JP2022150847A - Body type measuring device for massage machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a body type measuring device for a massage machine that can measure a body type of a user using a massage machine in more detail, and allow appropriate massaging to be executed on the basis of the acquired body type.SOLUTION: A body type measuring device 10 for a massage machine 1 is used for a massage machine 1 equipped with a massage mechanism for giving a massage motion to a treatment part of a user M. The body type measuring device 10 includes: an imaging part for taking a picture of the user M using the massage machine 1; an extraction part for extracting a feature of the body type of the user M on the basis of the picture taken by the imaging part; and a transfer part for transferring the feature to a control part provided to the massage machine so that the feature extracted by the extraction part can be reflected in the operation of the massage machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a body shape measuring device for a massage machine that measures the body shape of a user using the massage machine and provides a massage suitable for that body shape.

For example, in the apparel industry, etc., it is possible to provide useful information for judging the dimensions and fit (feeling of wearing) of a wearable object to a target person who is in a remote location without actually facing the person. A body type information analysis system has been developed (see Patent Document 1).
The system disclosed in Patent Document 1 acquires body image data obtained by photographing the appearance of a target portion, which is at least a part of the body of a subject, and obtains the actual dimensions of the target portion of the body of the subject. Numerical data, characters, or image data containing information on reference dimensions that can be used for judgment are acquired, each part of the target part represented in the body shape image is set as a parameter, and the body shape image for each of the set parameters Measure the display dimensions above, and use the obtained reference dimension data to calculate the actual dimensions of each part of the target part of the subject's body shown in the body image from the measured display dimensions on the body image. It has become.
On the other hand, a similar demand extends to the field of massage machines, and it is desirable to measure the body shape of the user using the massage machine in more detail and perform an appropriate massage based on the obtained body shape. ing.

JP 2018-163031 A

However, the technique of Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique used in the apparel industry, more specifically in the sale of clothes, etc., and discloses a technique that directly contributes to body shape measurement required in the massage machine industry. It's not working.
Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention is a body shape measuring device for a massage machine, which is capable of measuring the body shape of a user using a massage machine in more detail and performing an appropriate massage based on the obtained body shape. intended to provide

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has taken the following technical measures.
A body shape measuring device for a massage machine according to the present invention is a body shape measuring device used in a massage machine that includes a massage mechanism that applies a massage action to a treatment area of a user, and the body shape measuring device includes the massager. An imaging unit that takes a photograph of a user who uses the massage machine, an extraction unit that extracts features of the body shape of the user based on the photograph taken by the imaging unit, and a massage machine that extracts the features extracted by the extraction unit. and a transfer unit for transferring the characteristics to a control unit provided in the massage machine in order to reflect them in the operation of the massager.
Preferably, the extraction unit extracts the height of the user's upper body and the thickness of the buttocks based on the photograph taken by the imaging unit, and calculates the shoulder position of the user using the extracted data. .
Preferably, the extractor calculates the shoulder width of the user based on the photograph taken by the imaging section.
Preferably, the extraction unit extracts the positional relationship between the right shoulder and the left shoulder of the user based on the photograph taken by the imaging unit, and calculates the lateral distortion state of the user's body using the extracted data. do it.
Preferably, the extraction unit calculates the state of the user's stooped back based on the photograph taken by the imaging unit.
Preferably, the extraction unit calculates the state of the user's warped waist based on the photograph taken by the imaging unit.
Preferably, the extraction unit extracts, based on a plurality of photographs including the current state captured by the imaging unit,
It is preferable to extract changes in the current body shape of the user.

According to the body shape measuring device for a massage machine of the present invention, it is possible to measure the body shape of the user using the massage machine in more detail, and perform an appropriate massage based on the obtained body shape.

It is a figure which shows a mode that the user was imaged from the side by the body shape measuring device for massage machines of this invention. It is a user's side contour figure (silhouette image) obtained by the body shape measuring device for massage machines of this invention. It is a figure explaining calculating a user's shoulder position with the body shape measuring device for massage machines of this invention. It is a figure explaining calculating a user's shoulder width with the body shape measuring device for massage machines of this invention. It is a figure explaining calculating right-and-left distortion of a user's body with a body shape measuring device for massage machines of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining calculation of the front-back strain of the user's body ((A) is normal, (B) is a stooped back, and (C) is a warped waist) with the body shape measuring device for the massage machine of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is the perspective view which showed an example of the chair type massage machine to which the body shape measuring device of this invention is applied.

An embodiment of a body shape measuring device 10 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a body shape measuring device 10) for a massage machine 1 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 and the like.
First, before explaining the body shape measuring device 10 itself, an outline of a chair-type massage machine 1 suitable for applying this body shape measuring device 10 will be described.
Note that the chair-type massage machine 1 described below is an example, and various massage machines 1 equipped with the body shape measuring device 10 of the present invention are assumed.
[Example of massage machine]
As shown in FIG. 7, the chair-type massage machine 1 includes a seat 2 that supports the buttocks of a user M from below, a backrest 3 provided at the rear of the seat 2, and a backrest 3 at the front of the seat 2. A footrest 6 is provided.

Legs for installing the massage machine 1 on the floor are provided under the seat 2, and the seat 2 is supported at a predetermined height by the legs. A seat massaging mechanism (not shown) for massaging the buttocks and thighs (lower limbs) is provided inside the seat 2 . For the seat massaging mechanism, for example, the mechanism disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-064807 may be adopted.

The backrest portion 3 is supported at its lower end with respect to the rear portion of the seat portion 2 so as to be capable of swinging back and forth. The backrest 3 can be reclined with respect to the floor by a posture changing mechanism (not shown) provided in the legs. Inside the backrest part 3, a back part massaging mechanism 4 for massaging the back part from the shoulder part to the waist part through the back, such as kneading, beating and vibrating, is vertically movably provided. For the back massaging mechanism 4, for example, mechanisms disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2013-252348 and 2018-134181 may be employed.

On both sides of the backrest 3, side massaging mechanisms 5 are provided for pressing and massaging the sides of the arms and shoulders (upper limbs) of the user M leaning against the backrest 3 from the left and right. there is As the side massaging mechanism 5, for example, there is a configuration in which an airbag is repeatedly inflated and deflated at a predetermined rhythm. Specifically, the side massaging mechanism 5 according to the present invention includes a pair of left and right massaging members arranged to correspond to the shoulders, and a width adjusting means for adjusting the space between the pair of left and right massaging members in the left-right direction. ,have.

A pair of massaging members are provided on both the left and right sides of the backrest portion so as to protrude forward from the backrest portion 3. - 特許庁The massaging member on the right side and the massaging member on the left side are provided at positions facing each other in the left-right direction. That is, the pair of right and left massaging members are arranged so as to sandwich the shoulders. In addition, in the present embodiment, the massaging member is accommodated in the concave portion of the blocking plate.

For example, an inflatable airbag is provided at the tip of the massaging member. The airbag repeatedly inflates and deflates to press the shoulder (treatment area) from the outside.
The footrest 6 supports the left and right calves to feet (feet) of the user M seated on the seat portion 2 . Moreover, the footrest 6 can be accommodated in the lower portion of the seat portion 2 . The footrest 6 has a pair of left and right holding grooves (not shown) in which the calves of the user M can be fitted, respectively, on the surface (front surface) that supports the calves of the user M.

Inside the footrest 6, there is provided a foot massage mechanism (not shown) that presses and massages the calves and feet of the user M fitted in the inner facing surfaces of the left and right holding grooves from the left and right. there is As a foot massage mechanism, for example, there is a configuration in which a pair of left and right airbags sandwiching a range from the calf to the foot repeats inflation and deflation at predetermined intervals.
Furthermore, armrests 7 are provided on both left and right sides of the seat 2 . An arm massage mechanism (not shown) that presses and massages the forearms (upper limbs) may be provided in the armrests 7 . As for the arm massage mechanism, for example, the mechanism disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-016158 may be adopted.

In addition, the back massaging mechanism 4 provided in the backrest portion 3 can move vertically along guide rails provided inside the backrest portion 3, and a sensor for grasping its vertical position is provided. It is configured to be deployed. Furthermore, there is provided a position changing function for changing the lateral position of the treatment elements of the backrest portion 3, in other words, a mechanism for changing the distance between the pair of left and right treatment elements.
[Body detection device (example)]
The chair-type massage machine 1 of the present embodiment is a massage machine capable of measuring the body shape of the user M using the massage machine 1 in more detail and performing an appropriate massage based on the obtained body shape. A body shape measuring device 10 is provided.

The body measurement device 10 can be realized in various forms, but an example using a mobile device (smartphone) represented by an iPhone (registered trademark) or an iPad (registered trademark) as the body measurement device 10 will be described below. state. Other embodiments will be discussed at the end of this document.
First, in realizing the body shape measuring device 10 using a smartphone, an application that works in conjunction with the massage machine 1 is downloaded to the smartphone.

As shown in FIG. 1, using this application, first, a photograph in which the entire user M is captured is taken with an imaging unit (specifically, a camera).
Photographs to be taken, that is, image data to be inputted are preferably taken from the front and from the side while the user M stands upright. Data photographed from an oblique angle may also be used. In this case, an image processing technique is used to convert the data into photograph data photographed from the front and image data photographed from the side.
At this time, the height of the user M (who was photographed) is manually input. When this photographing is performed at a store that sells the massage machine 1, the user M may be photographed together with a tape measure, and the height of the user M10 may be estimated by an automatic image recognition technique.
In the case of the chair-type massage machine 1, for example, an extension bar that can be freely bent from the tip of the armrest 7 and that can be attached to a smartphone is arranged at the tip, and the smartphone attached to the tip is arranged. A camera may be used to photograph the user M sitting on the chair-type massage machine 1. - 特許庁In that case, any part of the chair-type massage machine 1, for example, within the field of view of the camera, a mark as a mark is placed on the upper side of the backrest part 3, and based on that, the user M It is good to automatically calculate the shoulder width etc. For example, button-like marks made of metal are provided on the left and right sides of the head of the user M in a sitting posture. Since the distance between the buttons is known, the shoulder width and shoulder position of the user M are calculated using that value. The buttons are not limited to being arranged on the left and right sides. If a pair of buttons are arranged with a certain distance vertically, the distance between the buttons is known. and the position of the shoulder can be calculated.
That is, the reference point (the button in the above case) for obtaining the information necessary for measuring the body shape of the user M should be on the chair-type massage machine 1 and be within the field of view captured by the camera. It is preferable to
The obtained physique image data of the user M may be subjected to various processes within the smartphone to obtain data necessary for massage. , data necessary for massage may be obtained (extraction unit). When the data required for massage is calculated within the smartphone, the obtained data may be taken out and recorded in a microchip embedded in a card or the like. In addition, in order to know the body shape of user M, it is most preferable to take a photograph of user M's naked body, but since it is usually impossible, AI technology etc. is used to estimate the body shape from the state of wearing clothes. make sure to Naturally, it is preferable to have the user M wear light clothes and take a picture of the user M. Similarly, AI technology may be used to obtain body shape data even if the user M is sitting or lying on his or her back.

The purpose of performing the work of knowing the body shape of the user M in this way is to perform a massage suitable for the body shape of the user M and to provide the user M with a comfortable massage. The "physical shape" referred to here includes the position of the shoulders of the user M, the lateral distortion of the shoulders and body, the distorted state of the spine (humpback state), whether the neck is straight, etc. These body data are shown in FIG. Therefore, the movement of the massage machine 1 can be changed variously according to each user M. In addition, by knowing the body shape, the positions of pressure points of the user M can be accurately known, and an accurate massage can be performed.
[Specific example of body type determination (part 1)]
FIG. 2 shows silhouette images S of various users M obtained by calculation. As shown in FIG. 2, first, a silhouette image S representing the body shape of the user M is extracted based on the photograph of the user M uploaded to the server. Based on this silhouette image S, various body type data are obtained. This processing may use the CPU of the server, or may use the CPU in the smartphone (extraction unit). In addition, in the image of the user M shown in FIG. 1, the head, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles of the user M are connected by straight lines, and the angle formed by the straight lines is used as part of the body shape data. can also

First, as shown in FIG. 4, the extracting unit extracts the shoulder width based on the silhouette image S viewed from the front using edge extraction and pattern matching techniques. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, the shoulder position is obtained from the silhouette image S viewed from the side, and the height of the upper body and the thickness of the buttocks are obtained. The lower limit position of the upper half of the body may be the position where the buttocks are most raised, or may be the base of the thighs and buttocks. When the user M is in a sitting position (when using the chair-type massage machine 1 or the like), the height of the upper body of the user M is corrected according to the thickness of the buttocks, and the height of the upper body in the correct sitting position is corrected. to estimate the

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, based on the silhouette image S in which the user M is viewed from the front, the extraction unit determines the distortion of the left and right shoulders (the right shoulder or the left shoulder is lowered). Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6, using a silhouette image S viewed from the side of the user M, the user M's hunched back determination and determination of the warped waist (lower back load) are determined. For these, it is preferable to use an image processing method such as pattern matching. More specifically, the determination is made based on the position of the back of the head relative to the rear end of the shoulder blades and buttocks, the depression of the rear end of the waist relative to the rear end of the shoulder blades and buttocks, pattern matching of the spine line, and the like.

A similar method is basically used to determine straight necks. A straight neck is one in which the cervical vertebra in the neck, which should normally have a gentle curve, has become straight. It is said that they do not form a straight line.
Based on this information, we can check the position of the back of the head relative to the back of the shoulder blades, buttocks, and heels, and check the back and neck lines (for example, whether they are straight) to determine whether the neck is straight or not. Check whether
Based on the above (images taken with a smartphone), the body shape of the user M who uses the massage machine 1, that is, "shoulder position", "shoulder width", "horizontal distortion of shoulders and upper body", "hunched state", and "curved waist". state” and “straight neck state”. It is preferable that the determination is made into objective data by quantifying it. This data is transferred to the massage machine 1 by the transfer unit via a server or the like. On the massage machine 1 side, parameters for the massage machine 1 (parameters for massage operation) are set based on the transferred body type data. Calculation and setting of parameters may be performed on the server side.
[Specific example of body type determination (part 2)]
In the above, the height of the upper body was calculated using the silhouette image S, but similarly, the following information can be extracted using AI technology in a smartphone or server, and the massage machine can be extracted from the obtained information. 1 configuration parameters can be determined.
for example,
- The position of the user M's waist. This information can be used for setting the operation of the back massaging mechanism 4 (particularly vertical movement).
- The width of the buttocks. This information can be used to adjust the operation of the seat massaging machine located within the seat 2 and the expansion/contraction adjustment of the airbag located next to the seat 2 .
・The length from the base of the leg to the knee. This information can be used to set the telescoping position of the footrest 6 .
・The position of the spine line and spine. This information can be used to adjust the intensity of each part of the back massaging mechanism 4 and to set the "time difference between parts" such as how long each part of the back muscle is to be massaged.

The body shape information obtained as a result of the image analysis described above is preferably displayed on the smartphone (portable device) or the operation screen of the massage machine 1 . The results may also be displayed in characters, but if illustrated, the user M will be able to clearly understand the massage points, the judgment of the stooped back, the left and right distortions of the body, the spine line, and the like.
[Specific movements on the massager side]
Next, an example of performing various massages (appropriate massages suited to the physique of the user M) based on the parameters for setting the massage machine 1 calculated by the server or the like will be described.

For example, the shoulder positions obtained by the extraction unit are transferred to the control unit of the massage machine 1 by the transfer unit, and are used to set the shoulder positions of the massagers of the massage machine 1 based on the transferred shoulder positions. Specifically, this position is set as the home position of the treatment device.
Based on the obtained shoulder width, it is used to set the interval between a pair of right and left treatment elements (the interval between treatment elements for treating the back) when the massager 1 is moved up and down or during the tapping action. Similarly, it can also be used to set the intensity of the airbag provided in the side massaging mechanism 5 . For example, for a user M with narrow shoulders, more air can be blown in to inflate the airbag to a size larger than the predetermined size, thereby enhancing the massage effect.
In addition, when it is determined that the patient has a stooped back or a straight neck, a massage course that includes a stooped posture correcting motion is recommended, or the correcting motion is incorporated into the massage course.
Specifically, the airbag provided in the side massaging mechanism 5 is kept inflated to hold the shoulders, and one or a combination of the following actions is performed. for example,
- In the vicinity of the shoulder blades, advance the treatment device provided in the back massaging mechanism 4 toward the back.・Perform a tapping motion on the back near the shoulder blades.
In the vicinity of the scapula, the airbag arranged in the backrest portion 3 is inflated and moved up and down.

The above operation becomes more effective when the backrest is automatically reclined.
In addition, when it is determined that the waist is warped (lumbar load), a massage course including a waist massage motion is recommended, or the following motion is incorporated into the massage course.
That is, performing any or a combination of the following actions:
・In the vicinity of the waist, the treatment device provided in the back massaging mechanism 4 is advanced toward the back side.
- Performs a tapping motion near the waist. - Performs a motion of inflating the airbag arranged in the backrest portion 3 and moving it up and down near the waist.
The above operation becomes more effective when the backrest is automatically reclined.
In addition, if a “left-right distortion” is determined, for example, the positions of the left and right shoulders are different, a massage course is set so as to correct the left-right balance.
for example,
If the treatment elements provided in the back massaging mechanism 4 can operate independently, increase the number of taps on the lower shoulder (conversely, the upper shoulder may also be used). By doing so, the meaning of the massage treatment becomes great.
Inflate one of the left and right airbags to push the body of the user M while the head or neck is held by the treatment device. This makes it possible to perform posture correction.

As a further function to be added, for example, first, a photograph in which the entire user M is captured is taken using a smartphone. After that, just before using the massage machine 1, a photograph of the whole user M is taken again. By using the plurality of images with time lags, it is possible to analyze changes in each part and reflect them in the massage operation of the massage machine 1 .
For example, regarding the latest body shape (body shape obtained immediately before massage),
・In the photograph taken, the leg is swollen compared to the past photograph information. In that case, it is possible to adjust the speed, strength, and frequency of foot massage by the footrest 6, for example.
・In the photograph taken, the stoop is terrible compared to the past photograph information. In that case, it is preferable to increase the massaging motions related to the stooped back (for example, the hunchback correction motions).
・Comparative analysis of the clothes in the first photographed image and the clothes at the time immediately before the massage are reflected in the massage operation by the massage machine 1. - 特許庁For example, if you are wearing thick clothes today, set the strength of the massage stronger than before. Also, if you are wearing short-sleeved clothes today, although you used to wear long-sleeved clothes, the initial setting of the heater is turned off. It is also possible to let the user M decide by displaying "Do you want to turn off the heater?" Alternatively, the temperature setting of the heater itself is made lower.
By comparing a plurality of photographs of the body shape and observing changes in the photographs, points to be massaged particularly intensively are created, and the positions of the points are reflected in the massage operation by the massage machine 1. - 特許庁[Body detection device (another example)]
Although the body shape detecting device described above uses a smart phone (portable device), it is not limited to that form.

The body shape detection device (particularly, an imaging unit that captures the body shape) may be installed in the massage machine 1 itself. A photography booth may be set up at the shop where the massage machine 1 is sold.
The extraction part that processes the image taken by the camera may use the CPU of the smartphone, and it is transferred to the server via WiFi or using the communication network of the mobile carrier, and AI technology and image processing technology are applied in the server. It may be processed by using and the result may be transferred to the massage machine 1 .
By using the technique described above, the body shape of the user M who uses the massage machine 1 can be measured more precisely, and an appropriate massage can be performed based on the obtained body shape.
It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as examples and not restrictive in all respects. In particular, matters not specified in the embodiments disclosed this time, such as operating conditions, operating conditions, dimensions of components, weights, etc., do not deviate from the scope normally practiced by those skilled in the art, and If it is a trader, the item which can be easily assumed is adopted.

1 Chair type massage machine (massage machine)
2 Seat 3 Backrest 4 Back massaging mechanism 5 Side massaging mechanism 6 Footrest 7 Armrest 10 Body shape measuring device M User S Silhouette image

Claims (7)

A body shape measuring device used in a massage machine having a massage mechanism that applies a massage motion to a treatment area of a user,
The body shape measuring device includes an imaging unit that takes a picture of a user using the massage machine;
an extraction unit that extracts features of a user's body shape based on the photograph taken by the imaging unit;
a transfer unit that transfers the features extracted by the extraction unit to a control unit provided in the massage machine in order to reflect the features extracted by the extraction unit in the operation of the massage machine;
A body shape measuring device for a massage machine, comprising: The extraction unit extracts the height of the user's upper body and the thickness of the buttocks based on the photograph taken by the imaging unit, and calculates the shoulder position of the user using the extracted data. The body shape measuring device for massage machines according to claim 1. 3. The body shape measuring device for a massage machine according to claim 1, wherein the extraction unit calculates the shoulder width of the user based on the photograph taken by the imaging unit. The extraction unit extracts the positional relationship between the right shoulder and the left shoulder of the user based on the photograph taken by the imaging unit, and calculates the lateral distortion state of the user's body using the extracted data. A body shape measuring device for a massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The body shape measuring device for a massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the extraction unit calculates the state of the user's stooped back based on the photograph taken by the imaging unit. The body shape measuring device for a massage machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the extracting unit calculates the state of the user's curved waist based on the photograph taken by the imaging unit. 7. The extracting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the extracting unit calculates a change in the current body shape of the user based on a plurality of photographs including the current state taken by the imaging unit. Body measurement device for massage machines.

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