Exercise system

What is AI technical title?
AI technical title is built by Patsnap AI team. It summarizes the technical point description of the patent document.
The exercise system addresses the challenge of setting appropriate water temperatures and exercise loads for individual users by using a temperature adjusting mechanism and auxiliary mechanism that respond to real-time biological information, resulting in reduced bodily strain and enhanced exercise safety.

JP2025047776AActive Publication Date: 2025-04-03中津川重一

View PDF 8 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number: JP2023156478
Authority / Receiving Office: JP · JP
Patent Type: Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date: 2023-09-21
Publication Date: 2025-04-03
Estimated Expiration: 2043-09-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing underwater exercise systems face challenges in setting appropriate water temperatures and exercise loads for individual users, particularly for elderly individuals who have difficulty walking, as these factors can lead to increased bodily strain and risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Method used

The exercise system incorporates a temperature adjusting mechanism and an auxiliary mechanism that adjust water temperature and exercise load based on real-time biological information such as body temperature, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, ensuring personalized settings for each user.

Benefits of technology

This system effectively reduces the strain on the body by tailoring water temperature and exercise load to individual user needs, thereby minimizing the risk of heat-related disorders and cardiovascular issues, while also providing a safer and more effective exercise experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

Figure 2025047776000001_ABST

Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To appropriately set a water temperature and an exercise load for each user.SOLUTION: An exercise system 100 comprises a storage container 10 that is charged with water, an exercise mechanism 40 that is installed in the storage container 10, a temperature adjustment mechanism 60 that changes a water temperature in the storage container 10, and an auxiliary mechanism 70 for generating auxiliary force for assisting force of a user U performing exercise using an exercise apparatus. The temperature adjustment mechanism 60 varies the water temperature depending on the user's biological information. The auxiliary mechanism 70 varies the magnitude of the auxiliary force according to the biological information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise system for physical exercise aimed at maintaining and improving health. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, walking is considered essential for maintaining health, but the number of people who have difficulty walking or exercising is gradually increasing. As the aging of the population becomes more serious, especially in developed countries, the number of people who have difficulty walking is increasing. As rehabilitation for those who have difficulty walking, walking in water is recommended in facilities such as heated pools and hot springs. Rehabilitation in water has the advantage of reducing the burden caused by buoyancy and pain caused by warm water, and allows the body to move more easily.

[0003] However, in addition to the problem that it is not easy for users who have difficulty walking to go to underwater rehabilitation facilities and the burden of maintaining and managing the facilities is heavy, there is also the problem of the burden of securing staff to manage the safety of each user (prevention and early detection of arrhythmia, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, etc.). Therefore, underwater rehabilitation at facilities has not necessarily become common.

[0004] Meanwhile, bicycle-type exercise equipment (fitness bikes) that can be used in ordinary homes have been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). In recent years, there are quite a few facilities that have installed such bicycle-type exercise equipment in ordinary swimming pools. It is true that by installing bicycle-type exercise equipment in a pool and exercising, the above-mentioned benefits of exercising in water can be obtained. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-187943 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, since the pools at facilities are intended to be used by a large number of people, the water temperature is merely managed by the facility manager, and is not set to an appropriate temperature for each user (a temperature that takes into account the individual circumstances of each user). Since the user's biological information (e.g., body temperature, respiratory rate, blood pressure, etc.) changes over time while exercising, it is even more difficult to set an appropriate water temperature for each user. For example, if the water temperature is too low, the effect of reducing pain by relaxing muscle tension cannot be obtained, while if it is too high, the burden on the body (especially the heart) becomes large, and there is a problem that it is easy to develop disorders such as heat stroke, and diseases of the circulatory system (arrhythmia, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction) and cerebrovascular diseases (cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage).

[0007] Furthermore, although buoyancy acts, exercise in water is subject to a load of water (water pressure), which means that the exercise load is greater than that on land. For elderly people and others who have difficulty walking due to circulatory problems, the exercise load may be greater than necessary. If the exercise load is greater than necessary, it also places a heavy burden on the body (circulatory system, etc.), which can lead to the problem of the occurrence of the above-mentioned disorders and diseases. In consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to appropriately set the water temperature and exercise load for each user in exercise equipment that allows exercise in water. This makes it possible to exercise with reduced burden on the body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] [1] An exercise system comprising a storage container filled with water, exercise equipment placed in the storage container, a temperature adjustment mechanism that changes the temperature of the water in the storage container, and an assist mechanism that generates an assist force to assist a user in exercising using the exercise equipment, wherein the temperature adjustment mechanism changes the water temperature in response to a user's biometric information, and the assist mechanism changes the magnitude of the assist force in response to the biometric information.

[0009] [2] The exercise system of [1], wherein the exercise equipment is a bicycle-type equipment including pedals, and the assist mechanism generates the assist force to assist the user in pushing on the pedals.

[0010] [3] The exercise system of [1] or [2], wherein the biological information includes information indicating at least one of body temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate, pulse rate, oxygen concentration in exhaled air, carbon dioxide concentration in exhaled air, partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood, and sweat rate.

[0011] [4] An exercise system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the biological information includes information relating to body temperature, the temperature adjustment mechanism lowers the water temperature in accordance with an amount of change in body temperature when the body temperature represented by the biological information rises, and the assistance mechanism increases the assistance force in accordance with an amount of change in body temperature.

[0012] [5] The biological information includes information regarding blood pressure, and the temperature adjustment mechanism lowers the water temperature in response to an amount of change in the blood pressure when the blood pressure in the biological information increases; The exercise system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the assist mechanism increases the assist force in accordance with the amount of change in the blood pressure.

[0013] [6] Any of the exercise systems of [1] to [5], wherein the temperature adjustment mechanism changes the water temperature in response to exercise information indicating the status of the exercise by the user in the exercise system, and the temperature adjustment mechanism changes the magnitude of the assist force in response to the exercise information.

[0014] [7] Any of the exercise systems of [1] to [6], wherein the temperature adjustment mechanism changes the water temperature in accordance with user information about the user and environmental information about the environment in which the user is located, and the assistance mechanism changes the magnitude of the assistance force in accordance with the user information and the environmental information.

[0015] [8] The exercise system of [7], further comprising a presentation unit that presents a target exercise time to the user based on the biometric information, the user information, and the environmental information.

[0016] [9] The exercise system of [8], wherein the presentation unit presents a target exercise intensity to the user based on the biometric information, the user information, and the environmental information.

[0017]

[10] The exercise system according to [1] to [8], further comprising a water volume adjustment mechanism that changes the amount of water in the storage container in response to the biological information. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the exercise system of the present invention, the water temperature and the magnitude of the assist force change according to the user's biometric information, so that the water temperature and exercise load can be appropriately set for each user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exercise system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control unit according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control unit according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] 1 is a side view illustrating the configuration of an exercise system 100 according to this embodiment. The exercise system of this embodiment is a system that enables exercise in water.

[0021] 1, the exercise system 100 includes, for example, a storage container 10, a housing unit 20, an exercise tool 40, a temperature adjustment mechanism 60, an auxiliary mechanism 70, a control unit 80, and a display operation unit 90. The exercise tool 40 of this embodiment is a bicycle-type tool (fitness bike) that enables a user U to exercise by rotating the pedals by alternately bending and straightening both legs while seated. The exercise tool 40 includes a saddle 41, a handrail unit 43, and a pedal mechanism 45.

[0022] In the following description, the term "right direction" refers to the direction in which the right foot of user U is located when using exercise system 100 (when sitting on saddle 41), and the term "left direction" refers to the direction in which the left foot of user U is located when using exercise system 100 (when sitting on saddle 41), which is the opposite direction to the right direction. Note that Fig. 1 is a side view viewed from the right direction.

[0023] In this embodiment, the user U wears a sensor unit G for acquiring various biological information of the user U during exercise. The sensor unit G in this embodiment is a sensor device for detecting the biological information of the user U. For example, a wearable sensor device is preferably used. In this embodiment, the biological information is used to control the assist mechanism 70 and the temperature adjustment mechanism 60. The biological information is detected continuously so that the change in the biological information over time can also be confirmed.

[0024] The biological information in this embodiment includes, for example, information indicating body temperature (hereinafter referred to as "body temperature information") and information indicating respiratory rate (for example, respiratory rate per minute) (hereinafter referred to as "respiratory information").

[0025] The sensor unit G includes a sensor for detecting body temperature and a sensor for detecting respiration rate. The sensor for detecting body temperature and the sensor for detecting respiration rate may be any known sensor, and may be either invasive or non-invasive. The sensor for detecting respiration rate may be a sensor that detects respiration rate based on the flow of respiratory air or chest movement. In FIG. 1, for convenience, the case where the sensor unit G is attached to the arm is illustrated, but the location where the sensor unit G is attached or installed may vary depending on the type of biological information to be detected by the sensor unit G.

[0026] The storage container 10 is a container capable of storing water therein. Hereinafter, the water filled in the storage container 10 will be referred to as "stored water W". Specifically, the storage container 10 includes a bottom and a side wall. An opening O is provided at the top (opposite side to the side) of the storage container 10 for the user U to enter and exit the storage container 10. The depth of the storage container 10 is preferably such that the lower body (from the toes to the hip joint and the iliac bone) of the user U (who is sitting on the saddle 41) is immersed in the stored water when using the exercise system 100. The storage container 10 may be provided with a water inlet H1 for filling with water and a drain outlet H2 for discharging the stored water W. The water inlet H1 and the drain outlet H2 are opened and closed by, for example, an opening and closing valve. The exercise equipment 40 is installed in the storage container 10. It is not necessary for the entire exercise machine 40 to be placed inside the storage container 10; at least the part that the user U moves when exercising (the pedal mechanism 45 in this embodiment) needs to be placed inside the storage container 10.

[0027] The handrail portion 43 is a handle that the user U grips when using the device. The shape of the handrail portion 43 is not particularly limited, and the handrail portion 43 may be provided inside the storage container 10 or outside the storage container 10.

[0028] The display operation unit 90 includes a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display panel) that displays various information, and a plurality of operators that are operated by the user U. The display operation unit 90 is provided outside the storage container 10.

[0029] The housing 20 is a hollow structure and is provided at the bottom inside the storage container 10.

[0030] The saddle 41 is a seat on which the user U sits, and is provided inside the storage container 10. The method for installing the saddle 41 inside the storage container 10 is arbitrary, but for example, the saddle 41 is installed at the tip of a support shaft (saddle post) provided in the housing unit 20.

[0031] The pedal mechanism 45 includes two cranks (a right crank and a left crank) 451, a rotating shaft (crankshaft) 452, and two pedals (a right pedal and a left pedal) 453.

[0032] The rotating shaft 452 is provided so as to penetrate the housing part 20 and extend in the left-right direction. One crank (right crank) 451 is provided at the right end (right end) of the rotating shaft 452, and the other crank (left crank) 451 is provided at the left end (left end) of the rotating shaft 452. Pedals (right pedal, left pedal) 453 are provided at the right end and the left end of the rotating shaft 452, respectively. Note that since FIG. 1 is a side view seen from the right direction, the other crank (left crank) 451 and the other pedal (left pedal) 453 are omitted from illustration. The pedal 453 and the crank 451 are located outside the housing part 20 inside the storage container 10. That is, they are located underwater during use.

[0033] A user U seated on the saddle 41 rotates the rotating shaft 452 by alternately bending and straightening both legs with both legs placed on the pedals 453. The rotating shaft 452 is supported by the housing unit 20 so as to be rotatable. The rotating shaft 452 may be supported by the housing unit 20 via a bearing unit (not shown) through which the rotating shaft 452 is inserted. For example, the bearing unit is configured by installing a ball bearing inside a cylinder.

[0034] The assist mechanism 70 is a mechanism for assisting the exercise by the exercise tool 40. Specifically, the assist mechanism 70 generates an assist force for assisting the force of the user U exercising by the exercise tool 40. The assist mechanism 70 is provided inside the housing 20. The assist mechanism 70 of this embodiment generates an assist force (so-called assist torque) for assisting the force of the user U stepping on the pedal 453. The assist mechanism 70 of this embodiment includes, for example, a motor for generating an assist force. The motor is driven by power supplied from an external power source or a battery built into the assist mechanism 70. The larger the current supplied to the motor, the larger the generated assist force. The assist force generated by the motor is applied to the rotating shaft 452, and by rotating the rotating shaft 452, it is possible to assist the force of the user U stepping on the pedal 453.

[0035] However, as long as the assisting force can be generated, the specific configuration of the assisting mechanism 70 is not limited to the above examples. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the assisting mechanism 70 further includes a rotating body directly or indirectly connected to the rotating shaft 452, and the rotating body is rotated by a motor to apply the assisting force to the rotating shaft 452. Similarly, the pedal mechanism 45 is not exemplified by the above examples as long as the assisting force from the assisting mechanism 70 is transmitted to the pedal mechanism 453 and the force of stepping on the pedal 453 is assisted.

[0036] The assist mechanism 70 of the present embodiment changes the magnitude of the assist force in response to the biological information. The assist mechanism 70 (motor) changes the magnitude of the assist force by being controlled by the control unit 80. A specific method of controlling the assist mechanism 70 will be described later.

[0037] The temperature adjustment mechanism 60 is a mechanism for adjusting the temperature of the stored water W in the storage container 10. For example, a circulating temperature adjustment device is used as the temperature adjustment mechanism 60. Specifically, the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 includes, for example, a pump for transporting the stored water W, a cooling unit capable of cooling the stored water W, and a heating unit capable of heating the stored water W. The cooling unit and the heating unit may be an integrated device or separate devices, and any known device (for example, a heat exchanger, chiller, heater, heat pump) is appropriately used. The temperature adjustment mechanism 60 and the inside of the storage container 10 are connected via, for example, a transport pipe T.

[0038] The stored water W in the storage container 10 is supplied to the temperature adjustment mechanism 60, and after the water temperature is adjusted by the temperature adjustment mechanism 60, the water is circulated so as to return to the storage container 10. The temperature adjustment mechanism 60 and the storage container 10 may be integrated. However, as long as the temperature of the stored water W can be adjusted, the specific configuration of the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 is not limited to the above example. The temperature adjustment mechanism 60 is controlled by a control unit 80.

[0039] The temperature adjustment mechanism 60 takes into consideration that the body temperature of the user U rises due to heat generated from the muscles during exercise, and maintains the temperature of the stored water W within a predetermined range (for example, 25°C to 32°C) at the start of exercise.

[0040] The temperature adjustment mechanism 60 of the present embodiment further changes the temperature of the stored water W in accordance with the biological information of the user U when the user U starts exercising. The temperature adjustment mechanism 60 changes the temperature of the stored water W under the control of the control unit 80.

[0041] The control unit 80 is composed of one or more processing circuits, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and comprehensively controls each element of the exercise system 100. The programs executed by the control unit 80 and various data used by the control unit 80 are stored in a storage device (not shown), which is one or more memories composed of known recording media, such as a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor recording medium.

[0042] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 80. The control unit 80 functions as, for example, a first control unit 81 and a second control unit 82. The control unit 80 may be installed anywhere, and may be integrated with or separate from the exercise system 100. When the control unit 80 is separate from the exercise system 100, the control unit 80 may be realized by an information terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer.

[0043] Here, if the water temperature or exercise load (exercise load due to the rotational movement of the pedals) is too high for the user U (especially the elderly), it places a heavy burden on the body, making it easy to develop disorders such as heat stroke, and diseases such as circulatory system diseases (arrhythmia, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction) and cerebrovascular diseases (cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage). In consideration of the above, in this embodiment, the water temperature and assisting force of the stored water W are controlled to set an appropriate water temperature and exercise load for the user. When the body temperature and respiratory rate of the user U increase, it is estimated that the exercise load is high. Therefore, when the body temperature and respiratory rate increase, the water temperature of the stored water W is lowered. Below, a specific method for controlling the water temperature and assisting force of the stored water W is exemplified.

[0044] The first control unit 81 controls the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 in response to the biological information (body temperature information, respiration information) S, thereby causing the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 to change the temperature of the stored water W.

[0045] First, the first control unit 81 of this embodiment controls the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 so that the temperature of the stored water W is lowered according to the amount of change in the body temperature (body temperature of the user U) indicated by the body temperature information when the body temperature rises (hereinafter referred to as the "body temperature change amount"). The body temperature change amount is, for example, the amount of change in the body temperature from the start of exercise to the current time (current body temperature - body temperature at the start of exercise). Specifically, when the amount of change in the body temperature of the user U exceeds a predetermined first threshold value (for example, a value within a range of 2 to 5°C), the first control unit 81 lowers the water temperature of the stored water W by a predetermined amount of change (hereinafter referred to as the "target water temperature change amount"). The target water temperature change amount is assumed to be, for example, 2 to 4°C. As can be understood from the above explanation, the water temperature of the stored water W is controlled so that the body temperature of the user U does not rise too much.

[0046] Secondly, the first control unit 81 of the present embodiment controls the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 to lower the temperature of the stored water W according to the amount of change in the respiration rate (the respiration rate of the user U) when the respiration rate indicated by the respiration information increases (hereinafter referred to as the "amount of change in respiration"). The amount of change in respiration is, for example, the amount of change in the respiration rate from the start of exercise to the current time (the current respiration rate - the respiration rate at the start of exercise). Specifically, when the amount of change in respiration of the user U exceeds a predetermined second threshold value (for example, a value of 5 times or more), the first control unit 81 lowers the water temperature of the stored water W by the amount of change in the target water temperature. As can be understood from the above explanation, the water temperature of the stored water W is controlled so that the respiration rate of the user U does not increase too much. It is not important whether the amount of change in the target water temperature when the water temperature is controlled using body temperature information is different from the amount of change in the target water temperature when the water temperature is controlled using respiration information.

[0047] The method in which the first control unit 81 controls the temperature of the stored water W is not limited to the above example. For example, the first control unit 81 may lower the temperature of the stored water W when the body temperature of the user U indicated by the body temperature information exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., 37°C). Similarly, the first control unit 81 may lower the temperature of the stored water W when the respiratory rate of the user U indicated by the respiratory information exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., 25 times). In other words, it is not essential to control the temperature of the stored water W according to the amount of change in the value indicated by the biological information S (e.g., body temperature, respiratory rate).

[0048] The second control unit 82 changes the assist force generated by the assist mechanism 70 (motor) according to the biological information (body temperature information, respiration information). The second control unit 82 of the present embodiment changes the assist force according to the amount of change in body temperature and the amount of change in respiration.

[0049] First, the second control unit 82 of this embodiment increases the assist force by a predetermined change amount (hereinafter, "target torque change amount") when the amount of change in the body temperature of the user U exceeds a third threshold (for example, a value within a range of 2 to 5°C). That is, the assist force for assisting the force of the user U to step on the pedal 453 increases. As can be understood from the above explanation, the assist force is controlled so that the body temperature of the user U does not rise too much. Note that there is no difference between the first threshold used to control the water temperature of the stored water W and the third threshold used to control the assist force.

[0050] Secondly, the second control unit 82 of this embodiment increases the assist force by the target torque change amount when the respiration change amount of the user U exceeds a fourth threshold (for example, a value of 5 times or more). That is, the assist force for assisting the force of the user U to step on the pedal 453 becomes large. As can be understood from the above explanation, the assist force is controlled so that the respiration rate of the user U does not increase too much. Note that there is no difference between the second threshold used to control the water temperature of the stored water W and the fourth threshold used to control the assist force. There is no difference between the target torque change amount when the assist force is controlled using body temperature information and the target torque change amount when the assist force is controlled using respiration information.

[0051] The method in which the second control unit 82 controls the assisting force is not limited to the above example. For example, the first control unit 81 may increase the assisting force when the body temperature of the user U indicated by the body temperature information exceeds a third threshold. Similarly, the second control unit 82 may lower the temperature of the stored water W when the respiration rate of the user U indicated by the respiration information exceeds a fourth threshold. In other words, it is not essential to control the temperature of the stored water W according to the amount of change in the value indicated by the biological information (e.g., body temperature, respiration rate).

[0052] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the control of the temperature of the stored water W by the first control unit 81 and the control of the assisting force by the second control unit 82 are performed continuously at predetermined intervals (for example, 5 seconds to 1 minute) while the user U is exercising. Since biological information is detected continuously during exercise, it is possible to set the water temperature and the assisting force appropriately based on the biological information that changes over time.

[0053] As can be understood from the above explanation, the water temperature of the stored water W and the assisting power are controlled according to the biological information S of the user U, so that the water temperature and the assisting power can be appropriately set (i.e., individually optimized) for each user U. Therefore, the burden on the user U's body during exercise can be reduced.

[0054] <Modification> The above-mentioned exemplary embodiments may be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments that may be applied to the above-mentioned embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples may be appropriately combined as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0055] (1) In the above embodiment, the biological information is body temperature information or respiration information, but the biological information is not limited to information related to body temperature. The biological information may be any information related to at least one of body temperature, blood pressure, respiration rate, pulse rate, oxygen concentration in the exhaled air, carbon dioxide concentration in the exhaled air, oxygen saturation, arterial blood oxygen partial pressure, and sweat rate. Regardless of the type of information included in the biological information, when it is confirmed from the change in the biological information that the burden on the body has increased, the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 and the assistance mechanism 70 are controlled so that the water temperature of the stored water W and the assistance force are reduced. For example, when the body temperature, blood pressure, respiration rate, pulse rate, carbon dioxide concentration in the exhaled air, and sweat rate increase, and the oxygen concentration in the exhaled air and the arterial blood oxygen partial pressure decrease, it is confirmed that the burden on the body has increased. The temperature adjustment mechanism 60 is an element that changes the water temperature according to the biological information, and the assistance mechanism 70 is an element that changes the magnitude of the assistance force according to the biological information. In a case where the biometric information includes information regarding blood pressure, for example, the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 lowers the temperature of the stored water W in accordance with the amount of change in blood pressure (the blood pressure of the user U) indicated by the biometric information when the blood pressure increases, and the assistance mechanism 70 increases the assistance force in accordance with the amount of change in blood pressure.

[0056] The exercise system 100 (control unit 80) may estimate whether or not there is a risk of a specific disorder or disease from the biological information detected by the sensor unit G. When the exercise system 100 estimates that there is a risk of a disorder or disease, it is preferable that the exercise system 100 issues a warning (for example, a warning by display or sound) to immediately stop exercise and drains all of the stored water W. Examples of disorders and diseases that can be estimated from biological information include heat stroke, arrhythmia, heart disease, and brain disease. A wearable device such as a smart watch may be used as the sensor unit G. The control unit 80 may also control the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 and the assistance mechanism 70 according to subjective symptoms such as motivation and shortness of breath. Subjective symptoms are input to the exercise system 100 by the user operating an operator (not shown).

[0057] (2) In the above embodiment, the first control unit 81 may increase the temperature of the stored water W when the amount of change in body temperature does not exceed a predetermined threshold (a value lower than the first threshold). Similarly, the second control unit 82 may increase the temperature of the stored water W when the amount of change in respiration does not exceed a predetermined threshold (a value lower than the second threshold).

[0058] In the above embodiment, the second control unit 82 may reduce the assist force (i.e., increase the exercise load) when the amount of change in body temperature does not exceed a predetermined threshold (a value lower than the third threshold). Similarly, the second control unit 82 may reduce the assist force (i.e., increase the exercise load) when the amount of change in respiration does not exceed a predetermined threshold (a value lower than the fourth threshold). As can be understood from the above explanation, a configuration may also be adopted in which the water temperature is increased and the assist force is decreased according to the biological information (for example, according to the amount of change in the biological information).

[0059] (3) The temperature adjustment mechanism 60 may change the temperature of the stored water W according to exercise information indicating the status of the exercise performed by the user U in the exercise system 100. Similarly, the assist mechanism 70 may change the assist force according to exercise information indicating the status of the exercise performed by the user U in the exercise system 100. The exercise information is, for example, information indicating the exercise period (time from the start of exercise). The exercise system 100 includes an acquisition unit for acquiring the exercise information. The acquisition unit may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of exercise information. For example, when the exercise information is information indicating the exercise period, examples of the acquisition unit include a timer that measures time based on an instruction from the user U to start exercising, and a timer that measures time from the start of rotation of the pedals 453.

[0060] The first control unit 81 controls the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 to lower the temperature of the stored water W (for example, by lowering it by the target water temperature change amount) when the exercise period exceeds a predetermined threshold. Similarly, the second control unit 82 controls the assist mechanism 70 to increase the assist force (for example, by increasing it by the target assist force change amount) when the exercise period exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the exercise period is long, the physical burden on the user U increases. Therefore, by controlling the water temperature of the stored water W and the assist force according to the exercise information, it is possible to prevent the physical burden on the user U from becoming too high. As can be understood from the above explanation, the water temperature of the stored water W and the assist force can be appropriately controlled for the user U according to the exercise information of the user U. Note that the first control unit 81 and the second control unit 82 preferably control the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 and the assist mechanism 70, respectively, according to both the biological information and the exercise information. Note that the exercise information is not limited to information indicating the exercise period, and may be, for example, information indicating the exercise intensity (METs) or the value of the assist force at the current time.

[0061] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the assist mechanism 70 may include a torque sensor that detects a torque corresponding to the force with which the user U steps on the pedal 453. The second control unit 82 may control the assist mechanism 70 according to the torque detected by the torque sensor. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the assist force (assist torque) generated by the assist mechanism 70 is increased as the torque detected by the torque sensor increases.

[0062] (5) In the above embodiment, the first control unit 81 may control the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 using a first generation model that learns the relationship between biological information and the temperature of the stored water W.

[0063] The generative model is a statistical estimation model generated by machine learning. For example, the generative model is configured by a deep neural network. The first generative model outputs a water temperature of the stored water W that is statistically appropriate for the biological information. Specifically, the generative model is realized by a combination of a program that causes the control unit 80 to execute a calculation to generate the water temperature of the stored water W from the biological information, and a plurality of variables that are applied to the calculation. The numerical values of each of the plurality of variables are set in advance by machine learning. Similarly, the second control unit 82 may control the assist mechanism 70 by using the second generative model that has learned the relationship between the biological information and the assist force.

[0064] In addition, multiple variables of the first generation model may be updated by teacher data that associates the biometric information of the user U during exercise with the water temperature of the stored water W at the time when the biometric information is acquired. Similarly, multiple variables of the second generation model may be updated by teacher data that associates the biometric information during exercise with the assisting force at the time when the biometric information is acquired. Note that the biometric information and the water temperature or assisting force of the stored water W from the start of exercise until a predetermined period of time has elapsed (e.g., after 30 minutes have elapsed) may be used as teacher data. As can be understood from the above explanation, the first generation model and the second generation model are updated every time exercise is performed, so that the water temperature of the stored water W and the assisting force can be set at the time of the next exercise taking into account the biometric information from the most recent exercise.

[0065] The water temperature output by inputting the biological information during the previous exercise to the first generation model may be set as the initial value at the start of the exercise. The assist force output by inputting the biological information during the previous exercise to the second generation model may be set as the initial value at the start of the exercise. The biological information during each exercise is stored in the control device.

[0066] (6) The first generation model may set the temperature of the stored water W by further taking into account various information about the user U (hereinafter referred to as "user information") and information about the environment in which the user U is located (hereinafter referred to as "environmental information"). Specifically, the first generation model utilizes a generation model that has learned the relationship between the temperature of the stored water W and biological information, environmental information, and user information. Similarly, the second generation model may set the assisting force by further taking into account the user information and environmental information. Specifically, the second generation model utilizes a generation model that has learned the relationship between the assisting force and biological information, environmental information, and user information.

[0067] The user information is, for example, information on the presence or absence of troubles such as palpitations or shortness of breath (which may also be arrhythmia) when using the hot spring or while bathing, past medical history, treatment history, mental and physical condition, etc. The environmental information is, for example, information on the temperature, humidity, altitude, season, climate, etc. of the area where the user U is located (resident). The user information and environmental information are input in advance by the user U before starting exercise. When specifying the water temperature using the first generation model and when specifying the assistive force using the second generation model, the most recently input user information and environmental information are used unless updated by the user U.

[0068] The first and second generation models may take into account time-dependent changes in biological information during exercise to output the water temperature of the stored water W and the assisting force, respectively. When taking into account time-dependent changes in biological information, it is preferable to use a recurrent neural network (RNN) as the generation model.

[0069] If the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 can change the water temperature in response to the biological information, the user information, and the environmental information, it is not necessary to use the first generation model. Similarly, if the assistance mechanism 70 can change the assistance force in response to the biological information, the user information, and the environmental information, it is not necessary to use the second generation model.

[0070] (7) The control unit 80 may include a presentation unit that presents the optimal exercise time (and therefore the amount of exercise) of the user U. For example, the exercise time is a target exercise time when the user U actually exercises, and is set, for example, according to biometric information, user information, and environmental information. For example, a third generation model that has learned the relationship between the biometric information, user information, and environmental information and the exercise time is used. For example, when the user U supports the exercise, the control unit 80 inputs the biometric information, user information, and the environmental information into the generation model to specify the exercise time. Note that the biometric information may use the exercise time output from the third generation model using the biometric information from the previous exercise as an initial value at the start of exercise. The exercise time is presented to the user U by being displayed on the display operation unit 90, for example. However, it is not essential to use the third generation model in specifying the exercise time. In addition, the presentation unit may present the exercise intensity (for example, METs or an index corresponding to METs) according to the biometric information, user information, and environmental information, similar to the exercise time.

[0071] (8) The temperature and assisting power of the stored water W during exercise, and the exercise time, along with the user U's impressions during or after exercise (such as whether the exercise was difficult or easy), can be stored in a memory device, and the temperature of the stored water W, the assisting power, and the exercise time can be set the next time the user exercises, taking into account those impressions.

[0072] (9) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the exercise system 100 may include a load mechanism that applies a load to the rotation of the pedal 453. The pedal mechanism 45 further includes, for example, a pulley for transmitting the rotation of the crank 451 (i.e., the rotation of the two pedals 453) to the load mechanism. The load mechanism includes, for example, a disk-shaped rotating body (flywheel) rotatably supported by the housing unit 20, and an adjustment mechanism (not shown) that adjusts the rotation resistance of the rotating body, for example, magnetically. The control unit 80 controls the adjustment mechanism to change the rotation resistance of the rotating body. The control unit 80 controls the adjustment mechanism, for example, in response to bioinformation or exercise information. For example, the adjustment mechanism is controlled in response to the bioinformation or exercise information of the user U. For example, the rotation resistance is increased when there is no problem in increasing the exercise load of the user U based on the bioinformation or exercise information (for example, when the temperature change when the body temperature rises is small or when the exercise time is short).

[0073] A circular transmission belt is installed between the rotating body of the load mechanism and the pulley of the pedal mechanism 45. Therefore, the rotation of the crank 451 is transmitted to the rotating body of the load mechanism via the pulley and the transmission belt. That is, the rotating body rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft 452 of the crank 451. As can be understood from the above explanation, the load mechanism is a mechanism that imparts a variable load to the rotation of the crank 451. If the rotational resistance of the rotating body is large, the load acting on the rotation of the crank 451 is large (i.e., the exercise load of the user U is high). On the other hand, if the rotational resistance of the rotating body is small, the load acting on the rotation of the crank 451 is small (i.e., the exercise load of the user U is low).

[0074] (10) In the exercise system 100 according to one example of the present invention, the temperature of the stored water W and the assisting force of the assist mechanism 70 are controlled according to the biological information of the user U, so that the water temperature and assisting force can be set to the optimum values for the user U. Specifically, the temperature of the stored water W and the assisting force are controlled so as not to place too much strain on the body of the user U. In particular, there is a problem that the elderly are prone to heat stroke, circulatory system diseases (arrhythmia, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction), and cerebrovascular diseases (cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage) due to excessive exercise load. According to the exercise system 100 of the present invention, the occurrence of the above problems in the elderly can be reduced. In addition, the risk of drowning is lower than in exercising in a normal pool.

[0075] (11) It is preferable that the exercise system 100 transmits the bioinformation and exercise information to, for example, an information terminal of a medical professional (e.g., a doctor) located at a location distant from the user U, so that the medical professional can check the information at any time using a communication device (not shown). When the medical professional determines that the water temperature or the assisting power of the stored water W should be changed based on the transmitted bioinformation and exercise information, an instruction to change the water temperature or the assisting power may be transmitted to the exercise system 100, and the first control unit 81 and the second control unit 82 may change the water temperature and the assisting power, respectively, in response to the instruction. In other words, by transmitting the bioinformation and exercise information to the information terminal of the medical professional, rehabilitation by remote medical care is also possible.

[0076] In particular, if an abnormality in the user U is detected based on the biometric information, it is preferable to lower the water temperature and reduce the assist power all at once under the instructions of a medical professional. However, stopping exercise suddenly can actually put a strain on the heart. Therefore, except in emergency situations such as severe headaches, chest pain, loss of consciousness, generalized convulsions, atrial fibrillation, or ventricular fibrillation, it is preferable to reduce the assist power all at once and continue the exercise.

[0077] (12) It is advisable to place an AED nearby and have medical personnel on standby when using the exercise system 100. However, if an emergency as described above is confirmed, the rapid drainage device should be immediately activated from the hot water tank to eliminate the effects of water pressure and water temperature, and an alarm should be sounded to notify those around.

[0078] At the start of the exercise, if any discomfort or change in physical condition is detected during the sufficient time spent on the interview and warm-up, the exercise is not performed, and even if the physical condition improves, the temperature of the stored water W and the assisting power are set so that the exercise load on the user U is extremely light. In addition, the exercise time is set short to determine any changes in physical condition.

[0079] (13) Of the components constituting the exercise system 100, those that may come into contact with water (e.g., the storage container 10, the housing 20, and the saddle 41) are preferably made of, for example, hard plastic or reinforced plastic, and have a thickness sufficient to withstand water pressure. Of the components constituting the exercise system 100 that may come into direct contact with the water in the storage container 10 (the housing 20, the support shaft, the saddle 41, and the handrail 43) are preferably made of hard plastic or reinforced plastic. In particular, hard plastic containing an antibacterial agent is desirable in order to reduce noise and vibration during exercise and to prevent water stains and rust.

[0080] (14) The stored water W can be used as bath water, but in order to prevent limescale and the growth of microorganisms, its use is not recommended and should be avoided. Also, when using the exercise system 100 in a gym, elderly care facility, rehabilitation facility, etc., it is not possible to prevent use by people with skin diseases such as ringworm or herpes, so it is preferable to add an antibacterial agent or an antiviral agent such as diazepam chloride to the stored water W. However, water that emits unpleasant odors or toxic gases in the steam when heated should be avoided.

[0081] (15) The storage container 10 may be provided with a lid to close the gap between the opening O at the top of the storage container 10 and the opening O after the user U enters the storage container 10. To make it easier for the user U to enter even if he / she is obese, the opening O of the storage container 10 is made wider so that the opening O can be closed with the lid while the user is sitting on the saddle 41. It is preferable that the storage container 10 is provided with a lid to prevent water from splashing due to the rapid rise and fall of the water surface caused by the rotational movement of the pedal 453. It is preferable to provide the lid at a position corresponding to the upper abdomen of the user U so as not to interfere with the breathing of the user U.

[0082] (16) The control unit 80 may control the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 and the assist mechanism 70 in response to an instruction from the user U operating the display operation unit 90. Therefore, if the user U feels any subjective symptoms, the user U can lower the water temperature of the stored water W or increase the assist force.

[0083] (17) In the exercise system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the feet to the hip joint and the ilium can be immersed in warm water, so that a relatively small amount of water is sufficient to reduce the risk of drowning, while ensuring buoyancy and preventing the heart from heating up and increasing in temperature. In addition, by providing the assist mechanism 70 in the exercise system 100, it is possible to avoid high exercise loads and to set individually optimized exercise loads and exercise times while avoiding pain. Furthermore, changes occurring in the user U's body can be observed from biometric information, allowing the user to exercise more safely.

[0084] (18) The connection between the transport pipe T (tube) and the openings (intake and discharge ports) in the storage container 10 employs a joint structure to seal leakage. In the exercise system 100, angular parts may cause injury, so they are rounded to the extent possible. The bottom of the storage container 10 is made wide, and the top of the storage container 10 is made narrow to reduce weight.

[0085] (19) Currently, rehabilitation is recommended not only for mild heart failure, but also after heart surgery. In addition, exercise in a warm water pool or hot spring is recommended for orthopedic motor insufficiency, but it is difficult to adjust the exercise load and exercise time. The exercise system 100 according to an example of the present invention can adjust the exercise load by controlling the magnitude of the assist force and the water temperature of the stored water W, and the exercise time can be set for each user U. Furthermore, by transmitting biological information and exercise information to a terminal device of a medical professional, it can also be used for remote medical care. In addition, the area affected by the stored water W is mainly the lower body, and pain is alleviated by the buoyancy and water temperature, and the assistance of the assistance mechanism 70. Furthermore, since the exercise can be continued while enjoying listening to music, it is more certain that the purpose of muscle development and weight loss can be achieved than other exercise methods.

[0086] (20) The lack of blood flow to articular cartilage means that the more you exercise, and the more intense the exercise, the more it wears down and does not regenerate. Wear of articular cartilage can also cause joint pain. Furthermore, partial crushing of articular cartilage can cause pain, especially during exercise. If pain occurs during exercise, unnatural postures and positions are adopted to reduce the pain, which starts a vicious cycle of further wear of the articular cartilage. In this respect, the exercise system 100 of the present invention has the advantage of delaying the crushing of articular cartilage, reducing the load on other joints, and extending the period during which exercise is possible.

[0087] In particular, during vigorous exercise, the load on joints such as the lower limbs is said to reach five times the body weight, which is thought to lead to wear on the joint cartilage and load on the circulatory system. Therefore, in addition to the buoyancy in warm water, muscle relaxation, and blood flow improvement effects, the present study aims to reduce the load on the joint cartilage and circulatory system by introducing the assist mechanism 70, which keeps the body weight load on the lower limb joints at 1.5 times or less and the body weight load on the upper limb joints at 0.5 times or less. In addition, it is possible to prevent arrhythmia, heart failure, and joint pain, and to develop an exercise habit by continuing to exercise comfortably without feeling any risk to life, while preventing weight gain.

[0088] (21) In the above embodiment, a bicycle-type machine is exemplified as the exercise machine 40, but the exercise machine 40 is not limited to the above example. Various machines installed in a general sports gym are adopted as the exercise machine 40. For example, a stepper, a rowing machine, a cross trainer, a running machine, a step-up machine, etc. are exemplified as the exercise machine 40. The specific configuration of the assist mechanism 70 is arbitrary as long as it can generate an assist force to assist the exercise by the exercise machine 40, and it differs appropriately depending on the type of the exercise machine 40. For example, if the exercise machine 40 is a stepper, an assist mechanism 70 capable of generating an assist force to assist the user in stepping on the stepper is adopted.

[0089] However, since the difference in height between the hip joint and the heart is small, the burden on the circulatory system of the warm water is relatively large, but it is believed that it is possible to reduce the burden on the articular cartilage.In addition, if the load on the torque-sensitive area becomes excessive, it is possible to introduce an auxiliary mechanism to prevent wear and pain on the articular cartilage by immediately converting the rotational motion to piston motion, even to exercise equipment 40 other than bicycles.

[0090] (22) FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control unit 80 according to a modified example. The exercise system 100 according to the modified example may include a water volume adjustment mechanism that changes the amount of stored water W according to the biological information S. For example, an on-off valve V1 for opening and closing a water supply port H1 that supplies water into the storage container 10 and an on-off valve V2 for opening and closing a drain port H2 that drains water from the storage container 10 are examples of the water volume adjustment mechanism. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit 80 according to the modified example includes a third control unit 83 in addition to a first control unit 81 and a second control unit 82. The third control unit 83 controls the opening and closing of the on-off valves V1 and V2 to change the amount of stored water W. For example, when the biological information S indicates a large burden on the body (for example, when the biological information S is blood pressure, the blood pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold), the amount of stored water W is reduced. That is, the on-off valve V2 is opened to discharge the stored water W from the drain port H2. On the other hand, when the biological information S indicates that the burden on the body is small (for example, when the biological information S is blood pressure, the blood pressure is below a predetermined threshold), the amount of stored water W is increased. That is, the on-off valve V1 is opened to supply water to the storage container 10 from the water supply port H1. The amount of water supplied from the water supply port H1 and the amount of water discharged from the water drain port H2 may be set according to the amount of change in the biological information S.

[0091] (23) In the above-described embodiment, the temperature adjustment mechanism 60, the assist mechanism 70, and the water volume adjustment mechanism 50 may detect not only the bio-information S detected during exercise, but also the bio-information S before exercise begins, and the temperature adjustment mechanism 60 may change the temperature of the stored water W, the assist mechanism 70 may change the assisting force, and the water volume adjustment mechanism 50 may change the water volume based on the bio-information S detected before exercise begins and during exercise. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10: Storage container 20: Housing 40: Exercise equipment 41: Saddle 43: Handrail section 45: Pedal mechanism 451: Crank 452: Rotation axis 453: Pedal 50:Water volume adjustment mechanism 60: Temperature adjustment mechanism 70: Auxiliary mechanism 80: Control unit 81: First control section 82: Second control section 83: Third control section 90: Display operation unit 100: Exercise system G: Sensor unit O: Opening S: Biometric information T:Transport pipe U:User W: Reservoir water H1: Water supply port H2: Outlet

Claims

1. a reservoir filled with water; An exercise machine installed in the storage container; A temperature adjustment mechanism that changes the water temperature in the storage container; and an assist mechanism that generates an assist force for assisting a user in exercising using the exercise machine, The temperature adjustment mechanism changes the water temperature in response to biological information of the user, The assist mechanism changes the magnitude of the assist force in response to the biological information. Movement system.

2. the exercise machine is a bicycle-type machine including pedals; The assist mechanism generates the assist force for assisting the user in stepping on the pedal.