Fujimoto Lab.
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PEPER
1.　感覚機能の研究
凸記号
点字
触知図形・浮き出し文字
面パターン
硬さ
タッチパネル
錯覚
2.　運動機能の研究
視覚障害者誘導用ブロック
床材
障害物の跨ぎ越え動作
足部位置感覚
装具
足部アーチ
ロコモティブシンドローム
タイトル／Title：
凸点の高さが携帯電話の操作性に及ぼす影響
Influence of the height of tactile dot on the operational performance of cellular phone

著者／Authors：
豊田航，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集C編，vol.76, no.763, pp.690-695, March 2010
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. C, Vol.76, No.763, 690-695, 2010
抄録／Abstract：
近年企業は多くの自社製品の操作部に触覚上の手がかりとして凸記号を付すようになった．しかし，凸記号表示に関するJIS(S 0011)が制定された．しかし，凸記号の寸法と消費生活製品の操作性との関係を示す客観的データが必ずしも十分ではなく，今後凸記号の国際規格（IS）化や関連規格の改訂を検討する上で，凸記号の推奨寸法に関する基礎研究が必要とされている．そこで本研究では，凸記号を付す製品として一般的な携帯電話に着目し，携帯電話の5番キーに付す凸点（凸記号の一種；凸状の丸い点）の高さが携帯電話の操作性に及ぼす影響を評価した．結果より，若年者と高齢者のいずれにおいても，携帯電話の5番キーに凸点が付されていると，付されていない場合に比べて操作性が向上し，主観的にも操作しやすいことが明らかとなった．また凸点の高さについては，高ければ高いほど良いわけではなく，適切な範囲が存在することが確認できた．
In 2000, a new standard (Japanese Industrial Standard, JIS S 0011) was enacted in Japan. The standard provided the perceptual sizes of tactile dots and bars for use in consumer products. However, the numerical values about these sizes were not determined based on data reliable enough. Therefore, objective and quantitative data for perceptual sizes of tactile dots and bars is required for revising this JIS and for devising other standards. In this study, we focused attention on cellular phones becoming common around the world and evaluated the influence of the height of tactile dots (0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 [mm]) on the operational performance of cellular phone. In this experiment, each 20 sighted younger and older participants, whose hand was covered by a curtain, was asked to operate cellular phones with tactile dot on its key 5 and without tactile dot. Both groups performed better with a tactile dot than without it. However, with a dot height of 0.7 mm, participants felt significant pain. We determined that there is an appropriate range of the height of tactile dot that improves the operational performance of cellular phones.
　

タイトル／Title：
凸バーと凸点の識別容易性に関する研究
Influence of the Sizes of Tactile Bars and Dots on their Discriminability

著者／Authors：
豊田航，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
電子情報通信学会論文誌D，Vol.J94-D，No.4，pp.694-701, Apr. 2011
The Transactions of the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers D，Vol.J94-D，No.4，pp.694-701, Apr. 2011
抄録／Abstract：
視力や視野等の視機能が低下した高齢者や視覚障害者における消費生活製品の操作性向上を目的として，製 品の操作部に触覚上の目印として付す凸記号表示に関するJIS(S 0011)が2000年に制定された．しかし，このJISの中で推奨されている凸記号の寸法についての客観的なデータは必ずしも十分とはいえず，今後凸記号に関する国際規格(IS)や関連規格の策定及び改訂を検討する上で，凸記号の推奨寸法に関する基礎データが必要とされている．そこで本研究では，このJISで取り上げられている凸点と凸バーの2種類の凸記号が，一つの操作部上で併用される場合に両者が識別可能な寸法を明らかにするために，凸バーと凸点の寸法がそれらの識別容易性に及ぼす影響を評価することを目的とした．具体的には，近年増加傾向にある中途失明者を想定し，手元を遮へいした晴眼若年者及び晴眼高齢者に，短辺と長辺が統制された凸バーと直径が統制された凸点を触覚のみで識別させる実験を行った．本実験の結果，若年者及び高齢者のいずれにおいても，凸バーの短辺の長さにかかわらず，短辺と長辺の差が大きいほど，より速く正確に確信をもって凸バーを識別できることが明らかとなった．
We evaluated the influence of the sizes of tactile bars and tactile dots on their discriminability to investigate the appropriate size of tactile bars distinguished from tactile dots. Different sized tactile bars and dots were presented individually in random order, and younger and older participants were asked to identify them. As a result, both groups could confidently discriminate the tactile bars from tactile dots faster and more accurately as the dimensional difference between the bar lengths and their widths increased. Further, the width of tactile bars did not have a critical influence on the discriminability of tactile bars.
　

　

　
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タイトル／Title：
エッジの曲率半径が凸バーと凸点の識別容易性に及ぼす影響
Influence of the Edge Radius of Curvature on the Discriminability of Tactile Bars and Dots

著者／Authors：
豊田航，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
人間工学，Vol.47, No.6, pp.252-260, 2011-12
The Japanese journal of ergonomics，Vol.47, No.6, pp.252-260, 2011-12
抄録／Abstract：
本研究では，消費生活製品の操作性向上に適う凸バー及び凸点の寸法を明らかにすることを目指し，凸バーと凸点のエッジの曲率半径Rがそれらの識別容易性に及ぼす影響を評価することを目的とした．晴眼若年者10名（20.3±1.8歳，男性6名，女性4名）に実験の参加協力を得た．実験では，エッジのRを厳密に統制した凸バー及び凸点を，参加者に対して一つずつランダムに呈示し，刺激の形状を人差し指の触覚のみを用いて2肢強制選択により識別させた．実験の結果，凸点は，エッジのRが大きいほど，早く確信をもって正確に識別できることが明らかとなった．また，凸バーは，長辺と短辺の差が小さい条件においては，Rが大きいほど，誤って凸点と識別することが明らかとなった．一方，凸バーの長辺と短辺の差が大きい条件では，Rがいずれの寸法であっても，早く確信を持って正確に識別できることが明らかとなった．
Many consumer-electronics manufacturers design the buttons of their products such that they have tactile dots and bars on them, which serve as tactile landmarks so that people with visual impairments can use the same products as those used by sighted persons. However, no quantitative data is yet available that enables the determination of the appropriate size and edge radius of curvature of tactile dots and bars to improve the operational performance of consumer products. In this paper, we conducted an experiment to determine the influence of the edge radius of curvature of tactile bars and dots on their tactile discriminability. Young sighted participants tactually discriminated the tactile dots and bars whose dimensions were controlled definitely. Results showed that tactile dots with a larger edge radius of curvature have a higher discriminability（in terms of the discrimination time, accuracy rate, and sureness）than tactile dots with a smaller edge radius of curvature. Furthermore, participants perceived tactile bars with a large edge radius of curvature as a tactile dot when the difference between the length and width of the bar was very small. We conclude that the discriminability of tactile bars depends on the difference between their lengths and widths.
　

　

　
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タイトル／Title：
操作の仕方と凸点の高さが携帯電話の操作性に及ぼす影響の関係の識別容易性に及ぼす影響
Relationship between Input Methods and the Influence of the Height of Tactile Dots on Input Performance when Operating Cellular Phones

著者／Authors：
豊田航，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
バイオメカニズム21，Vol.21，pp. 103-112. 2012.
抄録／Abstract：
本研究では，視機能が低下した高齢者及び視覚障害者における消費生活製品の操作性向上に寄与する凸点の高さの条件を明らかにすることを目指し，携帯電話における操作の仕方と凸点の高さがその操作性に及ぼす影響の関係を評価することを目的とした．本実験では，中途失明の一般ユーザーを想定して，手元を遮蔽した晴眼若年者と晴眼高齢者に対して，高さが異なる凸点が5番キーに付された携帯電話を，人差し指による両手操作をさせる実験を行った．さらに，本実験で新たに収集した人差し指による両手操作の結果と，先行研究の親指による片手操作の結果を比較することで，各操作の仕方における凸点の高さが携帯電話の操作性に及ぼす影響の違いを分析した．その結果，人差し指と親指の各操作において，若年者と高齢者のいずれも，凸点の高さが0.3[mm]の条件は，それよりも高さが低い条件と比べて早く正確に操作した．一方，親指による片手操作では，凸点が0.3[mm]よりも高くなるにつれて操作時間とエラー率が増加したが，人差し指による両手操作ではこうした凸点の高さの増加に伴う操作時間とエラー率の増加が認められなかった．これらの結果の相違は，両手操作と片手操作における手指の動作の違いに起因すると考えられる．
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between input methods (the two-handed forefinger input and the one-handed thumb input) and the influence of the height of tactile dots (i.e., 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mm) on input performance when operating cellular phones. To analyze the influence of the height of tactile dots for each input method, we compared the results for the two-handed forefinger method from this study and that for the one-handed thumb method from our previous study. Normally sighted young and old participants, whose hands were covered by a curtain, operated cellular phones with a tactile dot on its key 5 and that without a tactile dot. They operated the numerical keypad with the forefinger or the thumb while looking at 50 randomly ordered Arabic numbers one at a time. As a result of the experiments, both participants performed better with a tactile dot, rather than without it, using each input method, and they could operate more accurately and quickly especially in the case of a 0.3 mm high dot. On the other hand, by using the one-handed thumb method, the input performance deteriorated when the tactile dot was higher than 0.3 mm. However, by using the two-handed forefinger method, the input performance did not deteriorate as the height of the tactile dot was increased. This result was attributed to the differences in operating characteristics between one-handed and two-handed input methods.
　　
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タイトル／Title：
高年齢者を対象とした凸バーと凸点のエッジの曲率半径がそれらの識別容易性に及ぼす影響
Influences of the Edge Radius of Curvature on the Discriminability of Tactile Bars and Dots in Older People

著者／Authors：
豊田航，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
生活支援工学会誌, Vol. 12, No.2, 2012
抄録／Abstract：
ヒトは加齢の影響により触知覚特性の変容が生じることから，若年者と高齢者では凸記号の適切な寸法が異なると考えられる．そこで本研究では，加齢によって指先の空間分解能が低下する65歳前後の高年齢者を対象として，凸バーと凸点のエッジの曲率半径Rがそれらの識別容易性に及ぼす影響を評価することを目的とした．実験の結果，高年齢者は，凸バーのエッジのRの寸法に関わらず，長辺と短辺の差が大きい条件ほど，凸バーを早く確信をもって正確に識別できた．また，凸点のエッジのRが大きく直径が小さい条件ほど，凸点を早く確信をもって正確に識別できた．一方，若年者における識別実験の結果と比較すると，高年齢者は，凸バーを正確に識別するために必要な長辺と短辺の差がより大きいことが明らかとなった．また，エッジのRが小さく直径が大きい凸点は，高年齢者にとって識別が困難であることから，直径が小さくRが大きい凸点が識別しやすいことがわかった．以上の事から，高年齢者における凸バーと凸点のエッジの曲率半径Rとそれらの識別容易性の関係が明らかとなった．
Tactile dots and bars served as tactile landmarks so that people with visual impairment can use same consumer products as those used by sighted people. However, reliable age-related data on the appropriate sizes and the shapes was not necessarily available. The purpose of this study is to evaluate influences of edge radius of curvature of tactile dots and bars on their discriminability in older people to determine the appropriate size of tactile bars (as distinguished from tactile dots). Sighted older participants tactually discriminated the tactile dots and bars presented individually, in random order, by a two-alternative forced-choice task. The results showed that participants discriminated tactile bars from tactile dots faster and more accurately as the dimensional difference between bar length and width increased, regardless of conditions of edge radius of curvature. In particular, participants distinguished tactile bars of more than +3.0 mm length from tactile dots in less time and with high accuracy and sureness. Therefore, longer dimensional difference between width and length of tactile bars is an important factor to discriminate tactile bars correctly than younger participants in our previous study. Additionally, older group needed a longer dimensional difference between width and length of tactile bars to discriminate tactile bars correctly. On the other hand, tactile dots with a larger edge radius of curvature have higher discriminability than tactile dots with a smaller edge radius of curvature in the case of dots of identical height. Specifically, the accuracy rates are above 90 % in 1.0 - 2.0 mm diameter dots which have 0.5 mm edge radius of curvature.


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タイトル／Title：
凸点の高さと先端部の曲率半径が携帯電話の操作性に及ぼす影響
Influence of the Height and the Tip Radius of Curvature of Tactile Dots on the Operational Performance in Cellular Phones

著者／Authors：
豊田航，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
生活支援工学会誌, Vol. 12, No.2, 2012
抄録／Abstract：
ヒトは加齢の影響により触知覚特性の変容が生じることから，若年者と高齢者では凸記号の適切な寸法が異なると考えられる．そこで本研究では，加齢によって指先の空間分解能が低下する65歳前後の高年齢者を対象として，凸バーと凸点のエッジの曲率半径Rがそれらの識別容易性に及ぼす影響を評価することを目的とした．実験の結果，高年齢者は，凸バーのエッジのRの寸法に関わらず，長辺と短辺の差が大きい条件ほど，凸バーを早く確信をもって正確に識別できた．また，凸点のエッジのRが大きく直径が小さい条件ほど，凸点を早く確信をもって正確に識別できた．一方，若年者における識別実験の結果と比較すると，高年齢者は，凸バーを正確に識別するために必要な長辺と短辺の差がより大きいことが明らかとなった．また，エッジのRが小さく直径が大きい凸点は，高年齢者にとって識別が困難であることから，直径が小さくRが大きい凸点が識別しやすいことがわかった．以上の事から，高年齢者における凸バーと凸点のエッジの曲率半径Rとそれらの識別容易性の関係が明らかとなった．
Tactile dots and bars served as tactile landmarks so that people with visual impairment can use same consumer products as those used by sighted people. However, reliable age-related data on the appropriate sizes and the shapes was not necessarily available. The purpose of this study is to evaluate influences of edge radius of curvature of tactile dots and bars on their discriminability in older people to determine the appropriate size of tactile bars (as distinguished from tactile dots). Sighted older participants tactually discriminated the tactile dots and bars presented individually, in random order, by a two-alternative forced-choice task. The results showed that participants discriminated tactile bars from tactile dots faster and more accurately as the dimensional difference between bar length and width increased, regardless of conditions of edge radius of curvature. In particular, participants distinguished tactile bars of more than +3.0 mm length from tactile dots in less time and with high accuracy and sureness. Therefore, longer dimensional difference between width and length of tactile bars is an important factor to discriminate tactile bars correctly than younger participants in our previous study. Additionally, older group needed a longer dimensional difference between width and length of tactile bars to discriminate tactile bars correctly. On the other hand, tactile dots with a larger edge radius of curvature have higher discriminability than tactile dots with a smaller edge radius of curvature in the case of dots of identical height. Specifically, the accuracy rates are above 90 % in 1.0 - 2.0 mm diameter dots which have 0.5 mm edge radius of curvature.

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タイトル／Title：
点図の方眼における凹線と凸線の距離が触読性に及ぼす影響
Effects of the Distance Between Concave and Convex Lines on Tactile Readability in Braille Grids

著者／Authors：
南口拓巳，土井幸輝，西村崇宏，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本感性工学会論文誌, Vol. 60, No. 1, pp. 35-42, 2024
Journal of the Japan Society of Kansei Engineering, Vol. 60, No. 1, pp. 35-42, 2024
抄録／Abstract：
点字図書や点字教科書などの点字出版物で用いられる図やグラフには，凸点・凸線に加え，罫線等に凹点・凹線が用いられている．点字出版物で用いられる凸点や凸線といった凸刺激は様々な研究が行われ，JISなどの規格も存在する．しかし，凹点や凹線といった凹刺激の識別容易性に関する学術的な知見は少なく，識別し易い凹刺激に関する定量的な指針が求められている．その中でも，グラフに用いる凹線による罫線は，凹線を補助として使用する際に触察しやすい凹線と凸線の距離で設計され，製作する必要がある．そこで本研究では，点字出版物で多く用いられる凹刺激からなる罫線に着目し，凹線と凸線の間の距離が触読性に及ぼす影響を評価することにした．その結果，凹線と凸線の間の距離は，2 mmや3 mmのような狭い条件が識別しやすいことがわかった．一方，5 mmや6 mmといった広い条件では触察自体が困難であることがわかった．これらの知見は点字出版物の校正を行う際の一助となると考えられる．
Braille publications, such as Braille books and textbooks, utilize a combination of raised convex dots and lines, and indented concave dots and lines, to create diagrams and graphs. Extensive research has focused on the ease of identifying raised convex stimuli such as convex dots and lines, resulting in the establishment of standards such as the JIS. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the ease of distinguishing concave stimuli, such as concave dots and lines. Hence, quantitative guidelines to determine the most easily identifiable concave stimuli are warranted. Among these stimuli, ruled lines comprising concave lines, frequently used in braille publications for graphs, must be designed and produced considering the distance between concave and convex lines to ensure tactile readability when used as supplements. Therefore, this study specifically targeted ruled lines comprising common concave stimuli in braille publications and aimed to assess the influence of the distance between concave and convex lines on tactile readability. The results indicated that narrow distances, such as 2 mm or 3 mm, were more easily identifiable, while wide distances, particularly 5 mm or 6 mm, posed significant challenges for tactile recognition. These insights may aid in the proofreading process of braille publications.




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タイトル／Title：
方眼紙の升目を想定した凹点による格子線の線間隔が触読性に及ぼす影響
Effect of Grid Line Distance on Tactile Readability by Concave Dots Imagining Squares of Graph Paper

著者／Authors：
南口 拓巳, 土井 幸輝, 西村 崇宏, 藤本 浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本生活支援工学会誌, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 123-130, 2024
Journal of Japanese Society for Assistive Technology, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 123-130, 2024
抄録／Abstract：
点字の出版物，例えば点字の本や教科書では，タクタイルな図やダイアグラムに凸点と凹点，そしてグリッドライン上の凹線と凸線が組み込まれている．しかし，点字資料における凹刺激の触覚的可読性に関する学術的な知識は限られており，容易に識別可能な凹刺激の定量的なガイドラインが必要だ．この研究では，凹線の探索中の適用圧力と触覚位置に焦点を当て，識別実験を行った．その結果，軽い圧力で探索したり，凸線に沿ってなぞると，識別に時間がかかり，自信レベルも低下する傾向が見られた．これらの知見は，触覚指導において圧力と触覚位置を考慮する重要性を示唆し，視覚障害を持つ個人向けのタクタイル資料のデザインと可読性の向上に役立つ可能性がある．
Braille publications, including books and textbooks, typically use both convex and concave dots and lines to create figures and graphs. However, there is a lack of academic research on the ease of distinguishing between concave dots and lines in Braille publications. This highlights the need for quantitative guidelines to determine which concave dots and lines are easiest to identify for visually impaired readers. To address this issue, we conducted a study that focused on ruled lines made up of concave lines, which are frequently used in Braille publications. Specifically, we evaluated the distance between these lines to quantitatively determine the ease of identifying concave ruled lines. Our findings revealed that identification of these lines can be difficult when the spacing between narrow concave lines is only 4 mm or 8 mm. As such, our study provides important insights for improving the design of Braille publications and ensuring that they are accessible to visually impaired readers.



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タイトル／Title：
点字初学者において点字出版物に用いられる凹線を触察する際の触察方法が触読性に及ぼす影響
Effects of Tactile Methods of Touching Concave Lines Used in Braille Publications on Tactile Readability for Beginning Braille Users

著者／Authors：
南口 拓巳，原 凡人，土井 幸輝，西村 崇宏，藤本 浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本感性工学会論文誌, vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 66-74, 2024
Transactions of Japan Society of Kansei Engineering [Advance Published Article], vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 66-74, 2024
抄録／Abstract：
点字書籍や教科書などの点字出版物において，凸型および凹型の点や線を使用した触覚図や図表が，グリッドライン上に組み込まれている．しかし，点字材料における凹型刺激の触覚的な読みやすさに関する学術的な知識は限られており，識別しやすい凹型刺激を特定するための定量的なガイドラインが必要とされている．本研究では，凹型の線を探索する際の圧力と触れる位置に焦点を当て，識別実験を行った．その結果，軽い圧力で探索した場合や凸型の線に沿って追跡した場合，識別時間が長くなり，自信レベルが低下することが明らかになった．これらの発見は，触覚指導において圧力と触れる位置を考慮する重要性を示唆しており，視覚障害者のための触覚材料のデザインと読みやすさの向上に影響を与える可能性がある．
In braille publications, such as braille books and textbooks, tactile graphics, and diagrams incorporate both convex and concave points and lines on gridlines. However, scholarly knowledge concerning the tactile readability of concave stimuli in braille materials is limited, and quantitative guidelines are needed to facilitate the identification of easily distinguishable concave stimuli. This study focused on the applied pressure and touch positions while exploring concave lines and conducting discrimination experiments. The results revealed that when exploring with light pressure or tracing along the convex lines, identification times were longer and confidence levels were lower. These findings suggest the importance of considering pressure and touch positions in tactile instruction, with implications for improving the design and readability of tactile materials for individuals with visual impairments.



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タイトル／Title：
点字出版物に用いられる凹線の識別し易い点間隔と線間隔の評価
Evaluation of Easily Identifiable Dot Distance and Line Distance for Concave Lines Used in Braille Publications

著者／Authors：
山口 優斗，南口 拓巳，土井 幸輝，西村 崇宏，藤本 浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本感性工学会論文誌 Vol.20 No.4 pp.368-374, 2021
Journal of the Japanese Society for Kansei Engineering Vol.20 No.4 pp.368-374, 2021
抄録／Abstract：
点字書籍や教科書などの点字出版物において，図やグラフの罫線には凸型の点や線だけでなく，凹型の点や線も使用されている．しかし，点字出版物における凹型の点や線の識別のしやすさに関する学術的な根拠は存在しない．そのため，視覚障害者が識別しやすい凹型の点や線に関する定量的なガイドラインが必要である．本研究では，点字出版物でよく使用される凹型の点と線からなる罫線に着目し，凹型の罫線を識別するための点と線の間隔を定量的に評価した．その結果，2 mm のような狭い凹型の点の間隔がより識別しやすいことがわかった．一方，約4-7 mm の線間隔を持つ狭い凹型の線は識別が難しいことが明らかになった．
In addition to convex dots and lines, concave dots and lines are used for ruled lines in figures and graphs in Braille publications such as in books and textbooks. However, no academic basis for the ease of distinguishing concave dots and lines in Braille publications. Therefore, quantitative guidelines of easy-to-identify concave dots and lines for people with visual impairments are required. In this study, we focused on ruled lines consisting of concave dots and lines, often used in Braille publications, and evaluated dot and line distances to quantitatively determine the identification of concave ruled lines. We found that a narrower concave point interval, such as 2 mm, was more easily identified. Conversely, narrow concave lines, with a line distance of approximately 4-7 mm, were more difficult to identify.


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タイトル／Title：
UV点字パターンの識別容易性評価に関する研究
The Influence of the Patterns of Transparent-Resinous-Ultraviolet-Curing-Type Braille on the Discriminability

著者／Authors：
土井幸輝，小田原利江，林美恵子，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集C Vol.70, No.699, 300-305, 2004
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. C Vol.70, No.699,300-305, 2004
抄録／Abstract：
視覚障害者が文字情報を入手する最も一般的な手段は点字であるが,近年,スクリーン印刷を用いた無色透明な紫外線硬化樹脂インク点字(以下UV点字と記す)が共用品として普及しつつある．しかし,印刷メーカーごとにUV点字パターン(点間隔･高さ等)が異なるため,触読し難いことが問題となっている．そこで,本研究では識別し易いUV点字パターン(点間隔･高さ)を明らかにするために,様々なUV点字パターンを製作し,パターンの違いが識別容易性に及ぼす影響を定量的に評価した．その結果,点間隔は2.3mmより広くなると識別し易くなり,高さは0.4mmあれば十分に確信をもって識別できることがわかった．
Transparent-Resinous-Ultraviolet-Curing-Type Braille (TRUCT Braille) signs printed over printed characters do not disturb sighted readers, thus these signs have spread rapidly. However, it is pointed out that sight disabled readers are hard to read TRUCT Braille because patterns of dots that consist of Braille (such as dot-height and distance-between-dots) are different from each printing marker. In this study, for the purpose of defining the readability of TRUCT Braille, we product the various patterns of TRUCT Braille and examine the influence of the dot-height and distance-between-dots. The participants are beginners of Braille reading with normal vision to exclude the experience of reading Braille. They are given subjects to discriminate 6 letters (one of six dots is freely missing) consisted of various patterns of TRUCT Braille. From this study, we suggest the basical patterns of TRUCT Braille that are easy to discriminate.

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タイトル／Title：
印刷素材がＵＶ点字の触読性に及ぼす影響に関する研究
Influence of Base Material on Transparent-Resinous-Ultraviolet-Curing-Type Braille Reading

著者／Authors：
土井幸輝，岩崎亜紀，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集 C Vol.72, No.716 216-222, 2006
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. C Vol.72, No.716 216-222, 2006
抄録／Abstract：
近年,スクリーン印刷による無色透明な紫外線硬化樹脂インクを用いた点字(以下UV点字)が,様々な素材に印刷でき,墨字の文字や図上に印刷できるため,生活汎用品のパッケージや書籍に共用品として採用されている．しかし,指先の滑りの悪い印刷素材上のUV点字は指先が引っかかるため読み難いことが指摘されている．そこで,印刷素材がUV点字の触読性に及ぼす影響を明らかにするために,指先と印刷素材間の摩擦抵抗を定量的に評価し,摩擦抵抗が異なる印刷素材上のUV点字の触読性を比較した．その結果,印刷素材がUV点字触読性に及ぼし,摩擦抵抗の大きい印刷素材上のUV点字は読み難いことがわかった．
Transparent-resinous-ultraviolet-curing-type Braille (TRUCT Braille) signs are have spread rapidly for printing Braille together with visual characters on various base materials. However, it is not easy to read when printed on base material on which it is difficult for the forefinger to slide. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of base materials on the TRUCT Braille reading. We used fine paper and laminate film as the base material, and measured coefficient of kinetic friction between forefinger and their base materials. The coefficient of kinetic friction for fine paper was one-third that for the laminate film. As the subjects, twelve acquired visual impaired persons of Braille reader were examined. They were asked to read verbally randomly-arranged characters printed on fine paper and laminate film. Reading time was one minute and was repeated twelve times for each subject. As the results, most subjects could read TRUCT Brailles significantly faster and more correctly when they were printed on fine papers than when they were printed on laminate films. We found that base material influenced on TRUCT Braille reading.

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タイトル／Title：
ナイロン布を用いたUV点字の識別容易性評価に関する研究
Influence of nylon covering forefinger on discriminability of Transparent-resinous-ultraviolet-curing-type raille

著者／Authors：
土井幸輝，小田原利江，林恵美子，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
人間工学 Vol.41，No．5, 282-288, 2005
The Japanese journal of ergonomics Vol.41，No．5, 282-288, 2005
抄録／Abstract：
UV点字は墨字との併記と様々な素材への印刷が可能であるため近年普及しつつある．しかし，ＵＶ点字の触読性は指と印刷素材の間の摩擦によって影響を受けると言われている．そこで本研究では，指先の滑り易さがＵＶ点字の識別容易性に及ぼす影響を評価した．本研究では指と印刷素材の間の摩擦を減らすためにナイロン布を指にカバーすることにした．ナイロン布を選定した理由は，摩擦の原因となる皮膚表面の水分を吸収する特性を持ち，耐久性を備えているためである．実験には点字触読経験のない晴眼者に参加してもらい，6文字の識別課題を行った．その結果，ナイロン布をカバーすると識別時間が有意に速くなることが明らかになった．本研究により，指先の滑り易さがＵＶ点字の識別容易性に影響することが示された．また，ナイロン布をカバーするとＵＶ点字の識別し易くなることがわかった．
Recently, Transparent-resinous-ultraviolet-curing-type Braille (TRUCT Braille) sign have gained popularity in Japan for printing Brailles together with visual characters and they can be printed on the various base materials on which Braille dots are printed. However, it has been pointed out that TRUCT Braille reading is affected easily by the friction between the forefinger and the base material. In this study, for the purpose of investigating the effect of the forefingers’ slipperiness to TRUCT Brailles’ discriminability, we compare their discriminability with and without wearing the finger cover. We attempted a use of finger cover made by plain-weaved nylon to reduce the friction. The reason why we chose the nylon is its durability and its ability to absorb moisture that enlarges the friction. The participants of this experiment are beginners of Braille reading with normal vision. They were asked to discriminate 6 TRUCT Braille characters. The results show that most participants can discriminate them significantly faster with the finger cover than without it. From this study, it is found that the TRUCT Brailles’ discriminability is influenced by the forefingers’ slipperiness and it becomes easy to discriminate them with wearing finger cover.

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タイトル／Title：
不織布製指サックを用いたUV点字の触読性評価に関する研究
Improvement in TRUCT braille reading by use of polyester non-woven fabric finger cover

著者／Authors：
土井幸輝，篠原聡子，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
人間工学, Vol.42, No.2, 70-76, 2006
The Japanese journal of ergonomics Vol.42, No.2, 70-76, 2006
抄録／Abstract：
UV点字は印刷素材によっては指が引っかかり滑らないため，読み難くなることが問題となっている．そこで，先行研究において指を滑り易くするために，薄いナイロン布で指をカバーする指サックを考案し，点字初心者（晴眼者）がその指サックを着用するとUV点字を識別し易くなることがわかった．しかし，点字の突起の刺激が指に伝わり易い新素材の検討が課題であった．また，点字触読者を対象とした指サックの着用効果を検証していなかった．そこで本研究では，薄くて柔らかい不織布を用いて指サックを製作し，その指サックの着用効果をUV点字の触読実験により検証することを目的とした．本研究では，点字学習者を被験者として不織布製指サックの着用・不着用時にUV点字の触読課題文を読んでもらった．その結果，不織布製指サック着用により触読速度が速く，正確に触読できることがわかった．本研究により，不織布製指サックを点字学習者が着用するとUV点字を触読し易くなることが明らかになった．
Braille-readers find it difficult to read transparent-resinous-ultraviolet-curing-type(TRUCT) Braille signs printed on base-materials on which their forefingers cannot slide easily. In previous study, to reduce this friction. We contrived a thin nylon finger cover and found that normal-vision-subjects' wearing its finger cover enhances the discriminability of TRUCT Braille. However, we had to review finger cover's material make the signals for identifying each dot easier to transmit through the interface material than nylon. We also did not confirm effectiveness of Braille readers' wearing finger cover. In this study, for the purpose of investigating the effect of wearing polyester non-woven fabric finger cover on TRUCT Braille readability, we compared their readability with and without its finger cover. The subjects were 12 Braille learners with acquired visual impairment, who were asked to read randomly selected characters with and without wearing the finger cover. The results show that most participants could read TRUCT Braille significantly faster and more correctly with the finger cover than without it. This result suggests that wearing polyester non-woven finger cover enables the Braille learners to read TRUCT Braille more efficiently.

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タイトル／Title：
点字ディスプレイの盤面の特性が点字の識別容易性に及ぼす影響
Influence of base material features of Braille display on Braille Discriminability

著者／Authors：
土井幸輝，萱島裕幸，藤本浩志，和田勉
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文誌 Vol.75, No.752,245-251,2009
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. Vol.75, No.752,245-251,2009
抄録／Abstract：
本研究では，点字ディスプレイの盤面の特性が点字識別容易性に及ぼす影響を評価するとともにフィルムカバーの効果を点字識別実験により検証した．その結果，鏡面状態の盤面にパウダーコンパウンドフィルムのような薄くて滑り易いフィルムをカバーすると点字の識別容易性が向上する効果があることがわかった．
Recently, environment that visually impaired persons are capable of getting electric information is being developed. By using Braille display, visually impaired can get various electrical information on network. Therefore, Braille display rapidly spread in the foreign and domestic country. However, when Braille display is used continually, the base material of Braille display becomes worn. It has been pointed out that Braille readers find it difficult to read Braille on worn base material which their forefingers cannot slide easily. In this study, to reduce this friction, we reinvent a thin low friction film cover on worn base material to reduce friction during Braille reading. And also we carried out a study to investigate influence of base material features of Braille display on Braille reading and the effect of its use. We compared the discriminability of Braille when covering two films with excessive and less kinetic friction on the base material. As the results, subjects could read Braille significantly faster and more correctly when less kinetic friction film (powder compounded film) cover was used on the base material. In short, by use of powder compounded film cover, we found that Braille readers’ forefingers can slide easily and discriminability of Braille was improved. From this study, we suggest the covering less friction this film on Braille display with worn base material as method of being able to improve the discriminability of Braille.

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タイトル／Title：
紫外線硬化樹脂インクによる点字の識別容易性の向上
Improvement in Transparent-Resinous-Ultraviolet-Curing-Type Braille Discriminability

著者／Authors：
土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
バイオメカニズム19 221-232，2008-03
Biomechanisms 19 221-232, 2008-03
抄録／Abstract：
無色透明な紫外線硬化樹脂インクによる点字（UV点字）は，様々な素材上に墨字と共に印刷できるため，現在，共用品として急速に普及している．しかし，指先のすべりが悪い素材では触読動作中に指先が引っかかりやすくなり，そこに印刷されたUV点字の識別容易性の向上の効果が見込まれると考え，指先を薄き手柔らかい布で覆うUV点字識別補助用指サックを考案した．本研究では，UV点字の識別容易性を恒常させる道具の提案を目指して，指サックの着用効果を検証した．指サックの素材としては，点字の形状が伝わりやすい薄さと柔らかさに着目し，これらの特徴を備えたポリエステル長繊維不繊布を採用し，指サックを作成した．そして，着用により早く正確に識別できることがわかった．また，UV点字識別補助具としての有効性を示すことができた．
Transparent-Resinous-Ultraviolet-Curing-Type(TRUCT)Braille signs are becoming more and more popular in Japan, especially when they are printed together with visual characters. These signs are made by screen printing, a technique that can be applied to various base materials. TRUCT Braille signs have begun to be used in public facilities, such as on tactile maps and on handrails. However, there is one serious problem whereby Braille users find it difficult to discriminate TRUCT Braille signs printed on base materials on which their forefingers cannot slide easily. To solve this problem, we invented a soft and thin discriminating TRUCT Braille. In this study, for the purpose of proposing our finger cover as a TRUCT Braille discriminating assistive tool, we investigated the effect of using the finger cover when discriminating TRUCT Braille. We chose a polyester non-woven fabric finger cover. And also we conducted an experiment to compare the readability of TRUCT Braille both when using a polyester non-woven fabric finger cover and when not using it. The subjects were 12 Braille learners with acquired visual impairment, who were asked to read randomly selected characters with and without wearing the finger cover. The results showed that most participants could read TRUCT Braille significantly faster and more correctly with a finger cover enables the Braille learners to read TRUCT Braille more efficiently. The finger cover can therefore be considered as a TRUCT Braille discriminating assistance tool for Braille learners.

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タイトル／Title：
識別しやすい点字の形状に関する研究
The influence of shapes of Braille on the distinguishability

著者／Authors：
林美恵子，鴨田真理沙，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
人間工学 39，Vol.3，pp. 117 - 122，2003
抄録／Abstract：
点字は,視覚障害者の文字として最もポピュラーな視覚代行手段である.しかし点字識字率は低く,その背景には,点字が小さいため読みとりにくく,点字の習得が困難であるという問題がある.現在製品化されている点字プリンタなどはその機種によって様々な点の形状や高さをもつ.しかしこの点字パターンが触読に影響を及ぼすことが知られており,使用機種によって読みやすさに違いが出てくる.そこで本研究では,初心者に読みやすい点字パターンを明らかにするため,点の断面形状・高さ・間隔が識別容易性に与える影響を調べた.実験には点字触読経験のない晴眼者に参加してもらい,3つの因子を任意に組み合わせた様々な点字パターンでの弁別課題を行った.実験の結果,断面形状によって,高さの効果と点間隔の効果がそれぞれ異なり,各因子がそれぞれ識別容易性に影響することが示された.これは,読みやすい点字に対して有用なデータとなりうると思われる.
Braille is one of the most popular visual substitution techniques for the blind to get information. Recently it is becoming a problem that many blind people cannot distinguish Braille. This problem is caused by the small size of the dots therefore, it is difficult especially for beginners to read them. The characteristics of embossed dots that consist of Braille are different from each printer, and it has been known that those characteristics affect the legibility. In this study, for the purpose of defining various patterns of Braille on a sensory level, we examine three factors; the influence of the cross section shapes, height of the dots, and the distance between dots. The participants of this experiment are beginning Braille readers with normal vision. They were given discrimination tasks of Braille-like patterns defined by the combination of three factors mentioned previously. The results show that the effects of the height of the dots and the distance between the dots were different among the shape of cross section, so distinguishability is influenced by interaction of each other, providing helpful data forlegible Braille pattern.

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タイトル／Title：
加齢がスクリーン印刷による触知記号の識別特性に及ぼす影響に関する研究
Influence of Aging on Feature of Discrimination of Tactile Symbol Printed by Screen Printing

著者／Authors：
土井幸輝，荻野愛実，和田勉，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
ライフサポート学会誌，Vol.21, No.4, pp.25-32，2010
The Japanese journal of Life Support Technology，Vol.21, No.4, pp.25-32，2010
抄録／Abstract：
現在，2001年に制定されたISO/IECガイド71（高齢者及び障害者配慮設計指針）1)に基づいた様々な製品及びサービスに関する日本工業規格の作成が行われつつある．合わせて，日本のメーカーも高齢者配慮設計を推進するべく既存の製品設計を見直しつつある．一方で，高齢者配慮設計をするためには，ヒトの五感の感覚特性データが必要になるが，触覚（とりわけ，触覚の加齢効果）のデータが不足している． 本研究では，高齢者から若年者まで幅広くユーザーに触知しやすい触知記号を提供することを目指して，公共施設の触知案内図や教育用の触図に用いられる触知記号に着目し，加齢がスクリーン印刷による触知記号の識別特性に及ぼす影響を定量的に評価すること目的とした．具体的には，触知記号の触知覚特性の基礎的な知見を得るためにまず単純幾何学図形の触知記号について，様々なサイズを備えたそれらのテストピースを作製し，20代の大学生（以下，若年者）と65歳以上の高齢者を対象とした触知記号の識別実験を行った．加齢により触知記号の識別特性が悪くなることがわかった．
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) issued guidelines for developers of standards to address the needs of older persons and those with disabilities in 2001 (ISO/IEC Guide 71). Japanese Standards Association and Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry have recently been forming several exploratory committees regarding standardization of accessible design based on the Guide 71. Many Japanese companies are also planning to review their existing product designs for giving consideration to older persons. In doing that, one way that is essential is to investigate relationship between aging and features of human five senses. In the features of five senses, however, we have a shortage of data about tactile senses. In this study, focusing on tactile symbols used on tactile guide map, we conducted one experiment to investigate influence of aging on feature of discrimination of tactile symbols. Concretely, we compared feature of discrimination of three tactile symbols between older persons and younger persons. Fifteen persons over age 65 and fifteen younger university students in their 20’s participated as subjects in our experiment. They were asked to discriminate the presented tactile symbols one-by-one. The results show that younger persons could discriminate the tactile symbols more correctly and faster than older persons regardless of tactile symbol size. From this study, we could find out one degree of decrease of feature of discrimination of tactile symbols by aging.

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タイトル／Title：
触知記号のエッジの明瞭性が識別容易性に及ぼす影響
Influence of Tactile Symbol Edge Clarity on Their Discriminability

著者／Authors：
土井幸輝，和田勉，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集C編 Vol.77, No.782, 228-237, 2011
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. C, Vol.77, No.782, 228-237, 2011
抄録／Abstract：
近年，バリアフリー新法の制定に伴い，多くの触知案内図が様々な公共施設に設置されている．その触知案内図では，情報を示すために異なる複数の触知記号が用いられる．2007年には，触知案内図の情報内容及び形状並びにその表示方法に関する日本工業規格（JIS T 0922）が策定された．このJISでは，触知記号の形状に関しては規定されているものの，サイズやエッジといったその他の設計要素については規定が存在しない．そこで本研究では，多様なサイズの触知記号に関して，エッジが明瞭あるいは不明瞭な2条件を触覚により識別する実験を行うことで，触知記号におけるエッジの明瞭性が識別容易性に及ぼす影響を評価することを目的とした．実験の結果，若年者と高齢者のいずれも，触知記号の形状に関わらず，サイズが小さい場合にエッジの明瞭性が触知記号の識別容易性に及ぼすことがわかった．
Recently, many tactile guide maps have been installed at various public facilities with the enactment of “Barrier Free New Law”. In tactile guide maps, some tactile symbols have been used for indicating some information items. Japanese Standards Association enacted Standardized Method of Displaying Tactile Guide Maps March 2007 (JIS T0922). Tactile symbols shapes are regulated by the JIS. However, other components of tactile symbol (such as edge, size etc) are unregulated because there are no sufficient research achievements regarding tactile symbols. In this study, for the purpose of investigating influence of tactile symbols edge clarity on their tactile symbols, We compared tactile symbols discriminability in two conditions with tactile symbol edge clarities (acute type (cutting method) and gentle type (screen printing method)). We made tactile symbol test pieces with various sizes by the two methods. And twelve older participants and twelve younger participants were asked to discriminate tactile symbol test pieces. From this study, we found the relation between tactile symbols edge clarity and discriminability of tactile symbols. It was also found that tactile symbols edge clarity influence on their discriminability when the size was particularly small.

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タイトル／Title：
触知記号・浮き出し文字の識別容易性

著者／Authors：
土井幸輝，藤本浩志，和田勉，佐川賢，伊藤納奈
論文誌／Journal：
バイオメカニズム21，pp. 103-112，2012
抄録／Abstract：
本研究では，アクセシブルデザインの観点から点字の読めない視覚障害者が利用できる触知記号や浮き出し文字の普及に向けてそれらの大きさが識別容易性に及ぼす影響を明らかにすることを目的とし，触知記号や浮き出し文字の識別実験を行った．具体的には，中途視覚障害者を利用者として想定し，晴眼者に手元が見えない状態で触知記号や浮き出し文字を識別する実験に参加してもらった．また，実験に必要な大きさの異なる触知記号や浮き出し文字のテストピースを用いた実験により，触知記号や浮き出し文字の大きさと識別容易性の関係を調べた．その結果，若年者や高齢者のいずれも触知記号の大きさが12[mm]においてエラー率がおよそ0%に収束し，16[mm]であれば，エラー率も低くおよそ5秒で識別できることがわかった．アラビア数字とカタカナ文字のいずれも，高齢者には制限時間10秒という条件下において，24[mm]では正確に識別することが難しい文字であることがわかった．
Tactile symbols and tactile characters can be used to realize more accessible designs for the benefit of people with acquired visual impairment. With the objective of realizing the widespread use of tactile feedback systems, we investigeted the influence of the size of tactile symbols and tactile characters on their perceptibility. We conducted two experiments to examine the perceptibility of tactile symbols and tactile characters; the study participants were young and old people with normal eyesight who were unfamiliar with systems intended for people with acquired visual impairment.The tactile symbols and tactile characters were presented one by one in random order using the experimental apparatus.Through this experiment, we were able to determine the symbol and character sizes tha could be identified with high accuracy. Tactile symbols that were around 16 mm in size could identify tactile characters with high accuracy when they had a size of 24 mm. Some of the old users, however, mistakenly identified some characters of the same size, because tactile perception becomes worse with aging. These data will be usefull in discussing revisions to the Japanese Industrial Standard regarding tactile symbols and tactile characters or in formulating new guidelines pertaining to tactile substitution tools.

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タイトル／Title：
触知記号のサイズが識別容易性に及ぼす影響に関する研究

著者／Authors：
土井幸輝，小玉千明，藤本浩志，和田勉
論文誌／Journal：
日本生活支援工学会誌，Vol.9，No.1，pp.22-28，2009
The Japanese journal of Wellbeing Science and Assistive Technology Vol.9，No.1，pp.22-28，2009
抄録／Abstract：
バリアフリー新法の制定に基づき，公共建築物や公共交通機関への触知案内図・点字表示板の設置が進んでいる．一人歩きする視覚障害者の道しるべとして設置が進む触知案内図であるが，一方で視覚障害者の触知能力を考慮しない安易な製作者による「理解できない触知案内図」の増加が新しい問題となった．その大きな理由が表示法の不統一にあることから，触知案内図の標準化は利用者と製作者の双方から望まれた．本研究では，触知記号のサイズが識別容易性に及ぼす影響を識別実験により評価することを目的として，単純幾何学図形の「丸・正三角・正四角」の3種類の形状に着目して，様々なサイズを備えたそれらのテストピースを用いて，触知記号のサイズと識別容易性の関係を識別実験により検証した．その結果，触知記号のサイズが識別容易性に影響を及ぼすことがわかった．
Recently, following the enactment of new “barrier-free” laws, many Braille signs and tactile guide maps have been installed in various public facilities. However, many printing companies lack sufficient knowledge of Braille signs and tactile guide maps, often resulting in unsatisfactory products. It has been pointed out that the size and shape of tactile symbols used by different printing companies are often inconsistent. Therefore, the Japanese Standards Association, authorized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, enacted the Standardized Method of Displaying Tactile Guide Maps (JIS T 0922). However, this Japanese Industry Standard (JIS) does not include regulations for the appropriate size of tactile symbols. In the present study, the relationship between symbol size and tactile discriminability was examined for the three tactile symbols (circle, triangle and square). Tactile symbol test pieces were screen-printed with symbols of various sizes and 15 participants were asked to identify the symbols by touching the test pieces. The results have allowed us to identify the minimum sizes at which the three common tactile symbols are discriminable.

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タイトル／Title：
Experimental Study on Shapes of Tactile Signs for Distinguishable Identification on Body Soap Containers

著者／Authors：
Kouki Doi, Takahiro Nishimura, Tsutomu Wada, Hiroshi Fujimoto, Yasuyuki Hoshikawa
論文誌／Journal：
Journal of Advanced Computational Intelligence and Intelligent Informatics, 21(1), 100-108, 2017
抄録／Abstract：
Japanese Industry Standards (JIS) S 0021 (Packaging – Accessible Design – General Requirements) indicate the design policy for easy-to-use packaging and containers, targeting various individuals including elderly persons and individuals with disabilities. The JIS S 0021 includes tactile signs that are necessary to ensure the ease of distinguishing and handling as well as the ease of using those packaging and containers. The JIS S 0021 prescribes tactile signs on shampoo containers and notches for beverage paper packaging containers as tactile signs to distinguish the contents of the package and to differentiate between containers with the same or similar shapes. The policy was expanded to include tactile signs for body soaps when the standard was amended in 2014, and this was attributed to the fact that organizations of visually impaired demanded tactile signs for body soap, since body soap is often packaged in containers with shapes similar to those for shampoos and hair conditioners. Hence, tactile signs prescribed for body soap in JIS S 0021 guidelines were recently expanded to commercially available body soap containers. In the present study, experiments were performed to study the shapes of tactile signs for distinguishable body soap container. Specifically, shapes were studied through the following two steps: 1) tactile signs were selected based on experiments to evaluate the ease of distinguishing between multiple tactile signs, in a hearing survey involving visually impaired; and 2) experiments were performed to evaluate the tactile signs assuming that they were manufactured in collaboration with the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association, which is an industry organization of manufacturers for body soap and other products. It should be noted that the experiments involving distinguishing between products prioritized tactile signs on the top surfaces of the containers instead of on the side, since visually impaired tend to distinguish between pump containers by touching the top surfaces of the containers in hotels and public restrooms. The results of the experiments were used for tactile signs in the amended JIS S 0021 in 2014 for body soap. This study described evaluation experiments performed on the distinguishability of tactile signs on the top surfaces of pump type body soap containers to determine the factors that should be considered when establishing JIS tactile signs for body soap containers.


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タイトル／Title：
触知案内図のドットパターン及びストライプパターンの粗密感覚特性に関する研究
Perception of Texture with Dot Pattern and Striped Pattern for Tactile Guide Maps on Human Forefinger

著者／Authors：
和田勉，土井幸輝，天野真衣，片桐麻優，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文誌 Vol.75, No.752,277-282,2009
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. Vol.75,No.752,277-282,2009
抄録／Abstract：
本研究では，触知案内図の面パターンに関する基礎研究という位置付けで，ヒトの指先でのドットパターン及びストライプパターンの粗密感覚特性を明らかにすることを目的とした．具体的には，様々な点間隔や線間隔を備えたドットパターンやストライプパターンのテストピースを新たに作製し，それらを用いて点間隔・線間隔が粗密感覚特性に及ぼす影響を定量的に評価した．その結果，点間隔・線間隔と粗密感覚特性の関係が明らかになった．また，同じ感覚でもドットパターンのほうがストライプパターンに対して粗いと感じることがわかった．
Barrier-free New Law " was recently enacted in Japan. Therefore, many Braille signs and tactile guide maps have been installed at various buildings, stations and other public facilities. However, many unsatisfactory tactile guide maps appeared around us. Therefore, Japanese Standards Association enacted Standardized Method of Displaying Tactile Guide Maps in March 2007. However, rules and regulations about perception of texture with dot pattern and striped pattern for tactile guide maps were not contained. In this study, for the purpose of proposing useful texture with striped pattern for tactile maps, we examined the perception of texture with dot pattern and striped pattern on human forefinger. We made dot pattern and striped pattern test pieces with varying dot-distance and line-distance by screen-printing and asked ten subjects to clarify texture with striped-pattern (such as high density and low density) by the method of successive categories. As these results indicate, relation between dot and line distance and “perception of texture with dot pattern and striped pattern” on human forefinger became clear.

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タイトル／Title：
触知案内図におけるドットパターンの点間隔が識別特性に及ぼす影響
Influence of Dot Distances on Discrimination of Dot Patterns in Tactile Guide Maps

著者／Authors：
松森ハルミ，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本感性工学会論文誌，Vol.13, No.2, pp.419-425, 2014
Transactions of Japan Society of Kansei Engineering, Vol.13, No.2, pp.419-425, 2014
抄録／Abstract：
視覚障害者が公共空間で位置情報を得るための手段として触知案内図がある．本研究では，触知案内図上で領域を表すドットパターンにおいて，複数のドットパターンを同時に使用するために必要な点間隔の識別特性を明らかにした．方法は，触知案内図利用の初心者を想定した晴眼者と，触知経験が豊富な視覚障害者の2群の実験協力者に対し，点間隔の異なる9種のドットパターンを用いて識別実験を行った．その結果，点間隔が10mm以内の場合，ドットパターンの点間隔差が5mm以上あれば識別しやすいことが明らかになった．また，触知経験が豊富な視覚障害者に限れば，点間隔差が4mmでも識別しやすいことがわかった．
Recently, many tactile guide maps have been installed at various public facilities. Tactile guide map designers have used raised dot patterns to express drawings on a tactile guide map. However, we are lacking quantitative data regarding raised dot patterns for the design of easily understandable tactile maps. In this study, we investigated the influence of dot distances on discrimination of dot patterns used in tactile guide maps by conducting an experiment to find highly discriminable combinations of dot patterns by comparing pairs of dot patterns. The results showed that combinations of dot patterns with a larger difference in dot distances had higher discriminability. When the differences were the same, the combinations of wider dot distances had lower discriminability. Dot patterns with more than 5.0 mm differences in dot distances were highly discriminable for sighted persons, whereas those with more than 4.0 mm differences were highly discriminable for blind persons.


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タイトル／Title：
触知案内図のストライプパターンの線間隔が識別特性に及ぼす影響
Influence of Interstices among the Lines on a Discriminability of a Raised Striped-pattern on Tactile Guide Map

著者／Authors：
和田勉，土井幸輝，片桐麻優，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本感性工学会論文誌，Vol.12, No.3, pp.441-446, 2013
Transactions of Japan Society of Kansei Engineering, Vol.12, No.3, pp.441-446, 2013
抄録／Abstract：
ストライプパターンは触知案内図の作図表現として用いられてきているが，触図をデザインする際に，ストライプパターンを容易に識別可能とするための定量的なデータが不足している．本研究では，ストライプパターンの線間隔が識別特性に及ぼす影響を調査した．10名の若年者と13名の高齢者に対し，先行研究に基づく10種の異なる線間隔のストライプパターンを比較させることで，触感の識別容易性を4段階の評価指標によって回答させた．実験結果から，異なる触感として識別できる線間隔差の組み合わせ条件と，高齢者の触覚識別特性は若年者よりも劣ることが明らかになった．
Raised striped-pattern has been used as a drawing expression of tactile guide map. We are lacking in quantitative data regarding raised striped-pattern for designing easily understandable tactile map. In this study, we investigated the influence of interstices among the lines on tactile discriminability of raised striped-pattern. Ten younger persons and thirteen older ones were asked to distinguish the surface roughness according to 4 categories by comparing 10 raised striped-patterns of different interstices among the raised lines, which were prepared on the basis of the results of previous study. From this study, we found that the combination condition of interstice for distinguishing different surface roughness and those older persons were somewhat inferior to younger persons in sensitivity of surface roughness.

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タイトル／Title：
視覚障害者を対象とした触知案内図におけるストライプパターンの線間隔が識別容易性に及ぼす影響
Influence of Line Distance of Raised Stripe-pattern Used on Tactile Guide Map on its Discriminability for Visually Impaired

著者／Authors：
和田勉，土井幸輝，片桐麻優，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本生活支援工学会誌，Vol.13, No.2, pp.17-22, 2013
The Japanese Society for Wellbeing Science and Assistive Technology, Vol.13, No.2, pp.17-22, 2013
抄録／Abstract：
近年，バリアフリー新法の影響により，さまざまな公共施設に多数の触知案内図が設置されているが，触知案内図の作成者らは，図の表現にストライプパターンを用いている．しかしながら，触図をデザインする際に，ストライプパターンを容易に識別可能とするための定量的なデータが不足している．本研究では，触知案内図で用いるストライプパターンの線間隔が視覚障害者の識別特性に与える影響を実験的手法により調査した．実験では，5名の若年視覚障害者と10名の高齢視覚障害者に対し，先行研究に基づく10種の異なる線間隔のストライプパターンを比較させることで，触感の識別容易性を4段階の評価指標によって回答させた．実験結果から，異なる触感として識別するためには，6.0mmの差が必要であることが明らかになった．また，視覚障害者においてはストライプパターンの識別に加齢による低下がみられなかった．本研究の結果から，触図においてストライプパターンを用いる際に，さらに有効に使うことができるであろう．
Recently, many tactile guide maps have been installed at various public facilities with the enactment of "Barrier Free New Law". Tactile guide map designers used raised striped-pattern as a drawing expression of tactile guide map. However, we are lacking in quantitative data regarding raised striped-pattern for designing easily understandable tactile map. In this study, we conducted one experiment to investigate the influence of line distance of raised stripe-pattern used on tactile guide map on its discriminability for visually impaired. In this experiment, five younger visually impaired persons and ten older ones were asked to distinguish the surface roughness according to 4 categories by comparing 10 raised striped-patterns of different interstices among the raised lines, which were prepared on the basis of the results of previous study. From this study, we found that 6.0mm interstice was necessary for distinguishing different surface roughness, and the discriminability of raised stripe-pattern didn’t become worse with aging for visually impaired. These results will be useful in creating more effective raised stripe-pattern for use in tactile maps.



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タイトル／Title：
弾性物体を対象物としたヒトの指先の硬さ弁別特性
Property of Hardness Discrimination in case of Touching the Tip of Human Forefinger to Elastic Object

著者／Authors：
千葉亮，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
ヒューマンインタフェース学会論文誌 Vol.8, No.4,573-578,2006
Human interface. The Transaction of Human Interface Society Vol.8, No.4,573-578,2006
抄録／Abstract：
ヒトの硬さ感覚特性を実験心理学的アプローチで明らかにするために,物理的に統制が取れた硬さの異なる弾性物体のテストピースを作製した．弾性係数や形状の調整が容易な熱可塑性樹脂とパラフィンオイルの混合比を変化させ,6.11×103から718×103[N/m2]の硬さを実現した．本論文では,テストピースに関して定量的な硬さ感覚を評価するために系統カテゴリ法を用い,1)極端に柔らかい,2)かなり柔らかい,3)やや柔らかい,4)どちらでもない,5)やや硬い,6)かなり硬い,7)極端に硬いといったカテゴリとテストピースの硬さの関係を明らかにした．また,3)を除くカテゴリに属する5種類の提示刺激を用い,人の指先の硬さ知覚における弁別特性を調べる被験者実験を行った．各標準刺激に対する弁別閾からWeber比を求めたところ1)あるいは2)と感じる領域,及び7)は他と比べてWeber比が大きく,硬さ弁別が難しいことがわかった．
Hardness　discrimination is one of the important tactile senses. We have the hardness discrimination by transmitting mechanical stimuli (such as reaction force, somatic sensation, and area of contact) to brain. However, its characteristics to discriminate hardness on human forefinger are hardly clarified. In this study, for investigating the characteristics to discriminate the hardness in case of touching the tip of human forefinger to elastic object, firstly we made test-pieces with different hardness, and secondly quantified ability to clarify hardness sensation (such as hard, neither, soft and so on) by the method of successive categories. Finally, we conduced one experiment to quantify ability clarify discriminability of hardness by the constant method. As the results, the hardness sensation correlates directly with the strength of mechanical stimuli. In addition, we found that the discriminability of hardness was lower when the presented stimuli were extremely hard or soft than when they were the others.

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タイトル／Title：
対象物の硬さに応じた指腹自体の変形の違いが硬さ感覚特性に及ぼす影響
Influence of Deformation of Forefinger Pad based on Hardness of Elastic an Object on Hardness Sensation

著者／Authors：
高瀬翔，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本感性工学会論文誌，Vol.8，No.4， pp.1105-1111，2009
The Japanese journal of Kansei Engineering，Vol.8，No.4， pp.1105-1111，2009
抄録／Abstract：
本研究では，独自に作製したヤング率の異なる弾性物体の呈示刺激を用いて，対象物の硬さに応じた指腹自体の変形の違いが硬さ感覚特性に及ぼす影響を評価することを目的とした．具体的には，対象物を直接押し込む条件，平面板を介して押し込む条件の，対象物の硬さに応じた指腹の変形の違う2 条件の硬さ感覚特性について，系列カテゴリ法により比較実験を行った．その結果，直接押し込むことにより，接触対象物の硬さに応じて指腹自体の形状が変わり得ることで，より広い範囲の刺激に対応でき，僅かな硬さの違いを知覚できる傾向が見られ，対象物の硬さに応じた指腹自体の変形の違いが硬さ感覚特性に影響を及ぼすことがわかった．
When touching an object, the forefinger pad is deformed based on the hardness of the object, and we consider that slight　deformation influences hardness sensation. To clarify the influence of deformation of forefinger pad on hardness sensation, we　compared hardness sensation in two conditions with different deformation of the forefinger pad by the method of successive categories. Fourteen elastic test pieces with different hardness were evaluated by eleven subjects based on seven stages of hardness sensations (extremely soft, fairly soft, slightly soft, neither, slightly hard, fairly hard, extremely hard) for the conditions of direct touching of test pieces or touching using an acrylic plate. This results indicated that subjects were capable of perceiving slight differences in hardness within three categories (fairly soft, slightly soft, and fairly hard) for direct rather than indirect touch. Deformation of the forefinger pad based on the hardness of an object may thus influence hardness sensation when the hardness of an elastic object is classified into these three categories.


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タイトル／Title：
弾性物体への接触動作が硬さ感覚特性に及ぼす影響
Influence of Type of Touching Motion on Hardness Sensation of Elastic Object

著者／Authors：
高瀬翔，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
ヒューマンインタフェース学会論文誌 Vol.12, No.2, pp. 155-161, 2010-05
抄録／Abstract：
本研究では，接触動作が弾性物体の硬さ感覚特性に及ぼす影響を明らかにすることを目的とした．具体的には，ヤング率の異なる弾性物体から成る提示刺激を，人差し指で押し込んだ場合と，指を立てて親指と人差し指の二指で両側からつまむ場合の硬さ感覚特性を，系列カテゴリ法により比較した．本実験では，11名の被験者に対し，14種の提示刺激に対する硬さの感覚に相当するカテゴリで回答させた．その結果，「極端に軟らかい」「極端に硬い」と感じる領域以外においては，対象物を親指と人差し指の二本の指でつまむ場合の方が，人差し指一本で押し込む場合よりも，同じ提示刺激に対しても軟らかく感じる傾向が見られ，接触動作の違いが硬さ感覚特性に影響を及ぼす可能性があることがわかった．
In this study, in order to define the influence of the type of touching motion on the hardness sensation of an elastic object, we conducted an experiment to compare the hardness sensation experienced on performing two different touching motions (pinching and pushing) by the method of successive categories. In this experiment, we used 14 elastic test-pieces with different hardnesses as the presented stimuli. Eleven participants were asked to rate the hardness of the presented stimuli on a seven-point scale - extremely soft, fairly soft, slightly soft, neither, slightly hard, fairly hard, extremely hard, when touching the test-pieces with their forefinger by pushing motion was softer than that in the case of pushing motion when the hardness of the elastic object was categorized as extremely soft or hard. In addition, the type of touching motion influenced the hardness sensation.


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タイトル／Title：
押し込む指の姿勢が硬さ弁別特性に及ぼす影響
Effect of human forefinger postures of pressing on hardness identification

著者／Authors：
坂口歳斗，土井 幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集, Vol.83, No.851 （2017）
Transactions of the JSME, Vol.83, No.851 （2017）
抄録／Abstract：
鍼灸師は触診時，指を寝かせて患部を押し込み，硬結等の位置を同定している．このような独特な押し込み方法を用いた高い技術が触診には求められるが，触診技術に関する定量的な指導は行われていない．そこで本研究では，触診技術の定量化に寄与する基礎的研究として，押し込む指の姿勢と硬さ弁別特性の関係を明らかにすることを目的とした．具体的には，恒常法を用いて，指を寝かせる方法と指を立たせる方法における硬さの弁別閾をそれぞれ求めた．提示刺激は，触診時を想定した硬さの弾性物体を用いた．その結果，指を立たせる方法のほうが指を寝かせる方法より硬さの弁別閾が小さく，硬さの弁別がし易いことがわかった．
Hardness identification is one of the most important tactile senses in humans. People use their hands in various ways to identify the hardness of an object. For example, acupuncturists identify stiffness in a muscle by pressing down with their forefinger held flat over the affected area. However, experimental evidence for the role of the pressing method in the identification of an object’s hardness even when the same finger is used has not been shown yet. In this fundamental study, we investigated the differential threshold of hardness for different finger postures of pressing (pressing down with one’s forefinger held “flat” or “vertically”) to determine the relationship between the different finger postures of pressing and hardness identification. We used seven elastic test pieces, each with a different Young’s modulus, as the presented stimuli. We conducted an experiment using the constant method to calculate the differential threshold of hardness as a measure of hardness identification. The results showed that the differential threshold of hardness was higher when pressing down with a forefinger held “flat” than when pressing down “vertically” with the same force. This finding will be useful in evaluating the tactile identification of hardness in acupuncturists.


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タイトル／Title：
押し込み回数が対象物の硬さを弁別する精度に及ぼす影響
Effect of the number of presses on the accuracy of discriminating hardness

著者／Authors：
坂口歳斗，土井 幸輝，西村 崇宏，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集, Vol.84, No.863 （2018）
Transactions of the JSME, Vol.84, No.863 （2018）
抄録／Abstract：
触診では，患者に不快感を与えないようにできるだけ少ない押し込み回数で患部の凝りを探さなければならない．この高い触診技術を習得するため，触診指導にはヒトの硬さ弁別特性に基づく定量的指針が必要である．そこで本研究では，押し込み回数と硬さ弁別特性との関係を調べた．提示刺激には硬さが僅かずつに異なる7つの弾性物体を用いて，2つの刺激を3条件の押し込み回数（1回，3回，5回）で押し込んで硬さの弁別実験を行った．その結果，押し込み力が小さい（5N，10N）ときは押し込み回数が減少するにつれ硬さの弁別閾が大きくなった．一方，押し込み力が大きい（15N）ときは押し込み回数によらず硬さの弁別閾は小さいことがわかった．
Acupuncturists determine muscle stiffness by pressing their fingers down. To shorten the palpation time and minimize discomfort to the patient, a good palpation technique is required to determine the stiffness of the patient’s muscles with as few presses as possible. However, palpation is dependent on the experience of the practitioner. Therefore, an investigation of human hardness discrimination characteristics is necessary to provide some quantitative guidance. In this study, to determine the relationship between different numbers of presses and the accuracy of discriminating hardness, we investigated the differential threshold of hardness for different numbers of presses (1, 3, or 5). We used 7 elastic test pieces, each with a different Young’s modulus, as the presented stimuli. We conducted an experiment using the constant stimuli method to calculate the differential threshold of hardness as an evaluation index of hardness identification. In the experiment, the participants repeatedly pressed for either 1, 3, or 5 sets by using 2 presented stimuli and then distinguished the hardness of the stimuli. The results of the experiment showed that when the pressing forces were 5 and 10 N, as the number of presses decreased, the differential threshold of hardness increased. However, when the pressing force was 15 N, the differential threshold of hardness was small regardless of the number of indentations. This knowledge will be useful for the improvement of the palpation technique in acupuncture schools. For example, the index of the hardness discrimination characteristic used in this study may be used as a quantitative numerical target and for performance evaluation.

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タイトル／Title：
タッチパネルタブレット端末におけるディスプレイの表面特性が操作性に及ぼす影響
Influence of Surface Condition of Display on Operability of Tablet Terminal with Touch-Sensitive Screen

著者／Authors：
西村崇宏，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本感性工学会論文誌，Vol.12, No.3, pp.431-439, 2013
Transactions of Japan Society of Kansei Engineering, Vol.12, No.3, pp.431-439, 2013
抄録／Abstract：
教育現場で用いられるデジタル教科書など，様々な分野に応用が進むタッチパネルであるが，その操作性に関する課題が指摘されている．具体的には，指先でディスプレイをなぞって操作する際に，指先の滑り易さが操作性に影響を及ぼすといった指摘である．そこで本研究では，タッチパネルタブレット端末のディスプレイ表面特性と指先の滑り易さの関係を調べるとともに，表面特性が操作性に及ぼす影響を明らかにすることを目的とした．具体的には，まず，指先の滑り易さが異なるディスプレイ表面を再現するため，定量的に指先の滑り易さが異なるディスプレイ保護フィルムの選定を行った．そして，選定したフィルムを用いてタッチパネルタブレット端末の操作性評価実験を実施し，ディスプレイの表面特性と操作性の関係を評価した．その結果，フィルム表面の算術平均粗さが大きいほど動摩擦係数は小さくなり，反射防止性能をもつアンチグレアフィルムの動摩擦係数は，耐擦傷性能をもつハードコートフィルムのおよそ3分の1であることがわかった．さらに，曲線をトレースする操作では適切な範囲の摩擦抵抗を表面に施すことによって操作の正確性が向上し，斜線や直線をトレースする操作や指先の止め・方向転換を伴う操作では表面の摩擦抵抗を大きくすることで操作の正確性が向上することが明らかになった．
Recently, touch-sensitive screens have been used for various devices:smartphones, slate PCs, personal media players, etc. Specifically, tablet terminals with a touch-sensitive screen have spread rapidly in the fields of education, medicine, business, etc. However, it has been pointed that their operability is influenced by the difficulty in sliding a fingertip. This study is aimed at examining the influence of the surface condition of the display on the operability of tablet terminals. We measured the coefficients of kinetic friction between the tip of the forefinger and several screen protection films. Our measurements indicate that the coefficient of kinetic friction of anti-glare (AG) film was about one-third that of hard coat (HC) film. Then, we conducted an experiment using these films to evaluate the relationship between the surface condition of the display and the operability. The results show that the surface condition of the display influences the accuracy and speed of operation.


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タイトル／Title：
タッチパネル携帯端末の操作方法がポインティング特性に及ぼす影響
Effects of Operational Methods on Characteristics of Pointing when using Portable Terminal with Touch-Sensitive Screen

著者／Authors：
西村崇宏，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
バイオメカニズム，Vol.22, pp.119-128, 2014
Biomechanisms, Vol.22, pp.119-128, 2014
抄録／Abstract：
本研究では，タッチパネル携帯端末の操作性向上を目指し，その操作方法がポインティング特性に及ぼす影響を評価することを目的として実験を行った．さらに，得られたポインティング位置の分布データを用いて，タッチ感知領域の設計手法に関する基礎的検討を行った．その結果，ディスプレイ上での操作位置や操作方法がポインティング位置の分布傾向や操作性に影響を与えることが明らかとなった．さらに，評価実験によって得られたポインティング位置の分布が楕円によって近似的に表されることを示した．これより，特定の方向にポインティング位置の分布が偏るような特徴をもつターゲットに対して，楕円によるタッチ感知領域では，正方形による単純なタッチ感知領域よりも効率的にポインティングを検出できる可能性が示唆された．
Touch-sensitive screens that serve as displays and input devices have been adopted in many portable terminals such as smartphones and personal media players, and this market has expanded greatly. A feature of touch-sensitive screens is that their graphical user interface (GUI) can be designed arbitrarily. However, it has been pointed out that GUIs may be difficult to use if the designer is unfamiliar with human operational characteristics. This is because there is insufficient knowledge about the operational characteristics of humans. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the characteristics of pointing when using portable terminals with touch-sensitive screens, and we conducted an experiment to obtain knowledge that can be used in the design of easy-to-use GUIs. In this experiment, we evaluated the characteristics of pointing by measuring the distributions of the pointing positions and pointing time. The subjects who participated in the experiment were asked to operate a portable terminal with a touch-sensitive screen under three operational conditions. The results showed that the pointing position distribution depended on the target display area in all operational conditions. We also found that the pointing time was better in the areas that the thumb could reach without extension or flexing during one-handed operations. Furthermore, we describe an effective approach for designing an ellipsoid touch-sensitive area based on the pointing position distribution determined in this experiment. We also evaluated the effectiveness of this new design.

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タイトル／Title：
タッチパネルタブレット端末における人差し指の接触角度を考慮したボタンのサイズ及び間隔の評価
Evaluation of Size and Spacing of Buttons in Consideration of Contact Angle of Forefinger in Tablet Terminal with Touch-sensitive Screen

著者／Authors：
西村崇宏，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本感性工学会論文誌，Vol.14, No.3, pp.343-350, 2015
Transactions of Japan Society of Kansei Engineering, Vol.14, No.3, pp.343-350, 2015
抄録／Abstract：
教育等の分野で活用が進むタッチパネルタブレット端末は，手軽に持ち運べ，様々な状況で利用することのできるメリットがある．一方，ユーザインタフェースの観点からは，様々な状況においても操作性を損なうことのないGUI設計が必要となる．本研究では，人差し指の接触角度による影響を考慮しつつ，ボタンのサイズ及び間隔が操作性に及ぼす影響を明らかにすることを目的として実験を行った．その結果，人差し指の接触角度に関わらずに正確かつ早く操作することのできるボタンのサイズ及び間隔の条件を示すことができた．また，接触角度と接触面積の関係を明らかにするとともに，サイズの小さいボタンをポインティングする際の操作性に対する影響についても検証を加えることができた．
The portability of touch-sensitive screen tablets provides high usability under various circumstances, and such tablets are increasingly utilized in the education and other fields. Meanwhile, the design of the graphical user interface (GUI) of such tablets requires careful consideration in order not to lose tablet operability in such diverse situations. In this study, we conduct an experiment to investigate the effect that touch-sensitive screen button size and spacing have on operability, while considering the influence of the angle that the forefinger makes when touching the screen. As a result, we could determine the conditions required for the size and spacing of buttons to allow fast and accurate operation independent of contact angle. Furthermore, we could reveal the relationship between contact angle and area, and investigate the impact of the contact angle when touching smaller buttons.

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タイトル／Title：
タッチパネル携帯端末におけるスライダの操作性評価
Evaluation of Slider Operability in Portable Terminals with Touch-Sensitive Screens

著者／Authors：
大島康暉，西村崇宏，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
ヒューマンインタフェース学会論文誌，Vol.20, No.3, pp.361-370, 2018
Human interface. The Transaction of Human Interface Society, Vol.20, No.3, pp.361-370, 2018
抄録／Abstract：
スマートフォン等のタッチパネル携帯端末は，直感的に操作ができ，デザイナが画面を自由に設計できるという特長を持つ．一方で，画面上でのポインティング位置の分解能に対して指先の接触面積が大きいため，繊細な操作が難しいという課題がある．そこで，操作性向上を指向した研究が数多く行われているが，ボタンやアイコン等のポインティング操作を対象にした研究が多く，スライダを対象とした研究は少ない．スライダの操作性に関して2つの課題が指摘されている．具体的に，1つ目は，スライダサムのサイズが小さ過ぎたり，画面上の表示位置が適切でなかったりするために，スライダサムを正確にタップできないという課題である．2つ目は，ユーザが意図した位置にスライダサムをうまくとめることができないという課題である．そこで本研究では，タッチパネル携帯端末におけるスライダの操作性を評価することを目的として，2つの実験を実施した．実験Ⅰでは，スライダサムのサイズ及び配置位置が操作性に及ぼす影響を調べた．実験Ⅱでは，指先の動きに対するスライダサムの移動比率が操作性に及ぼす影響を評価した．実験Ⅰの結果，スライダサムを画面中部に配置し，サイズを8.0 mm以上にすることで，正確かつ速くポインティング操作を行えることが明らかになった．実験Ⅱの結果，指先の動きに対するスライダサムの移動比率が操作性に影響を及ぼし，移動比率が0.7もしくは0.8のときに，操作時間と主観的な操作のしやすさの観点から操作性は向上した．また，1 pixel単位の細かな位置合わせを必要とする場合には，移動比率を0.3以下にすることが効果的である可能性が示唆された．
The recent spread of portable terminals with touch-sensitive screens has been remarkable; these terminals can be operated easily. Moreover, user interface design allows for a flexible design of the screen interface. However, owing to the large width of the user’s thumb, operating the terminal accurately becomes difficult. Therefore, many studies have attempted to improve the icon/button operability; however, only a few have focused on sliders. Sliders have two operational problems: first is the difficulty in precisely pointing before dragging owing to the small size of the slider thumb or inappropriate position of the slider; and second is the inability of the user to correctly position the slider. In this study, we conduct two experiments to overcome these problems. The first experiment reveals that the slider thumb can be pointed accurately and quickly when the size of the slider thumb is greater than 8.0 mm, and it is positioned in the center of the screen. The second experiment shows that both the time taken to adjust the position and subjective ease of the drag operation improve when the movement ratio is 0.7 or 0.8. Additionally, when the movement ratio is decreased to 0.3, the slider thumb adjustment is more precise.


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タイトル／Title：
テキストリンクの文字高さと行間がタッチパネル携帯端末の操作性に及ぼす影響
Effect of text height and line spacing of link text on operability of portable terminal with touch screen

著者／Authors：
宇治大河，西村崇宏，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集，Vol.85，No.870　（2019）
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, Vol.85，No.870　（2019）
抄録／Abstract：
スマートフォンなどのタッチパネル携帯端末は，多くのユーザによりWebページの閲覧やSocial Networking Service（SNS）を利用する目的等で使用されている．WebページやSNS上には，別ページへの移動やファイルのダウンロードを実現させるために，数多くのテキストリンクが設置される．タッチパネル携帯端末の限られた画面サイズの中で少しでも多くの情報を盛り込むため，テキストリンクは文字列の文字高さを小さく，文字列同士の行間を狭く設定される．その結果，テキストリンクのユーザビリティ低下を招く問題がある．しかし，テキストリンクの文字高さや行間を設計する際に参考となる人の操作特性データが不足している．そこで本研究では，タッチパネル携帯端末で使用されるテキストリンクの文字高さと行間が母指によるポインティングの操作性に及ぼす影響を明らかにすることを目的として文字高さの水準7条件（1.0，1.5，2.0，2.5，3.0，3.5，4.0［mm］），行間の水準は文字高さに対する比率で5条件（0.1，0.3，0.5，0.7，1.0）のテキストリンクをポインティングする実験を実施した．その結果，文字高さ4.0 mm，行間1.0の時に ポインティング時間と正確性が向上し，なおかつ主観的にも操作しやすいと感じることがわかった．
Recently, the use of portable terminals with touch screens such as smartphones has spread rapidly. Many users have used these devices to browse the internet or social networking services (SNS). There are many link texts (hyperlinked texts) to navigate between pages or to download files. However, interacting with link text in a portable terminal with a touch screen can often be difficult because link texts that have low text height and narrow space between lines (set by web designers who wanted to display as much information as possible on a screen of limited size) can cause accidental interactions. Many studies have evaluated usability when using portable terminals with touch screens and most of these studies have focused on Button, which is a basic GUI component. In contrast, GUI design approaches for link text have not been received sufficient attention. This study is aimed at evaluating the influence of two factors, namely the text height and the line spacing of link text, on the error rate and pointing time to overcome the usability problems associated with link texts. User experiments on pointing tasks were conducted for seven text heights (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 mm) and five ratios of line spacing to text height (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0). The result shows that when the text height is 4.0 mm and the ratio of line spacing is 1.0 (the height of touch-sensitive area is 8.0 mm), rapid and accurate pointing the link text can occur. We hope that these findings contribute to an easy-to-use design for link texts.



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タイトル／Title：
高周波振動子の振幅が摩擦低減効果の滑りやすさおよび動摩擦係数に与える影響
Evaluation of Easily Identifiable Dot Distance and Line Distance for Concave Lines Used in Braille Publications

著者／Authors：
東 孝明，宇治 大河，西村 崇宏，土井 幸輝，藤本 浩志
論文誌／Journal：
人間工学　Vol.57, No.4 2021
ergonomics Vol.57, No.4 2021
抄録／Abstract：
摩擦の減少は触覚に関連する錯覚の一つだ．指が20 kHz以上の周波数で振動する物体に触れると，この効果が体験できる．振動する物体では振動しない物体よりも摩擦力が低下する．そして，指が物体の動きに追従できないほど，その効果はさらに強くなる．この摩擦の低減効果を利用して，摩擦係数を制御することで新しい触覚デバ，振幅が主観的な滑りやすさと動的摩擦係数に与える影響を明らかにするデバイスの開発を目指すんだ．男性と女性の参加者10名を対象とした実験では，振動数40 kHzで振幅が0から2.5μmの物体の滑りやすさを，参加者が人差し指で触れることで評価した．実験の結果，主観的な滑りやすさは振幅を変えることで4段階で制御できることが示唆され，動的摩擦係数以外の要因が主観的な滑りやすさに影響を与える可能性も見出された．
A reduction in friction is one of the illusions related to the sense of touch. This effect is experienced when a finger comes in contact with an object that vibrates at a frequency greater than or equal to approximately 20 kHz. The reduction in frictional force is greater for vibrating objects than for objects that are not vibrating and when the finger is unable to follow the object’s movement. New tactile devices can potentially be developed using this friction reduction effect by controlling the friction coefficient. Therefore, in this study, we aim to develop a device that can measure the frictional force exerted by a vibrating object and clarify the effect of amplitude on the subjective slipperiness and dynamic friction coefficient. In an experiment involving ten male and female participants, the slipperiness of an object vibrating at 40 kHz with amplitudes of 0-2.5 μm was evaluated by the participants through touching with their index fingers. The experimental results suggested that subjective slipperiness can be controlled in four steps by changing the amplitude. Furthermore, it was found that factors other than the dynamic friction coefficient may affect subjective slipperiness.




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タイトル／Title：
受動触によって生起されるベルベット感の実験的検討
Empirical Study for Velvet Tactile Illusion Emerged by Passive Touch

著者／Authors：
土井幸輝，數藤貴，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
バイオメカニズム20 125-134，2010
Biomechanisms20 125-134, 2010
抄録／Abstract：
視覚や聴覚に続く第3の感覚器である触覚に関して，近年，触覚のディスプレイ・インタフェースの開発やVR技術への応用を意図した触覚の錯覚（触錯覚）の知覚心理学的研究がさかんになりつつある．著者らは，触錯覚の一つであるベルベットイルージョン（ベルベット感）に着目し，先行研究で難しいとされた受動触によるベルベット感の呈示の可能性を検討することにした．本研究では，受動触によりベルベット感を体感できる触覚のディスプレイ・インタフェースの開発に向けての基礎研究という位置付けで，ベルベット感の発生に影響を及ぼす各因子の条件とその発生率の関係を調べた．具体的には，ベルベット感の発生に影響を及ぼす各因子の条件をコントロール可能な受動触によるベルベット感評価装置を製作した．そして，その装置を用いて受動触によるベルベット感発生に影響を及ぼす各因子の条件を網羅的に設定し，各因子の条件でのベルベット感の発生率を実験的により調べた．その結果，各因子について受動触によりベルベット感が発生し易い因子の各条件が明らかになった．
Tactile sense is the third most important sense after visual sense and hearing sense. Recently, cognitive psychology studies on tactile illusions have gained attention because of the potential applications of such sensations in tactile display and interfaces. In this study, we focused on a unique and interesting sensation called “velvet tactile illusion,” and we examined the possibility of creating this illusion and the percentage of creating the illusion by passive touch. We then developed a device to evaluate the creation of this illusion by passive touch. This device can control factors such as line movement velocity, line diameter, and line distance that influence the creation of the velvet tactile illusion. Using this device, we conducted exhaustive tests for different values of these factors. In addition, we conducted an experiment to examine the influence of some factors on the creation of velvet tactile illusion by passive touch. The relationship between some factors related to the creation of this illusion and condition of creating the illusion was found. These data will be helpful data when we develop the new tactile display the new tactile display regarding velvet tactile illusion.

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タイトル／Title：
肘伸展錯覚を誘発するための上腕二頭筋の腱への最適振動刺激条件
Optimal Vibrating Conditions of Biceps Brachii Tendon to Induce Illusory Elbow Extension Movement

著者／Authors：
梅沢侑実，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本感性工学会論文誌，Vol.13, No.2, pp.427-432, 2014
Transactions of Japan Society of Kansei Engineering, Vol.13, No.2, pp.427-432, 2014
抄録／Abstract：
我々は，肘伸展錯覚を利用したデバイスインタフェースを開発するため，肘伸展錯覚の誘発に適した振動刺激条件について調べた．実験因子は，振動周波数(30,50,70Hz)と，振動振幅(周波数条件ごとに3段階)，接触子の押しこみ力(3,5,7,9N)とした．肘伸展錯覚の評価は，錯覚生起の有無と生起した場合の明瞭度を5段階評価で回答させることで調べた．その結果，50Hz,70Hzの振動周波数では，振動振幅，接触子の押しこみ力がある値よりも大きくなると錯覚の生起した人数が80%以上であり，錯覚の明瞭度も高くなることがわかった．こうした振動刺激条件を利用して関節の屈伸運動の錯覚を容易に引き起こすことができれば，実際の動きを伴わずとも，運動感覚のみを与えることができるインタフェースの開発が可能となる．そのようなデバイスインタフェースを開発することにより，ヒトとヒトとのコミュニケーションに新しい手段を提供することができ，さらには，リハビリテーションや教育の現場，ゲーム機器などにも利用できると考えられる．
We investigated optimal vibrating conditions for inducing illusory elbow extension movement to develop various practical applications. The experimental factors were the vibration frequency (30, 50, and 70 Hz), vibration amplitude (three phases for each frequency condition), and contact press force (3, 5, 7, 9 N). We subjectively assessed the presence or absence of an illusion, and the vividness on a five-point scale. The results of this study showed that when the vibration amplitude and contact press force became higher than certain values at vibration frequencies of 50 or 70 Hz, the illusion was produced for 80% or more participants, and the vividness of the illusion was increased. Under these stimulation conditions, illusory elbow extension movement can be easily produced; we can develop an interface device that will only provide kinesthetic sensations without the actual motion. Such an interface device can be used for rehabilitation and education fields, and gaming devices.

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タイトル／Title：
肩関節水平屈曲錯覚の生起に適した振動周波数条件と錯覚特性
Satisfactory Vibrating Conditions of the Latissimus Dorsi Tendon and The Perceptual Properties of Inducing Illusory Horizontal Shoulder Flexion

著者／Authors：
梅沢侑実，土井幸輝，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本感性工学会論文誌，Vol.15, No.3, 2016
Transactions of Japan Society of Kansei Engineering, Vol.15, No.3, 2016
抄録／Abstract：
本研究は，肩関節水平屈曲錯覚の生起に適した振動提示条件と錯覚特性を調べるために行った．実験因子は，30,50,70,90,110,130Hzの振動周波数である．錯覚生起の有無と，錯覚の明瞭度を5段階で評価した．同時に，錯覚が生起するまでにかかった反応時間と，最大錯覚角度を計測した．最大の錯覚生起率は，振動周波数が70,90,110Hzのときで，98％になった．錯覚角度は約30度であった．錯覚が生起するまでには，7秒ほどかかった．これらの知見を元に，今後の展望として，実際の運動はなくとも運動感覚のみを提供するインタフェースデバイスの開発を行う予定である．このデバイスは仮想現実空間における触覚フィードバック技術に利用できる可能性がある．
The satisfactory vibrating conditions and the perceptual properties of inducing illusory horizontal shoulder flexion were investigated in this study. The experimental factors were the vibration frequencies of 30, 50, 70, 90, 110, and 130 Hz. We subjectively assessed the presence or absence of an illusion and its vividness on a 5-point scale. Simultaneously, the perceptual time it took for an illusion to appear and the maximum illusory angle was measured. It was found that the maximum occurrence rate of the illusion was 98% at a vibration frequency of 70, 90, 110 Hz. The illusory angle was approximately 30deg. It took 7s for an illusion to appear. Based on this knowledge, we plan to develop an interface device that will provide kinesthetic sensations only without the actual motion in a future study. This device could potentially be used for tactile feedback technology in the virtual reality space.

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タイトル／Title：
Development and Evaluation of a Device for Inducing Kinesthetic Illusion of Dual Joint Movements

著者／Authors：
Yumi UMESAWA, Kouki DOI, Hiroshi FUJIMOTO
論文誌／Journal：
Journal of Advanced Computational Intelligence and Intelligent Informatics, 21(4), 737-743, 2017
抄録／Abstract：
If kinesthetic sensation can be generated using artificial means, we can experience dynamic sensations in the virtual reality space. Subsequently, it can be used as an instruction tool for rehabilitation. By means of kinesthetic illusion, it is possible to create kinesthetic sensation. In this study, we developed an interface device that creates kinesthetic illusions by inducing vibrations in muscle tendons that coordinate dual joint movements. First, we produced a vibrating device using four vibrators. The rotation of motors moving eccentric weights generated the vibrations. Each motor was independently controlled using specially developed software. Second, we produced vibrator fixation structures, which firmly attached the vibrators to the muscle tendons. Using these structures, the vibrators were maintained in position and allowed to transmit forces to the muscle tendons. Furthermore, we conducted an experiment to evaluate the performance of the kinesthetic illusion device. Accordingly, we created the kinesthetic illusion of drawing figures on a horizontal surface by inducing vibrations in muscle tendons that contribute to dual joint movements. The results demonstrated that, by using this device, it was possible to induce kinesthetic illusions of dual joint movements.



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タイトル／Title：
視覚障害者誘導用ブロックが晴眼者の歩行に与える影響に関する研究
Satisfactory Vibrating Conditions of the Latissimus Dorsi Tendon and The Perceptual Properties of Inducing Illusory Horizontal Shoulder Flexion

著者／Authors：
小林吉之，高嶋孝倫，林美恵子，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集C編　 Vol.69 No.681,1286-1292,2003
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. C Vol.69 No.681,1286-1292,2003
抄録／Abstract：
三次元動態計測装置VICONを用いて視覚障害者誘導用ブロックが晴眼者の歩行に与える影響,特に最低つま先高さへの影響とその原因について分析した．その結果警告用及び誘導用ブロックが敷設された歩行路においては最低つま先高さが高くなる傾向がほとんどの被験者において明らかになった．さらにその原因として，二通りのストラテジーが認められた．過半数の被験者は遊脚期に股関節をより屈曲させることで最低つま先高さを確保していた．また一部の被験者は前額面上で骨盤を傾けることで最低つま先高さを確保するというストラテジーをとることが認められた．
A large number of tactile ground surface indicators for sight disables are constructed on sidewalks in Japan. These indicators have many protuberances, so sight disables can detect them. However, these protuberances could be an extra barrier for people who do not use those indicators. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of tactile ground surface indicators to human gait. Especially toe clearance to avoid tripping. Subjects were 9 young male with normal vision. Those subjects were asked to walk through the path with three different surfaces; a warning indicators constructed path, a leading indicators constructed path, and a no indicators constructed path. Measurements were carried out using a VICON 3D tracking system and 8 force plates. When they walked through the paths with either indicators, minimum toe clearances was significantly increased for most of the subjects. We also found hip moments are the most common cause to increase minimum toe clearances.

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タイトル／Title：
Gait Analysis of People Walking on Tactile Ground Surface Indicators

著者／Authors：
Yoshiyuki KOBAYASHI, Takamichi TAKASHIMA, Yasuhiro MINE, Mieko HAYASHI, Hiroshi FUJIMOTO
論文誌／Journal：
IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering ，Vol.13，No.5，53－59，2005
抄録／Abstract：
視覚障害者誘導用ブロックは，視覚障害者の安全な歩行を誘導するために歩道などに敷設されている．視覚障害者はブロックの突起を足底で踏み，ブロックに沿って歩く．しかしこれらのブロックは，晴眼者にとっては逆に歩行不安定に繋がることが指摘されている．そこで本研究では運動学及び運動力学の手法を用いてブロック上の歩行とブロックがない平地の歩行を比較し，その影響を定量的に評価した．その結果，ブロック上の歩行では平地の歩行と比べてより高くつま先を持ち上げていること，股関節をより強く屈曲させようとするなどの影響が認められた．更に本研究では，一時的な脚長差が上記の影響の原因と考え，脚長差を生じさせない埋め込みがたブロックを提案した．この埋め込みがたブロックで同様の実験を行った結果，上記の影響が軽減される傾向が確認された．以上のことからこのようなブロックとすることでより多くの歩行者に対応したブロックとなることが示唆された．
Tactile ground surface indicators installed on sidewalks help visually impaired people walk safely. The visually impaired distinguish the indicators by stepping into its convexities and following them. However, these indicators sometimes cause the non-visually impaired to stumble. This study examines the effects of these indicators by comparing the kinematic and kinetic variables of walking on paths with and without indicators. The results suggest that walking on the indicators causes extra movements of the lower extremities such as increased minimum toe heights during the mid-swing phase, increased peak hip flex moments, and increased peak hip heights. This study also suggests that a functional leg length discrepancy while walking on the indicators　is one of the reasons for the extra movements of the lower extremities. Therefore, we designed a new recessed tactile surface to offset the differences of surface depth while walking on the path containing indicators, and found that the newly designed recessed tactile surface was effective in reducing the extra movements while walking on the path in which indicators were installed. These indicators may help both the visually impaired and elderly people with normal vision to walk safely.

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タイトル／Title：
視覚障害者誘導用ブロックが高齢晴眼者の歩行に与える影響に関する研究
The effect of tactile ground surface indicators to the gait of elderly with normal vision

著者／Authors：
小林吉之，嶺也守寛，高嶋孝倫，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集C Vol.72, No.720, Page234-239 2006
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. C , Vol.72, No.720, Page234-239 2006
抄録／Abstract：
本研究では高齢者の歩行に視覚障害者誘導用ブロック(以下ブロックと記す)が与える影響を解明するために，1）ブロックの敷設されていない歩行路，２）通常のブロックが敷設されている歩行路，３）一時的な脚長差が生じないように調整されたブロックの敷設された歩行路の3種の歩行路を用意し，これらの歩行路を歩行した際の影響を運動学および運動力学の手法を用いて評価した．その結果，高齢者も若年者同様ブロック上を歩行すると遊脚中期につま先を，下肢全体を持ち上げることで確保していることが明らかになり，またブロックを踏むことによって生じる一時的な脚長差がこれらの影響の原因であることが確かめられた．
Tactile ground surface indicators installed on sidewalks help visually impaired people walk safely. However, these indicators could be an extra barrier for people who do not use those indicators. In previous study, we suggest that a functional leg length discrepancy while walking on the indicators is one of the reasons for the extra movements of the lower extremities for young. This study examines the effects of these indicators to the elderly by comparing the kinematic and kinetic variables of walking on 1) a path without indicators, 2) a path with normally installed indicators, and 3) a path with recessed indicators. The results suggest that walking on the normally installed indicators causes extra movements of the lower extremities such as increased minimum toe heights during the mid-swing phase by raising entire lower extremities, and functional leg length discrepancy while walking on the indicators is one of the reasons for the extra movements of the lower extremities.

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タイトル／Title：
摩擦の異なる床仕上げ材間の識別容易性に関する研究
Discriminability of Floor Dressing Materials with Different Friction While Walking

著者／Authors：
原利明，小林吉之，蔵重由貴子，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
機械学会論文集，C編, 75-754, 1705/1711, 2009
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, Series C, Vol.75, No754, 1705/1711, 2009
抄録／Abstract：
本研究では，歩行中における摩擦の異なる床仕上げ材の識別容易性を客観的・定量的に評価した．３種の床仕上げ材をそれぞれ合板に敷設し，実験で用いるテストピースとした．実験時にはこれらのテストピースのうち２種を前半部と後半部としてランダムに組合せ，摩擦または弾性の異なる床仕上げ材を提示した．若年成人10名は，アイマスクを着用し視覚情報を遮蔽し，提示された歩行路上を歩行し，前半部と後半部の床仕上げ材が同じであったか異なっていたかを回答した．これを108試行行い，各床面素材の組合せにおける正答率を算出した．全体的には，摩擦の異なる床仕上げ材の組合せの正答率は，弾性の異なる床仕上げ材の組合せと比較して低かった．しかし，踵を地面に擦らせながら歩行している被験者は，摩擦の異なる床仕上げ材の組合せも正答率が高かった．
This study examined how accurately people can discriminate differences in the friction of flooring samples. Flooring samples of either different friction or elasticities were presented by placing two walking boards made of plywood, each surfaced with one of three different flooring samples, in an end-to-end fashion. Ten young adults whose sight was temporarily cut off by eye masks were asked to walk on the path for 108 trials and indicate whether the flooring samples were different or not. Generally, the percentages of correct answers for the pairs of flooring samples with different frictions were low compared with the percentages of correct answers for the pairs of flooring samples with different elasticity. However, the subjects who scuffed their heel on the ground prior to step on to the samples discriminated the differences fairly accurately, even for the materials with different frictions.

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タイトル／Title：
感触の異なる床仕上げ材による視覚障碍者歩行誘導設備の基礎的検討
Basic study about the Locomotion Guide System for Visually Impaired by using a Pair of Flooring Materials with Different Sense of Touch

著者／Authors：
原利明，小林吉之，塩手大介，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
リハビリテーション・エンジニアリング, 27-1, 31-37, 2012
Rehabil Engineering, 27-1, 31-37, 2012
抄録／Abstract：
本研究は，弾性差や摩擦差という感触の異なる床仕上げ材に着目し，それを用い視覚障害者に空間情報を提示する方法の基礎的研究である．建築空間で一般的に使われている3 種類の素材を用い，全盲の被験者に提示し，識別容易性の評価を行った．その結果，全盲の視覚障害者は感触の異なる床仕上げ材について，8割を超える正答率で識別でき，境界部に踏み込んでから3 歩以内で停止できることが明らかになった．以上のことから弾性差や摩擦差という感触の異なる床仕上げ材を用いることで視覚障害者に歩行空間を提示できる可能性が示唆された．
This study is the basic research of how to present information to the visual disabilities by using a pair of flooring materials with different elasticities or friction. We have evaluated discriminability, using three kinds of materials that are commonly used in the architectural space, presented in blind subjects. As a result, visual disabilities can discriminate with the percentages of correct answers were more than 80% of pair of flooring materials with different sense of touch, and can stop in less than three steps from delving into the boundary. From the above, the possibility of presenting visual disabilities pedestrian space by using a pair of flooring materials with different elasticities or friction has been suggested.

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タイトル／Title：
How Accurately People Can Discriminate the Differences of Floor Materials with Various Elasticities

著者／Authors：
小林吉之，大阪れい，原利明，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng. , 16, 1, 99-105, 2008
抄録／Abstract：
本研究は，弾性差や摩擦差という感触の異なる床仕上げ材に着目し，それを用い視覚障害者に空間情報を提示する方法の基礎的研究である．建築空間で一般的に使われている3 種類の素材を用い，全盲の被験者に提示し，識別容易性の評価を行った．その結果，全盲の視覚障害者は感触の異なる床仕上げ材について，8割を超える正答率で識別でき，境界部に踏み込んでから3 歩以内で停止できることが明らかになった．以上のことから弾性差や摩擦差という感触の異なる床仕上げ材を用いることで視覚障害者に歩行空間を提示できる可能性が示唆された．
Tactile ground surface indicators installed on sidewalks help visually impaired people walk safely. However, these indicators sometimes cause the non-visually impaired to stumble. Thus, these indicators also have to be made safer and less of a problem for those who do not use them. There are several facilities in Japan that have installed floor materials of different elasticity to indicate paths for the visually impaired. However, the effectiveness of this method has not been tested. Therefore, this study examined how accurately people can discriminate differences in the elasticity of flooring samples. Flooring samples of different elasticity were presented by placing two walking boards made of plywood, each surfaced with one of 3 different flooring samples, in an end-to-end fashion. Ten young adults whose sight was temporarily cut off by eye masks were asked to walk on the path for 144 trials and indicate whether the flooring samples were different or not. Interestingly, the percentages of correct answers were high for most pairs of samples. Moreover, there was a strong positive correlation between the percentage of correct answers and the magnitude of difference in floor elasticity. These results indicate that people can distinguish changes of flooring samples fairly accurately, even when there are no convexities, if there is sufficient difference in elasticity between the flooring samples.

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タイトル／Title：
視覚障害者を対象とした感触の異なる床仕上げ材間における白杖歩行時の識別容易性に関する研究
A Study on Discrimination Easiness between the Flooring Materials with Different Sense of Touch for the Visually Impaired Persons Walking with White Canes

著者／Authors：
原利明，小林吉之，塩手大介，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本生活支援工学会論文誌，Vol.13, No.2, pp.23-28, 2013
Japanese Society for Wellbeing Science and Assistive Technology, Vol.13, No.2, pp.23-28, 2013
抄録／Abstract：
本研究は，視覚障害者が歩行中に，感触の異なる床仕上げ材の差を足底や白杖から伝わる刺激でどの程度正確に識別できるかを客観的・定量的に評価することを目的とした．実験では，一般的に建築空間でよく用いられている4種の床仕上げ材と比較対象としてのJISで制定されている警告ブロックを，10名の全盲の視覚障害者に提示し，その正答率と停止できるまでの距離について比較検討を行った．距離については人種や個人の体格により歩幅に差があるため，歩数を記録することにした．その結果，本研究で用いた程度の弾性差，摩擦差があれば，従来の警告ブロックと統計学的に差のない程度に識別が可能であることが示唆された．また，感触の異なる床仕上げ材が提示された場合，白杖を用いない場合でも2歩以内，白杖を用いた場合には1歩以内で停止できることが確認された．特にミガキとカーペットや，ミガキとバーナーの組み合わせの場合，脚がそれらの床仕上げ材に踏み込む前に白杖のみで差を確認でき，従来の警告ブロックよりも手前で識別ができることが確認された．
This study intended to evaluate objectively and quantitatively how accurately the visually impaired can discriminate the flooring materials with different sense of touch. We present 5 pairs of flooring materials that are generally used in building to ten visually impaired, and examined the correct answer rates and the counts of steps to stop after they step in to the latter material while they walk with and without white cane. The results revealed that,1) the percentages of correct answers were higher than 80% for most pairs of samples even they do not use a long cane, 2) the percentages of correct answers were higher than 90% for most pairs of samples if they used a long cane. Moreover, 3) they could stop within two steps even when they do not use a long cane, and 4) they could stop within one step if they use a long cane. These results indicate that visually impaired people can distinguish changes of flooring samples fairly accurately, even when there are no convexities, if there is sufficient difference between the flooring samples.

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タイトル／Title：
傾いた障害物を跨いで越える際の歩容に関する研究
Obstacle Avoidance Movements while Stepping Over Tilted-Obstacles

著者／Authors：
小林吉之，嶺也守寛，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
バイオメカニズム学会誌，Vol.30，No.2，85-92，2006
Journal of the Society of Biomechanisms, Vol.30，No.2，85-92，2006
抄録／Abstract：
水平ではない障害物が跨ぎ越え動作に与える影響を評価するため，若年成人被験者に高さの異なる水平な障害物と角度の異なる前額面上で傾いた障害物を跨いで越えさせ，その際の歩容を3次元動態計測装置VICON-512を用いて計測した．計測したデータより外側及び内側MP関節に貼付したマーカから障害物までの距離をそれぞれ外側つま先クリアランス，内側つま先クリアランスと定義し，水平な障害物及び前額面上で傾いた障害物間で比較を行った．その結果，高さの異なる水平な障害物間では外側内側共につま先クリアランスに有意な差が認められなかった．一方前額面上で傾いた障害物を跨いで越えた際には外側つま先クリアランスが有意に減少した．これらのことからヒトが前額面上で傾いた障害物を跨いで越える際には，水平な障害物を跨いで越えるときほど余裕を持ってつま先を持ち上げておらず，障害物につまずく可能性が増加していることが示唆された．
To determine the effects of nonlevel obstacles on obstacle-avoidance movements, young adults were asked to step over obstacles with various angles and heights, and the gaits were collected by using 3D motion capture system VICON-512. From the collected data, we defined the distance between the marker placed on the 5th metatarsal and the obstacle as “Lateral Toe Clearances” and the distance between the marker placed on the 1st metatarsal and the obstacle as “Medial Toe Clearances”, and compared among leveled-obstacles and tilted-obstacles. There were no significant differences in lateral toe clearances among the leveled-obstacles of varying heights. However, the lateral toe clearances significantly decreased when stepping over the tilted-obstacles, compared to the leveled-obstacles. These results suggest that when people step over tilted-obstacles, they cannot raise their feet as much as they do when they step over leveled-obstacles, causing an increase in the chance of stumbling.

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タイトル／Title：
障害物に対してアプローチする方向が跨ぎ越え動作に与える影響
Effects of Approaching Direction to the Obstacle Avoidance Movements

著者／Authors：
小林吉之，泉川浩，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
バイオメカニズム学会誌, 34-4, 317-324, 2010
Journal of the Society of Biomechanisms, 34-4, 317-324, 2010
抄録／Abstract：
本研究では，障害物にアプローチする方向が，障害物を跨ぎ越える動作に与える影響を評価した．若年成人10名は，７つの方向（+60, +40, +20, 0, -20, -40, -60度）から障害物にアプローチし，提示された障害物を跨いで越えるように指示された．各試行では高さの異なる３つの障害物のうち１つ（25mm，50mm，150mm）が提示され，被験者は各条件を5試行ずつ繰り返した．被験者が障害物を跨ぎ越えた際の動作を三次元動態計測装置で記録し，以下のパラメータを条件間で比較した：つま先クリアランス，歩幅，歩隔，歩行速度．その結果，障害物にアプローチする方向はつまずきの観点からは跨ぎ越え動作に大きな影響を与えないが，バランスの観点からは重大な影響を与えることが示唆された．
Present study focused on the effect of approaching directions for stepping over an obstacle. Ten young adults and elderly were asked to head towards an obstacle from seven directions (+60, +40, +20, 0, -20, -40, and -60 degrees), and step over it. In each trial, one of the three obstacles with different heights (25mm, 50mm, and 150mm) were placed. Kinematics while the participants step over the obstacles were recorded using 3-D motion capturing system, and were compared using the following parameters among the conditions: step length and step width. The results revealed that the approaching direction to the obstacles does not critically affect the obstacle avoidance movement in regards to tripping, but may critically affect the movements in regards to loss-of-balance.

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タイトル／Title：
ヒト足部の身体位置覚に関する研究
The Study about Position Sense of Human Feet

著者／Authors：
小林吉之，嶺也守寛，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集C,Vol.73 No.725,274-279 ,2007
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. C, Vol.73 No.725,274-279 ,2007
抄録／Abstract：
本研究では足部身体位置覚に着目し，感覚上と実際との位置の差を比較すること，またその特徴を調べることを目的とした．実験では床面に表示した直線に対し足元の視野が遮蔽された状態で，足の内側もしくは外側の縁を沿わせ，その正確性の比較を行った．その結果以下のことが明らかになった．１）足部内側を沿わせた際には基準線より離れた位置に定置される傾向が，足部外側を沿わせた際には基準線に踏み込んで定置される傾向がそれぞれ認められ，両者の間には強い有意差が確認された．２）感覚上の足部位置と実際の足部位置との絶対的な誤差量には有意差は認められなかった．３）基準線に足部がもっとも踏み込む位置は第５中足骨頭付近であった．
To determine the accuracy of foot position sense in the means of foot placement, young adults were asked to place either medial edge or lateral edge of their feet along the base line on the floor as close as possible, and the edge of placed feet were scanned by using laser displacement gauge. From the collected data, constant error, the distances between the edge of placed feet and the base line on the floor, and absolute error, the absolute distances between the edge of placed feet and the base line on the floor were defined and compared between the medial or lateral trials, and dominant leg or in-dominant leg. The statistical analysis showed significant differences of constant error between the trials only. The trials to place their medial edge tend to place their feet away from the base line, and the trials to place their lateral edge tend to place their feet in to the base line. These results indicate that we tend to expect the position of our feet more medially than actual, and these discrepancy may be one of a reasons of tripping or banging of our feet to the obstacles while walking.

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タイトル／Title：
人が知覚している足部位置と実際の足部位置との誤差の特性
Feature of the Errors between the Perceived Toe Position and Actual Toe Position

著者／Authors：
長尾 裕太，小林吉之，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集C，Vol.77，No.783，4181-4188，2011
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. C, Vol.77，No.783，4181-4188，2011
抄録／Abstract：
本研究は，人が歩行中につまずく原因の一因を解明するために，知覚している足部の位置と実際の足部の位置との誤差に関する加齢の影響を評価した．高齢者及び若年者計20名を対象とし，指定した足部の部位に基準線を合わせることで知覚されている足部位置を評価する実験を行った結果，高齢者，若年者共に全体的には知覚している足部の位置が実際の足部の位置よりも約10-20mm内側にあることが確認された．しかし内側を知覚する際には高齢者の方が若年者に比べて知覚誤差が有意に小さかった．
To determine the effects of aging on the accuracy of perceived foot position, we conducted following experiment to 10 elderly and 10 young participants. Participants were asked to adjust the position of the target line as close as possible to either most medial or most lateral parts of their foot, while they wore a modified cape that obscured their view of their feet. Once they felt that target line was appropriately placed along the foot, the distance between the line and the foot was measured. No age-related differences were identified when they were asked to place the line along with the most lateral part of their foot. Both age groups tended to place the line 10-20 mm over the foot. However, the elderly displayed smaller errors than young when they were asked to place the line along with the most medial part of their foot. We also discussed the possible reasons that explain these features in the article.

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タイトル／Title：
人が知覚しているつま先の高さと実際のつま先の高さとの誤差
Errors between the Perceived Toe Height and Actual Toe Height

著者／Authors：
小林吉之，高橋健，長尾裕太，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
バイオメカニズム学会誌，Vo37, No.2, pp.121-126, 2013
Society of Biomechanics Japan, Vo37, No.2, pp.121-126, 2013
抄録／Abstract：
本研究は，歩行中のつまずきやすさに関連すると考えられる，つま先位置の鉛直方向の知覚特性に着目し，被験者本人が知覚しているつま先の位置と，実際のつま先の位置との誤差を定量的に評価した．実験では10名の若年健常者に対し，足元が見えないように視界が遮蔽された状態で，被験者の3[m]前方に提示した高さ提示用の試験片と同じ高さまでつま先の高さを合わせるよう指示した．被験者本人が，自分のつま先の高さが試験片の高さと同じになったと感じた時点で実際の高さとの差を計測し，試験片の高さ及び利き足か否かについて恒常誤差を分析した．その結果，試験片の高さが高くなるほど恒常誤差は負の方向に大きくなる傾向が確認された．またこのような傾向は，先行研究で報告されている関節位置覚の知覚特性と一部整合性がとれることも確認された．以上のことから被験者がつま先を高く持ち上げるほど，「自分が思ったよりも足が持ち上がっていない」状態が顕著となる傾向が示唆された．
This study focused on the features of the perceived foot heights which could be a factor of the risk of tripping during walking. We measured and evaluate the errors between the perceived foot heights and actual foot heights. Ten young adults, whose lower visual fields were occluded, were asked to adjust their toe height to the height of the target test-piece that placed on the floor 3[m] ahead of them. Once they felt that their toe height was appropriately matched to the target height, the distance between their toe and the target height was measured, and compared the constant errors among the conditions (height of the test-pieces and dominant limb). The amount of the constant error tended to increase in negative direction. Moreover, such features were consistent with the features of the joint position senses that reported previously. These results indicate that as the participants raise their toe higher, the heights of their toe tend to become lower than they expected.

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タイトル／Title：
Foot Position Tends to Be Sensed as More Medial Than the Actual Foot Position

著者／Authors：
小林吉之，藤本浩志，中澤公孝，赤居正美
論文誌／Journal：
Journal of Motor Behavior, 41(5), 437-43, 2009
抄録／Abstract：
本研究では感覚上の足部位置と実際の足部位置との差を比較するために，足元の視界が遮断された状態で，床面に表示された直線（以下，基準線）に対し足部のさまざまな部分を，基準線に踏まないようにできるだけ近づけるように指示し，定置された足部と基準線との距離を計測した．足部の外側を基準線に合わせたときは，20-30mm踏み込んで定置し，内側を基準線に合わせたときは，20-30mm離して定置する傾向があった．これらの結果により，定置した実際の足部位置は感覚上の足部位置よりも外側にずれていることを示している．これが歩行中のつまずきの原因となる可能性がある．
Participants were asked to place different parts of their foot as close as possible to a target line without stepping onto it, while wearing modified goggles that obscured their view of their feet. Once they felt that their foot was appropriately placed, the distance between their foot and the target line was measured. Participants tended to step 20-30mm over the target line when asked to place the most lateral part of their foot near the target line, and tended to place their foot 20-30mm away from the target line when asked to place the most medial part of their foot near the target line. These results indicate that the placed feet shifted more lateral than sensed, which may explain unexpected tripping during walking.

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タイトル／Title：
非線形有限要素解析による短下肢装具設計過程での可撓性評価手法
An evaluation technique for the flexibility of an ankle-foot orthosis in the design process by nonlinear finite element analysis

著者／Authors：
嶺也守寛，高嶋孝倫，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
ライフサポート学会誌, Vol.19, No.1, 17-22, 2007
Journal of the Society of Life Support Technology,Vol.19, No.1, 17-22, 2007
抄録／Abstract：
本研究では，非線形有限要素解析を使用して短下肢装具の設計過程における可撓性の評価を行った．装具モデルは，足の石膏型から3次元接触式測定器を使用してデジタル化を行い，厚み3種類とトリミング4種類を組み合わせて全12種類を作成した．各装具の非線形有限要素解析を行い，装具の変形特性を得ることができた．また，引張実験と比較して妥当性を確認することができた．歩行分析の結果より4つの装具モデルの仮選定を行い，歩行中の３条件（立脚初期，立脚中期，遊脚期）での可撓性の評価を行った．非線形有限要素解析では，装具モデル，足部モデル，床面モデルの接触定義と歩行実験で得られた足部の底背屈モーメントを境界条件として解析を行った．装具の構造的な安全性の確認するために安全率による評価を行った．以上のことにより，装具設計システムの可能性が示唆された．
In this study, we evaluated the flexibility of an ankle-foot orthosis in the design process by Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis. A digitized orthosis model was made from a plaster leg model using a 3D digitizing system. A total of 12 orthosis models were made with 3 values of thickness and 4 values of trimming. With each model, we conducted a Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis to collect modification characteristics, and confirmed its validity from a comparison from the results of a tensile test. We evaluated 4 orthosis models chosen from the results of a real gait analysis for their flexibility under 3 conditions of simulated gait: during heel-contact, mid-stance, and swing-phase. In Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis, contact definitions of the Orthosis model, Foot model, Floor model and the moment of the ankle joint calculated form the gait analysis were used as boundary conditions．Moreover, we evaluated the factor of safety in order to confirm the structural safety of the orthosis. Altogether, this study proposes the possibility of a new orthosis design system.

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タイトル／Title：
短下肢装具設計過程における疲労評価手法
An evaluation technique of the fatigue analysis of an ankle-foot-orthosis in the design process

著者／Authors：
嶺也守寛，高嶋孝倫，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集C Vol.74，No.740，2008
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. C, Vol.74，No.740，2008
抄録／Abstract：
短下肢装具（AFO；Ankle Foot Orthosis）を設計する際に，装具の疲労破壊にも着目し，装具使用者の生活状況を踏まえたうえで，材料学的観点から短下肢装具の疲労解析を試みた．脳卒中による痙性によって歩行中に発生する足関節モーメントを独自に開発した装置で計測し，踵接地時における足部角度と足関節モーメントの関係に着目した．3次元CADにより設計した被験者ごとに異なる装具に対して，これらのデータを適用して非線形有限要素解析を行った．この解析では，装具モデル，足部モデル，床面モデルの接触定義と歩行実験で得られた足部の底背屈モーメントを境界条件として解析を行い，疲労破壊の危険性の高い部位を明らかにした．さらにこれらの部位に対して，被験者ごとの生活状況を加味した疲労解析を行った．これらの結果から，装具の可撓性と疲労破壊とを統合した設計手法の可能性を示唆することができた．
We have studied concerning the design technique of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) that is used spastic hemiplegia of the stroke. We developed the equipment for measurement in order to measure the influence which it causes to spasticity gait. The ankle joint moments are calculated by the measurement data. In addition, you appraised of gait lability as the scatter plot by the angle and the moment of ankle joint in heel contact. These appraisal results were made the element which selects the orthosis. The design of the orthosis was utilized three dimensional cad, and the structural of the orthosis was analyzed the non-linear finite element analysis by the boundary condition which utilizes the measurement data. In this study, the life prediction of the orthosis which deals with 2 orthosis users was made help of the design factor. In order to investigate the life cycle of the orthosis user, the number of steps and living conditions were investigated. As for material definition S-N curve of the PP material was used. The result of fatigue analysis, it was suggested that fatigue analysis of the orthosis is effective as the help in orthosis designing.

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タイトル／Title：
計測用装具を用いた痙性麻痺の歩容解析に関する研究
Research on the Gait Analysis of the Spasticity Paralysis using the Measurement Orthosis

著者／Authors：
嶺也守寛，小林吉之，高嶋孝倫，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集C編，Vol.72，No.722, 210-215, 2006
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. C, Vol.72，No.722, 210-215, 2006
抄録／Abstract：
脳卒中片麻痺者の痙性の特徴を計測するためにＳＭＯ（痙性計測用装具）を開発した．より適切な短下肢装具の設計手法を確立するために脳卒中片麻痺に焦点を当てました．実験システムは12台のＣＣＤカメラによる動作解析システムと8枚床反力計とＳＭＯを組み合わせて計測しました．健常者と4人の脳卒中片麻痺者を被験者としました．各被験者にＳＭＯを装着してもらい床反力計の上を普段通りに歩行しました．実験の結果，各被験者の足関節モーメントが計算され，それらの実験データは，装具処方に要求される踵接地時に着目し，ＳＭＯのモーメントと踵接地時の接地角を比較することによって評価しました．よって，装具設計要件を決定づける可能性が示唆された．
We developed the SMO (Spastic Measurement orthosis) in order to measure the feature of spasticity by the paralysis of stroke. Because we focused on patients suffering from hemiplegics stroke in order to develop a design method of an AFO, which fit patients even more. Experiment method: Experiment system was consisted combining 3D Video Tracking system of 12CCD-camera and 8 force plates and SMO. Subjects of the experiment were conducted by healthy person and four stroke persons. Each subject who wore the SMO walked on the floor reaction force by usual walk. Experiment Result: Each subject's ankle joint moment was calculated and these experiments data were evaluated by comparison of the moment of SMO and foot angle at the Heel contact, paying attention to heel contact required for orthosis prescription. The possibility in order to determine of requirements for the design orthosis was suggested from these experiment results.

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タイトル／Title：
矢状面における歩行中の足部内側アーチ形状変化　－X線DR方式，三次元動態解析による計測－
Transformation of the Medial Arch of Human Foot Complex in Sagittal Plane　-Measurement by X-ray Digital Ragiography and Video Motion Capture System-

著者／Authors：
高嶋孝倫，肥沼武司，藤本浩志，高西淳夫
論文誌／Journal：
日本機会学会論文集C Vol.67，No.663，143-148，2001
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. C,Vol.67，No.663，143-148，2001
抄録／Abstract：
人の歩行中，矢状面内における足内側アーチの角度変化をX線連続撮影，及び三次元動態計測装置(VICON)の二種の方法にて計測した．X線連続撮影では骨像を8frame/secにて計測し，テンプレートを用いた骨特徴点の座標化を行い，内側アーチを構成する小関節の角度変化を導出した．装置の制限から立脚相のみを計測し，内側アーチの最大開大角約8度と立脚相後半にピークを迎える山型の波形パターンが結果として得られた．他方，三次元動作計測は足表面からの計測にもかかわらず，同様の結果が得られ，その有効性が確認された．
Transformation of the medial arch arch angle of human foot was observed at sagittal plane during gait cycle by two methods: X-ray television and Computer Aided Video Motion Analysis (Vicon). Although the X-ray television has access to measurement of angles between templates， the X-ray television has problem such as exposure to radiation， human error is acquiring digital data out of the templates， and low sampling late of Digital Radiograph-Fluroscopy. The VICON is a method to measure 3D coordinates of makers attached at the surface of the foot by 3D video tracking system， then estimate medial arch angle of the templates from the 3D makers. Transformation of the medial arch angle at stance phase were measure by the X-ray television and the VICON， and results of the two methods were compared. The transformation pattern estimated by the VICON was approximate to the transformation measured by the X-ray. Use of the VIOCN for the estimation of the medial arch angle of human foot was confirmed.

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タイトル／Title：
歩行中のヒト足部におけるアーチ支持力　－力学モデルを用いた逆動力学解析－
Determination of the Longitudinal Arch Moment of the Human Foot Complex During Gait : Inverse Dynamics Model Analysis

著者／Authors：
高嶋孝倫，藤本浩志，高西淳夫
論文誌／Journal：
日本機会学会論文集C Vol.68，No672，209-214，2002
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. C, Vol.68，No672，209-214，2002
抄録／Abstract：
ヒトの歩行中における足部のアーチへのモーメントを「アーチモーメント」として，逆動力学解析を行う事により導出した．足は28個の骨で構成される複雑な構造であるが，ここでは単純な2リンクモデルとした．その中心位置はX線ビデオ解析による瞬間中心の位置解析によって舟状骨付近と推定した．アーチモーメントの導出に必要な運動に起因するパラメータを被験者の三次限動態計測によって求め，生体のパラメータは推定値である．ここで提唱したアーチモーメントは足内部における支持力に相当すると考え，靭帯の支持力に関して考察を行った．
“Arch moment” of human foot complex is determined by model analysis using Newton-Euler inverse dynamics argorism. Human foot is arch shaped structure that is highly complex， composed of 28 bones， any ligaments and intrinsic/extrinsic musculotendans support. The arch displacement occurs during a gait cycle. This motion has an instant center， which is placed on the navicular bone， as we have decided using X-ray analysis. The foot model is constructed by two rigid bodies connected with one hinge joint.
The arch moment determination materials are (1)kinetic and kinematic data，(2)body segment parameters. Each floor reaction force to forefoot and hindfoot are measured by two force plates. Three adult subjects were studied during normal gait. The anthropometric data are acquired by 12-camera VICON system. The body segment parameters are estimation data using plaster model. We discuss that the arch moment is equal to the arch support moment composed of ligaments and muscles， and the ligaments constraint the foot arch like a rope.

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タイトル／Title：
単純化された足部モデルによる足アーチの粘弾性解析
Analysis of the Human Foot Arch Viscoelasticity using the Simple Model of the Arch Support Elements

著者／Authors：
高嶋孝倫，藤本浩志，高西淳夫
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集C，Vol.69，No.685，173-178，2003
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. C, Vol.69，No.685，173-178，2003
抄録／Abstract：
歩行中のアーチはたわんでおり，特に踏み切り期において最大モーメントが生起し変形する．この変形は歩行中のアーチ粘弾性特性の変化によってコントロールされるとの仮説を立て，粘弾性特性の同定により以下の結論を得た．(1)踏み切り期における弾性率が最大となり，構造強化を示す．(2)足底接地期における粘性率が最大となり，衝撃緩衝効果を示す．(3)同一被験者の朝夕の足では，夕のアーチ弾性率が低下する．これらにより複雑なアーチ支持のメカニズムが定量的に示された．また，この手法を応用し，今後様々な足部評価が可能である．
The viscoelasticities of arch support structures was recognized in this study， using the simple foot model with the torsional spring-damper model to apply the maximum deformation was observed in midstance to push-off. Then the deformation is controlled by means of arch support elements. The recognizing method was based on the hypostheses that the experimented external arch moment was equal to theoretical internal arch moment. The stiffness of the arch was identified at 4 phases in a gait cycle， (?)heel contact phase， (?)the entire planter contact phase， (?)push off phase， and (?)swing phase. This study shows three results. (1)The arch elasticity increases in the phase 3(n=6，p<.01)， since it’s produced by functional changes based on Elftman， windlass mechanism based on Hicks， and muscle activities. (2)The arch viscosity increases in the phase 2(n=6，p<.01)， because of the shock absorption in some arch functions. (3)We recognized much more stiffness with the evening foot than the morning foot(n=6).

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タイトル／Title：
距骨下関節・距腿関節・MP関節・アーチを有するモデル解析
Model Analysis of the Human Foot Include Subtalar Joint,Taroclural Joint，Taroclural Joint，and Foot Arch

著者／Authors：
高嶋孝倫，藤本浩志，垣花渉，高西淳夫
論文誌／Journal：
日本機械学会論文集C Vol.69，No.688，111-116，2003
Transactions of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. C, Vol.69，No.688，111-116，2003
抄録／Abstract：
ヒトの足は歩行中にその形状を変えている．本稿ではこれを足部内の距骨下関節･距腿関節･アーチの連動した角度変化として捉え上記3関節を有するモデル解析によってこれらの関節モーメントを定量化した．生体計測によって取得した関節位置，及び床反力値による逆動力学解析手法を用いた．得られた3関節の角度変化とモーメントはこれらの関節の連動を示唆するものであった．また，足部を駆動する筋群はこれらの関節に重複して働く事に着目し，筋活動を考察した．
The purpose of this study is to investigate the functional displacement of human foot complex during gait cycle. The methodlogy is to present the mathematical foot model which is three joints rigid rink 3D model consists of taroclural joint(TCJ)， subtalar joint(STJ)，and a foot arch as a hinge joint， and to determine the angle motion and moments in each joints using the inverse dynamics analysis method. The foot model is based on anthropometric sampling date during a normal gait， and coordinate transformation to the each joint. The results of this study showed that the functional displacements of the three joints holding biomechanical relationships based by Elftman(1964)， and indicated the shape changes of the human foot complex during gait. We discussed that the muscle activities effect to the foot motion about a new point of view by using the results of three joint moments in this study.

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タイトル／Title：
ロコモティブシンドローム該当者に特徴的な歩行中の下肢関節運動
Gait Characteristics of high scoreres of the locomotive syndrome

著者／Authors：
鈴木漠，小林吉之，持丸正明，藤本浩志
論文誌／Journal：
バイオメカニズム学会誌，Vol.40，No.3，183-193，2016
Journal of the Society of Biomechanisms Japan, Vol.40，No.3，183-193，2016
抄録／Abstract：
本研究は，日常生活中の歩行動作から，ユーザがロコモティブシンドロームに該当するかを評価する技術を将来的に開発するために，まずロコモ該当者の歩行特徴を明らかにすることを目的とした．本研究では，三次元動作計測装置と床反力計を用いて高齢者54名（うちロコモ該当者10名）の歩行を計測した．得られたデータより1歩行周期中の下肢3関節3平面の関節角度を計算し，時間正規化したうえで，各時点の5試行分の平均値と標準偏差を算出した．更にそれらのデータを標準化したうえで，54（名）×1818（3関節，3平面，101等分された平均値と標準偏差）の入力行列に対して主成分分析を行った．分析の結果得られた各主成分の主成分得点についてはロコモ該当者とロコモ非該当者でt検定を行い，群間の差を評価した．ここで有意差が確認された主成分についてはその主成分に関する動きを再構築し，特徴となる動きの解釈に用いた．分析の結果，第6，9，12主成分がロコモと関連していることが明らかになった．このうち第6主成分は，股関節角度と足関節角度の観点から，第12主成分は歩調の観点からそれぞれ歩行速度に影響しており，ロコモ該当者は非該当者よりも歩行速度が遅いことが確認された．また第9主成分は矢状面における関節可動域に関連が認められ，ロコモ該当者は非該当者よりも可動域が小さい傾向が確認されたが，歩行速度や歩幅などの時空間変数との関連は認められなかった．以上のことから，これらの歩行特徴をセンサシステムで計測することによって，歩行動作からロコモ該当者を発見できる可能性が考えられた．
The purpose of this study was to identify the key joint kinematics characteristics during walking that related to Locomotive syndrome (LS) in order to develop some kind of device which can assess the risk of LS from gait on a daily basis. For this purpose, joint kinematics data during walking were obtained from 54 healthy community-dwelling elderly subjects (10 belong to LS). From these data, we calculated time-normalized lower limb joint angles on three planes during one gait cycle. For each time point, we also calculated averages and standard deviations of joint angles within the 5 trials. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted using input matrix made from the time–normalized lower limb joint angle kinematics (3 Planes × 3 Joints × 101 poins × 2 parameters). To determine Principal Component Vector (PCV) related to LS, we conducted t-tests on the Principal Component Scores of each PCV related to LS between LS group and non-LS group. To understand joint kinematics related to LS, we reconstructed them from each PCV related to LS. Among these PCVs, PCV 6 affect walking speed from hip and anlke joint angles point of view, and PCV 12 affect walking speed from cadence point of view. These PCVs revealed that LS group walks smaller walking speed than non-LS group. Further, PCV 9 related to ROM during walking on sagittal plane: LS group tended to showe smaller ROM than non-LS group. However, this PCV did not relate to spatiotemporal variables such as walking speed or step length. These findings suggest the possibility to develop some kind of sensor systems to assess LS using these characteristics .
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