JP7304802B2 - Treatment equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to treatment equipment.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a massage machine that detects the body shape of a seated user (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2002-159552

However, in the above-mentioned massage machine, since the body shape of the user is detected by moving the kneading ball drive unit in the vertical direction of the backrest, the body shape detection time is long. Therefore, the massage machine cannot quickly start the massage operation, which is the treatment operation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to quickly start a treatment operation.

A treatment device according to an aspect of an embodiment is provided with a treatment mechanism that performs a treatment operation, a pressure measurement unit that is formed in a mat shape and measures pressure at a plurality of measurement points, and the pressure measurement unit to support a user. and a controller that causes the treatment mechanism to perform the treatment operation based on the pressure measured by the pressure measurement part.

As a result, the treatment device can quickly measure the pressure at a plurality of measurement points by the pressure measurement unit, quickly estimate the body shape of the user, and quickly perform the treatment operation based on the pressure measured by the pressure measurement unit. can start.

The body support section of the treatment device according to one aspect of the embodiment is a backrest section on which the user rests, the treatment mechanism includes a treatment element that moves along the vertical direction of the backrest section, and the pressure measurement section includes: , having the plurality of measurement points in a non-passing area of the treatment element.

As a result, the treatment device can prevent the measurement location of the pressure measurement unit from being caught between the treatment device and the user, and can suppress deterioration of the measurement location.

A control device for a treatment device according to an aspect of an embodiment estimates a user's body shape in a passage area of the treatment applicator based on the pressure measured by the pressure measurement unit.

Thereby, the treatment device can perform a treatment operation according to the body shape of the user in the passage area of the treatment element. Therefore, the treatment device can perform a treatment operation according to the body shape of the user in the passage area while preventing the measurement point of the pressure measurement unit from being sandwiched between the treatment element and the user. Therefore, the treatment device can perform a massage operation according to the body shape of the user in the passage area through which the treatment element actually passes, thereby improving the treatment effect and enhancing the satisfaction of the user. .

The body support part of the treatment device according to one aspect of the embodiment is a backrest part on which the user rests, and includes a side support part that supports the user from the side, and the pressure measurement part is the side support part. provided in

Thereby, the treatment device can estimate the shape of the side of the user's body, for example, the shape of the flank, and can stereoscopically estimate the user's body shape. Therefore, the treatment device can perform the treatment operation according to the user's body type, improve the treatment effect, and improve the user's satisfaction.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, the treatment operation can be started quickly.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a cross section of the backrest portion of the massage machine according to the embodiment cut in the horizontal direction. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the pressure measuring unit according to the embodiment as viewed from the front. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining body shape estimation processing according to the embodiment.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form (henceforth "embodiment") for implementing the treatment apparatus which concerns on this application is demonstrated in detail, referring drawings. Note that this embodiment does not limit the treatment device according to the present application. Also, here, a chair-type massage machine is used as an example of the treatment equipment, but the treatment equipment is not limited to this.

<massage machine>
A massage machine 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a massage machine 1 according to an embodiment.

The massage machine 1 includes a massage section 2, an operation section 3, and a control device 4 (see FIG. 4). The massaging section 2 includes a seat section 2A, a backrest section 2B, an armrest section 2C, and a leg support section 2D. The massage section 2 also includes a pressure measurement section 24 .

The seat portion 2A is seated by a user who is a person to be treated, and supports the user's buttocks. The seat 2A is provided with a treatment mechanism for performing a massage operation, which is a treatment operation, on the user's buttocks and the user's thighs. The treatment mechanisms are, for example, buttocks air cells 10 and thigh air cells 11 . The buttocks air cell 10 massages the user's buttocks. The thigh air cells 11 massage the user's thighs.

The air cells 10 for the buttocks and the air cells 11 for the thighs perform a massage operation by supplying and discharging air. The seat portion 2A is provided with an air pump (not shown). The air pump supplies and discharges air to the buttocks air cell 10 and the thigh air cell 11 .

The backrest portion 2B (body support portion) is provided on the rear side of the seat portion 2A and supports the user's back. The backrest portion 2B is provided with a treatment mechanism that performs a massage operation from the shoulders to the waist of the user. The treatment mechanism is, for example, the mechanical unit 20, the waist air cell 12, and the back air cell 13.

The mechanical unit 20 includes a pair of kneading balls 21 as treatment elements and a driving mechanism 22 for operating the kneading balls 21 . The mechanical unit 20 is movable along a guide frame 23 extending in the vertical direction of the backrest portion 2B. That is, the mechanical unit 20 can move along the vertical direction of the backrest portion 2B. The mechanical unit 20 moves along the guide frame 23 by operating a motor (not shown). The mechanical unit 20 performs a massage operation from the shoulders to the waist of the user.

The kneading balls 21 are supported by the drive mechanism section 22 via support arms (not shown). The drive mechanism section 22 includes a plurality of motors (not shown). The drive mechanism portion 22 can tilt about an axis orthogonal to the vertical direction of the backrest portion 2B. The mechanical unit 20 operates a plurality of motors according to the type of massage operation, and performs massage operations such as kneading and tapping with the kneading balls 21 . The mechanical unit 20 tilts the kneading balls 21 and the driving mechanism 22 by operating the motor, and adjusts the amount of protrusion of the kneading balls 21 toward the user.

The waist air cell 12 massages the waist of the user. The air cell 13 for the back massages the user's back. The air cells 12 for the waist and the air cells 13 for the back perform a massaging operation when air is supplied and discharged by an air pump.

In addition, the backrest portion 2B includes side support portions 2E. As shown in FIG. 2, the side support portion 2E is provided so as to protrude obliquely forward with respect to the side of the body of the user (broken line in FIG. 2) leaning against the backrest portion 2B. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a cross section of the backrest portion 2B of the massage machine 1 according to the embodiment cut in the horizontal direction. The side support portions 2E are provided on both sides in the left-right direction of the backrest portion 2B. The horizontal direction is the direction in which the user's left arm and right arm are present when the user is seated on the seat portion 2A. The side support portions 2E are provided so as to laterally support the shoulders and waist of the user who is leaning against the backrest portion 2B.

A pressure measuring section 24 is provided in the backrest section 2B. The pressure measuring section 24 is mat-shaped and provided on the front surface of the backrest section 2B. The pressure measuring section 24 is provided along the vertical direction of the backrest section 2B. Moreover, the pressure measurement part 24 is provided from one side support part 2E to the other side support part 2E. The pressure measurement units 24 are provided on the back and sides of the shoulders, back, and waist of the user seated on the massage unit 2 .

The pressure measuring section 24 functions as a backrest cover in the backrest section 2B. For example, a separate backrest cover is not provided between the pressure measuring section 24 and the mechanical unit 20, and when the mechanical unit 20 performs a massaging motion on the user, the pressure measuring section 24 is connected to the mechanical unit 20. and the user's back or the like.

When the user leans against the backrest 2B, the pressure measuring section 24 is pressed by the user's shoulders, back, etc., and deforms according to the user's body shape. Specifically, when the user leans against the backrest 2B, the pressure measurement unit 24 deforms according to the shape of the user's back such as the back and the shape of the user's sides such as the flanks. That is, when the user leans back on the backrest portion 2B, the pressure measuring portion 24 deforms according to the user's body shape so as to be in close contact with the user.

The pressure measuring section 24 is provided integrally with the backrest section 2B, but may be provided as a separate body from the backrest section 2B. Further, a backrest cover may be provided between the pressure measuring section 24 and the backrest section 2B. When the user leans against the backrest portion 2B, the backrest cover is pressed by the user's shoulders, back, etc., and deforms according to the user's body shape. Also, a plurality of pressure measurement units 24 may be provided. For example, a plurality of pressure measurement units 24 may be provided side by side in the left-right direction of the backrest portion 2B.

The pressure measurement unit 24 has a plurality of measurement points 24a, as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the pressure measuring section 24 according to the embodiment as seen from the front. In FIG. 3, the measurement points 24a are indicated by hatching. The pressure measurement unit 24 measures the pressure applied to each measurement point 24a. The pressure measurement part 24 is, for example, a dielectric elastomer, and deforms according to pressure at the measurement point 24a, and the measurement point 24a expands and contracts. The pressure measurement unit 24 measures the change in capacitance corresponding to the amount of elongation at the measurement point 24a, and measures the pressure at the measurement point 24a.

The pressure measurement unit 24 measures the pressure at the measurement point 24a pressed by the user leaning against the backrest 2B. Note that the pressure measurement unit 24 is not limited to the dielectric elastomer, and may be any pressure sensor capable of measuring pressure.

The measurement point 24a is provided avoiding the passage area A1 through which the kneading balls 21 pass. That is, the measurement point 24a is provided in the non-passing area A2 through which the kneading balls 21 do not pass. The non-passing area A2 is an area through which the kneading balls 21 do not pass even when the mechanical unit 20 moves along the guide frame 23 and the kneading balls 21 move vertically on the backrest 2B. Therefore, when the user is being massaged by the kneading balls 21, the measurement point 24a is not sandwiched between the user and the kneading balls 21.

The non-passing area A2 includes an area provided in the side support portion 2E. That is, the measurement points 24a are also provided in the pressure measurement section 24 provided in the side support section 2E (see FIG. 2).

The pressure measurement unit 24 collectively measures the pressure exerted by the user on the backrest 2B from a plurality of measurement points 24a when the user leans back on the backrest 2B. Specifically, when the user leans against the backrest 2B, the pressure measurement unit 24 collectively measures the pressure on the user's back such as the user's back and the pressure on the sides such as the user's flanks. The pressure measuring part 24 may be formed by hollowing out the passage area A1 through which the kneading balls 21 pass.

Returning to FIG. 1, the armrests 2C are provided on both left and right sides of the seat 2A and support the user's elbows and forearms. The armrest 2C is provided with a treatment mechanism for massaging the user's forearm. The treatment mechanism is, for example, the forearm air cell 14 . The forearm air cell 14 performs a massage operation by supplying and discharging air with an air pump.

The leg support section 2D is provided on the front side of the seat section 2A and supports the legs of the user. The leg support section 2D is provided with a treatment mechanism for massaging the user's calves and soles. The treatment mechanisms are, for example, calf air cells 15 and sole air cells 16 . The calf air cell 15 massages the user's calves. The sole air cell 16 massages the user's sole. The calf air cells 15 and the sole air cells 16 are supplied with air by an air pump to perform a massage operation.

The operation unit 3 is a remote controller for operating the mechanical unit 20 and the like. The operation unit 3 is provided with buttons for accepting user operations and a display unit. When the user operates a button for estimating the user's body shape or selects a massage course including an operation for estimating the user's body shape, the massage machine 1 performs body shape estimation processing for estimating the user's body shape. executed.

Next, the control device 4 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the control device 4 according to the embodiment. The control device 4 controls the treatment mechanism such as the mechanical unit 20 and causes the user to perform a massage operation. The control device 4 includes a control section 40 and a storage section 41 .

The storage unit 41 is realized by, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor memory device such as a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

The control unit 40 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM, an input/output port, and various circuits. The control unit 40 includes an acquiring unit 42, an estimating unit 43, and an executing unit 44 that function by causing the CPU to execute various programs stored in the ROM using the RAM as a work area.

The obtaining unit 42, the estimating unit 43, and the executing unit 44 included in the control unit 40 are configured partially or wholly by hardware such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). good too. Also, the acquisition unit 42, the estimation unit 43, and the execution unit 44 may be configured by being divided into a plurality of units, or may be configured by being integrated.

The acquisition unit 42 acquires a signal related to the operation of the operation unit 3 by the user. The acquisition unit 42 acquires a signal related to pressure measured by the pressure measurement unit 24 .

The estimation unit 43 estimates the user's body shape based on the pressure measured by the pressure measurement unit 24 . The estimation unit 43 first generates a pressure distribution for the user based on the pressure measured by the pressure measurement unit 24 . The estimation unit 43 associates the measurement points 24a of the pressure measurement unit 24 and the pressures at the measurement points 24a to generate a pressure distribution.

Next, the estimation unit 43 estimates the user's body shape based on the pressure distribution. The estimation unit 43 estimates the user's shoulder position, shoulder width, spine line, back shape, and the like. Note that the estimating unit 43 estimates the user's body shape based on the pressure distribution for locations where the measurement locations 24a are not provided. The estimation unit 43 estimates the body shape between the measurement points 24a, for example, the body shape in the passage area A1, based on the pressure measured at the measurement points 24a arranged around the passage area A1.

The estimation unit 43 estimates the body shape of the user's side such as the flank based on the pressure measured by the measurement points 24a of the pressure measurement unit 24 provided on the side support 2E. Therefore, the estimation unit 43 can stereoscopically estimate the user's body shape including the user's side.

Note that the estimation unit 43 may estimate the body shape of the user based on the pressure distribution and preset statistical data.

The execution unit 44 transmits control signals to the motors and air pumps provided in the massage unit 2, controls the motors and air pumps, and causes the mechanical unit 20 and the air cells 10 to 16 to perform massage operations. For example, the execution unit 44 executes a massage operation based on the estimated body shape of the user.

<Body shape estimation processing>
Next, body shape estimation processing according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining body shape estimation processing according to the embodiment.

The control device 4 measures the pressure by the pressure measuring section 24 (S100). Specifically, the control device 4 measures the pressure when the user leans back on the backrest portion 2B at a plurality of measurement points 24a. For example, the control device 4 simultaneously measures the pressure when the user leans against the backrest portion 2B at a plurality of measurement points 24a.

The control device 4 estimates the body shape of the user based on the measured pressure (S101).

The control device 4 performs a massage operation on the user based on the estimated body type (S102).

<effect>
The massage machine 1 includes a treatment mechanism such as a mechanical unit 20 , a pressure measurement section 24 , a backrest section 2B, and a control device 4 . The treatment mechanism executes a massage operation. The pressure measurement unit 24 is formed in a mat shape and measures pressure at a plurality of measurement points 24a. The backrest portion 2B is provided with a pressure measuring portion 24 and supports the user. The control device 4 causes the mechanical unit 20 or the like to perform a massage operation based on the pressure measured by the pressure measuring section 24 .

Thereby, the massage machine 1 can quickly measure the pressure at the plurality of measurement points 24a by the pressure measurement unit 24, and estimate the body shape of the user. Therefore, the massage machine 1 can quickly start the massage operation based on the pressure measured by the pressure measuring section 24 .

The mechanical unit 20 also includes kneading balls 21 that move along the vertical direction of the backrest portion 2B. In addition, the pressure measuring part 24 has a measuring point 24a in the non-passing area A2 of the kneading balls 21. As shown in FIG.

As a result, the massage machine 1 can prevent the measuring point 24a of the pressure measuring unit 24 from being caught between the kneading balls 21 and the user, and can suppress deterioration of the measuring point 24a.

In addition, the control device 4 estimates the body shape of the user in the passage area A1 of the kneading balls 21 based on the pressure measured by the pressure measuring section 24. FIG.

Thereby, the massage machine 1 can perform a massage operation according to the body shape of the user in the passage area A1 of the kneading balls 21 . Therefore, the massage machine 1 can perform a massage operation according to the user's body shape in the passage area A1 while suppressing the pressure measurement portion 24 from being pinched between the kneading balls 21 and the user. Therefore, the massage machine 1 can perform a massage operation according to the body shape of the user in the passage area A1 through which the kneading balls 21 actually pass, thereby improving the massage effect and improving the satisfaction of the user. be able to.

In addition, the backrest portion 2B includes side support portions 2E that support the user from the sides. The pressure measuring section 24 is provided on the side support section 2E.

Thereby, the massage machine 1 can estimate the shape of the side of the user's body, for example, the shape of the user's flank, and can stereoscopically estimate the user's body shape. The user's body shape may be characterized by rounded portions such as the sides rather than the back. The massage machine 1 estimates the shape of the side of the user's body, and estimates the body shape of the user. Therefore, the massage machine 1 can perform a massage operation according to the body shape of the user, improve the massage effect, and improve the user's satisfaction.

<Modification>
The massage machine 1 according to the modification may perform health management based on the estimated body shape of the user. The massage machine 1 according to the modification three-dimensionally estimates the user's body shape based on the pressure measured by the pressure measurement unit 24, and, for example, estimates the shape of the user's abdominal circumference. Then, the massage machine 1 according to the modified example provides advice on health based on the estimated shape of the abdominal circumference, and compares and displays the history of the estimated abdominal circumference, thereby managing the user's health. good. Moreover, the massage machine 1 according to the modification may estimate the weight based on the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit 24 and the angle of the backrest, and perform health management of the user.

The massage machine 1 according to the modification may be provided with a measurement point 24a in the passage area A1. Moreover, the massage machine 1 according to the modification may detect the hardness of the user's body and perform a massage operation based on the detected hardness. The massage machine 1 according to the modification, for example, presses the user's back with the kneading balls 21 and measures the pressure of the portion sandwiched between the user's back and the kneading balls 21 by the pressure measuring unit 24 . And the massage machine 1 which concerns on a modification detects the hardness of a user's body based on the measured pressure.

For example, when the amount of protrusion of the kneading balls 21 is constant and the user's body is hard, the measured pressure is greater than when the user's body is soft. Therefore, the massage machine 1 according to the modification can detect the hardness of the user's body based on the measured pressure. Note that the massage machine 1 according to the modification may detect the hardness of the user's body by using the waist air cell 12 or the back air cell 13, for example.

The massage machine 1 according to the modification performs a massage operation based on the detected hardness of the user's body, thereby improving the massage effect and improving the user's satisfaction.

Moreover, the massage machine 1 according to the modification may measure the pressure by the pressure measurement unit 24 during the massage operation. The massage machine 1 according to the modification may control the massage action based on the pressure measured during the massage action.

The massage machine 1 according to the modification may change the strength of the massage action based on the pressure measured during the massage action. Thereby, the massage machine 1 according to the modified example can perform a massage operation according to the state of the user during the massage operation. Therefore, the massage machine 1 according to the modified example can improve the massage effect and improve the user's satisfaction.

Moreover, the massage machine 1 according to the modification may adjust the treatment location where the massage operation is performed based on the pressure measured during the massage operation. As a result, the massage machine 1 according to the modification can follow the user's movement and execute the massage operation even when the user moves during the massage operation. Therefore, the massage machine 1 according to the modified example can improve the massage effect and improve the user's satisfaction.

Moreover, the massage machine 1 according to the modification may measure heartbeats by the pressure measuring unit 24 and control the massage operation based on the measured heartbeats. Thereby, the massage machine 1 according to the modified example can perform a massage operation according to the state of the user.

Moreover, the massage machine 1 according to the modification may estimate the user's body shape using a learning model based on machine learning. A learning model is generated based on body types of many users. A learning model may be generated by a server that implements distributed computing or cloud computing. Thereby, the massage machine 1 according to the modified example can accurately estimate the body shape of the user based on the measured pressure.

Moreover, the massage machine 1 according to the modified example may be provided with the pressure measurement units 24 at the shoulder position, the waist position, and the shoulder position of the backrest part 2B.

Also, the treatment equipment may be a bed. The bed has a pressure measuring section 24 on the bed surface. Based on the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit 24, the bed may estimate the sleeping phase and diagnose a restful sleep. In addition, the bed estimates the sleeping position based on the pressure measured by the pressure measuring unit 24, and tilts a part of the bed or changes the surface shape of the bed as a treatment operation so that the angle is suitable for restful sleep. You may transform it. Thereby, the bed can provide the user with a restful sleep.

The massage machine 1 also includes a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for realizing the above-described processing is recorded. The CPU can execute the processes described above by reading the program recorded on the recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include semiconductor memories such as the above-described ROM, magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, and the like.

1 massage machine 2 massage part 2B backrest part (body support part)
2E Side support section 4 Control device 20 Mechanical unit 21 Kneading ball 24 Pressure measurement section 24a Measurement point 40 Control section 42 Acquisition section 43 Estimation section 44 Execution section A1 Passing area A2 Non-passing area

Claims (3)

a treatment mechanism that performs a treatment operation;
a pressure measuring unit that is formed in a mat shape and measures pressure at a plurality of measurement points;
a body support section provided with the pressure measurement section and supporting a user;
a control device that causes the treatment mechanism to perform the treatment operation based on the pressure measured by the pressure measurement unit ;
The control device has an estimation unit that estimates the body shape of the user based on the pressure measured by the pressure measurement unit,
The body support section includes a backrest section on which the user rests and a side support section that supports the user from the side,
The estimation unit stereoscopically estimates the body shape of the user based on the pressure measured by the pressure measurement unit provided on the side support unit.
A treatment device characterized by: a treatment mechanism that performs a treatment operation;
a pressure measuring unit that is formed in a mat shape and measures pressure at a plurality of measurement points;
a body support section provided with the pressure measurement section and supporting a user;
a control device that causes the treatment mechanism to perform the treatment operation based on the pressure measured by the pressure measurement unit;
with
The control device has an estimation unit that estimates the body shape of the user based on the pressure measured by the pressure measurement unit,
The body support portion is a backrest portion on which the user rests,
The treatment mechanism includes a treatment element that moves along the vertical direction of the backrest,
The treatment device, wherein the estimation unit estimates the body shape of the user based on the pressure at measurement points arranged on the left and right sides of the passage area of the treatment element. The treatment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressure measuring unit is a dielectric elastomer, measures a change in capacitance according to an amount of elongation at a measurement location, and measures the pressure at the measurement location. device.

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