Chair management device, chair management system, chair management method, and chair management program

Abstract

To provide a chair management device based on a use history.SOLUTION: In a management device (6) for managing a use history of a chair (2), the chair 2 includes: an electric power generation part (46) for generating electric power due to seat taking and seat leaving of a user; and a signal transmission part (48) for transmitting a signal showing that the electric power generation part (46) generates electric power. The management device includes: a generation part (631) for using the signal transmitted by the signal transmission part (48) to generate use information related to the use history of the chair (2); and a display control part (632) for displaying the use information in a display part (64).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a chair management device, a chair management system, a chair management method, and a chair management program.

Background Art

[0002] The furniture management device of Patent Document 1 uniformly and over time manages the deterioration state of furniture.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a need for a management device that manages chairs installed in an office or the like not only over time but also based on their usage history, such as when making proposals for chair replacement or additional purchase based on usage history.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a chair management device, a chair management system, a chair management method, and a chair management program based on usage history.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a management device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a management device that manages the usage history of a chair, the chair including a power generation unit that generates electricity as a user sits on and leaves the chair, and a signal transmission unit that transmits a signal indicating that the power generation unit has generated electricity, the management device including a generation unit that generates usage information related to the usage history of the chair using the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit, and a display control unit that causes the usage information to be displayed on a display unit.

[0007] To solve the above problems, a chair management system according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a chair management system including a chair and a management device for managing the chair, wherein the chair includes a power generation unit that generates power as a user sits on and gets off the chair, and a signal transmission unit that transmits a signal indicating that the power generation unit has generated power, and the management device includes a generation unit that generates usage information related to the usage history of the chair using the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit, and a display control unit that causes the usage information to be displayed on a display unit.

[0008] To solve the above problems, a chair management method according to an aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the chair includes a power generation unit that generates power as a user sits on and gets off the chair, and a signal transmission unit that transmits a signal indicating that the power generation unit has generated power, includes a generation step of generating usage information related to the usage history of the chair from the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit, and a display step of causing the usage information to be displayed on a display unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the management device, chair management system, and chair management method according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the chair can be managed based on the usage history.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1 and the like. FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a chair management system 10 according to the present disclosure. The chair management system 10 may include a plurality of chairs 2, but only one chair 2 is shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] (Chair management system) FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a chair management system 10 according to the present disclosure. Briefly explained, the chair management system 10 includes a chair 2 provided with a mechatronic conversion device 4 and a management device 6 that manages the chair 2. Although details will be described later, the chair 2 (or the mechatronic conversion device 4) includes a power generation unit 46 that generates electricity as the user sits and stands up, and a signal transmission unit 48 that transmits a signal indicating that the power generation unit 46 has generated electricity. The management device 6 includes a generation unit 631 that generates usage information related to the usage history of the chair 2 using the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit 48, and a display control unit 632 that causes the usage information to be displayed on the display unit 64.

[0013] Hereinafter, each part of the chair 2 and the management device 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and the like.

[0014] (Chair) The chair 2 that constitutes the chair management system 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the chair 2. Reference numeral 201 in FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the chair 2. Reference numeral 202 in FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the chair 2.

[0015] The chair 2 is, for example, a swivel chair used in an office or a conference room. The chair 2 includes, as main members, a seat 21, a backrest 22, a back frame 23 to which the backrest 22 is attached, and legs 24. Further, the chair 2 may include, for example, as optional components, armrests 25 and a headrest 26.

[0016] The chair 2 is provided with a rocking function in which the backrest 22 can recline. As a result, the sitter can relax the body and sit on the chair 2, and can continue to use it for a long time.

[0017] In the example of FIG. 2, the legs 24 are of a five-leg type branched into five, for example, and casters 27 are attached to the lower ends of each of the five legs. The caster 27 is, for example, a swivel type caster that can rotate horizontally. As a result, the chair 2 can be easily moved.

[0018] As described above, the chair 2 is provided with the electromechanical conversion device 4. The electromechanical conversion device 4 is provided at the lower end of the column 28 of the chair 2 that extends to the center of the plurality of legs 24.

[0019] (Electromechanical conversion device 4) Next, the electromechanical conversion device 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and the like. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the electromechanical conversion device 4. The diagram shown by reference numeral 301 in FIG. 3 is a front view of the electromechanical conversion device 4. The diagram shown by reference numeral 302 in FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the electromechanical conversion device 4.

[0020] Referring to the diagram shown by reference numeral 301 in FIG. 3, the electromechanical conversion device 4 is provided at the lower end of the column 28 of the chair 2 that extends to the center of the plurality of legs 24. The electromechanical conversion device 4 includes a housing 41 that forms the outer edge of the electromechanical conversion device 4.

[0021] In the diagram shown by reference numeral 302 in FIG. 3, XYZ coordinates are described. The Z-axis indicates the direction of gravity. The X-axis and the Y-axis are directions perpendicular to the Z-axis.

[0022] Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. Referring to the diagram shown by reference numeral 302 in FIG. 3, the electromechanical conversion device 4 includes a rotating shaft 44 and a transmission portion 45. The rotating shaft 44 is connected to the housing 41 and extends in the X-axis direction. The transmission portion 45 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 44 and extends in the Y-axis direction. The rotating shaft 44 and the transmission portion 45 may be exposed from the housing 41, or may be provided inside the housing 41 and not visible from the outside.

[0023] Next, the main component configuration of the electromechanical conversion device 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a main component configuration diagram of the electromechanical conversion device 4. The diagram shown by reference numeral 401 in FIG. 4 is a first main component configuration diagram related to the electromechanical conversion device 4. The diagram shown by reference numeral 402 in FIG. 4 is a second main component configuration diagram related to the electromechanical conversion device 4. XYZ coordinates are described in FIG. 4. The Z-axis indicates the direction of gravity. The X-axis and the Y-axis are directions perpendicular to the Z-axis.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, the electromechanical conversion device 4 includes a gas cylinder mechanism 42, a support portion 43, a rotating shaft 44, a transmission portion 45, a power generation portion 46, and a signal transmission portion 48.

[0025] Referring to the diagrams shown by reference numerals 401 and 402 in FIG. 4, first, the gas cylinder mechanism 42 will be described. The electromechanical conversion device 4 includes a gas cylinder mechanism 42 that adjusts the height of the seat 21. The gas cylinder mechanism 42 constitutes the support column 28 of the chair 2 and is attached to the main body of the chair 2 and the housing 41. The gas cylinder mechanism 42 includes a piston rod 42a and a cylinder filled with gas that supports the piston rod 42a so as to be relatively movable. The piston rod 42a is movable in the Z-axis direction, and the electromechanical conversion device 4 generates electricity by converting mechanical energy due to the movement of the piston rod 42a into electrical energy.

[0026] The support portion 43 supports the piston rod 42a so as to enable movement of the piston rod 42a in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the piston rod 42a. The support portion 43 has a through hole 43a in the bottom surface, enabling movement of the piston rod 42a in the Z-axis direction.

[0027] The rotating shaft 44 is connected to the housing 41 and extends in the X-axis direction. The rotating shaft 44 rotatably supports a transmission part 45 described below.

[0028] The transmission part 45 has a main body 45a extending in a direction away from the rotating shaft 44 (Y-axis direction), and the main body 45a can rotate about the rotating shaft 44 when being pressed by the piston rod 42a. That is, when the seated person sits on the chair 2 and the piston rod 42a moves downward in the Z-axis direction to press the main body 45a, the main body 45a rotates downward in the Z-axis direction with the rotating shaft 44 as a fulcrum. Also, when the seated person leaves the chair 2 and the piston rod 42a moves upward in the Z-axis direction, which is the direction away from the main body 45a, the main body 45a rotates upward in the Z-axis direction with the rotating shaft 44 as a fulcrum.

[0029] The main body 45a is provided without being connected to the piston rod 42a. As an example, before the seated person sits on the seat part 21, the main body 45a and the piston rod 42a are separated, and when the seated person sits on the seat part 21, the main body 45a abuts against the piston rod 42a and presses the piston rod 42a. Alternatively, a configuration can be considered in which the main body 45a maintains a state of abutting against the piston rod 42a while the main body 45a and the piston rod 42a are not connected.

[0030] The main body 45a has an extension part 45b located on the side of the gas cylinder mechanism 42, on the side opposite to the side where the rotating shaft 44 is located. The main body 45a and the extension part 45b may be integrally formed, or may be formed as separate bodies and connected to each other. The extension part 45b is physically connected to a power generation part 46 described below. When the main body 45a and the extension part 45b are not distinguished, it is simply referred to as the transmission part 45.

[0031] The power generation unit 46 is disposed inside the housing 41. The power generation unit 46 is physically connected to the extending portion 45b, and the mechanical energy of the piston rod 42a is transmitted by the movement of the extending portion 45b. Note that the power generation unit 46 may have a configuration such as a slide switch that synchronizes with the movement of the extending portion 45b.

[0032] More specifically, when the seated person sits on the chair 2 and the piston rod 42a moves downward in the Z-axis direction to press the main body 45a, the main body 45a rotates downward in the Z-axis direction with the rotation axis 44 as a fulcrum. Along with the movement of the main body 45a, the extending portion 45b physically connected to the power generation unit 46 pushes the power generation unit 46 in the Y-axis direction. Thereby, the mechanical energy generated by the movement of the piston rod 42a is transmitted to the power generation unit 46, and the power generation unit 46 can convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0033] Also, when the seated person leaves the chair 2 and the piston rod 42a moves upward in the Z-axis direction, the main body 45a rotates upward in the Z-axis direction with the rotation axis 44 as a fulcrum. Along with the movement of the main body 45a, the extending portion 45b weakens the force applied to the power generation unit 46. Thereby, the mechanical energy generated by the movement of the piston rod 42a is transmitted to the power generation unit 46, and the power generation unit 46 can convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0034] The power generation unit 46 may be an energy harvester (self-powered vibration power generation device). For example, MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology is used for an aluminum nitride piezoelectric thin film to convert the vibration generated by mechanical energy into electrical energy. As long as the mechanical energy generated by the movement of the piston rod 42a can be converted into electrical energy, other types of power generation mechanisms may be adopted for the power generation unit 46.

[0035] The mechanical and electrical conversion device 4 includes a wiring board (not shown) and a signal transmission unit 48 inside the housing 41. The signal transmission unit 48 may be provided at any position within the housing 41. In FIG. 4, the signal transmission unit 48 is illustrated by a dashed line as being provided on the back side of the power generation unit 46 in the X-axis direction. The wiring board includes wiring for supplying the electrical energy generated by the power generation unit 46 to the signal transmission unit 48. The signal transmission unit 48 transmits a signal indicating that the power generation unit 46 has generated power to the management device 6 (communication unit 61).

[0036] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide the chair 2 that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy when sitting on the chair, and the chair management system 10 that manages the usage information of the chair 2.

[0037] The transmission unit 45 rotates with the position pressed by the piston rod 42a as the effort point and the rotation shaft 44 as the fulcrum, and converts the mechanical energy generated by the movement of the piston rod 42a into electrical energy in the power generation unit 46 according to the principle of a lever with the position acting on the power generation unit 46 as the load point. By utilizing the principle of a lever in this way, a chair 2 (and the mechanical and electrical conversion device 4) with high power generation efficiency can be realized.

[0038] Further, the extension portion 45b and the power generation unit 46 are located on the side of the gas cylinder mechanism 42 opposite to the side where the rotation shaft 44 is located. Thereby, a chair 2 (and the mechanical and electrical conversion device 4) with a compact layout can be realized.

[0039] Furthermore, in the mechanical and electrical conversion device 4, since the piston rod 42a and the transmission unit 45 are not connected, a chair 2 (and the mechanical and electrical conversion device 4) with high assemblability can be realized.

[0040] The above describes an embodiment of the chair 2 and the mechanical and electrical conversion device 4 according to the present disclosure. Next, another mechanical and electrical conversion device 5 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0041] (Mechanical and Electrical Conversion Device 5) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the electromechanical conversion device 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 5, XYZ coordinates are shown. The Z-axis indicates the direction of gravity. The X-axis and the Y-axis are directions perpendicular to the Z-axis.

[0042] Similar to the electromechanical conversion device 4, the electromechanical conversion device 5 is provided at the lower end of a support column 28 (not shown) of the chair 2 that extends to the center of a plurality of legs 24 (not shown) of the chair 2.

[0043] The electromechanical conversion device 5 includes a housing 51, a gas cylinder mechanism 52, a spring 53, a bearing 54, a transmission part 55, a power generation part 56, and a signal transmission part 58 (not shown).

[0044] The housing 51 forms the outer edge of the electromechanical conversion device 5. The housing 51 is provided inside with the gas cylinder mechanism 52, the spring 53, the bearing 54, the transmission part 55, the power generation part 56, and the signal transmission part 58.

[0045] The gas cylinder mechanism 52 has a piston rod 52a and a cylinder 52b. Since the piston rod 52a and the cylinder 52b may have the same configuration as the piston rod 42a and the cylinder described with reference to FIG. 4, the description here is omitted.

[0046] The spring 53 is configured to mitigate the impact when a person sits on the chair 2. When the seated person leaves the chair 2, the spring 53 is configured to weaken the force applied in the downward direction of the Z-axis to the piston rod 52a and extend, transmit the extending force of the spring 53 to the piston rod 52a, and move the piston rod 52a in the upward direction of the Z-axis.

[0047] The bearing 54 is provided between the piston rod 52a and a first transmission part 55a (described later), and smoothly rotates the piston rod 52a that moves in the vertical direction of the Z-axis.

[0048] The transmission unit 55 has a first transmission unit 55a that receives the piston rod 52a from below the piston rod 52a, and a second transmission unit 55b located on the side of the first transmission unit 55a. The first transmission unit 55a is provided without being connected to the piston rod 52a. The first transmission unit 55a and the second transmission unit 55b may be integrally formed, or may be formed as separate bodies and connected to each other. The second transmission unit 55b is physically connected to the power generation unit 56. Alternatively, the power generation unit 56 may have a configuration such as a slide switch that synchronizes the movement of the second transmission unit 55b.

[0049] The power generation unit 56 is inside the housing 51 and is located on the side of the gas cylinder mechanism 52. The power generation unit 56 is physically connected to the second transmission unit 55b, and the mechanical energy of the piston rod 52a is transmitted by the movement of the second transmission unit 55b. Similar to the power generation unit 46 described with reference to FIG. 4, the power generation unit 56 may be an energy harvester (self-powered vibration power generation device) or another type of power generation mechanism.

[0050] According to the above configuration, when the seated person sits on the chair 2, the piston rod 52a moves downward in the Z-axis direction and presses the first transmission unit 55a. As a result, the second transmission unit 55b connected to the first transmission unit 55a also moves downward in the Z-axis direction and pushes the power generation unit 56 in the Z-axis direction. Thereby, the mechanical energy due to the movement of the piston rod 52a is transmitted to the power generation unit 56, and the power generation unit 56 can convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0051] Also, when the seated person leaves the chair 2, the piston rod 52a moves upward in the Z-axis direction due to the action of the spring 53. As a result, the first transmission unit 55a and the second transmission unit 55b also move upward, and the second transmission unit 55b weakens the force applied to the power generation unit 56. Thereby, the mechanical energy due to the movement of the piston rod 52a is transmitted to the power generation unit 56, and the power generation unit 56 can convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0052] The mechanical - electrical conversion device 5 includes a wiring board and a signal transmission unit 58 (not shown) inside the housing 51. The wiring board includes wirings for supplying the electrical energy generated by the power generation unit 56 to the signal transmission unit 58. The signal transmission unit 58 transmits a signal indicating that the power generation unit 56 has generated power to the management device 6 (communication unit 61).

[0053] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide the chair 2 that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy when a person sits on the chair 2, and the chair management system 10 that manages the usage information of the chair 2.

[0054] Also, the second transmission part 55b and the power generation part 56 are located on the side of the gas cylinder mechanism 52. Thereby, a chair 2 (and the mechanical - electrical conversion device 5) with a compact layout can be realized.

[0055] Furthermore, since the piston rod 52a and the transmission part 55 are not connected, a chair 2 (and the mechanical - electrical conversion device 5) with high assemblability can be realized.

[0056] As described above, the mechanical - electrical conversion device 4 and the mechanical - electrical conversion device 5 according to the present disclosure have been described. The mechanical - electrical conversion device 4 and the mechanical - electrical conversion device 5 are examples, and the present disclosure can also adopt a mechanical - electrical conversion device with other configurations as long as it has the same functions as described above.

[0057] (Management device) Next, the management device 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the management device 6 according to the present disclosure.

[0058] The management device 6 generates usage information related to the usage history of the chair 2 by using the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit 48, and displays the usage information on the display unit 64. As an example, the management device 6 may be a personal computer. The management device 6 includes a communication unit 61, a storage unit 62, a control unit 63, and a display unit 64.

[0059] The communication unit 61 acquires the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit 48 via the network. In the case of wireless communication, those using radio waves, those using infrared rays, etc. can be applied. As those using radio waves, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark) etc. may be applied. The communication unit 61 may store the signal acquired from the signal transmission unit 48 in the storage unit 62. The communication unit 61 may output the signal acquired from the signal transmission unit 48 to the control unit 63.

[0060] The storage unit 62 stores the signal acquired from the signal transmission unit 48 via the communication unit 61. Further, the storage unit 62 is a storage device in which various computer programs read by the control unit 63 and data used in various processes executed by the control unit 63 are stored. The storage unit 62 is constituted by, for example, a recording device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) provided in the management device 6, a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and / or a portable storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit 62 may be substituted with a server etc. outside the management device 6.

[0061] The control unit 63 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 63 performs control with the communication unit 61, the storage unit 62, and the display unit 64, and performs all control regarding the overall operation of the management device 6.

[0062] The control unit 63 includes a generation unit 631 and a display control unit 632.

[0063] The generation unit 631 generates usage information related to the usage history of the chair 2 using the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit 48.

[0064] More specifically, the communication unit 61 acquires the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit 48 via the network and stores the signal in the storage unit 62. The signals transmitted by the signal transmission unit 48 are a seating signal indicating that a person has seated on the chair 2 and a leaving signal indicating that a person has left the chair 2. The reception history of the seating signal and the leaving signal is accumulated in the storage unit 62 and read from the storage unit 62 by the generation unit 631.

[0065] As an example, the generation unit 631 reads the reception history of the seating signal and the leaving signal and generates usage information including information regarding at least one of the number of seatings and the seating time on the chair 2 during a predetermined period. As another example, the generation unit 631 generates usage information including information regarding at least one of the number of seatings and the seating time on the chair 2 on at least one of a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and hourly basis.

[0066] The chair management system 10 may store in the storage unit 62 information regarding at least one of the manufacturing date, delivery date, and start date of use of the chair 2, and / or identification information for uniquely identifying the chair 2. Thereby, the generation unit 631 can also generate usage information including information regarding at least one of the manufacturing date, delivery date, and start date of use of the chair 2, and / or identification information for uniquely identifying the chair 2.

[0067] The generation unit 631 may store the generated usage information in the storage unit 62. The generation unit 631 may output the generated usage information to the display control unit 632.

[0068] The display control unit 632 causes the display unit 64 to display the usage information acquired from the storage unit 62 or the generation unit 631.

[0069] The display unit 64 may be a display unit provided in the management device 6 or a display unit external to the management device 6.

[0070] The usage information related to the present disclosure is exemplified below. Note that the multiple usage information examples exemplified below may be displayed alone or in combination with each other on the display unit 64.

[0071] (Usage Information 1) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the usage information of the present disclosure displayed on the display unit 64. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 701 in FIG. 7 shows an example of usage information regarding the number of seatings on the chair 2 during a predetermined period. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 702 in FIG. 7 shows an example of usage information regarding the seating time on the chair 2 during a predetermined period.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, the display control unit 632 causes the display unit 64 to display usage information regarding the number of seatings and the seating time on the chair 2 during a predetermined period. The display control unit 632 may cause the display unit 64 to display only one of the number of seatings and the seating time. The predetermined period may be the period from the start of use of the chair to the present, or may be a specific period designated by the user.

[0073] In the example of FIG. 7, usage information such as "number of seatings: 50,000 times" and "seating time: 16,000 hours" is displayed. By checking the usage history (seating time and / or number of seatings) of the chair 2 displayed on the display unit 64, the user can manage the replacement time or maintenance time of the chair 2. For example, the person in charge of the chair 2's seller can propose to the purchaser of the chair 2 to replace the chair 2 when the number of seatings exceeds A times, and can use it as an opportunity to convey to the purchaser of the chair 2 that it has become a replacement standard when the number of seatings exceeds B times. The purchaser of the chair 2 can use it as an opportunity to consider purchasing a new chair 2 when the number of seatings exceeds C times. The same can be considered for the seating time.

[0074] In the example of FIG. 7, the number of seatings and the seating time are displayed together with a circular gauge graph (100% at 360°). Taking the number of seatings as an example, the display control unit 632 may cause the display unit 64 to display the usage information in a visually changing display format, such as displaying from 0 to A times in blue and from A to B times in red in the circular gauge graph. By changing the color of the gauge graph, the usage history can be made easier to check. Since this gauge graph can change color according to the seating time or the number of seatings, it may be treated as alarm information.

[0075] (Usage Information 2) The display information displayed on the display unit 64 may be information regarding at least one of the number of seatings and the seating time on at least one of the chairs 2 by day, week, month, year, and time. In the example of FIG. 7, the number of seatings and the seating time on the chair 2 by month are displayed as a bar graph.

[0076] According to this configuration, the chair can be managed with higher accuracy. As an example, it becomes possible to replace or maintain the chair 2 on days or time zones with a small number of seatings, and a service considering the convenience of the users who use the chair 2 can be provided. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, January, June, and December show large numerical values for the number of seatings and the seating time. Also, July and October show small numerical values for the number of seatings and the seating time. Therefore, it becomes possible to make a judgment such that the replacement or maintenance of the chair 2 is preferably not performed in January, June, and December, but in July and October.

[0077] (Usage Information 3) The generation unit 631 acquires information regarding at least one of the manufacturing date, delivery date, and start date of use of the chair 2 from the storage unit 62, and generates usage information of the chair 2 for display on the display unit 64 based on the acquired information. The generation unit 631 may store the generated usage information in the storage unit 62. The generation unit 631 may output the generated usage information to the display control unit 632.

[0078] The display control unit 632 acquires usage information regarding at least one of the manufacturing date, delivery date, and start date of use of the chair 2 from the storage unit 62 or the generation unit 631, and causes the display unit 64 to display the usage information. The display format may be set arbitrarily. By including information regarding at least one of the manufacturing date, delivery date, and start date of use of the chair 2 in the usage information, the chair 2 can be managed with higher accuracy.

[0079] As an example, for a chair for which eight years have passed since the manufacturing date of the chair 2, management methods such as determining that the timing for chair replacement has arrived, taking into account the usage frequency of the chair 2 or regardless of the usage frequency of the chair 2, can be considered. Such management methods can be similarly applied not only to the manufacturing date of the chair 2 but also to the delivery date or start date of use of the chair 2.

[0080] (Usage information 4) The generation unit 631 acquires identification information for uniquely identifying the chair 2 from the storage unit 62, and generates usage information of the chair 2 for display on the display unit 64 based on the acquired identification information. The display control unit 632 causes the display unit 64 to display the usage information generated by the generation unit 631.

[0081] More specifically, the signal transmission unit 48 of the chair 2 transmits a seating signal indicating that a person has seated on the chair 2 and a leaving signal indicating that a person has left the chair 2 to the communication unit 61 of the management device 6. The signal transmission unit 48 can include information (identification information) for uniquely identifying the chair 2 in the signal to be transmitted. The communication unit 61 stores in the storage unit 62 the history of receiving the seating signal and the leaving signal from the signal transmission unit 48. The storage unit 62 stores the signal reception history for each identification information of the chair 2. The generation unit 631 generates usage information regarding each chair 2 using the signal reception history for each chair 2.

[0082] According to the above configuration, the generation unit 631 can generate usage information regarding a specific chair 2 after identifying the specific chair 2 from among the plurality of chairs 2. The display control unit 632 acquires the usage information generated by the generation unit 631 from the generation unit 631 or the storage unit 62, and causes the display unit 64 to display the usage information regarding the specific chair 2. The display format may be set arbitrarily. Thereby, even when there are a plurality of chairs 2, the user can easily identify the target chair 2, and it becomes easier to manage the identified chair 2.

[0083] (Usage information 5) Next, the alarm information as the usage information displayed on the display unit 64 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the alarm information according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 8, the display control unit 632 causes the display unit 64 to display usage information regarding the usage status. The usage information shown in FIG. 8 has a rectangular area R1, area R2, and area 3 displayed horizontally in series. In the example of FIG. 8, the horizontal lengths of area R1, area R2, and area 3 are different. The item names "Standard", "Proposed time", and "Proposed guideline" are respectively attached to area R1, area R2, and area R3. The display control unit 632 may assign different colors to area R1, area R2, and area 3 so that it is easier for the user viewing the display unit 64 to see.

[0085] Area R1 (Standard) indicates the standard seating times and / or seating hours of chair 2 for which it is assumed that replacement or maintenance of chair 2 is not required. As an example, area R1 (Standard) includes the range of seating times from 0 to 37,500 times and seating hours from 0 to 12,000 hours starting from the date of delivery of chair 2.

[0086] Region R2 (proposal timing) indicates the number of seatings and / or seating time of chair 2 for which the replacement or maintenance of chair 2 should be considered. As an example, region R2 (proposal timing) includes the range where the number of seatings is from 37,501 to 43,750 and the seating time is from 12,000 hours to 14,000 hours, starting from the date of delivery of chair 2.

[0087] Region R3 (proposal guideline) indicates the number of seatings and / or seating time of chair 2 for which chair 2 should be replaced. As an example, region R3 (proposal guideline) includes the range where the number of seatings is from 43,751 to 50,000 and the seating time is from 14,001 hours to 16,000 hours, starting from the date of delivery of chair 2.

[0088] As described above, in the example of FIG. 8, regions R1, R2, and region 3 have different horizontal lengths. This is because the horizontal lengths of regions R1, R2, and region 3 are set according to the corresponding number of seatings and seating time. Regions R1, R2, and region 3 can be changed by receiving user input regarding the number of seatings and seating time for the horizontal length.

[0089] Furthermore, the display control unit 632 causes the display unit 64 to display line L1, line L2, and line L3 that extend in the vertical direction. In the example of FIG. 5, line L1, line L3, and line L2 are displayed in order from the left. Lines L1 to L3 may each have different colors or formats (solid line, dashed line, etc.) so as to be easily distinguishable from each other.

[0090] Line L1 indicates the number of seatings starting from the date of delivery of chair 2. The display control unit 632 moves line L1 to the right and displays it as the number of seatings on chair 2 increases. The position where the display control unit 632 causes line L1 to be displayed on the display unit 64 corresponds to the number of seatings assigned to regions R1, R2, and R3, respectively.

[0091] Line L2 indicates the sitting time starting from the date of incorporation of chair 2. The display control unit 632 moves line L2 to the right and displays it as the sitting time on chair 2 increases. The position where the display control unit 632 displays line L2 on the display unit 64 corresponds to the sitting time assigned to regions R1, R2, and R3, respectively.

[0092] Line L3 indicates the assumed standard number of sittings and / or time starting from the date of incorporation of chair 2. The display control unit 632 moves line L3 to the right and displays it as the usage period of chair 2 extends. The position where line L3 is displayed on the display unit 64 corresponds to the number of sittings and sitting time assigned to regions R1, R2, and R3, respectively.

[0093] Furthermore, the display control unit 632 displays lines L4 and L5, which extend horizontally, on the display unit 64. Line L4 intersects line L1. The characters "Number of Sittings" are displayed near the left end of line L4. Thus, it can be visually understood that line L4 corresponds to line L1 (number of sittings). Line L5 intersects line L2. The characters "Sitting Time" are displayed near the left end of line L5. Thus, it can be visually understood that line L5 corresponds to line L2 (sitting time).

[0094] According to the above configuration, the display control unit 632 moves line L1 to the right and displays it as the number of sittings on chair 2 increases, moves line L2 to the right and displays it as the sitting time on chair 2 increases, and moves line L3 to the right and displays it as the usage period of chair 2 extends. When the number of sittings and sitting time on chair 2 increase in a shorter period and exceed the standard number of sittings and standard sitting time corresponding to the usage period, line L1 and / or line L2 are displayed to the right of line L3.

[0095] As an example, when the person in charge (sales) of the seller of chair 2 confirms that line L1 and / or line L2 has moved to the right of line L3, it can be recognized in advance that the timing for proposing to the purchaser of chair 2 to exchange or maintain chair 2 will be advanced. Further, when the person in charge (sales) of the seller of chair 2 confirms that line L1, line L2, or line L3 is displayed in region R3, the person can propose to exchange or maintain chair 2.

[0096] Similarly, when the purchaser of chair 2 confirms that line L1 and / or line L2 has moved to the right of line L3, it can be recognized in advance that the timing for considering exchanging chair 2 for a new one will be advanced. Further, when the purchaser of chair 2 confirms that line L1, line L2, or line L3 is displayed in region R3, it can be an opportunity to consider exchanging chair 2 for a new one.

[0097] In this way, the display control unit 632 causes the display unit 64 to display usage information including alarm information for prompting the exchange or maintenance of chair 2, and it can be an opportunity to start considering the exchange or maintenance of chair 2 and the like.

[0098] As described above, in FIG. 8, as an example of alarm information, the configuration in which region R1, region R2, region R3, and lines L1 to L5 are displayed on the display unit 64 by the display control unit 632 has been described. The alarm information is not limited to the configuration of FIG. 8, and may be realized by other configurations. For example, as described above, the circular gauge graph whose color changes according to the seating time or the number of seatings shown in FIG. 7 may also be treated as alarm information.

[0099] (Usage information 6) The generation unit 631 generates usage information including information regarding at least either the amount of electric power generated by the power generation unit 46 and its integrated value. The display control unit 632 causes the display unit 64 to display the usage information generated by the generation unit 631.

[0100] When a person with a large body weight sits on the chair 2, the load on the chair 2 is large, and the replacement or maintenance period may come earlier than the original product life of the chair 2. Focusing on this point, the present disclosure also includes generating the following usage information.

[0101] As an example, the chair management system 10 includes a wattmeter that detects the power generated by the power generation unit 46, and stores the power value detected by the wattmeter in the storage unit 62. The generation unit 631 generates, as usage information, information regarding at least either the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 46 or its integrated value from the power value stored in the storage unit 62. The generation unit 631 stores the usage information in the storage unit 62. The generation unit 631 outputs the usage information to the display control unit 632.

[0102] The display control unit 632 acquires usage information regarding at least either the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 46 or its integrated value from the storage unit 62 or the generation unit 631, and causes the display unit 64 to display the usage information.

[0103] According to the above configuration, for a chair used by a person with a large body weight, the chair can be managed with higher accuracy, such as replacing the chair at an early stage.

[0104] (Method for managing a chair) FIG. 9 shows a method for managing a chair according to the present disclosure. The chair 2 according to the present disclosure includes a power generation unit 46 that generates power as the user sits and leaves the seat, and a signal transmission unit 48 that transmits a signal (seating signal, leaving signal) indicating that the power generation unit 46 has generated power.

[0105] S10 indicates a generation step of generating usage information related to the usage history of the chair 2 from the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit 48. Subsequently, S20 indicates a display step of causing the display unit 64 to display the usage information. By going through S10 and S20, the seller or purchaser of the chair 2 can manage the replacement time or maintenance time of the chair 2 based on the usage history of the chair 2 by checking the usage information related to the usage history of the chair 2 displayed on the display unit 64.

[0106] (Example of Software Implementation) The functions of the management device 6 (hereinafter referred to as the "device") are programs for causing a computer to function as the device, and can be realized by programs for causing a computer to function as each control block of the device (especially each part included in the control unit 63).

[0107] In this case, the above device includes, as hardware for executing the above program, a computer having at least one control device (for example, a processor) and at least one storage device (for example, a memory). By executing the above program with this control device and storage device, each function described in the above embodiments is realized.

[0108] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporarily. This recording medium may or may not be provided in the above device. In the latter case, the above program may be supplied to the above device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0109] Also, part or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit functioning as each of the above control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition to this, for example, it is also possible to realize the functions of each of the above control blocks by a quantum computer.

[0110] Also, each process described in the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI may operate in the above control device, or may operate in another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server, etc.).

[0111] (Summary) The management device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is a management device that manages the usage history of a chair. The chair includes a power generation unit that generates electricity when a user sits on and leaves the chair, and a signal transmission unit that transmits a signal indicating that the power generation unit has generated electricity. The management device further includes a generation unit that generates usage information related to the usage history of the chair using the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit, and a display control unit that causes the usage information to be displayed on a display unit.

[0112] According to the above configuration, since the usage information related to the usage history of the chair is displayed on the display unit, it is possible to manage the replacement time or maintenance time of the chair based on the usage history of the chair.

[0113] Furthermore, the management device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure can realize the provision of a chair based on metered billing (charging according to the number of seatings and / or seating time).

[0114] In the management device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, in the above Embodiment 1, the usage information includes information related to at least one of the number of seatings and the seating time on the chair during a predetermined period.

[0115] By including information related to at least one of the number of seatings and the seating time during a predetermined period in the usage information, the chair can be managed with higher accuracy. The predetermined period is, for example, the period from the start of use of the chair to the present.

[0116] In the management device according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure, in the above Embodiment 1 or 2, the usage information includes information related to at least one of the number of seatings and the seating time on the chair on at least one of a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and hourly basis.

[0117] By including information related to at least one of the number of seatings and the seating time on the chair on a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and time basis in the usage information, the chair can be managed with higher accuracy. As an example, it becomes possible to perform chair replacement or maintenance on days or time periods with a low number of seatings, and a service considering the convenience of users who use the chair can be provided.

[0118] In the management device according to Aspect 4 of the present disclosure, in any of Aspects 1 to 3, the usage information includes information related to at least one of the manufacturing date, delivery date, and start date of use of the chair.

[0119] By including information related to at least one of the manufacturing date, delivery date, and start date of use of the chair in the usage information, the chair can be managed with higher accuracy. As an example, for a chair that has passed 8 years since the manufacturing date, a management method such as determining that the timing for chair replacement has arrived in consideration of the usage frequency of the chair or regardless of the usage frequency of the chair can be considered.

[0120] In the management device according to Aspect 5 of the present disclosure, in any of Aspects 1 to 4, the usage information includes identification information for uniquely identifying the chair.

[0121] By including the identification information for uniquely identifying the chair in the usage information, even when there are multiple chairs, the target chair can be specified, and it becomes easier to manage the chair.

[0122] In the management device according to Aspect 6 of the present disclosure, in any of Aspects 1 to 5, the usage information includes alarm information for prompting replacement or maintenance of the chair.

[0123] According to the above configuration, the display of the alarm information can trigger the start of consideration for chair replacement or maintenance.

[0124] The management device according to aspect 7 of the present disclosure, in any of aspects 1 to 6, the usage information includes information related to at least either the amount of electric power generated by the power generation unit or its integrated value.

[0125] In the case of a person with a large body weight, the load on the chair is large and the amount of power generation is large. Therefore, by including information related to at least either the amount of electric power generated by the power generation unit or its integrated value in the usage information, it is possible to manage the chair with higher accuracy, such as replacing the chair at an early stage for a chair used by a person with a large body weight.

[0126] A chair management system according to aspect 8 of the present disclosure is a chair management system including a chair and a management device that manages the chair, the chair including a power generation unit that generates power as a user sits on and gets off the chair, and a signal transmission unit that transmits a signal indicating that the power generation unit has generated power, the management device including a generation unit that generates usage information related to the usage history of the chair using the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit, and a display control unit that causes the usage information to be displayed on a display unit.

[0127] According to the above configuration, since the usage information related to the usage history of the chair is displayed on the display unit, the management of the chair becomes easy.

[0128] A chair management method according to aspect 9 of the present disclosure, the chair including a power generation unit that generates power as a user sits on and gets off the chair, and a signal transmission unit that transmits a signal indicating that the power generation unit has generated power, includes a generation step of generating usage information related to the usage history of the chair from the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit, and a display step of causing the usage information to be displayed on a display unit.

[0129] According to the above configuration, since the usage information related to the usage history of the chair is displayed on the display unit, it is possible to manage, based on the usage history of the chair, the replacement timing or maintenance timing of the chair, etc.

[0130] A chair management program according to aspect 10 of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the generation step and the display step described in aspect 9.

[0131] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. The technical scope of the present disclosure also includes embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the disclosed technical means. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the disclosed technical means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 2 Chairs 4, 5 Mechanical-electrical conversion device 6 Management device 10. Chair Management System 21 Seat area 23 Back Frame 26 Headrest 27 Caster 28 Posts 41, 51 Case 42, 52 Gas cylinder mechanism 46, 56 Power Generation Section 42a, 52a Piston rod 52b Cylinder 43 Support part 43a Through hole 44 Rotational Axis 48, 58 Signal transmitter 45, 55 Transmission section 45a Main unit 45b Extension 53 Spring 54 Bearing 55a First Transmission Section 55b Second transmission part 63 Control Unit 61 Communications Department 62 Storage section 64 Display section 631 Generation part 632 Display control unit

Claims

1. A management device for managing the usage history of a chair, comprising: the chair includes a power generation unit that generates electricity as a user sits on and gets up from the chair, and a signal transmission unit that transmits a signal indicating that the power generation unit has generated electricity; a generation unit that generates usage information related to the usage history of the chair using the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit; a display control unit that causes the usage information to be displayed on a display unit.

2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the usage information includes information related to at least one of the number of times of sitting on the chair and the sitting time on the chair within a predetermined period.

3. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the usage information includes information related to at least one of the number of times of sitting on the chair and the sitting time on the chair on at least one of a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and hourly basis.

4. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the usage information includes information related to at least one of the manufacturing date, delivery date, and start date of use of the chair.

5. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the usage information includes identification information for uniquely identifying the chair.

6. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the usage information includes alarm information for prompting replacement or maintenance of the chair.

7. The management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the usage information includes information related to at least one of the amount of electricity generated by the power generation unit and its integrated value.

8. A chair management system including a chair and a management device for managing the chair, wherein the chair includes a power generation unit that generates electricity as a user sits on and gets up from the chair, and a signal transmission unit that transmits a signal indicating that the power generation unit has generated electricity, and the management device includes a generation unit that generates usage information related to the usage history of the chair using the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit, and a display control unit that causes the usage information to be displayed on a display unit.

9. A chair management method, wherein the chair includes a power generation unit that generates electricity as a user sits on and gets up from the chair, and a signal transmission unit that transmits a signal indicating that the power generation unit has generated electricity, the method including a generation step of generating usage information related to the usage history of the chair from the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit, and a display step of causing the usage information to be displayed on a display unit.

10. A chair management program for causing a computer to execute the generation step and the display step according to claim 9.

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