JP2010246787A - Massaging machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a massaging machine, accurately measuring the heart rate and skin resistance of a massaged person in his relaxed condition with one detecting unit to apply massaging treatment according to the state of stress and stiffness. <P>SOLUTION: A biological information detecting means 30 includes: a skin resistance detecting part 60 for measuring skin resistance; and a heart rate detecting part 70 for measuring the heart rate. The skin resistance detecting part and the heart rate detecting part are disposed on a rod-like detecting unit 42, both right and left ends of which can be gripped by both hands of the massaged person. A first electrode 62 as the skin resistance detecting part, a second electrode 72 as the heart rate detecting part and a third electrode 80 for grounding are disposed at one end side of the detecting unit 42, and a fourth electrode 74 as the heart rate detecting part is disposed at the other end side. When both right and left end parts of the detecting unit are gripped by the right and left hands, the heart rate and the skin resistance can be accurately detected in relaxed condition, and the degree of stress and the degree of stiffness can be determined from these measurement values to control a massaging means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a massage machine that measures biological information such as heartbeat and skin resistance of a user, determines the degree of stress and stiffness of the user, and performs massage based on the determination result. .

  A massage machine has been proposed that includes biological information detection means capable of measuring biological information such as the heart rate and skin temperature of a user (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The biological information detection means is composed of an electrode or the like, and is disposed in the vicinity of the armrest of the chair, and detects the biological information of the user by bringing the finger pad or palm of the user into contact with the biological information detection means. is doing.

JP 2005-46382 A

  In such a conventional apparatus, when measuring biological information, it is necessary to press the finger pad or palm in a stable state against the biological information detecting means on the armrest, and the measurement results from the operation of the massage means while measuring the biological information. Due to vibration or the like, the finger pad or palm moves away from the biological information detection means or moves, and it is difficult to obtain an accurate measurement result.

    An object of the present invention is to provide a massage machine that can accurately measure heartbeat and skin resistance, which are biometric information, in a relaxed state with a single detection body and can perform massage according to the state of stress and stiffness. To do.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the massage machine of the invention of claim 1 of the present application is electrically connected to the massage means for massaging the affected area of the user, the control means for controlling the massage means, and the control means. The living body information detecting means for detecting the living body information of the user and transmitting it to the control means, and the operation unit electrically connected to the control means,
The biological information detection means includes a skin resistance detection unit that measures the skin resistance of the user and a heart rate detection unit that measures a heart rate. The skin resistance detection unit and the heart rate detection unit are both left and right of the user with both hands. It is arranged on a rod-shaped detection body that can hold both ends, and a first electrode as a skin resistance detection unit, a second electrode as a heartbeat detection unit, and a third grounding unit on one end side of the detection body The fourth electrode is arranged as a heartbeat detection unit on the other end side, and the control means measures the signal relating to the skin resistance of the user measured by the skin resistance detection unit and the heartbeat detection unit. It receives signals related to the heartbeat and controls the massage means based on these signals.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the second electrode and the fourth electrode, which are heartbeat detection units, are respectively arranged in the vicinity of the left and right ends of the circumferential surface along the axial direction of the detection body, and the skin resistance detection unit The first electrode and the third electrode for ground are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction on the back surface side of one of the second electrode and the fourth electrode.

  According to the invention of claim 3 of the present application, the auxiliary operation unit for controlling the massage machine is arranged in the center portion between the one end side and the other end side in the axial direction of the rod-shaped detector.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when measuring heart rate and skin resistance, the left and right hands are held by the left and right hands, respectively, so that the left and right hands are respectively the second electrode and the fourth electrode. The heart rate can be measured by grasping the hand, and either the left or right hand can touch the first electrode and the third electrode, and the electrical resistance between the electrodes, that is, the skin resistance can be measured together. . When detecting the heartbeat, it is necessary to grasp with both hands, but when measuring only the skin resistance, one hand may be used.

    In this way, when measuring heart rate and skin resistance, you can grab the rod-shaped detection body with your hand and bring it to your favorite position, so you can measure in a relaxed posture, and massage means Even if the body moves due to the above movement, the hand is less likely to move away from the detection body, and accurate measurement is possible.

    In addition, since the skin resistance detection unit and the heart rate detection unit are grounded by a common third electrode, the number of electrodes for detection can be minimized, and the size of the detection body can be reduced. Easy to use.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the heartbeat can be detected by touching the second electrode and the fourth electrode with the palms of both left and right hands, and the first electrode and the third electrode can be detected with either finger. The resistance between both electrodes (skin resistance) can be measured simultaneously by touching.

    According to the invention of claim 3, since the auxiliary operation unit is arranged at the center of the rod-shaped detection body, it is possible to operate the massage machine with the detection body at hand without operating the normal operation unit one by one. Become. It is convenient for this auxiliary operation part to be able to be operated by the auxiliary operation part for frequently used during massage.

It is a perspective view of a chair type massage machine to which the present invention can be applied. It is a perspective view by the side of the heartbeat detection part of the detection body which has a biological information detection means. It is a perspective view by the side of the skin resistance detection part of the detection body which has a biological information detection means. It is a control block diagram. It is a graph which shows an example of a heartbeat waveform. It is a table which shows the relationship between the stress level by the CVRR value according to each age band, and a massage course. It is a flowchart figure of the massage course selection by a stress level. It is a table showing the massage course selected based on a stress level and a stiffness level. It is a flowchart figure of the massage course selection by a stress level and a stiffness level.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair type massage machine (10) to which the present invention can be applied. In the chair type massage machine (10), a seat part (12) on which a user sits is swingably supported by a base part (11) placed on a floor surface. On the rear end side of the seat part (12), the backrest part (14) on which the back of the user hits, and on the front end side of the seat part (12), the leg unit for accommodating the leg part of the user (16) is supported.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the leg unit (16) has recesses (17) and (17) for inserting the legs (portions below the knee) of the user.

  The seat part (12), the backrest part (14), and the leg unit (16) can be tilted with respect to the base part (11) by a reclining mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1). . The reclining mechanism has a structure in which the seat (12), the backrest (14), and the leg unit (16) are tilted independently by a plurality of actuators, etc., or a single actuator and a link mechanism are combined. Thus, the seat (12), the backrest (14), and the leg unit (16) can be tilted in cooperation.

  In addition, on the left and right sides of the seat (12), elbow rests (18) and (18) that can be tilted integrally with the seat (12) are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the seat part (12), the backrest part (14), and the leg unit (16) have a seat part massage means (20) for massaging the user, respectively, as shown in FIG. Massage means (22) and leg massage means (24) are provided.

  Examples of the seat massage means (20) include air bag type, vibration type and roller type massage means.

  Further, as the backrest part massage means (22), an airbag type, a kneading ball type, a vibration type, or a roller type massage means can be exemplified. In the case of massaging ball type or roller type massage means, it can be moved up and down along the longitudinal direction of the backrest (14).

  Examples of the leg massage means (24) include an airbag type, a vibration type, and a roller type. In order to suppress the influence of vibration or the like on the upper body of the user, it is desirable to use an airbag type.

  When an airbag is used for the leg massage means (24), as shown in FIG. 1, one or more airbags are provided on the inner surface of the recess (17) and the bottom surface of the recess (17), respectively. It is desirable to be able to massage the calf, ankle and toe of the user by expanding and contracting the bag.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the chair type massage machine (10) is operated by an operation unit (40) arranged on one of the elbow rests (18).

  The operation unit (40) includes a plurality of operation buttons for selecting a power switch, a massage course, a massage point, a massage strength, and the like. In addition, the operation unit (40) includes massage information such as the selected massage course, the operation state, position, strength, and elapsed time of the massage means (20), (22) and (24), and biological information detection means described later. (30) The display part which displays the biometric information detected by is provided.

  Further, the operation unit (40) has an age input unit for correcting individual differences of the user when the biological information of the user is measured by the biological information detection means (30). The age input unit has buttons that enable selection of “20 to 39”, “40 to 59”, and “60 to” for each age band of the user. Moreover, you may make it input age by a numerical value. The age of the user input by the age input unit is transmitted to the control means (50) described later.

  The chair type massage machine (10) is provided with biological information detection means (30) for measuring biological information of the user. Examples of biological information measured by the biological information detecting means (30) include skin resistance and heart rate. These are respectively measured by a skin resistance detector (60) and a heartbeat detector (70) described later. Of course, the biological information to be measured is not limited to these, and may be body temperature, pulse, and the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, the biological information detecting means (30) is a rod-shaped detector (42) provided with a plurality of electrodes (62), (72), (74), and (80) for detection. Can be provided. The illustrated detection body (42) has a cylindrical shape. The detection body (42) has an outer diameter (diameter of about 3 cm to 5 cm) that allows the user to hold both left and right ends of the detection body (42) with both hands, and a skin resistance detection section (60) is provided on one end side. A first electrode (62) serving as a heartbeat, a second electrode (72) serving as a heartbeat detector (70), and a third electrode (80) for grounding, and a heartbeat detector (70) on the other end side A fourth electrode (74) paired with the second electrode (72). The third electrode (80) for grounding is shared by the first electrode (62) and the second electrode (72).

  More specifically, the second electrode (72) and the fourth electrode (74), which are the heartbeat detection unit (70), are respectively disposed in the vicinity of both ends of the circumferential surface along the axial direction of the rod-shaped detector (42). The first electrode (62), which is the skin resistance detection unit (60), and the third electrode (80) for grounding are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction on the back side of the second electrode (72).

  These electrodes (62), (72), (74) and (80) are electrically connected to the control means (50) described later by a cord (48) extending from the detection body (42).

  If the detector (42) is rod-shaped, its size and shape may be any shape and size that can be held by the left and right hands, and is limited to the shape and size shown in the figure. Is not to be done.

  The user grasps the left and right ends of the detection body (42) with both left and right hands, and the palms of both hands are the second electrode (72) and the fourth electrode (74), which are the heart rate detection unit (70), and one hand When the fingertip touches the first electrode (62), which is the skin resistance detector (60), and the third electrode (80) for grounding, energization is started, and the control means (50) automatically Heartbeat and skin resistance detection begins.

When detecting a heartbeat, it is necessary to grasp the detection body (42) with both hands. However, when detecting only skin resistance, the first electrode (62) and the third electrode (80) are connected to each other. Just touch the fingertip of either hand. The biometric information detection process by the biometric information detection means (30) will be described later.

  As other biological information, when measuring and detecting the body temperature of the user, a temperature sensor can be used as the biological information detection means (30), and when measuring and detecting a pulse, What is necessary is just to arrange | position a photosensor as an information detection means (30).

  The detection body (42) may perform a part of the operation performed in the operation unit (40). In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation buttons (44) and (46) serving as the auxiliary operation units are provided between the second electrode (72) and the fourth electrode (74) as the heartbeat detection unit (70). In other words, it can be arranged at the center in the axial direction of the detection body (42). As the operation buttons (44) and (46), for example, a reclining button (44) for operating a reclining mechanism (not shown), and a repeat button (46) for performing an operation command for repeatedly performing a currently performed massage operation It is desirable that the user performs an operation that seems necessary frequently during the massage. Accordingly, it is not necessary for the user to bother to operate the operation unit (40) to get up or reach out, and this does not hinder massage. Further, by reducing the number of operation buttons on the detection body (42), the user does not need to look at the detection body (42) every time the operation is performed, so that the massage is not hindered.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control system of the chair type massage machine (10) of the present invention. All control of the chair type massage machine (10) is performed by the control means (50). The control means (50) is composed of a microprocessor or the like, and has a memory (not shown) for storing various control programs, massage programs, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control means (50) includes an operation section (40), auxiliary operation sections (44) and (46), biological information detection means (30), massage means (20), (22) and (24). The reclining mechanism (28) is electrically connected, and the operation command from the operation unit (40) and / or the auxiliary operation unit (44) (46) is stored in the program stored in advance in the control means (50). Based on this, the massage means (20), (22), (24), etc. operate.

  The massage means for the seat (20), the massage means for the backrest (22), and the massage means for the leg (24) are motor-driven (for example, roller type, kneading ball type), the control means (50) Are connected via a motor drive circuit. When the massage means is an airbag type, an air pump and a valve are electrically connected to the control means (50) to control the expansion and contraction of the airbag.

  The reclining mechanism (28) is also connected to the control means (50) via a motor drive circuit in the case of motor drive. The reclining mechanism (28) tilts the seat (12), the backrest (14), and the leg unit (16) to a desired angle based on a command from the control means (50).

Detection of the biological information of the user by the control means (50) can be performed as follows.
When measuring heart rate as biological information, the heart rate detection unit (70) detects the potential of the left and right hands, and measures the potential difference with the control means (50). Can be measured. Specifically, when the user holds the detection body (42) with both hands, the second electrode (72) is touched with one palm and the fourth electrode (74) is touched with the other palm. Measure by touching.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a heartbeat waveform detected based on the potentials of the second electrode (72) and the fourth electrode (74) which are the heartbeat detection unit (70). The degree of stress is determined by detecting the fluctuation width (CVRR) of the interval between the protruding portions (R wave) of the heartbeat waveform. The fluctuation width (CVRR) is detected by a fluctuation detection circuit (32) (see FIG. 4) built in the control means (50).

  The smaller the fluctuation width (CVRR) detected by the fluctuation detection circuit (32), the higher the degree of wakefulness of the user and the more stressed state is. The larger the fluctuation width (CVRR), the more the user is treated. Means less stressed and relaxed.

  In the measurement of the heartbeat waveform, the strength of the received signal varies depending on individual differences (the position of the heart of the user). Therefore, the reception sensitivity in the control means (50) is switched according to the strength of the signal detected by the heartbeat detection unit (70).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the outputs from the second and fourth electrodes (72) and (74), which are heart rate detectors (70), are amplified by the first amplifier (76) (low gain), and are controlled. If the detected signal is smaller than a predetermined threshold, it is further amplified (high gain) by the second amplifier (78) connected in series with the first amplifier (76), Input to the control means (50). Thereby, even when the input signal is small, the control means (50) can receive a signal related to the heartbeat with a predetermined sensitivity.

  The CVRR value obtained above generally has a characteristic that the standard value decreases as the age increases. By age group, the standard value is 4.0 for those under 40 years old, but it is 3.0 for those 40 to 60 years old, and 2.6 for those 60 and over.

  As shown in FIG. 6, for a CVRR value whose standard value changes according to age, a stress table for the CVRR value for each age band is created, and the criterion for determining the degree of stress is switched according to age. And the massage course given to a user is set with respect to the age band and the measured CVRR value.

  In FIG. 6, a massage course 1 is a massage course for a user having a high CVRR value, that is, low stress. As a massage course, a massage centered on acupressure can be exemplified, whereby the acupressure points of the affected area of the user can be activated, and the massage course gives a strong stimulus to the affected affected area. This course has a strong activity effect but a low relaxation effect.

  The massage course 2 is an intermediate-strength massage course and can be a hit-centered massage course. This massage course is a little unsatisfactory for patients with strong stiffness and has a low massage effect, but can relax the affected area against a wide range of weak stiffness. This course has a relaxing effect due to the weak vibration caused by tapping.

  The massage course 3 is a massage course for a user who has a low CVRR value, that is, a strong stress. As a massage course, a weak massage course can illustrate a massage course centering on itching, for example. This massage course is the least stimulating course and has a high relaxing effect. This massage course offers a relaxing massage, allowing the user to relax mentally.

  The massage course using the stress table of FIG. 6 can be performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the user selects this massage course by operating the operation unit (40), the age input to the age input unit is requested (step 1). In this state, the detection body (42) is grasped with both hands. Based on the potentials of the second electrode (72) and the fourth electrode (74) of the heart rate detector (70), the heart rate waveform is detected, and the control means (50) measures the CVRR value (step 2). At this time, if the output of the heartbeat waveform is small, the output is performed with a high gain by the above sensitivity switching.

  The control means (50) determines the stress level based on the obtained CVRR value and the age input in Step 1 (Step 3), and selects a massage course by referring to the stress table based on the stress level. (Step 4). When the massage course is selected, the control means (50) performs massage corresponding to the massage course to the user (step 5).

  As described above, the CVRR value that varies depending on the age of the user can be corrected, the stress level can be determined, and the optimal massage course for the user's age, mental fatigue level, etc. can be automatically selected, and the optimal Massage can be given.

  Further, as the stress level based on the CVRR value and the biometric information, the skin resistance of the user is further measured to determine the stiffness level of the user, and based on the stress level and stiffness level, massage is performed. You can also choose a course.

  The skin resistance of the user is a measure of the amount of perspiration of the user when the massage is performed. The stiffness is weak, that is, the lower the stiffness level, the less the perspiration, the skin resistance detection unit Since the current flowing between the first electrode (62) and the third electrode (80), which is (60), decreases and the amount of perspiration increases as the stiffness increases, the first electrode (62) and the third electrode Current flowing between (80) tends to increase.

  The skin resistance is measured by grasping the finger of one hand of the user so that the first electrode (62) and the third electrode (80) arranged on one end side of the detection body (42) touch each other. be able to. A signal relating to the skin resistance obtained by the first electrode (62) is transmitted to the control means (50) and used for determination of the stiffness level.

  Here, in the measurement of skin resistance, the strength of the received signal varies depending on individual differences (such as the degree of dryness of the hand of the user). Therefore, the reception sensitivity in the control means (50) is switched according to the strength of the signal detected by the skin resistance detection unit (60).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the output from the first electrode (62) which is the skin resistance detector (70) is amplified by the first amplifier (64) (low gain) and transmitted to the control means (50). However, if the detected signal is smaller than a predetermined threshold, it is further amplified (high gain) by the second amplifier (66) connected in series with the first amplifier (64), and the control means (50). Is input. Thereby, even when the input signal is small, the control means (50) can receive a signal relating to skin resistance with a predetermined sensitivity.

  The control means (50) classifies the stiffness level into 1 to 8 stages based on the signal relating to the skin resistance obtained from the first electrode (62) which is the skin resistance detector (60). Stiffness level 1 indicates a state in which the stiffness is the weakest, and the stiffness increases as the stiffness level increases.

  FIG. 8 shows a table for selecting a massage course (described above) according to the stiffness level and the stress level described above. As shown in the figure, when the stress level is the same, the stronger the stiffness level, the stronger the stimulation (the aforementioned massage course 1) is selected. When the stiffness level is the same, the greater the stress level, the more the stimulation level. A weak massage (the aforementioned massage course 3) is selected.

  The massage course using the table of FIG. 8 can be performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the user selects this massage course by operating the operation unit (50), the second body (72) and the fourth electrode of the heart rate detection unit (70) are grasped by grasping the detection body (42) with both hands. A heartbeat waveform is detected based on the potential of the electrode (74), and the CVRR value is measured by the control means (50) (step 1). At this time, if the output of the heartbeat waveform is small, the output is performed with a high gain by the above sensitivity switching. The control means (50) determines the stress level based on the obtained CVRR value (step 2).

Next, the stiffness level is measured, but the skin resistance can be measured with one hand.
(42) A change instruction (for example, “You may hold it with only one hand (the right or left hand on the side with the second electrode (72)”) is given to the display unit (step 3).

For the detection of the stiffness level, the current of the first electrode 62 which is the skin resistance detector 60 is measured (step 4), and the stiffness level is determined by the control means 50 (step 5).

  Based on the stress level obtained in step 2 and the stiffness level obtained in step 5, a massage course is selected with reference to the table of FIG. 8 (step 6). When the massage course is selected, the control means (50) performs massage according to the massage course to the user (step 7).

  According to the above, based on the physical condition (stiffness level) and mental state (stress level) of the user, the optimal massage course for the user is automatically selected, and when there is stress Can relieve stress and, when stress is low and stiff, apply a massage that has a high stiffness-relieving effect, so that effective massage based on both physical and mental conditions can be performed.

In addition, you may make it perform the determination which used the age mentioned above as a parameter for selection of the massage course by the said stiffness level and a stress level.

  As described above, when measuring heart rate and skin resistance, it is possible to measure by grasping the left and right ends of the rod-shaped detection body (42) with the left and right hands. It can be brought into position and measured in a relaxed posture. Further, even if the body moves due to the operation of the massage means, etc., it becomes difficult for the hand to be separated from the detection body (42), and accurate measurement is possible.

    In addition, since the skin resistance detector (60) and the heartbeat detector (70) are grounded by the common third electrode (80), the number of electrodes for detection can be minimized, and detection can be performed. The body (42) can be miniaturized and easy to use.

    In addition, when detecting heartbeats, massage can be stopped or massaged during measurement so that the upper body of the user can be shaken, vibrated, and moved as much as possible, and measurement can be performed in a resting state. Even if it is applied, it is desirable to use a massage with an airbag to the leg that has a small influence on the measurement, or a massage such as stretching the back.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful for a massage machine that measures heart rate and skin resistance and performs massage according to the degree of stress and stiffness.

(10) Chair type massage machine
(30) Means for detecting biological information
(40) Operation unit
(42) Detector
(50) Control means
(60) Skin resistance detector
(62) First electrode
(70) Heart rate detector / second electrode
(74) Fourth electrode
(80) Third electrode
(44) Operation buttons (auxiliary operation section)
(46) Operation buttons (auxiliary operation section)

Claims (3)

Massage means for massaging the affected area of the user;
Control means for controlling the massage means;
A biological information detecting means that is electrically connected to the control means, detects biological information of the user, and transmits the detected biological information to the control means;
An operation unit electrically connected to the control means;
In a massage machine having
The biological information detection means has a skin resistance detection unit that measures the skin resistance of the user and a heart rate detection unit that measures a heart rate,
The skin resistance detection unit and the heart rate detection unit are arranged in a rod-shaped detection body that allows the user to grip both left and right ends with both hands,
A first electrode as a skin resistance detection unit, a second electrode as a heart rate detection unit, and a third electrode for ground are arranged at one end side of the detection body, and a fourth electrode as a heart rate detection unit is arranged at the other end side. Arranged,
The control unit receives a signal related to the skin resistance of the user measured by the skin resistance detection unit and a signal related to the heart rate measured by the heart rate detection unit, and controls the massage unit based on these signals.   The second electrode and the fourth electrode, which are heart rate detectors, are arranged in the vicinity of the left and right ends of the circumferential surface along the axial direction of the detection body, respectively, and the first electrode, which is a skin resistance detector, and the ground The third electrode according to claim 1, wherein the third electrode is arranged side by side in the circumferential direction on the back surface side of any one of the second electrode and the fourth electrode.   The massage machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an auxiliary operation unit for controlling the massage machine is disposed at a central portion between the one end side and the other end side in the axial direction of the rod-shaped detection body.

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