JP2002024242A - Retrieval system for wheelchair - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a retrieval system which selects a wheelchair having the best specifications for a buyer. SOLUTION: The retrieval system is equipped with an input means 25, an arithmetic means 27, a storage means 29, and an output means 31. To the input means 25, information determined at a buyer's desire or according to the circumstances of the buyer is inputted as information regarding the specifications of the wheelchair. The storage means 29 is stored with a database consisting of the code numbers (types) of many wheelchairs and various specifications corresponding to the code numbers. The arithmetic means 27 matches the information inputted to the input means against the database stored in the storage means and selects the best wheelchair for the buyer. Information regarding the selected wheelchair is outputted from the output means 31.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a search system capable of selecting a wheelchair having an optimum specification for a purchaser.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art People who have difficulty walking on their own, such as the physically handicapped, the elderly, and the injured, may move in a wheelchair. When moving, a seated person (such as a physically handicapped person) sits in a wheelchair, and an assistant pushes the wheelchair. In addition, a sitting person who does not have a big obstacle in his arm may move by turning the wheel of a wheelchair (so-called self-propelled).

FIG. 1 is a right side view showing a general wheelchair, and FIG. 2 is a front view thereof. This wheelchair includes a push hand 1, an armrest pipe 3, an armrest 5, a back seat 7, a main frame 9, a leg pipe 11, a large wheel 13, a hand rim 15, a front wheel 17, a seat 19, a leg rest 21,
A footrest 23 and the like are provided. Although not shown, the wheelchair includes a skirt guard, a safety belt, an assistance brake, a parking brake, and the like.

When a purchaser of a wheelchair (often a sitting person and his or her relatives) purchases a wheelchair, an optimal wheelchair should be selected. Specifically, when a purchaser purchases a wheelchair that is a ready-made product, an optimal product number should be selected. Also, when purchasing a custom product that does not have a suitable wheelchair in the ready-made product, the specifications of this custom product should be optimized. In any case, each specification of the wheelchair needs to be determined prior to purchase.

[0005] For example, it is necessary to use a wheelchair having a size corresponding to the physique of a sitting person or an assistant (hereinafter, the sitting person and the assistant are collectively referred to as "users"). Examples of such dimensions include the width of the seat 19, the height of the seat 19, the depth of the seat 19, the height of the armrest 5, the height of the back seat 7, the height of the pusher 1, and the like.

There are also specifications that need to be determined according to the symptoms of the occupant. For example, (1) whether there is paralysis in the limbs. (2) Whether the knee bends or not. (3) What is the grip strength? The specifications such as the function of the wheelchair should be determined according to the symptoms such as. This function includes a function of removing the armrest pipe 3, a function of elevating the leg pipe 11, a function of opening and closing the footrest 23, a function of reclining the back seat 7, and the like.

There are also specifications to be determined according to the use of the wheelchair. For example: (1) Is it for self-propelled or assistance? (2) Is it for indoor or outdoor use? (3) Whether there are many transfer opportunities. The specifications of the wheelchair should be determined according to the intended use. The specifications determined according to the application include, for example, the outer diameter of the large wheel 13, the outer diameter of the front wheel 17, the presence or absence of the hand rim 15, the total weight, and the like.

[0008] The colors and patterns of sheets and pipes,
The overall design or the like may be determined according to the purchaser's preference. Further, the price range, the material, the grade of the part, and the like may be determined according to the budget of the purchaser.

[0009]

As described above, when a wheelchair is purchased, its specifications need to be determined based on the wishes of the purchaser or according to the circumstances of the purchaser. However, in the case of a purchaser who lacks knowledge about wheelchair specifications, it is difficult to determine optimal specifications. Experts such as doctors and caregivers often determine the specifications in consideration of the physique of the user, the symptoms of the occupants, etc., but it is easy for even experts to select the most suitable wheelchair from many product numbers. That's not something.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a search system capable of selecting a wheelchair having optimum specifications for a purchaser.

[0011]

Means for Solving the Problems The invention made to achieve the above object is information relating to wheelchair specifications, wherein information determined based on the wishes of the purchaser or according to the circumstances of the purchaser is provided. An input unit to be input, a storage unit in which a database relating to wheelchair specifications is stored, and an operation for comparing the information input to the input unit with the database stored in the storage unit to select an optimal wheelchair for the purchaser And a wheelchair search system including output means for outputting information on the selected optimum wheelchair.

Another aspect of the invention to achieve the above object is to input information relating to wheelchair specifications, which information is determined based on the wishes of the purchaser or according to the circumstances of the purchaser. Prompting, collating the information input to the input means with the database on wheelchair specifications stored in the storage means, selecting the most suitable wheelchair for the buyer, and outputting information on the selected optimal wheelchair And sending to the means. A program for executing this method by a computer may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium.

In these inventions, the information input to the input means is compared with the database on wheelchair specifications stored in the storage means, so that the most suitable wheelchair for the purchaser is reliably selected.

[0014] Preferably, the storage means and the arithmetic means are provided in the server computer, and the input means and the output means are provided in the client computer. Then, the server-side computer and the client-side computer are connected via a network. This means that wherever you have access to the network,
Optimal wheelchair selection can be made.

[0015]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a search system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This search system includes an input unit 25, a calculation unit 27, a storage unit 29, and an output unit 31. As the input means 25, a keyboard is usually used. Of course, a mouse, a pointing device, an image scanner, an optical character reading device, a barcode reader, a handwriting input device, a voice recognition device, or the like may be used as the input unit 25.
The calculation means 27 is usually a CPU of a computer. As the storage means 29, a hard disk or other recording media (floppy (registered trademark) disk, CR-ROM,
DVD etc.). Examples of the output unit 31 include a printer, a plotter, and a monitor.

The storage means 29 stores a database. This database is composed of product numbers (models) for many wheelchairs and various specifications corresponding to the product numbers.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for searching for a wheelchair based on the search system shown in FIG. In this search system, the system is first activated by an operator (SP1). The operator is a purchaser, a specialist such as a doctor or a caregiver, a clerk at a store, an employee in charge of sales at a wheelchair sales company, or the like.

A use input screen is displayed on the monitor which is also the output means 31. An example of this application input screen is shown in FIG.
Is shown in This application input screen is in the form of a question, with the message "Please answer the question."
Prompts the operator to enter information about the specifications.
In this example, three questions are prepared, and the operator sequentially inputs answers to these questions. For example, when the purchaser desires a wheelchair for self-propelled operation, the operator clicks a button for “self-propelled” with a mouse as the input means 25. Thus, the input of the application is completed (SP
2). Note that the use input screen does not necessarily need to be in the form of a question.

Next, a symptom input screen is displayed on the monitor. FIG. 6 shows an example of the symptom input screen.
This symptom input screen is also in the form of a question, and prompts the operator to input information on the specification with a message "Please answer the question." In this example, three questions are prepared, and the operator sequentially inputs answers to these questions. For example, if both feet of the occupant are paralyzed, the operator clicks the “right foot paralysis” button and the “left foot paralysis” button with a mouse. Thus, the input of the symptoms is completed (SP3). Note that the symptom input screen does not necessarily need to be in the form of a question.

Next, a dimension input screen is displayed on the monitor. FIG. 7 shows an example of the dimension input screen.
In this screen, the seat width (the width in the left-right direction of the seat sheet 19, which is indicated by a double-headed arrow W in FIG. 2), the front seat height (the height of the seat sheet 19 from the ground, , The depth of the seat (the length in the front-rear direction of the seat 19, which is indicated by a double arrow D in FIG. 1), and the armrest height (the seat 19 of the armrest 5). The height of the backrest (the height from the seat 19 at the upper end of the back seat 7 and the height of the double-headed arrow Hb in FIG. 2) is shown in FIG.
), And the height of the pusher (the height of the pusher 1 from the ground, which is indicated by the double-headed arrow Hp in FIG. 1) is input. The seat width W is derived based on the left-right distance of the buttocks of the seated seated person, and is usually a value obtained by adding 3 cm to 5 cm to this distance. The front seat height Hs is derived based on the distance from the knee to the heel of the seated seated person, and is usually a value obtained by adding 5 cm to 8 cm to this distance. The seat depth D is derived based on the distance from the rearmost part of the seated occupant's buttocks to below the knee, and is usually a value obtained by adding 3 cm to 7 cm to this distance. The armrest height Ha is derived based on the distance from the lower part of the elbow to the seating surface of the seated person who is seated and the lower arm is horizontal.
The value is a value obtained by adding 3 cm to 3 cm. The backrest height Hb is derived based on the distance from the side of the seated occupant to the seat surface, and is usually a value obtained by adding 5 cm to 8 cm to this distance. The pusher height Hp is derived based on the distance from the base of the thumb of the caregiver's hand standing up and the arm is suspended to the ground, and this distance is usually 0 cm to 5c.
m is a value obtained by adding.

On the dimension input screen, a message "Please enter the dimensions." Prompts the operator to input information on specifications. The operator uses the input means 25 such as a keyboard to input each dimension in a blank space on the dimension input screen (SP4). For each input item, the calculation method (physique to be measured and value to be added) may be displayed on the dimension input screen as a note. Further, an image of the wheelchair may be displayed on the dimension input screen, and the image may indicate which part of the wheelchair corresponds to the dimension to be input. Furthermore, in this example, the wheelchair dimensions calculated based on the user's physique are input, but the user's physique is input, and the wheelchair dimensions are automatically calculated based on this. A screen may be configured.

Next, a function input screen is displayed on the monitor. An example of this function input screen is shown in FIG.
On this function input screen, a message "Please select a function." Prompts the operator to input information on the specifications. The operator selects the functions required for the buyer. For example, if the buyer wants a swing-out leg, the operator clicks the "swing-out" button with the mouse. Thus, the input of the function is completed (SP5).

Next, an input screen for other items is displayed on the monitor. On this screen, information such as the grade of the part, the color of the pipes, the color of the sheet, the material (for example, the material of the pipe such as steel, aluminum alloy, and titanium alloy), and the desired price range are input (SP6).

As described above, information (for example, use, symptom, size, function) determined according to the circumstances of the purchaser and information (for example, function, part grade, color, (Material) is finished. Based on the information thus input, the arithmetic means 27 collates this information with the database stored in the storage means 29 (S
P7). Then, it is determined whether there is a wheelchair that matches the input information in the ready-made product (SP8).

If there is a wheelchair that matches the input information in the ready-made product, information on the wheelchair (for example, item number, specification, price, optional items, etc.) is displayed on the monitor (SP9). This image of the wheelchair is preferably output at the same time. When there are a plurality of wheelchairs that match the input information, the number (the number of hits) is displayed, and information on all the wheelchairs can be displayed by a page turning function or the like. In this way, the most suitable wheelchair is searched for.

The operator or the buyer confirms the displayed contents and places an order for a wheelchair. Although the order may be made separately from the search system, it is preferable that the purchase order is created on the search system. Also, at the same time as creating the purchase order
Instructions and drawings used at the wheelchair manufacturer's factory may be created.

If there is no wheelchair that matches the input information in the off-the-shelf product, a message is displayed on the monitor asking whether the purchaser has a special intention (SP10). If there is no intention, the screen returns to the input screen, and the information about the specification is input again. If there is a special order, the process proceeds to a special order order routine, and information for the special order is input (SP11). Then, based on the input information,
The optimal wheelchair is presented to the buyer.

The input items shown in the input screens of FIGS. 5 to 8 are merely examples. Therefore, information relating to the specifications of the wheelchair and other information may be input. Also, some of these input items need not be displayed on the input screen. Further, when an input item is input, a so-called hierarchical search in which a lower item of this item appears in a pop-up window may be performed. Furthermore, the input procedure from SP2 to SP6 is also an example, and the order of input and the configuration of each input screen may be changed.

The search system may be configured so that the narrow search is performed. In the refined search, collation (first collation) is performed at the stage when input on one input screen is completed, and collation (second collation) based on the next input information is performed on a wheelchair hit in the first collation. .

It is not necessary for the operator to input all of the input items shown on the input screen, and input of some of the items may be omitted. Items that have not been entered are excluded from the target of collation (so-called full search).

A program for causing a computer to perform such processing includes a floppy disk, a CD-RO
It may be recorded on a recording medium such as M or DVD and distributed to a store, a hospital, a welfare facility, or the like. The search system is completed by installing the distributed program on the computer.

The storage means 29 and the arithmetic means 27 are provided in the server computer, the input means 25 and the output means 31 are provided in the client computer, and the server computer and the client computer are connected via a network. It may be connected. For example, a website connected to the Internet may be prepared by a wheelchair manufacturer, and an operator may access the website using a client computer to search for an optimal wheelchair. In this case, since the purchase order is sent to the wheelchair manufacturer online almost at the same time as the search, the delivery time of the wheelchair can be shortened.

[0034]

As described above, according to the search system of the present invention, the most suitable wheelchair for the purchaser can be searched. This search system can contribute to improvement of welfare.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a right side view showing a general wheelchair.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the wheelchair of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a search system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a wheelchair search procedure based on the search system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a use input screen in the search procedure of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a symptom input screen in the search procedure of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a dimension input screen in the search procedure of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a function input screen in the search procedure of FIG. 4;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Push hand 3 ... Armrest pipe 5 ... Armrest 7 ... Back seat 9 ... Main frame 11 ... Leg pipe 13 ... Large wheel 15 ... Hand rim 17 ... Front wheel 19 ... seat 21 ... leg rest 23 ... footrest 25 ... input means 27 ... calculation means 29 ... storage means 31 ... output means

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An input means for inputting information on wheelchair specifications, which is determined based on the wishes of the purchaser or according to the circumstances of the purchaser, and a storage storing a database on wheelchair specifications. Means, calculating means for comparing the information input to the input means with the database stored in the storage means and selecting an optimum wheelchair for the purchaser, and output means for outputting information on the selected optimum wheelchair. Wheelchair search system equipped with. 2. The storage means and the arithmetic means are provided in a server computer, the input means and the output means are provided in a client computer, and the server computer and the client computer are connected via a network. 2. The search system according to claim 1, wherein the search system is connected to the computer. 3. A step of prompting the user to input information relating to wheelchair specifications, which information is determined based on the wishes of the purchaser or according to the circumstances of the purchaser. A method for searching for a wheelchair, comprising the steps of: comparing the stored wheelchair specifications with a database and selecting an optimal wheelchair for a purchaser; and transmitting information on the selected optimal wheelchair to an output unit. 4. A step of prompting the user to input information relating to wheelchair specifications, which information is determined based on the wishes of the purchaser or according to the circumstances of the purchaser. A program for causing a computer to execute a step of comparing the stored wheelchair specification database with the stored wheelchair specification and selecting an optimal wheelchair for the purchaser and a step of transmitting information on the selected optimal wheelchair to output means is recorded. Computer-readable recording medium.