Acupressure practice device

Abstract

This invention provides a shiatsu practice device that effectively improves the skill level of practitioners by objectively demonstrating the pressure applied by the fingers. [Solution] The acupressure practice device 10 includes a control unit 40 connected to a core material pressure sensor 23 provided on the core material 21 and a coating layer pressure sensor 24 provided on the coating layer 22, and a notification unit 43 connected to the control unit 40. The coating layer 22 includes a first coating layer 31, a second coating layer 32, and a third coating layer 33, and the coating layer pressure sensor 24 includes a first sensor 31A, a second sensor 32A, and a third sensor 33A. When the detection value of at least one of the core material pressure sensor 23 and the coating layer pressure sensor 24 exceeds a threshold set in the control unit 40, the notification unit 43 notifies the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an acupressure practice device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an acupressure technique has been widely known, in which various parts of the human body (such as the neck, shoulders, back, waist, arms, legs, etc.) are pressed by the fingers of a practitioner to relieve or alleviate the pain and stiffness of a patient or to promote health. The human body has bones, muscles, fat, and skin laminated from the inside to the outside. However, when performing acupressure, if the pressing force of the practitioner's finger reaches the bone, the patient may feel pain.

[0003] Therefore, practitioners who perform acupressure techniques improve their proficiency by referring to books, images, videos, etc., or by receiving oral guidance from experienced practitioners. And an acupressure practice table has been proposed for improving the proficiency of such practitioners (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, the acupressure practice table of Patent Document 1 is one in which urethane rubber attached to a wooden main body is regarded as an acupressure site and a practitioner practices acupressure, and it is not for practicing the adjustment of the pressing force of the practitioner's finger. For this reason, there has been a demand for an acupressure practice device for practicing the adjustment of the pressing force of the practitioner's finger.

[0006] ] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an acupressure practice device that can effectively improve the proficiency of a practitioner by objectively indicating the pressing force of a finger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the acupressure practice device according to the present invention is characterized by the following: It comprises a core material, a covering layer covering the core material, a core material pressure sensor provided on the core material, a covering layer pressure sensor provided on the covering layer, a control unit connected to the core material pressure sensor and the covering layer pressure sensor, and a notification unit connected to the control unit, wherein the notification unit notifies the user when the detection value of at least one of the core material pressure sensor and the covering layer pressure sensor exceeds a threshold set in the control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The acupressure practice device according to this invention has the effect of providing an acupressure practice device that allows practitioners to practice adjusting the amount of pressure they apply with their fingers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] The drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention relating to this disclosure, including not only essential components of the invention but also optional and preferred embodiments. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a shiatsu practice device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a shiatsu practice device. [Figure 3] Figures 3(A) and 3(B) are schematic cross-sectional views showing modified configurations of the coating layer pressure sensor. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the control panel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] <Embodiment> Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures. The acupressure practice device 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises a device body 20 having an acupressure surface and an operating section 30 adjacent to the device body 20, for the purpose of improving the acupressure practitioner's proficiency in acupressure.

[0011] The main body of the device 20 has a roughly box shape with a cylindrical surface at the top, and comprises a core material 21 and a covering layer 22 that covers the core material 21.

[0012] The core material 21 is formed in a roughly box shape with a cylindrical surface at the top, using a material with a hardness that mimics the bones of the human body, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0013] The coating layer 22 covers the cylindrical surface of the core material 21 and the plane continuous with the cylindrical surface, and comprises a first coating layer 31 along the core material 21, a second coating layer 32 along the first coating layer 31, and a third coating layer 33 along the second coating layer 32.

[0014] The first coating layer 31 is formed in sheet form from a material that mimics the reaction force, deformation, elasticity, resistance characteristics, hardness, thickness, and flexibility of human muscles, such as silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0015] The second coating layer 32 is formed in sheet form from a material that mimics the reaction force, deformation, elasticity, resistance properties, hardness, thickness, and flexibility of human body fat, such as urethane gel (ultra-soft urethane resin) or soft silicone (low-hardness silicone elastomer).

[0016] The third coating layer 33 is formed in sheet form from a material that mimics human skin in terms of reaction force, deformation, elasticity, resistance properties, hardness, thickness, and flexibility, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), urethane gel (ultra-soft urethane resin), or soft silicone (low-hardness silicone elastomer).

[0017] These core materials 21, the first coating layer 31, the second coating layer 32, and the third coating layer 33 do not necessarily have to be formed of a single material, and may be formed of a composite material in which a plurality of types of materials are mixed or laminated in order to obtain desired characteristics (reaction force, deformation, elasticity, resistance characteristics, hardness, flexibility).

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the core material 21 includes a core material pressing sensor 23 provided along the surface, and the coating layer 22 includes a plurality of coating layer pressing sensors 24.

[0019] The coating layer pressing sensor 24 includes a first sensor 31A provided along the surface of the first coating layer 31, a second sensor 32A provided along the surface of the second coating layer 32, and a third sensor 33A provided along the surface of the third coating layer 33.

[0020] The core material pressing sensor 23 and the coating layer pressing sensors 24 (the first sensor 31A, the second sensor 32A, the third sensor 33A) are, for example, piezoresistive element type sensors, capacitance type sensors, or piezoelectric sensors.

[0021] Note that FIG. 2 is drawn such that the core material pressing sensor 23, the first sensor 31A, the second sensor 32A, and the third sensor 33A are provided locally or partially for ease of understanding, but in reality, a large number of sensors are arranged in a matrix, or sheet-like or film-like sensors are used.

[0022] Also, FIG. 2 is drawn such that the thickness dimensions of the first coating layer 31, the second coating layer 32, and the third coating layer 33 constituting the coating layer pressing sensor 24 are substantially the same for ease of understanding, but these thickness dimensions are preferably set to thickness dimensions according to the muscles, fat, and skin of the human body.

[0023] Furthermore, although the first sensor 31A, the second sensor 32A, and the third sensor 33A were provided along the surfaces of the first coating layer 31, the second coating layer 32, and the third coating layer 33, respectively, as shown in Figure 2, they may also be provided in locations embedded by a predetermined distance in the thickness direction from the surfaces of the first coating layer 31, the second coating layer 32, and the third coating layer 33, as shown in Figure 3(A), or they may be provided along the back surfaces of the first coating layer 31, the second coating layer 32, and the third coating layer 33, as shown in Figure 3(B).

[0024] Returning to Figure 2, these core material pressure sensors 23, the first sensor 31A, the second sensor 32A, and the third sensor 33A are connected to the control unit 40 of the operation unit 30. The control unit 40 is connected to the storage unit 41, the input unit 42, and the notification unit 43.

[0025] The memory unit 41 stores multiple threshold values ​​that are adapted to the cardiac pressure sensor 23, first sensor 31A, second sensor 32A, and third sensor 33A based on the gender, age, height, weight, body shape, and acupressure points of the patient receiving acupressure treatment.

[0026] The notification unit 43 is controlled by the control unit 40 to drive the speaker 43A, the light-emitting unit 43B, and the vibrator 43C embedded in the core material 21 (see also Figure 4 for speaker 43A and light-emitting unit 43B).

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the input unit 42 includes a liquid crystal touch panel (touchscreen) 50, a stylus pen (touchscreen pen) 51 for making contact with a predetermined area of ​​the liquid crystal touch panel, and a power switch 52. The power switch 52 can be turned ON / OFF by pressing and holding it.

[0028] The LCD touch panel 50 displays a front view 53, a side view 54, and a rear view 55 of the human body, and the tip of the stylus pen 51 allows the user to specify the acupressure points (neck, shoulders, back, waist, arms, legs, etc.) to be treated. The LCD touch panel 50 also allows the user to specify the gender 56, age 57, height 58, weight 59, and body type 60 of the patient receiving acupressure treatment using the tip of the stylus pen 51.

[0029] As described above, after specifying the acupressure points, gender, age, height, weight, and body type of the patient receiving the acupressure treatment using the LCD touch panel 50, the selection can be confirmed with the OK button 61 and canceled with the Cancel button 62.

[0030] Returning to Figure 2, the control unit 40 reads out threshold values ​​from the storage unit 41 to be applied to the corresponding cardiac pressure sensor 23, first sensor 31A, second sensor 32A, and third sensor 33A based on the patient information input by the input unit 42.

[0031] The practitioner touches the surface of the third coating layer 33 with their finger F and presses their finger F toward the core material 21. The core material pressure sensor 23, the first sensor 31A, the second sensor 32A, and the third sensor 33A detect the pressure, and when it exceeds a preset threshold, the control unit 40 activates the notification unit 43.

[0032] In other words, when the practitioner applies too much pressure with their finger F towards the core material 21 (in the depth direction) through the surface of the third coating layer 33, or when the pressure applied too quickly, the control unit 40 notifies the practitioner using the speaker 43A, light-emitting unit 43B, and vibrator 43C of the notification unit 43. The speaker 43A emits, for example, a warning sound or voice guidance. The light-emitting unit 43B lights up or flashes an arbitrary color. The vibrator 43C transmits vibrations to the practitioner's finger F.

[0033] The speaker 43A, light-emitting unit 43B, and vibrator 43C of these notification units 43 may be used selectively or in combination as appropriate.

[0034] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, the acupressure practice device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention comprises a control unit 40 connected to a core material pressure sensor 23 provided on the core material 21 and coating layer pressure sensors 24 (first sensor 31A, second sensor 32A, third sensor 33A) provided on the coating layer 22 (first coating layer 31, second coating layer 32, third coating layer 33), and a notification unit 43 connected to the control unit 40. When the detection value of at least one of the core material pressure sensor 23 and the coating layer pressure sensor 24 exceeds a threshold set in the control unit 40, the notification unit 43 notifies the user, enabling the practitioner to objectively practice adjusting the pressure of their finger F.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the acupressure practice device 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, the covering layer 22 comprises a first covering layer 31, a second covering layer 32, and a third covering layer 33, and the covering layer pressure sensor 24 comprises a first sensor 31A, a second sensor 32A, and a third sensor 33A. These components mimic the bones, muscles, fat, and skin of the human body, and the practitioner can objectively practice adjusting the pressure applied by their finger F.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the acupressure practice device 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, the core material 21 has a hardness that mimics the bones of the human body, the first covering layer 31 has a thickness and flexibility that mimics the muscles of the human body, the second covering layer 32 has a thickness and flexibility that mimics the fat of the human body, and the third covering layer 33 has a thickness and flexibility that mimics the skin of the human body, thus enabling the practitioner to objectively practice adjusting the pressure of their fingers F.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the shiatsu practice device 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, the notification unit 43 emits sounds such as warning sounds and voice guidance via the speaker 43A, making it suitable when the practitioner seeking to improve their skills is visually impaired. Also, if the notification unit 43 lights up or flashes an arbitrary color via the light-emitting unit 43B, for example, it is suitable when the practitioner seeking to improve their skills is hearing impaired.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the acupressure practice device 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, it includes an input unit 42 for inputting attributes belonging to the human body, and a storage unit 41 for storing multiple types of threshold values ​​corresponding to the input values ​​of the input unit 42. Since the control unit 40 can control the notification unit 43 based on the threshold values ​​calculated by the storage unit 41, it is possible to improve proficiency by considering a wide variety of patients with different genders, ages, heights, weights, and body types.

[0039] <Other forms> Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be adopted within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, etc. as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, placement, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0040] For example, in the above embodiment, a four-layer structure was exemplified, consisting of a core material mimicking human bone, a first covering layer mimicking human muscle, a second covering layer mimicking human fat, and a third covering layer mimicking human skin. However, the present invention also includes a two-layer structure including a core material mimicking human bone, or a multilayer structure of five or more layers including a core material (for example, including a layer mimicking the peritoneum). The present invention is sufficient as long as multiple layers with different physical properties are arranged in the direction of acupressure (depth direction).

[0041] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the acupressure practice device was exemplified as having an integrated structure in which the device body and the operating unit are adjacent to each other, but the device body and the operating unit may be separate components.

[0042] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the patient's acupressure points, the gender, age, height, weight, and body shape of the patient receiving the acupressure treatment were input via a liquid crystal touch panel as the input unit. However, it may also be possible to input other information such as the speed of acupressure, the strength of the acupressure, and the depth of the acupressure points. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0043] 10. Acupressure practice device 21 Heartwood 22 Covering layer 23 Core material pressure sensor 24 Coating layer pressure sensor 31 First coating layer 31A First Sensor 32 Second coating layer 32A Second sensor 33 Third coating layer 33A Third Sensor 40 Control Unit 41 Storage section 42 Input section 43 Hochi Department

Claims

1. The heartwood and, A covering layer that covers the core material, A core material pressure sensor provided on the core material, A coating layer pressure sensor provided on the coating layer, A control unit connected to the core material pressing sensor and the coating layer pressing sensor, It comprises a notification unit connected to the control unit, The notification unit notifies the user when the detection value of at least one of the core material pressure sensor and the coating layer pressure sensor exceeds a threshold set in the control unit. Acupressure practice device.

2. In the acupressure practice device according to claim 1, The aforementioned coating layer A first coating layer along the core material, A second coating layer along the first coating layer, A third coating layer along the aforementioned second coating layer, The coating layer pressing sensor, The first sensor provided in the first coating layer, The second sensor provided in the second coating layer, The third sensor provided on the third coating layer comprises Acupressure practice device.

3. In the acupressure practice device according to claim 2, The aforementioned core material has a hardness that mimics the bones of the human body. The first covering layer has a thickness and flexibility that mimics the muscles of the human body. The second coating layer has a thickness and flexibility that mimics human body fat. The third coating layer has a thickness and flexibility that mimics human skin. Acupressure practice device.

4. In the acupressure practice device according to claim 1, The aforementioned notification unit emits a sound. Acupressure practice device.

5. In the acupressure practice device according to claim 1, An input section for inputting attributes belonging to the human body, The system includes a storage unit that stores multiple types of threshold values ​​corresponding to the input values ​​of the input unit, The control unit can control the notification unit based on the threshold calculated by the storage unit. Acupressure practice device.

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