KR20050006148A - Device for stimulating at least one person - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for stimulating at least one person with at least one module 12 which can be perceptually controlled by at least one person.

According to the present invention, the module 12 may be adapted for at least one person to deactivate a portion of the perceptual control of the at least one module 12 and / or to deactivate the perceptual control of the at least one module 12 for at least a predetermined time. It includes at least one means that can be used by.

Description

DEVICE FOR STIMULATING AT LEAST ONE PERSON}

In the present invention, stimulating a person may be understood as stimulation such as training a person with a specific exercise, training with a specific treatment method, bringing a person to a specific exercise, and the like. Certain stimuli can be used for sports, medical care or treatment.

Different types of training and / or treatment instruments and devices are known in the art. Such devices are generally known as sports and / or fitness devices in which people can perform specific treatment trainings and / or specific training. Known instruments can be static and dynamic. Different movements can be made depending on the structure of the instrument. The device is also known as a device combined with a so-called minicomputer so that different training patterns and / or movement patterns can be stimulated. An ergometer is a specific example.

The known device is disadvantageous in that its use is limited and may only be suitable for certain movements.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device of the type described above which is simple in structure and can be used flexibly for different movements.

The present invention relates to a device for stimulating a person.

1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram showing the function of the apparatus of the present invention,

3A-3C are diagrams illustrating differently the segments of the device of the present invention.

4 to 7 are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of the present invention.

In the present invention, this object is achieved by a device having the features defined in claim 1. Perceptual control by providing at least one means to the module that at least one person can be used to deactivate at least some of the perceptual control of the at least one module or to deactivate the at least one module for at least a predetermined time At least a person's response to deactivating is preferably derived from this person through the perceptual control of at least one module. Deactivation is linked to a person's semi-forced or forced movement, depending on the location of the perceptually controllable module relative to the person. Thus, specific movements and reactions of a person can be initiated, resulting in very effective treatment and / or athletic training.

In another embodiment of the invention, the module comprises at least one controllable segment. In particular, the module preferably comprises a plurality of segments arranged in a predetermined grid pattern, in particular vertically and / or horizontally and / or diagonally intersecting with each other. This structure is excellent for allowing different movement patterns. In particular, treatment training or movement training individually configured for a particular person or for a particular sport can be readily implemented in consideration of ergonomics.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one module may form a surface element which is preferably of a curved or straight structure. In particular, the surface member may have a concave structure or a convex structure. This makes it possible to optimize the location of individual segments of the module for at least one person, so that treatment and / or training methods are not only optimal for use in the space available but also for use in certain situations.

In another preferred embodiment, at least one module may be arranged at least in front of and / or rear and / or left and / or right and / or above and / or below of a person. A plurality of modules, each having a plurality of individual segments, may be combined into a device capable of specific therapeutic training and / or specific athletic training in various directions within the space.

In practical application of the device, a device suitable for a particular need may be assembled in a modular form, such as, for example, a training device of a health care center such as a sports competition training device, a fitness center, a sports academy or a rehabilitation center or the like. More specifically, the device may be widened by at least one additional module oriented obliquely with the first module, starting with the module inevitably disposed facing the person in need of the stimulus.

Diagonal arrangements, in particular rectangular constructions, as well as acute or obtuse arrangements are possible. In the ticket, the concave and / or convex modules can be made compact for various applications in the aforementioned areas.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the segment emits an optical signal and / or an acoustic signal in response to the perceptual control. At least when a person receives an optical signal and / or an acoustic signal, the person can accurately deactivate the segment emitting the optical signal and / or the acoustic signal. Human movement is stimulated in accordance with a predetermined frequency and / or period of time during which light and / or acoustic signals are emitted. It will be appreciated that the different treatment training and / or athletic training patterns can be determined by presetting the period of time over which the frequency and / or light and / or acoustic signals are emitted. The frequency of the individual segments and / or the duration of the emission of the light and / or acoustic signals can also be changed while using the training device and / or treatment device.

In another preferred embodiment, the segment can change its shape in response to perceptual control, in particular through pneumatic and / or hydraulic control. This allows for further embodiments in which at least a person can optically perceive or sense the stimulus of the segment. By variously combining light and / or acoustic and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic controls, treatment and training for the visually impaired and / or deaf may also be possible.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the segment may comprise at least one illuminating means, and in another preferred embodiment a plurality of irradiation means for emitting electromagnetic waves of different wavelengths. The optical signal may be provided in different colors depending on the selection of at least one irradiation means. Since emitting signals in different colors can induce different perceptual responses from a person in need of stimulation, different reaction rates of a person can be obtained or trained or treated by controlling the same segments in different colors according to the same movement pattern. have.

Since the at least one irradiation means is preferably a light emitting diode, the irradiation means can be easily integrated into the segment without the need for a large installation space, while reducing the energy consumption of the irradiation means.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the segments may more specifically comprise interchangeable cover members having different shapes and / or different material strengths or which may be made of different materials. The advantage here is that it can be applied to different training and / or treatment methods. For example, material strength and / or material selection and / or shape may produce different stimulation forces of the segments needed to excite the individual segments. As such, the force exerted during exercise may be trained or included in the treatment method in addition to the response rate. In addition, different training methods can be easily combined for different types of soups and the like. The cover member is preferably made of plastic, in particular light transmissive plastic. In this way, the shape and / or material strength of the cover lid can be configured in addition to the optical signal. In particular, by minimizing the weight of the cover member, ie segments and modules, the device can be constructed with improved mobility and flexibility.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the switching means for deactivating the individual segments can be operated in a contactless or mechanical manner. According to the selected embodiment. The segment may be deactivated when a part of the body approaches the segment to be deactivated, for example by applying an actuation force, for example to an infrared sensor or the like, which may be set variable or contactless as described above.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a controller for controlling at least one module and / or a controller for acquiring and / or recording deactivation of at least one segment and / or at least one module. In particular, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller can be programmed arbitrarily so that different training programs and / or treatment programs can be implemented by the device of the present invention. For example, the frequency and / or duration of the signal emitted by the individual segments can be programmed. In particular, different difficulty levels, different exercise patterns to be trained, and different training times can be programmed. For example, the controller can be programmed with human ergonomics in mind.

The advantage is that the controller can include personal programming means. As such, the device may be programmed for an individual according to a desired difficulty level and / or a desired exercise pattern. The device of the present invention can be used versatilely and flexibly.

The advantage is that the controller may comprise storage means for storing a personal stimulus and / or deactivation process, and the controller preferably comprises at least one input and output for reading and / or recording a personal stimulus and / or deactivation process. Do. As such, the personal programming code is preferably stored intermittently, so that the controller, i.e. the device, does not need to be programmed at each startup. The deactivation method can be simultaneously obtained and stored for later use in a comprehensive evaluation. In particular, the response time between the stimulus of the segment and the deactivation of the segment can be measured to reach a conclusion regarding the operation of the person in whom the stimulus is desired. Training programs and / or treatment programs can be easily optimized. In particular, the inactivation times of the individual segments can be compared to each other, so that the motions of the person in need of the stimulus can be accurately matched and trained in an optimally calculated manner.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the input / output unit may be a chip card reader. As such, the personal program and / or personal control and / or deactivation method can be stored on a chip card, so that the device can be easily programmed by inserting the chip card into the controller or picking up the chip card from the controller. The obtained deactivation method can be delivered in this manner. Thus, individual results can be readily obtained, stored and processed independently of the actual apparatus of the present invention.

Finally, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller is connected to at least one module via an interface by wire or wirelessly. Since the interface is preferably bidirectional, control signals and / or deactivation signals can be easily exchanged between at least one module and the controller. The interface may be an infrared interface, for example, so that no additional wiring is connected. However, other embodiments are also possible, for example using wireless transmission, optical waveguides, electrical wiring, and the like.

Other preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram of an apparatus 10 for stimulating at least a person (not shown in FIG. 1). The apparatus may include at least one module 12 consisting of a plurality of segments 14. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the segments are arranged in a grid pattern consisting of rows 16 and columns 18. The number of rows 16 and columns 18 is known. The number of segments 14 may be arbitrarily selected according to the desired structure or desired training and / or treatment pattern, as described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the module 12 may be formed in one piece with a flat surface. In other embodiments (not shown), module 12 may also have a concave and / or convex shape that is curved in the direction of column 16 and / or row 18. The shape of the segment 14 may optionally be combined into the concave or convex shape described above. The segments 14 also have flexibility, so their shape can be changed to suit the desired application.

The controller 20 in communication with the module 12 via the bidirectional interface 22 is coupled with the module 12. Each of the segments 14 comprises at least one light emitting diode which is controllable by, for example, a voltage, at least one irradiation means 24, in particular a controller 20. In addition, each of the segments 14 comprises a schematic illustrated switching means 26 which deactivates the irradiation means driven by the controller 20.

In FIG. 1 only one irradiation means 24 and one switching means 26 are shown combined with one segment 14. However, it will be appreciated that each of the segments 14 may have the irradiation means 24 and the switching means 26.

The individual irradiation means 24 of the segment 14 can be variably controlled by the controller 20. Each survey means 24 may be individually controlled by combining each segment 14 with row and / or column information. The controller 20 may also determine the control frequency and / or duration of each of the irradiation means 24.

Controller 20 includes a control device 28 (shown schematically) that can be used to program the controller 20. In the controller 20, in particular, means 30, including storage means, arithmetic means, etc., which can be used for signal processing, are integrally constructed. In addition, the controller includes an input / output unit 32 which is preferably implemented by a chip card reader 34. A chip card 36 with at least one memory means 38 can be inserted into the chip card reader 34.

The apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 has the functions described below illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 2.

The person using the device 10 holds a personal chip card 36 inserted into the controller 20 in a first step 50. In a next step 52, the controller 20 receives personal programming information from the memory means 38 of the chip card 30 and stores this programming information in the means 30. In a next step 54 the means 30 determine the control signal for the survey means 24 of the individual segments 14 from the personal programming information. This relates in particular to the order, selection, frequency and / or duration of driving the different segments. According to personal programming, not all segments 14 but only a subset of segments 14 related to the desired training and treatment program are excited. Personal programming information may also include the total duration of the training program and / or treatment program. The control program is started by activating "Start" (step 56) of the device 10, for example by activating one of the pushbuttons 28. Next, a person takes the position where the module touches and deactivates the preactivated segment 14 with his limbs, for example his hand and / or foot. According to the light signal transmitted from the irradiation means 24, the person knows which segment 14 is active and which should be deactivated. In another embodiment, the optical signal may be combined with an acoustic signal. Deactivation of the segment 14 by a person is communicated to the controller 20 via the interface 22 (step 58), which intermittently stores this information in the means 30. In particular, the delay period between activation and deactivation of the segment 14 can be measured. According to the method, the personal program is processed during the selected period.

After the training and / or treatment program is terminated, the deactivation information of the intermittently stored person can be read on the memory chip 38 of the personal chip card 36 (step 60), so that subsequent detailed evaluation of the information Or it can be used for storage.

The use of the chip card 36 is merely illustrative and of course other suitable memory means and / or acquisition means may also be used.

In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), a person in need of stimulation may wear at least one measuring means for measuring at least one body signal, such as pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, brain wave, or the like, or Can be connected to. At least one measuring means may be connected to the controller 20 to control the device 10 according to the state of the person's measurement moment.

3 is a different view of the segment 14. 3A is a top view of the segment 14, while FIG. 3B is a sectional view. As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3B, the segment 14 includes a base member 40 and a cover member 42. Base member 40 may be attached to a support, for example a movable wall or a fixed wall in the room. The cover member 42 may be connected to the base member 40 via a snap connection 44 or the like. Since the cover member 42 is made of a light transmissive plastic, the irradiation means 24 disposed inside the segment 14 (not shown in FIG. 3) can emit electromagnetic waves through the cover member 42. Since the cover member 42 also forms an operating surface, a person can operate the switching means 26 to deactivate the irradiation means 24. By such arrangement, the cover member 42 may have a shape and / or material strength and / or material properties suitable for the desired operating force required to deactivate the irradiation means 24. For example, different operating forces required to deactivate the corresponding irradiation means 24 may be set for different training programs or treatment programs. As such, specific training programs for specific workouts and / or specific muscles of a person may be implemented.

3C shows a reduced view of the segment 14, wherein the cover member 42 is interconnected with the base member 40. For the sake of clarity, the signal and / or voltage lines connected with the switching means 26 and the segment 14 as well as the irradiation means 24 are not shown.

4-7 are schematic views of modules 12 having different shapes and dimensions. The person 48 who deactivates the individual segments 14 via the corresponding movement is associated with each module 12, as described above. The dimensions, heights, and placement of module 12 can be adapted to the desired training program and / or treatment program.

From the foregoing features, by using the device 10, people 48 can optimally train their condition, reaction time, speed and fitness with the help of light signals using touch and action. In particular, certain motor patterns and responses can be trained. By simply modifying the device 10, it can be adapted to different training methods and / or training programs and different treatment methods and / or treatment programs. The device 10 can be used for sporting events as well as for public sports and general fitness and disease treatment. Module 12 can be easily assembled using segment 14. Specific requirements applicable to the person 48 can be met by specifically placing the individual segments 14 in accordance with, for example, ergonomics. This allows a structure suitable for the training of different types of sports. In particular, the device 10 may be suitably used to suit the particular height, response range, and tactile characteristics of the person 48 who is in need of stimulation. The device may also be suitable for ease of use in the space available.

The deactivation method may determine the perception and switching response of the person 48, ie evaluate the person's response, treatment parameters, and treatment and training progress.

Claims (36)

A device for stimulating at least one person 48 having at least one module 12 that can be perceptually controlled by at least one person, The module 12 may be adapted to at least one person to deactivate at least a portion of the perceptual control of the at least one module 12 and / or to deactivate the perceptual control of the at least one module 12 for at least a period of time. Comprising at least one means which can be used by Stimulation device. The method of claim 1, Stimulus device, characterized in that the module (12) comprises at least one controllable segment (14). The method according to claim 1 or 2, The module (12) is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of segments (14) arranged in a predetermined grid pattern. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Stimulus device, characterized in that the segment (14) is arranged to intersect vertically and / or horizontally and / or diagonally. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Stimulus device, characterized in that the at least one module (12) forms a surface member. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, And the surface member is straight. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, And the surface member is curved. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, And the surface member is concave. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, And the surface member is convex. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Stimulus device, characterized in that the device (10) comprises at least two modules (12). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The at least two modules (12) can be arranged at selectable angles with respect to each other. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The at least two modules (12) can be arranged at right angles to each other. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, Stimulator device, characterized in that the at least two modules (12) are disposed facing each other. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The at least one module (12) is characterized in that it is arranged in front and / or rear and / or left and / or right and / or upper and / or lower of the at least one person (48). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The segment (14) is characterized in that it emits an optical signal and / or acoustic signal in response to the perceptual control. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, And the segment changes its shape in response to the perceptual control. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, The control device, characterized in that the control is pneumatic and / or hydraulic. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, Stimulation device, characterized in that the segment comprises at least one illumination means (24). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, The segment comprises a plurality of irradiation means (24) for emitting electromagnetic waves of different wavelength ranges. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, Stimulating device, characterized in that the irradiating means (24) is a light emitting diode. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, The segment (14) is characterized in that it comprises an interchangeable cover member (42). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, The cover member (42) is characterized in that it has different shapes and / or different material strengths and / or is made of different materials. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 22, The cover member (42) is characterized in that it is made of plastic, in particular light-transparent plastic. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23, Stimulus device, characterized in that at least one means for deactivating the at least one segment (14) is a switching means (23). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 24, Stimulator device, characterized in that said switching means (26) are switch contacts. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 25, And the switch contact can be operated in a noncontact or mechanical manner. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 26, The device 27 is a controller 20 for control of the at least one module 12 and / or acquisition and / or recording of the at least one segment 14 and / or the at least one module 12. Stimulation device comprising a). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 27, Stimulator device, characterized in that the controller (20) can be freely programmed. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 28, Stimulus device, characterized in that the controller (20) comprises means for personal programming. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 29, The controller (20) is characterized in that it comprises a storage means for storing the stimulation process and / or deactivation process for each individual. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 30, The controller (20) comprises at least one input / output unit for reading and / or recording of a personal stimulation process and / or deactivation process. The method of any one of claims 1 to 31, Stimulus device, characterized in that the input / output unit (32) is a chip card reader (34). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 32, Stimulator device, characterized in that the controller (20) is connected to the at least one module (12) via an interface (22). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 33, Stimulus device, characterized in that the interface (22) made of wireless or wired. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 34, Stimulus device, characterized in that the interface (22) is an infrared interface. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 35, Stimulus device, characterized in that the interface (22) operates in both directions.