HALデザイン研究所 List of Products and Services

This is a three-dimensional walking measurement system that achieves walking measurement, typically conducted with multiple cameras, using just one camera. It can measure walking speed, stride length, walking posture, and indicators related to walking posture. Precise motion analysis can be performed in a short time without attaching markers to the subjects, allowing them to wear their everyday clothes. Additionally, measurement results can be immediately checked on a computer and analyzed on the spot. ~Why can we achieve 3D measurement with just one camera and without markers?~ We capture surface point cloud data visible from one camera. ↓ By matching the surface point cloud data with a standard human model, we measure the three-dimensional coordinates of the joints. 【What can be measured with Anakin-Single】 ■ Stride length, walking speed, walking posture ■ Walking posture from various angles ■ Changes in the position of body parts and joint angles *For more details, please contact us or view the materials available for download.

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The markerless three-dimensional motion analysis system "Anakin System" allows for motion measurement without markers and while wearing everyday clothes, enabling posture and motion measurement without hassle by bringing the equipment to the site. In the example of a backpack that is easy to carry, markers are attached to the backpack to measure the relative displacement with specific parts of the body. The smaller the tilt range of the torso forward and backward (in the direction of movement), the easier it is to carry. Conversely, backpacks that are difficult to carry resulted in a larger forward tilt angle and greater sway in posture both laterally and front-to-back. 【Features】 ■ Precise motion analysis can be performed without attaching markers to the subjects. ■ No specialized knowledge is required for attaching markers due to the markerless design. ■ Measurements can be taken quickly while wearing everyday clothes. ■ Measurement results can be immediately checked on a computer, allowing for on-the-spot analysis. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments
• 3D measuring device
• Other analyses

The markerless three-dimensional motion analysis system "Anakin System" allows for motion measurement without markers while wearing everyday clothes, making it possible to measure posture and movements without hassle by bringing the equipment to the site. According to previous research, if walking speed falls below 0.8 m/sec, there is a higher likelihood of developing dementia. By continuously monitoring walking speed, there is potential to prevent dementia. Therefore, this system, which allows for immediate assessment of walking speed and stride by simply walking about 4 meters towards the camera while dressed in everyday clothes, is effective. It is essential to regularly measure elderly individuals without much effort, to recognize early signs of dementia from any changes, and to take necessary actions as needed. 【Features】 ■ Precise motion analysis can be conducted without attaching markers to the subjects. ■ No specialized knowledge is required for marker attachment due to the markerless design. ■ Measurements can be taken in everyday clothes in a short amount of time. ■ Measurement results can be immediately checked on a computer and analyzed on-site. *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments
• 3D measuring device
• Other analyses

The markerless three-dimensional motion analysis system "Anakin System" allows for motion measurement without markers and while wearing everyday clothing, enabling posture and motion measurement without hassle by bringing the equipment to the site. In the example of a vacuum cleaner, it measures various parameters such as the tilt of the torso, the angles between the torso and upper limbs, the angles between the upper limbs and upper arms, and the hand's movement speed. As a result, it was found that more user-friendly vacuum cleaners have a greater speed of movement (hand speed). 【Features】 - Allows for precise motion analysis without attaching markers to the subjects. - No specialized knowledge is required for attaching markers due to the markerless design. - Measurements can be taken quickly while wearing everyday clothing. - Measurement results can be immediately checked on a computer and analyzed on-site. *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments
• 3D measuring device
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The markerless three-dimensional motion analysis system "Anakin System" allows for motion measurement without markers, enabling measurements of posture and movement without hassle by bringing equipment to the site while wearing everyday clothing. In the case of easy-to-open and difficult-to-open containers, it is thought that difficult-to-open containers cause both elbows to rise and create a wider gap, which hinders the exertion of force. Conversely, easy-to-open containers result in both elbows being lower and closer to the body, making it easier to exert force. 【Features】 ■ Precise motion analysis can be conducted without attaching markers to the subjects. ■ No specialized knowledge is required for attaching markers due to the markerless design. ■ Measurements can be taken quickly while wearing everyday clothing. ■ Measurement results can be immediately checked on a computer and analyzed on-site. *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments
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The markerless three-dimensional motion analysis system "Anakin System" allows for motion measurement without markers and while wearing everyday clothing, enabling posture and motion analysis without hassle by bringing the equipment to the field. In the example of the "Ayatori" (string figure), we focus on the lateral opening of the LeftForceArm (wrist) and the height of the LeftFoot (foot) from the floor. Beginners have a decent timing for opening their arms, but initially, they jump higher than advanced users; however, they gradually fall lower, while advanced users are evaluated as jumping lower but more steadily compared to beginners. 【Features】 ■ Precise motion analysis can be performed without attaching markers to the subjects. ■ No specialized knowledge is required for attaching markers due to the markerless design. ■ Measurements can be taken quickly while wearing everyday clothing. ■ Measurement results can be immediately checked on a computer and analyzed on-site. *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments
• 3D measuring device
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The markerless three-dimensional motion analysis system "Anakin System" allows for motion measurement without markers, enabling measurements of posture and movement without hassle by bringing equipment to the site while wearing everyday clothing. In the example of a tennis swing, differences in body axis (core) alignment were observed between experienced players and beginners. Focusing on the displacement in the X-axis direction between Spine1 and Spine2, it was found that experienced players had smaller displacements, while beginners had larger ones, resulting in unstable shots. 【Features】 ■ Precise motion analysis can be conducted without attaching markers to the subjects. ■ No specialized knowledge is required for attaching markers due to the markerless design. ■ Measurements can be taken quickly while wearing everyday clothing. ■ Measurement results can be immediately checked on a computer and analyzed on-site. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments
• 3D measuring device
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The markerless three-dimensional motion analysis system "Anakin System" allows for motion measurement without markers while wearing everyday clothing, enabling posture and motion analysis without hassle by bringing the equipment to the site. We evaluated the differences in walking motion between walking shoes that have a weight loss effect and those that do not. As a result, it was found that in the case of shoes with a weight loss effect, walking speed and stride length increased. Additionally, differences in gait (walking posture, foot movement, arm swing, etc.) can also be observed. 【Features】 ■ Precise motion analysis can be conducted without attaching markers to the subjects. ■ No specialized knowledge is required for attaching markers due to the markerless design. ■ Measurements can be taken quickly while wearing everyday clothing. ■ Measurement results can be immediately checked on a computer and analyzed on-site. *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments
• 3D measuring device
• Other analyses

The markerless three-dimensional motion analysis system "Anakin System" allows for motion measurement without markers, enabling measurements of posture and movement effortlessly while wearing everyday clothes and bringing equipment to the site. It can easily measure body tilt and waist rotation on-site, making it useful for fitness instruction and evaluating rehabilitation effects. 【Features】 ■ Precise motion analysis can be conducted without attaching markers to the subject. ■ No specialized knowledge is required for attaching markers due to the markerless design. ■ Measurements can be taken quickly while wearing everyday clothes. ■ Measurement results can be immediately checked on a computer and analyzed on-site. *For more details, please request materials or view the PDF data available for download.

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As you know, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are entering an era where people place more emphasis on the richness of the heart rather than material wealth. It is no longer guaranteed that good products will sell simply because they are well-made; it is necessary to provide new value that includes this aspect. Service design makes this possible. On June 14, we held the second installment of our lecture series "Service Design Thinking and Business Creation," which will take place on July 23 and 30 (online via Zoom). This time, we will focus on "Service Design Thinking," and the author will introduce each method one by one. Anyone, even those without specialized knowledge, can participate easily. We will introduce various brainstorming methods related to not only traditional hardware but also software concepts, as well as how to create services in the service era. For more details, please visit the URL below. https://www.website.hal-design.com/blog

• Technical Seminar

[Information we would like you to disclose for the development of new field products] Characteristics of the technology and products held by your company (advantages, disadvantages) [Steps for product planning in new fields] The product planning engine and HAL Design Institute will use their available methods, data, and technology to plan new products following the steps below. 1. Extracting benefits for users We will thoroughly identify how the characteristics of the technology and products held by your company provide lifestyle benefits for various users (this is an important step for product planning in different applications or entirely different markets from existing products). 2. Discovering unmet (desired but unfulfilled) needs We will translate lifestyle benefits into lifestyle needs and identify the actions currently being taken to meet those needs. Next, we will uncover unmet needs from those actions and the associated issues. (We will refer to our company's data.) 3. Generating product ideas We will generate ideas using unique methods based on the unmet needs. 4. Creating product concepts After further developing, refining, and identifying and improving shortcomings of the ideas, we will create and evaluate a product concept that includes these elements and finalize it.

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We will introduce various ideation methods related to software concepts, as well as ways to create services suitable for the service era, not just traditional hardware approaches. 1. Service Ideation Method 18:00-19:00 We will present 17 ideation methods based on the following perspectives centered around software that is appropriate for the service economy: keywords, field research, collaboration, frameworks, abstraction levels, and design processes. 2. Business Building Methods 19:00-20:00 Depending on the development status, we will introduce methods and examples for logically creating a business by combining the following four units: ideation, systems, business models, and evaluation. [Event Overview] ■ Date and Time: June 14, 2022 (Tuesday) 18:00-20:00 (Entry allowed 10 minutes before start) ■ Participation Requirements: Textbook purchasers; we trust the participants' integrity and will not check. ■ Participation Fee: Free <Pre-registration required> ■ Application Method: Please fill out the necessary information at the link below and submit. https://forms.gle/VT93yQyJWz9dtdRJ6

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■Campaign Period: May 9, 2022 - September 30, 2022 ■Free Rental Period: 2 weeks, demo available ■Eligible Rental Equipment ・Motion and Gait Measurement System (WA-Kv2) ・Gait Measurement System (WAS-Kv2) ■Maximum Discount Rate on Sale Price ・Motion and Gait Measurement System (WA-Kv2) → 40% OFF ・Gait Measurement System (WAS-Kv2) → 20% OFF ■Usage Examples (For details, please refer to the attached materials) 1. Measures differences and changes in body posture and movement ・Effects of fitness and rehabilitation ・Effects of various supports and shoes ・Methods of practice in sports, their effects, and differences between beginners and experts ・Changes in mind and body due to aging 2. Measures ease of use and difficulty of products ・Ease of use and maintenance of home appliances ・Ease of use of various daily necessities ・Ease of use of various tools and equipment *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us. ■Application Method: Please inquire and apply through the link below.

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments

To create a school backpack that children will love and use for a long time, it is important to consider "ease of carrying." When children try on various backpacks, there are certainly some that are easier to carry than others. However, understanding specifically what makes them different and how is challenging, making it difficult to improve the products. HAL Design Institute has proposed a method to measure the "ease of carrying" of backpacks using our developed 'Markerless 3D Motion Measurement System.' As a result, we received feedback from clients stating that they understood the differences between "easy to carry" backpacks and those that are not, which helped them figure out how to design the main body and shoulder straps of an easy-to-carry backpack. Would you like to measure the movements of your products as well? Please feel free to contact us when needed. *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to reach out to us.*

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• 3D measuring device

【Network Structure】 Composed of three groups: experts from various fields, client companies, and our company. 【Services Offered】 Various information services and consulting services. 【Various Information Services】 ■ Support for design and design-related questions you may have (first consultation free). ■ Information Subscription Introduction of the latest information on three areas related to product and service creation (ergonomics, design, marketing), including case studies (5 times a year, featuring experts like Professor Yamaoka from Kyoto Women's University). ■ Seminars Held once a year on how to build UX and extract requirements (2 hours in February 2022). 【Consulting Services】 (Separate fee from annual membership, estimates available) ■ Our Consulting Achievements For the past 10 years, we have supported manufacturing through ergonomics, with a track record of approximately 100 companies (150 themes). Please refer to the attached documents for contracted companies. ■ Features of Consulting Support for uncovering users' latent needs and creating hit products that provide users with excitement and new value. Utilization of our strong data on unmet needs and high-sensitivity evaluation monitors. One product per company. The network is scheduled to start operations on April 1, 2022. If you wish to participate, please contact us (deadline: February 28, 2022).

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**What is OpenPose?** OpenPose is a method developed by Zhe Cao and others at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) that visualizes human poses using deep learning. Specifically, it can detect human joint points simply by inputting a still image. In other words, displaying the positions of joints as points makes it easier to understand angles at the knees or the degree of elbow bending. However, it is important to note that these are purely 2D data and do not take depth into account. **Expansion from 2D to 3D** By utilizing our proprietary calibration technology, we can obtain markerless 3D surface point cloud data of a person. We can then apply the 2D joint point coordinates obtained from OpenPose to this data to derive 3D joint point coordinates. **Number of Cameras and Measurement Accuracy** - With 3 cameras: We can measure the full-body surface point cloud data, allowing for accurate joint point coordinates. - With 2 cameras: We cannot measure the full-body surface point cloud data. - With 1 camera: Please refer to the attached materials for more details.

• 3D measuring device

HAL Design Institute Co., Ltd. aims to create user satisfaction-oriented product planning. We will hold a seminar on two methods that make this possible on November 1st (Monday). We invite you to take this opportunity to register for the seminar. 【Seminar Details】 ■ Part 1: Product Planning with 100 Times Hit Rate Using the Key Needs Method (13:05-14:35) - This method uncovers "unmet strong needs" that users themselves may not even be aware of from their deep psychology, enabling high-hit product planning by responding to these needs (Key Needs Method). ■ Part 2: Visualization Methods for Business, Design, and UX/Story (14:40-16:10) - By addressing life needs and considering user experiences, we design user satisfaction-oriented services that provide more surprise and empathy than ever before. 【Event Overview】 ■ Date and Time: November 1, 2021 (Monday) 13:00-16:10 (Entrance available 10 minutes before start) ■ Participation Fee: Free <Pre-registration required> An invitation will be sent to the email address of those wishing to participate at a later date. ■ Application Method: Please contact us below, clearly stating "Request to Participate in Seminar."

• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments
• Other measurement, recording and measuring instruments

**Why can measurements be taken with a single camera without markers?** The joint positions during walking are determined using the following steps: - A depth camera captures the surface point cloud data visible from the camera. - Next, the standard human model stored in the computer is matched with the surface point cloud data. - From the matching results, the three-dimensional coordinates of the joint points can be obtained. - A simple calibration is performed to reduce errors caused by lens distortion. **Why can't walking measurements be taken with OpenPose?** - Recently, OpenPose has gained attention as software that estimates joint points (2D) from human appearance and data such as video footage. - While posture and skeletal estimation is indeed possible, it is considered difficult to obtain three-dimensional joint angles. **What can be measured with Anakin-Single?** The following measurement results can be confirmed on-site: - Stride length, walking speed, and cadence. - Walking posture viewed from various angles (displayed in stick picture format). - Changes in the position of various body parts and joint angles. **Prevention of dementia** Simply walking about 4 meters in everyday clothes provides immediate results.

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**Discovering Users' "Unmet Strong Needs"** Uncover "unmet strong needs" that users themselves may not even realize through the following steps: - Identify daily activities (such as cooking) that the person is doing reluctantly, even though they would rather not do them. - Next, investigate the purpose behind those actions. - The "unmet strong needs" are what they want to achieve, even if it involves doing something unpleasant. - Although it may seem easy to find answers, both the user and the researcher need to think carefully to arrive at a conclusion. **Planning User Satisfaction-Creating Products** - Unlike before, addressing dissatisfaction and discomfort from fragmented and intermittent scenes inevitably leads to a short-sighted product concept. - Therefore, it is essential to narrate the user's experiences with the product or system as a story and consider solutions for the "unmet strong needs" accordingly. - The UX framework (refer to attached document, page 6) has been prepared for this purpose. - By using it, it becomes possible to create product plans that are more surprising and empathetic, focused on user satisfaction. - However, since the UX framework is a starting point, it is necessary to reflect and revise it while progressing with the product concept, detailed specifications of the system, visualization, and tasks.

• Management consultant/Small business consultant
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"Why are products not selling despite having good functionality and usability?" For example, even if a tasting receives good reviews, if the response is, "This is tasty, but since I already have XX, I don't necessarily need this product," it indicates a state of being "satisfied" elsewhere, meaning there is no need to go out of the way to buy a new product. "What are unmet needs?" These refer to needs characterized by the state of "wanting to do something, but being unable to." If these needs are not addressed, products will not sell. In today's era of satisfaction, most unmet needs are latent and invisible to companies, and users themselves may not even be aware of them. "How can we uncover unmet needs?" ■ Group Dynamic Interviews By discussing "things that one reluctantly does but doesn't really want to do," we can uncover latent needs that the individuals themselves may not even realize they have. ■ CAS Analysis This involves examining the current behaviors of users regarding a specific life need. Next, we identify the problems arising from those behaviors, flip those problems around, and highlight what users truly want, which are the unmet needs. (For more details, please refer to the attached materials.)

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【Motion Measurement with Azure Kinect】 Our company has successfully utilized the Azure Kinect, the successor to Kinect 2, with our technology, achieving the potential to use it as a markerless 3D motion measurement system. We have already published an overview of the insights gained during this process, so please refer to our catalog. This time, we conducted actual walking measurements. Below, we outline the issues encountered during the experiments and the countermeasures taken, as well as examples of walking measurement results, which are introduced in the catalog. If you are interested, please contact us. 【Issues Encountered】 Errors may occur during the startup process when powering on the Azure Kinect, depending on the conditions of the capture range, and it may become impossible to recover from these errors. This happens when there are objects within the field of view that the Azure Kinect cannot measure. Specifically, this includes objects that are either too close or too far away. Errors also occur when the sky is within the field of view. 【Countermeasures】 It is necessary to follow quite complex procedures to recover from this issue. If you are having trouble with this matter, please contact us.

• 3D measuring device

【Evaluation Technology Based on Human and Life Engineering】 Rather than evaluating individual products or services, we strive to assess them in light of the various characteristics of the users. For example, items designed to be carried on the back include school backpacks, bags, and framed carriers. The component that connects these items to the person is the shoulder strap. Based on insights gained from our past research, we have determined that the material of wetsuits is suitable for shoulder straps. Below, we present the experimental plan and evaluation results to assess its effectiveness. 【Evaluation Plan】 ■Experimental Method Two types of shoulder straps were used, and standard-weight learning materials were placed in the school backpack to evaluate walking movements and jumping in place. ■Target Shoulder Straps We focused on conventional artificial leather and the material of wetsuits (hereafter referred to as the new material). ■Monitors (Subjects) First and second-grade elementary school students ■Evaluation Items - Subjective evaluation (ease of carrying, no physical burden, body instability, etc.) - Posture and movements Body tilt while walking, swaying side to side and front to back - Relationship between person and object Displacement between the school backpack and the body, pressure exerted between the shoulder strap and the body For further details, please refer to the basic information below.

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**Evaluation by Human and Life Engineering** ■ Evaluation Method We will prepare various specifications for evaluation targets and evaluators as shown below, and conduct evaluations according to the evaluation items. ■ Evaluators We can provide elderly individuals, young individuals, men, women, and people of varying heights. ■ Evaluation Targets The width of the sink and the position of the spout (adjustable according to the evaluator). ■ Targeted Rinsing Actions We plan to include five types of rinsing actions, such as rinsing small plates (for details, please refer to the basic information). ■ Evaluation Items (1) Subjective Evaluation We will conduct subjective evaluations regarding the following items: - Ease of rinsing actions - Perceived physical burden (shoulders, upper arms, forearms, torso, lower back, lower limbs) (2) Muscle Load We will measure the load (average muscle potential) on the following muscles: - 13 locations including the biceps (for details, please refer to the basic information). (3) Rinsing Actions We will measure the posture and movements of the evaluators using our developed markerless 3D motion measurement system (product name: Anakin). **Expected Outcomes** By examining the following items, we can understand how subjective evaluations differ and their relationship with muscle load, posture, and actions: ■ Width of the sink and position/height of the spout ■ Presence or absence of leaning against the kitchen.

• Contract measurement

**Evaluation Method** We will prepare various specifications as evaluation subjects as shown below, and have different people cut the film using a V-cut and a fan cut, evaluating according to the criteria listed below. The process starts with lifting the carton placed on the table and includes cutting the film and applying the wrap to the item. **Evaluation Subjects** - Material and shape of the carton - Material and shape of the blade - Mechanism to prevent the wrap film from rewinding - Locking mechanism of the carton, etc. **Evaluation Criteria and Methods** (1) Subjective Evaluation - Ease of holding - Ease of gripping - Ease of retrieving the wrap film - Ease of cutting the wrap film - Ease of applying the wrap, etc. (2) Human Characteristics - Hand dimensions - Grip strength - Force exerted and range of motion in each action (3) Muscle Load - Load on hands and arms (4) Interaction between Hand and Carton - Contact state between the carton and hand (which fingers are in contact, size of the contact area) **Expected Outcomes** (1) It will be clear which specifications of the evaluation subjects have a strong relationship with subjective evaluations. (2) The relationship between human characteristics and subjective evaluations will be understood. (3) It will be possible to obtain evidence for why subjective evaluations are favorable. (4) It will be understood what specifications make food wrap easier to use.

• Contract measurement

**Evaluation by Human and Life Engineering** Participants will use various types of razors to shave specified areas of facial hair using either a designated method or their usual technique. They will report their feelings during the process, and we will measure the muscle strain involved while observing hand movements. The evaluation will be conducted with facial hair present as much as possible. ■ Evaluation Targets: Shape and material of the head and handle, weight, and the movable mechanism of the head, etc. ■ Evaluation Areas: Face (forehead, cheeks, under the nose, chin, upper arm, inner and outer forearm, armpit, legs). Please refer to the attached materials for instructions on how to use the razor. ■ Evaluation Items: (1) Subjective Evaluation: - Overall ease of use - Shaving comfort - Ease of determining the angle between the blade and skin - Ease of maintaining the angle between the blade and skin - Presence of missed spots - Blade and skin compatibility - Discomfort (2) Behavioral and Physiological Evaluation: - Muscle strain on hands and arms - Hand movements relative to the skin - Grip of the razor **Expected Outcomes** Insights will be gained regarding the following items: ■ Which subjective evaluation criteria strongly influence overall ease of use ■ Which muscle strains are most closely related to ease of use, and which hand or finger movements are strongly related ■ What specifications of the razor will enhance ease of use

• Contract measurement

**[Evaluation Based on Ergonomics]** We introduce "evaluation techniques" related to vacuum cleaners as one of the items and services used by hand. We conduct evaluations on various types of vacuum cleaners to determine what specifications make them easy to use, and based on the results, we can also propose improvements. Additionally, the insights gained can be applied to other hand-operated products. **[Evaluation Techniques]** ■ Evaluation Targets: Shape, weight, position and shape of operation buttons, method of attaching and detaching the dust cup, shape, structure, and method of attaching and detaching the head, shape of the handle, etc. ■ Evaluation Items: (1) Subjective Evaluation - Burden and fatigue on the body (hands, feet, etc.) - Sense of dirt removal - Ease of button operation - Ease of holding the handle, ease of attaching and detaching the head and dust cup, ease of maneuvering the head, etc. (2) Behavioral and Physiological Evaluation - Burden on the body (muscles) - Posture - Movement of the body (mainly hands and feet) - Cleaning time **[Evaluation Based on Life Engineering]** Different vacuum cleaners may be required depending on the living scene. For example, there are vacuum cleaners that allow you to leave the area immediately if an urgent matter arises during cleaning and return to continue afterward. This can be developed through evaluations from the perspective of life engineering.

• Other contract services
• Contract Analysis

By using wetsuit material as shoulder straps, a backpack that is easy to carry and less likely to cause hunching has been realized.

• others
• Municipal services and business location

Based on research results related to items carried on the back (such as school bags and backpacks), it was concluded that wetsuit material is suitable for the shoulder straps of school bags.

• others
• Municipal services and business location

Our strengths in the consulting business are the following three: - Data related to people and lifestyles - Diverse monitors for evaluating various items - Measuring instruments and evaluation techniques for assessing various items

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HAL Design Institute conducts "consulting services." We receive orders from users and conduct evaluation experiments with monitors ranging from young children to the elderly and people with disabilities. We will submit a report on the evaluation results and improvement proposals. As a national research institution, we have a track record of orders from the Product Evaluation Technology Foundation, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, and Tsukuba University. 【Flow of Consulting Services】 ■ Order from the user 　　　　↓ ■ Evaluation experiments with monitors (from young children to the elderly and people with disabilities) 　　　　↓ ■ Submission of report (evaluation results and improvement proposals) *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Contract measurement
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【Things that people use through sensation, perception, understanding, judgment, and operation】 Nearby examples include copiers and vacuum cleaners. When operating these products, it is believed that by assisting with sensation, perception, understanding, judgment, and operation, more user-friendly products can be created. 【What are sensation, perception, understanding, judgment, and operation?】 ■Sensation and Perception (Input System) Sensation and perception refer to the awareness of information necessary for understanding, judgment, and operation. The following methods can be used to provide this information: - Provide clues - Simple presentation methods - Organized information ■Understanding and Judgment (Thinking System) Understanding and judgment refer to knowing how the object being handled and its surrounding environment are based on the information obtained. The following methods can assist in judgment: - Clear work procedures - Easy-to-understand operating principles - Clear understanding of the state of the object being operated ■Operation Operation is considered the action to be taken based on the state of the object and its surrounding environment as judged by the person. For example, the following methods can be applied: - Minimal physical strain - Feedback in response to operation - Few steps in the procedure

• Contract measurement
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**Characteristics of Evaluators** As basic auditory data, measurements will be taken on the following items: - Audiometer (250, 1000, 4000 Hz) - Sweep tone **Potential Insights from Analysis** ■ Regarding Sound Pressure - Differences between the elderly and younger individuals, and whether these differences change with distance - Guidelines for sound pressure (optimal values, higher sound pressure, lower sound pressure) - Relationship between sound pressure, speech rate, and sound quality ■ Regarding Speech Rate - Guidelines (speech rate that 95% of people can understand) - Sound pressure that is "easy to understand" even with a fast speech rate - Sampling frequency that is "easy to understand" even with a fast speech rate ■ Regarding Sound Quality - Guidelines (sampling frequency that 95% of people can understand) ■ Regarding "Overall Ease of Listening" - How sound pressure, speech rate, and sampling frequency are related to "overall ease of listening" - Using data on "overall ease of listening" to group evaluators. This will clarify the characteristics of each group, allowing us to understand what kind of individuals should be targeted when deciding on things like voice guidance.

• Contract measurement
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**Evaluation by Human and Life Engineering** ■ Evaluation Method We will prepare various specifications for evaluation subjects and evaluators as shown below, cover them with films of different haze values, and conduct evaluations in a specially constructed evaluation room according to the evaluation items. ■ Evaluators We will provide individuals with varying characteristics, including elderly people, young people, men, women, those with different visual acuities, and individuals with color vision deficiencies. ■ Evaluation Subjects - Images (Standard images No. 1 to No. 2 used by NHK) - Intermediate colors (six types of color samples where one of R, G, or B is fixed at 0 gradation, another at 128 gradation, and the third color varies in 48 gradations) - Black and white patterns (such as Landolt rings). Please refer to the attached materials for specifics. ■ Haze Film Specifications Please refer to the basic information. ■ Evaluation Room Please refer to the basic information. ■ Evaluation Items (1) Blurriness The evaluation of the view of the outside scenery through a window will be rated from 1. unchanged to 5. very unpleasant, with the limit set at 3. still acceptable. (2) Difference in Visibility The difference in visibility will be evaluated as "indistinguishable" by the human eye. **Expected Outcomes** We will be able to determine the limit value of "blurriness" for displays.

• Contract measurement
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**Evaluation by Human and Life Engineering** ■ Evaluation Method We will prepare various specifications for evaluation subjects and evaluators as shown below and conduct evaluations according to the evaluation items. ■ Evaluators We can prepare individuals of different genders and heights. ■ Evaluation Subjects We will evaluate by changing the height of the crib's floor and railing. ■ Targeted Actions The actions targeted are lifting and laying down a dummy infant weighing 10 kg. ■ Evaluation Items (1) Subjective Evaluation: We will conduct subjective evaluations regarding the following items. - Ease of lifting and laying down - Physical burden (shoulders, upper arms, forearms, torso, lower back, lower limbs) (2) Muscle Load: We will measure the load (average muscle electrical potential) on the muscles listed below. - 13 locations including the biceps brachii (for details, please refer to the basic information) **Expected Outcomes** ■ Floor Height, Difference in Height (Height of Railing - Height of Floor) Most people (95% tile) will be able to know the floor height and difference in height that allows for daily actions to be performed comfortably. ■ Muscle Load In the actions of lifting and laying down, if the floor height or difference in height is inappropriate, we will be able to identify where the burden is placed on the body.

• Contract measurement
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**High-Quality Walking** It is said that "metabolism-boosting walking" can transform your body into one that easily burns body fat. To achieve this, a high-quality walking style is required. Specifically, it is important to primarily keep your back straight and to widen your stride. For more details, please refer to the attached materials. **Methods to Achieve High-Quality Walking and Its Effects** - **Thigh Stimulation** For example, a method of stimulating the thighs through clothing can be considered. - **Widening the Stride and Increasing Muscle Load** By stimulating the thighs, they are lifted higher, the knees extend, and the stride naturally becomes larger. At this time, the load on the quadriceps and calf muscles, which are used when pushing off the ground, increases, resulting in the use of the entire thigh muscle. - **Increased Energy Consumption and Changes in Body Silhouette** With a larger stride, energy consumption increases significantly, and the entire body becomes more toned. This leads to changes in body shape, such as a flatter abdomen and lifted hips. **Expected Effects from Innovating Clothing** By lifting the hips from below and pulling the back and abdomen against each other, while pushing the waist and abdomen, it is expected that a beautiful posture and body shape can be achieved.

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We would like to introduce the "evaluation technology" for items and services that are used while standing or carrying, owned by HAL Design Institute. With "randoseru" (Japanese school backpacks), you can learn how the evaluation changes regarding "ease of carrying," "posture and body sway," and "pressure between the shoulder straps and the body" when the shape and material of the shoulder straps are altered. 【Features】 ■ Target: Randoseru ■ Evaluation Technology - Ease of carrying - Posture and body sway - Pressure between the shoulder straps and the body *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

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[Investigation by Human and Life Engineering] In Kanagawa Prefecture, where a variety of elderly housing and facilities are concentrated, we conducted a survey on the current kitchen and washroom equipment conditions, as well as related shared facilities and services, focusing on service-equipped housing for the elderly, residential-type paid nursing homes, and some nursing homes with care. [Items to Consider When Determining Specifications for Care Kitchens and Washrooms] ■ Target Floor Area It is believed that the specifications for care kitchens and washrooms should be considered based on floor area rather than facility compatibility. The reason is that, at present, the age and physical condition of residents, as well as the usage and specifications of kitchens and washrooms, seem to be strongly related to the floor area. The floor area can be divided into three categories: - 18–20 square meters - 25–30 square meters - 35 square meters or more Considering the facility's adaptability and its relation to various systems, it is deemed wise and efficient to determine the specifications for new care kitchens and washrooms targeting 18–25 square meters. In the case of service-equipped housing for the elderly, the basic floor area is 25 square meters or more. However, if it is possible to secure an area of 7 (25-18) square meters multiplied by the number of rooms in the shared area, it is possible to have the room area as small as 18 square meters. For more details, please refer to the basic information.

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【Evaluation by Human and Life Engineering】 ■Evaluation Method We will prepare various specifications for evaluation subjects and evaluators as shown below, and conduct evaluations according to the evaluation items for cases with and without a chair. ■Evaluators We will prepare individuals receiving bathing assistance and caregivers providing home visit bathing assistance. ■Evaluation Subjects The evaluation subjects will be a standard bathtub and a chair placed inside it. ■Target Actions (1) In the absence of a chair In a standard bathtub, the caregiver needs to lift the person being assisted from behind in one motion. (2) When there is a chair in the bathtub The caregiver will lift the person being assisted from the bottom of the bathtub to the chair. Next, they will lift them to the edge of the bathtub. ■Evaluation Items (1) Subjective Evaluation - Physical burden on both the caregiver and the person being assisted. (2) Muscle Burden We will measure the muscle burden on the caregiver. For details, please refer to the basic information. (3) Floor Reaction Force We will measure the load on the floor when the caregiver lifts the person being assisted. 【Expected Outcomes】 We will be able to determine the extent to which the presence of a chair in the bathtub reduces the burden on the caregiver when lifting the person being assisted out of the bathtub.

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[Procedure for Developing Easy-to-Open Containers] ■Classification of Containers by Opening Method Containers can be classified based on how they are opened. Please refer to the attached materials. ■Force (Torque) Required for Opening and Ease of Opening We measure the values (force or torque) associated with various actions people take to open containers, as shown below. Specifically, we use our proprietary measuring instruments to vary the force or torque required to open them. - Feels easy to open - Feels like this is the limit - Feels impossible ■Evaluation of Commercial Containers We have various people open commercially available containers, measuring the force or torque applied to the container at that time. We also gather their impressions (subjective evaluations) regarding ease of opening (or difficulty) and record their opening methods. Simultaneously, we measure the exerted force during their opening actions. ■Evaluation of Easy-to-Open Structures We devise and prototype shapes, structures, and materials that require less force or torque to open for various opening methods, and we measure the force or torque. ■Development into Products Among the devised prototypes, we incorporate items that can produce values of force or torque rated as "easy to open" into the final product.

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【Classification of Items Used with Fingers】 There are many items in the world that are used with fingers, and the required "ease of use" varies accordingly. Therefore, we first classified "items used with fingers." - Pressing with fingers, pushing up with fingers, pulling up with fingers, lifting with fingers, pinching with fingers (pulling, pushing, etc.), pressing and spreading open with fingers, grasping with hands (pulling, twisting, etc.), pressing with the palm of the hand. For measurement items related to each action, related products, and the purpose of data usage, please refer to the attached materials. 【Measurement Items That Can Be Evaluated by Our Company】 Below are representative actions and their measurement items that can be evaluated by our company. ■ Pressing with fingers (1) Operation interfaces of various devices (keyboards, mobile phones, operation parts of various devices) - Subjective evaluation of ease of pressing, height and angle that can be used without strain, error operation rate. (2) Child lock mechanism - Force exerted, success and failure rates of unlocking. ■ Pushing up and pulling up with fingers (containers) - Force required to open existing products, force exerted by a person, tolerance when opening daily. ■ Lifting with fingers - Force required to open existing products, force exerted by a person, tolerance when opening daily. ■ Pinching with fingers and pulling (child lock mechanism) - Force exerted (unlocking force). For further details, please refer to the basic information.

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**Evaluation by Human and Life Engineering** ■ Evaluation Method We prepare various specifications for evaluation and evaluators as shown below, and conduct evaluations according to the evaluation items. ■ Evaluators We can provide elderly individuals, young individuals, men, and women. ■ Evaluation Subjects Various insoles and the materials, shapes, and structures of the underside. ■ Walking Pace (number of steps per minute) - Free walking - Normal pace (normal walking speed (2 steps/second)) - Fast pace (10% faster than normal walking speed) ■ Evaluation Items (1) Subjective Evaluation - Ease of walking - Physical burden - Impact on walking style (stability, instability, body sway, etc.) (2) Muscle Burden We measure the muscle burden at seven locations, including the erector spinae (for details, please refer to the basic information). (3) Foot Pressure Distribution We measure the pressure distribution on the soles of the feet. (4) Walking Posture We measure the walking posture of individuals using our developed markerless 3D motion measurement system (product name: Anakin). **Expected Outcomes** Insights will be gained regarding the relationship between subjective evaluations and the following items: - Shoes - Muscle burden - Foot pressure distribution - Walking posture

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■Evaluation Subject Various shapes of supports to be worn on the toes (see attached materials) ■Evaluation Items and Methods (1) Subjective Evaluation - Ease of walking - Physical burden - Impact on walking style (stability, instability, body sway, etc.) (2) Personal Characteristics - Foot dimensions (see basic information) (3) Muscle Load - Measurement of muscle load at seven locations, including the erector spinae (for details, please refer to basic information) (4) Static and Dynamic Balance - Measurement of how much stability the body gains from wearing the toe support (static balance) and how far the lifted foot can extend while standing on one leg (dynamic balance). For details, please refer to basic information and attached materials. (5) Plantar Pressure Distribution - Measurement of where pressure is applied on the sole of the foot. For details, please refer to attached materials. (6) Gait - Our product (Anakin System) will be used. Measurements will include walking speed, stride length, body tilt, and movements of the hands and knee joints. 【Expected Outcomes】 - It will be possible to understand the specific effects that various shapes of supports have on individuals.

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Specifically, we use data related to human characteristics and individual lifestyles, leveraging ergonomics to evaluate products and services, and assist in their design based on the results. The evaluation of products and services is conducted through evaluation experiments using various monitors and measuring instruments that we possess, and the analysis is carried out using the know-how accumulated over many years, culminating in a report. 【Strengths】 ■ We possess data related to human characteristics and lifestyles, monitors and measuring instruments for evaluation experiments, and know-how to analyze experimental results and apply them to the design of products and services. ■ Instead of evaluating products and services here, we have extensive "evaluation techniques" from the perspective of the users who utilize them. *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

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We would like to introduce a consulting case regarding research conducted by HAL Design Research on a belt that protects against hunchback from the correct core posture. We verified whether a newly developed shoulder belt made from wetsuit material is a school backpack that elementary school students in lower grades can easily carry (without their bodies or backpacks swaying and feeling light). Four evaluations were conducted on 15 schoolchildren who participated in the assessment, including both boys and girls. The experimental results indicated that the application of "flexible and durable wetsuit material" to the shoulder belt of the backpack, which differs from conventional leather, is considered a revolutionary belt that first-grade elementary school students can easily "carry." 【Consulting Case】 ■ Evaluation Target: Shoulder Belt ■ Monitors: 1st Grade (3 boys, 4 girls), 2nd Grade (3 boys, 5 girls) Total 15 people *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

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**Features of Consulting** Rather than evaluating individual products or services, we strive to assess them in light of the various characteristics of the users. For example, items used by hand include razors, food wraps, food containers, sinks (including faucets), vacuum cleaners, and car handles. Some movements are specific to the product, while others are common across different products. By taking a holistic view of these, we can understand how the range of motion and exertion change with various hand movements, and evaluate products in contrast to this. This process can highlight areas for improvement in the product and may inspire ideas for new products. Although this task is quite complicated and challenging, we make every effort to approach it in this way. **Flow of Consulting Services** There are no specific features, but we follow the flow outlined below. ■ Order from the user 　　　　↓ ■ Evaluation experiments and analysis by monitors (from infants to the elderly and disabled) 　　　　↓ ■ Submission of report (evaluation results and improvement proposals) **Evaluation Techniques** We have included basic information on the specific characteristics of people we are looking at and how they relate to various products. Please take a moment to read it.

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