Massager control device

Abstract

The present invention provides a control device for a massager that accurately estimates a user's body shape. The massager of the embodiment includes: a detection unit that detects the user's shoulder position; and an estimation unit that estimates the user's body shape based on the detected shoulder position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the control device for a massage machine. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, massagers were known to detect a user's body shape by raising and lowering the massage unit and moving the massage ball drive unit forward and backward (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-159552). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] However, in the massagers mentioned above, since the body shape is detected without regard to the user's shoulder position, it may not be possible to accurately estimate the user's body shape.

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to accurately estimate the user's body shape.

[0006] Solution for solving the problem

[0007] In one embodiment of the control device for a massage machine, there are: a detection unit that detects the shoulder position of a user; and an estimation unit that estimates the user's body shape based on the detected shoulder position.

[0008] Therefore, the massage machine can accurately estimate the user's body shape.

[0009] In one embodiment of the control device of a massage machine, there is a setting unit that sets a detection point for estimating the user's body shape based on the detected shoulder position of the user, and the estimation unit estimates the user's spine line based on the amount of protrusion of the treatment element at the set detection point.

[0010] Therefore, the massager can set detection points to match the user's shoulder position, accurately detecting the user's spine. Thus, the massager can improve the accuracy of spine detection.

[0011] In one embodiment, the setting unit of the control device of the massager sets the detection point based on the shoulder position and the user's attributes.

[0012] Therefore, the massager can match the user and set the detection points with good accuracy, and can detect the user's spine line with good accuracy.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to one method of implementation, the user's body type can be accurately estimated. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1This is a perspective view of the massage machine according to the implementation method.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the control device of the massage machine according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the body customization process of the implementation method.

[0018] Figure 4A This is a diagram (Figure 1) showing an example of the display unit in the body customization process of the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4B Figure 2 shows an example of the display unit in the body customization process of the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4C Figure 3 shows an example of the display unit in the body customization process of the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the air customization process of the implementation method.

[0022] Figure 6A This is a diagram (Figure 1) showing an example of the display unit in the air customization process of the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6B Figure 2 shows an example of the display unit in the air customization process of the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6C Figure 3 shows an example of the display unit in the air customization process of the embodiment.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 1. Massager

[0027] 2. Massage area

[0028] 3. Operations Section

[0029] 4. Control device

[0030] 21 Massage Balls

[0031] 31 Display Section

[0032] 40 Control Department

[0033] 42 Acquisition Department

[0034] 43. Testing Department

[0035] 44. Presumption

[0036] 45. Setting Department

[0037] 46. ​​Change Department

[0038] 47. Executive Department. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Hereinafter, a method for implementing the massage machine 1 of this application (hereinafter referred to as "implementation") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the massage machine 1 of this application is not limited to this embodiment.

[0040] <Massage Machine>

[0041] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The massage machine 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of massage machine 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the control device 4 of the massage machine 1 according to the embodiment.

[0042] Massager 1 is a chair-type massager. Massager 1 includes a massage unit 2, an operation unit 3, and a control device 4. The massage unit 2 includes a seat 2A, a backrest 2B, armrests 2C, and a leg support 2D.

[0043] The seat 2A is for the user to sit on, supporting the user's buttocks. The seat 2A is equipped with a massage mechanism that massages the user's buttocks and thighs. This mechanism may include, for example, a buttocks air chamber 10 and a thigh air chamber 11. The buttocks air chamber 10 massages the user's buttocks. The thigh air chamber 11 massages the user's thighs.

[0044] The buttock air chamber 10 and thigh air chamber 11 perform massage actions by supplying and expelling air. An air pump (not shown) is provided in the seat 2A. The air pump supplies and expels air relative to the buttock air chamber 10 and thigh air chamber 11.

[0045] The backrest 2B is located behind the seat 2A and supports the user's spine. The backrest 2B is equipped with a massage mechanism that performs massage movements from the user's shoulders to their lower back. This massage mechanism may include, for example, a mechanical unit 20, a lumbar air chamber 12, and a spinal air chamber 13.

[0046] The mechanical unit 20 includes a pair of massage balls 21 as treatment components, and a drive mechanism 22 for actuating the massage balls 21. The mechanical unit 20 is movable along a guide frame 23 extending vertically along the backrest 2B. That is, the mechanical unit 20 is movable vertically along the backrest 2B. The mechanical unit 20 moves along the guide frame 23 by a motor (not shown). The mechanical unit 20 performs massage movements from the user's shoulders to their waist.

[0047] The massage ball 21 is supported on the drive mechanism 22 via a support arm (not shown). The drive mechanism 22 has multiple motors (not shown). The drive mechanism 22 can tilt about an axis orthogonal to the vertical direction of the backrest 2B. The mechanical unit 20 actuates the multiple motors according to the type of massage action, causing the massage ball 21 to perform kneading, tapping, and other massage actions. In the mechanical unit 20, the motor actuation causes the massage ball 21 and the drive mechanism 22 to tilt, and the amount of protrusion of the massage ball 21 toward the user is adjusted.

[0048] The lumbar air chamber 12 massages the user's lower back. The back air chamber 13 massages the user's back. Both the lumbar air chamber 12 and the back air chamber 13 perform the massage by supplying and expelling air through an air pump.

[0049] Armrests 2C are located on the left and right sides of the seat 2A, supporting the user's elbows and forearms. A massage mechanism for massaging the user's forearms is provided in the armrests 2C. This massage mechanism may be, for example, a forearm air chamber 14. The forearm air chamber 14 performs the massage by supplying and expelling air via an air pump.

[0050] A leg support 2D is located on the front side of the seat 2A and supports the user's legs. The leg support 2D is equipped with a massage mechanism that massages the user's calves and soles. This massage mechanism may include, for example, a calf air chamber 15 and a foot air chamber 16. The calf air chamber 15 massages the user's calves. The foot air chamber 16 massages the user's soles. The calf air chamber 15 and foot air chamber 16 perform the massage by supplying and expelling air via an air pump.

[0051] A pressure sensor 60 is provided in the massage section 2 for measuring the load on the massage ball 21. The pressure sensor 60 measures the pressure on the massage ball 21. Specifically, the pressure sensor 60 measures the pressure when the massage ball 21 is pressed towards the user side that is resting against the backrest 2B.

[0052] Additionally, a position sensor 61 is provided in the massage unit 2 to measure the position of the mechanical unit 20 in the vertical direction of the backrest 2B. The position sensor 61 measures the position of the mechanical unit 20 based on the amount of movement of the mechanical unit 20 along the guide frame 23. Specifically, the position sensor 61 measures the position of the mechanical unit 20 based on the amount of movement of the mechanical unit 20 relative to its initial position.

[0053] Additionally, a tilt sensor 62 is provided in the massage section 2 to measure the amount of protrusion of the massage ball 21. The tilt sensor 62 measures the tilt angle of the drive mechanism section 22.

[0054] With the massage balls 21 protruding towards the user's back, the massager 1 moves the mechanical unit 20 up and down along the backrest 2B while the pressure sensor 60 measures the pressure. Thus, the massager 1 can detect the user's shoulder position and spine.

[0055] Furthermore, the massage machine 1 is configured with a massage cycle that performs massage actions on multiple massage areas. For example, the massage cycle involves the mechanical unit 20 continuously performing massage actions from the user's shoulders to their waist. Additionally, the massage machine 1 can vary the intensity of the massage cycle; that is, the massage machine 1 can change the strength of the massage actions at each massage area included in the massage cycle. The massage machine 1 may also have multiple massage cycles. Furthermore, the massage machine 1 can perform massage actions on specific massage areas.

[0056] In addition, the massager 1 can customize massage movements based on the user's body shape, specifically based on the user's spine. Here, the customization of massage movements based on the spine is referred to as "body shape customization".

[0057] In addition, the massager 1 can customize the massage movements of each air chamber 10 to 16. Here, the customization of the massage movements of each air chamber 10 to 16 is referred to as "air customization".

[0058] It should be noted that the massage area and treatment mechanism in the massage machine 1 described above are just one example and are not limited to this. For example, the massage machine 1 may have multiple mechanical units 20, or it may have an air chamber for massaging the shoulders.

[0059] The operation unit 3 is a remote control for operating the massage unit 2, etc. The operation unit 3 includes buttons 30 for accepting user input and a display unit 31. The display unit 31 displays images of the massage process settings, the massage unit 2 settings, the massage unit 2 operation status, and the spine detection results, etc. The display unit 31 is a touch panel and includes button functions.

[0060] The control device 4 controls the massage unit 2 to perform massage actions on the user. Additionally, the control device 4 performs body shape customization and airflow customization. The control device 4 includes a control unit 40 and a storage unit 41.

[0061] The storage unit 41 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical disks.

[0062] The control unit 40 includes, for example, a microcomputer with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, input / output ports, and various circuits. The control unit 40 has an acquisition unit 42, a detection unit 43, an estimation unit 44, a setting unit 45, a modification unit 46, and an execution unit 47, which perform functions by using RAM as the operating area of ​​the CPU to execute various programs stored in the ROM.

[0063] It should be noted that some or all of the acquisition unit 42, detection unit 43, estimation unit 44, setting unit 45, modification unit 46, and execution unit 47 of the control unit 40 can be constructed using hardware such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Furthermore, the acquisition unit 42, detection unit 43, estimation unit 44, setting unit 45, modification unit 46, and execution unit 47 can be configured as multiple units or combined.

[0064] The acquisition unit 42 acquires signals related to the user's operation of the operation unit 3. The acquisition unit 42 acquires signals related to the pressure of the massage ball 21 measured by the pressure sensor 60. The acquisition unit 42 acquires signals related to the position of the mechanical unit 20 measured by the position sensor 61. The acquisition unit 42 acquires signals related to the amount of protrusion of the massage ball 21 measured by the tilt sensor 62.

[0065] The detection unit 43 detects the user's shoulder position. The detection unit 43 detects the user's shoulder position based on the position of the mechanical unit 20 and the change in pressure of the massage ball 21.

[0066] The detection unit 43 calculates the change in pressure of the massage ball 21 and detects the position of the mechanical unit 20 where the change in pressure exceeds a preset first predetermined value as the user's shoulder position. For example, when detecting the user's shoulder position while raising the mechanical unit 20, the pressure of the massage ball 21 decreases sharply when it reaches the user's shoulder. Conversely, when detecting the user's shoulder position while lowering the mechanical unit 20, the pressure of the massage ball 21 increases sharply when it contacts the user's shoulder. Therefore, the detection unit 43 can detect the user's shoulder position by calculating the change in pressure of the massage ball 21.

[0067] In addition, the detection unit 43 estimates the user's body shape. Specifically, the detection unit 43 detects the user's spine. The detection unit 43 detects the user's spine based on the pressure of the massage ball 21 at a detection point set based on the user's shoulder position and the amount of protrusion of the massage ball 21. The detection unit 43 detects the user's spine based on the amount of protrusion of the massage ball 21 when the pressure of the massage ball 21 becomes greater than a preset second predetermined value. The detected spine is displayed by the display unit 31 of the operation unit 3.

[0068] The setting unit 45 sets detection points for estimating the user's body shape based on the user's shoulder position. Specifically, the setting unit 45 sets detection points for detecting the user's spine. The setting unit 45 sets the detection points based on the user's shoulder position, for example, using a calculation formula or table. The calculation formula or table is preset based on statistical data, etc. A preset number of detection points is set between the user's shoulder position and the seat 2A, for example, eight points.

[0069] Regarding detection points, for example, the distance between detection points is longer for users with higher shoulder positions compared to users with lower shoulder positions.

[0070] Furthermore, the setting unit 45 sets a reference value for each massage area based on the user's body shape. Specifically, the setting unit 45 sets a reference value for each massage area based on the detected spine. The reference value is a reference value for the intensity of the massage action. For example, at the detection point, the reference value is set based on the amount of protrusion of the massage ball 21 when the pressure of the massage ball 21 becomes greater than a preset second predetermined value.

[0071] The reference values ​​sometimes differ among users with different body types. For example, the contact point between the massage ball 21 and the user's waist differs between users with large and small waist indentations. Therefore, the setting unit 45 sets reference values ​​that are suitable for users with large and small waist indentations, respectively. It should be noted that the reference values ​​can be changed according to the user's operation.

[0072] In addition, the setting unit 45 sets the adjustable range of the reference value. The setting unit 45 sets the adjustable range with the reference value as the origin. For example, the setting unit 45 sets the reference value as the origin "0" and sets the range "±7" relative to the origin as the adjustable range. That is, the setting unit 45 sets the adjustable range of the reference value as the range relative to the reference value as the origin.

[0073] The set baseline value and the adjustable range are displayed on the display unit 31 of the operation unit 3. The adjustable range with the baseline value as the origin is displayed on the display unit 31 regardless of the user's body size.

[0074] For example, regarding the intensity of the massage action, the settings range from "1" to "70". Since the intensity increases with the value, the setting unit 45 uses "50" as the baseline value for users with large lumbar indentations. Conversely, the setting unit 45 uses "35" as the baseline value for users with small lumbar indentations. It should be noted that the adjustable range is set to "±7".

[0075] Furthermore, when the reference value is "50", the setting unit 45 uses "50" as the origin and sets the intensity of "43" to "57" as "-7" to "+7". Additionally, when the reference value is "35", the setting unit 45 uses "35" as the origin and sets the intensity of "28" to "42" as "-7" to "+7".

[0076] Therefore, regardless of the user's body type, the display unit 31 shows an adjustable range of "-7" to "+7". It should be noted that in the above example, the intensity of the actual massage action corresponding to each reference value and each adjustable range is different. For example, the intensity of the actual massage action corresponding to "-7" is different.

[0077] Furthermore, the setting unit 45 sets a reference value for each air chamber 10-16 based on the user's operation. The setting unit 45 selects an air chamber from 10-16 and sets the reference value for the selected air chamber. For example, the setting unit 45 sets the air volume supplied to the foot air chamber 16 as the reference value for the foot air chamber 16 when the air supply gradually increases and the user stops the operation. It should be noted that the setting unit 45 determines whether all air chambers 10-16 have been selected and sets a reference value for each air chamber 10-16 separately.

[0078] The modification unit 46 determines whether a customization operation based on the user's baseline value has been performed. Specifically, the modification unit 46 determines whether a user has modified the set baseline value. If the set baseline value has been modified by the user, the modification unit 46 modifies the baseline value based on the user's operation.

[0079] It should be noted that the reference values ​​can also be stored in the storage unit 41. That is, the control device 4 can also store reference values ​​for each user. Thus, when a user sets reference values ​​that match their preferences, the user can receive massage actions based on the stored reference values ​​without having to perform body shape customization or air customization again.

[0080] The actuator 47 sends control signals to the motor and air pump of the massage unit 2, and controls the motor and air pump to perform massage actions by the mechanical unit 20 and each air chamber 10-16. The actuator 47 performs massage actions based on the set or modified reference values.

[0081] When the user selects a massage process, the execution unit 47 performs massage actions at each massage area based on reference values. If the reference value for a certain massage area changes, the execution unit 47 performs massage actions at that massage area based on the changed reference value.

[0082] In addition, when the intensity of the massage process changes, the execution unit 47 adjusts the intensity of the massage action based on the reference value of each massage area and performs the massage action.

[0083] For example, if the intensity of the massage process is "strong", "medium" and "weak", and the intensity of the massage process is "medium", the execution unit 47 performs massage actions at each massage area based on the reference value.

[0084] In addition, when the intensity of the massage process is "strong", the execution unit 47 makes the intensity of the massage movements at each massage point stronger than the reference value and performs the massage movements.

[0085] In addition, when the intensity of the massage process is "weak", the execution unit 47 performs massage actions with a lower intensity than the reference value at each massage area.

[0086] In this way, with the reference value already set, the massage machine 1 can change the intensity of the massage process based on the reference value.

[0087] <Customized Body Shaping>

[0088] Next, use Figure 3 The flowchart illustrates the body customization process of the implementation method. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the body customization process of the implementation method.

[0089] The control device 4 detects the user's shoulder position (S100) and sets multiple detection points based on the detected shoulder position (S101).

[0090] The control device 4 detects the user's spine line based on the pressure of the massage ball 21 at the detection point (S102) and displays the spine line on the display unit 31 (S103).

[0091] Control device 4 determines whether there is a customized operation based on the user's reference value (S104). If there is a customized operation (S104: Yes), control device 4 changes the reference value according to the user's operation (S105).

[0092] Control device 4 determines whether the customization operation based on the user's reference value has ended (S106). If there is no customization operation (S104: No) or the customization operation has ended (S106: Yes), control device 4 ends the body shape customization process.

[0093] Next, refer to Figures 4A to 4C An example of the display unit 31 in the body shape customization process of the embodiment will be described. Figure 4A This is a diagram (Figure 1) showing an example of the display unit 31 in the body shape customization process of the embodiment. Figure 4B This is Figure 2, which shows an example of the display unit 31 in the body shape customization process of the embodiment. Figure 4C This is Figure 3, which shows an example of the display unit 31 in the body shape customization process of the embodiment.

[0094] If the user's spine is detected, the display unit 31 will show [the following information]. Figure 4A Image 100a is shown. Ridges 101 are arranged vertically to display detection points 102. Furthermore, the ridges 101 are positioned horizontally based on the reference values ​​of each detection point 102 and are displayed accordingly. Image 100a also displays a decision button 110 for determining the ridges 101, a customization button 111, and a re-detection button 112 for re-detecting the ridges.

[0095] exist Figure 4A In the image 100a shown, when the user presses the custom button 111, as... Figure 4B As shown, an image 100b, on the display unit 31, is displayed that allows for the modification of various reference values. The currently selected detection point 102 is displayed in the image 100b in a manner distinguishable from other detection points 102. Figure 4B In the diagram, solid marks represent the currently selected detection point 102, and hollow marks represent other detection points 102.

[0096] Additionally, image 100b displays: a button 113 for selecting detection point 102, a massage area 114 corresponding to the selected detection point 102, a name 115 for the currently selected detection point 102, a reference value 116, a button 117 for changing the reference value 116, and a button 118 for ending body shape customization.

[0097] When the user operates button 113, the selected detection point 102, massage area 114, name 115 of the selected detection point 102, and the display of reference value 116 are changed according to the operation of button 113.

[0098] For example, from Figure 4B The state shown indicates that when the user operates button 117 for changing the reference value 116, as follows: Figure 4C As shown, in image 100b, the baseline value 116 is changed according to the user's operation. In the example above, by... Figure 4B Press the button 117 on the right five times in the state shown, and the base value 116 will change from "0" to "+5".

[0099] In image 100b, for example, the reference value can be changed within a variable range of "-7" to "+7" with the reference value as the origin. This is because the reference value has already been set according to the user's body shape, so in image 100b, the massager 1 does not need to be able to change the reference value throughout the entire intensity phase of the massage action, but can change the reference value within a narrow variable range with the reference value as the origin. Therefore, for the user, the pressing of button 117 can be reduced, and the operation of changing the reference value becomes easier.

[0100] Customized Air Treatment

[0101] Next, use Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates the customized air processing of the implementation method. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the air customization process of the implementation method.

[0102] The control device 4 selects the air chamber (S200) with the set reference value and sets the reference value (S201) of the selected air chamber.

[0103] Control device 4 determines whether the selection of all air chambers 10 to 16 is complete (S202). If there are unselected air chambers (S202: No), control device 4 selects an air chamber from the unselected air chambers (S200).

[0104] If all air chambers 10 to 16 are selected (S202: Yes), the control device 4 determines whether there is a customized operation based on the user's reference value (S203).

[0105] When there is a customized operation (S203: Yes), the control device 4 changes the reference value according to the user's operation (S204).

[0106] Control device 4 determines whether the customization operation based on the user's reference value has ended (S205). If there is no customization operation (S203: No) or the customization operation has ended (S205: Yes), control device 4 ends the air customization process.

[0107] Next, refer to Figures 6A to 6C An example of the display unit 31 in the air customization process of the embodiment will be described. Figure 6A This is a diagram (Figure 1) showing an example of the display unit 31 in the air customization process of the embodiment. Figure 6B This is Figure 2, which shows an example of the display unit 31 in the air customization process of the embodiment. Figure 6C This is Figure 3, which shows an example of the display unit 31 in the air customization process of the embodiment.

[0108] When performing customized air processing, the display unit 31 displays an image showing the setting of reference values ​​for each air chamber 10 to 16. For example, as Figure 6A As shown, image 120a displays the setting of the reference value for the foot air chamber 16. Image 120a shows the type of air chamber 121, an indicator 122 indicating the amount of air supplied to the foot air chamber 16, and a button 123 for determining the reference value, etc.

[0109] like Figure 6B As shown, when the amount of air supplied to the foot air chamber 16 increases, the indicator 122 changes according to the increased air volume. Furthermore, when the user presses button 123, the air volume at the time of pressing button 123 is set to the reference value of the foot air chamber 16. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The images shown are displayed in correspondence with each of the air chambers 10 to 16.

[0110] like Figure 6C As shown, when the reference values ​​of each air chamber 10 to 16 are set, an image 120b showing the reference values ​​of each air chamber 10 to 16 is displayed on the display unit 31. The image 120b shows the massage area where the massage action is performed by each air chamber 10 to 16, a button 127 showing the reference value 126 of each air chamber 10 to 16, a name 128 for the massage area where the massage action is performed by the currently selected air chamber, a button 129 for changing the reference value 126, and a button 130 for ending air customization, etc.

[0111] When the user presses button 127, which displays the reference value 126 for each air chamber 10-16, the massage area for changing the reference value 126 is selected. Additionally, when the user operates button 129, the reference value 126 is changed according to the user's operation.

[0112] <Effect>

[0113] The massage machine 1 includes a massage unit 2 and a control device 4. The massage unit 2 performs massage actions on the user. The control device 4 controls the massage actions of the massage unit 2. The control device 4 includes a modification unit 46 and an execution unit 47. The modification unit 46 changes a reference value for the intensity of the massage action based on the user's operation. The execution unit 47 executes the massage action based on the reference value changed by the modification unit 46.

[0114] Therefore, the massage machine 1 can customize massage movements to match the user's preferences, thereby increasing the user's satisfaction with the massage movements.

[0115] In addition, the control device 4 includes a setting unit 45. The setting unit 45 sets a reference value for each massage area based on the user's body shape. The modification unit 46 changes the reference value set by the setting unit 45 based on the user's operation.

[0116] Therefore, the massage machine 1 can adjust the baseline values ​​set according to the user's body shape to match the user's preferences. Thus, the massage machine 1 can provide baseline values ​​corresponding to the user's body shape and customize these baseline values ​​to match the user's preferences. Therefore, the massage machine 1 can improve the user's satisfaction with the massage movements.

[0117] Furthermore, when the intensity of the massage process, in which massage actions are performed on multiple massage areas, is changed, the execution unit 47 adjusts the intensity of the massage actions relative to the changed reference value and performs the massage actions. That is, when the intensity of the massage process is changed, the massage machine 1 adjusts the intensity of the massage process based on a reference value set to match the user's body type and a reference value changed by the user.

[0118] Therefore, even if the intensity of the massage process is changed, the massage machine 1 can still perform massage actions based on a baseline value customized to match the user's preferences. Thus, the massage machine 1 can improve the user's satisfaction with the massage.

[0119] In addition, the massager 1 includes a display unit 31. The display unit 31 uses a reference value as the origin and displays the range of change of the reference value.

[0120] Therefore, the massager 1 can display the adjustable range as a relative range with a reference value as the center. For example, the massager 1 sets the reference value to "0" and displays the adjustable range using "+" and "-". Therefore, when changing the reference value, the user can easily identify the degree of intensity relative to the original reference value and can easily determine the intensity of their preferred massage action. In other words, the massager 1 improves operability when changing the reference value.

[0121] In addition, the massage machine 1 includes a detection unit 43 and an estimation unit 44. The detection unit 43 detects the user's shoulder position. The estimation unit 44 estimates the user's body shape based on the detected shoulder position.

[0122] Therefore, massage machine 1 can accurately estimate the user's body shape.

[0123] Additionally, the massager 1 includes a setting unit 45. The setting unit 45 sets detection points for estimating the user's body shape based on the detected shoulder position. The estimation unit 44 estimates the user's spine line based on the amount of protrusion of the massage balls 21 at the set detection points.

[0124] Therefore, the massager 1 can set detection points that match the user's shoulder position, accurately detecting the user's spine. Thus, the massager 1 can improve the accuracy of spine detection.

[0125] <Variation Example>

[0126] The modified massager 1 can also set detection points based on the user's shoulder position and user attributes. User attributes include, for example, gender, age, and weight.

[0127] Therefore, the modified massage machine 1 can accurately set the detection points to match the user, and can accurately detect the user's spine.

[0128] Furthermore, the modified massager 1 can also infer the user's body shape based on the user's shoulder position and user attributes. Specifically, the modified massager 1 can also infer the user's spine line based on the user's shoulder position and user attributes. For example, the modified massager 1 can infer the user's spine line from statistical data based on the user's shoulder position and user attributes.

[0129] Therefore, the modified massager 1 can estimate the user's spine line without moving the mechanical unit 20 along the user's back. Thus, the modified massager 1 can shorten the time spent on body shaping. Therefore, the user can receive the massage action sooner.

[0130] Furthermore, the modified massager 1 can also set a baseline value based on the user's attributes. Specifically, the modified massager 1 estimates the user's body shape based on the user's attributes and sets a baseline value based on the estimated body shape. For example, the modified massager 1 estimates the user's body shape based on statistical data and sets a baseline value. It should be noted that the set baseline value can be changed according to the user's operation.

[0131] Therefore, the modified massager 1 can shorten the time spent on body shape customization and air customization. As a result, users can receive massage actions as soon as possible.

[0132] Furthermore, in the modified massager 1, when body shape customization is performed, the protrusion amount of the massage ball 21 can be varied at detection points. Based on the protrusion amount when the user stops operating, the user's spine line is detected, and a reference value is set. That is, the modified massager 1 can set a reference value of the intensity preferred by the user for each detection point. It should be noted that the reference value set by the modified massager 1, like in the above-described embodiment, can be changed according to the user's operation. Thus, the user can further change the reference value they set by referring to the displayed spine line.

[0133] Furthermore, in the modified massager 1, when air conditioning is performed, a reference value can be set where the amount of air supplied to each air chamber 10-16 is greater than a preset third predetermined value. The third predetermined value is set separately for each air chamber 10-16. Alternatively, in the modified massager 1, when air conditioning is performed, a reference value can be set where the pressure of the air supplied to each air chamber 10-16 is detected by a pressure sensor and a pressure greater than a preset fourth predetermined value. The fourth predetermined value is set separately for each air chamber 10-16.

[0134] Furthermore, the modified massage machine 1 can also learn from the user's usage history based on the user's operations, and set and change reference values ​​based on the learning results. For example, the modified massage machine 1 can learn from the intensity of the massage area selected by the user, the strength of the massage process, etc., and set and change reference values ​​accordingly.

[0135] Therefore, the modified massager 1 can set the user's preferred baseline values ​​and change the baseline values ​​without customizing the body shape or airflow.

[0136] Furthermore, the modified massager 1 can also change the reference value based on the user's operation during the massage. If the reference value is changed, the massage continues based on the changed reference value.

[0137] Furthermore, the modified massage machine 1 can also perform massage actions based on a reference value while performing massage actions on a specified massage area. Additionally, the modified massage machine 1 can change the reference value while performing massage actions on a specified massage area. Furthermore, the adjustable range of the reference value in the modified massage machine 1 can be displayed in the same way as the aforementioned method for displaying the adjustable range of the reference value.

[0138] In the modified massage machine 1, a current sensor that measures the load on the massage ball 21 can be used as a sensor for calculating the load on the motor, for example.

[0139] Furthermore, the massage machine 1 includes a computer-readable recording medium containing a program for implementing the aforementioned processing. The CPU can execute the aforementioned processing by reading the program recorded on the recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium is a semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc.

Claims

1. A control device for a massage machine, the massage machine comprising a seat and a backrest disposed on the rear side of the seat, characterized in that, The control device of the massage machine controls the massage unit, which includes: a mechanical unit having a pair of treatment elements that move vertically on the backrest; a pressure sensor that detects the pressure applied to the pair of treatment elements; a position sensor that detects the vertical position of the mechanical unit; and a tilt sensor that detects the amount of protrusion of the pair of treatment elements. The user's shoulder position is detected based on the detection results of the pressure sensor and the position sensor. Based on the detected shoulder position, multiple detection points are set to estimate the user's body shape, and a reference value is set for the intensity of the massage action for each massage area according to the user's body shape. The baseline value is changed based on the user's actions. When setting the baseline value, a changeable range that can be modified with the baseline value as the origin is defined. Within the modifiable range, the baseline value is changed according to the change operation of the baseline value from the user.

2. The control device for the massage machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion of the treatment piece is varied at the detection point, and the user's spine is detected based on the protrusion when the user stops operating, and the reference value is set.

3. The control device for the massage machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, When setting the reference value, the reference value is set based on the amount of protrusion of the pair of treatment elements when the pressure of the pair of treatment elements at each of the detection points is greater than a specified value.

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