JP2009273551A - Exercise learning support device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more easily assist exercise learning such as coaching on exercise. <P>SOLUTION: The device is equipped with detection electrodes 101a, 101b, 101c, a signal generating section 102, and output electrodes 103a, 103b, 103c. The detection electrodes 101a, 101b, 103c are affixed on the upper arm, the thigh and the lower leg of a coaching person so as to detect myoelectric signals generated on the skin surface corresponding to the muscle movement of each body part. The signal generating section 102 is equipped with a myoelectric potential measurement section 121, a signal processing section 122, a feed back signal formation/output section 123, and generates the feedback signals which correspond to the variations of myoelectric signals detected by the detection electrodes 101a, 101b, 101c. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a motor learning support device that supports motor learning using detected surface myoelectric signals.

  The strength of muscle (skeletal muscle), so-called muscle tension, is caused by the muscle cell membrane stimulated by the nerve pulse being excited and the muscle trying to contract. A surface myoelectric signal is obtained by electrically measuring the excitement with an electrode attached on the skin. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the surface myoelectric signal is referred to as a myoelectric signal. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the technique of using myoelectric signals for motor learning quantifies the use of muscles by calculating the impedance of the motion part from the myoelectric signals and displaying the results of this calculation. This is what is shown to the user.

  Patent Document 2 shows a method for supporting training by feeding back to a user a muscle activity state detected by an electromyographic sensor or an acceleration sensor to a user in order to acquire a correct form. Has been.

  These are based on the fact that the intensity of myoelectric signal is proportional to the muscle output, and it is an effective means for the user to know the action on the muscle that the user is doing unconsciously. is there. Furthermore, there is an example shown in Non-Patent Document 1 as an example of performing feedback by electrical stimulation. This is a study aimed at sensuously acquiring writing by generating electrical stimulation signals based on myoelectric signals of calligraphy experts and giving the generated electrical stimulation to beginners. .

Japanese Patent No. 4005864 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-067982 Naito, et al., “Effects of calligraphy using sensory information”, IEICE, IEICE Technical Report, Vol.103, No.734, pp.139-144, 2004.

  By the way, in the field of exercise instruction such as lessons at golf schools and tennis schools, for example, the instructor observes the student's form and gives advice on this. In general, this method is also effective for a slow movement that is easy to be conscious, but there is a limit to consciously correcting (changing) the movement in a quick movement performed in a series of flows. Furthermore, when instructing the timing of using each part in a series of operations, the instructor may support and move the target part of the student with his / her hand. However, in this method, the movement is performed dynamically, and it is difficult for the person to be instructed (the instructor) to understand what kind of muscle action is used to lead the desired movement. There's a problem.

  In addition, it is possible to recognize unconsciously acting on muscles and resulting exercises by feeding back to the instructor information about the muscles obtained from the above-mentioned myoelectric signals by display or sound. It is effective, but there is not an intuitive solution for how the trainee should act on the muscles. In addition, the method of preprogramming the electrical stimulation to be applied shown in Non-Patent Document 1 requires a great deal of labor for programming, and there is a problem that it is not easy to apply to various operations. .

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to make it easier to support motor learning such as exercise guidance.

  The motor learning support device according to the present invention corresponds to a detection electrode for detecting a myoelectric signal generated on the surface of the skin corresponding to the movement of the muscle, and a change in the myoelectric signal detected by the detection electrode. It comprises at least a signal generating means for generating a feedback signal and an output electrode for outputting the feedback signal generated by the signal generating means. The output electrode is attached to the skin, and the feedback signal Is a signal that stimulates muscles.

  The motor learning support apparatus includes a plurality of detection electrodes and a plurality of output electrodes corresponding to a plurality of feedback signals corresponding to a plurality of myoelectric signals detected by the detection electrodes. May be.

  In addition, the motor learning support device according to the present invention corresponds to a storage unit that stores a recorded image in which a motion of the leader is recorded, and a movement of the muscle of the leader due to the motion of the leader recorded in the recorded image. A feedback signal stored in the storage unit in response to a change in myoelectric signal generated on the surface of the skin, an image reproduction display means for reproducing and displaying a recorded image, and an instructor displayed by the image reproduction display means And at least an output electrode that outputs a feedback signal in synchronism with the operation, the output electrode is affixed to the skin, and the feedback signal is a signal that stimulates muscles.

  The motor learning support apparatus includes a detection electrode that detects a myoelectric signal generated on the surface of the skin in response to the movement of the instructor's muscle. Further, the recorded image may be transmitted to image reproduction display means connected via a network, and the feedback signal may be transmitted to an output electrode connected via the network and output. A plurality of feedback signals corresponding to a plurality of myoelectric signals may be generated, and a plurality of output electrodes corresponding to each of the feedback signals may be provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the feedback signal corresponding to the change in the myoelectric signal detected by the detection electrode is output from the output electrode, so that exercise such as exercise guidance can be performed more easily. The excellent effect of being able to support learning is obtained.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
First, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the motor learning support device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The motor learning support apparatus according to the present embodiment includes detection electrodes 101a, 101b, and 101c, a signal generation unit 102, and output electrodes 103a, 103b, and 103c. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the motor learning support device is applied to a golf swing lesson.

  In the present embodiment, the detection electrodes 101a, 101b, and 101c are attached to the skin of the upper arm, thigh, and lower leg of the leader 131, and the surface of the skin corresponding to the movement of the muscles of each part. The myoelectric signal generated in For example, the detection electrode 101a detects a myoelectric signal generated on the surface of the skin corresponding to the movement of the triceps surae. Further, the detection electrode 101b detects a myoelectric signal generated on the skin surface at the location corresponding to the movement of the quadriceps femoris. In addition, the detection electrode 101a detects a myoelectric signal generated on the skin surface at the location corresponding to the movement of the triceps surae muscle.

  The signal generation unit 102 includes a myoelectric potential measurement unit 121, a signal processing unit 122, and a feedback signal generation / output unit 123, and outputs a feedback signal corresponding to a change in myoelectric signal detected by the detection electrodes 101a, 101b, and 101c. Generate.

  First, the myoelectric potential measurement unit 121 differentially amplifies the weak skin surface potential (myoelectric signal) detected by each detection electrode as an analog signal, and performs A / A at a sampling frequency of about 1 kHz to 2 kHz. D-converts into a digital data string (digital signal). finite

  The signal processing unit 122 averages the digital signal output from the myoelectric potential measurement unit 121 by a digital filter in which coefficients are appropriately set after full-wave rectification to obtain a processed signal. As the digital filter, a well-known FIR (Finite-duration Impulse Response) filter or IIR (Infinite-duration Impulse Response) filter can be used. From the neurophysiological research, the relationship between the myoelectric signal and the muscle tension obtained as described above is sufficiently expressed by the averaging process by the digital filter (second-order low-pass filter) as described above. It is known that muscle tension can be estimated from a myoelectric potential signal without measuring. Therefore, the signal obtained by appropriately processing the myoelectric signal acquired from the leader 131 as described above expresses the degree of force applied by the leader 131 with high accuracy.

  The feedback signal generation / output unit 123 samples the processing signal output from the signal processing unit 122 at a frequency of 50 Hz or less, and generates and outputs a feedback signal in which a stimulation pulse signal is applied to the sampling point. The output feedback signal is applied to the corresponding part of the instructor 132 by the output electrodes 103a, 103b, and 103c. The output electrodes 103a, 103b, and 103c are attached to the skin of the upper arm, thigh, and lower leg of the instructor 132. These are the same as the pasting portions of the detection electrodes 101a, 101b, and 101c in the instructor 131.

  The stimulation feedback signal generated by the feedback signal generation / output unit 123 may be, for example, a pulse signal equivalent to a low-frequency treatment device used for medical purposes. The pulse width, pulse height, and repetition frequency in the generated feedback signal are adjusted in advance according to the stimulus received by the instructor 132. For example, before performing the desired instruction (exercise), perform a standard exercise intensity simulation, and if the intensity of electrical stimulation is insufficient, increase the pulse width, pulse height, and repetition frequency, and increase the intensity of electrical stimulation. If is strong, the reference value is determined by reducing the pulse width, pulse height, and repetition frequency.

  The electrical stimulation with the pulse width, the pulse height, and the repetition frequency set in this way is applied to the corresponding muscle of the instructor 132 by the output electrodes 103a, 103b, and 103c, thereby causing muscle contraction. The exercise can be guided at the same timing as the person 131. In addition, by attaching a plurality of electrodes to both the instructor and the instructed person, it becomes possible for the instructed person 132 to experience the timing of interlocking and strength of each part.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the motor learning support apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The motor learning support device according to the present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described above, and the detection electrodes 101a, 101b, and 101c attached to predetermined portions of the instructor 131 and the corresponding portions of the instructor 132 are as follows. Output electrodes 103a, 103b, and 103c attached to each other.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a camera (video camera) 201 that captures an action (for example, a golf swing) of the instructor 131 and a signal generation unit 202 that newly includes a storage unit 224 are provided. The signal generation unit 202 includes a myoelectric potential measurement unit 121, a signal processing unit 122, a storage unit 224, and a feedback signal generation / output unit 223, and detects changes in myoelectric signals detected by the detection electrodes 101a, 101b, and 101c. Generate a corresponding foodback signal. Further, an image display unit 203 that reproduces and outputs an image stored in the storage unit 224 is provided.

  First, the myoelectric potential measurement unit 121 differentially amplifies the weak skin surface potential (myoelectric signal) detected by each detection electrode as an analog signal, and performs A / A at a sampling frequency of about 1 kHz to 2 kHz. D-converts into a digital data string (digital signal). The signal processing unit 122 averages the digital signal output from the myoelectric potential measurement unit 121 by a digital filter in which coefficients are appropriately set after full-wave rectification to obtain a processed signal. These processes are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, first, the processing signal output from the signal processing unit 122 is stored in the storage unit 224. Further, as described above, the operation of the instructor 131 when the myoelectric signal is detected is photographed by the camera 201, and the photographed image is stored in the storage unit 224. Accordingly, the storage unit 224 stores a processing signal corresponding to a change in the myoelectric signal generated on the surface of the skin corresponding to the movement of the muscle of the instructor 131 caused by the recorded operation of the instructor 131. Here, the machining signal is stored together with information including the time course of the detection of the myoelectric signal. For example, the processing signal is stored in time series with the start of recording.

  The feedback signal generation / output unit 223 samples the machining signal stored in the storage unit 224 at a frequency of 50 Hz or less, and generates a feedback signal in which a stimulation pulse signal is applied to the sampling point. In addition, the feedback signal generation / output unit 223 outputs the feedback signal generated together with the recorded image stored in the storage unit 224. Here, the feedback signal generation / output unit 223 outputs the generated feedback signal in synchronization with the recorded image. For example, a feedback signal is output in correspondence with the processing signal storage timing stored in time series. The recorded image output from the feedback signal generation / output unit 223 is output to the image display unit 203 and reproduced and displayed so as to be visible.

  Further, the feedback signal output from the feedback signal generation / output unit 223 is applied to the corresponding part of the instructor 132 by the output electrodes 103a, 103b, and 103c. The output electrodes 103a, 103b, and 103c are attached to the skin of the upper arm, thigh, and lower leg of the instructor 132. These are the same as the pasting portions of the detection electrodes 101a, 101b, and 101c in the instructor 131.

  Note that the stimulation signal (feedback signal) generated by the feedback signal generation / output unit 223 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and is, for example, a pulse equivalent to a low-frequency treatment device used for medical purposes. It may be a signal. In addition, the pulse width, pulse height, and repetition frequency in the generated feedback signal are adjusted in advance according to the stimulus received by the trainee 132.

  The electrical stimulation with the pulse width, pulse height, and repetition frequency set in this way is performed by the output electrodes 103a, 103b, 103c in synchronization with the operation of the instructor 131 displayed and reproduced on the image display unit 203. By giving the corresponding muscle of the instructor 132 and causing muscle contraction, the exercise can be guided at the same timing as the operation of the instructor 131 to be displayed and reproduced. In addition, by using a plurality of electrodes, the instructed person 132 can feel the timing of interlocking of each part and the strength of the force as in the first embodiment. By these things, even when there is no leader, guidance to the instructor can be performed. It can also be done iteratively. It is also possible to give guidance to a plurality of instructors at the same time.

  Alternatively, the recorded image stored in the storage unit 224 may be an operation of the instructor himself / herself, and the processing signal stored in the storage unit 224 may be generated from the myoelectric signal detected by the instructor himself / herself. In this way, if the operation and the myoelectric signal (processing signal) when a good operation can be performed are stored, it can be used as a device for reproducing the state by the instructor.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the motor learning support apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The motor learning support device according to the present embodiment is similar to the second embodiment described above, and the detection electrodes 101a, 101b, and 101c attached to predetermined parts of the instructor 131 and the corresponding parts of the instructor 132 are provided. Output electrodes 103a, 103b, and 103c attached to each other.

  Also in this embodiment, the camera 201 that captures the action of the instructor 131 and the signal generator 202 including the storage unit 224 are provided. The signal generation unit 202 includes a myoelectric potential measurement unit 121, a signal processing unit 122, a storage unit 224, and a feedback signal generation / output unit 223, and detects changes in myoelectric signals detected by the detection electrodes 101a, 101b, and 101c. A corresponding feedback signal is generated. Further, an image display unit 203 that reproduces and outputs an image stored in the storage unit 224 is provided.

  The myoelectric potential measuring unit 121 differentially amplifies the weak skin surface potential (myoelectric signal) detected by each detection electrode as an analog signal, and performs A / D conversion at a sampling frequency of about 1 kHz to 2 kHz. To a digital data string (digital signal). The signal processing unit 122 averages the digital signal output from the myoelectric potential measurement unit 121 by a digital filter in which coefficients are appropriately set after full-wave rectification to obtain a processed signal. These processes are the same as those in the second embodiment.

  Further, the processing signal output from the signal processing unit 122 is stored in the storage unit 224. Further, as described above, the operation of the instructor 131 when the myoelectric signal is detected is photographed by the camera 201, and the photographed image is stored in the storage unit 224. These processes are the same as those in the second embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the processed signal and the image stored in the storage unit 224 as described above are transmitted from the transmission unit 301 to the reception unit 303 via the network 302. The processed signal received by the reception unit 303 is converted into a feedback signal by the feedback signal generation / output unit 223 and is output in synchronization with the received image. In the present embodiment, the portion corresponding to the signal generation unit 202 in the second embodiment described above is separated into different places via the network 302.

  Note that the recorded image output from the feedback signal generation / output unit 223 is output to the image display unit 203 and reproduced and displayed so as to be visible as in the second embodiment. Further, the feedback signal output from the feedback signal generation / output unit 223 is applied to the corresponding part of the instructor 132 by the output electrodes 103a, 103b, and 103c.

  According to the third embodiment described above, guidance can be performed even when the instructor and the instructor are present at a remote location. Thus, according to the present embodiment, for example, guidance can be performed at a location convenient for the leader and the trainee. Further, similarly to the second embodiment described above, even when there is no instructor, it is possible to instruct the instructor. It can also be done iteratively. It is also possible to give guidance to a plurality of instructors at the same time.

  According to the present embodiment, model operations of famous athletes who are engaged in sports are distributed over a wide-area communication network (network) such as the Internet together with the feedback signal corresponding to the myoelectric signal as described above. It is also possible for the user (the instructor) to experience (feel) the ideal motor sensation of the athlete while at home. These can also be combined with a billing system.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the motor learning assistance apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the motor learning assistance apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the motor learning assistance apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  101a, 101b, 101c ... detection electrode, 102 ... signal generation unit, 103a, 103b, 103c ... output electrode, 121 ... myoelectric potential measurement unit, 122 ... signal processing unit, 123 ... feedback signal generation / output unit, 131 ... Leader, 132 ... Leader.

Claims (6)

A detection electrode for detecting a myoelectric signal generated on the surface of the skin corresponding to the movement of the muscle;
Signal generating means for generating a feedback signal corresponding to a change in the myoelectric signal detected by the detection electrode;
And at least an output electrode for outputting the feedback signal generated by the signal generating means,
The output electrode is attached to the skin,
The motor learning support device, wherein the feedback signal is a signal for stimulating muscles. The motor learning support device according to claim 1,
A plurality of detection electrodes;
A motor learning support apparatus comprising: a plurality of output electrodes corresponding to a plurality of feedback signals corresponding to a plurality of myoelectric signals detected by each of the detection electrodes. A storage unit that stores a recorded image of the action of the instructor;
A feedback signal stored in the storage unit in response to a change in myoelectric signal generated on the surface of the skin corresponding to the movement of the muscle of the instructor due to the action of the instructor recorded in the recorded image;
Image reproduction display means for reproducing and displaying the recorded image;
An output electrode for outputting the feedback signal in synchronization with the operation of the instructor displayed by the image reproduction display means,
The output electrode is attached to the skin,
The motor learning support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the feedback signal is a signal for stimulating muscles. The motor learning support device according to claim 3,
A motor learning support device comprising a detection electrode for detecting a myoelectric signal generated on the surface of the skin in response to the movement of the instructor's muscle. The motor learning support device according to claim 3 or 4,
The recorded image is transmitted to the image reproduction display means connected via a network,
The feedback learning signal is transmitted and output to the output electrode connected via a network. In the motor learning support device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
A motor learning support apparatus, comprising: a plurality of feedback signals corresponding to a plurality of myoelectric signals; and a plurality of output electrodes corresponding to each of the feedback signals.

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