KR20190013198A - Chair system with posture correction function and method for correcting posture using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A chair system comprises a seat allowing a user to sit thereon and having includes a plurality of portions separated from each other; a plurality of pressure sensor devices provided in the plurality of portions, respectively, each of the pressure sensor devices being configured to measure pressure applied by the user to the seat; a driving part connected to each of the plurality of portions, wherein the plurality of portions are driven to project toward the user seated on the seat or retreat from the user seated on the seat; and a control unit for controlling the driving unit to selectively protrude or retract the plurality of portions based on a pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices. The chair system is configured to infer the posture information of the user by using the pressure sensor devices and to selectively move each portion of the seat based on the inferred posture information until the user takes a correct sitting posture, and thus the seat posture of the user who is seated on the seat may be automatically corrected.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a chair system having a posture correcting function and a posture correcting method using the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a chair system having a posture correcting function and a posture correcting method using the chair system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a chair system having a posture correcting function, And the like.

With increasing interest in the health of modern people, the need for and the need for correct attitudes is increasing. In particular, research has shown that sitting posture can put a heavy burden on the joints and muscles of the human body, and the need for means and design for inducing correct sitting position is increasing.

There are various studies on the so-called "smart posture control system" for inducing the correct seating posture of the user by collecting the pressure distribution applied to the seat of a chair for a user who should sit on a chair for a long time such as a driver or an examinee .

According to the related art, a sensor means for measuring pressure by shape deformation by direct contact, such as a piezoelectric sensor and an FSR (Force Sensitive Resistor) sensor, is generally used to measure pressure distribution in accordance with a user's attitude.

However, the contact type sensor such as the FSR sensor causes a so-called " drift phenomenon " when it is used for a long time, resulting in a decrease in accuracy. That is, the contact type sensor requires relatively short maintenance due to its relatively low durability. Also, since the sensor must be embedded directly on the seat where the pressure is directly applied by the user, the accessibility is not good. The entire seat needs to be detached to replace the sensor. Furthermore, since the price of the sensor itself is high, there is a limit in popularizing the attitude sensing system through the pressure distribution.

In addition, the prior art is merely for detecting the posture of the user, but does not include means for correcting a bad sitting posture. Bad sitting posture is a cause of various symptoms that can cause continuous stress in everyday life from intermittent pain such as neck pain, shoulder stiffness, waist disc, and cervical hypoploid syndrome. So far, And there is no means to induce correct sitting position.

Korean Registered Utility Model No. 20-0136872

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a pressure sensor device which is excellent in durability and simple in installation and maintenance, The present invention relates to a chair system capable of inducing a correct sitting posture by driving a chair, and a posture correcting method using the chair system.

A chair system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a seat including a plurality of portions seated by a user; A plurality of pressure sensor devices provided in each of the plurality of portions, the pressure sensor device being configured to measure a pressure applied by the user to the seat; A driving portion connected to the plurality of portions, the portion being projected toward a user seated on the seat or driven to retreat from a user seated on the seat; And a control unit for controlling the driving unit to selectively protrude or retract the plurality of portions based on the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices.

In one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to control the driving unit based on a result of comparing the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices with a preset reference pattern.

In one embodiment, the plurality of pressure sensor devices periodically measure pressure, and the control unit may control the pressure sensor device so that the error between the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices and the reference pattern decreases below a predetermined threshold value To stop the control of the driving unit.

In one embodiment, the control unit determines, from a pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor units, a direction in which a center of gravity of a user who is seated on the seat is shifted with respect to a preset reference position, And controls the driving unit such that at least one portion of the user's center of gravity, which is located in a direction offset from the center of gravity, projects toward the user.

The chair system according to one embodiment further comprises a communication unit communicatively coupled to the one or more mobile devices and configured to transmit a pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices to the mobile device.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of pressure sensor devices includes a first air pack that receives air therein, and an air pressure sensor that is disposed inside the first air pack and measures the air pressure inside the first air pack And measures a change in the air pressure inside the first air pack in which the first air pack is pressed by the pressure applied by the user sitting on the seat.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of pressure sensor devices includes a first air pack for receiving air therein, an air pressure sensor disposed inside the first air pack for measuring the air pressure inside the first air pack, And a second air pack communicating with the first air pack, the second air pack communicating with the second air pack by a pressure of a user seated on the seat, And measures a change in the air pressure inside the first air pack generated in the first air pack.

In one embodiment, the seat includes a back seat comprising a plurality of first portions, the drive portion including a plurality of first portions coupled to the plurality of first portions to move each of the plurality of first portions along one direction Includes linear stepper motors.

In one embodiment, the seat includes a seat plate that includes a plurality of second portions, and the drive portion is coupled to a lower portion of the plurality of second portions to raise or lower each of the plurality of second portions And a lift device.

The posture correcting method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a posture correcting method using a plurality of pressure sensor devices provided in each of the plurality of portions of a sheet including a plurality of portions separated from each other, ; And based on the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices in the measuring the pressure, each of the plurality of portions selectively protrudes toward or retracts from a user seated in the seat, And controlling the driving unit coupled to the plurality of portions.

In one embodiment, the step of controlling the driving unit includes a step of controlling the driving unit based on a result of comparing the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices with a preset reference pattern.

In one embodiment, the step of measuring the pressure is performed periodically, and the step of controlling the driving unit may include a step of controlling the driving unit such that an error between the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices and the reference pattern is less than a preset threshold value And stopping the control of the driving unit in response to the decrease.

In one embodiment, the step of controlling the driving unit includes the steps of: determining, from a pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor units, a direction in which the center of gravity of the user is seated on the seat with respect to a preset reference position; And controlling the driving unit such that at least one portion of the plurality of portions located in a direction in which the center of gravity of the user is biased projects toward the user.

The posture correction method according to an embodiment further includes transmitting the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices to the mobile device.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of pressure sensor devices includes a first air pack that receives air therein, and an air pressure sensor that is disposed inside the first air pack and measures the air pressure inside the first air pack . The step of measuring the pressure may include the step of measuring a pressure change in the interior of the first air pack in which the first air pack is pressed by the pressure applied by the user sitting on the seat by the pressure sensor device .

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of pressure sensor devices includes a first air pack for receiving air therein, an air pressure sensor disposed inside the first air pack for measuring the air pressure inside the first air pack, And a second air pack communicating with the first air pack and containing air therein. At this time, the step of measuring the pressure may include measuring the pressure of the first air pack, which is generated in the first air pack communicated with the second air pack by the pressure of the second air pack, And measuring the change in the internal pressure of the pressure sensor device by the pressure sensor device.

According to one aspect of the present invention According to the chair system and the posture correction method using the chair system, the user's posture information can be inferred by using the pressure sensor device, and the user can selectively move the seat portion until the user takes a correct sitting posture based on the inferred posture information, The sitting posture can be calibrated automatically.

Further, the pressure sensor device used in the chair system according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to measure the pressure in a non-contact manner with the user, and is excellent in durability and simple in installation and maintenance.

1 is a configuration diagram of a pressure sensor device applied to a chair system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a chair system according to an embodiment of the present invention to which the pressure sensor device of FIG. 1 is applied.
3A is a front perspective view of a chair system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
3B is a rear perspective view of a chair system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
3C is an enlarged view of the portion B shown in FIG. 3B.
FIG. 3D is an enlarged view of a portion A shown in FIG. 3A.
4 shows a front view of a user seated on a chair seat.
5 is a graph showing the pressure distribution measured according to the posture of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a side view of a user seated on a chair seat.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing the pressure distribution measured according to the posture of FIG. 6; FIG.
8 is a graph showing pressure measurement values in each sensor acquired in real time.
FIG. 9 is a graph visualizing the center of gravity position of a user displayed on a two-dimensional plane.
10A-10D are images representing an exemplary user interface on a mobile device in communication with a chair system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart showing each step of a posture correcting method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

Where reference in the specification to "above " another part, it may be directly on the other part or be accompanied by another part therebetween. In contrast, when a section is referred to as being "directly above" another section, no other section is involved.

Herein, the terms first, second and third, etc. are used to describe various parts, components, regions, layers and / or sections, but are not limited thereto. These terms are only used to distinguish any moiety, element, region, layer or section from another moiety, moiety, region, layer or section. Thus, a first portion, component, region, layer or section described below may be referred to as a second portion, component, region, layer or section without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The singular forms as used herein include plural forms as long as the phrases do not expressly express the opposite meaning thereto. Means that a particular feature, region, integer, step, operation, element and / or component is specified and that the presence or absence of other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / It does not exclude addition.

The term " below ", "above ", and the like, which denote relative space in this specification, can be used to more easily describe the relationship to other parts of a part shown in the drawings. These terms are intended to include other meanings or acts of the apparatus in use, as well as intended meanings in the drawings. For example, when inverting a device in the figures, certain parts that are described as being "below" other parts are described as being "above " other parts. Thus, an exemplary term "below" includes both up and down directions. The device can be rotated 90 degrees or rotated at different angles, and the term indicating the relative space is interpreted accordingly.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Commonly used predefined terms are further interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the relevant technical literature and the present disclosure, and are not to be construed as ideal or very formal meanings unless defined otherwise.

1 is a configuration diagram of a pressure sensor device applied to a chair system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the chair system according to the embodiments, the pressure applied by the user as he sits on the chair is measured by the pressure sensor device 10, and the seating position of the user is estimated from the measured values of the plurality of pressure sensor devices 10 . 1 is a view for explaining a configuration of a pressure sensor device 10 used in the chair system.

Referring to FIG. 1, the pressure sensor device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a first air pack 100 and a second air pack 200 that receive air therein, a first air pack 200, 100 and a second air pack 200 are connected to both ends of the hood 300 to communicate air between the two air packs.

In the first air pack 100, an air pressure sensor 110 capable of measuring a change in air pressure inside the first air pack 100 is disposed. An example of the air pressure sensor 110 is "BMP 180 air pressure sensor" of Bosch, Germany. The BMP 180 air pressure sensor has a smaller chip shape than a coin, and is an air pressure sensor that can operate at low voltages.

The air pressure sensor 110 is connected to an electric wire 111 extending to the outside of the first air pack 100. The atmospheric pressure sensor 110 is supplied with electric power from the outside through the electric wire 111 and can transmit the measured atmospheric pressure measurement value data to the outside. The portion of the first air pack 100 through which the electric wire 111 passes is sealed so that the air can be sealed.

The first air pack 100 according to the present embodiment is connected to the hose 300 through the connection portion 104. [ The connecting portion 104 is detachably connectable to the hose 300 so that the first air pack 100 is detachable from the hose 300.

According to the present embodiment, the first air pack 100 and the air pressure sensor 110 disposed therein are formed as one module, and when the air pressure sensor 100 is defective or has failed (the air pressure sensor 110 ) Is separated from the hose 300 and replaced with a new module, maintenance can be simply performed. .

Referring to FIG. 1, the first air pack 100 is formed with an air inlet 101 through which air can be injected into the first air pack 100.

When the first air pack 100 is separated from the hose 300, the air inside the second air pack 200 is also lost through the hose 300. When the first air pack 100 is connected, The first air pack 100 and the second air pack 200 can be filled with air by injecting a predetermined amount of air through the first air pack 100 and the second air pack 200. [

According to the present embodiment, the air inlet 101 is provided with a reverse valve composed of two sheets of overlapping films 102, 103. The two films 102 and 103 are adhered to each other when air injectors (not shown) are separated from the air inlet 101 to prevent air from flowing out of the first air pack 100. According to the present embodiment, although a reverse valve composed of two overlapping films 102, 103 is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, but permits air inflow into the first air pack 100, A reverse valve that does not have to be used can be used.

1, when the pressure P is applied from the outside of the second air pack 200 to press the second air pack 200, the pressure of the air inside the second air pack 200 increases The air pressure A in the first air pack 100 changes. According to the present embodiment, the air pressure sensor 110 measures the change in the air pressure A inside the first air pack 100, and the measured value of the air pressure is the pressure P As the information for measuring the size of the image.

A pressure P of a known size is applied to the second air pack 200 and the air pressure A of the first air pack 100 measured by the air pressure sensor 110 is measured at the pressure P, It is possible to derive the relationship between the applied pressure value and the measured pressure measurement value and calibrate the pressure sensor 110 with respect to the pressure through the relationship.

The pressure P applied to the second air pack 200 can be measured by measuring the air pressure inside the first air pack 100 through the calibrated air pressure sensor 110. [

Since the pressure sensor device 10 according to the present embodiment measures the pressure indirectly transmitted through the air by the air pressure sensor 110 without applying any direct contact or external force to the sensor, It can have a very high durability.

The pressure sensor device 10 according to the present embodiment includes the first air pack 100, the second air pack 200 and the hose 300 provided with the air pressure sensor 110. However, .

Alternatively, the pressure sensor device may be configured simply as a first air pack 100 that receives air and a sealed air pressure sensor 110 that is disposed inside the first air pack 100. Even if the first air pack 100 itself is pressurized, the air pressure inside the first air pack 100 is changed. The air pressure sensor 110 measures a change in air pressure inside the first air pack 100 in which the first air pack 100 is pressed and calculates a pressure value . ≪ / RTI >

However, as will be described later, the pressure sensor device 10 including the first air pack 100, the second air pack 200, and the hose 300 provided with the air pressure sensor 110, It is possible to maximize the convenience of maintenance and replacement in applying the pressure sensor device 10 to a chair system or the like.

2 is a configuration diagram of a chair system 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention to which the pressure sensor device 10 is applied.

2, the chair system 20 includes a seat 30 on which a user can sit, a plurality of pressure sensor devices 10 formed on the seat 30, And a control unit 22 for driving the driving unit 25 based on the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices 10. The control unit 22 controls the driving unit 25, 2 shows only the configuration of one pressure sensor device 10 for explaining the operation of the chair system 20 according to the present embodiment and the configuration of the chair system 20 using a plurality of pressure sensor devices 10 The driving of each part will be described later in detail with reference to Figs. 3A to 3D.

The sheet 30 includes a frame 32 (not shown in detail in FIG. 2) for holding the shape of the sheet, and a cushion 31 surrounding the frame 32. In one embodiment, the seat 30 includes a back seat 40 that supports the back of the user and a seat back sheet 50 that supports the user's hips.

As shown in Fig. 2, the second air pack 200 of the pressure sensor device 10 is buried in the seat 30. The second air pack 200 is installed at a position where the backrest seat 40 is disposed inside the cushion or under the cushion so that the user can press the seat 30 when the seat is seated. The frame 32 of the seat 30 supports the backside of the second air pack 200 to prevent the second air pack 200 from retracting back so that the pressure applied by the user is transmitted to the second air pack 200 .

According to the present embodiment, the position where the concentrated load is generated in the back of the user is calculated using a segmentation method in which the human body is simplified into several segments. When the second air pack 200 is positioned on the back seat 40, The height of about 25 cm to 30 cm from the lowest position of the second air pack 200 is a suitable position for positioning the second air pack 200. However, this position is exemplary and an appropriate position may be selected depending on the material and the type of the sheet.

Referring to FIG. 2, the hose 300 of the pressure sensor device 10 extends into the interior of the seat 30. According to the present embodiment, the hose 300 is formed of a flexible material, and may be formed in various lengths as required.

Therefore, the hose 300 can be bent and extended freely, so that the pressure sensor device 10 can be easily mounted on a multifunctional sheet such as an automobile seat in which a lot of motors, wiring, and the like are formed.

According to the present embodiment, the side surface of the seat plate 50 of the seat 30 is provided with a heater 60 opened to the outside of the seat 30 and the hose 300 extends to the heater 60.

The first air pack 100 of the pressure sensor device 10 is disposed in the airbag 60 and connected to the hose 300 to be exposed to the outside of the seat 30 through the airbag 60. Accordingly, the first air pack 100 is installed in the seat 30 at a position where it is not pressed by the weight of the user, and is disposed at a position easily accessible from the outside.

The first air pack 100 can be detached from the hose 300 and thus the air pressure sensor 100 can be separated from the hose 300 when the air pressure sensor 110 inside the first air pack 100 has a problem, By separating and replacing the first air pack 100, the problem can be solved easily.

The second air pack 200 embedded in the seat 30 and the hose 300 do not need to be separated from the seat 30 so that the effort required for maintaining the pressure sensor device 10 The cost can be greatly reduced. In addition, since the second air pack 200 can be permanently used as long as it is not damaged by a sharp object or the like, the pressure sensor device 10 can have a very high durability and a long service life.

That is, according to the present embodiment, since each pressure sensor device is separately modularized, only the air pressure sensor in which breakage or failure has occurred can be selectively changed.

After the first air pack 100 of one pressure sensor device is removed and the new first air pack is replaced, the driver or mechanic is seated on the seat 30 in the normal posture, The calibration between the plurality of pressure sensor devices can be easily performed by adjusting the atmospheric pressure sensor so that the value coincides with the pressure distribution pattern appearing in the normal position.

2, the electric wire 111 connected to the air pressure sensor 110 is connected to one terminal of a multiplexer 21 provided in the heater 60 and connected to the control unit 22. As shown in FIG.

When the user sits on the seat 30, the second air pack 200 is depressed by the pressure applied by the weight, and the air pressure sensor 110 changes the air pressure inside the first air pack 100 accordingly . The control unit 22 calculates the pressure applied to the second air pack 200 based on the air pressure measurement value of the air pressure sensor 110.

2, one pressure sensor device 10 is shown mounted on the seat 30, but in the chair system 20 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of pressure sensor devices 10 are installed on the seat 30 , The control unit 22 can specify the pressure pattern applied to the seat 30 using the pressure measured from each of the plurality of pressure sensor devices 10. [

Each portion 250 of the seat 30 in which the second air pack 200 of the pressure sensor device 10 is mounted can be moved independently of other portions of the seat 30 by the driving portion 25. [ The specific configuration of the driving unit 25 will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D.

The control unit 22 estimates the sitting position of the user based on the pressure pattern measured using the plurality of pressure sensor devices 10 and drives the driving unit 25 so that the user takes a correct sitting posture, And controls the movement of the portion (250) in which the second body (10) is installed. For example, the control unit 22 can control the driving unit 25 such that the corresponding part 250 protrudes toward the user seated on the seat 30 or retreats from the user.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a chair system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of a chair system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3A and 3B illustrate a chair system in the form of an office chair having wheels and a back. However, the shape of the chair system according to the embodiments of the present invention or the shape of the chair applied is not limited thereto, It will be understood that the present invention can be applied to a smart posture control system that is applied to various types of chairs such as a car seat or a daily life chair to induce a correct posture.

3A and 3B, a chair system according to the present embodiment includes a backrest seat 40 including a plurality of divided portions 41-47, a seat back 40 including a plurality of divided portions 51-54, Sheet (50). Each of the portions 41-47 and 51-54 is individually positionally controlled using a driver as described below, thereby being movable to protrude toward or retract from the user.

In addition, the pressure sensor device 10 described above with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 is provided for each of the portions 41-47 and 51-54 (not shown in detail in Figs. 3A-3D) The pressure applied to each of the portions 41-47 and 51-54 can be measured. For example, the second air pack 200 of the pressure sensor device 10 may be embedded in each of the plurality of portions 41-47 and 51-54, or the pressure sensor device 10 may be installed in the first air pack The first air pack 100 may be embedded in each of the plurality of portions 41-47 and 51-54.

The control unit 22 described above with reference to FIG. 2 is provided inside or outside the chair system. The control unit 22 collects the pressures measured by the respective portions 41-47 and 51-54 to specify the pressure pattern and, based thereon, the respective portions 41-47 And 51-54, respectively, to selectively project or retract the respective portions 41-47 and 51-54.

The plurality of portions 41-47 constituting the backrest sheet 40 shown in Figs. 3A and 3B are designed in consideration of the human body structure of a person sitting on a chair, The portions 41-43 correspond to the portions supporting the scapula and the thoracic vertebra of the human body and the four portions 44-47 located at the lower end of the seat 40 are part of the spine It is the part that supports the vertebrae lumbales. In this manner, the sitting position of the user can be estimated based on the pressure applied to each of the divided portions 41-47 of the backrest sheet 40. [

In addition, the seat plate 50 shown in Figs. 3A and 3B was divided into four parts 51-54 for locating the load applied to the thighs and hips of the user sitting on the chair.

The control unit 22 stores a pressure pattern applied to each of the portions 41-47 and 51-54 in accordance with the user's attitude as a pre-built database, 51-54 are compared with the reference pattern corresponding to the normal pressure and the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices 10 provided in the pressure sensors 51-54, and the plurality of portions 41-47 and 51-54 are selectively As shown in Fig. Since the magnitude of the pressure applied to the sheet per se varies depending on the weight of the user, the reference pattern can be defined by the relative magnitude of the pressure measured in each of the plurality of portions 41-47 and 51-54.

3C is an enlarged view of the portion B shown in FIG. 3B.

3C, the portion 41 included in the backrest seat 40 is coupled to the stationary frame 70 of the chair system and the stationary frame 70 and the portion 41 are connected by a linear drive 41 Can be connected. The linear driving part 41 is a member that has one end coupled to the fixed frame 70 and the other end coupled to the part 41 and capable of varying the distance from one end to the other end based on the control signal. For example, the linear driving unit 41 may be a linear step motor, but is not limited thereto.

3C illustrates the form of the drive 75 connected to the portion 41. It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other portions 42-47 included in the backrest seat 40 may also have corresponding features. .

The control section 22 controls the pressure sensor device 10 based on the comparison result between the pressure pattern and the reference pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices 10 provided in the plurality of portions 41-47 of the backrest seat 40, 41-47 are driven toward the user or retracted from the user.

For example, when a user sits bent back in front of the backrest seat 40 without putting his entire back against the backrest seat 40, a relatively large pressure is measured at the portions 44-47 located at the bottom of the backrest seat 40 Will be. In this case, the control unit 22 can control the driving unit 75 so that the portions 44-47 protrude toward the user, and the waist portions 44-47 of the backrest seat 40 project toward the user The user naturally stretches his / her waist and assumes a posture in which the entire back is resting on the backrest seat 40.

FIG. 3D is an enlarged view of the portion A shown in FIG. 3A.

3D, each portion 51-54 included in the seat back sheet 50 is supported by a support plate 80 located below the support plate 80, and the support plate 80 is raised or lowered A driving unit 85 in the form of a lift device is provided. For example, the driving unit 85 may be a scissor type lift apparatus having two metal plates staggered from each other and varying the distance from the lower end to the upper end of the apparatus by the angle between the two metal plates. However, It is not.

Based on the comparison result of the pressure pattern and the reference pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices 10 provided in the plurality of portions 51-54 of the seat panel sheet 50, 51-54 are projected toward the user or retracted from the user.

For example, when the user sitting on the seat 50 seats asymmetrically by tilting his body in either direction, a portion 51-54 of the side on which the user tilts the body is pressed with a relatively large pressure Will be measured. In this case, the control unit 22 can control the driving unit 85 so that the relatively large pressure-measured portion 51-54 rises upward, and the user can naturally move the chair As shown in FIG.

In the chair system according to the embodiment described with reference to Figs. 3a to 3d above, the backrest sheet 40 is divided into seven portions 41-47 and the seatback sheet 50 is divided into five portions 51-54 So that each part is independently moved. However, this is exemplary, and the number or arrangement of the divided portions included in each of the sheets 40, 50 in other embodiments may be different, and it is also possible to use only one of the back seat 40 and the seat back sheet 50 And a chair system may be constituted by the divided parts.

In order to realize the posture correction through comparison of the measured pressure pattern and the reference pattern as described above, the control unit 22 stores the pressure pattern corresponding to the posture of the user in a database and stores the same in a database, . Hereinafter, a process of confirming the pressure pattern according to the user's attitude will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the results shown in Figs. 4 to 9, two pressure sensor devices 10 are mounted on the backrest seat 40 and four pressure sensor devices 10 are mounted on the seat panel 50, A pattern of pressure distribution was measured using six pressure sensor devices (10). However, this is illustrative, and the number of pressure sensor devices 10 constituting the chair system according to the embodiments may be more or less.

4 shows a front view of the user U seated on the seat 30. Fig. 5 shows the relative pressure distribution of the pressure values measured by the six pressure sensor devices 10 according to the posture of Fig. 4 FIG.

Fig. 4 (a) shows a right posture in which the user U is seated in an upright position, and Fig. 4 (b) shows an posture in which the user U is seated in a state of being inclined frontward.

As shown in Fig. 5, when the user U is seated in a posture tilted to the right by 10 degrees from the front and 20 degrees from the front in comparison with the pressure distribution in the straight seat (Fig. 4 (a) It can be seen that the distribution changes.

6 is a side view of the user U seated on the seat 30, and Fig. 7 is a view showing the relationship between the pressure values measured by the six pressure sensor devices 10 according to the posture of Fig. 6 A graph showing a relative pressure distribution.

Fig. 6 (a) shows a right posture in which the user U is seated in an upright position, and Fig. 6 (b) shows an posture in which the user U is seated in a state of being tilted to the side.

As shown in Fig. 7, as compared with the pressure distribution in the normal position (Fig. 6 (a)) in which the user U is seated in an upright position, The pressure distribution changes when the pressure is applied.

As described above, the pressure distribution, which is confirmed through the pressure measurement values measured by the six pressure sensor devices 10 according to the seating posture of the user, shows a predetermined pattern. When the patterns of the pressure distribution are stored in a database, By comparing the measured pressure pattern with the database, it is possible to deduce what posture the current user U is taking. In addition, the user's posture can be corrected by moving the sheet portion based on the error between the reference pattern corresponding to the normal pressure and the actually measured pressure pattern.

Meanwhile, in the chair system according to the embodiments, since the pressure sensor device 10 can periodically collect data, it is possible to digitize the pressure pattern change in the seat 30 according to the attitude of the user. The collection of the data may be performed in real time, and FIG. 8 is a graph showing a pressure measurement value at each sensor acquired in real time.

At this time, the chair system according to the embodiments periodically measures the pressure pattern change, and moves (i.e., protrudes or retracts) the sheet portion based on the error with the reference pattern according to the normal pressure, The movement of the sheet can be stopped when the error of the pattern is reduced to less than a preset threshold value.

In one embodiment, by using the pressure distribution data thus acquired and the body information such as the user's key and weight, the center of gravity position of the user in accordance with the change of the posture of the user can be calculated. FIG. 9 is a visualization of the center of gravity position of a user displayed on a two-dimensional image through MATLAB.

The chair system according to one embodiment is arranged so that the position of the center of gravity of the seat is determined based on the center-of-gravity position of the user calculated as shown in Fig. 9, .

For example, the control unit 22 of the chair system according to one embodiment (see Fig. 2) calculates the center of gravity position of the user from the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices 10, Or a direction in which the center of gravity of the user who is seated on the seat is determined on the basis of a predetermined point set in advance and controls the driving unit 25 to control the driving unit 25 so that at least one portion, So that the center of gravity of the user can be calibrated to a position corresponding to the normal tablet.

The chair system according to one embodiment detects the pressure distribution according to the user's attitude change and detects the attitude of the user in real time so that when the user takes an attitude deviating from the normal attitude by more than a predetermined time, The user can be guided to take a correct posture by alerting the user through the interface means such as the mouse 23 (see Fig. 2).

In addition, the attitude information of the user can be used for smart driving and unmanned driving technology of the vehicle by determining the user's weight shift, controlling the behavior such as acceleration / deceleration of the car, controlling the airbag deployment control and the like.

Further, the chair system according to one embodiment further includes a communication unit 24 configured to transmit the pressure pattern measured by the chair system and / or the attitude information of the user estimated therefrom to a user's mobile device (not shown) do. For the transmission of information, the communication unit 24 is communicatively coupled to the mobile device by a local or remote wired / wireless network. The user's mobile device can receive information from the communication unit 24 and confirm the received information using a predetermined application (or an app) running on the mobile device.

10A-10D are images representing an exemplary user interface on a mobile device in communication with a chair system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the user interface on the mobile device includes a plurality of tab buttons 91-94 for switching the type or form of information to which each page is allocated and displayed. Also, the user can press the button 900 on the screen to establish a communication connection with the communication unit 24 (see FIG. 2) of the chair system registered in advance or press the button 901 to register a new chair system.

Referring to FIG. 10B, the user can confirm the information received from the communication unit 24 (see FIG. 2) of the chair system on the screen. At this time, the information transmitted to the mobile device may include information about a time when the user is seated in the chair system, a pressure pattern including information of a portion where a relatively large pressure is applied among a plurality of divided seat portions of the chair system, Evaluation information on the attitude of the user estimated from the pattern, and information on vulnerability of the user due to bad attitude.

Referring to FIG. 10C, the communication unit 24 (see FIG. 2) of the chair system can periodically transmit the information to the mobile device, and the user can input the information on a daily, weekly, monthly, And so on.

Referring to FIG. 10D, the user may directly seek advice or diagnosis of an expert using the mobile device when there is body pain due to a bad sitting posture. The expert information may be transmitted to the user's mobile device from the communication unit 24 (see FIG. 2) of the chair system or an application service server (not shown) in communication with the mobile device according to embodiments, 912), or to check the detailed information of the received expert using the button 913, or to try to contact the expert using the button 910 have.

11 is a flowchart showing each step of a posture correcting method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, the user can measure the pressure applied to the seat by using the pressure sensor provided in each divided portion of the seat (S1). In addition, the pressure values measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices located at the respective portions of the seat can be collected to specify the pressure pattern according to the seating position of the user (S2). For convenience of illustration, steps S1 and S2 are shown as separate steps, but in actual application, the steps may be performed simultaneously in real time.

Next, based on the error information obtained by comparing the measured pressure pattern with the reference pattern according to the regular expression, the driving unit coupled to each divided part of the sheet can be controlled (S3). And / or the direction of the center of gravity of the user calculated from the measured pressure pattern is shifted relative to the reference position in what direction, and based on this, the driving unit coupled to the seat portion located in the corresponding direction can be controlled (S3). Through the above process, the user can calibrate the posture so as to take a posture close to the normal posture.

In one embodiment, by warning the user through the interface means such as the speaker 23 (see Fig. 2) or the like before the start of the step S3 of controlling the driving unit or in parallel with the step S3, It can be induced to take a posture.

Meanwhile, the posture correcting process in step S3 is continued when the deviation from the reference pattern or the shift of the center of gravity with respect to the reference position is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the user changes the posture so that the error or deviation becomes less than the threshold value The driving of each sheet portion is stopped (S4).

In one embodiment, by transmitting the pressure pattern information according to the sitting position of the user acquired by the above-described steps S1 and S2 periodically or in response to the user's request to the user's mobile device (S5) Based on the received information, feedback on the sitting posture.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. However, it should be understood that such modifications are within the technical scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the true scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical idea of the appended claims.

Claims (16)

A seat in which a user is seated and includes a plurality of portions separated from each other;
A plurality of pressure sensor devices provided in each of the plurality of portions, the pressure sensor device being configured to measure a pressure applied by the user to the seat;
A driving portion connected to the plurality of portions, the portion being projected toward a user seated on the seat or driven to retreat from a user seated on the seat; And
And a control section for controlling the driving section to selectively project or retract the plurality of sections based on the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control section is configured to control the driving section based on a result of comparing the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices with a preset reference pattern.
The method according to claim 1,
The plurality of pressure sensor devices periodically measure pressure,
Wherein the control section is further configured to stop the control of the driving section in response to the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices and the error of the reference pattern falling below a predetermined threshold value.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit determines a direction in which a center of gravity of a user who is seated on the seat is offset with respect to a predetermined reference position from a pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor apparatuses, And to control the driver such that at least one portion located in the biased direction protrudes toward the user.
The method according to claim 1,
And a communication unit communicatively coupled to the one or more mobile devices and configured to transmit a pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices to the mobile device.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein each of the plurality of pressure sensor devices comprises:
A first air pack for receiving air therein, and an air pressure sensor disposed inside the first air pack for measuring the air pressure inside the first air pack,
And measures the change in air pressure inside the first air pack in which the first air pack is pushed by the pressure caused by the user sitting on the seat.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein each of the plurality of pressure sensor devices comprises:
A first air pack disposed inside the first air pack for measuring the air pressure inside the first air pack and a second air pack communicating with the first air pack, And a second air pack,
A chair configured to measure a change in atmospheric pressure inside the first air pack generated in the first air pack communicated with the second air pack by the pressure of the second air pack due to the pressure applied by the user sitting on the seat system.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the seat includes a backrest sheet including a plurality of first portions,
Wherein the driving unit includes a linear step motor coupled to the plurality of first portions to move each of the plurality of first portions along one direction.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the seat includes a seat plate including a plurality of second portions,
Wherein the driving portion includes a lift device coupled to a lower portion of the plurality of second portions to raise or lower each of the plurality of second portions.
Measuring a pressure applied by a user to the seat by using a plurality of pressure sensor devices provided in each of the plurality of portions of the seat including a plurality of portions separated from each other; And
Wherein, in the step of measuring the pressure, based on the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices, each of the plurality of portions selectively protrudes toward a user seated on the seat or retracts from a user seated on the seat And controlling the driving unit coupled to the plurality of portions.
11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the step of controlling the driving part includes the step of controlling the driving part based on a result of comparing the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices with a preset reference pattern.
11. The method of claim 10,
The step of measuring the pressure is performed periodically,
Wherein the step of controlling the driving part includes stopping the control of the driving part in response to the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices and the error of the reference pattern falling below a preset threshold value Posture correction method.
11. The method of claim 10,
The step of controlling the driving unit includes:
Determining from the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices a direction in which the center of gravity of the user seated on the seat is shifted with respect to a preset reference position; And
And controlling the driving unit such that at least one portion of the plurality of portions located in a direction of the center of gravity of the user is projected toward the user.
11. The method of claim 10,
And transmitting the pressure pattern measured by the plurality of pressure sensor devices to the mobile device.
11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein each of the plurality of pressure sensor devices includes a first air pack that receives air therein and an air pressure sensor that is disposed inside the first air pack and measures the air pressure inside the first air pack,
The step of measuring the pressure includes a step of measuring a change in atmospheric pressure inside the first air pack in which the first air pack is pressed by the pressure applied by the user sitting on the seat by the pressure sensor device Posture correction method.
11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein each of the plurality of pressure sensor devices includes a first air pack that receives air therein, an air pressure sensor that is disposed inside the first air pack and measures a pressure inside the first air pack, And a second air pack communicating with the first air pack and containing air therein,
Wherein the step of measuring the pressure includes the step of measuring a pressure of the air inside the first air pack generated in the first air pack communicated with the second air pack by the pressure of the second air pack And measuring a change in atmospheric pressure of the pressure sensor device by the pressure sensor device.

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