Massage device

Abstract

This invention provides a technology that reduces or cancels out the noise of massage devices using a different approach than conventional methods. [Solution] The massage device 100 comprises a sound signal output unit 21 and a speaker 3. The sound signal output unit 21 outputs an output sound signal that includes a suppression sound signal that weakens or cancels out noise generated from the device 100. The speaker 3 converts the output sound signal into sound and outputs the sound. The sound signal output unit 21 has a sound selection unit 211. Based on the noise generation conditions, the sound selection unit 211 selects a suppression sound signal from among a plurality of recorded sound signals pre-recorded as sound information 11 stored in the storage unit 1,902.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a massage device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an active noise cancellation technology that cancels ambient sound with its inverse-phase sound is known. For example, in the massage chair of Patent Document 1, a sensor for detecting vibration information of an electromechanical unit is installed in the electromechanical unit. A monitor microphone and a speaker are provided on the upper part of the massage chair. The monitor microphone detects the noise level near the head of the user (the person being treated). The speaker outputs an inverse-phase sound at the same level as the noise. The massage chair cancels the noise by canceling it with the inverse-phase sound.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, in Patent Document 1, the noise is directly collected and the inverse-phase sound of the noise is generated and output, so that the noise is canceled.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a technology for reducing or canceling the noise of a massage device by a different approach from the conventional one.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, a massage device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a sound signal output unit and a speaker. The sound signal output unit outputs an output sound signal including a suppression sound signal that weakens or cancels out noise generated from the device. The speaker converts the output sound signal into sound and outputs the sound. The sound signal output unit has a sound selection unit. Based on the noise generation conditions, the sound selection unit selects the suppression sound signal from among a plurality of recorded sound signals pre-recorded as sound information stored in a memory unit.

[0007] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, a massage device according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a sound signal output unit and a speaker. The sound signal output unit outputs an output sound signal that includes a suppression sound signal for reducing or canceling out noise generated from the device. The speaker converts the output sound signal into sound and outputs the sound. The sound signal output unit has an estimation unit. The estimation unit uses an estimation model stored in a memory unit and estimates the suppression sound based on the noise generation conditions and generates the suppression sound signal. The estimation model is algorithm data that has been pre-machine-trained using a dataset consisting of the generation conditions of learning noise generated in a device of the same model as the device itself and the inverse-phase sound signal of the learning noise sound signal.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be further revealed by the embodiments described below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology for reducing or canceling the noise of a massage device using a different approach than conventional methods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view showing an example configuration of a chair-type massage device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an example of the control system configuration in a chair-type massage device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3]Block diagram showing an example of the control system configuration in a chair-type massage device according to the first modified embodiment. [Figure 4] Block diagram showing an example of the control system configuration in a chair-type massage device according to a second modified embodiment. [Figure 5] Block diagram showing an example of the control system configuration in a chair-type massage device according to a third modified embodiment. [Figure 6] Block diagram showing an example of the control system configuration in a chair-type massage device according to a fourth modified embodiment. [Figure 7] A schematic perspective view showing an example of a chair-type massage device according to a fifth modified embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the chair-type massage device 100 may be referred to as "massage device 100" or "self-device 100". Therefore, "self-device 100" in this specification refers to the "chair-type massage device 100". The front (front side) as seen from the perspective of a person seated in the massage device 100 will be called the "front", and the rear (back side) as seen from the perspective of a person seated in the massage device 100 will be called the "rear". The direction from one of the front and rear to the other will be called the "front-back direction". The upper (head side) as seen from the perspective of a person seated in the massage device 100 will be called the "up", and the lower (leg side) as seen from the perspective of a person seated in the massage device 100 will be called the "down". The direction from one of the upper and lower to the other will be called the "up-down direction". Furthermore, the left side from the perspective of the person receiving treatment while seated in the massage device 100 is referred to as the "left side," and the right side from the perspective of the person receiving treatment while seated in the massage device 100 is referred to as the "right side." The direction from one of the left or right sides toward the other is referred to as the "left-right direction."

[0012] <1. Embodiments> Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example configuration of a chair-type massage device 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the control system in the chair-type massage device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the massage device 100 comprises a seat 200, a backrest 300, a pair of left and right bases 400, a pair of left and right armrests 500, an operating unit 600, and an ottoman 700.

[0014] The seat 200 is supported by a base frame (not shown) and supports the buttocks and thighs of the person receiving treatment. The base frame is positioned below the seat 200.

[0015] The backrest 300 is positioned on the rear side of the seat 200 and supports the torso of the person being treated (for example, the shoulders, waist, and back). The backrest 300 is rotatable relative to the seat 200 around a backrest pivot axis 301 that extends in the left-right direction. The backrest 300 houses a treatment unit 302 and a guide rail 303. The treatment unit 302 can treat the back of the person being treated and is movable up and down along the guide rail 303. The guide rail 303 extends longitudinally along the front of the backrest 300 and supports the treatment unit 302 so that it can move up and down. The longitudinal direction of the backrest 300 is from one shoulder and one waist of the person being treated who is leaning their torso against the backrest 300 to the other.

[0016] The left and right base portions 400 are erected on both the left and right sides of the seat portion 200, below the seat portion 200.

[0017] A pair of left and right armrests 500 are positioned above the base 400 on both sides of the seat 200 in the left-right direction, supporting the arms of the person being treated (especially the forearms and hands). The pair of left and right armrests 500 are symmetrical in shape. Each armrest 500 has a treatment section (not shown) containing an inflatable airbag. The treatment section massages the arms of the person being treated by inflating and deflating the airbag. In addition to the armrests 500, inflatable airbags may also be positioned on both sides of the seat 200 in the left-right direction, on the front of the backrest 300, and on the ottoman 700, etc. Each airbag massages the part of the person being treated that it is in contact with.

[0018] The operation unit 600 is an input device for selecting treatment patterns, adjusting the intensity of treatment, etc., and accepts operation inputs from the person to be treated and the like. The operation unit 600 is connected to the control unit 2 described later via the cord line 602. The operation unit 600 outputs an input signal indicating the received operation input to the control unit 2. Further, the operation unit 600 is detachably supported, for example, on a stand 601 fixed to the armrest portion 500.

[0019] The ottoman 700 is disposed below the front portion of the seat portion 200 and in front of the base frame, and houses the lower legs of the person to be treated. The ottoman 700 is rotatably connected to the front portion of the seat portion 200 or the upper portion of the base frame about the ottoman rotation axis 701. The ottoman rotation axis 701 extends in the left - right direction through the front portion of the seat portion 200 or the upper portion of the base frame.

[0020] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the massage device 100 further includes a plurality of actuators 801, a plurality of solenoid valves 802, and an air pump 803. The plurality of actuators 801 include, for example, an actuator for the backrest portion that rotates the backrest portion 300, an actuator for the ottoman that rotates the ottoman 700, and the like. Each solenoid valve 802 is, for example, a three - way shunt valve, and is disposed between the air pump 803 and air bags disposed at various locations of the massage device 100. The air pump 803 is connected to the input - side valve of the solenoid valve 802 through a pipe. One valve on the output side of the solenoid valve 802 is connected to the air bag through another pipe. The other valve on the output side of the solenoid valve 802 is a valve that can be opened to the atmosphere. The above - described air pump 803 and solenoid valve 802 are an air supply and exhaust unit that supplies air to and discharges air from the air bag, and can also stop the air supply and air discharge.

[0021] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the massage device 100 further includes a storage unit 1, a control unit 2, and a speaker 3.

[0022] The memory unit 1 is a non-transient storage medium that retains stored information even when the power supply is interrupted. For example, the memory unit 1 stores programs and data necessary for the control unit 2 to control the operation of the massage device 100.

[0023] Furthermore, the memory unit 1 stores sound information 11. The sound information 11 contains pre-recorded sound signals of multiple types of suppression sounds. Hereinafter, the sound signals of suppression sounds recorded in the sound information 11 will be referred to as "recorded sound signals." Each type of suppression sound is a sound that can weaken or cancel out noise generated from the massage device 100, and for example, includes an inverse phase component of the noise. The noise generated from the massage device 100 varies depending on the generation conditions (driving state of the massage device 100, model, etc.). Therefore, the sound information 11 contains recorded sound signals corresponding to noise under various generation conditions.

[0024] The control unit 2 controls each component of the massage device 100. In this embodiment, the control unit 2 is located below the seat portion 200 (in other words, inside the base frame) (see Figure 1). The control unit 2 has a sound signal output unit 21. The sound signal output unit 21 outputs an output sound signal that includes a suppression sound signal. The suppression sound signal is a sound signal that weakens or cancels out noise generated from the device 100. The output sound signal is the sound signal output from the sound signal output unit 21.

[0025] Furthermore, the sound signal output unit 21 has a sound selection unit 211. Based on the noise generation conditions described above, the sound selection unit 211 selects a suppression sound signal from among a plurality of recorded sound signals pre-recorded as sound information 11. For example, the drive control signal output from the control unit 2 indicates the drive status of each drive unit of the massage device 100. The drive units include airbags, a plurality of actuators 801, a plurality of solenoid valves 802, an air pump 803, etc., which are arranged in various places. In addition, specification information such as the model of the massage device 100 is stored in the storage unit 1. Based on the drive control signal, specification information, etc., the sound signal output unit 21 identifies the drive status, model, etc. of the device 100. Furthermore, the sound selection unit 211 estimates the suppression sound that is most suitable for canceling out the noise generated under the conditions. For example, the sound selection unit 211 selects the recorded sound signal that is most similar to the sound signal of the inverse phase sound of the noise from the sound information 11 as the suppression sound signal.

[0026] Next, speaker 3 is an audio output unit that converts the output sound signal from the sound signal output unit 21 into sound and outputs the sound. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, a pair of left and right speakers 3 are built into the upper part of the backrest 300 on both the left and right sides. Each speaker 3 converts the suppression sound signal into suppression sound and outputs the suppression sound forward and inward in the left and right directions. In other words, the suppression sound is output so that it reaches the person receiving treatment (especially their ears). Speaker 3 may be a directional speaker and may output sound in a specific range of directions (for example, towards the ears of the person receiving treatment). However, this example does not exclude configurations in which speaker 3 is not a directional speaker.

[0027] As described above, in the massage device 100 according to this embodiment, a suppression sound signal for existing suppression sounds is selected from sound information 11 based on the noise generation conditions of the massage device 100. The speaker 3 outputs a suppression sound that can weaken or cancel out the above-mentioned noise by converting the output sound signal, which includes the suppression sound signal, into sound and outputting it. In other words, unlike conventional active noise cancellation technology, the massage device 100 can output a suppression sound without requiring noise collection and the generation of an inverse-phase sound based on said noise. Therefore, the massage device 100 can weaken or cancel out the noise of the massage device 100 using a different approach than conventional methods.

[0028] Furthermore, in the massage device 100 of this embodiment, the placement of a microphone for collecting noise is not essential. Also, by using suppression sounds that have been pre-recorded as recorded sound signals in the sound information 11 of the storage unit 1, the installation of a high-speed and expensive computing device for generating noise-inverse phase sounds is not essential. These omissions contribute to reducing the manufacturing cost of the massage device 100. In addition, the massage device 100 can immediately output existing suppression sounds to weaken or cancel out noise. Therefore, the massage device 100 can shorten the time lag from the generation of noise to the output of suppression sounds, or even substantially eliminate this time lag.

[0029] Preferably, the conditions under which noise is reduced or canceled by the suppression sound include at least the driving state of the device 100 and the model of the device 100.

[0030] The majority of the noise sources from the massage device 100 are drive units such as the treatment unit 302, airbag, actuator 801, solenoid valve 802, and air pump 803. Therefore, the massage device 100 can select and output a suppression sound suitable for noise cancellation by selecting a suppression sound according to the driving state of the device 100 (each of the aforementioned drive units, the treatment mode of the massage device 100, etc.).

[0031] Furthermore, massage devices 100 of the same model have the same device configuration and perform the same operation in response to the same control signal. Therefore, even individually, if they are massage devices 100 of the same model, they will generate the same noise under the same driving conditions. Consequently, sound information 11 can be created using other massage devices of the same model as the device 100. Also, the same sound information 11 can be used for massage devices 100 of the same model as the device 100. In other words, sound information 11 does not need to be created for each individual massage device 100. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the massage device 100 can be reduced, and its productivity can be improved.

[0032] In this embodiment, the massage device 100 stores sound information 11 in a memory unit 1 mounted on the device 100. This allows the massage device 100 to access the sound information 11 more quickly than when the sound information 11 is stored in an external memory device. Therefore, the massage device 100 can quickly select and output suppression sounds to reduce or cancel out noise.

[0033] However, the sound information 11 may be stored in an external memory device, and is not limited to this example.

[0034] <1-1. First to Fifth Modifications of the Embodiment> Next, the first to fifth modifications of the embodiment will be described. Note that the configurations of the above-described embodiment and its first to fifth modifications can be combined in any way, as long as no particular inconsistencies arise.

[0035] <1-1-1. First variation> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the control system configuration in a chair-type massage device 100 according to a first modified example of the embodiment. Note that the first modified example describes a configuration different from the embodiment. Also, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in the embodiment. Furthermore, descriptions of components that are the same as in the embodiment may be omitted.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the massage device 100 according to the first modified embodiment further comprises a communication unit 4. The communication unit 4 is capable of communicating with an external information device 900 via a network 41. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and the communication unit 4 may be capable of communicating with the external information device 900 without going through the network 41, and may be connected to the external information device 900 in a communicative manner, for example, by wireless or wired means.

[0037] The external information device 900 is, for example, an externally installed server device. The external information device 900 comprises an external communication unit 901 and a storage unit 902. The external communication unit 901 can communicate with the communication unit 4 of the massage device 100. The storage unit 902 is a non-transient storage medium that retains stored information even when the power supply is interrupted, and in this embodiment, it stores sound information 11.

[0038] In the massage device 100 according to the first modified example of this embodiment, the sound selection unit 211 reads sound information 11 via the communication unit 4, the external communication unit 901 (and the network 41), and temporarily stores the sound information 11 in the storage unit 1 or RAM (not shown). The sound selection unit 211 then selects an existing suppression sound signal from the sound information 11 based on the noise generation conditions of the massage device 100. Subsequent processing is the same as in the embodiment described above. For example, the sound information 11 may be deleted from the storage unit 1 or RAM when the massage device 100 is finished performing treatment or starting up.

[0039] According to the first modified embodiment, by utilizing the storage unit 902 mounted on the external information device 900, information such as sound information 11 stored in the storage unit 902 can be centrally managed by the administrator of the external information device 900. Furthermore, updates to information such as sound information 11 stored in the storage unit 902 can be easily performed.

[0040] In the embodiment and its first modified example, for instance, each recorded sound signal in the sound information 11 is stored in association with the noise generation conditions. However, in this case, the amount of data in the sound information 11 tends to be large. Therefore, the sound signal output unit 21 may acquire the suppressed sound signal by a method other than selecting a recorded sound signal associated with the noise generation conditions.

[0041] <1-1-2. Second variation> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the control system configuration in a chair-type massage device 100 according to a second modified example of the embodiment. Note that the second modified example describes a configuration different from that of the embodiment and its first modified example. The same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the embodiment and its first modified example. Also, descriptions of components that are the same as those in the embodiment and its first modified example may be omitted.

[0042] In the second modified example, the sound signal output unit 21 has an estimation unit 212. The estimation unit 212 uses a pre-trained estimation model 12 and estimates the suppression sound most suitable for canceling out the noise based on the noise generation conditions. Furthermore, the estimation unit 212 generates a suppression sound signal, which is the sound signal of the suppression sound.

[0043] The estimation model 12 is, for example, algorithm data that has been pre-trained before the massage device 100 was shipped from the factory. For machine learning of the estimation model 12, a dataset consisting of, for example, the generation conditions of learning noise generated in a device of the same model as the device 100 and the inverse phase sound signal of the sound signal of the learning noise is used. Furthermore, the estimation model 12 may be trained using machine learning without using training information, or it may be trained using training information. In other words, the above dataset may or may not be training information.

[0044] In the second modification, the optimal suppression sound is estimated using a pre-trained estimation model 12, and the suppression sound signal is generated. This allows the massage device 100 to reduce or cancel out noise using a different approach than before. Furthermore, compared to the case where the drive state of each drive unit and the suppression sound are linked one-to-one within the sound information 11, for example, the amount of data in the sound information 11 can be reduced. In addition, the computational load on the sound signal output unit 21 when selecting the suppression sound signal from the sound information 11 can also be reduced. Therefore, the massage device 100 can immediately output a suppression sound to reduce or cancel out the noise of the device 100.

[0045] Furthermore, the estimation unit 212 can generate a suppression sound signal more suitable for noise cancellation by using the estimation model 12 that has been pre-trained. Therefore, the massage device 100 can more effectively reduce or more reliably cancel out noise.

[0046] Furthermore, the machine learning methods used are not particularly limited and can be implemented using known technologies. For example, regression methods and deep learning using neural networks can be used.

[0047] In Figure 4, the sound information 11 is stored in the memory unit 1. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and, as in the first modified example (see Figure 3), the sound information 11 may also be stored in the memory unit 902 of an external information device 900 that can communicate with the massage device 100.

[0048] Furthermore, in a second modified embodiment, the sound signal output unit 21 generates a suppressed sound signal using a pre-trained estimation model 12. However, the massage device 100 may further train the estimation model 12 based on the noise generated during treatment and the conditions under which the noise is generated.

[0049] <1-1-3. Third Variation> Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the control system configuration in a chair-type massage device 100 according to a third modified example of the embodiment. In this third modified example, a configuration different from the embodiment and its first to second modified examples will be described. The same reference numerals will be used for components similar to those in the embodiment and its first to second modified examples. Furthermore, descriptions of configurations similar to those in the embodiment and its first to second modified examples may be omitted.

[0050] In the third modified example, the chair-type massage device 100 further includes a microphone 5a. The microphone 5a in the third embodiment is an example of the "first microphone" of the present invention. The microphone 5a is a sound collection unit that converts the collected sound into a sound collection signal and outputs it to the control unit 2. The sound collected by the microphone 5a includes at least noise generated by the device 100 itself. Hereinafter, this sound signal will be referred to as the "sound collection signal". The sound collection signal in the third modified example is an example of the "first sound collection signal" of the present invention.

[0051] The microphone 5a may be a single sound-collecting unit that not only collects noise generated from the device 100 but also collects other sounds such as ambient noise (and the output sound from speaker 3). Alternatively, the microphone 5a may be composed of multiple sound-collecting units. For example, the microphone 5a may be configured to include, individually, a sound-collecting unit for collecting noise generated from the device 100 and converting it into an audio signal for output to the control unit 2, a sound-collecting unit for collecting ambient noise from the device 100 and converting it into an audio signal for output to the control unit 2, and a sound-collecting unit for collecting the output sound from speaker 3 and converting it into an audio signal for output to the control unit 2.

[0052] Preferably, the microphones 5a are housed on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the backrest 300. This allows the microphones 5a to be positioned close to the ears of the person being treated who is leaning against the backrest 300. Therefore, the microphones 5a can collect sounds that are close to the sounds the person being treated actually hears. However, this example does not exclude configurations in which the microphones 5a are not housed on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the backrest 300. For example, the microphones 5a may be positioned near noise sources inside the device 100 (e.g., airbags, actuators 801, solenoid valves 802, air pumps 803, etc.).

[0053] Next, the control unit 2 further includes an additional learning unit 22. The additional learning unit 22 performs additional machine learning on the estimation model 12 using the dataset. The dataset consists of the noise generation conditions generated from the device 100 when sound is collected by the first microphone 5a, and at least one of the collected sound signal and the inverse phase sound signal of the collected sound signal.

[0054] For example, the additional learning unit 22 uses historical information to machine-learn the estimation model 12 at predetermined intervals. This historical information is, for example, information recorded in the storage unit 1 over time, which includes a dataset of noise generation conditions and at least one of the above-mentioned collected sound signal and its inverse-phase sound signal. Alternatively, the additional learning unit 22 may use the noise generation conditions and the dataset of at least one of the above-mentioned collected sound signal and its inverse-phase sound signal to further learn the estimation model 12 in real time.

[0055] The machine learning method used is not particularly limited and can be implemented using known techniques. For example, regression methods and deep learning using neural networks can be used. Furthermore, machine learning may be unsupervised learning, which does not use supervised information, or supervised learning, which does use supervised information. The training data is the training dataset used for machine learning the estimation model 12 and is used in "supervised learning". In the training data, "conditions (explanatory variables)" and "correct answers or labels (dependent variables)" are paired together. Supervised learning is a type of machine learning that teaches the estimation model 12 to associate "conditions" with "correct answers". The performance of the estimation model 12 will vary greatly depending on the quality and quantity of the training data and the selected algorithm.

[0056] In this way, the massage device 100 can continuously learn the estimation model 12 based on the generation conditions (noise signal) and suppression sound signal during use of the device 100. In other words, the massage device 100 can update the estimation model 12 to one that is suitable for the current state of the device 100. For example, the noise of the device 100 may change over time, even under the same generation conditions. Even with such changes, by using the newly learned estimation model 12, the massage device 100 can output the suppression sound from the speaker 3 that is best suited to canceling out the noise of the device 100 at the current time.

[0057] In the embodiment and its first modification, a suppression sound signal is selected from the recorded sound signals pre-recorded in the sound information 11. In the second and third modifications, the suppression sound signal is generated based on the estimation results of the estimation model 12. Therefore, it may be difficult to accurately cancel out noise with the output sound of the speaker 3 based on the suppression sound signal. In other words, some sound may remain that was not completely canceled out by the output sound of the speaker 3. Hereinafter, the remaining sound that was not completely canceled out by the output sound of the speaker 3 (i.e., the suppression sound) may be referred to as "residual sound". In such cases, the massage device 100 may superimpose an inverse-phase sound signal of the residual sound onto the suppression sound signal and output it to the speaker 3.

[0058] <1-1-4. Fourth Variation> Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the control system configuration in a chair-type massage device 100 according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. Note that the fourth modified example describes a configuration different from the embodiment and its first to third modified examples. The same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in the embodiment and its first to third modified examples. Furthermore, descriptions of configurations similar to those in the embodiment and its first to third modified examples may be omitted.

[0059] In the fourth modification, the chair-type massage device 100 is equipped with a microphone 5b. The microphone 5b in the fourth modification is an example of the "second microphone" of the present invention. The microphone 5b is a sound collection unit that converts the collected sound into an audio signal and outputs it to the control unit 2. This audio signal is an example of the "second sound collection signal" of the present invention.

[0060] Furthermore, the microphone 5b may be a single sound-collecting unit that not only collects noise generated from the device 100 but also collects other sounds such as ambient sounds (and the output sound of speaker 3). Alternatively, the microphone 5b may be composed of multiple sound-collecting units. For example, the microphone 5b may be configured to include, individually, a sound-collecting unit for collecting noise generated from the device 100, converting it into a noise signal and outputting it to the control unit 2, a sound-collecting unit for collecting ambient sounds from the device 100, converting them into ambient sound signals and outputting them to the control unit 2, and a sound-collecting unit for collecting the output sound of speaker 3, converting it into an audio signal and outputting it to the control unit 2.

[0061] The arrangement of the microphone 5b is not particularly limited, but preferably, the microphone 5b is built into both the left and right sides of the upper part of the backrest 300. However, the microphone 5b may be placed near noise sources inside the device 100 (for example, airbags, actuators 801, solenoid valves 802, air pumps 803, etc.).

[0062] In the fourth modified example, the sound signal output unit 21 includes at least one of the sound selection unit 211 and the estimation unit 212, and a signal synthesis unit 213. The memory unit 1 has sound information 11 when the sound signal output unit 21 has the sound selection unit 211, and an estimation model 12 when the sound signal output unit 21 has the estimation unit 212.

[0063] The signal synthesis unit 213 generates a residual sound signal by superimposing the suppression sound signal output from the sound selection unit 211 or estimation unit 212 onto the aforementioned collected sound signal (i.e., the sound signal of the sound collected by the microphone 5b). The signal synthesis unit 213 also generates an inverse-phase sound signal of the residual sound signal. Furthermore, the signal synthesis unit 213 generates a superimposed signal by superimposing the inverse-phase sound signal onto the suppression sound signal, and outputs this superimposed signal to the speaker 3 as the output sound signal.

[0064] The signal synthesis unit 213 can generate an audio signal of the remaining sound (i.e., residual sound) after the sound collected by the microphone 5b is weakened by the suppression sound by superimposing the suppression sound on the aforementioned collected sound signal. Furthermore, the signal synthesis unit 213 can generate an audio signal that cancels out the sound including the aforementioned residual sound by generating an inverse-phase audio signal of the audio signal and generating a superimposed signal by superimposing the inverse-phase audio signal on the suppression sound signal. Therefore, the massage device 100 can cancel out the noise with the output sound of the speaker 3 by outputting the superimposed signal as an output audio signal. Consequently, the person receiving treatment can receive treatment from the massage device 100 in a relaxed state without experiencing discomfort due to the noise of the massage device 100.

[0065] When combining the third and fourth modified embodiments, the microphone 5a of the third modified embodiment and the microphone 5b of the fourth modified embodiment may be the same component or may be different components. Also, the sound-collecting signal generated by the sound collection of the microphone 5a of the third modified embodiment and the sound-collecting signal generated by the sound collection of the microphone 5b of the fourth modified embodiment may be the same signal or may be different signals.

[0066] <1-1-5. Fifth variation> Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a chair-type massage device 100 according to the fifth modification of the embodiment. The control system configuration in the chair-type massage device 100 according to the fifth modification of the embodiment is the same as that of the fourth modification, and will be described with reference to Figure 6. Furthermore, the fifth modification describes a configuration different from the embodiment and its first to fourth modifications. Also, the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in the embodiment and its first to fourth modifications. Additionally, descriptions of configurations similar to those in the embodiment and its first to fourth modifications may be omitted.

[0067] In the fifth modification, as shown in Figure 7, a pair of left and right microphones 5c are arranged on both sides in the left-right direction at the top of the backrest 300. The microphones 5c in the fifth modification are an example of the "third microphone" of the present invention. Each microphone 5c is a sound collection unit for collecting ambient sound around the device 100, converts the ambient sound into an audio signal, and outputs it to the control unit 2. Hereinafter, this audio signal will be referred to as the "ambient sound signal." Each microphone 5c may be placed on the surface of the backrest 300 or inside the backrest 300. Alternatively, the microphones 5c may be placed in a different position than in Figure 7, for example, other than the backrest 300.

[0068] Furthermore, the microphone 5c may be a single sound-collecting unit that not only collects ambient sounds around the device 100 but also other sounds such as noise generated from the device 100 (and the output of speaker 3). Alternatively, the microphone 5c may be composed of multiple sound-collecting units. For example, the microphone 5c may be configured to include, individually, a sound-collecting unit for collecting ambient sounds around the device 100, converting them into ambient sound signals, and outputting them to the control unit 2; a sound-collecting unit for collecting noise generated from the device 100, converting it into noise signals, and outputting it to the control unit 2; and a sound-collecting unit for collecting the output sound of speaker 3, converting it into sound signals, and outputting it to the control unit 2.

[0069] The signal synthesis unit 213 generates a sound signal of residual sound weakened by the suppression sound by superimposing the suppression sound signal output from the sound signal output unit 21 onto the ambient sound signal, and also generates a sound signal with the opposite phase to the residual sound signal. Furthermore, the signal synthesis unit 213 generates a superimposed signal by superimposing the opposite phase sound signal onto the suppression sound signal, and outputs this superimposed signal to the speaker 3 as the output sound signal.

[0070] The signal synthesis unit 213 can generate an audio signal of the remaining sound (i.e., residual sound) after the sound picked up by the microphone 5c is weakened by the suppression sound by superimposing a suppression sound signal onto the ambient sound signal. Furthermore, the signal synthesis unit 213 can generate an audio signal that cancels out ambient noise (including noise) by generating an inverse-phase audio signal of the audio signal and superimposing this inverse-phase audio signal onto the suppression sound signal. Therefore, the massage device 100 can cancel out ambient noise (including noise) with the output sound of the speaker 3 by outputting the above-mentioned superimposed signal as an output audio signal. Consequently, the person receiving treatment can receive treatment from the massage device 100 in a quiet and relaxed state. The configuration of the fifth modified example is particularly effective when ambient noise is loud.

[0071] Furthermore, when combining the fifth and third modified embodiments of the embodiment, the microphone 5c of the fifth modified embodiment and the microphone 5a of the third modified embodiment may be the same component or different component. Also, when combining the fifth and fourth modified embodiments of the embodiment, the microphone 5c of the fifth modified embodiment and the microphone 5b of the fourth modified embodiment may be the same component or different component. Moreover, when combining the fifth, third, and fourth modified embodiments of the embodiment, the microphone 5c of the fifth modified embodiment and the microphone 5a of the third modified embodiment or the microphone 5b of the fourth modified embodiment may be the same component or different component.

[0072] <2. Remarks> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be noted that the embodiments described above are illustrative, and various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each process, and this will be understood by those skilled in the art as being within the scope of the present invention.

[0073] <3. Summary> The embodiments described so far will be summarized below.

[0074] For example, the massage device 100 disclosed herein is A sound signal output unit 21 outputs an output sound signal that includes a suppression sound signal for reducing or canceling noise generated from the device 100, A speaker 3 that converts the output sound signal into sound and outputs the sound, Equipped with, The sound signal output unit 21 is configured to have a sound selection unit 211 that selects the suppression sound signal from among a plurality of recorded sound signals pre-recorded as sound information 11 stored in the memory unit 1,902 based on the noise generation conditions (first configuration).

[0075] Furthermore, the massage device 100 disclosed herein is A sound signal output unit 21 outputs an output sound signal that includes a suppression sound signal for reducing or canceling noise generated from the device 100, A speaker 3 that converts the output sound signal into sound and outputs the sound, Equipped with, The sound signal output unit 21 has an estimation unit 212 that uses the estimation model 12 stored in the memory unit 1,902 and estimates the suppressed sound based on the noise generation conditions, and generates the suppressed sound signal. The estimation model 12 is configured to be algorithm data that has been pre-trained using a dataset consisting of the conditions for generating learning noise generated in a device of the same type as the device 100 and the inverse phase sound signal of the learning noise sound signal. (Second configuration)

[0076] Furthermore, the massage device 100 with the second configuration described above is A first microphone 5a converts the collected sound into a first collected signal, An additional learning unit 22 further performs machine learning on the estimation model 12 using a dataset consisting of the noise generation conditions generated from the self-device 100 when sound is collected by the first microphone 5a, and at least one of the first collected sound signal and the inverse phase sound signal of the first collected signal. A configuration further comprising (a third configuration) is also acceptable.

[0077] Furthermore, the massage device 100 having any of the above configurations from the first to the third is, It is further equipped with a second microphone 5b that converts the collected sound into a second collected signal, The sound signal output unit 21 includes a signal synthesis unit 213 that generates an inverse-phase sound signal of the second sound collection signal, The sound signal output unit 21 may also be configured to further generate a superimposed signal by superimposing the inverse-phase sound signal on the suppressed sound signal, and output this superimposed signal as the output sound signal (fourth configuration).

[0078] Furthermore, the massage device 100 having any of the above configurations from the first to the third is, The device 100 further comprises a third microphone 5c for collecting ambient sound and converting it into an ambient sound signal. The sound signal output unit 21 has a signal synthesis unit 213 that generates an inverse-phase sound signal of the residual sound signal weakened by the suppression sound by superimposing the suppression sound signal on the ambient sound signal. The sound signal output unit 21 may also be configured to further generate a superimposed signal by superimposing the inverse-phase sound signal on the suppressed sound signal, and output the superimposed signal as the output sound signal (fifth configuration).

[0079] Furthermore, the massage device 100 having any of the above configurations 1 to 5 is, The device 100 may also be configured to include the storage unit 1 (sixth configuration).

[0080] Furthermore, the massage device 100 having any of the above configurations 1 to 5 is, The system may also have a configuration (seventh configuration) that further includes a communication unit 4 capable of communicating with an external information device 900 having the storage unit 902. [Industrial applicability]

[0081] The present invention is useful for devices that massage body parts of a person receiving treatment. For example, the present invention can be applied not only to large devices such as chair-type massage devices, but also to small devices and devices in forms other than chairs, such as mattress-shaped devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 100 (Chair-type) Massage Device 200 seat 300 Backrest 301 Backrest pivot axis 302 Treatment Unit 303 Guide Rail 400 Base 500 Armrest 600 Control unit 601 Stand 602 Cable 700 Ottoman 701 Ottoman pivot shaft 801 Actuator 802 Solenoid valve 803 Air Pump 900 External information device 901 External Communications Department 1,902 storage unit 11. Sound Information 12 Estimated Models 2 Control Unit 21 Audio signal output section 211 Sound Selection Section 212 Estimation Department 213 Signal Synthesis Unit 22 Additional Learning Section 3 speakers 4. Communications Department 41 Network 5a, 5b, 5c Microphone

Claims

1. A sound signal output unit outputs an output sound signal that includes a suppression sound signal for reducing or canceling noise generated from the device, A speaker that converts the output sound signal into sound and outputs the sound, Equipped with, The sound signal output unit has a sound selection unit that selects the suppression sound signal from among a plurality of recorded sound signals pre-recorded as sound information stored in the memory unit, based on the noise generation conditions, in the massage device.

2. A sound signal output unit outputs an output sound signal that includes a suppression sound signal for reducing or canceling noise generated from the device, A speaker that converts the output sound signal into sound and outputs the sound, Equipped with, The sound signal output unit has an estimation unit that uses an estimation model stored in the memory unit and estimates the suppressed sound based on the noise generation conditions, and generates the suppressed sound signal. The estimation model is a massage device, in which the algorithm data has been pre-trained using a dataset consisting of the conditions under which learning noise is generated in a device of the same model as the device itself, and the inverse phase sound signal of the sound signal of the learning noise.

3. A first microphone that converts the collected sound into a first collected signal, An additional learning unit further performs machine learning on the estimation model using a dataset consisting of the noise generation conditions generated from the device itself when sound is collected by the first microphone, and at least one of the first collected sound signal and the inverse phase sound signal of the first collected signal. The massage device according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. It is further equipped with a second microphone that converts the collected sound into a second collected signal, The sound signal output unit has a signal synthesis unit that generates an inverse-phase sound signal of the second collected sound signal, The massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sound signal output unit further generates a superimposed signal by superimposing the inverse-phase sound signal on the suppressed sound signal, and outputs the superimposed signal as the output sound signal.

5. The device further comprises a third microphone for collecting ambient sound and converting it into an ambient sound signal. The sound signal output unit has a signal synthesis unit that generates a sound signal of residual sound weakened by the suppression sound by superimposing the suppression sound signal on the ambient sound signal, and also generates a sound signal with the opposite phase of the residual sound signal. The massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sound signal output unit further generates a superimposed signal by superimposing the inverse-phase sound signal on the suppressed sound signal, and outputs the superimposed signal as the output sound signal.

6. The massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device itself is equipped with the storage unit.

7. The massage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a communication unit capable of communicating with an external information device having the aforementioned storage unit.

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