JP3829620B2 - Cushion state diagnostic apparatus for cushion-divided bedding and diagnostic method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a cushion-division type bedding cushion state diagnosis device for selecting a cushion state composed of the above-mentioned hardness and shape of a bedding having a divided cushion structure capable of freely adjusting the hardness or shape at each position of the body, and its It relates to a diagnostic method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, a plurality of air bags are provided inside the bed cushion of bedding, for example, a bed, and the bed cushion state is adjusted to a state suitable for a user's body shape by increasing or decreasing the air pressure inside the air bag. A cushion split type bedding with a function has been proposed, but the optimal cushion state of each part for the user is unknown, and the user adjusts based on his / her feeling at bedtime and is appropriate after sleeping overnight It was necessary to find out the optimum state by repeating the process of performing readjustment.
[0003]
However, this is such a method requires a great deal of time and effort in order to obtain the optimum cushion state, also, or should be adjusted each part as any order that is different from the normal consciousness active during sleep, the user himself However, there was a problem that I did not understand.
[0004]
On the other hand, as for a mattress for a general bed, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-83928, using a body shape measuring device that can accurately measure the uneven shape on the back of the user, Select the mattress hardness based on a guideline such that the back shape is within a certain height of 2 to 3 cm (about half of the standing position) with respect to the back tangent of the chest and buttocks An apparatus for measuring a body shape, a selection device for bedding, and a method therefor have been proposed.
[0005]
At this time, in addition to the above-described features of the back and forth uneven shape, the weight and height of the user are measured, and the index (BMI) indicating the degree of obesity obtained from both is related to the optimal mattress hardness. The relationship is used for mattress hardness selection.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above body shape measuring apparatus, it is necessary to measure the unevenness of the back surface over a wide range from the lower part of the back of the body to the center of the back of the head.
[0007]
For this reason, there exists a problem that the said diagnosis cannot be performed, for example in the shop front which does not have enough space, or a house.
[0008]
In addition, in the method of selecting the optimal mattress hardness, history information such as the bedding structure that the user has been accustomed to for a long time is not considered, but it is more uniform than the degree of obesity and the uneven shape of the back surface. There is also a problem that the hardness of the mattress is selected and the mattress hardness is not necessarily optimal for the user.
[0009]
On the other hand, according to the criteria that emphasizes only the body shape, there are cases in which an extremely soft mattress may be selected for a user who normally goes to bed with a bedding configuration that is laid on a tatami mat. There is no denying the possibility of an increase in sex or undesirable effects on the body.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to provide a cushion state for a cushion-divided bedding that can easily and accurately predict a cushion state setting target value that provides a comfortable sleeping comfort. It is to provide a diagnostic apparatus and a diagnostic method thereof.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the invention of claim 1, it is constituted by a plurality of divided cushions, and each part cushion is used in using a bedding whose hardness and shape can be freely adjusted, Relevance to the cushion state is obtained in advance from the back surface shape measuring means for measuring the back surface unevenness amount of the user, and the back surface shape feature amount including at least the unevenness amount and angle obtained by the back surface uneven shape of the user. A method of adjusting the cushion state of each part by diagnosing the hardness of the cushion or the shape of the cushion according to the individual user using the posture shape pattern and personal information input in advance. A cushion state diagnosis unit to be presented, and an input / output unit for inputting the personal information and outputting a diagnosis result are provided.
[0012]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the back surface shape measuring means can maintain a positional relationship parallel to the longitudinal direction in an arbitrary range required in the longitudinal direction of the back surface of the user. A plurality of probes that are provided at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the support portion and are movable in the front-rear direction, and are displaced according to the shape of the back surface when the tip hits the back surface of the user. And an initialization means for moving the displacement of the probe to a pre-measurement position, and a measurement means for measuring the displacement of the probe.
[0013]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the input / output unit includes, as input items, at least the weight and height of the individual user, and items relating to the softness and configuration of the bedding normally used. In addition to illustrating the uneven state of the back surface shape measured by the back surface shape measuring means, the result of classifying the user's posture shape into the corresponding pattern according to the back surface shape characteristics, and obtained from the cushion state diagnosis unit Each part cushion state setting target value that is considered appropriate for the individual user based on the diagnosis result is provided as an output item.
[0014]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the cushion state diagnosis unit extracts a back surface shape feature that extracts numerical information characterizing the shape from a shape measurement result measured by the back surface shape measuring means. An extraction unit, a determination unit that determines which of several types of posture shape patterns that are previously related to the cushion state using the numerical information, and the posture of the user determined by the determination unit A data table describing the relationship between the posture shape pattern and personal information, and various data obtained from the data table contents and the input / output device. It comprises a cushion state selection unit that obtains a cushion state setting target value suitable for an individual user by collating with personal information. That.
[0015]
In the invention of claim 5, the process of measuring the back surface shape by the amount of unevenness of the back surface of the user, the process of extracting numerical information characterizing the shape from the measured back surface shape measurement result, and the cushion state in advance using the numerical information The process of determining which of several types of posture shape patterns that are related to each other, the posture shape pattern extracted by this, physical information such as the individual weight and height of the user, and at least the bedding Data that sorts out the cushion state that is judged to be most appropriate in relation to the numerical information in advance using various numerical information consisting of information related to personal habits and preferences that are important for sleeping comfort, including questions about hardness and composition And a process of obtaining a cushion state setting target value suitable for the individual user by collating with the contents of the table.
[0016]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the process of the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the process of determining which of the posture shape patterns designated in advance the measured user back surface unevenness shape data corresponds to the measurement range of the back surface shape measurement. And a plurality of determination algorithms for determination according to the number of numerical information characterizing the back surface shape that can be used.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 2 shows an example of a cushion-divided bedding 1 to which the apparatus and method of the present invention are applied. This cushion-divided bedding 1 is constituted by a bed mattress.
[0018]
The bed mattress has a structure in which a coil spring portion is arranged in the lowermost layer and layers of different hardness and elasticity are laminated thereon, but in the cushion divided bedding 1 according to the present invention, the lowermost layer is used. A coil spring portion 2 is disposed, and a relatively elastic layer (hereinafter referred to as a human body support layer) that plays a role of actually supporting the human body between the coil spring portion 2 and the relatively soft and thin outermost surface layer 3. 4), and the human body support layer 4 is an elastic body that can adjust the hardness or shape of at least three air bags around the scapula, the waist, and the stomach in the user M who is lying. 5, 6 and 7 are buried.
[0019]
The user M of the cushion-divided bedding 1 uses the operation buttons provided in the cushion state setting unit 8 to set state setting target values relating to the shape such as the hardness or height of the elastic bodies 5 to 7 that are most preferable for the user. This is selected and transmitted as a control signal to the control unit 9.
[0020]
In accordance with the control signal, the control unit 9 drives the compressor 10 to change the hardness or shape of the elastic bodies 5 to 7 of each unit to a designated state.
[0021]
The elastic bodies 5 to 7 may be anything as long as the mechanical hardness and shape can be varied. In addition, the cushion-divided bedding 1 may function as a chair by having a reclining function, but may be configured as an easy chair that can form a relatively close-up posture during reclining.
[0022]
Usually, the process of finding the optimal state for yourself is repeated by going to bed after making the above adjustments, and re-adjusting after waking up again, but it takes a lot of labor and time. It is not clear whether the state obtained is the best.
[0023]
In the present invention, various characteristics of the user M are obtained as numerical information by measurement or input by the user M using an input / output device, and are considered to be most appropriate using these. The target value for setting the cushion state is to be obtained. Moreover, the obtained cushion state setting target value considered to be optimum is a large guideline for adjustment, and if the feed control is performed directly on the control unit 9, it does not require any special operation of the user M and is automatically performed. It is also possible to optimize the cushion state.
[0024]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.
[0025]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a cushion state diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cushion state diagnosis apparatus according to this embodiment includes a computer main body 13 including a back surface shape measuring unit 11 and a cushion information diagnosis unit 12, and an input / output unit 16 including a CRT 14, an input / output device 15 such as a keyboard and a mouse. .
[0026]
The personal personal characteristics obtained from the back surface shape measuring means 11 and the input / output unit 16 are digitized by the cushion state diagnosis unit 12 and stored in the storage device of the computer main body 13 or the server 47 on the Internet 45. By inquiring with the group, the state setting target value that is considered to be optimal for the user M is output with respect to the hardness or shape of the elastic bodies 5 to 7 made of the air bags of the respective parts in the cushion divided type bedding 1 shown in FIG. And presented to the user M or the measurer M ′ through the CRT 14 of the input / output unit 16 or the like. At this time, the presentation to the user M or the measurer M ′ can be performed in a document form using a printer or the like.
[0027]
FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically show an example of the back surface shape measuring means 11 used in the present embodiment. The back surface shape measuring means 11 shown in FIG. 3 can measure the back surface uneven shape in a range from the top of the user M to the lower stomach part, and is parallel to the back and up direction of the human body to be measured as the user M. The support unit 17 with casters for maintaining the positional relationship and the frame 18 that can be freely operated in the vertical direction of the support unit 17, that is, the front-rear direction with respect to the body to be measured, are formed along the vertical direction. A plurality of probes 19 that can move along the front-rear direction at a predetermined interval and move and displace according to the shape of the back surface when the tip hits the back surface are arranged therein.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 4, the probe 19 is freely slidable with respect to the probe main body 21 and the probe main body 21 including the probe tip 20 and the variable resistor directly in contact with the back surface of the human body to be measured. The probe main body 21 is fixed to the frame 18 in the back surface shape measuring means 11 of this embodiment, and the probe main body 21 is also measured along with the movement of the frame 18 (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 4A). It has a structure in which the positional relationship with the human body changes.
[0029]
That is, the probe tip 20 comes into contact with the measured human body by moving the frame 18 forward toward the rear surface of the measured human body stationary in front of the back shape measuring means 11 while being pushed by the hand 23 with the handle 23. When the probe shaft portion 22 slides with respect to the probe main body 21 according to the uneven shape, the probe displacement corresponding to the back uneven shape is acquired.
[0030]
Here, the probe main body 21 has a structure having a variable resistor and an electric circuit whose resistance value changes in accordance with the displacement of the probe shaft portion 22 so that the displacement amount can be detected as an electric signal. It has become. Of course, the concavo-convex shape may be directly read using a concavo-convex shape reading board made of a scale.
[0031]
The back surface shape measuring means 11 includes an L-shaped member 24 that can move in the front-rear direction with respect to the human body to be measured with respect to the support portion 17 as in the case of the frame 18, and a part of the probe protrudes from the frame 18. The probe position initialization means 25 has a structure in which the shaft portion 22 penetrates. As shown in FIG. 4, the probe shaft portion 22 can freely pass through the opening for penetrating the probe shaft portion 22 formed in the L-shaped member 24 constituting the initialization means 25, but the probe tip portion Since the portion with a slightly larger diameter of 20 cannot pass through, the probe tip portion 20 is hooked and the probe shaft portion 22 is pulled forward as the L-shaped member 24 moves forward.
[0032]
When measuring the back surface shape, the initializing means 25 is used to pull out all the probe shaft portions to the maximum, and then move the entire frame 18 forward so that the probe tip 20 is connected to the back surface of the human body to be measured. The movement which the probe shaft part 22 is pushed to the probe main body 21 side arises, and the back uneven | corrugated shape of the user M is acquired.
[0033]
On the other hand, FIGS. 5A and 5B show another example of the back surface shape measuring means 11, and this back surface shape measuring means 11 is for measuring the back surface shape in a relatively narrow range.
[0034]
In the illustrated example, the support portion 17 has an elongated box-like structure having a length corresponding to the measurement range, and has an opening 26 through which the probe shaft portion 22 can be passed for the number of probes. The probe 19 penetrates the support portion 17, and both ends thereof have a diameter larger than the opening 26, and the probe tip is formed in a curved surface so as not to cause discomfort such as pain and discomfort upon contact with the measurement subject. By covering with the portion 20, it has a structure that can be freely moved with respect to the support portion 17, but is processed so as not to fall off.
[0035]
Here, a position / posture sensor 27 indicating the horizontal and vertical states of the support portion 17 may be attached to the support portion 17 at a position that can be confirmed by the measurer while performing the measurement. Further, the support portion 17 has a handle 28 on the front surface of the main body and a stopper knob 29 on the back surface that is used when fixing the displacement of the probe that is in contact with the back surface of the human body and acquires the uneven shape. As will be described later, the measurer M ′ uses the handle 28, the stopper knob 29, and the like to press the back surface shape measuring means 11 against the back surface of the body to be measured (user M) (see FIG. 5A). Uneven shape can be measured.
[0036]
At this time, using the output from the position / posture sensor 27 and using the warning means 30 that warns the measurer M ′ with a buzzer sound when the position and posture of the support portion 17 are not appropriate, Inform that the shape has not been measured.
[0037]
Next, a method of actually measuring the back surface unevenness shape using the back surface shape measuring means 11 described in FIGS. 3 and 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 when the back surface shape measuring means 11 is viewed from above.
[0038]
First, FIG. 6A shows a state immediately after the back surface shape measurement. Usually, the frame 18 moves forward most due to the measurement action, and the probe tip portion 20 is pressed against the back surface of the human body (user M) to be measured, so that the probe shaft portion 22 slides with respect to the probe main body 21 and is uneven. The displacement according to the shape is obtained.
[0039]
At this time, the L-shaped member 24 constituting the initialization means 25 needs to have a positional relationship that does not affect the probe 19 itself.
[0040]
FIG. 6B illustrates a first stage before measurement for newly performing measurement from the state of FIG. Both the frame 18 and the initialization means 25 need to be in a state of being retracted backward farthest from the human body to be measured (user M).
[0041]
In the second stage, only the L-shaped member 24 of the initialization means 25 is moved forward while the frame 18 is fixed at this position. By this operation, the probe tip 20 is pulled by the L-shaped member 24, and all the probes 19 are formed to be the most extended at the same time (FIG. 6C). After all the probes 19 are fully extended, the initialization means 25 is moved backward again so as not to obstruct the measurement, and is retracted to the vicinity of the frame 18 (FIG. 6D).
[0042]
The pre-measurement state is formed by the above operation.
[0043]
At the time of measurement, the user M stands in a natural state in the vicinity of the probe distal end portion 20 of the sufficiently stretched probe 19, and faces the user M so that the frame 18 is shown in FIG. 6 (e). The probe tip 20 comes into contact with the back surface of the user M, and the probe shaft portion 22 is pushed into the probe main body 21 to be displaced, thereby obtaining the back surface uneven shape.
[0044]
When the measurement is performed again, the above operation may be repeated. The frame 18 and the initialization unit 25 may be provided with a driving unit so that the above operations can be automatically performed without human intervention.
[0045]
Next, a measurement procedure when another example of the back surface shape measuring means 11 shown in FIG. 5 is used will be described with reference to FIG.
[0046]
The measurer M ′ stands on the back surface of the user M as shown in FIG. 7A, and uses the handle 28 and the stopper knob 29 of the back shape measuring means 11 as shown in FIG. The entire body is pressed against an appropriate position on the back surface of the user M at an appropriate angle. With this operation, the displacement amount of the probe 19 changes according to the uneven shape of the back surface of the user M. The back and forth uneven shape is acquired. At this time, the measurer M ′ may hold the posture and position of the support portion 17 in an appropriate state while using instructions from the position / posture sensor 27 and the warning means 30.
[0047]
The probe displacement state is fixed by the operation of the stopper knob 29 while taking care not to change the obtained displacement after the back surface uneven shape is obtained.
[0048]
FIGS. 8A and 8B show the probe displacement state fixing means 31 of the back surface shape measuring means 11 of the other example. This figure is a view as seen from the direction of operation of the probe 19. The left side of FIG. Now, the probe displacement state fixing means 31 shown in the figure has a lateral width slightly smaller than the lateral width of the box body dimensions constituting the support portion 17, and is a stopper member 33 having a box structure that is relatively freely movable in the depth direction. The stopper member 33 has four support shafts 32 fixed to both side surfaces thereof and a support portion 17 formed by a U-shaped opening 34 formed on both side surfaces of the support portion 17. The structure is semi-fixed inside the support portion 17 so as to be movable to some extent in the vertical direction and the depth direction.
[0049]
A stopper knob 29 fixed to the stopper member 33 protrudes through the back surface of the support portion 17 below the back surface of the support portion 17.
[0050]
When the stopper knob 29 is pushed up above the support portion 17, the stopper member 33 moves to the position A in FIG. 8A as the support shaft 32 moves along the opening portion 34. At this time, each probe 19 penetrating through the opening 26 of the support portion 17 can freely slide without being restrained at all by the stopper member 33.
[0051]
On the other hand, when the stopper knob 29 is pushed obliquely downward as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 8A, the stopper member 33 moves to the position B in the figure by moving the support shaft 32 to the lower end of the opening 34. At this time, the stopper member 33 has a function of uniformly pressing the probe shaft portion 22 of the probe 19 penetrating the support portion 17 and fixing the probe 19 by friction.
[0052]
By using the above operation, it is possible to fix the probe displacement state after acquiring the back and forth uneven shape. The acquired uneven shape is directly or indirectly read using a variable resistor and an electric circuit, or using a jig using a scale, as in the example shown in FIG.
[0053]
The above mechanism can also be used when returning the probe tip 20 position to the state before the measurement of the back and forth uneven shape. That is, all the probes 19 can be pulled out using gravity by tilting the entire support portion 17 to the left and right in a state in which the probes 19 are not restrained (released). In this state, the probe 19 may be placed in a restrained state (hold) to form a back surface uneven shape measurement preparation state.
[0054]
Next, the process of deriving the optimal cushion state for each user M by the cushion state diagnosis unit 12 using the back surface shape measuring means 11 of each example will be described based on the schematic diagram of FIG. The illustrated cushion state diagnosis unit 12 includes a back surface shape extraction unit 36, a determination unit 38, a determination algorithm 40, a cushion state selection unit 43, and a data table 44.
[0055]
Thus, the back surface unevenness shape measured by any one of the above-described back surface shape measuring means 11 is sent as back surface shape information 35 to the back surface shape feature extraction unit 36 provided as a function of the cushion state diagnosis unit 12, where A shape feature amount 37 obtained by quantifying the shape features is calculated.
[0056]
The determination unit 38 uses the calculated shape feature value 37 to perform classification to determination of posture shape patterns that have been confirmed to be clearly related to the cushion state in advance. At the time of classification to determination, a determination algorithm 40 for determining which of the posture shape pattern classifications each back surface uneven shape described by the shape feature amount 37 is used, and the determination result is the posture information 39 of the user M. The
[0057]
The determination algorithm 40 uses a plurality of algorithms by statistical processing according to the number and parts of the shape feature values 37 used. Of course, it is necessary to sufficiently accumulate and maintain a large number of back surface unevenness shape data and classification result information for the construction of the algorithm.
[0058]
For this reason, the computer 13 including the cushion information diagnostic unit 12 described above constitutes a terminal connected to the Internet 45. In other words, all of the measured back surface shape information 35 of the user M is transmitted to the server 47 via the Internet 45, stored in the database on the difference EVER 47, and the algorithm 40 is updated by regular maintenance. It is made to be able to. Then, the updated algorithm 40 is sent to the determination unit 38 of the cushion state diagnosis unit 12 of the computer main body 13 which is each terminal again via the Internet 45, thereby further simplifying the back surface shape measuring means 11 and the diagnosis accuracy. It can contribute to improvement.
[0059]
On the other hand, in addition to the physical information 41 such as the user's weight and height, the input / output unit 16 uses the user's own preference information 42 such as the bedding configuration that the user normally uses and the bedding hardness that the user is aware of. It is digitized based on the report and is transmitted to the cushion state selection unit 43. The cushion state selection unit 43 adds the posture information 39 to the preference information 42 and the physical information 41 obtained from the input / output unit 16, and a data table in which the optimal cushion state is described based on the relationship with the numerical information. 44 and the obtained numerical information are inquired to calculate a state setting target value 46 of the cushion state that can be recommended to be most desirable for the user M, and present it to the user through the output device of the input / output unit 16.
[0060]
At this time as well, all the above information (numerical information 39, 41, 42) is sent to the server 47 on the Internet 45, stored in the database on the server 47, and the data table 44 is maintained together with the determination algorithm 40. It is desirable to be updated.
[0061]
In this case, the result after the user M actually adjusts the bedding according to the state setting target value 46 is important. It is also possible to configure a mechanism that feeds back the information on the cushion state that is most appropriate for the user, that is, the evaluation result 48 after use. In particular, by using the Internet 45, the cushioning property can be changed even after the user M purchases the bedding 1. That is, a diagnosis system for diagnosing the post-use evaluation result 48 is provided in the server 47, and the post-use evaluation result 48 sent is diagnosed, and the diagnosis result is notified to the user M through the Internet 45. Yes. Based on the notified diagnosis result, the user M can obtain a more optimal cushion state by resetting the hardness and shape of the cushion of the elastic bodies 5 to 7 of the bedding 1 shown in FIG. it can. If the user M wants to receive this diagnosis, the user M can input necessary items on the input screen of the Web site indicated by the server 47 displayed by the browser on the monitor screen of the personal computer. , For convenience.
[0062]
Also, a mechanism for maintaining and updating the data table 44 and the determination algorithm 40 using the information group and transmitting the updated result to each terminal (computer 13) on the Internet 45 to constantly improve the diagnostic accuracy. It is also possible to construct.
[0063]
FIG. 10 shows an example of a data table 44 describing the relationship between various types of user information and the most optimal and recommended cushion state for the user M. A selection method in the above-mentioned cushion state selection unit 43 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0064]
Here, the cushion state is a physique that is a physical feature of the user M [here, obesity (BMI: square of weight / height) is used as numerical information representing the physique, but an index such as body fat percentage is used. It is highly related to the information on the configuration and hardness of the bedding 1 that is normally used and the posture classification result obtained from the back shape.
[0065]
The cushion state that the user M likes can be estimated according to the combination of these numerical information. As an example, a user M who has a relatively fat physique and usually has a strong preference for soft bedding, and whose posture shape is determined to be S-shaped, has an elastic body 5 made of an air bag corresponding to the scapula. It is desirable that the normal hardness (3), the elastic body 6 made of an air bag corresponding to the waist is slightly harder (4), and the elastic body 7 made of an air bag corresponding to the hip part should be an ordinary hardness (3). It is shown. In the figure, □ shown on the back of the user M indicates the position of each elastic body 5-7, the numerical value in □ indicates hardness, for example, (3) is normal hardness, (4) is slightly more than normal. It represents that hardness is so hard that a numerical value is large like hard hardness.
[0066]
Now, in the above-described case, the S-shaped user M has relatively uneven back, waist, and stomach areas in an appropriate range, and is an example showing that the user can feel comfortable when using the waist support.
[0067]
Among the numerical information, the user's preference information 42 that asks about the physical information 41 and the bedding preference can be input through the input / output screen 47 shown in FIG.
[0068]
The input / output screen 47 is displayed on the CRT 14 of the input / output unit 16 and is operated by the user M or the measurer M ′. The input / output screen 47 includes at least a user name, registration number, and the like. In addition to the contact information (Tel), physical information 41 such as height and weight, personal information such as gender and age, and bedding hardness that is considered preferable as preference information 42 are easy to understand for users such as check buttons. It can be entered via the interface. In the figure, in addition to a field for inputting personal information, an input field for bedding that is normally used, a display indicating the shape of the back of the user M, a display of a posture pattern, and a hardness of the elastic bodies 5 to 7 of each part of the bedding 1 are shown. A display showing the adjustment method is made.
[0069]
The posture information 39 indicating the posture shape pattern is required for selecting the cushion state, but the determination unit of the cushion state diagnosis unit 12 is based on the back surface shape information which is the back surface unevenness shape data measured by the back surface shape measuring unit 11 below. The process of deriving the posture information 39 at 38 will be described.
[0070]
The back surface unevenness shape measured by the back surface shape measuring means 11 is acquired from the displacement amount of the probe 19 and sent as back surface shape information 35 to the back surface shape feature extracting unit 36 of the cushion state diagnosis unit 12. The back surface feature extraction unit 36 has a function of calculating and extracting a shape feature amount 37 in accordance with, for example, a definition as shown in FIG.
[0071]
The shape feature value 37 employed in the present embodiment includes the head most protruding point, the neck most retracted point, the neck most retracted point, the back most protruding point, and the back most protruding point for SP1 to SP4 in FIG. It shows the unevenness difference between the waist retreat point, the waist retreat point, and the stomach most protrusion point. For P1 to P3 in FIG. 12B, the neck retreat point, the back most protrusion point, and the waist retreat The cervical spine angle, the back angle, and the lumbar angle composed of the points and the inflection points of the upper and lower curves were used.
[0072]
These are one of the well-known methods for quantifying the back-and-forth uneven shape feature. However, a more suitable shape feature amount 37 may be devised and used according to the specifications of the cushion-divided bedding 1. Good. Further, as described above, a curvature or the like can be used as the feature amount indicating the feature of the shape in addition to the above numerical value. It is also effective to utilize the mechanism for accumulating and analyzing data by the Internet 45 and the server 47 described in FIG.
[0073]
Now, the back surface feature extraction unit 36 of the present embodiment approximates each point of the back surface uneven shape obtained by a ninth-order equation, finds extreme values and inflection points of the obtained approximate curve, and coordinates data of these points Thus, the shape feature value 37 is calculated. Of course, it is also possible to obtain a point corresponding to the extreme value or the inflection point by expressing the back surface in a curved line by other approximation methods.
[0074]
The relationship between the extracted shape feature value 37 and the posture shape pattern in which the correspondence between the cushion division state is obtained in advance is described in the determination algorithm 40 in FIG. For example, P1, P2, SP2, SP3, and SP4 are used as the shape feature amount 37, and the S-shaped, the circular back shape, the concave back shape, the concave back shape, and the flat back shape, which are used relatively frequently as posture shape patterns An example in which the pattern is adopted is shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, a numerical value shown together with an inequality sign is a threshold value for performing pattern determination in comparison with the shape feature amount 37.
[0075]
A shape feature value 37 is obtained from the measured back shape information 35 of the user, and each shape feature value 37 is determined stepwise in accordance with the determination algorithm of FIG. Judgment method is adopted.
[0076]
The classification of the posture shape pattern described here requires that each pattern has a relationship with a desired cushion state of the cushion-divided bedding 1 to be diagnosed and adjusted. For example, taking the round back shape, which is one of the posture shape patterns used in the present embodiment, the circular back shape is a so-called stooped posture with the back portion protruding greatly, and in a hard and flat bedding configuration, to the protruding back portion. In many cases, pressure is concentrated or the spinal column is deformed in conjunction with flat bedding, causing discomfort, discomfort, and pain in severe cases. In such a case, the bedding is required to have a function capable of maintaining a sleeping posture in a state where the shape of the protruding portion is maintained as it is, and a preferable cushion state is to absorb the protrusion on the back by softening the back cushion, Even if the cushion is stiff, it is possible to form a bedding state suitable for a stooped posture by lowering the human back support surface than the other surfaces of the bedding.
[0077]
Of course, the relationship as described above may change depending on the number of cushions, the number of parts to be divided, trends in user age and gender, and preferences, and should be updated and expanded each time. Is desirable. In other words, the extraction of the posture information 39 from the shape feature amount 37 needs to have a plurality of setting and determination methods according to specifications such as the number of divisions of the target cushion-divided bedding and the user attributes to be used.
[0078]
Further, when the shape feature value 37 that can be measured according to the specifications of the back surface shape measuring means 11 to be used is not sufficient, a different determination algorithm 40 can be used.
[0079]
FIG. 14 shows an example of the determination algorithm 40 in the case where only SP3 and SP4 are used. In such a case, the judgment accuracy may be lowered, so care should be taken. On the other hand, it can be expected that the measurement apparatus is reduced in size and weight and the measurement itself is simplified. In FIG. 14, a numerical value shown together with an inequality sign is a threshold value for performing pattern determination in comparison with the shape feature amount 37.
[0080]
As described above, the two discrimination algorithms 40 shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14 are typical examples, and the accuracy, the size of the back surface shape measurement range, and the like are different from each other, and can be used according to characteristics. Although there is a problem of determination accuracy, the back surface shape measurement range can be reduced depending on the feature amount used, which leads to downsizing of the measurement apparatus and improvement in measurement ease.
[0081]
【The invention's effect】
The invention of claim 1 can measure in advance the user's back surface irregular shape, physical information such as height and weight, and information related to palatability such as the composition and hardness of the bedding that is usually used. Therefore, from this information, it is possible to easily and quickly know the set target value of the cushion state that provides the most comfortable sleeping comfort for the user, and therefore the function that can freely adjust the hardness or shape of the cushion of each part of the bedding When using the bedding that the user has, the user adjusts the cushion state that is considered to be most appropriate by using the target value of the heavy equipment as a guideline or guideline for cushion adjustment. )-Repeating readjustment, the user does not need the effort and time to customize and can get a good sleep from the beginning of use. There is an effect that it is.
[0082]
In the invention of claim 2, in the invention of claim 1, each probe is displaced according to the unevenness of the back surface by pressing the probe against the back surface of the human body, and it is possible to easily obtain the uneven shape of the back surface. It is possible to restore the probe tip in a displaced state after completion to the initial measurement preparation position with a single touch, which has the effect that the measurement can be performed quickly and easily. Multiple probes to be acquired can be returned to the required state before measurement at once with a simple operation, eliminating the need to adjust the position of each individual probe, greatly reducing the burden on the operator. There is an effect.
[0083]
In the invention of claim 3, in the invention of claim 1, the user can input information necessary for obtaining the optimum cushion state setting target value by himself / herself, and is particularly important for comfortable sleeping. Information that cannot be known by the subject other than the subject himself such as the composition of the bedding that is usually used, which is a factor related to habits and personal habits, and the cushion hardness of his / her preference, can be used for optimal cushion condition diagnosis, and the user's own back and forth uneven shape Information about which posture shape pattern corresponds to the posture classification, feedback about the cushion adjustment method, and the characteristics of the user's own body on the posture surface It is also possible to grasp and provide information on understanding and more detailed adjustment of the obtained cushion state setting target value considered to be optimal. This has the effect of facilitating the formation of a comfortable bedding state, and the personal personal information of users who have not been able to use it easily in the past and require confidentiality. There is an effect that it can be easily obtained.
[0084]
The invention of claim 4 is based on any one of the inventions of claims 1 to 3, in addition to the physical characteristics of the user himself, as well as personal habits and preferences such as the bedding configuration and the favorite cushion hardness familiar to date. There is an effect that it is possible to obtain a suitable adjustment target value of each part cushion state after consideration.
[0085]
The invention of claim 5 eliminates the need for the measurement range of the concave and convex shape on the back surface of the user from a limited range such as from the vicinity of the sacrum to the vicinity of the top of the head, and allows a smaller range. This means that the means can be significantly reduced in size and weight, and it has been necessary for users to go to places where equipment was installed, such as storefronts and showrooms. It can be installed easily, and in some cases, it is possible to provide an environment where the user can own the device and can easily measure at home. It can be used as useful information, and the cushion state suitable for the user can be derived with higher accuracy.
[0086]
In the invention of claim 6, in the invention of claim 5, it is necessary that the back surface uneven shape range of the user to be measured is a range from the sacral tip (bottom end lower end) of the user in the standing state to the top of the head. Therefore, it is possible to make a part of the measurement range, and therefore, it is possible to further reduce the size of the back surface measuring means, and to achieve a portable level and to reduce the size and weight.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cushion state diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a cushion-divided bedding that uses the diagnosis result of the above.
FIG. 3A is a front view of an example of a back surface shape measuring means used in the above.
(B) is a side view of an example of a back surface shape measuring means used in the above.
FIG. 4A is an enlarged plan cross-sectional view in which a part of the main part of an example of the back surface shape measuring means used in the above can be omitted.
(B) is an enlarged side sectional view in which a part of the main part of an example of the back surface shape measuring means used in the above can be omitted.
FIG. 5A is a side view of another example of the back surface shape measuring means used in the above.
(B) is a front view of another example of the back surface shape measuring means used in the above.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the use of an example of a back surface shape measuring means used for the above.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the use of another example of the back shape measuring means used in the above.
FIG. 8A is a front view of probe displacement state fixing means in another example of the back shape measuring means used in the above.
(B) It is a side view of the probe displacement state fixing means in the other example of the back surface shape measuring means used for the above.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a process of deriving an optimal cushion state using the same as above.
FIG. 10 is a configuration explanatory diagram of an example of a data table for obtaining a set target value used in the above.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the input / output screen of the above.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of the back surface uneven shape to be diagnosed and the characteristics thereof;
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of an algorithm for determining a corresponding posture shape pattern from a back surface shape feature amount in the same as above.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the algorithm for determining the corresponding posture shape pattern from the back surface shape feature amount in the same as above.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Back surface shape measuring means
12 Cushion condition diagnosis part
13 Computer
14 CRT
15 input devices
16 Input / output section
17 Supporting part
18 frame
19 Probe
M user

Claims (6)

It is composed of a plurality of divided cushions, and each part cushion is used when using a bedding whose hardness and shape can be adjusted freely, and a back surface shape measuring means for measuring the amount of unevenness on the back surface of the user, The posture shape pattern having a relationship with the cushion state is classified in advance from the back surface shape feature amount including at least the unevenness amount and angle obtained by the user's back surface uneven shape, and the posture shape pattern is input in advance. Cushion state diagnosis unit for diagnosing cushion hardness or cushion shape according to the individual user and presenting a method for adjusting the cushion state of each part, and input of personal information and diagnosis result And a cushion state diagnosis apparatus for a cushion-divided bedding, comprising: The back surface shape measuring means includes a support portion capable of maintaining a positional relationship parallel to the longitudinal direction in an arbitrary range required in the longitudinal direction of the back surface of the user, and a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the support portion. A plurality of probes which are provided at intervals and movably in the front-rear direction, and whose tip moves against the back surface of the user to move according to the back surface shape, and an initial stage for moving the displacement of the probes to a pre-measurement position The cushion state diagnosis apparatus for a cushion-divided bedding according to claim 1, further comprising: a converting means; and a measuring means for measuring the displacement of the probe. The input / output unit has at least the weight and height of the individual user as input items, and items relating to the softness and configuration of the bedding normally used, and the back surface unevenness measured by the back surface measuring means Each part that is considered appropriate for the individual user based on the result of classifying the posture shape of the user into the corresponding pattern by the back surface shape feature and the diagnosis result obtained from the cushion state diagnosis part The cushion state diagnosis apparatus for a cushion-divided bedding according to claim 1, further comprising a cushion state setting target value as an output item. The cushion state diagnosis unit obtains a relationship between the back surface shape feature extraction unit that extracts numerical information characterizing the shape from the shape measurement result measured by the back surface shape measurement unit, and the cushion state in advance using the numerical information. A determination unit that determines which of several types of posture shape patterns is applied, and a cushion state that is determined to be the most appropriate based on the posture shape pattern of the user determined by the determination unit and the personal information is selected in advance And a data table describing the relationship between the posture shape pattern and personal information, and the contents of the data table and various kinds of personal information obtained from the input / output device, so that a cushion state setting target suitable for the individual user can be obtained. The cushion split type bedding according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a cushion state selection unit for obtaining a value. Cushion state diagnostic device. The process of measuring the back surface shape based on the amount of unevenness on the back surface of the user, the process of extracting numerical information characterizing the shape from the measured back surface shape measurement result, and the relationship between the cushion state using the numerical information can be obtained in advance. The process of determining which of several types of posture shape patterns is applicable, the posture shape pattern extracted by this, the body information such as the individual weight and height of the user, and at least questions regarding the hardness and configuration of the bedding By using various numerical information consisting of information related to personal habits and preferences that are important with regard to comfort, and collating with the contents of the data table in which the cushion state judged to be most appropriate in relation to the numerical information is collated in advance And a process for obtaining a cushion state setting target value suitable for the individual user, Deployment state diagnostic methods. In the process of determining which pre-designated posture shape pattern corresponds to the measured user back surface unevenness shape data, in conjunction with the number of numerical information characterizing the back surface shape that can be used according to the measurement range of the back surface shape measurement 6. The cushion division type bedding cushion state diagnosis method according to claim 5, further comprising a plurality of determination algorithms for determination.

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