KR20220136611A - Apparatus and method for assessing sitting pose - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for measuring a sitting posture. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for measuring a sitting posture comprises: a first pressure sensor module disposed in a first seating area; a second pressure sensor module disposed in a second seating area; and a processor for determining the posture of a user based on a result of comparison of pressure values sensed through the first pressure sensor module and the second pressure sensor module and a predetermined threshold value. An area in which the thigh of a user is seated in the first seating area includes a horizontal surface on which the first pressure sensor module is disposed. An area in which the hipbone of the user is located in the second seating area includes protrusions on each of at least two of a plurality of surfaces of which the second pressure sensor module is disposed. The second seating area is located behind the first seating area. Therefore, the apparatus can more accurately measure the posture of the user.

Description

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

The present invention relates to a posture measuring apparatus and method, and more particularly, to a posture measuring apparatus and method capable of more accurate posture measurement by disposing a pressure sensor to three-dimensionally sense a user's posture.

When the muscle function decreases and the soft tissue around the joint hardens due to an incorrect lifestyle or work environment, the balance of the joint is disrupted and posture changes occur. This posture change causes musculoskeletal pain due to biological stress.

Most of the physical fatigue or discomfort in the neck and back from studying or working for a long time comes from the wrong posture. It is important to get into the habit of sitting upright, considering that most of the time studying or work is done while sitting in a chair.

Although a chair or desk is ergonomically made to prevent such a wrong posture, the posture correction effect is halved because no warning can be given to those who habitually take the wrong posture.

In addition, when a person moves to another place, such a chair or desk has no effect on the user's posture correction, so space is limited.

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

Korean Patent Application Laid-Open 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 so that the user can sit on it and obtain the pressure applied when the user uses it, An object of the present invention is to provide a posture measuring apparatus and method for more accurately measuring a user's posture.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a posture measuring apparatus and method for three-dimensionally sensing a user's posture by providing some of the plurality of pressure sensors on an inclined surface having a slope.

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 following description.

A posture measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described 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 for determining the posture of the user based on a comparison result of a pressure value sensed by the first pressure sensor module and the second pressure sensor module and a preset threshold value; The region in which the user's thigh is seated includes a horizontal plane on which the first pressure sensor module is disposed, and the region in which the user's ichium is located in the second seating region is at least two of the plurality of surfaces. and protrusions on which the second pressure sensor modules are respectively disposed, and the second seating area is located behind the first seating area.

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

In addition, the front and rear surfaces of the protrusion may each have an inclined surface of a preset angle.

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

Also, when the determined posture does not correspond to the normal posture, the processor checks whether the determined posture corresponds to any one of the pre-classified at least one posture, and the confirmed posture is the normal posture It is possible to perform an operation of guiding to be corrected.

In addition, the pre-classified posture is a normal posture, a posture inclined forward or backward more than a preset angle, a posture inclined to the left or right more than a preset angle, a posture leaning on the back while maintaining the pelvic bone, the pelvic bone It may include at least one of a posture leaning on a backrest to rotate backwards and a posture with legs crossed.

In addition, the processor, when the determined posture is maintained for a predetermined time or longer in a state in which the determined posture does not correspond to a normal posture, the determined posture is any one of the at least one pre-classified posture It can be checked whether the posture of

In addition, a short-distance communication unit; further comprising, the processor, by the guide operation, the correction information to the short-distance communication unit so that the correction information for guiding to correct the confirmed posture to the normal posture is output to the terminal of the user can be transmitted to the user terminal through

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

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

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

The sound output module further includes; at least one sound output module disposed in the second seating area, wherein the processor guides, by the guiding operation, the confirmed posture through the sound output module to be corrected to a normal posture. can be printed out.

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

The method further includes at least one haptic module disposed in the second seating area, wherein the processor outputs a vibrating sound for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected to a normal posture through the haptic module by the guiding operation. can do.

In addition, the haptic module includes first to fourth haptic units respectively disposed in four different directions of the second seating area, and the processor performs the guiding operation to select one of the first to fourth haptic units. At least one haptic unit corresponding to at least one direction in which the confirmed posture is corrected to a normal posture may be controlled to output a vibration sound.

On the other hand, the posture measuring method according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the user's sitting is sensed, comprising: disposing a first pressure sensor module in a first seating area among a plurality of seating areas; disposing a second pressure sensor module in a second seating area among the plurality of seating areas; comparing the pressure value sensed by the first pressure sensor module and the second pressure sensor module and a preset threshold value; and determining the posture of the user based on the comparison result, wherein the area in which the user's thigh is seated in the first seating area includes a horizontal plane on which the first pressure sensor module is disposed, The region in which the user's ichium is located in the second seating area includes protrusions on which the second pressure sensor module is respectively disposed on at least two of a plurality of surfaces, 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 on a chair, cushion or cover configured so that the user can sit on it and obtain the pressure applied when the user uses the same, so that the user's posture can be measured more accurately. .

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

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 following description.

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

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail 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, and only these embodiments allow the disclosure of the present invention to be complete, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular also includes the plural, unless specifically stated otherwise in the phrase. As used herein, “comprises” and/or “comprising” does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the stated components. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout, 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 elements, these elements are not limited by these terms, of course. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it goes without saying that the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the spirit of the present invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein will have the meaning commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In addition, terms defined in a commonly used dictionary are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless clearly specifically defined.

Spatially relative terms "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. It can be used to easily describe the correlation between a component and other components. A spatially relative term should be understood as a term that includes different directions of components during use or operation in addition to the directions shown in the drawings. For example, when a component shown in the drawing is turned over, a component described as “beneath” or “beneath” of another component may be placed “above” of the other component. can Accordingly, the exemplary term “below” may include both directions below and above. Components may also be oriented in other orientations, and thus spatially relative terms may be interpreted according to orientation.

As used herein, the term “unit” or “module” refers to a hardware component such as software, FPGA, or ASIC, and “unit” or “module” performs certain roles. However, "part" or "module" is not meant to be limited to software or hardware. A “part” or “module” may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium and may be configured to reproduce one or more processors. Thus, by way of example, “part” or “module” refers to components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, properties, Includes procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. Components and functionality provided within “parts” or “modules” may be combined into a smaller number of components and “parts” or “modules” or additional components and “parts” or “modules”. can be further separated.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein will have the meaning commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In addition, terms defined in a commonly used dictionary are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless clearly specifically defined.

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

1 is a view showing an existing product form for posture correction or measurement, and shows products in the form of a cushion.

As shown in (a) to (d) of Figure 1, most existing products for posture correction have a three-dimensional structure to induce posture correction when the user is seated. That is, through a three-dimensional structure such as curved or inclined, or forming a hole, the correct posture of the pelvic bone and lumbar spine is induced or supported while the user is seated, so that the user can maintain the posture.

However, when the user adapts to the structure, the correct posture is inevitably broken. In addition, it is difficult to recognize that the user is sitting in a bad posture, and it is impossible to check whether the user maintains a bad posture.

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

However, since the pressure sensors are arranged in two dimensions, it is only possible to confirm whether the user is seated or to distinguish the movement of the center of gravity, and there is a problem in that it is difficult to confirm a specific change in posture.

The present invention configures a portion of the bottom surface of the area where the user's ichium is located to have an inclined surface, and by arranging a pressure sensor on the inclined surface to accurately discriminate even the movement of the user's center of gravity, a more accurate measurement of the user's posture to make it possible

2 is a configuration diagram of a network for measuring posture according to an embodiment of the present invention. The network 1 for measuring posture according to an embodiment of the present invention is largely composed of a posture measuring device 100 and a user terminal ( 200) are included. In this case, 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 smartphone in FIG. 2 , any terminal capable of communication such as a tablet PC, a wearable device, and a laptop may be applied, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the posture measuring apparatus 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 including a plurality of pressure sensors disposed in an area formed by a horizontal surface and a second pressure sensor module 112 including a plurality of pressure sensors disposed in an area formed by an inclined surface. ) is included. The plurality of pressure sensors measure a pressure value applied by a user, and pressure sensors disposed at different positions measure the applied pressure value at each position.

The storage unit 120 stores respective pressure values measured through the plurality of pressure sensors included in the sensor unit 110 . In this case, 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 auditory or tactile sense, 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, respectively. That is, the sound output module 131 includes first to fourth speakers, but the four speakers are respectively disposed in different directions, and the haptic module 132 also includes first to fourth haptic units, but the four haptics The parts may be respectively disposed in different different directions.

Specifically, the output unit 130 outputs a 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 inform him of an incorrect posture. It generates and outputs various tactile effects. For example, among the first to fourth speakers of the sound output module 131 , a speaker positioned in the direction in which the posture of the user is corrected to a normal posture outputs the sound, or the first to fourth speakers of the haptic module 132 are Among the fourth haptic units, the haptic unit positioned in the direction in which the posture of the user is corrected to the normal posture outputs the tactile effect.

Here, a representative example of the tactile effect generated by the haptic module 132 may be vibration. The sound output from the sound output module 131 and the intensity and pattern of vibration generated by 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 output them sequentially.

In addition to vibration, the haptic module 132 is a pin arrangement that moves vertically with respect to the contact skin surface, the ejection force or suction force of air through the nozzle or suction port, the grazing on the skin surface, contact with the electrode, electrostatic force, etc. Various tactile effects such as effects and effects by reproducing a feeling of coolness and warmth using elements capable of absorbing heat or generating heat can be generated.

However, this is only 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 the correction information that guides the user to properly maintain the user's posture. 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 Field Communication (NFC). 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 apparatus 100 and the user terminal 200 through wireless area networks. In this case, the local area wireless networks may be local area networks (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, when it is determined that the user's posture is not the normal posture, selects the posture from among the pre-classified postures. Check whether it corresponds to and perform the operation to guide the correction to the 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. A display is performed through the unit 201 or a sound is output through the sound output unit 203 . Alternatively, the processor 150 transmits a control signal for guiding the user's posture to be corrected to a normal posture through the communication unit 140 to be output by the sound output unit 203 of the user terminal 200, or It is possible to transmit a control signal to output a vibration sound for guiding the posture to be corrected to a normal posture to the user terminal 200 .

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

The power supply unit 160 receives external power and internal power under the control of the processor 150 to supply power to each component included in the posture measuring apparatus 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 layer structure with the touch sensor or being formed 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 the correction information is received from the posture measuring apparatus 100 on the display unit 201 , the correction information is displayed so that the user can visually confirm it.

When a control signal is received from the posture measuring apparatus 100 or a control signal is transmitted from a processor (not shown) of the user terminal 200 , the sound output unit 203 provides at least one sound for guiding the user's posture to be corrected. output through the speaker.

In addition, the user terminal 200 has a haptic unit (not shown) therein to correct the user's posture when a control signal is received from the posture measuring apparatus 100 or a control signal is transmitted from the processor of the user terminal 200 . A tactile effect guiding to do so 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 measuring device 100 , the processor displays the display unit 201 for calibration. The information is displayed, and the sound output unit 203 or the haptic unit (not shown) outputs a sound or tactile effect, respectively.

3 is a view showing a posture measuring apparatus 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 measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

However, although illustrated in the form of a cushion for convenience of explanation, this is only an embodiment, and may be configured in the form of a cover or provided integrally with a chair. When the posture measuring device 100 is formed in the form of a cushion or a cover, the user may put it on the floor or a chair and use it. ) to be formed.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the posture measuring apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be largely divided into a first sitting area 10 and a second sitting area 20 based on the dotted line shown in FIG. 3 . , In this case, 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 ischial portion is located. That is, the first seating area 10 is a front area of the posture measuring apparatus 100 , and the second sitting area 20 is a rear area of the posture measuring apparatus 100 .

The total area of the posture measuring device 100 and the area ratio of the two seating areas are not limited, and the extent of 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 type. .

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

The first pressure sensor module 111 may include a pair of pressure sensors respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the center of the first seating area 10 . Specifically, one pressure sensor may be disposed in an area in which the user's left thigh is positioned and an area in which the right thigh is positioned. At this time, the area in which the pressure sensor is disposed in the first seating area 10 is formed as a flat surface 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 with respect to the center of the second seating area 20 . have. At this time, the protrusion 120 is formed in a polygonal shape including a plurality of surfaces having a predetermined angle of inclination, and the second pressure sensor module 112 has two of the front, rear, left and right surfaces of the polygon with respect to the front. Each of the above surfaces may be disposed. Specifically, the first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 122 are respectively formed in the region where the left ischial part of the user and the region where the right ischial part is positioned, and the first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 122 are respectively formed. A pressure sensor is disposed on some of the plurality of surfaces respectively formed in the . 2 and 3, a plurality of pressure sensors 1121a and 1121b are respectively disposed on the front surface 121a and the rear surface 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. It shows an example in which the pressure sensors 1122a and 1122b are respectively disposed.

However, the first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 122 may have different shapes, respectively, and the formed inclined surfaces may be different from each other. Also, even in the case of the same protrusion, the inclination of each surface may be different from each other according to the shape of the polygon. In this case, the inclination may be changed according to the shape and structure of the posture measuring apparatus 100 , and the numerical value is not limited thereto. In addition, the number of pressure sensors disposed on each inclined surface and an arrangement structure in which the plurality of pressure sensors are disposed 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-rear direction and/or the 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 alienation or discomfort.

On the other hand, in order to induce the user to sit close to the part where the ischial part and the thigh part should be located, the part to which the pressure sensor is attached can be easily recognized so that the part can be displayed three-dimensionally or visually. For example, the part where the ischial part and the femur should be positioned may be formed to correspond to the shape of the ischial part and the femur to guide the user's posture, and at least the part where the ischial part and the thigh 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 apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, (a) and (c) are shown on the horizontal surface of the first seating area 10 and the inclined surface of the second seating area 20 in a situation in which the user maintains a correct (optimal) posture (first situation), respectively. The pressure change applied to the placed pressure sensor is shown, and (b) and (d) show the position of the first seating area 10 in a situation (second situation) in which the user maintains a posture in which the pelvis is rotated backwards. The pressure changes applied to the pressure sensors respectively disposed on the horizontal plane and the inclined plane of the second seating area 20 are shown.

Referring to (a) to (b), in the first situation or the second situation, the pressure sensors disposed in the first pressure sensor module 111 and the second pressure sensor module 112 of the first seating area 10, respectively. There is not much difference in the pressure values between them. That is, it is difficult to detect or measure a minute change 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 retrograde and lumbar kyphosis are among the most common poor spinal postures, and these postures are difficult to detect or measure.

Referring to (a) to (c), in the first situation, the pressure value 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 is also the difference is not large That is, in a situation in which the user maintains the correct posture, the degree of pressure applied to the first seating area 10 as the front area and the second seating area 20 as the rear area is similar.

Also, referring to (c) and (d), the difference in pressure values between the two pressure sensors disposed in the front and rear directions of the second seating area 20 in the first and second situations is significantly different.

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

6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a user's posture is divided for measurement based on the posture measuring apparatus 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 measuring apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. For this purpose, the user's posture is measured according to a preset value. can be classified. To this end, different threshold ranges for each posture may be set.

A threshold range (threshold value) for a pressure value is set and stored in advance for each posture of the user according to (a) to (h), and when the pressure value is measured by the posture measuring device 100, the pre-stored threshold range is used. to determine the user's posture as any one of (a) to (h).

In order to determine the posture of the user as described above, the following <Equation 1> can 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 are the pressure sensors of the second pressure sensor module 1121, respectively. Indicates pressure values measured through 1122a and 1122b, and RF and LF are measured through the pressure sensor 1111 disposed on the left side of the first pressure sensor module 111 and the pressure sensor 1112 disposed on the right side, 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 the pressure values measured through (1111, 1112) respectively.

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

(a) Posture - reference posture

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

(b) Posture - leaning against the backrest with the hips forward

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

(c) Posture - back bent posture

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

(d) Posture - posture leaning to the right

(RB + RF) / sum_t > th4

(e) Posture - Left-leaning posture

(LB + LF) / sum_t > th4

(f) Posture - a posture with the upper body tilted forward

RBF / RB > th5 OR LBF/LF > th5

(g) Posture - Leaning on the back while maintaining the pelvic bones

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

(h) Posture - leaning against the backrest so that the pelvis rotates backwards

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

Here, BR_ON indicates a state in which the user leans on the backrest, and BR_OFF indicates a state in which the user does not lean on the backrest. In this case, BR_ON may 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 are the states in which (b), (d)~(h) are not in condition logic, and do not lean back to the intended position, which is called SP_ON, and SP_ON = NOT ((b) + (d) + (e) + (f) + (g) + (h)).

On the other hand, although only (a) is referred to as a reference posture, there may be a plurality of reference postures to be set, and this reference posture is for determining whether to notify according to the result of measuring posture. can be printed out.

The posture of the user shown in FIG. 6 is only an example, and the posture is further subdivided according to the number and position of the pressure sensors to be disposed, and may be divided into a narrow range or a wide range. That is, the posture that can be determined by the posture measuring apparatus 100 is 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 apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7, when the user's sitting is detected by detecting a change in the pressure value of at least one of the pressure sensors 1121a, 1121b, 1122a, 1122b of the posture measuring apparatus 100 (S301), The pressure values measured through the respective pressure sensors are obtained (S303). After the user is seated, it may be set to measure the pressure values for all the pressure sensors whenever it senses that the values of at least one or more pressure sensors change, or it may be set to measure the pressure values at a 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 threshold range using the pressure values obtained in step S303 (S305), and it is checked whether the determined posture is a normal posture (reference posture) (S307).

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

On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the determined posture is not a normal posture, it is checked which posture among the pre-classified postures is checked (S309), and an operation of guiding the posture to be corrected to a normal posture according to the confirmed posture of the user to perform (S311).

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

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

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

The steps of the method or algorithm described in relation to the embodiment of the present invention may be implemented directly in hardware, implemented as 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 type of computer-readable recording medium well known in the art to which the present invention pertains.

As mentioned above, although 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 realize that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing its technical spirit or essential features. 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 measuring device
10: first seating area 20: second seating area
110: sensor unit 111: first pressure sensor module
112: second pressure sensor module 120: storage
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 the posture of the user based on a comparison result of a pressure value sensed by the first pressure sensor module and the second pressure sensor module and a preset threshold value;
The area in which the user's thigh is seated in the first seating area includes a horizontal surface on which the first pressure sensor module is disposed,
The area in which the user's ichium is located in the second seating area includes a protrusion in which the second pressure sensor module is respectively disposed on at least two of a plurality of surfaces,
The second seating area is located behind the first seating area, the posture measuring device.
According to claim 1,
At least two surfaces of the protrusion include a front surface and a rear surface with respect to the front,
The second pressure sensor module is disposed on the front and rear, respectively, a posture measuring device.
3. The method of claim 2,
The front and rear surfaces of the protrusions each have an inclined surface of a preset angle, the posture measuring device.
4. The method of claim 3,
The protrusion is formed in a polygonal shape including a plurality of surfaces,
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, the posture measuring device.
The method of claim 1,
The processor is
When the determined posture does not correspond to the reference posture, confirming whether the determined posture corresponds to any one of the pre-classified at least one posture, and guiding the determined posture to be corrected as the reference posture A posture measuring device that does this.
6. The method of claim 5,
The pre-classified postures include a reference posture, a posture inclined forward or backward more than a preset angle, a posture inclined to the left or right more than a preset angle, a posture leaning on a backrest while maintaining the pelvic bone, and a backward rotation of the pelvic bone A posture measuring device comprising at least one of a posture reclining on a backrest to do so.
6. The method of claim 5,
The processor is
When the determined posture is maintained for more than a preset time in a state where the determined posture does not correspond to the reference posture, check whether the determined posture corresponds to any one of the pre-classified postures which is a posture measuring device.
6. The method of claim 5,
Short-distance communication unit; further comprising,
The processor is
As the guide operation, the correction information is transmitted to the user terminal through the short-distance communication unit so that the correction information for guiding that the confirmed posture is corrected to the reference posture is output to the user's terminal, the posture measuring device.
9. The method of claim 8,
The user terminal is provided with an application for managing the sitting posture of the user,
The processor is
A posture measuring device for transmitting information on the identified posture to the user terminal through the short-distance communication unit so that the identified posture is managed on the application.
9. The method of claim 8,
The processor is
As the guide operation, a control signal for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected to the reference posture is output to the user terminal through the short-distance communication unit, the posture measuring device.
9. The method of claim 8,
The processor is
As the guide operation, a control signal for outputting a vibration sound for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected as a reference posture to the user's terminal is transmitted to the user terminal through the short-distance communication unit, the posture measuring device.
6. The method of claim 5,
At least one sound output module disposed in the second seating area; further comprising,
The processor is
As the guide operation, a posture measuring device for outputting a sound for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected to a reference posture through the sound output module.
13. The method of claim 12,
The sound output module includes first to fourth speakers respectively disposed in four different directions of the second seating area,
The processor is
By the guide operation, at least one speaker corresponding to at least one direction in which the confirmed posture is corrected as a reference posture among the first to fourth speakers controls to output the sound.
6. The method of claim 5,
At least one haptic module disposed in the second seating area; further comprising,
The processor is
As the guide operation, the posture measuring device outputs a vibration sound for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected to a reference posture through the haptic module.
15. The method of claim 14,
The haptic module includes first to fourth haptic units respectively disposed in four different directions of the second seating area,
The processor is
By the guide operation, at least one haptic unit corresponding to at least one direction in which the identified posture is corrected to a reference posture among the first to fourth haptic units is controlled to output a vibration sound.
According to claim 1,
Posture measurement for guiding a user's seating position by three-dimensionally or visually displaying an area in which the first pressure sensor module is disposed in the first seating area and an area in which the second pressure sensor module is disposed in the second seating area Device.
In the self-calibration method of the 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 the pressure value sensed by the first pressure sensor module and the second pressure sensor module and a preset threshold value; and
Including; determining the posture of the user based on the comparison result;
The area in which the user's thigh is seated in the first seating area includes a horizontal surface on which the first pressure sensor module is disposed,
The area in which the user's ichium is located in the second seating area includes a protrusion in which the second pressure sensor module is respectively disposed on at least two surfaces among a plurality of surfaces,
The second seating area is located behind the first seating area, the posture measuring method.
18. The method of claim 17,
At least two surfaces of the protrusion include a front surface and a rear surface with respect to the front,
The second pressure sensor module is disposed on the front and rear, respectively, the posture measurement method.
19. The method of claim 18,
The front and rear surfaces of the protrusions each have an inclined surface of a preset angle, the posture measurement method.
20. The method of claim 19,
The protrusion is formed in a polygonal shape including a plurality of surfaces,
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, the posture measuring method.
18. The method of claim 17,
when the determined posture does not correspond to the reference posture, checking whether the determined posture corresponds to any one of the at least one pre-classified posture; and
Performing an operation of guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected to the reference posture; further comprising a, posture measurement method.
22. The method of claim 21,
The pre-classified postures include a reference posture, a posture inclined forward or backward more than a preset angle, a posture inclined to the left or right more than a preset angle, a posture leaning on a backrest while maintaining the pelvic bone, and a backward rotation of the pelvic bone A method of measuring a posture, comprising at least one of a posture reclining on a backrest to do so.
22. The method of claim 21,
The determination step is
When the determined posture is maintained for more than a preset time in a state where the determined posture does not correspond to the reference posture, check whether the determined posture corresponds to any one of the pre-classified postures How to measure posture.
22. The method of claim 21,
The performing step is
As the guide operation, the correction information is transmitted to the user terminal through short-distance communication so that the correction information for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected as a reference posture is output to the user's terminal.
25. The method of claim 24,
The user terminal is provided with an application for managing the sitting posture of the user,
The performing step is
In order to manage the confirmed posture on the application, the information of the confirmed posture is further transmitted to the user terminal through the short-distance communication, the posture measurement method.
25. The method of claim 24,
The performing step is
As the guide operation, a control signal for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected as a reference posture is output to the user's terminal through the short-distance communication, the posture measuring method.
25. The method of claim 24,
The performing step is
As the guide operation, a control signal for outputting a vibration sound for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected as a reference posture to the user's terminal is further transmitted to the user terminal through the short-distance communication.
22. The method of claim 21,
Placing at least one sound output module in the second seating area; further comprising,
The performing step is
As the guide operation, outputting a sound for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected to a reference posture through the sound output module, the posture measuring method.
29. The method of claim 28,
The sound output module includes first to fourth speakers respectively disposed in four different directions of the second seating area,
The performing step is
By the guiding operation, at least one speaker corresponding to at least one direction in which the confirmed posture is corrected as a reference posture among the first to fourth speakers is controlled to output the sound.
22. The method of claim 21,
Placing at least one haptic module in the second seating area; further comprising,
The performing step is
As the guide operation, outputting a vibration sound for guiding the confirmed posture to be corrected to a reference posture through the haptic module.
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 performing step is
By the guide operation, at least one haptic unit corresponding to at least one direction in which the confirmed posture is corrected to a reference posture among the first to fourth haptic units is controlled to output a vibration sound.
According to claim 1,
Posture measurement for guiding a user's seating position by three-dimensionally or visually displaying an area in which the first pressure sensor module is disposed in the first seating area and an area in which the second pressure sensor module is disposed in the second seating area Way.

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