JP2024056607A - Shoe fitting evaluation device and shoe fitting evaluation method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique for improving accuracy of shoe selection for selecting shoes fitted to a wearer.SOLUTION: A shoe fitting evaluation system 100 is configured so that: a dimension difference calculation part 72 calculates a portion dimension difference which is a difference between a measured value of a foot portion dimension and a shoe mold portion dimension corresponding to the foot portion in a state of performing prescribed adjustment according to the portion; an evaluation processing part 74 calculates a shoe mold fitting ratio based on the portion dimension difference; an output part outputs information related to the shoe mold fitting ratio; and the dimension difference calculation part 72 calculates a portion dimension difference in a state in which, as the prescribed adjustment, a tolerance part according to individual stretch/shrinkage characteristics for each portion of a shoe is deducted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a shoe fit evaluation device and a shoe fit evaluation method. In particular, the present invention relates to a technology for evaluating the suitability of shoes based on foot shape measurements.

There is known technology that measures the foot shape of a person considering purchasing shoes in three dimensions and uses the measurements to analyze whether the shoes will fit the person (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2005-169015 A US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0053335

In Patent Documents 1 and 2, the subject's foot shape and shoe last are compared by comparing with the dimensions of the shoe last. However, the prior art does not disclose a specific method for comparing foot shape and shoe last. Generally, shoe last information is confidential information that condenses the technology and know-how of shoe manufacturers, and only the shoe manufacturer knows the exact dimensions of the shoe last and information such as the design concept, materials, and characteristics of each shoe. Therefore, even if it is theoretically possible to compare foot shape and shoe lasts, in reality it is difficult to say that a means for comparison and compatibility analysis that fully reflects the design concept and characteristics of shoes and shoe lasts has been provided.

On the other hand, shoe stores and other outlets may have specialized personnel known as shoe fitters who have a wealth of knowledge and skills to help select shoes that fit customers' feet. Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of technology that would enable people without such specialized knowledge and skills to easily select shoes that are just as satisfying as those chosen by shoe fitters.

The present invention was made in light of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide technology that improves the accuracy of selecting shoes that fit the foot.

In order to solve the above problems, a shoe fit evaluation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a measurement acquisition unit that acquires measurement values of multiple foot part dimensions, which are the dimensions of multiple foot parts including at least the foot length, as foot shape dimension information that defines the foot shape of the person being measured; a shoe shape storage unit that stores multiple shoe shape part dimensions, which are the dimensions of shoe shape parts corresponding to multiple foot parts including at least the foot length, for multiple types of shoe shapes as shoe shape dimension information that defines the shoe shape; a dimension difference calculation unit that calculates a part dimension difference, which is the difference between the measurement value of the foot part dimension and the shoe shape part dimension corresponding to that foot part, in a form that has been adjusted according to the part; an evaluation processing unit that calculates a shoe shape fit rate based on the part dimension difference; and an output unit that outputs information regarding the shoe shape fit rate.

Another aspect of the present invention is a shoe fit evaluation method. This method includes the steps of acquiring measurements of multiple foot part dimensions, which are the dimensions of multiple foot parts including at least the foot length, as foot shape dimension information defining the foot shape of the subject, reading multiple shoe mold part dimensions, which are the dimensions of shoe mold parts corresponding to multiple foot parts including at least the foot length, from a predetermined storage means as shoe mold dimension information defining the shoe mold, calculating a part dimension difference, which is the difference between the measured foot part dimensions and the shoe mold part dimension corresponding to the foot part, in a form adjusted according to the part, calculating a shoe mold fit rate based on the part dimension difference, and outputting information related to the shoe mold fit rate.

The present invention provides technology that improves the accuracy of selecting shoes that fit the foot.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a basic configuration of a shoe fitting evaluation system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a correspondence relationship between parts of a subject's foot shape and a shoe last. 1 is a functional block diagram showing each component of a shoe fitting evaluation system. 13 is a flowchart showing the steps of a shoe fitting evaluation process. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying recommended information about shoes; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of a foot shape and shoe last comparison page. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of a foot shape and shoe last comparison page. 13 is a flowchart showing a process of a shoe fitting evaluation process in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a first product detail page in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a second product detail page in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing each component of a shoe fitting evaluation system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the heel width ratio and the correction value for each width type in the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a calculation algorithm of a correction value C1.

The present invention will be described below based on a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments and modified examples, the same or equivalent components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of a shoe fitting evaluation system 100. The shoe fitting evaluation system 100 mainly includes an information terminal 16 and a shoe fitting evaluation server 50. Here, the "shoes" mainly refer to running shoes and walking shoes, but may include other types of shoes. The subject 10 scans the foot shape of the subject 10 using a three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 installed in a shoe store. Alternatively, the subject 10 places his/her foot on a measurement mat 12 and scans his/her own foot shape by taking a picture of the foot using the camera function of the information terminal 16 and measuring it with a foot shape measuring app. Alternatively, the subject 10's foot is manually measured for foot length and foot circumference using a measuring device such as a tape measure 14, and the measured value is input to the information terminal 16. The three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 acquires three-dimensional data on the foot shape of the subject 10 by laser measurement. The "foot shape" referred to here is a three-dimensional model that virtually reproduces the three-dimensional shape of the subject 10's foot. The information terminal 16 may generate a footprint of the subject 10 using a three-dimensional scanner function that utilizes technology such as LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) or image synthesis processing such as photogrammetry.

The shoe fitting evaluation system 100 may further include a measurement mat 12 and a three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18. The information terminal 16 may be operated by the subject 10 as a user, or a person other than the subject 10, such as a shoe store clerk, may scan the foot shape using the three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 or information terminal 16. Therefore, the information terminal 16 may be a terminal owned by a shoe store in which the three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 is installed, or may be a terminal owned by the subject 10 himself.

The measured values as the three-dimensional measurement results of the foot shape scanned by the three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 or the information terminal 16 are transmitted by the information terminal 16 to the shoe fitting evaluation server 50. Note that the "shoe fitting evaluation device" in the claims may refer to the entire shoe fitting evaluation system 100 or the shoe fitting evaluation server 50. In this embodiment, the shoe fitting evaluation server 50 is provided with many of the characteristic functions included in the "shoe fitting evaluation device" in the claims, so the shoe fitting evaluation server 50 essentially corresponds to the "shoe fitting evaluation device". However, the characteristic functions of the "shoe fitting evaluation device" may be distributed between the information terminal 16 and the shoe fitting evaluation server 50, or may be provided with many of them in the information terminal 16.

The shoe fitting evaluation server 50 is a server computer that is connected to multiple information terminals 16 via a network line such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network) and communication means such as wireless communication. The shoe fitting evaluation server 50 may be configured as a single server computer or a combination of multiple server computers. The information terminals 16 may be portable information terminals such as smartphones and tablet terminals, or may be personal computers.

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the correspondence between the parts of the foot shape of the subject and the shoe last. In this embodiment, the suitability of the foot shape to the shoe to be evaluated is evaluated based on the dimensional difference between multiple corresponding foot parts in the foot shape and the shoe last. Figure 2(a) shows a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional model of the foot shape. Figure 2(b) shows a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional model of the shoe last. The multiple foot parts referred to here are foot length, foot circumference, heel width, arch circumference, and heel circumference, and in this embodiment, the suitability of the foot shape to the shoe is evaluated by referring to the measured values of the dimensional difference between the foot length and foot circumference and the heel width. However, in a modified example, a combination of any one or more of the foot circumference, heel width, arch circumference, and heel circumference and the foot length may be referred to in the suitability evaluation. Below, in this figure, multiple foot parts including the foot length, foot circumference, heel width, arch circumference, and heel circumference will be described.

The foot print 20 is a three-dimensional model that is virtually reproduced by scanning the shape of the foot of the subject 10 using the three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 or the information terminal 16. However, the foot print 20 does not necessarily faithfully reproduce the shape of the foot of the subject 10, especially the shape around the toes, but is constructed in an intentionally deformed shape so that it can be easily compared with the shoe mold 30. Based on the generated three-dimensional model of the foot print, the foot print length 21, foot print circumference 22, foot print arch circumference 23, foot print heel circumference 24, and foot print heel width 25 can be measured. The foot print length 21, foot print circumference 22, foot print arch circumference 23, foot print heel circumference 24, and foot print heel width 25 are parts that correspond to the foot length, foot circumference, arch circumference, heel circumference, and heel width of the foot of the subject 10, respectively.

The shoe last 30 is a three-dimensional model that virtually reproduces the shoe lasts of multiple types of shoes that are prepared in advance as options for recommended shoes. Multiple types of shoes are prepared, and even one product model is available in sizes corresponding to multiple foot lengths and multiple foot widths, and different shapes may be prepared for men and women. A different shoe last is used for each of these many types of shoes. A shoe last is a model that is assumed to be the ideal foot shape for each shoe model, and is actually used as a model in the shoe manufacturing process. In the shoe manufacturing process, shoes are manufactured by gluing the upper and sole so that they encase the shoe last and then pulling out the shoe last. The shape and size of the shoe last for each shoe model, and how the shoe's elasticity characteristics and tolerance are set for each part of the shoe last reflect the product design concept and know-how, and are usually not made public outside the shoe manufacturer. The reference values for suitability judgment based on such design concept and know-how are set in advance in the shoe compatibility evaluation server 50 described later.

In the three-dimensional model of the shoe last, values indicating the shoe last foot length 31, shoe last foot circumference 32, shoe last arch circumference 33, shoe last heel circumference 34, and shoe last heel width 35 are prepared in advance. The shoe last foot length 31, shoe last foot circumference 32, shoe last arch circumference 33, shoe last heel circumference 34, and shoe last heel width 35 are parts corresponding to the foot print foot length 21, foot print foot circumference 22, foot print arch circumference 23, foot print heel circumference 24, and foot print heel width 25, respectively. Therefore, the foot length difference between the foot print foot length 21 and the shoe last foot length 31 is calculated, and the foot circumference difference between the foot print foot circumference 22 and the shoe last foot circumference 32 is calculated. In addition, the difference in the arch circumference may be calculated between the footprint arch circumference 23 and the shoe mold arch circumference 33, the difference in the heel circumference may be calculated between the footprint heel circumference 24 and the shoe mold heel circumference 34, and the difference in the heel width may be calculated between the footprint heel width 25 and the shoe mold heel width 35.

Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing each component of the shoe fitting evaluation system 100. In this embodiment, the shoe fitting evaluation system 100 is composed of an information terminal 16 and a shoe fitting evaluation server 50. However, the shoe fitting evaluation system 100 can be realized with various hardware and software configurations. For example, the shoe fitting evaluation system 100 may be composed of only the shoe fitting evaluation server 50, or may be composed of only the information terminal 16.

3 shows functional blocks of the information terminal 16 and the shoe fitting evaluation server 50, which are realized by the cooperation of various hardware and software configurations. Therefore, it is understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof. The information terminal 16 is composed of a combination of hardware such as a camera module, a distance measuring sensor, a microprocessor, a touch panel, a memory, and a communication module. The information terminal 16 may be a general-purpose information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal prepared by the subject 10 or a shoe store. However, the information terminal 16 is equipped with a program having the following functions, or accesses a website provided by the shoe fitting evaluation server 50 via a web browser, thereby substantially achieving the following functions through the cooperation of software and hardware. The information terminal 16 includes, as its functions, an optical information acquisition unit 40, a scan processing unit 41, an operation input unit 42, a model generation unit 43, an information generation unit 44, a part measurement unit 45, a display unit 46, and a communication unit 47.

When a three-dimensional model is generated using LiDAR technology, the optical information acquisition unit 40 is configured as a LiDAR sensor in terms of hardware. In this case, the optical information acquisition unit 40 detects laser light, and the scan processing unit 41 scans the three-dimensional shape of the subject's 10 feet by measuring the distance to the object based on the information acquired from the optical information acquisition unit 40. The model generation unit 43 generates a three-dimensional model of the foot shape based on the information scanned by the scan processing unit 41.

When a three-dimensional model is generated using photogrammetry technology, the optical information acquisition unit 40 is configured in terms of hardware as a camera module. In this case, the optical information acquisition unit 40 captures images of the subject's 10 feet from around the subject's feet, and the scan processing unit 41 captures a video or multiple still images as images of the feet, thereby scanning the three-dimensional shape of the subject's 10 feet. The model generation unit 43 generates a three-dimensional model of the foot shape based on the information scanned by the scan processing unit 41.

When generating a three-dimensional model using the three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18, the model generation unit 43 acquires the information scanned by the three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 via the communication unit 47, and generates a three-dimensional model of the foot shape based on the acquired information.

The part measurement unit 45 measures the foot print length 21, foot print circumference 22, foot print arch circumference 23, foot print heel circumference 24, and foot print heel width 25 in the three-dimensional model generated by the model generation unit 43. The information generation unit 44 generates screen display content for displaying the three-dimensional model generated by the model generation unit 43 and the measurements measured by the part measurement unit 45 on the screen of the information terminal 16. The information generation unit 44 also generates information on the three-dimensional model and measurements, identification information and attribute information for identifying the subject 10, information for identifying the subject 10's shoe preferences and wishes, etc., and transmits them to the shoe compatibility evaluation server 50 via the communication unit 47. The display unit 46 displays the display content generated by the information generation unit 44 and the display content received from the shoe compatibility evaluation server 50 on the screen of the information terminal 16.

The shoe fitting evaluation server 50 is composed of a combination of hardware such as a microprocessor, memory, display, and communication module. The shoe fitting evaluation server 50 may be a server computer built and managed by a shoe manufacturer. However, the shoe fitting evaluation server 50 runs a program with the following functions. The shoe fitting evaluation server 50 includes, as its functions, a communication unit 52, a measurement value acquisition unit 54, a memory unit 60, a fitting evaluation unit 70, and an output unit 80. The communication unit 47 of the information terminal 16 and the communication unit 52 of the shoe fitting evaluation server 50 are connected via a network 90.

The measurement acquisition unit 54 acquires measurements of multiple foot part dimensions, which are the dimensions of multiple foot parts including at least foot length, from the information terminal 16 via the communication unit 52 as foot shape dimension information defining the foot shape of the subject 10. In this embodiment, the measurement acquisition unit 54 acquires measurements of foot length, foot circumference, and heel width, but in modified examples, it may acquire measurements of a combination of foot length and any one or more or all of foot circumference, arch circumference, heel circumference, and heel width.

The storage unit 60 includes a user storage unit 62, a shoe mold storage unit 64, and a shoe information storage unit 66. The user storage unit 62 stores identification information and attribute information for identifying the measurement subject 10 transmitted from the information terminal 16. The shoe mold storage unit 64 stores, for each of a plurality of shoe molds, a plurality of shoe mold part dimensions, which are the dimensions of shoe mold parts corresponding to a plurality of foot parts including at least the foot length, as shoe mold dimension information defining the shoe mold. The shoe mold storage unit 64 of this embodiment stores the shoe mold foot length and shoe mold foot circumference dimensions as the plurality of shoe mold part dimensions for each shoe mold, but in a modified example, the dimensions of a combination of one or more or all of the shoe mold foot circumference, shoe mold instep circumference, shoe mold heel circumference, and shoe mold heel width and the shoe mold foot length may be stored. The shoe information storage unit 66 stores information on a plurality of models and a plurality of sizes of shoes. The plurality of models includes a male model and a female model. The shoe size includes a plurality of foot length sizes and a plurality of foot width sizes. The shoe information includes various adjustment values (details will be described later) that are preset for each shoe last or each shoe.

The conformity evaluation unit 70 includes a shoe mold selection unit 71, a size difference calculation unit 72, and an evaluation processing unit 74. The shoe mold selection unit 71 selects one or more shoe molds from the multiple types of shoe molds stored in the shoe mold storage unit 64 as evaluation targets. For example, the shoe mold selection unit 71 selects one or more shoe molds that can be worn by a foot with the foot size or shoe molds whose size is close to the foot size as evaluation targets based on the preference information and the foot size measurement input by the operator of the information terminal 16. In order to select the shoe that is most suitable for the foot of the subject 10 from a wide range of options, it is preferable that the shoe mold selection unit 71 selects multiple shoe molds as evaluation targets. In a modified example, the shoe mold selection unit 71 may be configured to evaluate substantially all shoe molds stored in the shoe mold storage unit 64 instead of selecting multiple shoe molds as evaluation targets in advance. In that case, the size difference calculation unit 72 and the evaluation processing unit 74 calculate the part size difference and shoe mold conformity rate for all shoe molds as evaluation targets. Conversely, in this embodiment, in order to avoid calculating the part dimension difference and shoe shape fit rate for all shoe shapes, the calculation load is reduced by calculating the part dimension difference and shoe shape fit rate after narrowing down the evaluation targets to a certain extent according to the measured values of foot length and foot circumference and the preferences and attributes of the measurement subject 10. The dimensional difference between the shoe shape selected by the shoe shape selection unit 71 and the foot shape acquired by the measurement acquisition unit 54 is calculated as follows.

The dimension difference calculation unit 72 calculates the part dimension difference, which is the difference between the measured foot part dimension and the shoe last part dimension corresponding to that foot part, with a predetermined adjustment made according to the part. The evaluation processing unit 74 calculates the shoe last suitability rate based on the part dimension difference. The calculation method of the part dimension difference and shoe last suitability rate will be described in detail below.

As described above, the dimensional difference in this embodiment is the difference between the measured value of the foot length in the foot shape and the foot length in the shoe mold, and the difference between the measured value of the foot circumference in the foot shape and the foot circumference in the shoe mold. However, in a modified example, a combination of the dimensional difference in at least one of the arch circumference, heel circumference, and heel width and the dimensional difference in the foot length may be used.

Here, the "predetermined adjustment" includes the following four calculations. In particular, in the calculation of the part dimension difference, an adjustment for subtracting an allowance according to the individual elasticity characteristics of each part of the shoe (Adjustment 1), an adjustment for calculating the part dimension difference as the sum of squares of the part dimension difference to which the individual weight for each part has been added (Adjustment 2), an adjustment for calculating the sum of squares of the part dimension difference to which a first weight has been added to the part dimension difference of foot length and a second weight smaller than the first weight has been added to the part dimension difference of other parts than foot length (Adjustment 3), and an adjustment for using values obtained by correcting errors in the actual measurements of the foot part dimensions according to the measurement method as the measured values of the foot part dimensions (Adjustment 4). The calculation method of the shoe last fit rate after these adjustments is shown in the following formula.
Shoe last fit rate = 100 - part size difference

Here, the part size difference is the sum of the squares of the foot length size difference and the foot circumference size difference, and is expressed by the following formula.
Difference in part size = α x foot length score + β x foot circumference score

The "foot length score" is the value obtained by squaring the difference in foot length, and the "foot circumference score" is the value obtained by squaring the difference in foot circumference. The foot length difference is the difference between the shoe last foot length and the measured foot length, and the foot circumference difference is the difference between the shoe last foot circumference and the measured foot circumference. However, since each part of the shoe may have individual elasticity characteristics, the foot length difference and foot circumference difference are calculated by subtracting an allowance according to the elasticity characteristics (adjustment 1). Therefore, the foot length score and foot circumference score are expressed by the following formula.
Foot length score = (shoe last foot length - foot length measurement - d1)^2
Foot circumference score = (shoe circumference - foot circumference measurement - d2)^2

Here, the upper may be formed so that the elasticity is relatively low in the foot length direction of the shoe, and so that the elasticity is relatively high in the foot circumference direction of the shoe. For example, d1, which is the adjustment value in the foot length direction, may be set to a small value of 1 mm or less. Also, for example, in the foot circumference direction, a large value of several mm or more equivalent to 2 to 3% of the foot circumference may be set to d2 in order to select a slightly tight shoe at least at the time of purchase, anticipating a certain degree of elasticity. Therefore, the values of d1 and d2 may be set so that d1 < d2. Note that d1 and d2 may each be set to a negative value. d1 and d2 may be set for each shoe last, that is, for each shoe model and size. d1 and d2 may be set to values adjusted in advance so that the same results as when a shoe fitter selects shoes are obtained.

Note that shoe lasts are not made to perfectly reproduce the shape of a human foot, and may have a distinctive shape that is intentionally different from the shape of a human foot as a design concept to enhance the functionality of the shoe. Also, many designs have a toe space called "gap" so that the toes do not frequently hit the inside tip of the shoe when walking. Also, for shoes for trail runners who run on uneven ground or rough surfaces, shoes with a larger gap than normal shoes may be preferred so that the toes do not frequently hit the shoe. Also, the material and thickness of the upper may differ depending on the category and model of the shoe. In this way, differences in the dimensions of the parts are expected in advance based on the design concept and the characteristics of the shoe, so d1 and d2 may be set as adjustment values based on such design differences.

The part dimension difference is calculated as the sum of squares of the part dimension difference to which individual weights α and β for each part are added (adjustment 2). That is, the foot length score is multiplied by the weighting factor α, and the foot circumference score is multiplied by the weighting factor β. Since the foot length is considered to be the most influential factor among the multiple foot parts in measuring the fit of a shoe, a relatively large weight is assigned to the evaluation of the foot length and a relatively small weight is assigned to the evaluation of the foot circumference in calculating the shoe last conformity rate (adjustment 3). For example, when the weighting factor α is set to 0.8, the weighting factor β is set to 0.2, and when the weighting factor α is set to 0.6, the weighting factor β is set to 0.4. In this way, the weighting factor α is set to 0.6 to 0.8, and the weighting factor β is set to 0.4 to 0.2, which is smaller than the weighting factor α. The weighting factors α and β are stored in the shoe information storage unit 66, and different values may be set for each shoe model and size. The weighting factors α and β may be set to values adjusted in advance so that the same results as when a shoe fitter selects shoes are obtained. As a modified example, the arch circumference score, heel circumference score, and heel width score may be calculated based on the arch circumference difference, heel circumference difference, and heel width difference, and the part dimension difference may be calculated by individually weighting the squared values of each of these scores.

The measured values for each foot part are values obtained by adding an error correction to the actual measured values of the foot part dimensions according to the measurement method (adjustment 4). For example, if the shoe last dimensions stored in the shoe last storage unit 64 are designed to be measured manually using a measuring device such as a tape measure 14, there is a possibility that an error will occur in measurements using laser distance measurement by the three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 or the information terminal 16 compared to manual measurements (for example, it is possible that the measured values obtained by laser distance measurement will be slightly smaller). Therefore, if the measurements are not measured manually, the measured values of the foot part dimensions may be calculated by adding an error correction of about 2 to 3 mm to the actual measured values of the foot length and foot circumference, respectively, in order to match the design concept of the shoe last. In addition, in manual measurements, the error correction of the foot circumference may be larger than the error correction of the foot length in order to reflect the characteristic that the foot circumference is more likely to be smaller than the actual foot circumference because the tape measure is wrapped tightly compared to the foot length measurement.

Here, if the ratio of the actual heel width to the actual foot length (heel width ratio) is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio (e.g., about 1/4), it is assumed that the ideal heel width of the shoe mold will be exceeded, and the heel of the foot will not fit properly into the heel of the shoe mold. In that case, the foot will move forward easily when walking, etc., because the heel does not fit in the shoe, and the toe space will be reduced, which may cause the shoe to feel tight. Therefore, if the heel width is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio, a value obtained by adding a predetermined size-up adjustment value (e.g., 4 to 5 mm) to the actual foot length may be used as the measured value of the foot length in order to recommend buying a larger shoe size. The error correction amount and size-up adjustment value are stored in the shoe information storage unit 66, and different values may be set for each shoe model and size. The error correction amount and size-up adjustment value may be set to a pre-adjusted value so that the same results as when a shoe fitter selects shoes are obtained.

The evaluation processing unit 74 calculates a shoe last compatibility rate for each of the multiple shoe lasts to be evaluated. The evaluation processing unit 74 selects at least one shoe corresponding to a shoe last with a relatively high shoe last compatibility rate from the multiple shoe options. In this way, the shoe last compatibility rate is calculated based on the part dimension difference obtained by comparing the measurement value of the foot part with the shoe last part, and the optimal shoe is selected based on the shoe last compatibility rate, so that a shoe with an inner shape that matches the foot shape can be selected. Since the shoe last compatibility rate is calculated based on values that accurately reflect the shoe last part dimensions and the characteristics of each shoe or shoe last, the accuracy of selecting shoes that fit the foot can be improved. In addition, since various adjustment values can be set for each shoe or shoe last, it is also possible to more faithfully reproduce a shoe selection method that reflects the specialized skills and know-how of shoe fitters.

The output unit 80 transmits information related to the shoe last compatibility rate to the information terminal 16 via the communication unit 52, thereby displaying shoe recommendation information including the shoe last compatibility rate on the screen of the information terminal 16. The output unit 80 includes a recommendation output unit 82 and a comparison output unit 84. The recommendation output unit 82 outputs information indicating the shoe selected by the evaluation processing unit 74 and the shoe last compatibility rate for that shoe last as recommendation information. The comparison output unit 84 outputs information visually indicating the comparison results between the shoe last part dimensions and foot part dimensions of the shoe selected by the evaluation processing unit 74. Details of screen display examples of the recommendation information and the comparison results will be described later.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the process of the shoe fitting evaluation process. When the shoe fitting evaluation process starts, the measurement acquisition unit 54 acquires the measurement values of the foot part dimensions (S10), and the shoe last selection unit 71 selects the shoe last to be evaluated (S12). The size difference calculation unit 72 recognizes which measurement method was used to measure the foot part dimensions (S14), and adjusts the measurement values of the foot part dimensions to correct errors according to the measurement method (S16). The size difference calculation unit 72 adjusts the part dimension difference according to the characteristics of each part (S18), and the evaluation processing unit 74 calculates the shoe last fit rate based on the part dimension difference (S20). The recommendation output unit 82 outputs information on the shoe and shoe last fit rate (S22), and the comparison output unit 84 outputs comparison information between the foot shape and the shoe last (S24), and the shoe fitting evaluation process is terminated. Note that the processes of S10 to S24 can be performed in various orders, and the order of S10 to S24 in the flowchart of this figure is merely an order determined for convenience. In addition, the process from the shoe last selection process in S12 to the output process in S22 and S24 may be repeated multiple times while changing the shoes to be evaluated until the most suitable shoes for the subject 10 are found.

Figure 5 shows an example of a screen of shoe recommendation information. In the screen 110 displayed on the information terminal 16, recommendation information generated by the recommendation output unit 82 based on the shoes selected by the evaluation processing unit 74 and the shoe type conformity rate is displayed. The screen 110 is mainly composed of a first tab screen 112, a second tab screen 114, a third tab screen 116, and a fourth tab screen 118, and any of the tab screens selected by the operator from the first tab screen 112, the second tab screen 114, the third tab screen 116, and the fourth tab screen 118 is displayed. For example, the category "PROTECT" of the first tab screen 112 corresponds to shoes for a wide range of runners, from beginners who aim to complete a marathon to those who aspire to everyday running. The category "ENERGY" of the second tab screen 114 corresponds to shoes for runners of various levels who want to run comfortably and for a long time. The category "SPEED" of the third tab screen 116 corresponds to shoes for runners who pursue speed, such as athletes and advanced marathon runners. The category "TRAIL" on the fourth tab screen 118 corresponds to shoes for trail runners who run on rough or uneven surfaces. By selecting one of the tab screens, the operator can select a preferred shoe category.

In the illustrated screen 110, information recommending four types of shoes as shoes corresponding to the category "PROTECT" is displayed in each of the first recommendation column 120, the second recommendation column 122, the third recommendation column 124, and the fourth recommendation column 126. For example, in the first recommendation column 120, a shoe image 130, a product name 131, size information 132, a shoe last conformity rate 133, a comparison button 134, and a details button 135 are displayed. The shoe image 130 visually shows the appearance of the recommended shoe. The product name 131 is the shoe model name such as "GK-29 WOMEN WIDE", and includes an identification name for distinguishing whether the model is for men or women, and which foot width model it is. The size information 132 is a character string indicating the shoe last foot length, such as "24.5 cm". However, since the length unit used for the product model varies from centimeters to inches, it does not need to strictly match the actual shoe last foot length.

In the shoe last compatibility rate 133, the shoe last compatibility rate calculated by the evaluation processing unit 74 is displayed in the form of a string such as "Matching 98%". The comparison button 134 is a link button to a comparison page for comparing the foot shape and shoe last, and when the operator presses the comparison button 134, the screen switches to the foot shape and shoe last comparison page. The details button 135 is a link button to a product introduction page that introduces in detail the shoe model recommended in the first recommendation field 120, and when the operator presses the details button 135, the screen switches to the product introduction page.

Similar to the first recommendation column 120, the second recommendation column 122, the third recommendation column 124, and the fourth recommendation column 126 also display shoe images, product names, size information, shoe last fit rates, a comparison button, and a details button, and provide shoe last fit rates for each recommended shoe model, allowing users to compare products and use this information as a reference for purchasing.

Figure 6 shows a first example of a foot print and shoe last comparison page. Left and right foot print images 141 are displayed on a screen 140 displayed on the information terminal 16, along with left and right shoe images 142 superimposed on the foot print image 141. For convenience, the outline of the shoe is shown by a dashed line as the shoe image 142 in Figure 6, but an actual shoe image may be displayed semi-transparently superimposed on the foot print image 141 to more clearly show the positional relationship and size difference between the foot print image 141 and the shoe image 142.

The left foot length difference area 143 is an area display showing the degree of margin in the foot length direction of the left foot, and the area is decorated with a pattern or color indicating that the left foot length difference is appropriate. The character string "recommended" is displayed as the left foot length compatibility display 144, which shows the size of the left foot length difference in words, indicating that the left foot length difference is appropriate.

The right foot length difference area 145 is an area display showing the degree of margin in the foot length direction of the right foot, and a pattern or color is applied to this area to show that the right foot length difference is too small. The right foot length fit display 146, which shows the size of the right foot length difference in words, displays the character string "tight" to show that the right foot length difference is too small.

The left foot circumference difference area 147 is an area display showing the degree of allowance in the foot circumference direction for the left foot, and a pattern or color is applied to this area to indicate that the difference in the left foot circumference measurement is slightly large. The character string "loose" is displayed as the left foot circumference fit display 148, which shows the size of the left foot circumference difference in words, indicating that the difference in the left foot circumference measurement is slightly large.

The right foot circumference difference area 149 is an area display showing the margin in the foot circumference direction of the right foot, and a pattern or color is applied to this area to indicate that the difference in the right foot circumference measurement is too small. The right foot circumference fit display 150, which shows the size of the right foot circumference difference in words, displays the character string "tight" to indicate that the difference in the right foot circumference measurement is too small.

As described above, by visually expressing the difference between the foot shape and the shoe last using words, colors, patterns, etc., the subject 10 can intuitively understand whether the shoe fits his or her foot.

Figure 7 shows a second example of a foot shape and shoe last comparison page. On the screen 160 displayed on the information terminal 16, left and right foot shape images 162 are displayed in the form of a three-dimensional model, and a shoe last image 164 is displayed in the form of a three-dimensional wire frame around the three-dimensional foot shape model. In other words, the recommended shoes are displayed three-dimensionally on the foot shape of the subject 10 as if they were being worn. The recommendation information 166 displays a character string such as "24.5 cm" indicating the foot length and a character string such as "wide" indicating the type of foot width. A numerical value for the shoe last compatibility rate may also be displayed.

As described above, by visually expressing the difference between the foot shape and the shoe last and the degree of fit in three-dimensional space, the subject 10 can intuitively understand whether the shoe fits his or her foot.

Second Embodiment
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the fit is calculated by referring to not only the measurements of the foot length, foot circumference, and heel width, but also the arch circumference, toe shape, and heel circumference as reference values for evaluating the fit of the foot shape to the shoe. The second embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in that shoes that fit the foot shape are extracted and presented to the user in that the fit of the foot shape is calculated for shoes selected by the user. Below, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of the commonalities will be omitted.

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the process of the shoe fitting evaluation process in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that when the measurement value of the foot shape of the measurement subject 10 is acquired by the three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 or the like, the measurement value is transmitted to the shoe fitting evaluation server 50, and is stored in advance in the shoe fitting evaluation server 50 in association with the identification information of the measurement subject 10. In addition, in a modified example, the measurement value of the foot shape of the measurement subject 10 may not be acquired in advance by the three-dimensional foot shape measuring device 18 or the like. In that case, the user himself may input information on the foot length and foot circumference as the measurement value of the foot shape by character input or the like, and the input information may be stored in the shoe fitting evaluation server 50 in association with the user's identification information as the measurement value of the foot shape. Alternatively, the measurement value of the foot shape and the information on the foot length and foot circumference input by the user himself may not be stored in the shoe fitting evaluation server 50 in association with the identification information, and when calculating the shoe size suitable for the user's foot and its shoe last compatibility rate, the user may input information on the foot length and foot circumference, and the information may be used for the calculation.

When a user accesses an online shoe sales site, a list of shoes for sale is displayed (S30), and when the user selects a shoe model that the user is considering purchasing from the list of shoes (S32), a product detail page for the selected shoe is displayed (S34). On the product detail page, images of the shoes and detailed information of the shoes are posted, and a choice of shoe sizes is displayed. If the user has already logged in to the shoe sales site (Y in S36) and the user's foot measurements have been measured and stored in the shoe compatibility evaluation server 50 in advance (Y in S38), the process of S39 to S48 is executed. That is, the shoe last selection unit 71 selects one or more shoe lasts whose shoe last foot length is close to the user's foot length as the shoe last to be evaluated from shoe lasts of multiple shoe sizes corresponding to the shoe model that the user is considering purchasing (S39). The size difference calculation unit 72 recognizes which measurement method was used to measure the user's foot part dimensions (S40), and adjusts the measurement values of the foot part dimensions to correct errors according to the measurement method (S42). The dimension difference calculation unit 72 adjusts the part dimension difference according to the characteristics of each part (S44), and the evaluation processing unit 74 calculates the shoe last compatibility rate based on the part dimension difference (S46). The recommendation output unit 82 displays the shoe size with the highest shoe last compatibility rate and that shoe last compatibility rate (S48).

If the user has not yet logged in to the shoe sales site (N in S36) or if the foot measurements have not been taken in advance (N in S38), the processes in S39 to S48 are skipped. Note that, in the example described above, if the user has already logged in, the shoe size with a high shoe last fit rate and that shoe last fit rate are displayed on the shoe product details page after the user selects a shoe model from the shoe list as in S32. In a modified example, the shoe last fit rate for each shoe model may be calculated as in S36 to S48 prior to displaying the shoe list in S32, and shoe sizes with a high shoe last fit rate and that shoe last fit rate may be displayed for each shoe model at the stage of displaying the shoe list in S32.

Figure 9 shows an example of a screen of the first product details page in the second embodiment. The first product details page is a product details page that is displayed when the user is not logged in to the product sales site. Screen 200 displays detailed information about the shoes, and a link button 202 with the words "Login/Register" written on it is displayed in the upper right corner of screen 200. Link button 202 is linked to a page for logging in or registering as a member, and indicates that the user viewing the product details page has not yet logged in or registered as a member. When the user presses link button 202, they are redirected to a page for logging in or registering as a member.

On the first product detail page, the product name, product image, detailed description, and evaluation information for the product are displayed on screen 200. A number of color selection buttons are displayed as options for the shoe color. When one of the color selection buttons is pressed, the pressed selection button is highlighted as selected and a shoe image of the selected color is displayed. The type of width size of the displayed shoe is displayed in the width size display field 207.

The shoe size selection field 208 displays multiple size buttons as options for multiple shoe sizes. When any size selection button is pressed, the pressed selection button is highlighted as selected. The size recommendation field 209 is a field that displays the shoe size and shoe last fit rate suitable for the user's feet. However, when the user is not logged in, the shoe size and shoe last fit rate suitable for the user's feet are not displayed because the user's foot measurements are unknown.

Figure 10 shows an example of the second product details page in the second embodiment. The second product details page is a product details page that is displayed when the user has already logged in to the product sales site. Screen 200 displays detailed information about shoes, similar to screen 200 of the first product details page shown in Figure 9. However, instead of link button 202 being displayed in the upper right corner of screen 200, link button 210 is displayed, displaying the user's name and the string "Logout". Link button 210 is linked to a page for logging out, and indicates that the user viewing the product details page is already logged in.

If the user has logged in, the shoe last compatibility rate is calculated based on the part dimension differences between shoe lasts of multiple shoe sizes based on the measured values of the user's feet. If the shoe size with the highest shoe last compatibility rate is, for example, "26.5 cm," the selection button indicating "26.5 cm" in the shoe size selection field 208 is displayed in a different color from the other buttons, suggesting that it is the most suitable for the user's feet. The size recommendation field 209 displays in text that the shoe size most suitable for the user's feet is "26.5 cm" and that the shoe last compatibility rate is "89.2%." In addition, the other size information field 211 displayed below the size recommendation field 209 displays the shoe last compatibility rates for the next higher shoe size and the next lower shoe size as information regarding other shoe sizes.

Figure 11 is a functional block diagram showing each component of the shoe fit evaluation system 100 in the second embodiment. The memory unit 60 in the second embodiment further includes a measurement value memory unit 68 in which the measurement values of multiple foot part dimensions acquired from the information terminal 16 are stored in association with the identification information of the subject 10.

The shoe last selection unit 71 selects one or more shoe lasts corresponding to the shoe model selected by the user from among the multiple types of shoe lasts stored in the shoe last storage unit 64 as evaluation targets. Based on the measured values of the user's foot dimensions, the shoe last selection unit 71 selects one or more shoe lasts of shoe sizes and width sizes that can be worn by a foot with those foot dimensions or shoe lasts whose size is close to those foot dimensions as evaluation targets. Note that shoe lasts are designed and stored individually for multiple sizes of multiple models. Multiple sizes here include multiple shoe sizes, which are sizes in the foot length direction, and multiple width sizes, which are sizes in the foot width direction. One or multiple width sizes are designed for one shoe size. Whether multiple width sizes are designed for one shoe size varies depending on the shoe model.

The dimension difference calculation unit 72 calculates the part dimension difference, which is the difference between the measurement value of the foot part dimension and the shoe mold part dimension corresponding to that foot part, for the shoe mold selected by the shoe mold selection unit 71, with a predetermined adjustment according to the part. The evaluation processing unit 74 calculates the shoe mold compatibility rate based on the part dimension difference for the shoe mold selected by the shoe mold selection unit 71. The calculation method of the part dimension difference and shoe mold compatibility rate in the second embodiment will be described in detail below.

Here, the "predetermined adjustment" includes the following four calculations, as in the first embodiment. That is, in the calculation of the part size difference, an adjustment for subtracting an allowance according to the individual stretch characteristics of each part in the upper of the shoe (Adjustment 1), an adjustment for calculating the part size difference as the sum of squares of the part size difference to which the individual weights for each part have been added (Adjustment 2), an adjustment for calculating the sum of squares of the part size difference to which a first weight has been added to the part size difference of the foot length and a second weight smaller than the first weight has been added to the part size difference of the other part than the foot length (Adjustment 3), and an adjustment for using values obtained by correcting errors according to the measurement method for the actual measurements of the foot part dimensions as the measured values of the foot part dimensions (Adjustment 4). The calculation method of the shoe last fit rate after these adjustments is shown in the following formula.
Shoe last fit rate = 100 - part size difference

The "individual stretch characteristics" referred to here refer to the stretch characteristics of the shoe upper. The upper is made of mesh, artificial leather, etc., and the rigidity varies from part to part, so the stretch characteristics of each part according to the material and structure of the upper are taken into consideration when calculating the part dimension difference. Even if two shoes are manufactured using the same shoe mold, if the material and structure of the uppers are different, the stretch characteristics will be different, so adjustment 1 can be implemented as necessary depending on the difference in stretch characteristics.

The "individual weight" is intended to weight the calculated value as Adjustment 2 in order to adjust the influence of each part on the shoe last fit rate, since the stiffness distribution within the shoe upper is not necessarily constant for each shoe model.

In the second embodiment, among the predetermined adjustments (adjustments 1 to 4) according to the foot part in calculating the part dimension difference, adjustment 4 may be performed in advance using a value to which an error correction has been applied according to the measurement method, and the value after adjustment 4 may be stored in the measurement value storage unit 68 as the measurement value of the user's foot part dimension. In this case, since the measurement value stored in the measurement value storage unit 68 has already been subjected to adjustment 4, adjustment 4 is not performed when evaluating a shoe model suitable for the user's foot in a shoe model selected by the user.

In the second embodiment, the size difference calculation unit 72 and the evaluation processing unit 74 calculate a shoe last suitability rate based on the part size difference by calculating a size score and a width score. The part size difference is the sum of squares of the size score, which is mainly based on the foot length difference, and the width score, which is mainly based on the foot circumference difference, and is expressed by the following formula.
Part dimension difference = α x size score + β x width score "α" is a weighting coefficient multiplied by the size score, and corresponds to the "first weight" in the first embodiment and claims. "β" is a weighting coefficient multiplied by the width score, and corresponds to the "second weight" in the first embodiment and claims. The size score essentially corresponds to the "foot length score" in the first embodiment. The width score essentially corresponds to the "foot circumference score" in the first embodiment.

The size score is a value calculated based on the measurements of foot length, heel width, heel circumference, and toe shape, and is expressed by the following formula.
Size score = (shoe last foot length - foot length measurement - adjustment value d1 + correction value C1)^2

The adjustment value d1 is an adjustment value when adding adjustment 1 to the foot length difference, similar to adjustment 1 in the first embodiment. The adjustment value d1 is an allowance to be subtracted from the foot length difference depending on the individual stretch characteristics of each part of the shoe.

The correction value C1 corresponds to the "size-up adjustment value" described in the first embodiment, and is one of the following values, or the sum of these: (1) a correction value according to the heel width ratio, (2) a correction value according to the heel circumference ratio, and (3) a correction value according to the toe shape. The correction value C1 is a variable value, and different values are set depending on the with type of the shoe last for which the part dimension difference is to be evaluated. The "heel width ratio" is the ratio of the heel width to the foot length (heel width ratio = heel width / foot length), and is usually about 1/3 to 1/4. The "heel circumference ratio" is the ratio of the heel circumference to the foot length (heel circumference ratio = heel circumference / foot length), and is usually a ratio of 100% or more.

(1) The reason for adjusting the difference in foot length according to the heel width ratio is that the larger the heel width ratio, the more difficult it is for the heel of the foot to fit into the heel part of the shoe, which causes the entire foot to shift toward the toe and makes the toe tight. (2) The reason for adjusting the difference in foot length according to the heel circumference ratio is the same as for the heel width ratio, and the reason for adjusting the difference in foot length according to the heel circumference ratio is that the larger the heel width ratio, the more difficult it is for the heel of the foot to fit into the heel part of the shoe, which causes the entire foot to shift toward the toe and makes the toe tight. (3) The reason for adjusting the difference in foot length according to the toe shape is that it is difficult for the fourth and fifth toes to fit into the toe part of the shoe, especially when the toe shape is square. Note that there are various toe shapes, such as a round type characterized by a long second toe, an oblique type characterized by a long first toe, and a square type characterized by little difference in the length of the toes. Square types are particularly common among children's feet. Toe shape types can be determined by evaluating the ratio of the length or tip position of the first to fifth toes to the length of the foot.

(1) The correction value according to the heel width ratio and (2) the correction value according to the heel circumference ratio are common in that both are adjusted for the fit of the heel, so there is no need to adjust them twice, and the larger correction value is used as the adjustment. On the other hand, (3) the correction value according to the toe shape is not an adjustment for the fit of the heel, so it may be adjusted twice, such as (1) + (3) or (2) + (3).

The width types of shoe lasts are categorized according to the size of the shoe in the width direction, and in the second embodiment, are divided into a first type, a second type, a third type, and a fourth type. The first type is a type with a narrower foot width than the standard (Narrow). The second type is a type with a standard foot width (Standard). The third type is a type with a wider foot width than the Standard (Wide). The fourth type is a type with an even wider foot width than the Wide (Extra Wide).

The correction value C1 is set according to different criteria depending on whether the with type of the shoe last is type 1 to type 4. As described above, the correction value C1 is set to different values depending on the heel width ratio or heel circumference ratio and toe shape. If the heel width ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined heel width reference value RW, one of the correction values CW1 to CW3, which is a variable value that increases in proportion to the heel width ratio, may be set. More specifically, if the with type is type 1, the correction value CW1 may be set to C1, if the with type is type 2 or type 3, the correction value CW2 may be set to C1, and if the with type is type 4, the correction value CG, which is a fixed value, may be set to C1. If the heel circumference ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined heel circumference reference value RG and the with type is type 2 to type 4, the correction value CG may be set to C1. However, if the heel width ratio is equal to or greater than the heel width reference value RW and the heel circumference ratio is equal to or greater than the heel circumference reference value RG, the larger of the correction values CW1-CW3 and the correction value CG may be set as the correction value C1. Furthermore, if the width type of the shoe last is a type 2-4 and the toe shape of the foot shape is a square type, the correction value CT is added to the correction value C1.

Figure 12 shows the relationship between heel width ratio and correction value for each with type in the second embodiment. The three lines drawn in the graph in Figure 12 are, from bottom to top, the first line 220 indicates the first with type, the second line 221 indicates the second and third with types, and the third line 222 indicates the fourth with type.

When the width type of the shoe last being evaluated is the first type, i.e., less than Standard, and the heel width ratio in the foot shape is equal to or greater than a predetermined heel width reference value RW, the first line 220 sets the correction value CW1 to the correction value C1. The correction value CW1 is a value that increases in proportion to the heel width ratio within the range from the first correction value 230 to the second correction value 231. When the heel width ratio in the foot shape is less than the predetermined heel width reference value RW, no adjustment is made using the correction value C1, or the correction value C1 is set to 0.

When the width type of the shoe last to be evaluated is type 2 or 3, i.e., Standard or Wide, and the heel width ratio of the foot shape is equal to or greater than a predetermined heel width reference value RW, the second line 221 sets the correction value CW2 to the correction value C1. The correction value CW2 is a value that increases in proportion to the heel width ratio in the range from the third correction value 232 to the fourth correction value 233. The rate of increase of the correction value CW2 proportional to the heel width ratio in the second line 221 is smaller than the rates of increase of the correction values CW1 and CW3 proportional to the heel width ratio in the first line 220 and the third line 222.

The third line 222 is set to the correction value C1 when the width type of the shoe last being evaluated is the fourth type, i.e., Extra Wide or larger, and the heel width ratio of the foot shape is equal to or larger than the predetermined heel width reference value RW. The correction value CW3 is a value that increases in proportion to the heel width ratio within the range from the third correction value 232 to the fifth correction value 234.

The second correction value 231, which is the upper limit of the correction value in the first line 220, and the third correction value 232, which is the lower limit of the correction value in the second line 221 and the third line 222, may be the same value, and the value may be a value equivalent to the difference of one shoe size.

While the correction values CW1 to CW3 according to the heel circumference ratio are variable, the correction value CG according to the heel circumference ratio may be a fixed value. The value of the correction value CG according to the heel circumference ratio may be a value equivalent to a difference of one shoe size. The value of the correction value CG according to the heel circumference ratio may be the same as the second correction value 231, which is the upper limit of the correction value CW1 on the first line 220. The value of the correction value CG according to the heel circumference ratio may be the same as the second correction value 231, which is the lower limit of the correction values CW2 and CW3 on the second line 221 and the third line 222.

Figure 13 is a flow chart showing the calculation algorithm for the correction value C1. If the width type of the shoe last to be evaluated is not equal to or greater than the Standard, i.e., if it is the first type which is less than the Standard, proceed to S71 (N in S70). In S71, if the heel width ratio in the foot shape is equal to or greater than the heel width reference value RW (Y in S71), the correction value CW1 (in the range from the first correction value 230 to the second correction value 231), which is a variable value according to the heel width ratio, is set to the correction value C1 (S72), and the calculation flow ends. If the heel width ratio is not equal to or greater than the heel width reference value RW (N in S71), the process of S72 is skipped, and the calculation flow ends with the correction value C1 remaining at 0.

If the width type of the shoe last to be evaluated is Standard or greater (Y in S70) but less than Extra Wide (N in S73), i.e., if it is the second or third type, proceed to S74. In S74, if the heel width ratio in the foot shape is equal to or greater than the heel width reference value RW (Y in S74), a correction value CW2 (ranging from the third correction value 232 to the fourth correction value 233), which is a variable value according to the heel width ratio, is set to the correction value C1 (S77), and proceed to S90. If the heel width ratio in the foot shape is not equal to or greater than the heel width reference value RW (N in S74) and the heel circumference ratio in the foot shape is equal to or greater than the heel circumference reference value RG (Y in S75), a correction value CG, which is a fixed value according to the heel circumference ratio, is set to the correction value C1 (S76), and proceed to S90. If the heel circumference ratio in the foot shape is not equal to or greater than the heel circumference standard value RG (N in S75), the process skips S76 and proceeds to S90. If the heel width ratio in the foot shape is equal to or greater than the heel width standard value RW (Y in S74), the correction value CG according to the heel circumference ratio will not be greater than the correction value CW2, so the processes in S75 and S76 are skipped.

If the width type of the shoe last to be evaluated is Standard or greater (Y in S70) and Extra Wide or greater (Y in S73), i.e., the fourth type, proceed to S80. If the heel width ratio in the foot shape is equal to or greater than the heel width reference value RW in S80 (Y in S80), a correction value CW3 (ranging from the third correction value 232 to the fifth correction value 234), which is a variable value according to the heel width ratio, is set to the correction value C1 (S83), and proceed to S90. If the heel width ratio in the foot shape is not equal to or greater than the heel width reference value RW (N in S80) and the heel circumference ratio in the foot shape is equal to or greater than the heel circumference reference value RG (Y in S81), a correction value CG, which is a fixed value according to the heel circumference ratio, is set to the correction value C1 (S82), and proceed to S90. If the heel circumference ratio in the foot shape is not equal to or greater than the heel circumference standard value RG (N in S81), the process skips S82 and proceeds to S90. If the heel width ratio in the foot shape is equal to or greater than the heel width standard value RW (Y in S80), the correction value CG according to the heel circumference ratio will not be greater than the correction value CW3, so the processes in S81 and S82 are skipped.

In S90, i.e., after the correction value is calculated when the shoe last width type is Standard or higher, if the toe shape is a square type (Y in S90), the correction value CT, which is a fixed value, is added to the correction value C1 (S91) and the calculation flow ends. If the toe shape is not a square type (N in S90), the process of S91 is skipped and the calculation flow ends.

The With score is a value calculated based on the measurement results of the foot circumference and arch circumference, and is expressed by the following formula.
With score = (shoe circumference - foot circumference measurement - d2)^2

In the above With Score calculation formula, the "foot circumference measurement value" is set according to a predetermined standard in accordance with the foot circumference ratio or arch circumference ratio. "Foot circumference ratio" is the ratio of foot circumference to foot length (foot circumference ratio = foot circumference/foot length). "Arm circumference ratio" is the ratio of arch circumference to foot length (arch circumference ratio = arch circumference/foot length). If the difference between the foot circumference and arch circumference is within a predetermined range, the above calculation formula is used to calculate the With Score. If the arch circumference is larger than the foot circumference by more than the standard, the arch circumference is used instead of the foot circumference to calculate the With Score. If the foot circumference is larger than the arch circumference by more than the standard, the average of the foot circumference and arch circumference is used to calculate the With Score. The calculation formula is explained in more detail below.

When the foot circumference is larger than the arch circumference and the difference between the foot circumference rate and the arch circumference rate is within a predetermined standard range, for example, less than a predetermined standard value RD1 and greater than or equal to a predetermined standard value RD2 (RD2 is a negative value), the following formula is used in the same manner as the above With Score calculation formula.
With score = (shoe circumference - foot circumference measurement - d2)^2

On the other hand, when the arch circumference is larger than the foot circumference and the foot circumference ratio - arch circumference ratio is less than the predetermined reference range, that is, less than the reference value RD2 (RD2 is a negative value), the arch circumference is larger than the foot circumference by more than the reference, so the arch circumference measurement value is used to calculate the With Score. The With Score calculation formula in this case is shown as follows.
With score = (shoe last arch circumference - arch circumference measurement - d2)^2
As a result, for people whose instep circumference is larger than their foot circumference, the width score is evaluated using the instep circumference as the standard, making it possible to calculate the shoe last fit rate more accurately.

When the foot circumference is larger than the arch circumference and the difference between the foot circumference ratio and the arch circumference ratio exceeds a predetermined reference range, i.e., exceeds the reference value RD1, the average value of the foot circumference measurement value and the arch circumference measurement value is used to calculate the with score. In this case, the with score calculation formula is shown as follows.
With score = ((average of shoe-lasted foot circumference and shoe-lasted arch circumference) - (average of foot circumference measurement and arch circumference measurement) - d2)^2

In shoe lasts, the foot circumference and instep circumference are almost proportional, with almost no difference between them, so there is no big difference whether you use the foot circumference or instep circumference as the circumference. This is because shoe lasts are designed so that the foot circumference and instep circumference are proportional. On the other hand, the relationship between the actual foot circumference and instep circumference obtained from multiple subjects varies greatly depending on the subject, with some people having a larger foot circumference and others having a larger instep circumference. The difference also varies from person to person. In order to calculate the width score more appropriately according to these individual differences, the value used as the foot circumference measurement is determined according to the difference between the foot circumference and instep circumference.

The present invention has been described above based on an embodiment. This embodiment is merely an example, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each processing process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment can be generalized to obtain the following aspects.

[Aspect 1]
a measurement acquisition unit that acquires measurement values of a plurality of foot part dimensions, which are dimensions of a plurality of foot parts including at least a foot length, as foot shape dimension information that defines the foot shape of a measurement subject;
a shoe last storage unit for storing a plurality of shoe last part dimensions, which are dimensions of shoe last parts corresponding to a plurality of foot parts including at least a foot length, for each of a plurality of types of shoe lasts as shoe last dimension information defining the shoe last;
a size difference calculation unit for calculating a size difference between a measurement value of a foot size and a size of a shoe last size corresponding to the foot size, the size difference being adjusted in a predetermined manner according to the foot size;
an evaluation processing unit that calculates a shoe last fit rate based on the part dimension difference;
An output unit that outputs information related to the shoe last fit rate;
A shoe fitting evaluation device comprising:

[Aspect 2]
The shoe fit evaluation device described in aspect 1, characterized in that the dimensional difference calculation unit calculates the part dimensional difference by subtracting an allowance corresponding to the individual elasticity characteristics of each part of the shoe as the specified adjustment.

[Aspect 3]
The shoe fit evaluation device according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the dimensional difference calculation unit calculates the predetermined adjustment as a sum of squares of the dimensional differences of parts to which individual weights for each part have been added.

[Aspect 4]
The shoe fit evaluation device according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, characterized in that the dimensional difference calculation unit calculates the sum of squares of the part dimensional differences by adding a first weight to the part dimensional difference of foot length and a second weight smaller than the first weight to the part dimensional difference other than foot length as the predetermined adjustment.

[Aspect 5]
A shoe fit evaluation device as described in any one of aspects 1 to 4, characterized in that, as the predetermined adjustment, the dimensional difference calculation unit uses a value obtained by adding error correction to the actual measured value of the foot part dimension depending on the measurement method as the measured value of the foot part dimension.

[Aspect 6]
6. The shoe fitting evaluation device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of foot parts are combinations of at least one of foot circumference, heel width, arch circumference, and heel circumference, and foot length.

[Aspect 7]
The shoe fit evaluation device according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the dimensional difference calculation unit calculates the part dimensional difference by adding a correction value according to a heel width ratio to the foot length as the specified adjustment.

[Aspect 8]
A shoe fit evaluation device as described in any one of aspects 1 to 6, characterized in that, as the specified adjustment, when the foot circumference is equal to or greater than a specified standard, the dimensional difference calculation unit calculates the part dimensional difference by adding a correction value corresponding to the heel circumference ratio to the foot length.

Aspect 9
A shoe fit evaluation device as described in any one of aspects 1 to 8, characterized in that, as the specified adjustment, when the foot circumference is equal to or larger than a specified standard, the dimensional difference calculation unit calculates the part dimensional difference by adding the larger of a correction value corresponding to the heel width ratio to the foot length and a correction value corresponding to the heel circumference ratio to the foot length.

[Aspect 10]
A shoe fit evaluation device as described in any one of aspects 1 to 9, characterized in that the dimensional difference calculation unit calculates the part dimensional difference by adding a correction value to the foot length dimension according to the toe shape type of the foot shape of the subject, as the specified adjustment.

[Aspect 11]
The shoe fit evaluation device according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, characterized in that, with regard to the foot width dimension, the dimensional difference calculation unit calculates the part dimensional difference of the arch circumference when the difference between the foot circumference ratio to the foot length and the arch circumference ratio to the foot length is less than a predetermined standard range, calculates the part dimensional difference of the average value of the foot circumference and the arch circumference when the difference between the foot circumference ratio to the foot length and the arch circumference ratio to the foot length exceeds a predetermined standard range, and calculates the part dimensional difference of the foot circumference when the difference between the foot circumference ratio to the foot length and the arch circumference ratio to the foot length is within a predetermined standard range.

[Aspect 12]
the evaluation processing unit calculates the shoe last conformance rate for each of a plurality of types of shoe lasts, and selects at least one shoe corresponding to a shoe last having a relatively large shoe last conformance rate from a plurality of shoe options;
12. The shoe fitting evaluation device according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the output unit outputs information indicating the selected shoe and the shoe last fit rate for the selected shoe and its shoe last.

[Aspect 13]
the evaluation processing unit calculates the shoe last conformance rate for each of a plurality of types of shoe lasts, and selects at least one shoe corresponding to a shoe last having a relatively large shoe last conformance rate from a plurality of shoe options;
13. The shoe fitting evaluation device according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the output unit outputs information visually showing the comparison result between the shoe last part dimensions of the selected shoe and the foot part dimensions.

Aspect 14
a measurement value storage unit in which the measurement values of the plurality of foot part dimensions are stored in association with identification information of the subject;
The size difference calculation unit calculates the size difference between the part and a shoe type of a shoe last selected by the measurement subject,
The evaluation processing unit calculates the shoe last conformance rate between the shoe last of the shoe type selected by the measurement subject,
A shoe fit evaluation device as described in any one of aspects 1 to 13, characterized in that the output unit outputs information indicating the shoe type selected by the subject, information indicating at least one of the foot length dimension and the foot width dimension of a shoe for that shoe type that has a relatively high shoe last fit rate based on the measurement values of the subject, and information indicating the shoe last fit rate.

Aspect 15
A step of acquiring measurement values of a plurality of foot part dimensions, which are dimensions of a plurality of foot parts including at least a foot length, as foot shape measurement information defining the foot shape of a measurement subject;
a step of reading out a plurality of shoe last part dimensions, which are dimensions of shoe last parts corresponding to a plurality of foot parts including at least a foot length, from a predetermined storage means as shoe last dimension information defining the shoe last;
calculating a part dimension difference, which is a difference between a measurement of a foot part dimension and a shoe last part dimension corresponding to the foot part, in a form adjusted according to the part;
A step of calculating a shoe last fit rate based on the part dimension difference;
outputting information about the shoe last fit rate;
A shoe fitting evaluation method comprising:

10 Measurement subject, 20 Foot shape, 21 Foot shape foot length, 22 Foot shape circumference, 23 Foot shape arch circumference, 24 Foot shape heel circumference, 25 Foot shape heel width, 30 Shoe last, 31 Shoe last foot length, 32 Shoe last foot circumference, 33 Shoe last arch circumference, 34 Shoe last heel circumference, 35 Shoe last heel width, 50 Shoe fit evaluation server, 54 Measurement value acquisition unit, 60 Storage unit, 64 Shoe last storage unit, 68 Measurement value storage unit, 72 Dimension difference calculation unit, 74 Evaluation processing unit, 80 Output unit, 100 Shoe fit evaluation system, 133 Shoe last fit rate.

Claims (15)

a measurement acquisition unit that acquires measurement values of a plurality of foot part dimensions, which are dimensions of a plurality of foot parts including at least a foot length, as foot shape dimension information that defines the foot shape of a measurement subject;
a shoe last storage unit for storing a plurality of shoe last part dimensions, which are dimensions of shoe last parts corresponding to a plurality of foot parts including at least a foot length, for each of a plurality of types of shoe lasts as shoe last dimension information defining the shoe last;
a size difference calculation unit for calculating a size difference between a measurement value of a foot size and a size of a shoe last size corresponding to the foot size, the size difference being adjusted in a predetermined manner according to the foot size;
an evaluation processing unit that calculates a shoe last fit rate based on the part dimension difference;
An output unit that outputs information related to the shoe last fit rate;
A shoe fitting evaluation device comprising: The shoe fit evaluation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimensional difference calculation unit calculates the part dimensional difference by subtracting an allowance according to the individual stretch characteristics of each part of the shoe as the predetermined adjustment. The shoe fit evaluation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dimensional difference calculation unit calculates the predetermined adjustment as the sum of squares of the part dimensional differences to which individual weights for each part are added. The shoe fit evaluation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dimensional difference calculation unit calculates the sum of squares of the part dimensional differences by adding a first weight to the part dimensional difference of the foot length and a second weight smaller than the first weight to the part dimensional difference other than the foot length as the predetermined adjustment. The shoe fit evaluation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dimension difference calculation unit uses, as the measurement value of the foot part dimension, a value obtained by correcting an error according to a measurement method for the actual measurement value of the foot part dimension as the predetermined adjustment. The shoe fit evaluation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the multiple foot parts are a combination of at least one of the foot circumference, heel width, arch circumference, and heel circumference and foot length. The shoe fit evaluation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dimensional difference calculation unit calculates the part dimensional difference by adding a correction value according to the heel width ratio to the foot length as the predetermined adjustment. The shoe fit evaluation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dimensional difference calculation unit calculates the part dimensional difference by adding a correction value according to the heel circumference ratio to the foot length as the predetermined adjustment when the foot circumference is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard. The shoe fit evaluation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dimensional difference calculation unit calculates the part dimensional difference by adding, as the predetermined adjustment, a correction value according to the heel width ratio to the foot length and a correction value according to the heel circumference ratio to the foot length, whichever is larger, when the foot circumference is equal to or larger than a predetermined standard. The shoe fit evaluation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dimension difference calculation unit calculates the part dimension difference by adding a correction value corresponding to the toe shape type of the foot shape of the subject to be measured to the foot length dimension as the predetermined adjustment. The shoe fit evaluation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the size difference calculation unit calculates the size difference of the arch circumference when the difference between the foot circumference ratio to the foot length and the arch circumference ratio to the foot length is less than a predetermined standard range, calculates the size difference of the average foot circumference and arch circumference when the difference between the foot circumference ratio to the foot length and the arch circumference ratio to the foot length exceeds the predetermined standard range, and calculates the size difference of the foot circumference when the difference between the foot circumference ratio to the foot length and the arch circumference ratio to the foot length is within the predetermined standard range. the evaluation processing unit calculates the shoe last conformance rate for each of a plurality of types of shoe lasts, and selects at least one shoe corresponding to a shoe last having a relatively large shoe last conformance rate from a plurality of shoe options;
3. The shoe fitting evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs information indicating the selected shoe and the shoe last fit rate for the selected shoe and its shoe last. the evaluation processing unit calculates the shoe last conformance rate for each of a plurality of types of shoe lasts, and selects at least one shoe corresponding to a shoe last having a relatively large shoe last conformance rate from a plurality of shoe options;
3. The shoe fitting evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs information visually indicating a comparison result between the shoe last part dimensions of the selected shoe and the foot part dimensions. a measurement value storage unit in which the measurement values of the plurality of foot part dimensions are stored in association with identification information of the subject;
The size difference calculation unit calculates the size difference between the part and a shoe type of a shoe last selected by the measurement subject,
The evaluation processing unit calculates the shoe last conformance rate between the shoe last of the shoe type selected by the measurement subject,
The shoe fit evaluation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the output unit outputs information indicating the shoe type selected by the subject, information indicating at least one of the foot length dimension and the foot width dimension of a shoe for that shoe type that has a relatively high shoe last fit rate based on the measurement values of the subject, and information indicating the shoe last fit rate. A step of acquiring measurement values of a plurality of foot part dimensions, which are dimensions of a plurality of foot parts including at least a foot length, as foot shape measurement information defining the foot shape of a measurement subject;
a step of reading out a plurality of shoe last part dimensions, which are dimensions of shoe last parts corresponding to a plurality of foot parts including at least a foot length, from a predetermined storage means as shoe last dimension information defining the shoe last;
calculating a part dimension difference, which is a difference between a measurement of a foot part dimension and a shoe last part dimension corresponding to the foot part, in a form adjusted according to the part;
A step of calculating a shoe last fit rate based on the part dimension difference;
outputting information about the shoe last fit rate;
A shoe fitting evaluation method comprising:

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