KR102466558B1 - Apparatus and method for assessing sitting pose - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring a posture. An apparatus for measuring a posture according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first pressure sensor module disposed in a first seating area; a second pressure sensor module disposed in the second seating area; and a processor configured to determine the posture of the user based on a comparison result between a pressure value sensed through the first pressure sensor module and a second pressure sensor module and a predetermined threshold value, An area where the user's femur is seated includes a horizontal surface on which the first pressure sensor module is disposed, and an area where the user's seat bone portion is located in the second seating area is located on at least two of a plurality of surfaces where the second pressure sensor module is disposed. Each pressure sensor module includes a protrusion, and the second seating area is located behind the first seating area.

Description

Posture measuring device and method {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING SITTING POSE}

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring a posture, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for measuring a posture capable of more accurately measuring a posture by arranging a pressure sensor to detect a user's posture three-dimensionally.

When muscle function decreases due to wrong lifestyle or work environment and soft tissue around joints hardens, the balance of joints is broken and posture changes. Such posture changes cause musculoskeletal pain due to biological stress.

Most of the physical fatigue or discomfort in the neck and back during long hours of study or work comes from incorrect posture. Considering that most people study or work while sitting on a chair, it is important to get into the habit of sitting properly.

In order to prevent these wrong postures, chairs, desks, etc. are made ergonomically, but since no warning can be given to people who habitually take wrong postures, the effect of correcting posture is reduced by half.

In addition, when a person moves to another place, such a chair or desk cannot have any effect on the user's posture correction, so space limitations follow.

Therefore, it can be manufactured as a chair, cushion, or cover configured for the user to sit on, and a plurality of pressure sensors are placed on both flat and inclined surfaces in the portion where the user sits so that the user's posture can be more accurately measured. The technology needs to be developed.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0072957 (published on June 30, 2015)

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above problems, by providing a plurality of pressure sensors in a chair, cushion or cover configured to allow a user to sit on them and obtaining pressure applied when the user uses them, It is an object of the present invention to provide a posture measuring device and method that can more accurately measure a user's posture.

In addition, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for measuring a posture in which a user's posture can be three-dimensionally sensed by including some of the plurality of pressure sensors on an inclined surface.

The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

A posture measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems includes a first pressure sensor module disposed in a first seating area; a second pressure sensor module disposed in the second seating area; and a processor configured to determine the posture of the user based on a comparison result between a pressure value sensed through the first pressure sensor module and a second pressure sensor module and a predetermined threshold value, The region where the user's thigh is seated includes a horizontal plane on which the first pressure sensor module is disposed, and the region where the user's ichium is located in the second seating region is located on at least two of the plurality of surfaces. Each of the second pressure sensor modules includes protrusions, and the second seating area is located behind the first seating area.

In addition, at least two surfaces of the protrusion may include front and rear surfaces relative to the front, and the second pressure sensor module may be disposed on the front and rear surfaces, respectively.

In addition, the front and rear surfaces of the protruding part may each have an inclined surface having a predetermined angle.

In addition, the protrusion may be formed in a polygonal shape including a plurality of faces, and the second pressure sensor module may be disposed on the front, rear, left, and right faces of the polygon with respect to the front.

In addition, when the determined posture does not correspond to the normal posture, the processor determines whether the determined posture corresponds to any one posture among the at least one pre-classified posture, and the determined posture corresponds to the normal posture. It is possible to perform a guide operation to be corrected.

In addition, the pre-classified posture is a normal posture, a posture tilted forward or backward more than a predetermined angle, a posture tilted to the left or right more than a predetermined angle, a posture leaning on the back while maintaining the pelvic bone, and a pelvic bone It may include at least one of a posture leaning on a backrest and a posture in which legs are crossed so as to rotate backward.

In addition, the processor determines that the determined posture is one of the at least one pre-classified posture when the determined posture is maintained for a predetermined period of time or longer in a state where the determined posture does not correspond to the normal posture. You can check whether it corresponds to the posture of .

The short-range communication unit further includes a short-range communication unit, and the processor transmits the correction information to the short-range communication unit so that correction information for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected to a normal posture is output to the terminal of the user by the guide operation. It can be transmitted to the user terminal through.

In addition, the user terminal includes an application for managing the user's sitting posture, and the processor transmits information on the confirmed posture to the user terminal through the short-range communication unit so that the confirmed posture is managed on the application. can be sent to

In addition, the processor may transmit a control signal to the user terminal through the short-range communication unit to output a guide sound to the user's terminal so that the confirmed posture is corrected to a normal posture through the guide operation.

In addition, the processor may transmit a control signal to the user terminal through the short-range communication unit to output a vibration sound for guiding the corrected posture to a normal posture through the guide operation.

The processor may further include at least one sound output module disposed in the second seating area, and the processor may, by the guide operation, guide the confirmed posture to be corrected to a normal posture through the sound output module. can output

In addition, the sound output module includes first to fourth speakers disposed in four different directions of the second seating area, and the processor, by the guide operation, selects one of the first to fourth speakers. At least one speaker corresponding to at least one direction for correcting the confirmed posture to a normal posture may be controlled to output the sound.

In addition, the processor further includes at least one haptic module disposed in the second seating area, and the processor outputs a vibration sound for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected to a normal posture through the haptic module as the guide operation. can do.

In addition, the haptic module includes first to fourth haptic parts disposed in four different directions of the second seating area, and the processor, by the guide operation, selects one of the first to fourth haptic parts. At least one haptic unit corresponding to at least one direction for correcting the confirmed posture to a normal posture may be controlled to output a vibration sound.

Meanwhile, a posture measuring method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes disposing a first pressure sensor module in a first seating area among a plurality of seating areas when a user's seating is detected; disposing a second pressure sensor module in a second seating area among the plurality of seating areas; comparing a pressure value sensed through the first pressure sensor module and the second pressure sensor module with a predetermined threshold value; and determining the posture of the user based on the comparison result, wherein an area where the thigh of the user is seated in the first seating area includes a horizontal surface on which the first pressure sensor module is disposed, An area where the user's ichium is located in the second seating area includes protrusions on at least two surfaces of a plurality of surfaces where the second pressure sensor modules are respectively disposed, and the second seating area includes: It is located behind the first seating area.

Other specific details of the invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to the present invention, a plurality of pressure sensors are provided in a chair, cushion, or cover configured for a user to sit on, so that the user's posture can be more accurately measured by obtaining the pressure applied when the user uses the sensor. .

In addition, according to the present invention, some of the plurality of pressure sensors are provided on an inclined surface having a slope so that the user's posture can be sensed in three dimensions.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

1 is a view showing a conventional product form for posture correction or measurement.
2 is a network configuration diagram for measuring a posture according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view showing a posture measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a view showing an example in which a pressure sensor is disposed on an inclined surface in a posture measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a diagram illustrating a change in pressure applied to a pressure sensor when a user is seated in the posture measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a diagram illustrating an example of classifying a user's posture for measurement based on a posture measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for measuring a posture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods of achieving them, will become clear with reference to the detailed description of the following embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, only these embodiments are intended to complete the disclosure of the present invention, and are common in the art to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully inform the person skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

Terminology used herein is for describing the embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, singular forms also include plural forms unless specifically stated otherwise in a phrase. As used herein, "comprises" and/or "comprising" does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements other than the recited elements. Like reference numerals throughout the specification refer to like elements, and “and/or” includes each and every combination of one or more of the recited elements. Although "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms, of course. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Accordingly, it goes without saying that the first element mentioned below may also be the second element within the technical spirit of the present invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used with meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. In addition, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly specifically defined.

The spatially relative terms "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. It can be used to easily describe a component's correlation with other components. Spatially relative terms should be understood as including different orientations of elements in use or operation in addition to the orientations shown in the drawings. For example, if you flip a component that is shown in a drawing, a component described as "below" or "beneath" another component will be placed "above" the other component. can Thus, the exemplary term “below” may include directions of both below and above. Components may also be oriented in other orientations, and thus spatially relative terms may be interpreted according to orientation.

The term "unit" or "module" used in the specification means a hardware component such as software, FPGA or ASIC, and "unit" or "module" performs certain roles. However, "unit" or "module" is not meant to be limited to software or hardware. A "unit" or "module" may be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium and may be configured to reproduce one or more processors. Thus, as an example, a “unit” or “module” may refer to components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, properties, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays and variables. Functions provided within components and "units" or "modules" may be combined into fewer components and "units" or "modules" or may be combined into additional components and "units" or "modules". can be further separated.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used with meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. In addition, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly specifically defined.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a view showing a conventional product form for posture correction or measurement, showing cushion-type products.

As shown in (a) to (d) of FIG. 1 , most existing products for posture correction have a three-dimensional structure to induce posture correction when a user is seated. That is, through a three-dimensional structure such as a curve or an inclination or a hole, the user can maintain the posture by inducing or supporting the correct posture of the pelvic bone and lumbar spine while the user is seated.

However, when the user adapts to the structure, the correct posture inevitably collapses. In addition, it is difficult for the user to be aware that he or she is sitting in a bad posture, and it is impossible to determine whether or not the user is maintaining a bad posture.

In order to compensate for this problem, smart cushions (chairs) equipped with pressure sensors to detect and analyze the user's posture and transmit the analyzed information to the user's terminal are being released.

However, since the pressure sensors are also arranged two-dimensionally, it is only possible to check whether the user is seated or to distinguish the movement of the center of gravity, and it is difficult to check specific changes in posture.

According to the present invention, a part of the bottom surface of the region where the user's ichium is located has an inclined surface, and a pressure sensor is placed on the inclined surface to accurately distinguish even the movement of the user's center of gravity, thereby enabling more accurate measurement of the user's posture. is to make it possible.

2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a network for measuring a posture according to an embodiment of the present invention. A network 1 for measuring a posture according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a posture measuring device 100 and a user terminal ( 200) are included. At this time, the user terminal 200 may be at least one terminal set (designated) by the user. In addition, although the user terminal 200 is illustrated as a smart phone in FIG. 2 , any terminal capable of communication such as a tablet PC, a wearable device, or a laptop can be applied, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the posture measurement device 100 includes a sensor unit 110, a storage unit 120, an output unit 130, a communication unit 140, a control unit 150, and a power supply unit 160.

The sensor unit 110 includes a first pressure sensor module 111 composed of a plurality of pressure sensors disposed on an area formed on a horizontal surface and a second pressure sensor module 112 composed of a plurality of pressure sensors disposed on an area formed on an inclined surface. ). The plurality of pressure sensors measure the pressure value applied by the user, and the pressure sensors disposed at different positions respectively measure the applied pressure value at each position.

The storage unit 120 stores pressure values measured through a plurality of pressure sensors included in the sensor unit 110 . At this time, the storage unit 120 may delete or update the stored pressure values at regular intervals.

The output unit 130 is for generating an output related to hearing or touch, and may include a sound output module 131 and a haptic module 132. To this end, each of the sound output module 131 and the haptic module 132 may be disposed in four different directions. That is, the sound output module 131 includes first to fourth speakers, and the four speakers are disposed in different directions, and the haptic module 132 also includes first to fourth haptic units, and the four haptic The parts may be disposed in different directions, respectively.

Specifically, the output unit 130 outputs sound through the sound output module 131 or the user can feel it through the haptic module 132 in order to guide the user's posture or alert the user to an incorrect posture. It generates and outputs various tactile effects. For example, among the first to fourth speakers of the sound output module 131, speakers positioned in a direction in which the user's posture is corrected to a normal posture output the sound, or the first to fourth speakers of the haptic module 132 output the sound. Among the fourth haptic units, a haptic unit located in a direction for correcting the user's posture to a normal posture outputs a tactile effect.

Here, a representative example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module 132 may be vibration. The strength and pattern of the sound output from the sound output module 131 and the vibration generated from the haptic module 132 may be controlled by a user's selection or a processor setting. In particular, the haptic module 132 may synthesize and output different vibrations or sequentially output them.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 132 generates vibrations caused by stimuli such as an array of pins that move vertically with respect to the contacted skin surface, a spraying force or suction force of air through a nozzle or suction port, rubbing against the skin surface, contact with an electrode, and electrostatic force. It is possible to generate various tactile effects, such as effects and effects by reproducing cool and warm sensations using elements capable of absorbing heat or generating heat.

However, this is just one example, and although not shown in FIG. 2, the output unit 130 may further include a display unit or a light output unit so that the user can visually check correction information that guides the user to maintain the user's posture correctly. have.

The communication unit 140 is for short range communication, and includes Bluetooth™, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and Near NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technology may be used to support short-distance communication.

The communication unit 140 may support wireless communication between the posture measuring device 100 and the user terminal 200 through wireless area networks. At this time, the local area wireless communication network may be a local area wireless personal area network (Wireless Personal Area Networks).

The processor 150 determines whether the user's posture is a normal posture based on the pressure values measured by the sensor unit 110, and if it is determined that the user's posture is not a normal posture, the posture is determined as one of the pre-classified postures. It checks whether it corresponds to and performs a guiding operation to be corrected in a normal posture.

For example, the processor 150 transmits correction information for guiding the user's posture to be corrected to a normal posture to the user terminal 200 through the communication unit 140, so that the user terminal 200 displays the correction information. Display through the unit 201 or output sound through the sound output unit 203. Alternatively, the processor 150 transmits a control signal through the communication unit 140 to output a sound guiding the user's posture to be corrected to a normal posture through the sound output unit 203 of the user terminal 200, or A control signal for outputting a vibration sound for guiding the posture of the user to be corrected to a normal posture may be transmitted to the user terminal 200 .

Meanwhile, the processor 150 may directly output correction information for guiding the user's posture to be corrected to a normal posture through the output unit 130 without transmitting it to the user terminal 200 . For example, sound for guiding the user's posture to be corrected to the normal posture is output through the sound output module 131, or vibration sound for guiding the user's posture to be corrected to the normal posture is output through the haptic module 132. can

The power supply unit 160 receives external power and internal power under the control of the processor 150 and supplies power to each component included in the posture measurement device 100 . The power supply unit 160 includes a battery, and the battery may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

Meanwhile, the user terminal 200 includes a display unit 201 and a sound output unit 203 .

The display unit 201 may implement a touch screen by forming a mutual layer structure or integrally with the touch sensor. Such a touch screen may function as a user input unit providing an input interface between the user terminal 200 and the user, and may provide an output interface between the user terminal 200 and the user.

When correction information is received from the posture measuring device 100, the display unit 201 displays the correction information so that the user can visually check it.

When a control signal is received from the posture measurement device 100 or a control signal is transmitted from a processor (not shown) of the user terminal 200, the sound output unit 203 emits at least one sound for guiding the user to correct the posture. output through the speaker.

In addition, the user terminal 200 has a haptic unit (not shown) therein, and when a control signal is received from the posture measuring device 100 or a control signal is transmitted from the processor of the user terminal 200, the user's posture is corrected. A tactile effect for guiding the display is output through at least one haptic unit.

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 200 further includes a processor (not shown), and when calibration information or a control signal is transmitted from the posture measurement device 100, the processor calibrate the display unit 201. Information is displayed, and the sound output unit 203 or the haptic unit (not shown) outputs sound or tactile effects, respectively.

3 is a view showing a posture measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a view showing an example in which a pressure sensor is disposed on an inclined surface in the posture measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

However, although it is shown in the form of a cushion for convenience of explanation, this is only one embodiment, and may be configured in the form of a cover or integrally provided with a chair. When the posture measurement device 100 is formed in the form of a cushion or cover, the user may use it by placing it on the floor or a chair, or when it is integrally formed with a chair, the posture measurement device 100 is placed on a portion where the user sits. ) is formed.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the posture measuring device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be largely divided into a first seating area 10 and a second seating area 20 based on the dotted line shown in FIG. 3. , At this time, the first seating area 10 is an area where the user's thigh is located, and the second seating area 20 is an area where the user's seat bone is located. That is, the first seating area 10 is a front area of the posture measuring device 100 , and the second seating area 20 is a rear area of the posture measuring device 100 .

The total area of the posture measurement device 100 and the area ratio of the two seating areas are not limited, and the area and the distance between the pressure sensors disposed in the two seating areas may vary depending on the user's age and body shape. .

A first pressure sensor module 111 and a second pressure sensor module 112 are disposed in the first seating area 10 and the second seating area 20, respectively. The pressure applied by the thigh part is measured, and the second pressure sensor module 112 measures the pressure applied by the user's seat bone part.

The first pressure sensor module 111 may include a pair of pressure sensors respectively disposed on the left side and the right side of the center of the first seating area 10 . Specifically, one pressure sensor may be respectively disposed in an area where the user's left thigh is located and an area where the right thigh is located. At this time, the area where the pressure sensor is disposed in the first seating area 10 is formed as a plane without an inclination.

The second pressure sensor module 112 may also include a plurality of pressure sensors 1121 and 1122 respectively disposed on the protrusions 120 formed on the left and right sides of the center of the second seating area 20. have. At this time, the protruding part 120 is formed in a polygonal shape including a plurality of faces having a predetermined angle of inclination, and the second pressure sensor module 112 has two of the front, rear, left and right faces of the polygon based on the front. It can be arranged on each of the above faces. Specifically, the first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 122 are respectively formed in the area where the user's left seat bone part is located and the area where the right seat bone part is located, and the first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion part 122 Pressure sensors are respectively disposed on some of the plurality of surfaces respectively formed on the surface. 2 and 3 show that a plurality of pressure sensors 1121a and 1121b are respectively disposed on the front and rear surfaces 121a and 121b of the first protrusion 121, and similarly, a plurality of pressure sensors 1121a and 1121b are disposed on the front and rear surfaces of the second protrusion 122, respectively. An example in which the two pressure sensors 1122a and 1122b are respectively disposed is shown.

However, the first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 122 may be formed in different shapes, and may have different inclined surfaces. In addition, even in the same protrusion, the inclination of each surface may be different from each other according to the shape of the polygon. At this time, the inclination may be changed according to the shape and structure of the posture measurement device 100, and the numerical value is not limited. In addition, the number of pressure sensors disposed on each inclined surface and the arrangement structure for arranging a plurality of pressure sensors are not limited. That is, the arrangement structure of the plurality of pressure sensors may vary depending on the shape of the inclined surface, and may be arranged in the front-back direction and/or left-right direction. In addition, the inclined surface may be formed of a material having a cushioning feeling so that the user does not feel a sense of heterogeneity or discomfort.

On the other hand, in order to induce the user to sit close to the portion where the ischium and femur are to be located, the portion to which the pressure sensor is attached may be displayed in a three-dimensional or visually revealing manner so as to easily recognize the portion. For example, the part where the seat bone part and the thigh part should be located may be formed to correspond to the shape of the seat bone part and the thigh part to guide the user's posture, or at least so that the part where the seat bone part and the thigh part should be located can be distinguished. It is also possible to mark the area with one or more colors.

5 is a diagram illustrating a change in pressure applied to a pressure sensor when a user is seated in the posture measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, (a) and (c) are respectively applied to the horizontal surface of the first seating area 10 and the inclined surface of the second seating area 20 in a situation where the user maintains an upright (optimal) posture (first situation). (b) and (d) show changes in pressure applied to the placed pressure sensor, and (b) and (d) show the values of the first seating area 10 in a situation in which the user maintains a posture in which the pelvic bone is rotated backward (second situation). Pressure changes applied to the pressure sensors respectively disposed on the horizontal surface and the inclined surface of the second seating area 20 are shown.

Referring to (a) to (b), in the first situation or the second situation, the pressure sensors are respectively disposed in the first pressure sensor module 111 and the second pressure sensor module 112 of the first seating area 10. The difference between the pressure values is not large. That is, it is difficult to detect or measure minute changes in the user's posture only with the pressure sensor disposed on the horizontal surface of the first seating area 10 . For example, postures such as pelvic bone retroversion and lumbar kyphosis are among the most common poor spinal postures, which are difficult to detect or measure.

Referring to (a) to (c), in the first situation, the pressure values between the pressure sensor disposed on the horizontal surface of the first seating area 10 and the pressure sensor disposed on the inclined surface of the second seating area 20 are also different. is not big That is, when the user maintains an upright posture, the degree of pressure applied to the first seating area 10, which is the front area, and the second seating area 20, which is the rear area, are similar.

Also, referring to (c) and (d), the difference in pressure values between the two pressure sensors disposed in the forward and backward directions of the second seating area 20 in the first situation and the second situation is clearly different.

On the other hand, referring to (b) and (d), in the second situation, the user's posture is the same, but the pressure sensor disposed on the horizontal surface of the first area 10 and the inclined surface of the second seating area 20 It can be seen that the difference in pressure values between the pressure sensors is large. That is, even in the same posture of the user, the pressure value can be more sensitively measured depending on how the pressure sensor is arranged.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of classifying a user's posture for measurement based on a posture measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the user's posture is measured (determined) based on the pressure value obtained through the posture measurement device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. For this purpose, the user's posture is determined according to a preset value. can be classified. To this end, threshold ranges for each posture may be set differently.

A critical range (threshold) for the pressure value for each posture of the user according to (a) to (h) is set and previously stored, and when the pressure value is measured by the posture measuring device 100, based on the previously stored critical range The user's posture is determined as one of (a) to (h).

In this way, in order to determine the user's posture, the following <Equation 1> may be used.

Here, RBF and RBB represent pressure values measured through the pressure sensors 1121a and 1121b of the second pressure sensor module 1121, respectively, and LBF and LBB represent pressure sensors of the second pressure sensor module 1121, respectively. Indicates pressure values measured through (1122a, 1122b), and RF and LF are measured through the pressure sensor 1111 disposed on the left side and the pressure sensor 1112 disposed on the right side of the first pressure sensor module 111, respectively. indicates the pressure value. In addition, sum_t is the average value of the pressure values measured through the pressure sensors 1121a and 1121b, the average value of the pressure values measured through the pressure sensors 1122a and 1122b, and the pressure sensors of the first pressure sensor module 111 It represents the sum of all pressure values measured through (1111, 1112).

As an example, the posture measurement device 100 of the present invention may determine the user's posture as one of eight postures based on pressure values obtained through pressure sensors. At this time, a threshold (th0 to th7) for classifying each posture is set, and details of determining the posture using the threshold are as follows.

(a) Posture - Reference posture

SP_ON AND {RBB/RB < th1 OR LBB/LB < th1}

(b) Posture - leaning on the back with the hips forward.

BR_ON AND {(RB+LB) / sum_t} <th2

(c) Posture - the back is bent

SP_ON AND {RBB/RB > th3 OR LBB/LB > th3}

(d) Posture - tilted to the right

(RB + RF) / sum_t > th4

(e) Posture - leaning to the left

(LB + LF) / sum_t > th4

(f) Posture - Forward tilt of the upper body

RBF / RB > th5 OR LBF/LF > th5

(g) Posture - Reclining on the back with the pelvic bones maintained.

{BR_ON AND RBF/RB > th6 } OR {BR_ON AND LBF/LB > th6 }

(h) Posture - Reclining on the back with the pelvic bone rotated posteriorly.

{BR_ON AND RBB/RB > th7 } OR {BR_ON AND LBB/LB > th7}

Here, BR_ON indicates a state in which the user leans against the backrest, and BR_OFF indicates a state in which the user does not lean against the backrest. At this time, BR_ON can be determined as a case corresponding to sum_t / sum_t0 < th0, and sum_t0 is sum_t in the posture (a). In addition, (a) posture and (c) posture were referred to as SP_ON as a state of sitting without leaning back on the intended position in a state other than (b), (d) ~ (h) in terms of conditional logic, and SP_ON = NOT It is expressed as ((b) + (d) + (e) + (f) + (g) + (h)).

On the other hand, although only (a) is referred to as the standard posture, a plurality of standard postures may be set. can be output.

The posture of the user shown in FIG. 6 is only an example, and the posture may be further subdivided and divided into a narrow range or a wide range according to the number and position of the pressure sensors disposed thereon. That is, the postures that can be determined by the posture measuring device 100 are not limited to (a) to (h).

7 is a flowchart illustrating a posture measuring method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a method for measuring a posture based on the posture measuring device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7 , when a user's seating is detected by detecting a change in the pressure value of at least one of the pressure sensors 1121a, 1121b, 1122a, and 1122b of the posture measurement device 100 (S301), Pressure values measured through each pressure sensor are acquired (S303). After the user is seated, it may be set to measure the pressure values of all pressure sensors whenever a change in the value of at least one pressure sensor is detected, or it may be set to measure the pressure values at each preset period. The period may be in units of seconds, but is not limited thereto.

The user's posture is determined based on the pre-stored critical range using the pressure values acquired through step S303 (S305), and it is checked whether the determined posture is a normal posture (standard posture) (S307).

If, as a result of checking in step S307, if the determined posture is confirmed as a normal posture, steps after step S303 are repeatedly performed.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the determined posture is not the normal posture, it is checked which posture corresponds to which of the previously classified postures (S309), and the operation of guiding the posture to be corrected to the normal posture according to the checked posture of the user. is performed (S311).

In step S311, correction information for guiding the posture to be corrected to the normal posture or a control signal for outputting a sound or tactile effect is transmitted to the user terminal 200, or an output unit provided in the posture measurement device 100 ( 130) to directly output sound or tactile effects.

Meanwhile, if the user continues to be seated after step S311, steps S303 to 311 are repeatedly performed.

To this end, the user may install a separate program or application in the user terminal, and may be provided with at least one piece of information included in the notification by accessing a web page.

Steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented directly in hardware, implemented in a software module executed by hardware, or implemented by a combination thereof. A software module may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or It may reside in any form of computer readable recording medium well known in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. you will be able to understand Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

100: posture measurement device
10: first seating area 20: second seating area
110: sensor unit 111: first pressure sensor module
112: second pressure sensor module 120: storage unit
130: output unit 131: sound output module
132: haptic module 140: communication unit
150: processor 160: power supply
200: user terminal 201: display unit
203: sound output unit
1111, 1112, 1121a, 1121b, 1122a, 1122b: pressure sensor

Claims (32)

In the posture measuring device including a plurality of seating areas,
a first pressure sensor module disposed in the first seating area;
a second pressure sensor module disposed in the second seating area; and
A processor for determining a user's posture based on a comparison result between the pressure value sensed through the first pressure sensor module and the second pressure sensor module and a predetermined threshold value;
An area where the user's thigh is seated in the first seating area includes a horizontal surface on which the first pressure sensor module is disposed;
An area where the user's ichium is located in the second seating area includes protrusions on at least two surfaces of a plurality of surfaces on which the second pressure sensor modules are disposed, respectively;
The second seating area is positioned behind the first seating area.
According to claim 1,
At least two surfaces of the protrusion include front and rear surfaces based on the front,
The second pressure sensor module is disposed on the front and rear surfaces, respectively.
According to claim 2,
The front and rear surfaces of the protruding portion each have an inclined surface at a predetermined angle, posture measurement device.
According to claim 3,
The protrusion is formed in a polygonal shape including a plurality of faces,
The second pressure sensor module is disposed on each of the front, rear, left and right surfaces of the polygon with respect to the front.
According to claim 1,
the processor,
If the determined posture does not correspond to the standard posture, a guide operation of determining whether the determined posture corresponds to one of at least one pre-classified posture and guiding the determined posture to be corrected to the reference posture. To perform, posture measurement device.
According to claim 5,
The at least one pre-classified posture includes a reference posture, a posture tilted forward or backward over a predetermined angle, a posture tilted to the left or right above a predetermined angle, a posture leaning against a backrest while maintaining a pelvic bone, and a pelvic bone. A posture measurement device comprising at least one of a posture of leaning against a backrest such that the posture is rotated backward.
According to claim 5,
the processor,
In a state where the determined posture does not correspond to the reference posture, when the determined posture is maintained for more than a predetermined time, it is determined whether the determined posture corresponds to any one of the at least one grouped posture. , posture measurement device.
According to claim 5,
It further includes a short-range communication unit;
the processor,
By the guide operation, the posture measurement device transmits the correction information to the user terminal through the short-range communication unit so that the correction information for guiding the corrected posture to be corrected to the reference posture is output to the user terminal, which is the terminal of the user. .
According to claim 8,
The user terminal is provided with an application for managing the user's sitting posture,
the processor,
The posture measuring device for transmitting the information of the confirmed posture to the user terminal through the short range communication unit so that the confirmed posture is managed on the application.
According to claim 8,
the processor,
According to the guide operation, a control signal for outputting a guide sound to the user terminal so that the confirmed posture is corrected to a reference posture is transmitted to the user terminal through the short-range communication unit.
According to claim 8,
the processor,
According to the guide operation, a control signal for outputting a vibration sound for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected to a reference posture is transmitted to the user terminal through the short-range communication unit.
According to claim 5,
It further includes; at least one sound output module disposed in the second seating area;
the processor,
According to the guide operation, a sound for guiding the corrected posture to a reference posture is output through the sound output module.
According to claim 12,
The sound output module includes first to fourth speakers respectively disposed in four different directions of the second seating area;
the processor,
By the guide operation, at least one speaker corresponding to at least one direction for correcting the checked posture to a reference posture among the first to fourth speakers is controlled to output the sound.
According to claim 5,
It further includes; at least one haptic module disposed in the second seating area;
the processor,
According to the guide operation, a vibration sound for guiding the corrected posture through the haptic module to a reference posture is output.
According to claim 14,
The haptic module includes first to fourth haptic units respectively disposed in four different directions of the second seating area;
the processor,
By the guide operation, at least one haptic unit corresponding to at least one direction for correcting the checked posture to a reference posture among the first to fourth haptic units is controlled to output a vibration sound.
According to claim 1,
Posture measurement that guides the user's seating position by three-dimensionally or visually displaying an area where the first pressure sensor module is disposed in the first seating area and an area where the second pressure sensor module is disposed in the second seating area Device.
In the self-calibration method of a posture measuring device including a plurality of seating areas,
disposing a first pressure sensor module in a first seating area among the plurality of seating areas;
disposing a second pressure sensor module in a second seating area among the plurality of seating areas;
comparing a pressure value sensed through the first pressure sensor module and the second pressure sensor module with a predetermined threshold value; and
Including; determining the user's posture based on the comparison result;
An area where the user's thigh is seated in the first seating area includes a horizontal surface on which the first pressure sensor module is disposed;
An area where the user's ichium is located in the second seating area includes protrusions on at least two surfaces of a plurality of surfaces on which the second pressure sensor modules are disposed, respectively;
The second seating area is located behind the first seating area.
According to claim 17,
At least two surfaces of the protrusion include front and rear surfaces based on the front,
The second pressure sensor module is disposed on the front and rear surfaces, respectively.
According to claim 18,
The front and rear surfaces of the protruding part each have an inclined surface at a predetermined angle.
According to claim 19,
The protrusion is formed in a polygonal shape including a plurality of faces,
The second pressure sensor module is disposed on each of the front, rear, left and right surfaces of the polygon with respect to the front.
According to claim 17,
if the determined posture does not correspond to the reference posture, confirming whether the determined posture corresponds to any one of at least one pre-classified posture; and
Performing a guide operation for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected to a reference posture; further comprising a posture measuring method.
According to claim 21,
The at least one pre-classified posture includes a reference posture, a posture tilted forward or backward over a predetermined angle, a posture tilted to the left or right above a predetermined angle, a posture leaning against a backrest while maintaining a pelvic bone, and a pelvic bone. A posture measurement method comprising at least one of a posture leaning against a backrest such that the back rotates backward.
According to claim 21,
The determining step is
In a state where the determined posture does not correspond to the reference posture, when the determined posture is maintained for more than a predetermined time, it is determined whether the determined posture corresponds to any one of the at least one grouped posture. How to measure posture.
According to claim 21,
The above steps are
As the guide operation, the correction information is transmitted to the user terminal through short-range communication so that the correction information for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected to the reference posture is output to the user terminal, which is the terminal of the user.
According to claim 24,
The user terminal is provided with an application for managing the user's sitting posture,
The above steps are
and further transmitting information on the confirmed posture to the user terminal through the short-range communication so that the confirmed posture is managed on the application.
According to claim 24,
The above steps are
According to the guide operation, a control signal for outputting a guide sound to the user terminal so that the confirmed posture is corrected to a reference posture is further transmitted to the user terminal through the short-range communication.
According to claim 24,
The above steps are
As the guide operation, a control signal for outputting a vibration sound for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected to a reference posture is further transmitted to the user terminal through the short-range communication.
According to claim 21,
Disposing at least one sound output module in the second seating area;
The above steps are
According to the guide operation, a sound for guiding the corrected posture to a reference posture is output through the sound output module.
According to claim 28,
The sound output module includes first to fourth speakers respectively disposed in four different directions of the second seating area;
The above steps are
By the guide operation, at least one speaker corresponding to at least one direction for correcting the checked posture to a reference posture among the first to fourth speakers is controlled to output the sound.
According to claim 21,
Disposing at least one haptic module in the second seating area;
The above steps are
As the guide operation, a vibration sound for guiding the corrected posture through the haptic module to a reference posture is output.
31. The method of claim 30,
The haptic module includes first to fourth haptic units respectively disposed in four different directions of the second seating area;
The above steps are
According to the guide operation, at least one haptic unit corresponding to at least one direction in which the checked posture is corrected to a reference posture among the first to fourth haptic units is controlled to output a vibration sound.
According to claim 17,
Posture measurement that guides the user's seating position by three-dimensionally or visually displaying an area where the first pressure sensor module is disposed in the first seating area and an area where the second pressure sensor module is disposed in the second seating area Way.

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