U.S. patent application number 10/480740 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-02 for shoe pattern design method, shoe pattern design device, foot measurer, and foot positioning device of foot measurer.
Invention is credited to Ishimaru, Hisayo.
Application Number | 20040168329 10/480740 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29727337 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040168329 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ishimaru, Hisayo |
September 2, 2004 |
Shoe pattern design method, shoe pattern design device, foot
measurer, and foot positioning device of foot measurer
Abstract
Measured size data of a foot of a user is inputted into foot
size data inputting unit 31, and provided to shoe last
configuration data production unit 32. Also, in conversion table
33, is stored conversion data produced on the basis of the
relationship between a foot size and a size of a shoe last for
producing a shoe which fits in the foot determined by an
experiment. Shoe last configuration data production unit 32, by
referring to conversion table 33, produces ideal size data of a
shoe last on the basis of inputted size data of a foot.
Inventors: |
Ishimaru, Hisayo; (Kanagawa,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
29727337 |
Appl. No.: |
10/480740 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
June 11, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP02/05775 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
33/3R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43D 1/025 20130101;
A43D 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
033/003.00R |
International
Class: |
A43D 001/00 |
Claims
1. A method for designing a shoe last, comprising: an inputting
step for inputting size data of a foot of a user; and a shoe last
configuration production step for producing, on the basis of said
inputted size data of a foot, configuration data of a shoe last
used for manufacturing a shoe of said user.
2. A shoe last design method of claim 1, wherein in said shoe last
configuration production step, said configuration data of a shoe
last is produced by referring to a conversion table storing data
for converting sizes of a plurality of spots of a foot into sizes
of a plurality of spots of a shoe last corresponding to said
plurality of spots of said foot.
3. A shoe last design method of claim 1, wherein in said shoe last
configuration production step, on the basis of size data of said
foot of said user, foot type data denoting a configuration of said
foot is produced, and on the basis of said foot configuration data
and said size data of said foot, said configuration data of said
shoe last is produced.
4. A shoe last design method of claim 3, wherein in said shoe last
configuration production step, said configuration data of a shoe
last is produced by determining a conversion table to be referred
to in accordance with said foot type data produced, from among
conversion tables in which data for converting sizes of a plurality
of designated spots of a foot set forth for each of said types of
configuration of a foot into sizes of a plurality of spots of a
shoe last corresponding to said plurality of spots of said foot,
and by referring to a determined conversion table.
5. A shoe last design method of claim 1, wherein in said inputting
step, appearance data indicating an appearance of a shoe to be
manufactured is further inputted, and wherein in said shoe last
configuration production step, said configuration data of a shoe
last is produced on the basis of said size data of a foot, and of
said appearance data.
6. A shoe last design method of claim 5, wherein in said shoe last
configuration production step, said configuration data of a shoe
last is produced by determining a conversion table to be referred
to in accordance with said appearance data inputted from among
conversion tables storing data for converting sizes of a plurality
of spots of a foot set forth for each of a plurality of said
appearances of a shoe into sizes of a plurality of spots of a shoe
last corresponding to said plurality of spots of said foot, and by
referring to a determined conversion table.
7. A shoe last design method of claim 1, wherein in said inputting
step, physical data containing the height and the weight of said
user is further inputted, and wherein in said shoe last
configuration production step, said size data of a shoe last is
produced on the basis of said size data of a foot, and said
physical data.
8. A shoe last design method of claim 7, wherein in said shoe last
configuration production step, said configuration data of a shoe
last is produced by determining a conversion table to be referred
to in accordance with said physical data inputted from among
conversion tables storing data for converting sizes of a plurality
of spots of a foot set forth for a plurality of sets of said
physical data into sizes of a plurality of spots of a shoe last
corresponding to said plurality of spots of said foot, and by
referring to a determined conversion table.
9. A shoe last design method of claim 1, further comprising: an
obtaining step for obtaining size data of a foot while said foot is
not in contact with any surface, and wherein in said inputting
step, size data of a foot obtained in said obtaining step is
inputted.
10. A shoe last design method of claim 1, wherein in said inputting
step, measurement method data denoting a type of a measurement
method of said size data of a foot is further inputted, and wherein
in said shoe last production step, said configuration data of a
shoe last is produced on the basis of said size data of a foot, and
said measurement method data.
11. A shoe last design method of claim 10, wherein in said shoe
last configuration production step, said configuration data of a
shoe last is produced by determining a conversion table to be
referred to in accordance with said measurement method data
inputted from among conversion tables storing data for converting
sizes of a plurality of spots of a foot set forth for a plurality
of types of said measurement method into sizes of a plurality of
spots of a shoe last corresponding to said plurality of spots of
said foot, and by referring to a determined conversion table.
12. A shoe last design method of claim 1, wherein in said inputting
step, measurement time data denoting measurement time when said
size data of a foot is obtained is further inputted, and in said
shoe last production step, configuration data of a shoe last is
produced on the basis of said size data of a foot, and said
measurement time data.
13. A shoe last design method of claim 1 further comprising: a
reception step for receiving size data of a foot transmitted via a
communication network, wherein in said inputting step, size data of
a foot received in said reception step is inputted.
14. A shoe last design method according to any one of claims 1 to
13 further comprising: an outputting step for outputting
configuration data of a shoe last produced in said shoe last
configuration production step.
15. A method for designing a shoe last comprising: a first step for
measuring a cross-sectional surface configuration at a plurality of
spots of a foot of a user; a second step for producing
cross-sectional surfaces of said shoe last which corresponds to a
foot configuration denoted by configurations of a plurality of
cross-sectional surfaces measured in said first step for each of
configurations of a said plurality of cross-sectional surfaces; a
third step for producing said configuration of a shoe last by
combining each cross-sectional surface of a shoe last produced in
said second step; and a fourth step for producing said
configuration data of a shoe last from a configuration of a shoe
last produced in said third step.
16. A shoe last design method of claim 15, wherein in said second
step, a configuration of a cross-sectional surface corresponding to
said measured configuration of a cross-sectional surface is
produced by referring to a conversion table containing data for
converting a measured configuration of a cross-sectional
configuration into a configuration of a cross-sectional surface of
a shoe last corresponding to said configuration of a
cross-sectional configuration, and by adjusting each of a
cross-sectional area, height, and width of a foot of said user
denoted by a configuration of a cross sectional surface measured in
said first step,
17. A unit for designing a shoe last comprising: inputting means
for inputting size data of a foot of a user who orders a shoe; and
shoe last configuration production means for producing
configuration data of a shoe last, on the basis of said inputted
size data of a foot.
18. A foot measurement unit, wherein a configuration of a foot of a
user is determined on the basis of images obtained as a result of
shooting a foot of said user to be measured, and size data of said
foot is outputted, comprising: foot spot determination means for
placing said foot at a designated spot by placing the dorsum of
said foot to be measured in contact with a foot spot determination
unit of said foot measurement unit; and shooting means for shooting
said foot which is placed at said designated spot by said foot spot
determination means.
19. A foot measurement unit of claim 18, wherein said shooting
means comprises a plurality of image shooting means, and wherein
each of said image shooting means shoots said foot from different
directions.
20. A foot measurement unit of claim 18 further comprising: a
retention unit for retaining said foot spot determination means and
each of said image shooting means, wherein the relationship of
spots between said foot spot determination unit and each of said
image shooting means is fixed.
21. A foot measurement unit of claim 20, wherein said retention
unit has a portion to cover a periphery of toes of a foot which is
placed at said designated spot, and wherein at least one of said
image shooting means is fixed to said portion to cover a periphery
of toes of a foot.
22. A foot measurement unit of claim 19, wherein said image
shooting means comprises flash means for flashing during shooting,
further comprising: timing control means for controlling timing of
shooting by said image shooting means whereby timing of shooting of
said foot differs in a case that image shooting means are facing
each other differs.
23. A foot measurement unit of claim 18, wherein in said foot spot
determination means, a portion touching the dorsum of said foot
curves.
24. A foot measurement unit of claim 18, wherein said designated
spot where said foot spot determination means determines is a spot
in which said foot is in the air.
25. A foot spot determination unit in which, during shooting, a
foot is placed in a designated spot, of a foot measurement unit
which measures a configuration of a foot of a user on the basis of
an image obtained as a result of shooting a foot, and outputs size
data of said foot, comprising: foot spot determination means for
placing said foot at a designated spot by touching the dorsum of
said foot.
26. A foot spot determination unit of a foot measurement unit of
claim 25, wherein in said foot spot determination means, a portion
touching the dorsum of said foot curves.
27. A foot spot determination unit of a foot measurement unit of
claim 25 or 26, wherein said designated spot determined by said
foot spot determination means is a spot in which a sole of a foot
is not in contact with any surface.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a shoe last design method
for designing a shoe last used for shoe manufacturing, a shoe last
design unit, a preferable foot measurement unit for designing a
shoe last, and a foot spot determination unit of a foot measuring
unit.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A shoe last is used to make a pattern paper for producing
each part of a shoe. A shoe last is also a workbench for installing
an inner sole and an outsole when a shoe is assembled. A shoe last
further functions as an ironing board for determining a style of a
shoe by maintaining its assembled shape until the glue used in the
assembly process, along with any other moisture, evaporates after
the shoe is assembled. Thus, a shoe last functions in various
manners when a shoe is manufactured. Further, the configuration of
a shoe last determines the configuration of the completed shoe.
[0003] Shoe lasts fall into two categories: mass production shoe
lasts used for mass production of shoes; and a custom order shoe
last used for manufacturing a custom order shoe (where a shoe is
manufactured according to the measurements of the foot of an
individual user). A custom order shoe last generally is produced in
accordance with the measured values of sizes (referring to sizes of
several spots of the foot) of the foot (the spots below the ankle)
of the user.
[0004] When a foot is measured, a troublesome process of measuring
several spots of the foot of the user by using a measure is
required. It is then necessary to adjust the measurements to
produce a shoe last which will facilitate the manufacture of a
comfortable shoe.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0005] The present invention was developed to overcome the stated
problems of the conventional art, and its objective is to
facilitate production of a shoe last which does not require a
toilsome operation.
[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present
invention provides a shoe last design method comprising: an
inputting step for inputting size data of a foot of a user; and a
shoe last configuration production step for producing, on the basis
of the inputted size data of a foot, configuration data of a shoe
last used for manufacturing a shoe of the user.
[0007] Also, to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present
invention provides a unit for designing a shoe last comprising:
inputting means for inputting size data of a foot of a user who
orders a shoe; and shoe last size configuration production means
for producing configuration data of a shoe last, on the basis of
the inputted size data of a foot.
[0008] Furthermore, to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the
present invention provides a foot measurement unit, wherein a
configuration of a foot of a user is determined on the basis of
images obtained as a result of shooting the foot of the user to be
measured, comprising: foot spot determination means for placing the
foot at a designated spot by placing the dorsum of the foot to be
measured in contact with a foot spot determination unit of the foot
measurement unit; and shooting means for shooting the foot which is
placed at the designated spot by the foot spot determination
means.
[0009] Also, the present invention provides a foot spot
determination unit in which, during shooting, a foot is placed in a
designated spot, of a foot measurement unit which measures a
configuration of a foot of a user on the basis of an image obtained
as a result of shooting a foot, comprising: foot spot determination
means for placing the foot at a designated spot by touching the
dorsum of the foot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall gross outline of a
shoe last manufacturing system to which a shoe last design method
of one embodiment of the present invention is applied.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a foot measurement unit which is
a component of the above-mentioned shoe last manufacturing
system.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a foot configuration measurement
unit which is a component of the above-mentioned foot measurement
unit.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram explaining measurement of a
foot configuration using the above-mentioned foot configuration
measurement unit.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration
of a personal computer system which is a component of the
above-mentioned shoe last manufacturing system.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining contents of a conversion
table used in a shoe last configuration data production process
carried out by the above-mentioned personal computer system.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining contents of a conversion
table used in a shoe last configuration data production process
carried out by the above-mentioned personal computer system.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining contents of a conversion
table used in a shoe last configuration data production process
carried out by the above-mentioned personal computer system.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration
of a personal computer system for achieving modification of the
above-mentioned shoe last design method.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional
configuration of a personal computer system for achieving another
modification of the above-mentioned shoe last design method.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional
configuration of a personal computer system for achieving yet
another modification of the above-mentioned shoe last design
method.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a functional
configuration of a personal computer system for achieving yet
another modification of the above-mentioned shoe last design
method.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
network system for achieving a network service using the
above-mentioned shoe last design method.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a
network system for achieving a network service using the
above-mentioned shoe last design method.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective illustration showing an external
view of a shooting unit of a foot measurement unit of the second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a side view showing the above-mentioned shooting
unit.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a front view showing the above-mentioned shooting
unit.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective illustration showing a portion
adjacent to a spot determination unit which is a component of the
above-mentioned shooting unit.
[0028] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a
control unit of a modification of the above-mentioned shooting
unit.
[0029] FIG. 20 is a perspective illustration showing a modification
of the above-mentioned spot determination unit of the
above-mentioned shooting unit.
[0030] FIG. 21 is a perspective illustration showing another
modification of the above-mentioned spot determination unit of the
above-mentioned shooting unit.
[0031] FIG. 22 is a perspective illustration showing another
modification of the above-mentioned spot determination unit of the
above-mentioned shooting unit.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT AN INVENTION
[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be explained in detail by referring to attached figures. In
each of the following embodiments, the portion below the ankle will
be referred to as a foot.
[0033] A. First Embodiment
[0034] First, as shown in FIG. 1, the shoe last manufacturing
system of the present embodiment comprises foot measurement unit
10, personal computer system (shoe last design unit) 11, and NC
(Numerically Controlled) machine tool 12.
[0035] Foot measurement unit 10 is a unit for producing size data
showing a foot size of a user by measuring the configuration of a
foot of the user. Foot measurement unit 10 uses a non-contacting
type three dimensional configuration measurement unit in the
present embodiment as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, foot
measurement unit 10 comprises tightening unit 22, foot
configuration measurement unit 24, and displaying unit 26.
Tightening unit 22 prevents movement of the user's foot during
measurement, and comprises, as shown in the figure, rolling unit
22a to be rolled around a calf of the user, and supporting unit 22b
for supporting and fixing rolling unit 22a. As shown in the figure,
rolling unit 22a is rolled around the calf of the user to prevent
movement of the foot.
[0036] Foot configuration measurement unit 24, as shown in FIG. 3,
comprises bottom unit 24a, and two side units 24b. Foot
configuration measurement unit 24, when a calf of the user is held
by tightening unit 22 (refer to FIG. 2), is placed such that foot 1
is above bottom unit 24a, and between two side units 24b, and such
that foot 1 is not in contact with foot configuration measurement
unit 24. On each of bottom unit 24a of foot configuration
measurement unit 24, and two side units 24b, is installed a laser
pointer 25 which emits a laser slit beam. Each laser pointer 25, as
shown in FIG. 4, is positioned so as to emit a laser slit beam from
three directions (from both sides above the top of foot 1, and
below the bottom of foot 1). When each laser pointer 25 emits a
laser slit beam at foot 1, one slit image 25a is projected onto
foot 1 as a result of each slit beam overlapping. Slit image 25a is
recorded by a video camera (not shown), and the external
configuration (outline) of foot 1 of the spot where the
above-mentioned slit image 25a is projected is measured by the beam
cutting measuring method on the basis of the recorded image. Also,
three laser pointers 25 are installed so as to be movable along the
length of foot 1 (between the toes and the heel). The overall
configuration of foot 1 is measured when each laser pointer 25
moves from the toes of foot 1 toward, the heel, and by sequentially
emitting a laser slit beam toward foot 1. In the present
embodiment, foot configuration measurement unit 24 which can
measure sizes of approximately 60,000 spots of a foot is used.
Displaying unit 26 comprises CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid
Crystal Display) and so forth, and displays a three dimensional
configuration showing the entire foot 1, the configuration being
determined by each measurement made by foot configuration
measurement unit 24, settings of the above-mentioned foot
measurement unit 10, and so forth.
[0037] When calf of the user whose foot is measured is fixed by
tightening unit 22, and foot 1 is placed between side units 24b of
foot configuration measurement unit 24 in foot measurement unit 10,
laser pointer 25 moves along the length of foot 1, and emits a
laser slit beam at foot 1. Then, when a video camera shoots foot 1,
60,000 spots of foot 1 are measured as described above, and size
data showing the result of the above-mentioned measurement can be
produced. Foot measurement unit 10 of the above-mentioned
configuration is only one example, and any type of a foot
measurement unit can be used as long as a three dimensional
configuration of foot 1 can be measured in a non-contacting manner.
Foot measurement unit 10 uses a non-contacting method to prevent
changes in the measured configuration of foot 1 when the
measurement head and so forth of foot measurement unit 10 touch
foot 1.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 1 again, in the shoe last manufacturing
system, measurement data produced by foot measurement unit 10 of
the above-mentioned configuration is inputted into personal
computer system 11. At this stage, with regard to the method for
inputting measurement data into personal computer system 11,
measurement data can be forwarded to personal computer system 11
from foot measurement unit 10 by connecting foot measurement unit
10 and personal computer system 11 by a signal cable or the like.
Measurement data can be inputted into personal computer system 11
by storing measurement data produced in foot measurement unit 10 in
a medium such as floppy disc, MO (Magnet-optical Disc), CD-R
(Compact Disc-Recordable), and causing the reading unit (such as a
floppy disc drive or CD-ROM drive) installed in personal computer
system 11 to read out measurement data stored in the
above-mentioned medium.
[0039] Personal computer system 11, as a general personal computer
system, comprises CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only
Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disc unit, operation
units such as a keyboard or a mouse, and a displaying unit such as
CRT or LCD. Also, in the above-mentioned hard disc, is installed
CAD (Computer Aided Design) conversion software for carrying out an
operation for producing measurement data showing the configuration
of the shoe last for producing a shoe which will comfortably fit a
foot on the basis of measurement data of the foot produced in foot
measurement unit 10. Hereinafter, a functional configuration of
personal computer system 11 in which a configuration data
production operation of a shoe last is achieved when the personal
computer system executes the above-mentioned CAD conversion
software is explained by referring to FIG. 5.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, personal computer system 11 comprises
foot size data inputting unit 31, shoe last configuration data
production unit 32, conversion table 33, and displaying unit 34.
Foot size data inputting unit 31, as mentioned above, obtains
measurement data of a foot produced by foot measurement unit 10,
inputs measurement data of a foot, and provides measurement data of
a foot to shoe last configuration data production unit 32. As
mentioned above, when size data of foot 1 is stored in a medium
such as a floppy disc, foot size data inputting unit 31 is a
reading unit such as a floppy disc drive unit.
[0041] Shoe last configuration data production unit 32, on the
basis of a foot size provided from foot size data inputting unit
31, produces CAD data by which the measured foot is expressed in a
stereoscopic configuration. Shoe last configuration data production
unit 32, on the basis of sizes of several spots of the foot
expressed by produced CAD data, produces, by referring to
conversion table 33, configuration data showing the configuration
of the shoe last used for the custom order shoe fitting for the
above-mentioned foot 1.
[0042] Conversion table 33 shows stored conversion data for
converting sizes of several spots of a foot shown in CAD data
produced on the basis of measurement data of foot 1 provided by
foot size data inputting unit 31, into the configuration of a shoe
last corresponding to the above-mentioned spots. Shoe last
configuration data production unit 32, by referring to data for
conversion stored in conversion table 33, converts the inputted
size data of foot 1 into configuration data of a shoe last.
[0043] Data for conversion stored in conversion table 33 is data
produced on the basis of an outcome of an experiment in which the
relationship between the size of foot 1 and the configuration of
the shoe last for producing the shoe fitting in foot 1 is detected
by using several samples. Specifically, the configuration of the
user's foot is measured by the above-mentioned foot measurement
unit 10. Also, shoe last gypsum is produced by pouring gypsum into
a shoe which is comfortable to the user, and the configuration of
the shoe last gypsum is measured by the above-mentioned foot
measurement unit 10. Then, by overlapping the foot configuration of
the user and the configuration of the shoe last gypsum, "tightness
and slack", in other words, the portions where the foot is
tightened by the shoe, and the portions where space is created
between the shoe and the foot, are determined. Data regarding
several samples is obtained in this manner, and conversion table 33
is produced on the basis of the above data. Hereinafter, contents
of data for conversion stored in conversion table 33 will be
explained by referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.
[0044] In measurement data showing sizes of several spots of foot 1
produced by foot measurement unit 10, is contained information
showing several sizes of the measured foot 11 but in the present
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the foot configuration
of each of a plurality of cross sectional surfaces D1 to Dn from
the ankle toward the toes of foot 1 is taken in account. In
conversion table 33, is stored data for converting sizes of several
parts of foot 1 in cross sectional surfaces D1 to Dn into the
configuration of a shoe last.
[0045] At this stage, cross sectional surfaces D1 to Dn are
produced by segmenting from the ankle to toes for each equal space
d. For example, when the length between the ankle and toes of foot
1 is 240 mm, and number n of the cross sectional surface is 50 (a
fixed number), the distance d between each surface is 240/50=4.8
mm. Although the number n of surfaces can be fixed in this manner,
surfaces can be segmented from the ankle by determining the
distance between each surface to be a constant distance (for
example, 5 mm).
[0046] By referring to FIG. 8, data contents for conversion with
regard to surface Dm, which is one of surfaces D1 to Dn, are
explained. In the figure, the solid line shows the configuration of
the measured foot 1 with regard to surface Dm. The chain line shows
a shoe last having an ideal configuration for the configuration of
foot 1. Conversion data stored in conversion table 33 is stored for
each of a plurality of measured sizes S1 to Sk along the length of
the foot as a result of segmenting by equal space the space in the
surface configuration of the foot between bottom line L1 and
function line Lk of the foot set for each surface (denoted by code
b in the figure). As shown in the figure, the configuration of the
shoe last, when the size of the foot measured along its length of a
certain foot is Sy, is a size determined by adding to Sy slack
portion Sa on the right of the figure and slack portion Sb on the
left of the figure. In this case, in conversion table 33, is stored
ratio data of Sa to Sy. For example, data such as Sa=Sy*0.05 (*
denotes multiplication) is stored, and when foot size Sy is
determined, size Sa of the slack portion can be calculated. In the
same manner, with regard to slack portion Sb on the left, ratio
data such as Sb=Sy*0.03 is stored, and the length of size Sb of the
slack portion can be calculated by foot size Sy. Such ratio data is
stored for each size on the horizontal line between S1 and Sk, and
a plurality of configurations of the shoe last toward the
horizontal direction can be calculated on the basis of size data of
the foot. In conversion table 33, is stored ratio data for
calculating the configuration of the shoe last for each of the
surfaces D1 to Dn.
[0047] Also, in conversion table 33, is stored a specific function
for determining the configuration of the shoe last which is above
function line Lk (denoted by code a in the figure). With regard to
the size above the function line Lk, the height y from function
line Lk is inputted into the above-mentioned specific function f
(y) and g (y). Then, the calculation result of the function is the
coordinate of the horizontal direction (the direction of x). The
configuration of the shoe last in the surface is calculated from
the horizontal direction on surface Dm. At this stage, the specific
function required can be linear function (in other words, the
straight line), quadratic function, cubic function or a function of
higher degree than quartic function. In other words, any function
by which a configuration, close to the configuration of the ideal
shoe last calculated by an experiment is calculated can be adopted.
The reference position of the coordinate calculated by function
f(y) becomes the coordinate of the x direction of point FP
calculated by the above-mentioned ratio data. In other words, when
y=0, f (0)=(the coordinate of the x direction of FP). When the
coordinate value of the x direction of FP on the surface is xf, the
x coordinate of the configuration line of the shoe last at height
Y1 is f (y1)+xf. In the same manner, the reference position of the
coordinate calculated by function g (y) is the coordinate of the x
direction of point GP calculated by the above-mentioned ratio data.
In conversion table 33, are stored information showing the height
of function line Lk, and the function for calculating the
configuration of the shoe last above function line Lk for each
surface D1 to Dn.
[0048] In conversion table 33, instead of storing the
above-mentioned ratio data, area ratio data showing the ratio
between the cross sectional area of each of the surfaces D1 to Dn,
and the ideal cross sectional area of a shoe last calculated
experimentally can be stored. Then, by calculating the cross
sectional area of the shoe last fitting on the basis of area ratio
data stored for each of the cross sectional areas of each of
surfaces D1 to Dn, which in turn are calculated on the basis of
size data of the foot, the measured size of each part of the foot
can be converted into the configuration of the calculated cross
sectional area of the shoe last. Also, the configuration of the
ideal shoe last can be calculated on the basis of a plurality of
parameters, besides the above-mentioned cross sectional area, such
as the peripheral length of foot 1 (the length of the border line
of the surface), the foot length between the toes and the ankle,
the width (the horizontal length in FIG. 8), and the height (the
vertical length in FIG. 8) which are expressed by each of surfaces
D1 to Dn. For example, the surface configuration of the ideal shoe
last is determined on the basis of the above-mentioned surface
area, peripheral length and height expressed by a certain surface
Dm. Then, for each of surfaces D1 to Dn, after determining the
surface configuration of the ideal shoe last, the ideal shoe last
configuration is determined on the basis of each of the surface
configurations denoted by each of surfaces D1 to Dn of foot 1 by
connecting each surface configuration. In other words, in
conversion table 33, is required data for converting data of the
foot size into the configuration of the ideal shoe last which is
experimentally calculated.
[0049] Shoe last configuration data production unit 32, on the
basis of size data of a foot provided by foot size data inputting
unit 31, obtains configuration data of a shoe last on the basis of
the size data of the foot for each of surfaces D1 to Dn, and
produces configuration data of the entire shoe last matching the
inputted size data of the foot.
[0050] In displaying unit 34, as mentioned above, are displayed a
stereoscopic image of a shoe last on the basis of CAD data for
stereoscopically showing the shoe last corresponding to
configuration data of the shoe last which is produced by shoe last
configuration data production unit 32, and a stereoscopic image of
a foot on the basis of CAD data for stereoscopically showing the
foot corresponding to size data of the foot provided by the
above-mentioned foot size data inputting unit 31. At this stage, a
designer operating personal computer system 11, when he/she
determines that the configuration of the shoe last automatically
produced by shoe last configuration data production unit 32 needs
to be corrected by using a mouse or a keyboard, can input a
correction command by referring to displaying unit 34. For example,
when information such as the design of the shoe to be manufactured,
the height of the heel, the type of the foot (such as Egyptian
foot, Greek foot, hallux valgus, or pes latus), or fleshiness of
the user's foot (for example, the percentage of subcutaneous fat)
is available, the designer can input a correction command
accordingly.
[0051] Also, in personal computer system 11, is installed CAD/NC
conversion software for converting CAD data stereoscopically
showing an image of a shoe last and so forth into NC data for
numerically controlling NC machine tool 12. Personal computer
system 11, by executing the CAD/NC conversion software, converts
CAD data stereoscopically showing the shoe last in accordance with
configuration data of the shoe last produced in the above-mentioned
manner into NC data for processing by NC machine tool 12 the shoe
last of the configuration denoted by the configuration data.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 1 again, in the present shoe last
manufacturing system, NC data corresponding to configuration data
of the shoe last produced by personal computer system 11 is
inputted into NC machine tool 12. At this stage, as a method for
inputting NC data into NC machine tool 12, NC data can be forwarded
to NC machine tool 12 from personal computer system 11 by
connecting personal computer system 11 and NC machine tool 12 by a
signal cable and so forth. NC data also can be inputted into NC
machine tool 12 by storing NC data produced by personal computer
system 11 in a medium such as floppy disc, MO, or CD-R, and reading
out NC data stored in the medium by a reading unit or the like
installed in NC machine tool 12.
[0053] NC machine tool 12 cuts shoe last material such as woods,
metal, or plastic, and produces a shoe last on the basis of NC data
produced by personal computer system 11. At this stage, NC data
provided to NC machine tool 12 is data for controlling NC machine
tool 12 to carry out the cutting operation in accordance with the
configuration of the shoe last which matches the user's foot as
calculated by the above-mentioned personal computer system 11.
Hence, the shoe last produced by NC machine tool 12 is preferable
shoe last for producing a shoe which is comfortable for the
user.
[0054] In the shoe last designing method of the present embodiment,
personal computer system 11 automatically determines the
configuration of the shoe last for producing a shoe which is
comfortable for the user by providing size data of the user's foot
to personal computer system 11, and NC data is produced for
producing a shoe last of the above-mentioned configuration. In the
present embodiment, configuration data of the shoe last is produced
on the basis of the foot size, by referring to conversion table 33
produced on the basis of the relationship between foot sizes
determined by an experiment using several samples and the
configuration of the shoe last which seems most suitable.
Therefore, by providing the NC data to NC machine tool 12, a
preferable shoe last for manufacturing a shoe which is comfortable
for the user can be produced.
[0055] Conventionally, the user's foot measurements cannot be used
without modification to produce a custom order shoe last for the
manufacture of a comfortable shoe. Processes such as determining
the configuration by relying upon experience, intuition and so
forth in accordance with the measured foot size, and producing the
shoe last in accordance with the determined configuration are
required for a shoe last producer. Further, when a skilled producer
produces a shoe last, a shoe last of an appropriate configuration
can be produced for manufacturing a shoe on the basis of the
measured foot size of the user, but a shoe producer without much
experience might not be able to produce a shoe last of an
appropriate configuration. Also, there are relatively few skilled
producers of shoe lasts. Consequently, it is relatively expensive
to produce a shoe last for manufacturing a custom order shoe.
[0056] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the
configuration of the preferable shoe last which is normally
determined by a skilled producer by relying upon his/her experience
or intuition can automatically be determined by using personal
computer system 11; therefore, the above-mentioned processes are
not required for a shoe last producer. Furthermore, the cost of
producing a shoe last can be decreased; hence, the production cost
for a custom order shoe can be decreased.
[0057] B. Modification of the First Embodiment
[0058] The present invention is not limited by the above-mentioned
first embodiment, but various kinds of modifications such as those
explained below are possible.
[0059] (Modification 1)
[0060] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the configuration of the
shoe last is adjusted by a manual inputting operation in accordance
with information such as the design of the shoe, the height of the
heel, the type of the foot (such as Egyptian foot, Greek foot,
hallux valgus, or pes latus), or fleshiness of the user's foot (for
example, the percentage of subcutaneous fat), but the configuration
of the shoe last taking the above-mentioned information into
account can automatically be determined.
[0061] A preferred configuration of personal computer system 11
will be explained by referring to FIG. 9. As shown in the figure,
personal computer system 11 of the present modification comprises
foot size data inputting unit 31, shoe last configuration data
production unit 32, and displaying unit, which are the same as
those of the above-mentioned embodiment. Personal computer system
11 of the present modification also comprises conversion table
group 71 instead of conversion table 33 of the above-mentioned
embodiment, and foot type detection unit 70.
[0062] Foot type detection unit 70 detects the type of the foot on
the basis of foot size data provided by foot size data inputting
unit 31. At this stage, the type of the foot can be Egyptian foot,
Greek foot, hallux valgus, pes latus, and so forth. The
above-mentioned types are classified on the basis of the external
configuration of the foot. Hence, CAD data stereoscopically showing
the external configuration of the foot is produced as mentioned
above on the basis of size data of the foot provided by foot size
data inputting unit 31. Then, by comparing the foot configuration
expressed by the CAD data and the pre-stored external
configurations of each type of foot, the foot type which most
resembles the foot configuration on the basis of size data is
detected as the foot type of the user. Foot type detection unit 70,
outputs to shoe last configuration data production unit 32 foot
type information showing the foot type of the user detected in this
manner.
[0063] Conversion table group 71 has conversion tables for each
foot type (Egyptian foot conversion table 71a, Greek foot
conversion table 71b, hallux valgus conversion table 71c, and so
forth) which can be detected by the above-mentioned foot type
detection unit 70. Conversion table group 71 contains Egyptian foot
conversion table 71a, Greek foot conversion table 71b, hallux
valgus conversion table 71c, and so forth, conversion data being
produced on the basis of the relationship between sizes of feet of
each type, and the configuration of the ideal shoe last calculated
by an experiment using several samples. In each conversion table
are stored ratio data for conversion for each of surfaces D1 to Dn,
function data and so forth as conversion table 33 of the
above-mentioned embodiment.
[0064] When shoe last configuration data production unit 32
produces s configuration data of a shoe last on the basis of size
data of a foot provided by foot size data inputting unit 31, it
chooses one conversion table from several conversion tables in
conversion table group 71 in accordance with foot type information
provided by foot type detection unit 70, and produces configuration
data of a shoe last by referring to the chosen conversion table.
For example, when foot type information showing that the foot type
of the user is Egyptian foot is provided by foot type detection
unit 70, shoe last configuration data production unit 32 chooses
Egyptian foot conversion table 71a from conversion table group 71,
and produces shoe last configuration data by referring to Egyptian
foot conversion table 71a.
[0065] By installing conversion table group 71 and foot type
detection unit 70, the configuration of the preferable shoe last
taking the type of the user's foot into account can be
automatically determined.
[0066] (Modification 2)
[0067] Also, shown in FIG. 10 is the functional configuration of
personal computer system 11 for executing the shoe last
configuration data production process by which configuration data
of shoe last, taking fleshiness of the user's foot (for example,
the percentage of subcutaneous fat) into account, can be
automatically produced. As shown in the figure, personal computer
system 11 of the present modification comprises foot size data
inputting unit 31, shoe last configuration data production unit 32,
and displaying unit which are the same as those in the
above-mentioned embodiment. Personal computer system 11 of the
present modification also comprises conversion table group 81
instead of conversion table 33 of the above-mentioned embodiment,
height-weight inputting unit 83, and subcutaneous fat percentage
measurement unit 82.
[0068] Height-weight inputting unit 83 receives data showing the
height and the weight of the user, and provides the data to
subcutaneous fat percentage measurement unit 82. In the present
modification, size measurement of the foot by the above-mentioned
foot measurement unit 10 is carried out. Then, information showing
the height and the weight of the user is obtained and provided to
personal computer system 11.
[0069] Subcutaneous fat measurement unit 82, on the basis of
information on the height and the weight of the user provided by
height-weight inputting unit 83, infers a subcutaneous fat
percentage of the user's foot, and outputs subcutaneous fat
percentage information showing the subcutaneous percentage to shoe
last configuration data production unit 32.
[0070] Conversion table group 81 has a conversion table for each
range of the subcutaneous fat percentage (0 to A %, A % to B %, B %
to C % and so forth). Conversion table 81a for 0 to A %, conversion
table 81b for A to B %, conversion table 81c for B to C % and so
forth have conversion data produced on the basis of the
relationship between the foot size of the user, of the subcutaneous
fat percentage within each corresponding range, and the
configuration of the ideal shoe last calculated by an experiment.
In each of the conversion tables are stored ratio data for
conversion for each of surfaces D1 to Dn, function data and so
forth, as in the above-mentioned conversion table 33.
[0071] When shoe last configuration data production unit 32
produces configuration data of a shoe last on the basis of size
data of a foot provided from foot size data inputting unit 31, it
chooses one conversion table from among several conversion tables
in conversion table group 81 in accordance with subcutaneous fat
percentage information provided from subcutaneous fat percentage
measurement unit 82, and produces configuration data of a shoe last
by referring to the chosen conversion table.
[0072] For example, when information showing that subcutaneous fat
percentage of the user's foot is x % (A<x<B) is provided by
subcutaneous fat percentage measurement unit 82, shoe last
configuration data production unit 32 chooses conversion table 81b
for A to B % from conversion table group 81, and produces shoe last
configuration data by referring to conversion table 81b for A to B
%.
[0073] By installing conversion table group 81, subcutaneous fat
percentage measurement unit 82 and height-weight inputting unit 83,
the configuration of the most appropriate shoe last taking the
subcutaneous fat percentage of the user's foot into account can be
automatically determined.
[0074] (Modification 3)
[0075] Also, instead of choosing any one of conversion tables from
conversion table group 81 by inferring the subcutaneous fat
percentage of the user's foot from the user's height and weight as
mentioned above, fleshiness of the foot (such as being soft or
hard) can be inferred by comparing size data obtained
non-contactingly by the above-mentioned foot measurement unit 10,
and size data obtained from a foot on the ground. In other words,
when a foot is on the ground, the configuration of the foot changes
from the condition when the foot is not in contact with any surface
since the foot must bear the weight of the user (the sole spreads).
By comparing the size of the foot when the foot is not in contact
with any surface, and when the foot is on the ground, and detecting
the change in the configuration, fleshiness of the foot can be
inferred. Then, by referring to a prepared conversion table for
each type of fleshiness of the foot (for example, 5 types such as
soft, somewhat soft, normal, somewhat hard, hard), configuration
data of the shoe last can be produced by choosing the conversion
table in accordance with the inferred fleshiness.
[0076] (Modification 4)
[0077] As mentioned above, both size data of the foot obtained when
the foot is not in contact with any surface, and when the foot is
on the ground can be used, but configuration data of the
appropriate shoe last can be produced when size data of the foot
obtained by any one of the described measurement methods is
inputted. In this case, the conversion table for when the foot is
not in contact with any surface for producing shoe last
configuration data from size data of the foot measured when the
foot is not in contact with any surface, and the conversion table
for producing shoe last configuration data from size data of the
foot measured when the foot is on the ground need to be prepared.
At this stage, in the conversion table for when the foot is not in
contact with any surface, is stored conversion data produced on the
basis of the relationship between the foot size measured when the
foot is not in contact with any surface and the configuration of
the ideal shoe last calculated by an experiment carried out using a
described method. Also, in the conversion table for when the foot
is on the ground is stored conversion data produced on the basis of
the relationship between the foot size measured when the foot is on
the ground, and the configuration of the ideal shoe last calculated
by an experiment. Then, from foot measurement unit 10 to personal
computer system 11, measurement method identification data showing
whether data is measured when the foot is not in contact with any
surface or on the ground is provided along with measurements of the
foot size. Then configuration data of the shoe last can be produced
by referring to the conversion table corresponding to the
measurement method identified by the measurement method
identification data.
[0078] (Modification 5)
[0079] Configuration, fleshiness and so forth of a foot differ
according to the race of the user (northern European, southern
European, southern Asian, eastern Asian), and a conversion table
can be prepared for each race.
[0080] Then, configuration data of the shoe last can be produced by
choosing a conversion table in accordance with the race information
by asking the user to provide the race information when the foot
size is measured.
[0081] (Modification 6)
[0082] When a shoe last configuration data production process is
carried out, in which the design of the ordered shoe (for example,
a design where the tip of the shoe is square), or configuration
data of the shoe last (for example, taking the height of the heel
and so forth into account) can automatically be produced, shoe last
data can be produced by preparing a conversion table for
classification of a plurality of designs of shoes or the height of
each heel (for example, 0 to 1 cm, 1 cm to 2 cm), choosing a
conversion table in accordance with the designated design or height
of the heel, and referring to the chosen conversion table.
[0083] (Modification 7)
[0084] In the above-mentioned modification, when configuration data
of a shoe last taking into account information such as the design
of the shoe, the height of the heel, the type of the foot (such as
Egyptian foot, Greek foot, hallux valgus, or pes latus), fleshiness
of the user's foot (for example, subcutaneous fat percentage) is
produced, a plurality of conversion tables are prepared, and when
the foot type is Greek foot, the conversion table corresponding to
Greek foot is chosen and referred to. By preparing several
conversion tables in this manner, configuration data of shoe lasts
taking into account the several types of information mentioned
above can be produced, but on the basis of configuration data of
the shoe last produced by shoe last configuration data production
unit 32 of the first embodiment mentioned above, the basic
configuration data can be amended by taking into account
information such as the design of the shoe, the height of the heel,
the type of the foot (such as Egyptian foot, Greek foot, hallux
valgus, or pes latus), or fleshiness of the user's foot (such as
the subcutaneous fat percentage).
[0085] Shown in FIG. 11 is a functional configuration of personal
computer system 11 used for executing a shoe last configuration
data production process by which configuration data of the shoe
last can be automatically produced by amending the basic
configuration data by taking the type of the foot into account. As
shown in the figure, personal computer system 11 of the present
modification comprises foot type detection unit 70 and amendment
unit 90 in addition to foot size data inputting unit 31, shoe last
configuration data production unit 32, conversion table 33 and
displaying unit 34 which are the same as those in the
above-mentioned embodiment.
[0086] Foot type detection unit 70 detects the foot type on the
basis of the data provided by foot size data inputting unit 31. At
this stage, the foot type refers to Egyptian foot, Greek foot,
hallux valgus, or pes latus and so forth, and types of feet can be
classified on the basis of the external configuration of the foot.
Hence, CAD data for stereoscopically expressing the external
configuration of the foot is produced from data provided by foot
size data inputting unit 31 as mentioned above, and by comparing
the foot configuration expressed by the CAD data to the pre-stored
external configuration of each type of foot, the foot type of the
configuration most resembling the foot configuration on the basis
of the size data is determined to be the foot type of the user.
Foot type detection unit 70 outputs foot type information, showing
the foot type of the user detected in this manner, to amendment
unit 90.
[0087] As in the first embodiment, shoe last configuration data
production unit 32, by referring to conversion table 33, produces
configuration data of the shoe last on the basis of data inputted
by foot size data inputting unit 31. In the present embodiment, on
the basis of configuration data of the shoe last, shoe last
configuration data production unit 32 outputs to amendment unit 90
the produced configuration data of the shoe last (hereinafter,
referred to as basic configuration data) to carry out amendment in
accordance with the foot type such as Egyptian foot, Greek foot,
hallux valgus, or pes latus.
[0088] Amendment unit 90 carries out an amendment process to basic
configuration data provided by shoe last configuration data
production unit 32 in accordance with foot type information
detected by foot type detection unit 70. For carrying out the
amendment process mentioned above, amendment unit 90 has data for
each foot type, and carries out an amendment process by using data
for amendment in accordance with foot type information provided by
foot type detection unit 70. Data for amendment of a shoe last for
each type of foot is produced, by determining how the basic
configuration data should be amended to produce a shoe last having
an ideal configuration on the basis of the relationship between
foot size of each foot type and the configuration of the ideal shoe
last experimentally calculated, and the above data is produced on
the basis of that amendment. Data for amendment mentioned above is,
for example, data shown in FIG. 8 such that size Sa of the slack
portion and size Sb of the slack portion are enlarged by 2%
respectively.
[0089] By installing foot type detection unit 70 and amendment unit
90 mentioned above, the configuration of the most appropriate shoe
last, taking the user's foot type into account, can be
automatically determined. Also, the basic configuration data
produced by shoe last configuration data production unit 32 can be
amended by taking into account information explained in the
above-mentioned various modifications such as the design of the
shoe, the height of the heel, or fleshiness of the user's foot
(such as subcutaneous fat percentage), instead of the foot type.
For example, when the design of the shoe is a shoe with a
shoestring, the basic configuration data is amended by taking
tightness of the shoestring into account. Also, the design of the
shoe and the desired color of the shoe can be taken into
account.
[0090] (Amendment 8)
[0091] Foot sizes of human beings differ depending on the time of
day when measurement is carried out. For example, foot sizes of
human beings become larger in the afternoon than in the morning due
to swelling and so forth. Hence, when configuration data of a shoe
last is produced on the basis of size data of a foot provided by
foot measurement unit 10 as in the embodiment mentioned above, it
is preferable to take into account the time when the foot size is
measured. At this stage, in the embodiment mentioned above,
configuration data of a shoe last can be produced by taking the
time information into account by providing to personal computer
system 11 information on the time of day when the foot size is
measured to produce size data of the foot along with size data of
the foot provided from foot measurement unit 10.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 12, personal computer system 11 preferable
to the present modification comprises time information inputting
unit 41 and foot size data amendment unit 42 in addition to foot
size data inputting unit 31, shoe last configuration data
production unit 32, conversion table 33 and displaying unit 34 as
in the above-mentioned embodiment.
[0093] Time information inputting unit 41, as mentioned above,
obtains and inputs information showing the time when the foot is
measured, for producing foot size data provided by foot measurement
unit 10. Then, information showing the time is provided to foot
size data amendment unit 42.
[0094] Foot size data amendment unit 42 amends foot size data
provided by foot size data inputting unit 31 in accordance with
time information provided by time information inputting unit 41.
For carrying out amendment mentioned above, foot size data
amendment unit 42 stores a table for size amendment storing the
foot size measured at the basic time (for example, 2:00 pm), and
data showing the average amount of fluctuation of the size
determined on the basis of the foot sizes measured at different
times (for example, every one hour such as 0:00, 1:00, 2:00) for
each of various parts of the foot. Then, when information showing a
time other than the basic time is provided, size data in which
sizes of several parts of the foot shown in foot size data provided
by foot size data inputting unit 31 is amended accordingly.
[0095] Shoe last configuration data production unit 32, on the
basis of foot size data amended by foot size data amendment unit
42, produces configuration data of the shoe last by referring to
conversion table 33. At this stage, data for conversion stored in
conversion table 33, is data produced on the basis of the
relationship between foot size measured at the basic time, and the
configuration of the ideal shoe last.
[0096] By installing time information inputting unit 41 and foot
size data amendment unit 42 in this manner, the configuration of
the most appropriate shoe last taking into account the time when
the foot is measured can be automatically determined.
[0097] In the present modification, configuration data of a shoe
last taking into account the time when measurement is carried out
is produced by providing to shoe last configuration data production
unit 32 foot size data provided by foot size data inputting unit 31
after amendment of the data by foot size data amendment unit 42;
however, the produced configuration data of the shoe last can be
amended in accordance with time information after foot size data is
provided to shoe last configuration data production unit 32 by foot
size data inputting unit 31, and producing configuration data of
the shoe last.
[0098] (Modification 9)
[0099] Also, in the shoe last design method of the present
invention, personal computer system 11 can automatically produce
shoe last configuration data by using foot size data; therefore,
even if a user lives in a region where there is no producer of shoe
lasts, by using the shoe last design method of the present
invention, a network service by which a custom shoe can be ordered
via a communication network can be provided
[0100] Hereinafter, configuration of a preferable system for
achieving the network service mentioned above will be explained by
referring to FIG. 13. As shown in the figure, the system comprises
personal computer (PC) 51a which is connected to communication
network 2, personal computer (PC) 51b, custom order shoe reception
center unit 54, NC machine tool 12, and shoe manufacturing machine
53.
[0101] Each of personal computers 51a and 51b is installed in
reception shops 52a and 52b for receiving an order of a custom
order shoe from a user. In the reception shops 52a and 52b, is
installed foot measurement unit 10 which is described in the
above-mentioned embodiment. The number of reception shops of the
above-mentioned configuration being connected to communication
network 2 is not necessarily restricted to two.
[0102] In the system of the above configuration, the operation of
the system when a user orders a custom order shoe at a reception
shop such as 52a or 52b (in this case, 52a) is as follows.
[0103] First, the user's foot is measured by foot measurement unit
10, and size data of the user's foot is produced. Then size data of
the user's foot is provided to personal computer 51a. Personal
computer 51a, in addition to measuring the foot, displays images of
shoes of several types of designs or color which can be used for
manufacturing a custom order shoe on the displaying unit (LCD or
CRT), and prompts the user to select a design and color of a shoe.
At this stage, a clerk inputs information into personal computer
51a based on the customer's selection.
[0104] When the inputting operation is completed, the clerk
accesses custom order shoe reception center unit 54 via
communication network 2 by using personal computer 51a. Then, when
communication connection is established between personal computer
51a and custom order shoe reception center unit 54 via
communication network 2, personal computer 51a transmits to custom
order shoe reception center unit 54 order information containing
foot size data, design data, color data and so forth, and client
information (such as the name and the address to which the custom
order shoe is to be shipped).
[0105] When custom order shoe reception center unit 54 receives
order information transmitted from personal computer 51a via
network 2, it produces configuration data of the shoe last by
executing the same process as that of personal computer system 11
of the above-mentioned embodiment on the basis of size data
contained in the order information, and produces NC data for
producing the shoe last denoted by the size data. Then, the
produced NC data is provided to NC machine tool 12. Also, custom
order shoe reception center unit 54 provides to shoe manufacturing
machine 53 data showing design and color, and client information
contained in the received order information.
[0106] In NC machine tool 12, the shoe last is produced on the
basis of NC data provided by custom order shoe reception center
unit 54 as in the embodiment described above. Then, the produced
shoe last is provided to shoe manufacturing machine 53. In shoe
manufacturing machine 53, the shoe is produced on the basis of the
shoe last provided from NC machine tool 12, and data showing the
design and coloration of the shoe provided from custom order shoe
reception center unit 54. Then, the manufactured shoe is shipped to
the address contained in client information. By going through the
process mentioned above, the custom order shoe the user orders at
reception shop 52a is manufactured, and shipped to the address
designated by the user. The shoe shipped to the user is the shoe of
the design and color specified by the user, and has the size which
fits in the user's foot. In the above-mentioned system, the shoe
comfortable to the user preference and foot can be provided in this
manner.
[0107] (Modification 10)
[0108] Also, in the above-mentioned modification, the user orders a
custom order shoe by going to a shop such as reception shop 52a or
52b, but the user can place an order with custom order shoe
reception server unit 60 from home and so forth. Hereinafter, the
configuration of a preferable system of the present modification
will be explained by referring to FIG. 14.
[0109] As shown in the figure, the system comprises personal
computer (PC) 61a connected to the Internet 3, personal computer
(PC) 61b, custom order shoe reception server unit 60, NC machine
tool 12, and shoe manufacturing machine 53.
[0110] Each of personal computers 61a and 61b is installed in the
user's home 62a and 62b. Several computers are connected to the
Internet 3, but, for simplicity, only two computers are shown in
the figure.
[0111] In the system of the above configuration, the operation in
which the user places an order for a custom order shoe from home
such as 62a or 62b (in this case, home 62a) is as follows.
[0112] First, when an order is placed for a custom order shoe, the
size of the user's foot needs to be measured. However, since it is
difficult to bring foot measurement unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 into
home 62a, size data of the foot needs to be obtained by a different
method. The following method may be used. The user notifies a
service provider that he/she will place an order for a custom order
shoe by a certain method (for example, by accessing the Web site of
the service provider by using the Internet). Then the service
provider sends to the user's home 62a a measurement unit by which
the foot size can be easily measured in home 62a. As such a
measurement unit, for example, a measurement unit of a sock-type
can be used. A sock-type measurement unit can be worn on the user's
foot in the same manner as an ordinary sock. When the user puts the
sock on, sensors installed on several spots of the sock (such as
distortion sensors) detect the amount of deformation of the sock,
and produce size data of the user's foot on the basis of the
detected outcome. When size data of the foot produced by the method
mentioned above is inputted into personal computer 61a, the user
accesses the Web page in custom order shoe reception server unit 60
via Internet 3 by use of personal computer 61a. On the hard disc of
custom order shoe reception server unit 60, is stored a Web page
for reception for receiving an order of a custom order shoe from
the user via the Internet 3. The user accesses the Web page for
reception by using personal computer 61a. At this stage, on the
displaying unit of the personal computer which accesses the Web
page, are displayed images of shoes of several designs or colors
which can be manufactured. The configuration of the image is such
that the user is prompted to determine a shoe of what kind of
design and coloration he/she wants to order. The user selects the
design and color of the shoe and inputs the information into
personal computer 61a. The user also inputs user information such
as the name of the user, the address where the custom order shoe is
shipped to, and a credit card number. Then order information
containing data of the design and coloration, user information and
size data of the foot is transmitted from personal computer 61a to
custom order shoe reception server unit 60 via Internet 3.
[0113] Custom order shoe reception server unit 60, when receiving
order information from personal computer 61a, produces
configuration data of the shoe last by executing the same process
as of personal computer system 11 of the above embodiment on the
basis of size data of the foot contained in the order information,
and produces NC data for producing the shoe last denoted by the
size data. Then, the produced NC data is provided to NC machine
tool 12. Also, custom order shoe reception server unit 60 provides
to shoe manufacturing unit 53 data showing the design and color
contained in the received order information, and user
information.
[0114] In NC machine tool 12, the shoe last is produced on the
basis of NC data provided by custom order shoe reception server
unit 60 as in the above embodiment. Then the produced shoe last is
provided to shoe manufacturing machine 53. In shoe manufacturing
machine 53, the shoe is manufactured on the basis of the shoe last
provided by NC machine tool 12 and data denoting the design and
color of the shoe provided from custom order shoe reception server
unit 60. Then, the manufactured shoe is shipped to the shipping
address contained in user information. By going through the process
mentioned above, the custom order shoe ordered by the user at home
62a is manufactured, and is shipped to the shipping address
specified by the user. At this stage, the shoe shipped to the user
is in the design and color designated by the user, and comfortable
to the user. In the above-mentioned system, the shoe fitting in the
user's preference and foot can be provided in this manner.
[0115] C. Second Embodiment
[0116] In the first embodiment, as a foot measurement unit, a type
by which the calf is held in place while a foot is shot is
exemplified. By the foot measurement unit mentioned above, the shoe
manufacturer does not have to carry out a troublesome operation
such as measuring the user's foot using a measure. For precise
measurement, the user needs to keep the foot still at the spot
where the foot is shot while shooting is carried out; therefore, in
the foot measurement unit of the first embodiment, the
configuration is such that shooting is carried out by fixing the
calf and so forth by use of a tightening unit so as not to
interrupt shooting. However, in the configuration mentioned above,
the foot itself is not fixed; hence, the foot may move during
shooting, and the foot size may not be measured precisely as a
result. In this case, shoe last produced on the basis of the
measured foot size may produce an uncomfortable shoe. Therefore, in
the present embodiment, a foot measurement unit by which more
precise measurement of the foot size can be carried out is
explained.
[0117] As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, foot measurement unit 10' of the
present embodiment comprises shooting unit 110 for shooting foot 1
from a plurality of directions by a plurality of digital cameras by
fixing foot 1 to be measured at a designated spot.
[0118] Shooting unit 100 comprises a plurality of digital cameras
110a, 110b, 110c . . . 110m in which a flash light unit which
flashes during shooting is installed, spot determination unit 130
for determining the designated spot of foot 1 to be measured,
digital cameras 110a, 110b, 110b, 110c . . . 110m and retention
unit 200 for fixing and retaining spot determination unit 130.
Shooting unit 100 outputs image data of foot 1 which is shot from a
plurality of directions by each of digital cameras 110a, 110b, 110c
. . . 110m to the computer system (not shown) via a cable and so
forth. Then, analysis for each image is carried out by the computer
system, and the configuration of foot 1 to be measured is
determined.
[0119] Retention unit 200 is a unit which mainly consists of three
units, in other words, base unit 210, cavity forming unit 220, and
heel unit 230. Base unit 210 is the unit installed in the ground
and so forth when shooting unit 100 is used. Base unit 210 is a
flat rectangular portion having thickness in which a digital camera
can be mounted. In base unit 210, two digital cameras 110a and 110b
are mounted as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 in spots opposite to
the bottom of foot 1 which is placed at a designated spot. Digital
cameras 110a and 10b are fixed and retained at each spot. Digital
cameras 110a and 110b shoot the bottom of foot 1.
[0120] Heel unit 230 is the portion mounted toward the top of base
unit 210 at the heel of foot 1 which is placed at a designated
spot. Surface 230a of heel unit 230 (refer to FIG. 17) is a curved
surface. The curved surface curves to face foot 1 whose designated
spot is determined. In heel unit 230, are mounted digital cameras
110c, 110d, and 110e to shoot foot 1 whose designated spot is
determined from the heel side, and each of cameras is fixed and
retained at each spot. Each of digital cameras 110c, 110d, and 110e
shoots foot 1 from behind obliquely toward the left, from directly
behind, and from behind obliquely toward the right.
[0121] Cavity forming unit 220 is a portion covering the toe end of
foot 1 whose designated spot is determined. Cavity forming unit 220
forms cavity S into which foot 1 is inserted along with base unit
210. Width T of Cavity S is approximately 0.15 m (refer to FIG.
17). Height Ta of cavity S on the toe side is approximately 0.08 m
(refer to FIG. 16). Height Tb of Cavity S on the dorsum side is
0.13 m (refer to FIG. 16). Hence, the cavity is sufficiently large
for a man's foot to be inserted. The size of the cavity formed by
cavity forming unit 220 and base unit 210 is not limited to the
above-mentioned size. The size of cavity S should be such that foot
1 to be measured can easily be inserted.
[0122] In cavity forming unit 220 mentioned above, are mounted
digital cameras 110f, 110g, 110h, 110i, 110j, 110k, 110l, and 110m
for shooting foot 1, placed at the designated spot, from its dorsum
side. Digital cameras 110f, 110g, 110h, 110i, 110j, 10k, 110l, and
110m are fixed and retained at each of their designated spots.
Digital cameras 110f, 10g, and 110i are mounted above and behind
the dorsum of foot 1 obliquely toward the left. Digital cameras
10k, 110l, and 110m are mounted above and behind the dorsum of foot
1 obliquely toward the right. Digital cameras 110i, and 110j are
mounted above the dorsum of foot 1. Digital cameras shoot foot 1
from each direction of mounted digital cameras.
[0123] In internal units 220a and 220b covering sides of foot 1 in
cavity forming unit 220, are fixed both end units 130a and 130b of
spot determination unit 130. The central portion of spot
determination unit 130 is tangent unit 130c which curves to project
upwards. Tangent unit 130c is in a curved configuration which
resembles the dorsum of the foot. When foot 1 to be measured is
placed at the designated spot, the user places the dorsum of foot 1
to be measured beneath tangent unit 130c as shown in FIG. 18. By
placing the dorsum of foot 1 beneath tangent unit 130c as mentioned
above, foot 1 can be naturally placed at the designated spot shown
in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16. Also, in the present embodiment, by curving
tangent unit 130c of spot determination unit 130, the dorsum of
foot 1 fits in the curved unit, and foot 1 can be prevented from
moving when foot 1 is shot by digital cameras 110a to 110m.
[0124] Also, when the dorsum of foot 1 is placed beneath tangent
unit 130c of spot determination unit 130, foot 1 is not in contact
with any surface above base unit 210. In other words, in spot
determination unit 130, the spot of foot 1 is determined as a spot
without touching any surface. When several digital cameras are used
to measure the foot configuration in this manner, foot 1 hardly
exerting any force can be shot by placing foot 1 in a spot which is
not in contact with any surface, and the configuration of foot 1
hardly exerting any force (i.e. foot 1 without deformation) can be
measured on the basis of the image obtained in the above
manner.
[0125] Also, in shooting unit 100 mentioned above, a plurality of
digital cameras 110a to 110m are fixed at predetermined spots in
retention unit 200. The spot of foot 1 is fixed at approximately
the constant spot during shooting by spot determination unit 130.
In other words, the relationship of spots between foot 1 whose spot
is determined by spot determination unit 130 to be measured, and
digital cameras 110a to 110m always is approximately constant.
Hence, every time foot 1 is measured, an operation such as
adjusting the spots of digital cameras 110a to 110m by shifting is
not necessary. Shooting foot 1 from several directions especially
is preferable for improving precision of measurement, but several
digital cameras are required to shoot from several directions. When
the number of digital cameras increases, the operation of adjusting
the spot becomes more troublesome. However, in shooting unit 100,
since the relationship of spots between foot 1 whose spot is fixed,
and digital cameras 110a to 110m is approximately constant, a
toilsome operation for adjusting the spot is not required even if
several digital cameras are used.
[0126] Also, since the operation for adjusting the spots of several
digital cameras 110a to 110m is not required as mentioned above,
shooting by several digital cameras 110a to 110m can begin
immediately after foot 1 is fixed at the designated spot by spot
determination unit 130. Also, shooting can end in a short period of
time (shooting time when shooting is carried out by each of digital
cameras 110a to 110m all at once). (Shooting ends momentarily if
shooting is carried out by each of digital cameras 110a to 110m the
same time.) Hence, for the user whose foot is measured, the burden
such as fixing foot 1 at a designated spot for a long period of
time is alleviated. Alleviation of the burden is great especially
when the spot of foot 1 is not in contact with any surface as in
the present embodiment.
[0127] Also, in the present embodiment, since foot 1 is fixed at a
designated spot by placing the dorsum of foot 1 beneath spot
determination unit 130, a spot determination unit and so forth
necessary for shoe last production are not required for the bottom
side, toes and so forth of foot 1. In other words, there is no unit
covering toes or the bottom side of the foot necessary for shoe
last production, and only the dorsum of foot 1 whose measurement is
not necessary for shoe last production is covered by spot
determination unit 130. Hence, spot determination unit 130 for
determining the spot of foot 1 does not hinder shooting of foot 1
by digital cameras 110a to 110m.
[0128] D. Modification of Second Embodiment
[0129] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned
embodiment. Various modifications such as the ones described below
are possible.
[0130] (Modification 1)
[0131] In the above-mentioned embodiment, by mounting several
digital cameras 110a to 110m in retention unit 200, foot 1 is shot
from a plurality of directions by several digital cameras 110a to
110m. In this case, when shooting is carried out by digital cameras
110a to 110m all at once, clear images might not be obtained due to
the flash units of digital cameras facing each other. For
preventing the deterioration of images due to flash units, a
control unit shown in FIG. 19 can be mounted in foot measurement
unit 10'.
[0132] As shown in the figure, the control unit is equipped with
timing control unit 500 for controlling the timing of shooting by
each of digital cameras 110a to 110m. Timing control unit 500
outputs the signal for commencement for ordering each of digital
cameras 110a to 110m the commencement of shooting. Timing control
unit 500 controls the timing of commencement for shooting by each
of digital cameras 110a to 110m by the timing described below.
[0133] As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, in shooting unit 100, digital
cameras 110i and 110j, and digital cameras 110a and 110b face each
other. When shooting is simultaneously carried out by the above
cameras, good images might not be obtained by flash units of the
digital camera placed in front.
[0134] Therefore, timing control unit 500 outputs a commencement
signal to shift the timing of commencement for shooting by digital
cameras 110a and 110b, and digital cameras 110i and 110j by a
designated amount of time (one or two seconds). At this stage, with
regard to other digital cameras, for example, for digital cameras
110f, 110g, 110h, 110k, 110l, 110m placed above foot 1, timing
control unit 500 can output the commencement signal at the same
timing as of digital cameras 110i, and 110j. For digital cameras
110c, 110d, and 110e placed below foot 1, the commencement signal
is outputted at the same timing as that of digital cameras 110a and
110b.
[0135] (Modification 2)
[0136] Also, the configuration of spot determination unit 130 for
fixing foot 1 at the designated spot, and the method for installing
spot determination unit 130 in retention unit 200 are not limited
to those explained in the above embodiment. Any configuration of
spot determination unit 130, and method for installing spot
determination unit 130 in retention unit 200 can be adopted as long
as the spot of foot 1 can be determined by placing the dorsum of
foot 1.
[0137] For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the configuration can be
such that one end unit 130d of spot determination unit 130' is
fixed on the surface of any one of internal units 220a and 220b
(shown in the figure is internal unit 220a), and the other end is
tangent unit 130e in a curved configuration.
[0138] Also, as shown in FIG. 21, the configuration can be such
that the spot of foot 1 is determined by using two units such as
spot determination units 1300 and 1310 installed in each of
internal units 220a and 220b. As shown in the figure, end units
1300a and 1310a of spot determination units 1300 and 1310 are fixed
to internal units 220a and 220b, the configuration of end units
1300b, and 1310b is curved toward the top. By placing the dorsum of
foot 1 on the curved portion formed by end units 1300b and 1310b of
spot determination units 1300 and 1310, foot 1 can be placed at the
designated spot.
[0139] Also, in approximately the central portion of spot
determination units 1300 and 1310, are installed contraction unit
1300c and 1310c which contract. Inside contraction units 1300c and
1310c, is installed a biasing means such as a spring. In a normal
state, end unit 1300b is pressed toward end unit 1310b, and end
unit 1310b is pressed toward end unit 1300b (the stretched state).
In this state, the curved configuration formed by end units 1300b
and 1310b is smaller than the curve formed by tangent unit 130c of
the embodiment mentioned above. Under this configuration, when the
dorsum of foot 1 to be measured is inserted into the curved
portion, contraction units 1300c and 1310c shrink in accordance
with the size of the dorsum of inserted foot 1 as shown in FIG. 22.
Also, end units 1300b and 1310b can shift toward the direction of
which end units 1300b and 1310b spread from each other by keeping
the dorsum of foot 1 placed on end units 1300b and 1310b. By using
spot determination units 1300 and 1310 mentioned above, individual
differences of the size of foot 1 to be measured can be
assimilated. Therefore, despite the differences of the size of the
foot to be measured, end units 1300b and 1310b are constantly
placed on the dorsum of foot 1, and the movement of foot 1 can be
deterred during shooting.
[0140] (Modification 3)
[0141] Also, in the embodiment mentioned above, retention unit 200
having three units such as base unit 210, cavity forming unit 220,
and heel unit 230 retains spot determination unit 130, and
relationship of the spots between the spot of foot 1 which is
determined by spot determination unit 130 and the spots of each of
digital cameras 110a to 110m becomes approximately constant.
However, the configuration of retention unit 200 is not limited to
the one explained in the embodiment mentioned above. The
configuration of retention unit 200 can be in any configuration as
long as the relationship of spots between the spot of foot 1 and
the spots of each of digital cameras becomes approximately
constant. Also, the configuration of retention unit can be such
that cavity S and so forth are not formed.
[0142] (Modification 4)
[0143] In the above-mentioned embodiment, shooting unit comprising
digital cameras 110a to 110m, spot determination unit 130 and
retention unit 200 is explained, but only spot determination unit
130 can be separately sold. In this case, spot determination unit
130 can be used in a condition such that spot determination unit
130 is retained by retention means other than retention unit
200.
[0144] (Modification 5)
[0145] In the embodiment mentioned above, digital cameras are used
as means for shooting foot 1, but foot 1 can be shot by placing
units other than digital cameras in the manner exemplified above.
For example, foot 1 can be shot by an ordinary camera. Then the
picture image as a result of shooting by the ordinary camera can be
read in as image data by a scanner and so forth, and analytical
process for measuring the configuration can be carried out to the
image data. Also, in the embodiment mentioned above, the number of
digital cameras can be a number sufficient to obtain a plurality of
images necessary for determining the configuration of foot 1. In
other words, since images of at least four surfaces; the top (the
dorsum), the bottom (the sole), and both sides of foot 1 need to be
obtained, there should be one camera for each of the surfaces, in
other words, four cameras overall.
* * * * *