[3] Dr. Ko Hashimoto

Technology

“Spinometer” application: A technology that estimates the posture of PC users based on facial images captured by a PC webcam.
Enables estimation of the tilt of each part of the spine based on AI-calculated head tilt and eye-to-screen distance (viewing distance) from facial images captured by a PC webcam. (Patent No. 7007777)

Strength

Allows posture data to be measured over extended periods with the aim of demonstrating the medical correlation between poor posture during PC use and symptoms such as shoulder stiffness & lower back pain.
By enabling posture estimation using only a built in PC camera, it is now possible to measure & record everyday posture over long periods, rather than relying on instantaneous measurements through traditional X-ray machines.
Additionally, medical correlation between posture and issues such as shoulder stiffness, back pain & lower back pain have not yet been fully verified, with the long-term aim being to pursue such medical validation.

Use Case

Developed software to estimate & provide feedback on poor posture during PC use.
Developed software that provides feedback on periods of poor posture during PC use. Supervised by Dr. Hashimoto, a specialist and instructor in spinal surgery at Tohoku University Orthopedics, enabling the potential for medically grounded improvement advice in the future. Currently available as open-source code.

Message from the Lab

What I want to know

① I want to understand the demand and business opportunities for “improving  posture during PC use” in B2C and B2B markets across various countries

  • 2C:Who are the target personas with strong demand for PC posture improvement and what are their backgrounds/reasons?
  • 2B:Are there any business opportunities or ideas linked to PC posture improvement?
    – Large corporations(As part of employee health management initiatives)
    – Educational institutions & public organizations(As an aspect of PC education)
    – Gaming companies & E-sports(As a corporate responsibility effort)
  • 2C/2B:What are the realistic monetization points?
    – Strategies for expanding the user base and monetizing with low cost and effort.

②  I want to explore business ideas that enhance the value of [posture optimization]
by linking it with other metrics or indicators
Demonstrating the correlation between "posture during PC use" and high-interest metrics such as pain reduction, productivity improvement, or spinal health in children could expand business opportunities.

Desired Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a student entrepreneur with expertise in IT and AI technologies and a strong interest in the medical and healthcare fields. They should deeply understand local market challenges and culture, with the ability to adapt products to meet region-specific needs. Leadership skills are essential, along with the capacity to leverage local networks and collaborate with medical institutions, government bodies, and businesses to drive the project forward. Additionally, the candidate should possess practical English proficiency, cross-cultural understanding, and a global perspective, coupled with passion and flexibility to contribute to society on an international scale.

Message

Chief Spine Surgeon & Lecturer
Department of Orthopedic Surgery
Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine

Ko Hashimoto M.D., Ph.D.

  • The goal of developing & promoting this app is to improve the spinal health of people worldwide by promoting better posture and sitting practices. Let’s work together to achieve this ambitious goal of saving spines around the globe, leveraging your creative ideas and execution power.
  • Looking for partners in regions prone to natural disasters such as landslides.
  • Welcoming discussions with people interested in the social implementation of new technologies.

Reference