit a type of cane selected based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, mechanical component analysis results, and kinematic analysis results.

13. A cane selection device that selects the shape and dimensions of a cane having a grip portion that is held by a cane user, a foot portion that touches the ground when the cane is in use, and a shaft portion that supports the user's weight between the grip portion and the foot portion, and that acquires one or more of the following: the cane angle at a predetermined timing when the cane user is using the cane, the results of a mechanical component analysis that analyzes the forces acting on the cane when the cane user is using the cane, and the results of a kinematic analysis regarding the posture and / or movement of the cane user when walking with the cane; a processing unit that selects one or more of the shapes or dimensions of the grip portion, shaft portion and foot portion of the cane based on at least one of the acquired cane angle, the results of the mechanical component analysis and the results of the kinematic analysis; and an output unit that displays or outputs the shapes or dimensions of the grip portion, shaft portion and foot portion of the selected cane.

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