JP2004154410A - Physical strength measuring apparatus, physical strength measuring program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a physical strength measuring apparatus with which measurement of force of musculus orbicularis oris or measurement of interdigital force can be done, and even children and a person with dementia can be interested in measuring the force of musculus orbicularis oris or measuring the interdigital force. <P>SOLUTION: The physical strength measuring apparatus is composed of; a load measuring device for sending electric signals corresponding to a load applied to a load sensor, to which the load corresponding to the force of musculus orbicularis oris or the interdigital force is applied; a load division selecting means for selecting to which load division among a plurality of preset load divisions, a load value of load detecting signals sent from the load measuring device corresponds; a plurality of sound sources prepared corresponding to each load division which the load division selecting means selects; and a pronunciation means for pronouncing from the sound sources a sound corresponding to the load division, each time the load division selecting means selects to which load division the load value sent from the load measuring device corresponds. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a physical strength measuring device suitable for use in rehabilitation of various persons with disabilities and a physical strength measuring program for realizing the physical strength measuring device with a personal computer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There is a study report that cerebral blood flow increases when the lip strength or orbital muscular strength is strengthened in the human body, and that "the decrease in brain function is suppressed". In addition, there is a research report that various symptoms such as atopic dermatitis, periodontal disease, asthma, sleep apnea syndrome, hypertension, and arrhythmia are improved by strengthening lip strength.
A group of researchers has devised a training device to train the orbital muscle strength, and trains the orbicularis muscle using this training device to determine whether various medical conditions are improved. In order to see the results of the training, it is necessary to measure the degree of recovery or deterioration of the orbicularis muscle.
At the request of these research groups, the present applicant has already described a method for measuring orbital muscular strength (Patent Document 1), a method for measuring lip strength and a lip strength measuring apparatus in Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-320343, and a method for measuring lip strength in Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-177439. A load sensor for measuring orbital muscle strength and a lip cover for measuring orbital muscle strength have been proposed. The company also commercializes, manufactures, and sells orbital muscle strength measurement devices.
[0003]
FIG. 10 shows an example of the appearance of a load sensor for measuring orbital muscular strength (same structure as the application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-177439) which is currently commercially available. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a load sensor for measuring the strength of the orbital muscle. The external structure of the load sensor 100 includes a case 101 and sensing beams 102A and 102B protruding from the case 101. Inside the case 101, a ring-shaped distortion generating member 103 shown in FIG. In this example, the distortion generating member 103 forms a round hole in a square metal plate, and thin portions are formed at four locations by forming the round hole. A notch is formed in one of the thin portions, and sensing beams 102A and 102B are mounted on the end face of the notch. Each of the sensing beams 102A and 102B is formed of a rectangular metal plate, one end of which is mounted on a cutout surface of the strain generating member 103, and the other end of which is projected outside a ring formed by the strain generating member 103. Note that the sensing beams 102A and 102B and the strain generating member 103 may be integrally formed of the same material.
[0004]
The strain detection sensors A, B, C, and D are attached to the thin portions 180 ° facing the cutout portions of the strain generation member 103. The strain detection sensors A, B, C, and D can use strain gauges. The strain gauges are electrically bridged as shown in FIG. In this example in which A and D are connected to opposing sides of the bridge BR, for example, when A and D are attached to the outside of the ring formed by the strain generating member 103, B and C connected to the other opposite sides are connected to the strain generating member. Affix to the inner surface of the ring formed by 103.
[0005]
As described above, by selecting the positions where the strain detection sensors A, B, C, and D are attached, when the orbicular muscle strength W is applied to the sensing beams 102A and 102B, tension is applied to the strain detection sensors A and D. , Its resistance value changes in a direction to increase. Further, a compressive force is applied to the strain detection sensors B and C, and the resistance value changes in a direction to decrease. Due to this change in the resistance value, the bridge BR enters an unbalanced state, and the degree of the unbalance is input to the amplifier 21 as an output voltage of the bridge BR. The degree of imbalance is amplified by the amplifier 21, the amplified output is peak-held by the peak hold circuit 22, the peak hold value is displayed on the display 23, and the maximum value of the orbicular muscle strength W is displayed on the display 23. You.
When one measurement is completed, the reset switch 24 is turned on, the peak voltage stored in the peak hold circuit 22 is reset, and the display 23 is returned to the initial state. Reference numeral 25 shown in FIG. 11 indicates a power supply for applying a voltage for detecting distortion to the bridge BR.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-15773A
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
According to the orbital muscular strength measuring device shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the measurement result is only displayed on the display unit 23, and is not interesting for the subject. In particular, those with deteriorating brain functions, such as dementia, or children have no interest in measuring orbicular muscle strength and tend to avoid them.
In addition, another group of researchers has studied the correlation between brain function and the compressive force generated between the thumb and other fingers of the hand, and wants to use the orbital muscle strength measurement device as an inter-finger force measurement device Requests have been received.
[0008]
Even when this inter-finger force measuring device is realized, it is unlikely that the subject is interested in the measurement as in the case of the orbital muscular strength measuring device.
A first object of the present invention is to provide a physical strength measuring device that enables even a child or a person with dementia to be interested in the measurement of the orbital muscle strength or the measurement of inter-finger power. A second object of the present invention is to provide a physical strength measuring apparatus capable of measuring both the strength of the orbital muscle and the force between the fingers.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a load measuring device for applying a load corresponding to a lip force or an inter-finger force to a load sensor and transmitting an electric signal corresponding to the load applied to the load sensor, and the load measuring device A load section selecting means for selecting which load section among a plurality of preset load sections the load value of the load detection signal transmitted by the load section selecting means corresponds to each load section selected by the load section selecting means. Each time a plurality of sound sources prepared as above and the load class selection means select which load class the load value transmitted from the load measuring device corresponds to, select a sound corresponding to the load class from the sound source. The present invention proposes a physical strength measurement device constituted by sounding means that produces sound.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the physical strength measuring device according to the first aspect, a physical strength measuring unit in which a sound source is configured by musical scale data designated for each load category is proposed.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the physical fitness measuring apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the sound source is constituted by music data specified for each load category.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the physical strength measuring apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the sound generating means includes a sound generating device activated by a sound generating command provided in a computer.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a load category selection routine for selecting which load category among a plurality of preset load categories the load value of the load detection signal transmitted from the load sensor corresponds to, Each time the sorting routine sorts out a plurality of sound source data prepared for each load category to be sorted, and the load category sorting routine determines which load category the load value transmitted from the load sensor corresponds to, The present invention proposes a physical fitness measurement program including a sound generation routine for selecting a sound corresponding to a section from sound source data and generating a sound.
[0011]
Effect According to the physical strength measuring device of the present invention, a musical scale or a musical piece is emitted as sound according to the measured load value. As a result, the person to be measured can know his or her own physical strength measurement result by sound, so that, for example, comparison with the previous measurement result becomes easy, and the measurement person can be interested in the measurement. In particular, when the music is emitted according to the measured value, the person to be measured is particularly interested.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a physical strength measuring apparatus according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a case is shown in which a physical strength measuring device 400 is constituted by a load measuring device 200 and a personal computer 300.
The load measuring device 200 includes the load sensor 100 and the measuring device main body 20 described with reference to FIGS. Here, an example in which an A / D converter 26 and an output port 27 are provided in the measuring device main body 20 is shown. The A / D converter 26 converts the peak value of the measured value output from the peak hold circuit 22 into a digital signal. The output port 27 converts a digital signal input from the A / D converter 26 into a signal of a standard that the personal computer 300 can receive. If the input port of the personal computer 300 is, for example, the RS-232C standard, the output port 27 on the load measuring device 200 side is also set to the RS-232C standard output port, and converts the digital signal converted by the A / D converter 26. The signal is converted into an RS-232C standard signal and sent to the personal computer 300.
[0013]
As is well known, the personal computer 300 includes a central processing unit 301 called a CPU, a ROM 302 storing basic software and the like necessary when the computer starts up, a RAM 303 storing a physical strength measurement program and the like, and a RAM 303 For example, it is composed of a disk drive 304, an input port 305, an output port 306, and the like.
The present invention is characterized in that the RAM 303 is provided with a program constituting the load category selection means 303A, a data group constituting the sound source 303B, and a program constituting the sound generation means 303C.
[0014]
In addition, the RAM 303 also stores programs constituting the load category setting means 303D and the sound source setting means 303E.
The load category setting means 303D and the sound source setting means 303E are activated in an initial setting mode before starting to use. The initial setting is performed as follows.
The load measuring device 200 measures the orbital muscular strength or inter-finger force given by the subject in a range of, for example, 0 to 50 N (Newton). The load division setting means 303D sets the number of divisions such as dividing the measurement range of 0 to 50N into, for example, 10 equal divisions or 8 equal divisions, and the maximum load value (full scale value) of the measurement range. ) Is set to which value from 0 to 50N is set. For example, when the full scale is set to 40N and the number of divisions is set to 8 equally, the load division is set every 5N.
[0015]
On the other hand, the sound source setting means 303E sets which sound source data of the sound source data prepared for the sound source 303B is used by the sound generating means 303C. The sound source data includes, for example, scale data of “do, re, mi, fa, so, la, shi, do” representing a scale, song data representing a song, singing data of an animal, and sound data of a vehicle. You. The sound source setting means 303E sets which of these sound source data is used.
FIGS. 2 and 3 show settings. The horizontal axis shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 represents the load value, and W1, W2, W3, W4,. For example, when the full scale is set to 40N and the measurement range of 0 to 40N is set to be divided into eight, the division is divided as W1 = 5N, W2 = 10N, W3 = 15N, W4 = 20N. , 5 to 10N, 10 to 15N, 15 to 20N...
[0016]
In addition, the example shown in FIG. 2 shows a case where scale data is set by the sound source setting unit 303E. By setting the scale data, the sound data of “do” is assigned in the load category of 0 to 5N, the sound data of “で は” is assigned in the load category of 5 to 10N, and “mi” in the load category of 10 to 15N. Are assigned.
The example shown in FIG. 3 shows a case where song 1 is assigned to load segments 0 to W1, song 2 is assigned to load segments W1 to W2, and song 3 is assigned to load segments W2 to W3. The song can be a melody such as a nursery rhyme that is well known to everyone.
By performing the initial setting, the mode can be switched to the measurement mode. In the measurement mode, the subject gives the cuff muscle force or inter-finger force to the load sensor 100 of the load measuring device 200, and measures the load value. When the measurement result is taken into the peak hold circuit 22, the peak value is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 26, and the digital signal is converted into, for example, the RS-232C standard at the output port 27 and is converted into a personal signal. It is sent to the computer 300.
[0017]
In the personal computer 300, the load value data transmitted from the load measuring device 200 is selected by the load classification selecting means 303A, and a load classification shown in FIG. 2 or 3 is determined.
When the load category is determined by the load category selection means 303A, the sound generating means 303C reads the sound source data assigned to the determined load category from the sound source 303B, and reads the sound source data through the output port 306 to the D / A converter 307. To send out. The D / A converter 307 converts the sound source data (digital signal) sent out by the sound generator 303C into an analog signal, gives the analog signal to the speaker 309 via the amplifier 308, and causes the speaker 309 to emit sound. Therefore, for example, if the load value transmitted from the load measuring device 200 in the setting state shown in FIG. 2 is 20 N, the sound of “F” in the musical scale is emitted. As the sound generation method, as the measured load gradually rises, the sound of "D" is emitted as "Le", "Mi", "Fa", and the peak hold circuit 22 corresponds to the load measurement value of 20N. When the voltage value to be held is peak-held, the sound of “F” can be continuously emitted. In this way, the sounds “do”, “re”, “mi”, and “fa” can be easily pronounced to easily recognize the “fa” sound as the “fa” sound. Also, when a musical piece is to be pronounced, the musical piece is sequentially pronounced as musical piece 1, musical piece 2, musical piece 3,... As the measured load value rises, and after the load value reaches the peak, the peak is reached. By continuously producing the music pieces assigned to the values, it is possible to estimate the measured load value by recognizing which music piece is being reproduced. In addition, since the sound generated by the subject changes depending on his / her own force without estimating the measured load value, the subject is interested in this point, and will start to perform the measurement.
[0018]
4 to 7 show the structure of the lip cover for measuring orbicularis muscle attached to the load sensor 100. FIG. Reference numeral 500 shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 indicates a lip cover for orbital muscle measurement. The lip cover 500 engages a pair of sensing beams 102A and 102B (see FIG. 7) provided on the load sensor 100 outside the bottom surface of the U-shaped groove 501 of the lip cover having the U-shaped groove 501 that engages with the lip. Then, the lip cover 500 is attached to each of the sensing beams 102A and 102B, and in the attached state, the lip cover 500 is attached to each of the sensing beams 102A and 102B, and the engaging portion 502 that covers each of the sensing beams 102A and 102B in the attached state is provided. It is a structure which was made.
[0019]
That is, the engaging portion 502 is formed of a cylindrical body having an axis in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the U-shaped groove 501, and one opening of the cylindrical body is closed to form a closed surface 502B. The sensing beams 102A and 102B of the load sensor 100 for measuring orbital muscle strength according to the present invention are inserted into the opening surface 502A, and the lip cover 500 for measuring orbital muscle strength is attached to the sensing beams 102A and 102B. FIG. 7 shows the mounted state. The protrusion 503 (see FIG. 4) formed on the upper portion of the opening surface 502A is provided between the lip cover 500 and the case 101 of the load sensor 100 for measuring the orbital muscle strength when the lip cover 500 is attached to the sensing beams 102A and 102B. It is provided to form a predetermined gap G (see FIG. 7). Also, as shown in FIG. 6, a protrusion 504 is formed on the lower surface of the tip of the protrusion 503, and the protrusion 504 is engaged with the groove 104 (see FIG. 10) formed in the sensing beams 102A and 102B, and the lip cover is formed. The structure is such that the laser beam 500 can be correctly aligned with the sensing beams 102A and 102B. FIGS. 8 and 9 show a cover for measuring the force between fingers for applying the load sensor 100 to the measurement of the force between fingers. Reference numeral 600 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 denotes a cover for measuring the force between fingers. The finger force measurement cover 600 includes a flat plate portion 601 and a cylindrical engaging portion 602 having an axis in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the flat plate portion 601.
[0020]
The cylindrical engaging portion 602 has an opening surface 602A on one side in the axial direction and a closing surface 602B (FIG. 9) on the other side. The sensing beams 102A and 102B of the load sensor 100 are inserted into the opening surface 602A, and the inner walls of the engaging portions 602 are pressed against the surfaces of the sensing beams 102A and 102B. And 102B.
FIG. 9 shows a state of attachment to the load sensor 100. The flat plate portion 601 is arranged outside the position where the sensing beams 102A and 102B are arranged, and the tips of the thumb and the outer finger are pressed against each plate surface of the flat plate portion 601 and the force generated between the fingers is measured.
[0021]
The load category selection means 303A, the sound generation means 303C, the load category setting means 303D, and the sound source setting means 303E provided in the personal computer 300 shown in FIG. This is realized by causing
The physical fitness measurement program according to the present invention is installed in a computer through a recording medium such as a magnetic disk or a CD-ROM or a communication line, and is executed by being interpreted by a CPU provided in each computer.
[0022]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a sound is generated in accordance with the load value transmitted from the load measuring device 200 in any measurement of the orbicular muscle strength or the inter-finger force. The subject becomes interested in measurement because the sound changes in accordance with the addition and subtraction of his / her own power, and as a result, he is engaged in daily training (rehabilitation), contributing to the recovery of functions. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a graph for explaining the operation of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a graph similar to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining a lip cover for measuring orbital muscle strength which is attached to the load sensor shown in FIG. 1 and used for measuring orbital muscles.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of FIG. 4 as viewed from above.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view for explaining the structure of the lip cover shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;
FIG. 7 is a side view for explaining a state where the lip cover shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 is mounted on a load sensor.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining an inter-finger force measurement cover used for measuring inter-finger force, which is attached to the load sensor shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a side view for explaining a state where the cover for measuring inter-finger force shown in FIG. 8 is attached to a load sensor.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining a structure of a load sensor for measuring orbital muscle strength proposed earlier.
11 is a block diagram for explaining an internal structure of a measuring device main body for displaying a load value measured by the load sensor shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
20 Measuring instrument body 303 RAM
21 Amplifier 303A Load classification selecting means 22 Peak hold circuit 303B Sound source 23 Display 303C Sound generation means 24 Reset switch 303D Load classification setting means 100 Load sensor 303E Sound source setting means 101 Case 304 Disk drive 102A Sensing beam 305 Input port 102B Sensing beam 307D / A converter 103 Strain generating member 308 Amplifier 104 Groove 309 Speaker 200 Load measuring device 400 Physical strength measuring device 300 Personal computer 500 Lip cover 301 CPU 600 Finger force measuring cover 302 ROM

Claims (5)

A, a load corresponding to a lip force or a finger force is applied to a load sensor, and a load measuring device that transmits an electric signal corresponding to the load applied to the load sensor;
B, a load section selecting means for selecting which load section among a plurality of preset load sections the load value of the load detection signal transmitted by the load measuring device corresponds to,
C, a plurality of sound sources prepared corresponding to each load section selected by the load section selecting means;
D. Each time the load category selection means selects which load category the load value transmitted from the load measuring device corresponds to, the sound corresponding to the load category is selected from the sound source and pronounced. Means,
A physical strength measuring device characterized by comprising: 2. The physical fitness measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the sound source is composed of scale data specified for each of the load categories. 2. The physical fitness measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the sound source is composed of music data specified for each of the load categories. 2. The physical fitness measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sound generating means comprises a sound generating device activated by a sound generating command provided in a computer. A, a load category selection routine for selecting which load category among a plurality of preset load categories the load value of the load detection signal transmitted by the load sensor corresponds to,
B, a plurality of sound source data prepared for each load category selected by this load category selection routine;
C. Each time the load category selection routine selects a load category corresponding to the load value transmitted from the load sensor, a sound corresponding to the load category is selected from the sound source data to generate a sound corresponding to the load category. When,
A physical strength measurement program characterized by comprising:

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