JP2012157427A - Input device for respiration training - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device for respiration training which is capable of providing an excellent training effect by enhancing user's eagerness.SOLUTION: The input device 1 for respiration training which is capable of controlling operation of an external device 40 by the user's respiration training, includes: a body part 10 having a breath passage 11 through which breath passes; a breath detection part 15 for detecting the strength of breathing into the breath passage 11; a count part for counting the number of times when a detected value of the breath detection part 15 exceeds a preset threshold; and a control part for externally outputting a control signal when a counted value of the count part reaches a preset reference value.

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device for breathing training, and more particularly, to an input device for breathing training that can control the operation of an external device by breathing training of a user.

  As a conventional breathing exercise apparatus, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a variable flow rate adjustment valve is provided in an exhalation passage through which exhalation passes so that the blowing resistance can be adjusted.

JP 2002-35163 A

  For example, when the above-mentioned conventional device is used for rehabilitation, for example, the user can give a user a feeling of inflating a rubber balloon, for example, but the breathing exercise itself is difficult to achieve and is monotonous. However, there was a problem that training did not last long because the user felt physical or mental pain.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an input device for respiratory training that can increase a user's willingness to train and obtain a good training effect.

  An object of the present invention is an input device for breathing exercise that can control the operation of an external device by breathing exercise of a user, a main body having an exhalation passage through which exhalation passes, and an inside of the exhalation passage An expiration detection unit that detects pressure or flow rate, a count unit that counts the number of times the detection value of the expiration detection unit exceeds a preset threshold, and a count value of the count unit reaches a preset reference value This is achieved by an input device for breathing exercise, which sometimes comprises a control unit for outputting a control signal.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the input device for respiratory training which can raise a user's willingness to train and can acquire a favorable training effect can be provided.

It is a front view of the input device for breathing training concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of the input device for respiratory training shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the input device for respiratory training shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the action | operation of the input device for respiratory training shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the detection result of the expiratory strength by the input device for respiratory training shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of an input device for respiratory training according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the input device for respiratory training shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the breathing exercise input device 1 includes a main body 10 and an operation unit 20.

  The main body 10 is formed with an exhalation passage 11 penetrating through the inside, and is provided with an inlet 12 and an outlet 13 at both ends of the exhalation passage 11, respectively. Expiratory air can be blown into the expiratory passage 11 from the air inlet 12, and a throttle 14 is provided on the downstream side of the expiratory passage 11 so that an appropriate respiratory load is generated on the user. The inhalation strength into the exhalation passage 11 can be detected by the exhalation detection unit 15. In the present embodiment, the exhalation detection unit 15 is a pressure sensor that detects the internal pressure of the exhalation passage 11, but is a flow rate (or flow rate) sensor that detects the flow rate (or flow rate) of exhalation passing through the exhalation passage 11. Also good.

  The operation unit 20 is formed in a flat casing shape fixed to the main body unit 10, and is used for notifying the user of the training status and the like for the input unit 21 for performing power on / off, mode selection, and the like. A notification unit 22 is provided. In this embodiment, the notification unit 22 includes a display unit 22a such as a liquid crystal panel and a speaker 22b. However, the notification unit 22 may have a configuration capable of transmitting information to the user by light, vibration, or the like. As will be described later, a control unit (not shown) in FIGS. 1 and 2 is accommodated inside the operation unit 20.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the input device 1 for respiratory training. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 20 includes a count unit 23 that counts the number of times the detection value of the breath detection unit 15 exceeds a preset threshold value, and the count value of the count unit 23 is set to a preset reference value. And a control unit 24 for outputting a control signal to the outside via the output unit 25 when the output reaches the control unit 24. As shown in FIG. 1, the output signal from the output unit 25 is input to the device 40 via the control line 30, and operation control of the device 40 is performed. The device 40 is not particularly limited, but preferably includes a recreational element so that the user's willingness to train is increased. For example, a playback device such as a television or a music player, a game device, an illumination device, etc. Can be mentioned. The connection between the output unit 25 and the device 40 is performed by detachable wired in this embodiment, but may be performed by wireless communication using infrared rays or the like. The operation unit 20 further includes a timer starting unit 26 that starts the timer 27 based on an input signal from the control unit 24.

  Next, the operation of the breathing exercise input apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the operation of the breathing exercise input device 1 is started by the operation of the input unit 21 by the user, the count value of the count unit 23 and the timer value of the timer unit 27 are reset (step S1), and the count result of the count unit 23 (initial value) The value 0) is displayed on the display unit 22a as a numerical value, a figure, or the like (step S2). When a user who performs breathing exercise blows into the exhalation passage 11 strongly through the air inlet 12, the internal pressure of the exhalation passage 11 corresponding to the inhalation strength is detected, and this detected value is input to the counting unit 23. . The count unit 23 compares the detection value with a preset threshold value (step S3), and when the detection value exceeds the threshold value, adds one count value and updates it (step S4), while the detection value is the threshold value. If not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S2. The control unit 24 may output a confirmation sound from the speaker 22b simultaneously with the update of the count value so that the user can recognize it. The user may determine the timing for blowing in, or may prompt the user to breathe in accordance with the output of sound, light, etc. from the notification unit 22.

  When the detection value in the expiration detection unit 15 changes in time series as shown in the graph of FIG. 5, for example, the count unit 23 counts up at times t1 and t2 when the detection value exceeds the threshold value TH. The count increases each time you breathe hard. The counting unit 23 may count up at the same time as the detected value exceeds the threshold value TH. However, the counting unit 23 may count up when the time (for example, the period tp in FIG. 5) when the threshold value TH exceeds is longer than a predetermined time. Preferably, this can prevent false detection and improve the training effect.

  The control unit 24 determines whether or not the count value updated by the count unit 23 has reached a preset reference value (for example, about 10 to 30 times) (step S5), and the count value becomes the reference value. If it has been reached, an ON signal is transmitted to the device 40 via the output unit 25 (step S6). As a result, the device 40 is activated and, for example, music or video playback is started. On the other hand, when the count value does not reach the reference value in step S5, the process proceeds to step S2 again. In step S2, since the updated count value is displayed on the display unit 22a, the user can check the current state at any time during the training, and the training motivation can be maintained.

  As described above, the breathing exercise input device 1 according to the present embodiment can operate the device 40 by outputting an on signal by blowing a predetermined number of exhaled breaths a certain number of times. It is possible to promote an approach to breathing training with the target of the operation of the device 40, and to obtain a good training effect. In addition, since the device 40 can be easily replaced, it is possible to suppress the tiredness of the training and to improve the continuity of the breathing training.

  At the same time as transmitting the ON signal in step S6, the control unit 24 starts measuring the timer unit 27 via the timer starting unit 26 (step S7). And when the preset time passes (step S8), the control part 24 will transmit an OFF signal to the apparatus 40 via the output part 25 (step S9). As a result, the operating device 40 stops.

  As described above, the breathing exercise input device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to output the off signal after a predetermined time has elapsed from the output of the on signal, so that the user can operate the device 40 again. Repetitive breathing exercises can be expected, and the training effect can be improved. When the breathing exercise is started again, the user operates the input unit 21 to perform step S1 and subsequent steps again.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, the specific aspect of this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. For example, in the present embodiment, the signal output when the count value of the count unit 23 reaches the reference value is an on signal for operating the device 40, but may be another control signal. . For example, in the case where the device 40 is a playback device, the user selects music or video in advance from the plurality of operations by operating the input unit 21, and a control signal from the breathing exercise input device 1 to the device 40. It may be configured such that music, video, etc. selected by the user are reproduced by transmitting the above.

  In the present embodiment, the threshold value to be compared with the detection value of the expiration detection unit 15, the reference value to be compared with the count value of the count unit 23, and the installation time of the timer unit 27 are all preset fixed values. However, you may comprise so that it can change suitably according to a user by operation of the input part 21. FIG. Further, the setting time of the timer unit 27 may be automatically determined in conjunction with the setting of the reference value of the counting unit 23 so that the operation time of the device 40 becomes longer as the target number of times of blowing increases. Users can be encouraged to take long-term breathing exercises.

  Further, in the present embodiment, after the device 40 is activated by transmitting the ON signal, the breathing exercise can be started again after the OFF signal is transmitted to the device 40. However, the ON signal is transmitted. The count value may be reset immediately thereafter, and the counting unit 23 may be configured to count even during the operation of the timer unit 27, thereby enabling breathing exercise even before the off signal is transmitted. In this case, when the count value of the count unit 23 reaches the reference value within the set time of the timer unit 27, the device 40 can be configured to operate continuously without transmitting an off signal. On the other hand, the achievement of the training target within a predetermined time can be promoted. In addition, for example, when music is configured to be continuously reproducible, training for allowing the user to play the entire song with only a part of the entire song being listened to by transmitting one ON signal. It can make it easy to generate motivation.

  The input device for respiratory training of the present invention includes swallowing rehabilitation, meal rehabilitation, vocalization / pronunciation rehabilitation, aspiration prevention rehabilitation, dementia rehabilitation, Parkinson disease rehabilitation, cerebral infarction rehabilitation, disuse syndrome rehabilitation, depression rehabilitation. It can use suitably for various rehabilitations, such as. When used for rehabilitation, the rehabilitation effect can be enhanced by presetting the control signal output conditions not only for the number of exhalations but also for tasks that match each rehabilitation.

  For example, in the case of swallowing rehabilitation, it is effective to give the user tasks that encourage respiratory function improvement, muscle training necessary for swallowing, activation of the neurotransmission system for swallowing, and promotion of salivation The control signal output conditions include a rhythm breathing task in which a plurality of breaths are blown at a constant rhythm, a strong and weak interval breathing task in which a strong blow and a weak blow are alternately performed, and the blow strength increases with the passage of time. Task settings such as a load-enhancing breathing task are effective. In these tasks, the counting unit 23 determines whether or not the breath blowing interval (for example, the required time from t1 to t2 in FIG. 5) is within a predetermined range, or the threshold value to be compared with the detection value of the expiration detection unit. It can be set in advance as a unique control signal output condition for each task, for example, by setting a different value each time the value is increased. In this way, it is preferable that a valid task is set in advance for each type of rehabilitation, and the user can select a desired rehabilitation and task by operating the input unit 21.

Control signal output conditions corresponding to the above-mentioned various rehabilitation tasks can be stored in advance in the memory in the operation unit 20, or a recording medium, a communication line, etc. can be used as dedicated software for various rehabilitations. It may be configured so that it can be added later to the memory. Examples of the various rehabilitation tasks include the following.
<Food rehabilitation>
Tasks that promote respiratory function improvement, muscle training for chewing, promotion of salivation, muscle training necessary for swallowing, and activation of the neurotransmitter system for swallowing. For example, a tongue breathing task (short cycle breathing), a rhythm breathing task, a long-duration task, a load-enhancing breathing task, and the like.
<Voice and pronunciation rehabilitation>
Tasks that promote respiratory function improvement, muscle training necessary for vocalization, nasopharyngeal opening / closing function improvement, and articulation function improvement. For example, a tongue breathing task (breathing with a short cycle), a rhythm breathing, a long-duration task, a load-enhancing breathing task, etc.
<Aspiration prevention rehabilitation>
Tasks for improving swallowing function, improving aspiration reflex function, improving swallowing ability, and eating function. Since there are many elderly people, it is a simple task for elderly people. In particular, devised an outcome that does not get bored so that it can withstand long-term rehabilitation. For example, a rhythm breathing task, a long breathing task, a load augmentation breathing task, etc.
<Rehabilitation for dementia>
Task for the activation of the remaining neurons. For example, as a rehabilitation task to improve indifference, music performance with an exhalation switch (old nursery rhymes to bring out old memories, selection of songs centered on elementary school songs), image appreciation with an exhalation switch (masterpiece, landscape As a rehabilitation task for giving a sense of accomplishment, a task for setting the operating condition of the exhalation switch strictly, demonstrating the spirit of challenge, and giving a sense of achievement at the time of success can be cited.
<Rehabilitation for Parkinson's disease>
Task for the activation of the remaining neurons. For example, rehabilitation that restores a sense of rhythm includes the task of breathing in accordance with the rhythm engraved by the metronome. For rehabilitation to shorten the response time to instructions (external stimuli), There is a task to give instructions and to play only this length. Moreover, the combination of the above-mentioned swallowing rehabilitation, feeding rehabilitation, and aspiration prevention rehabilitation is effective as rehabilitation for a dysphagia person.
<Rehabilitation for cerebral infarction sequelae>
Task to make a bypass of a dead nerve transmission pathway. It is important to continue every day, and in order not to get bored, it is effective to select an external device that listens to the patient's individual interests and can enjoy the favorite song and video as an exhalation switch outcome. In order not to get bored, it is important to have a sense of accomplishment, and the task needs to be advanced. A combination of improved rehabilitation for swallowing function for people with eating disorders and speech impairments, and rehabilitation of speech and pronunciation is effective.
<Disused syndrome rehabilitation>
Tasks that can endure long-term rehabilitation and do not get bored are effective. For example, tasks that allow the person to see progress, tasks that feel a sense of accomplishment, etc.
<Depression rehabilitation>
Depression is a problem of lack of concentration, not knowing what you are doing, not wanting to do anything, quitting immediately after starting things, or getting tired immediately. For rehabilitation, a task that makes you think you have recovered your concentration and motivated is effective. For example, a task for recovery of concentration (a mechanism that switches on by blowing in breaths itself restores concentration. For depression rehabilitation, instructing complex breaths to increase concentration) And tasks for recovering motivation (creating the outcome (like favorite music, favorite images, favorite games, etc.) in order to recognize the recovery effect of concentration with the exhalation switch and enjoy a sense of achievement).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Input device 10 for respiratory training Body part 11 Exhalation passage 15 Exhalation detection part 21 Input part 22 Notification part 23 Count part 24 Control part

Claims (3)

An input device for breathing training that can control the operation of an external device by breathing training of a user,
A main body having an exhalation passage through which exhalation passes;
An expiration detection unit for detecting the strength of blowing into the expiration passage;
A count unit that counts the number of times the detection value of the exhalation detection unit exceeds a preset threshold;
A breathing exercise input device comprising: a control unit that outputs a control signal to the outside when a count value of the count unit reaches a preset reference value.   The control unit outputs an ON signal for operating an external device as the control signal, and outputs an OFF signal for stopping the operation of the external device after a predetermined time has elapsed from the output of the ON signal. Input device for breathing training.   The input device for respiratory training according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying a counting result of the counting unit.

Images