Method for checking exercise status, device for checking exercise status, and system for checking exercise status

Abstract

This invention provides a method for easily monitoring the exercise status of elderly people, wheelchair users, and those undergoing rehabilitation, even when they are not physically present. [Solution] A measuring unit 5 is attached to an exercise unit (exercise equipment 1) that can swing when the user places both feet on it while seated. The measuring unit 5 measures the swinging motion of the exercise equipment 1 and stores the generated data. A mobile terminal 10, server 20, or cloud 21) receives the data from the measuring unit 5, generates information related to this data, and display units 30a, 31a, and 32a display this information to the administrator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for confirming a motion state, a device for confirming a motion state, and a system for confirming a motion state.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to manage the target amount of exercise due to exercise or the like, a technique has been proposed in which the calories consumed by various exercises of a user are converted into the number of steps of the user so that the user can manage the amount of exercise per day. (For example, Patent Document 1)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to manage the exercise of the elderly, wheelchair users, rehabilitation patients, etc. for whom exercise management is more important. In addition, there is a problem that the exercise management of these people is preferably performed not only by the person himself / herself but also by people who are not present, such as doctors and family members.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a method for confirming a motion state that enables easy exercise management of the elderly, wheelchair users, rehabilitation patients, etc. even by people who are not present.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention provides a method for checking the movement status of an exercise unit, which is capable of swinging when the user places both feet on it while seated. A measuring unit attached to the exercise unit measures the swinging motion of the exercise unit and stores the generated data. An information processing unit receives the data from the measuring unit and generates information related to the data. A display unit displays the information to the administrator. The exercise unit comprises a base and a main body that is rotatably mounted relative to the base, and the measuring unit measures the swinging motion of the main body, including the number of times the main body swings relative to the base.

[0007] The exercise status confirmation device of the present invention comprises: an exercise unit that can swing when a user places both feet on it while seated; a measurement unit attached to the exercise unit and capable of storing data generated by measuring the swinging motion of the exercise unit; and a communication unit for communicating the data to the information processing unit so that the information processing unit generates information related to the data and displays the information to the administrator via a display unit. The exercise unit comprises a base unit and a main body unit that is rotatably mounted relative to the base unit, and the measurement unit measures the swinging motion of the main body unit, including the number of times the main body unit swings relative to the base unit.

[0008] The exercise status confirmation system of the present invention comprises: an exercise unit that can swing when the user places both feet on it while seated; a measuring unit attached to the exercise unit and capable of storing data generated by measuring the swinging motion of the exercise unit; an information processing unit that receives the data from the measuring unit and generates information from the data; and a display unit that receives the information and displays it for the administrator. The exercise unit comprises a base unit and a main body unit that is rotatably mounted relative to the base unit, and the measuring unit measures the swinging motion of the main body unit, including the number of times the main body unit swings relative to the base unit.

[0009] The exercise status confirmation system of the present invention comprises: an exercise unit that can swing when the user places both feet on it while seated; a measurement unit attached to the exercise unit and capable of storing data generated by measuring the swinging motion of the exercise unit; and a display unit which receives the data from the measurement unit and receives information generated from the data and displays it to the administrator. The exercise unit comprises a base unit and a main body unit that is rotatably mounted relative to the base unit, and the measurement unit measures the swinging motion of the main body unit, including the number of times the main body unit swings relative to the base unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for checking the exercise status of elderly people, wheelchair users, and people undergoing rehabilitation, which can be easily managed even by people who are not present at the scene. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] (a)(b) Schematic overall perspective view of an exercise device in one embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Schematic view of an exercise device in one embodiment of the present invention: (a) front view, (b) top view, (c) side view, (d) cross-sectional view. [Figure 3] Schematic structural diagram of an exercise device in one embodiment of the present invention [Figure 4] (a)(b) Figures showing an example of the use of an exercise device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Overall explanatory diagram of the motion status confirmation system in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Flowchart relating to an exercise status confirmation system in one embodiment of the present invention [Figure 7] Flowchart relating to an exercise status confirmation system in one embodiment of the present invention [Figure 8] Functional block diagram relating to a motion status confirmation system in one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] An exercise device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1-4. Figure 1 shows a schematic overall perspective view of the exercise device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows schematic (a) front view, (b) top view, (c) side view, and (d) cross-sectional view of the exercise device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cross-sectional view in Figure 2(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 2(c). Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the exercise device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows an example of use of the exercise device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Exercise equipment 1, which is part of the sports equipment, is used for exercises in which the user alternately moves both of their feet up and down in small increments, that is, for exercises of the user's feet (jiggling).

[0014] The exercise equipment 1 includes a rectangular, planar base portion 2 that is placed on the floor. A convex projection 3 is fixed to the upper surface of the base portion 2. The projection 3 has a semi-circular shape. The base portion 2 and the projection 3 may be integrated, or they may be separate, with the base portion 2 supporting the projection 3 from below. A rubber sheet or similar material may be provided on the lower surface of the base portion 2 as an anti-slip material to prevent the base portion 2 from sliding sideways on the floor. Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the long side of the base portion 2 is defined as the X-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction in the horizontal plane is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the XY plane is defined as the Z-axis direction. For the sake of explanation, the base portion 2 will be described as rectangular, but its shape is not limited to this.

[0015] On the base part 2, a main body part 4 as a rotating body is provided so as to be rotatable within a predetermined range with respect to the base part 2. The main body part 4 is formed in an arc shape (semicircular arc shape) when viewed from the front, for example, by cutting a columnar member in a direction perpendicular to a smooth surface. As a result, the cut surface of the main body part 4 is a smooth surface 4a, and an arc part 4b is formed along the circumferential direction excluding the smooth surface 4a of the main body part 4. That is, the arc part 4b has a curved surface. The measuring part 5 is something like a pedometer, is attached to the main body part 4 of the exercise apparatus 1, measures the rocking motion state of the main body part 4, and stores data generated based on the measurement result. The measuring part 5 may be fixed to the main body part 4, may be only placed thereon, or may be removable. It is preferable to provide a depression in a part of the smooth surface 4a and provide the measuring part 5 therein, and it is preferable to arrange the measuring part 5 at a position that comes between the user's both feet during the usage method described later. The rocking motion state refers to the number of rocking motions, the operation time, and the like. The base part 2, the protruding part 3, and the main body part 4 are made of, for example, wood.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 2(c), (d) and FIG. 3, the main body part 4 has a groove part 6 whose inner shape is a semicircular arc shape and concave when viewed from the side in a part of the arc part 4b (curved surface). When the main body part 4 is placed on the base part 2, the protruding part 3 is housed in the groove part 6, so it is preferable that the groove part 6 is larger than the protruding part 3 in each of its height direction, width direction, and length direction. As shown in FIG. 2(d), a groove part 6 having a rectangular shape is formed when viewed from above with the virtual top center of the arc part 4b (curved surface) as a starting point. It is preferable that the angle formed by the range where the groove part 6 is formed is an obtuse angle. By fitting the protruding part 3 into the groove part 6, the main body part 4 is supported so as to be rotatable about the horizontal direction with respect to the base part 2 and the protruding part 3. The surface of the groove part 6 is, for example, "rough" by rough machining.

[0017] The main body part 4 rotates along the arc part 4b (curved surface) with respect to the base part 2 and the protruding part 3 within the range where the groove part 6 is formed. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and (b), both ends of the smooth surface 4a of the main body part 4 move up and down in the Z-axis direction over a predetermined distance by the user's jigling.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, the smooth surface 4a of the main body 4 serves as a placement portion on which both feet of the user are placed. In addition, according to the physical characteristics (e.g., height) of the user, a plate-like member having a size larger than the length dimension in the longitudinal direction of the smooth surface 4a may be fixed on the smooth surface 4a, and this plate-like member may be used as the placement portion. Also, an anti-slip member such as a rubber sheet may be provided at the position on the smooth surface 4a where both feet of the user come into contact.

[0019] Next, a usage example of the exercise apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. First, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the user installs the exercise apparatus 1 on the floor surface. The basic posture of the exercise apparatus 1 before the start of joggling is such that the top of the arc portion 4b of the main body 4 is at the position closest to the base portion 2 as shown in FIG. 1(a), in other words, the smooth surface 4a is in a horizontal position.

[0020] Next, the user places one foot and the other foot on both sides of the smooth surface 4a respectively. Then, as shown in FIG. 4(a), when the user moves one foot (the left foot in the figure) downward, the main body 4 rotates in the direction of the arrow while maintaining the engagement between the groove portion 6 and the protrusion portion 3, and the other foot (the right foot in the figure) also moves upward. The main body 4 does not disengage from the protrusion portion 3, and the movement (displacement) in the width direction (the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the protrusion portion 3 in the horizontal plane) is restricted by the protrusion portion 3. The surface of the groove portion 6 is "rough", and during joggling, the surface of the main body 4 slides on the surface of the protrusion portion 3, so the main body 4 is also prevented from slipping sideways in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the protrusion portion 3.

[0021] Next, as shown in FIG. 4(b), when the user moves the other foot (the right foot in the figure) downward, the main body 4 rotates while maintaining the engagement between the groove portion 6 and the protrusion portion 3, and one foot (the left foot in the figure) moves upward. Then, thereafter, as the user alternately moves one foot and the other foot up and down in small increments (joggling), the main body 4 repeatedly alternates between the state of FIG. 4(a) and the state of FIG. 4(b).

[0022] Thus, the main body 4 has an arc portion 4b (curved surface), and as the user's feet, which are placed on the mounting portion, move alternately, it rotates along the circumferential direction of the arc portion 4b over a predetermined range. Furthermore, the groove portion 6 formed in the base portion 2, the projection portion 3, and the main body portion 4 serves as a restricting means to restrict the movement of the main body portion 4 in the horizontal plane. The groove portion (recess) 6 is formed along the arc portion 4b (curved surface) of the main body portion 4, and the projection portion (convex portion) 3 is installed opposite the base portion 2 and fitted into the groove portion 6. In addition, the base portion 2 is installed on the floor surface and the projection portion 3 is fixed to the upper surface.

[0023] As described above, according to the exercise device 1 in one embodiment of the present invention, displacement of the main body 4 when the user performs jiggling can be suppressed, and as a result, jiggling can be performed continuously in a fixed position. The measuring unit 5 measures the oscillating motion conditions, such as the number of jigging movements and the operating time, and records the data in a memory built into the device.

[0024] By configuring Exercise Equipment 1 in this way, users can exercise even while sitting indoors. In particular, it allows for effective movement of the hip joint without requiring force or body weight, making it possible to exercise effectively without expending too much energy simply by using Exercise Equipment 1. In fact, it has been shown that using Exercise Equipment 1 improves blood circulation to the brain without excessive physical exertion. Therefore, this type of exercise is very suitable for the elderly, people in wheelchairs, and people undergoing rehabilitation. This is because it is not easy for the elderly, people in wheelchairs, and people undergoing rehabilitation to exercise by moving around, such as walking or cycling, and for them, exercise that can be done indoors (unaffected by weather) while sitting is suitable so that they can exercise continuously without expending too much energy. Also, because their daily amount of exercise is limited, exercise that improves blood circulation throughout the body even while sitting indoors is suitable. Furthermore, when the users of Exercise Equipment 1 are the elderly, people in wheelchairs, or people undergoing rehabilitation, convenience of exercise is important, and since Exercise Equipment 1 does not use electricity, it is very suitable because it allows for effective exercise regardless of location.

[0025] Furthermore, if the user is elderly, in a wheelchair, or undergoing rehabilitation, it is desirable that exercise management be carried out not only by the user themselves, but also by a doctor or family member (who cannot be present to supervise the user during exercise). Ideally, even if the supervisor lives far away, it would be desirable if they could monitor the user's well-being and health condition.

[0026] Therefore, referring to Figures 5 and 8, a method for checking exercise status using exercise equipment 1 and an exercise status checking system will be described, which allow even an administrator who is not present at the user's exercise location to manage and monitor exercise using exercise equipment 1. Figure 5 is an overall explanatory diagram of the exercise status checking system in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a flowchart relating to the exercise status checking system in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a measuring unit 5 is attached to the exercise equipment 1. When the measuring unit 5 is turned on, S101 detects the start of the exercise equipment's oscillation due to the user stepping in place. In S102, the measuring unit 5 measures the oscillation status of the exercise equipment 1, such as the number of jiggling movements and the operation time (start date and time, end date and time, duration of oscillation, etc.), and records the generated data in a memory built into the measuring unit 5.

[0028] If the measuring unit 5 detects in S103 that the user has finished stepping (YES), and the measuring unit 5 does not have a transmission function, then in S104, a portable terminal 10 equipped with both a transmission and reading function reads the data from the measuring unit 5 using a general reading function. If the measuring unit 5 does not detect that the user has finished stepping in S103 (NO), the process returns to S102.

[0029] In S105, the mobile terminal 10 transmits the data to at least one of the server 20 and the cloud 21. In S106, the server 20 and the cloud 21 are examples of information processing units that generate information related to the received data. The information includes, for example, exercise management items such as the user's calorie consumption converted from data on the swaying motion, and the distance and speed of movement when the swaying motion is replaced with walking, converted from the calorie consumption and swaying motion. Since this information is accumulated daily as the user exercises, it may be made available for display in graphs or other formats. The selection of which exercise management items should be displayed to the administrator may be stored in the measurement unit 5 and sent to the mobile terminal 10, server 20, and cloud 21 along with the measured values. Alternatively, it may be stored in the mobile terminal 10 and sent to the server 20 and cloud 21 along with the measured values, or it may be stored in the server 20 and cloud 21.

[0030] In S107, the generated information is sent to the administrator's information terminal, such as a smartphone 30, tablet 31, or personal computer 32. If the information has been sent, the administrator may be notified. The smartphone 30, tablet 31, and personal computer 32 are equipped with display units 30a, 31a, and 32a. In S108, the display units 30a, 31a, and 32a display the information generated by the information processing unit, the server 20 or cloud 21. This allows the administrator to view the information and manage the user's exercise.

[0031] In the above explanation, the server 20 and cloud 21 were described as information processing units, but the mobile terminal 10 may also be the information processing unit. In that case, the mobile terminal 10 may send information to the administrator's smartphone 30, tablet 31, or personal computer 32, or the information may be sent to the server 20 or cloud 21 for storage and then sent from the server 20 or cloud 21 to the smartphone 30, tablet 31, or personal computer 32.

[0032] Furthermore, if the measurement unit 5 is equipped with a communication unit that has a transmission function, the measurement unit 5 may transmit its data to at least one of the mobile terminal 10, server 20, or cloud 21.

[0033] Figure 7 is a flowchart relating to an exercise status confirmation system in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] S201 and S202 are the same as S101 and S102. In S203, if the measurement unit 5 is equipped with a communication unit that has a transmission function, the measurement unit 5 may transmit the data to the mobile terminal 10. This transmission may be performed even while the user is marching in place. Here, in S204, the mobile terminal 10, and in S106, the server 20 and cloud 21 are examples of information processing units that generate information related to the received data (converted into exercise management item values). Then, in S205, this information is transmitted to the storage unit. The storage unit here may be the server 20 or cloud 21, as long as it is equipped with a storage unit. In S206, the information is transmitted from the storage unit to the administrator's smartphone 30, tablet 31, or personal computer 32. In S207, the display units 30a, 31a, and 32a display the information generated by the information processing unit, the server 20 or cloud 21.

[0035] Figure 8 is a functional configuration diagram of an exercise status confirmation system in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, it has been explained that the hardware of this exercise status confirmation system may include an exercise device 1, a measurement unit 5, a server 20, a cloud 21, a smartphone 30, a tablet 31, a personal computer 32, etc. However, regardless of the type of hardware, the system as a whole may include functions such as a oscillation data measurement unit 301, an oscillation data reading unit 302, an oscillation data communication unit 303, a storage unit 304, a display unit 305, a data conversion unit 306, a graph creation unit 307, and a notification unit (transmission unit) 308.

[0036] The oscillation data measurement unit 301 is the measurement unit 5. To communicate the data measured by the oscillation data measurement unit 301 to the storage unit 304, data conversion unit 306, graph creation unit 307, etc., it is preferable to have at least one of the oscillation data reading unit 302 and oscillation data communication unit 303. These are preferable to be provided in the measurement unit 5 or the mobile terminal 10. The storage unit 304 stores the data, the information converted by the data conversion unit 306 according to the exercise management items, and the information converted into graphs, etc. by the graph creation unit 307. It may also store the exercise management items. The display unit 305 is for the administrator to view the information. The data conversion unit 306 converts the data measured by the measurement unit 5 into information to be displayed to the administrator according to the exercise management items. The graph creation unit 307 creates graphs, etc., based on that information and past information that has been stored in the past, in a way that is easy for the administrator to understand. The notification unit 308 transmits and notifies the administrator of the information to a terminal equipped with a display unit 305, etc., owned by the administrator.

[0037] This makes it possible to provide a method, device, and system for checking exercise status that allows for easy management of exercise for the elderly, wheelchair users, and those undergoing rehabilitation, even for people who are not present at the scene.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method for checking the movement status involves a measurement unit 5 attached to an exercise unit (exercise equipment 1) that can swing when the user places both feet on it while seated. This measurement unit 5 measures the swinging motion of the exercise equipment 1 and stores the generated data. A mobile terminal 10, server 20, or cloud 21) receives the data from the measurement unit 5, generates information related to this data, and displays 30a, 31a, and 32a display this information to the administrator. [Industrial applicability]

[0039] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for checking the exercise status of elderly people, wheelchair users, and people undergoing rehabilitation, which can be easily managed even by people who are not present at the scene. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0040] 1 exercise equipment 2 Base section 3 Protrusion 4. Main body 4a Smooth surface 4b Arc section 5 Measuring part 6 grooves 10 Mobile devices 20 servers 21 Cloud 30 Smartphones 31 Tablets 32 Personal Computers 30a, 31a, 32a Display section

Claims

1. A measuring unit attached to a movable part, which can swing when the user places both feet on it while seated, measures the swinging motion of the movable part and stores the generated data. The information processing unit receives the data from the measurement unit and generates information related to the data. The display unit displays the aforementioned information to the administrator. The aforementioned moving part comprises a base part and a main body part that is rotatably mounted relative to the base part. The measurement unit measures the oscillation motion of the main body, including the number of times the main body swings relative to the base, as a motion confirmation method.

2. The exercise unit allows for rocking motion when the user places both feet on it while seated, A measuring unit attached to the aforementioned moving part, which is capable of measuring the oscillation motion of the aforementioned moving part and storing data generated from it, A communication unit for communicating the data to the information processing unit in order for the information processing unit to generate information related to the data and to display the information to the administrator via a display unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned moving part comprises a base part and a main body part that is rotatably mounted relative to the base part. The measuring unit is a motion status confirmation device that measures the oscillation operation status of the main body, including the number of times the main body swings relative to the base.

3. The exercise unit allows for rocking motion when the user places both feet on it while seated, A measuring unit attached to the aforementioned moving part, which is capable of measuring the oscillation motion of the aforementioned moving part and storing data generated from it, An information processing unit receives the data from the measurement unit and generates information from the data, A display unit that receives the aforementioned information and displays it for the administrator, Equipped with, The aforementioned moving part comprises a base part and a main body part that is rotatably mounted relative to the base part. The measurement unit is a motion status confirmation system that measures the oscillation motion of the main body, including the number of times the main body swings relative to the base.

4. The exercise unit allows for rocking motion when the user places both feet on it while seated, A measuring unit attached to the aforementioned moving part, which is capable of measuring the oscillation motion of the aforementioned moving part and storing data generated from it, The information processing device receives the data from the measurement unit, and the display unit receives the information generated from the data and displays it to the administrator. Equipped with, The aforementioned moving part comprises a base part and a main body part that is rotatably mounted relative to the base part. The measurement unit is a motion status confirmation system that measures the oscillation motion of the main body, including the number of times the main body swings relative to the base.

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