Massage device with safety sensor

Abstract

The massage device comprises: a body massage unit that provides a massage to a user's back or thighs and has a storage unit for the leg massage unit in which the leg massage unit is stored; an electrical box that supports the body massage unit and has a power supply unit and a control unit; and the leg massage unit that provides a massage to the user's legs and rotates relative to the body massage unit around a rotation axis, the storage unit for the leg massage unit has a first detection sensor that is arranged to face the leg massage unit and detects whether or not an object is present in the storage unit for the leg massage unit, the leg massage unit has a posture sensor for measuring the angle between the leg massage unit and a seat unit, and the control unit controls the operation of the body massage unit and the leg massage unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a massage device or method of operating a massage device with a safety sensor, and more particularly to a massage device or method of operating a massage device to prevent an object or person from becoming trapped between components provided on the massage device. [Background technology]

[0002] Massage, or anma, is a medical auxiliary therapy that regulates the body's abnormalities, improves blood circulation, and relieves fatigue by applying various forms of mechanical stimulation to a part of the body, such as kneading, pushing, pulling, tapping, or moving the part.

[0003] The increase in the demand for massage has led to an increase in the demand for massage devices or massage equipment that provide an artificial massage function due to economic and time reasons. That is, as the demand for using massage to relieve fatigue or stress while loosening stiff muscles increases, a wide variety of massage devices that are efficient in terms of time and cost have been launched on the market. Any type of mechanism, device or equipment that uses a mechanical device to perform massage without a separate masseur is called a massage device.

[0004] As massage devices provide various massages, the configuration of the massage device becomes more complicated, and the movements of the massage device become more diverse. This can lead to cases where the massage recipient, a baby, or a pet is caught between the components of the massage device. Therefore, manufacturers of massage devices place multiple sensors at appropriate positions to prevent accidents from occurring. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, there have been cases of people being killed or injured by being trapped in massage devices. Therefore, safety devices have been incorporated into massage devices. However, the effectiveness of the safety devices varies depending on the location and operation of the safety devices. In this disclosure, the optimal location and operation method of the safety devices will be described. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The massage device disclosed herein comprises a body massage unit that provides a massage to a user's back or thighs and has a storage unit for the leg massage unit in which the leg massage unit is stored, an electrical box that supports the body massage unit and has a power supply unit and a control unit, and the leg massage unit that provides a massage to the user's legs and rotates relative to the body massage unit around a rotation axis, the storage unit for the leg massage unit has a first detection sensor that is arranged to face the leg massage unit and detects whether or not there is an object in the storage unit for the leg massage unit, the leg massage unit has a posture sensor for measuring the angle between the leg massage unit and a seat, and the control unit controls the operation of the body massage unit and the leg massage unit.

[0007] The massage device according to this disclosure includes a second detection sensor located on the upper surface of the electrical box for detecting whether an object is placed on the upper surface of the electrical box, the first detection sensor including at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, or an illuminance sensor, and the second detection sensor including a tact switch, an electrostatic touch sensor, or a pressure sensor.

[0008] When a signal from the posture sensor of the massage device disclosed herein indicates that the angle between the leg massage unit and the seat exceeds a predetermined threshold angle, the control unit controls the first detection sensor to detect an object, and when a signal from the posture sensor indicates that the angle between the leg massage unit and the seat is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold angle, the control unit controls the first detection sensor not to detect an object.

[0009] When a signal from a posture sensor of the massage device disclosed herein indicates that the angle between the leg massage part and the seat part exceeds a predetermined threshold angle and the first detection sensor detects an object, the control part controls the device to output an alarm signal and to stop the movement of the massage device.

[0010] The massage apparatus according to this disclosure further includes a massage apparatus control device for a user to control the massage apparatus, and the control unit controls the massage apparatus control device to display an alarm signal on a screen of the massage apparatus control device, and the control unit controls the massage apparatus control device to output an alarm cancel button on the screen of the massage apparatus control device and to deactivate other buttons other than the alarm cancel button.

[0011] When an alarm signal of the massage device according to this disclosure is output, the control unit determines whether or not the first detection sensor has detected an object, and if the first detection sensor has not detected an object, the control unit determines whether or not the alarm cancel button has been pressed by the user, and if the alarm cancel button has been pressed by the user, the control unit controls the massage device to resume operation.

[0012] When the user of the massage device according to the present disclosure presses the alarm cancel button, the control unit controls the other buttons on the screen of the massage device control device to be reactivated.

[0013] When a signal from a posture sensor of the massage device disclosed herein indicates that the angle that the leg massage unit makes with the seat exceeds a predetermined threshold angle and the first detection sensor detects an object, the control unit controls the leg massage unit to move so as to become parallel to the ground.

[0014] When the second detection sensor of the massage device according to this disclosure detects the presence of an object on the upper surface of the electrical box, the control unit controls the massage device to output an alarm signal and to stop the movement of the massage device.

[0015] The massage apparatus according to this disclosure further includes a massage apparatus control device for a user to control the massage apparatus, and the control unit controls the massage apparatus control device to display an alarm signal on a screen of the massage apparatus control device, and the control unit controls the massage apparatus control device to output an alarm cancel button on the screen of the massage apparatus control device and to deactivate other buttons other than the alarm cancel button.

[0016] When an alarm signal of the massage device according to this disclosure is output, the control unit determines whether or not the first and second detection sensors have detected an object; if the first and second detection sensors have not detected an object, the control unit determines whether or not the alarm cancel button has been pressed by the user; if the alarm cancel button has been pressed by the user, the control unit controls the massage device to resume operation.

[0017] When the user of the massage device according to the present disclosure presses the alarm cancel button, the control unit controls the other buttons on the screen of the massage device control device to be reactivated.

[0018] Furthermore, the program for implementing the above-described method of operating the massage device may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the massage device of the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the massage device from moving while an object is positioned close to the massage device, and therefore, there is an effect that the occurrence of pinching accidents caused by the massage device is significantly reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram for explaining a massage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a main frame according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a massage device according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an external device capable of communicating with the massage device according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a side view of a massage device according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a massage device with a raised leg massager according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of a massage device with a leg massage unit elevated according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1A to 1C are diagrams for explaining the operation of the massage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a top view of an electrical equipment box provided in a massage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operation of a massage device according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 illustrates a screen output by a massage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] A massage device comprising: a body massage unit that provides a massage to a user's back or thighs and has a storage unit for the leg massage unit in which the leg massage unit is stored; an electrical box that supports the body massage unit and has a power supply unit and a control unit; and the leg massage unit that provides a massage to the user's legs and rotates relative to the body massage unit around a rotation axis, wherein the storage unit for the leg massage unit has a first detection sensor that is arranged to face the leg massage unit and detects whether or not there is an object in the storage unit for the leg massage unit, the leg massage unit has a posture sensor for measuring the angle between the leg massage unit and a seat unit, and the control unit controls the operation of the body massage unit and the leg massage unit.

[0022] The advantages and features of the disclosed embodiments, as well as the methods for achieving the same, will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms, and these embodiments are merely provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains.

[0023] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the disclosed embodiments will be explained in detail.

[0024] The terms used in this specification are generally used as widely as possible while taking into consideration the function of this disclosure, but they may differ depending on the intentions or precedents of engineers in the related field, the emergence of new technology, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings of the terms are described in detail in the section of the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure are not simply the names of terms, but are defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0025] In this specification, the singular term includes the plural term unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the plural term includes the singular term unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] Throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain element, this does not mean that other elements are excluded, and means that the part may further comprise other elements, unless otherwise specified.

[0027] Also, the term "module" used in the specification means a software or hardware component, and the "module" performs a certain function. However, the meaning of "module" is not limited to software or hardware. The "module" may be configured to be in an addressable storage medium or to execute one or more processors. Thus, by way of example, the "module" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided in the components and "modules" may be combined into fewer components and "modules" or may be further separated into additional components and "modules".

[0028] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a "unit" may be implemented by a processor and a memory. The term "processor" should be broadly interpreted to encompass general purpose processors, central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), controllers, microcontrollers, state machines, and the like. In some environments, a "processor" may refer to custom semiconductor application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and the like. The term "processor" may also refer to a combination of processing devices, such as, for example, a combination of a digital signal processor (DSP) and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a digital signal processor (DSP) core, or any other such combination of components.

[0029] The term "memory" should be interpreted broadly to encompass any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. The term "memory" may refer to various types of processor-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage devices, registers, and the like. Memory is said to be in electronic communication with the processor so long as the processor can read information from and write information to the memory. Memory that is integrated into a processor is in electronic communication with the processor.

[0030] In this specification, an actuator refers to a component capable of providing a driving force. For example, actuators include, but are not limited to, motors, linear motors, electromagnetic motors, DC motors, AC motors, linear actuators, and electric actuators.

[0031] In this specification, according to one embodiment, a massage device may refer to a massage device having a body massage unit and a leg massage unit, and according to another embodiment, the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300 may exist as separate, separate devices (e.g., a body massage device and a leg massage device), and a massage device may refer to a body massage device or a leg massage device.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. In the drawings, in order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the description will be omitted.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a massage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] A massage device 100 according to one embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure may include a body massage portion 2100 that forms an area for accommodating at least a portion of a user's body and that massages the user's torso, and a leg massage portion 2300 that massages the user's legs.

[0035] The body massage unit 2100 can provide a massage to at least a portion of a user's body. The body massage unit 2100 may include a massage module 2170 for providing a massage function to at least a portion of a user's body, an audio output module 2160 for providing any form of audio output to the user, a main frame 2110 forming the framework of the body massage unit 2100, and a user input unit 2180 for receiving any form of input from the user.

[0036] The components included in the body massage unit 2100 described above are merely exemplary embodiments, and the body massage unit 2100 may include various other components in addition to the components described above.

[0037] In addition, the shape and structure of the massage device 100 shown in FIG. 1 are merely illustrative, and various forms of massage device 100 may also be included within the scope of this disclosure as long as they do not deviate from the scope of rights defined by the claims of this disclosure.

[0038] The body massage unit 2100 can form a space of any shape to accommodate a user. The body massage unit 2100 can have a space of a shape corresponding to the shape of the user's body. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the body massage unit 2100 can be realized as a seating type that can accommodate the entire body or a part of the body of the user.

[0039] The portion of the body massage unit 2100 that comes into contact with the ground may be provided with any material or any member (e.g., an anti-slip pad) for increasing friction, and may be provided with casters for enhancing the mobility of the massage device 100.

[0040] At least a part of the body massage part 2100 can slide. For example, when the body massage part 2100 starts a massage, at least a part of the body massage part 2100 can slide forward. Also, the body massage part 2100 can tilt backward. As a result, the body massage part 2100 can provide a massage in a state of tilting backward.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the massage device 100 may include at least one air cell (not shown). The air cell may be located in various parts of the massage device 100, such as, but not limited to, the user's shoulder area, pelvic area, arm massage section, leg massage section 2300, etc.

[0042] The massage device 100 may include an air supply unit, which supplies air to the air cells to inflate them. The air supply unit may be located inside the body massage unit 2100 or the leg massage unit 2300. The air supply unit may also be located outside the massage device 100.

[0043] The leg massager 2300 can provide a leg massage to a user. For example, the leg massager 2300 can include a calf massager for massaging the user's calves and / or a foot massager for massaging the user's feet.

[0044] The length of the leg massage unit 2300 may be adjustable according to the physical characteristics of the user. For example, when a tall user uses the massage device 100, the length of the calf is long and the length of the leg massage unit 2300 needs to be long. On the other hand, when a short user uses the massage device 100, the length of the calf is short and the length of the leg massage unit 2300 needs to be short. In this way, the leg massage unit 2300 can provide a leg massage customized to the height of the user.

[0045] The massage module 2170 may be disposed inside the body massage portion 2100 to provide any form of mechanical stimulation to a user accommodated in the body massage portion 2100. As shown in FIG. 1 , the massage module 2170 can move along a main frame 2110 disposed inside the body massage portion 2100.

[0046] For example, a rack gear may be provided on the main frame 2110 of the body massage unit 2100, and the massage module 2170 may provide mechanical stimulation to various parts of the user's body while moving along the rack gear. The massage module 2170 may include, but is not limited to, a ball massage unit or a roller massage unit.

[0047] The main frame 2110 constitutes the framework of the internal structure of the body massage part 2100 and may be made of metal or plastic materials. For example, the main frame 2110 may be made of iron, alloy, steel, etc., but is not limited thereto, and may be made of various strong materials.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the massage device 100 may include an audio output module 2160. The audio output module 2160 may be disposed in various positions. For example, the audio output module 2160 may include a plurality of output units, such as an upper end audio output unit disposed at the upper end of the seat that contacts the user, a front audio output unit attached to the front end of the arm massage unit on the left and right sides of the seat, and / or a rear audio output unit attached to the rear end of the arm massage unit, and is not limited thereto. In this case, the audio output module 2160 may provide stereophonic sound such as 5.1 channels, and is not limited thereto.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a user can control the massage device 100 using the massage device control device 2200. The massage device control device 2200 may be connected to the massage device 100 using wired and / or wireless communication.

[0050] The massage apparatus control device 2200 may include a remote controller, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc., but is not limited to these, and may include various electronic devices that can be connected to the massage apparatus 100 via wired or wireless communication.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a main frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the main frame 2110 may include an upper frame 2250 on which the massage module 2170 is disposed and a base frame 2210 that supports the upper frame 2250.

[0053] A rack gear 2251 may be provided on at least a portion of the upper frame 2250. The rack gear 2251 is a member for guiding the vertical movement of the body massage module 2170, and may have a plurality of valleys and a plurality of peaks.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rack gears 2251 may be disposed in an opposing shape on both sides of the upper frame 2250 , and the body massage module 2170 can move along the rack gears 2251 .

[0055] 2, the rack gear 2251 is formed in the up-down direction, but is not limited thereto. The rack gear 2251 may include a front-rear rack gear and an up-down rack gear. In this disclosure, the front-rear direction means a direction from the body massage module 2170 to the user, or a direction from the user to the body massage module 2170, and may also be referred to as the Z-axis direction.

[0056] The body massage module 2170 may include gears that mesh with the rack gear 2251. More specifically, the body massage module 2170 may include gears that mesh with a front-rear rack gear and an up-down rack gear. The gears are rotated by an actuator provided on the body massage module 2170, so that the body massage module 2170 can move forward, backward, upward, or downward.

[0057] The further forward the body massage module 2170 moves, the stronger the massage will be, and the further back the body massage module 2170 moves, the weaker the massage will be.

[0058] The rack gear 2251 may be made of a metal material or a plastic material, for example, the rack gear 2251 may be made of iron, steel, alloy, reinforced plastic, melamine resin, phenolic resin, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0059] The upper frame 2250 may be realized in various shapes. For example, the upper frame 2250 may be divided into an S frame, an L frame, an S&L frame, and a double S&L frame according to the shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0060] An S-frame refers to a frame in which at least a portion of the upper frame 2250 includes an "S"-like curved shape, an L-frame refers to a frame in which at least a portion of the upper frame 2250 includes an "L"-like curved shape, an S&L frame refers to a frame that includes both an "S"-like curved shape and an "L"-like curved shape, and a double S&L frame refers to a frame that includes an "L"-like curved shape and two part "S"-like curved shapes.

[0061] The base frame 2210 refers to a portion of the main frame 2110 that supports the upper frame 2250 and comes into contact with the ground. The base frame 2210 may include a base upper frame 2211 and a base lower frame 2212.

[0062] The base upper frame 2211 may support the upper frame 2250, and the base lower frame 2212 may be in contact with the ground. Also, the base upper frame 2211 may be positioned so as to be in contact with the base lower frame 212.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the base upper frame 2211 can move along the base lower frame 2212. For example, the base upper frame 2211 can slide forward or backward along the base lower frame 2212. In this case, the upper frame 2250 may be coupled with the base upper frame 2211 and move as the base upper frame 2211 moves.

[0064] For example, when the base upper frame 2211 moves forward, the upper frame 2250 may also move forward, and when the base upper frame 2211 moves backward, the upper frame 2250 may also move backward. This allows the body massage part 2100 to be allowed to slide.

[0065] In detail, to allow the base upper frame 2211 to move, a moving wheel may be provided on the lower part of the base upper frame 2211. Also, a guide member capable of guiding the moving wheel may be provided on the upper part of the base lower frame 2212. The moving wheel provided on the base upper frame 2211 moves along the guide member provided on the base lower frame 2212, thereby allowing the base upper frame 2211 to move forward or backward.

[0066] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the massage device 100 may not provide a sliding function, in which case the base frame 2210 may not be separated into an upper frame and a lower frame.

[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates a massage device according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0068] The massage device 100 may include at least one of a control unit 300, a sensor unit 310, a communication unit 320, a memory 330, an audio output unit 340, and an input unit 350. The control unit 300 may include at least one processor and a memory. The at least one processor can execute commands stored in the memory.

[0069] The control unit 300 can control the operation of the massage device 100. The control unit 300 may include one processor, or may include multiple processors. When the control unit 300 includes multiple processors, at least some of the multiple processors may be located at a physically separate distance. In addition, the massage device 100 is not limited to this at all and can be realized by various methods.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit 300 can control the operation of the massage device 100. For example, the massage device 100 may include a plurality of actuators, and the massage device 100 can control the operation of the massage device 100 by controlling the operation of the plurality of actuators. For example, the massage device 100 may include at least one of a drive unit for moving an armrest frame receiving portion, a massage module moving actuator, at least one actuator included in the massage module, a back angle actuator, a leg angle actuator, a foot massage actuator, a leg length adjustment actuator, and a sliding actuator, and the control unit 300 can control the operation of the massage device 100 by controlling these.

[0071] The massage module movement actuator is an actuator that allows the massage module 2170 to move up and down, and operation of the massage module movement actuator allows the massage module 2170 to move along the rack gear.

[0072] The back angle actuator is an actuator that adjusts the angle of the part of the massage device 100 that comes into contact with the user's back, and the back angle of the massage device 100 can be adjusted by the operation of the back angle actuator.

[0073] The leg angle actuator is an actuator that adjusts the angle of the leg massage unit 2300 of the massage device 100. By operating the leg angle actuator, the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat provided in the body massage unit 2100 can be adjusted.

[0074] The foot massage actuator refers to an actuator that operates a foot massage module provided in the leg massage unit 2300. Using the foot massage actuator, the massage device 100 can provide a foot massage to the user.

[0075] The massage module 2170 may be provided with at least one actuator, and the control unit 300 can provide various massage actions by operating the at least one actuator. For example, the control unit 300 can provide a tapping massage, a kneading massage, etc., by operating the at least one actuator provided in the massage module 2170, and can provide various massage actions without being limited thereto.

[0076] The leg length adjustment actuator refers to an actuator that adjusts the length of the leg massage unit 2300. For example, the control unit 300 can utilize the leg length adjustment actuator to adjust the length of the leg massage unit 2300 to suit the user, so that the user can receive a massage that suits their body type.

[0077] The sliding actuator enables the sliding motion of the massage device 100. For example, the horizontal base upper frame can be moved forward or backward by the operation of the sliding actuator, and as a result, the upper frame connected to the horizontal base upper frame can also be moved forward or backward.

[0078] The memory 330 may be included in the control unit 300, or may be externally attached to the control unit 300. The memory 330 can store various information associated with the massage device 100. For example, the memory 330 may include massage control information or personal authentication information. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0079] Memory 330 may be implemented by any non-volatile storage medium that stores data. For example, memory 330 may include, but is not limited to, disk, optical disk, and magneto-optical storage devices, as well as flash memory and / or battery-backed memory based storage devices.

[0080] The memory 330 may be a main storage device that the processor accesses by itself, such as a random access memory (RAM) including dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and static random access memory (SRAM), or may be a volatile storage device in which stored information is instantly erased when the power is turned off, but is not limited thereto. Such memory 330 can be operated by the control unit 300.

[0081] The massage device 100 may include a sensor unit 310. The sensor unit 310 can acquire various information using at least one sensor. The sensor unit 310 may be provided as a sensor using a measuring means such as pressure, electric potential, and optics. For example, the sensor includes a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, an LED sensor, a touch sensor, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] The sensor unit 310 may also include a biometric information acquisition sensor. The biometric information acquisition sensor can acquire fingerprint information, face information, voice information, iris information, weight information, electrocardiogram information, body composition information, and the like, but is not limited thereto, and may include various types of biometric information.

[0083] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the massage device 100 can sense the contact area and / or contact position with the user through a sensor. The massage device 100 can provide a user-customized massage based on the information acquired through the sensor. The massage device 100 can also include a communication unit. The communication unit of the massage device 100 can receive a signal from an external device. The control unit 300 can process the received signal to obtain a result signal. The communication unit can output the result signal to the external device.

[0084] The communication unit 320 can communicate with an internal module of the massage device 100, an external massage device, and / or a user terminal through any type of network. The communication unit may include a wired / wireless connection module for network connection. As wireless connection technologies, for example, wireless LAN (WLAN), Wi-Fi, wireless broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), and high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) can be used. As wired connection technologies, for example, digital subscriber line (XDSL), fiber to the home (FTTH), and power line communication (PLC) can be used. In addition, the network connection unit includes a short-range communication module, and can transmit and receive data to and from any device / terminal located in a short distance. For example, short range communication technologies that can be used include Bluetooth (registered trademark), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), ZigBee (registered trademark), and the like, but are not limited to these.

[0085] The massage device 100 may further include an input unit 350 or an output unit. The massage device 100 can receive input from a user using the input unit 350. The massage device 100 can also output a processing result of the control unit 300 to the output unit. The input unit 350 and the output unit can be integrated into one device. For example, a touch screen can receive input from a user and output an image.

[0086] Specifically, the input unit 350 can receive commands associated with the operation control of the massage device 100 from the user, and the input unit 350 can be realized in various forms. For example, the input unit 350 may be provided in the body massage unit 2100 or the leg massage unit 2300. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The input unit 350 may also include the user input unit 2180 in FIG. 1, the massage device control device 2200, or various external devices described in FIG. 4.

[0087] The massage device 100 can receive various commands from the user through the input unit 350. For example, the massage device 100 can receive any command related to selection of a massage module, selection of a massage type, selection of a massage intensity, selection of a massage time, selection of a massage part, selection of a position and operation of the body massage unit 2100, selection of turning on and off the power of the massage device 100, selection of whether or not a heat function is operated, selection related to the reproduction of a sound source, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] The massage device 100 can provide an interface that allows the user to select a massage mode. For example, the input unit 350 or the output unit may include a massage device control device 2200. A list of various modes of medical massage related to body improvement may be displayed via the massage device control device 2200.

[0089] The medical massage mode may include at least one of a concentration mode, a meditation mode, a recovery mode, a stretching mode, a sleep mode, a vitality mode, a golf mode, a hip-up mode, an exam-student mode, a zero gravity mode, and a growth mode.

[0090] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the input unit 350 may include hot key type buttons and / or selection buttons for selecting, canceling, and inputting directions, depending on a preset user-defined function or a preset function set by the input unit 350 itself.

[0091] The input unit 350 can be realized by a touch screen, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (decompression (pressure) / electrostatic), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc., but is not limited to these. In addition, the input unit 350 can obtain commands using the user's speech based on voice recognition technology.

[0092] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the output unit may include a display for displaying the operating status of the massage device 100 or the current state of the user. In this case, the display may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, and a 3D display, but is not limited thereto.

[0093] The output unit may include an audio output unit 340. The audio output unit 340 may include the audio output module 2160 of FIG. 1. The audio output unit 340 may provide an audio output in any form to the user. For example, the audio output unit 340 may provide brain stimulation to the user by outputting to the user a sound source and / or binaural bits optimized for a massage pattern provided in the massage device 100. The audio output unit 340 may output an audio signal received via a network (not shown) or stored in an internal / external storage medium (not shown). For example, the audio output unit 340 may output a sound source associated with the control of the user terminal using a network connection (e.g., Bluetooth connection) with a user terminal. In addition, the audio output unit 340 may output an audio signal in any form generated in association with the operation of the massage device 100.

[0094] Those skilled in the art of the present invention should be familiar with the fact that the present invention can be realized in combination with other program modules and / or as a combination of hardware and software. For example, the present invention can be realized in a computer readable medium.

[0095] Any medium accessible by a computer may be computer readable, including volatile and non-volatile media, transitory and non-transitory media, mobile and non-mobile media, etc. By way of non-limiting example, computer readable media may include computer readable storage media and computer readable transmission media.

[0096] Computer readable storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, transitory and non-transient, removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technology for storing information such as computer readable commands, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer readable storage media includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), digital video disk (DVD) or other optical data storage device, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage device or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be accessed by a computer and used to store the desired information.

[0097] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an external device capable of communicating with the massage device according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0098] The massage device 100 can communicate with an external device via wired or wireless communication to transmit and receive various data.

[0099] The external device may include a portable electronic device 410 such as an AI speaker, a tablet, or a smartphone. The portable electronic device 410 may be dedicated to the massage device 100, or may be a general-purpose portable electronic device. The external device may also include a wearable device 420 such as a smart watch or a smart band. The external device may also include another massage device 430 other than the massage device 100 currently used by the user. The external device may also include a hospital server 440. The external device may also include a personal health record (PHR) server. The external device may also include a cloud server 450. The external device may also include a medical measurement device such as an electronic weight scale, a blood glucose meter, or a blood pressure meter.

[0100] In this disclosure, some examples of external devices have been described, but any device capable of communicating with the massage device 100 via wired or wireless communication and exchanging information corresponds to an external device.

[0101] Fig. 5 is a side view of a massage device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a massage device with a raised leg massage unit according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and Fig. 7 is a front view of a massage device with a raised leg massage unit according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0102] The massage device in Figure 7 shows the massage device in Figure 6 from another angle. Also, Figure 7 shows the leg massage part 2300 in Figure 6 in a further raised state.

[0103] 5 to 7, the massage device 100 may include a body massage unit 2100. The body massage unit 2100 may be a component for providing a massage to the back or thighs of a user. The body massage unit 2100 may also include a leg massage unit storage unit 610 for storing the leg massage unit 2300. The body massage unit 2100 has already been described, and therefore a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0104] In this disclosure, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the body massage unit 2100 includes an arm massage unit. The arm massage unit may be a component located on either side of the body massage unit 2100 for massaging the user's arms.

[0105] The storage section 610 may be a space formed by three sides of the housing of the body massage part 2100. The storage section 610 may be a space formed by a right side surface 641 of the left arm massage part, a left side surface 643 of the right massage part, and a front side surface 642 of the body massage part 2100.

[0106] The massage device 100 may include an electrical box 510. The electrical box 510 may be located under the rear side of the massage device 100. The electrical box 510 may be connected to the base frame 2210. The electrical box 510 may be a type of housing for covering the base frame 2210. The electrical box 510 may support the body massage unit 2100. The electrical box 510 may include a power supply unit and a control unit 300. The control unit 300 may refer to a main board. The control unit 300 may be a component for controlling the operation of the body massage unit and the leg massage unit.

[0107] The massage device 100 may include a leg massager 2300. The leg massager 2300 may provide a massage to the legs of a user. The leg massager 2300 may rotate relative to the body massager about a rotation axis 520. Although the rotation axis 520 is shown in FIG. 5, the rotation axis 520 may not be visible from the outside because it is located inside the housing. The rotation axis may be coupled to the main frame 2110.

[0108] Fig. 6 shows a part of a body massage unit 2100. The body massage unit 2100 shown in Fig. 6 may be an arm massage unit. The body massage unit may include an arm massage unit for massaging the user's arms. The body massage unit may also include a seat unit for the user to sit on.

[0109] 6, the degree to which the rod 620 protrudes from the body massage part 2100 can be adjusted by a leg angle actuator provided inside the body massage part 2100. Depending on the degree to which the rod 620 protrudes from the body massage part 2100, the leg massage part 2300 can rise or fall.

[0110] For example, when the rod 620 in FIG. 6 protrudes less from the body massage unit 2100, the leg massage unit 2300 can be lowered. This may be in a state as shown in FIG. 5(a). In this case, the angle 553 between the direction 541 of the leg massage unit and the direction 531 of the front side surface 642 of the seat may be relatively small. Here, the seat is provided in the body massage unit 2100. The seat may refer to a part where a user sits. Also, the angle 551 between the direction 541 of the leg massage unit and the direction 530 parallel to the ground may be relatively large. The direction 541 of the leg massage unit may be a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction on the back surface of the leg massage unit 2300. The direction 541 of the leg massage unit may be a direction from the knee to the foot when the user sits on the massage device 100. The direction 541 of the leg massage unit is a value that is changed by adjusting the angle of the leg massage unit 2300, and may be a direction set based on a direction parallel to the ground or a direction perpendicular to the ground. The direction 531 of the front side surface 642 of the seat may be a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction on the front side surface 642 of the seat. Here, the left-right direction may mean the left-right direction when the user is seated on the massage device 100. The direction 531 of the front side surface 642 of the seat may be a fixed value and may be a direction set based on a direction parallel to the ground or a direction perpendicular to the ground. The massage device 100 can obtain the direction parallel to the ground or the direction perpendicular to the ground using a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor.

[0111] Also, when the rod 620 of Fig. 6 protrudes farther from the body massage part 2100, the leg massage part 2300 can rise. This may be the state shown in Fig. 5(b). In this case, the angle 554 between the direction 542 of the leg massage part and the direction 531 of the front side surface 642 of the seat may be relatively large. Also, the angle 552 between the direction 542 of the leg massage part and the direction 530 parallel to the ground may be relatively small.

[0112] 5(b), when the leg massage unit 2300 is raised, a space may be created between the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300. If an object, animal, or human is between the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300 and the leg massage unit 2300 is lowered again, there is a risk of an accident in which the object, animal, or human is caught between the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300 due to the weight of the leg massage unit 2300. To prevent this, a first detection sensor can be used.

[0113] The massage device 100 may include a first detection sensor 630. The storage section 610 of the leg massage section may include the first detection sensor 630. More specifically, the housing of the body massage section 2100 may include the first detection sensor 630. More specifically, the left side surface 643 of the right arm massage section and the right side surface 641 of the left arm massage section may include the first detection sensor 630. The arm massage section included in the body massage section 2100 may also include the first detection sensor 630. The first detection sensor 630 may be arranged so as to face from the arm massage section to the leg massage section 2300. The first detection sensor 630 may be arranged so as to face the leg massage section 2300. The first detection sensor 630 can detect whether or not there is an object in the storage section 610 of the leg massage section. In this disclosure, the object encompasses an object, a human being, or an animal.

[0114] The first detection sensor 630 may include at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, or an illuminance sensor. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any sensor capable of detecting whether an object is present can be used. The fact that the first detection sensor 630 is arranged to face the leg massage unit 2300 means that the first detection sensor 630 irradiates ultrasonic waves, infrared rays, or a laser toward the storage unit 610 of the leg massage unit. The first detection sensor 630 can also receive the irradiated ultrasonic waves, infrared rays, or a laser. Based on the ultrasonic waves, infrared rays, or a laser received by the first detection sensor 630, the massage device 100 can determine that an object is present between the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300. Alternatively, it can determine that an object is present in the storage unit 610 of the leg massage unit.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 6, the first detection sensor 630 may be disposed in the fixed body massage unit 2100. By disposing the first detection sensor 630 in the body massage unit 2100 other than the leg massage unit 2300, the first detection sensor 630 can detect whether an object is present at the same position. If the first detection sensor 630 is disposed in the leg massage unit 2300 that rotates around a rotation axis, the area where the first detection sensor 630 detects an object may change depending on the movement of the leg massage unit 2300. The change in the area where the object is detected may mean that the stability is poor. For example, when the leg massage unit 2300 moves, the movement of the leg massage unit 2300 may differ for each massage device 100 due to mechanical errors. In this case, the first detection sensor 630 may detect whether an object is present in an area different from the designer's intention. In other words, the massage device 100 may not detect whether an object is present in a specific space different from the designer's intention. Therefore, there is a possibility that a problem may occur in the safety of the massage device 100. The massage device 100 according to this disclosure detects whether an object is located in the same space by disposing the first detection sensor 630 or the second detection sensor 910 at a fixed position. Therefore, there is an effect that the safety of the massage device 100 can be significantly improved.

[0116] In addition, the first detection sensor 630 is located on the right side 641 of the left arm massage part and on the left side 643 of the right massage part, and is arranged so as to go from the arm massage part to the leg massage part 2300. Therefore, it is possible to directly detect whether an object is located in the space created when the leg massage part 2300 is lifted. If the first detection sensor 630 is located in another place, it may be possible to detect when an object is entering the space, but may not be able to directly detect whether an object is located in the space.

[0117] 6, the first detection sensor 630 may be multiple. The first detection sensor 630 may include a 1-1 detection sensor 631 and a 1-2 detection sensor 632. When the first detection sensor 630 is multiple, it is possible to detect whether or not an object is present over a wide range of the storage section 610 of the leg massage unit. Therefore, the massage device 100 becomes even safer.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 7, the 1-1st detection sensor 631 and the 1-2nd detection sensor 632 provided in the first detection sensor 630 may be present in pairs. More specifically, the 1-1st detection sensor 631 and the 1-3rd detection sensor 731 may be present in pairs. The 1-1st detection sensor 631 may be a transmitter, and the 1-3rd detection sensor 731 may be a receiver. Conversely, the 1-1st detection sensor 631 may be a receiver, and the 1-3rd detection sensor 731 may be a transmitter. The 1-1st detection sensor 631 may be aligned with the 1-3rd detection sensor 731. Thus, when the 1-1st detection sensor 631 irradiates infrared rays or ultrasonic waves, the 1-3rd detection sensor 731 may receive the irradiated infrared rays or ultrasonic waves. Conversely, therefore, when the 1-3 detection sensor 731 irradiates infrared rays or ultrasonic waves, the 1-1 detection sensor 631 can receive the irradiated infrared rays or ultrasonic waves. When an object is present between the 1-1 detection sensor 631 and the 1-3 detection sensor 731, the receiving unit of the 1-1 detection sensor 631 and the 1-3 detection sensor 731 cannot receive infrared rays or ultrasonic waves, so that the massage device 100 can determine that an object is present between the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300. Alternatively, it can determine that an object is present in the storage unit 610 of the leg massage unit. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and both the 1-1 detection sensor 631 and the 1-3 detection sensor 731 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit.

[0119] If the 1-1 detection sensor 631 and the 1-2 detection sensor 632 are located on the left side of the body massage part 2100, the 1-3 detection sensor 731 and the 1-4 detection sensor 732 may be located on the right side of the body massage part 2100.

[0120] 7, the 1-2 detection sensor 632 and the 1-4 detection sensor 732 may be present in pairs. The description of the 1-2 detection sensor 632 and the 1-4 detection sensor 732 will be omitted since it overlaps with the description of the 1-1 detection sensor 631 and the 1-3 detection sensor 731.

[0121] 6 and 7, the 1-1 detection sensor 631 and the 1-2 detection sensor 632 are arranged parallel to the ground. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The 1-1 detection sensor 631 and the 1-2 detection sensor 632 may be arranged vertically to the ground. The 1-3 detection sensor 731 and the 1-4 detection sensor 732 may be located at positions corresponding to the 1-1 detection sensor 631 and the 1-2 detection sensor 632, respectively. Also, the number of the first detection sensor 630 may be more than two.

[0122] The first detection sensor 630 cannot distinguish whether the object it detects is the leg massage unit 2300 or another object. Therefore, the massage device 100 can determine whether the object recognized by the first detection sensor 630 is the leg massage unit 2300 or another object based on the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the front side surface 642 of the seat. For example, the massage device 100 can determine that the object recognized by the first detection sensor 630 is the leg massage unit 2300 when the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the front side surface 642 of the seat is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold angle. Therefore, the massage device 100 can deactivate the first detection sensor 630 or ignore a signal from the first detection sensor 630 when the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the front side surface 642 of the seat is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold angle. Conversely, the massage device 100 may determine that the object recognized by the first detection sensor 630 is not the leg massage unit 2300 when the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the front side surface 642 of the seat exceeds a predetermined threshold angle. Thus, the massage device 100 may issue an alarm based on a signal from the first detection sensor 630 when the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the front side surface 642 of the seat is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold angle. The alarm may indicate that there is an object between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat, or may indicate that the object between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat should be removed. This process will be described in conjunction with FIG. 10.

[0123] Although FIGS. 6 and 7 show two pairs of the first detection sensors 630, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of the first detection sensors 630 may be five or more.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 5, the massage device 100 may include an electrical box 510. The massage device 100 may include a second detection sensor 910. The second detection sensor 910 is located on the upper surface of the electrical box and can detect whether an object is placed on the upper surface of the electrical box. The second detection sensor 910 may include at least one of an electrostatic touch sensor, a decompression touch sensor, a pressure sensor, or a switch. To explain the second detection sensor 910, reference is made to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.

[0125] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the massage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] Fig. 8(a) shows a state in which the body massage unit 2100 of the massage device 100 is lying backwards. As shown in Fig. 8(a), in order for the body massage unit 2100 to be raised in the state in which the body massage unit 2100 is lying backwards, the following operations may be performed.

[0127] The body massage part 2100 can move backward with respect to the electrical box 510. At the same time, the body massage part 2100 can be raised forward. If there is an object behind the massage device 100, the body massage part 2100 may be damaged while lying backward. Therefore, when the body massage part 2100 of the massage device 100 is laid backward, the body massage part 2100 can move forward with respect to the electrical box 510. Conversely, when the body massage part 2100 of the massage device 100 is raised forward, the body massage part 2100 can move backward with respect to the electrical box 510.

[0128] When the body massage unit 2100 is raised forward, if an object, human, or animal is located in the electrical box 510, the object, human, or animal may be caught between the body massage unit 2100 and the electrical box 510. In addition, if an object, human, or animal is caught between the body massage unit 2100 and the electrical box 510, the massage device 100, the object, human, or animal may be injured. Therefore, the massage device according to this disclosure may be provided with a second detection sensor 910 at the upper end of the electrical box 510.

[0129] FIG. 9 is a top view of an electrical component box 510 provided in a massage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] As described above, the second detection sensor 910 may include at least one of an electrostatic touch sensor, a decompression touch sensor, a pressure sensor, or a switch. The second detection sensor 910 may be coupled to an inner surface of the electrical box 510. In addition, the second detection sensor 910 can detect an object hitting an outer surface of the electrical box 510. When the second detection sensor 910 is an electrostatic touch sensor, when an object that is a conductor hits the electrical box 510, the second detection sensor 910 can transmit a signal indicating that an object is present in the electrical box 510 to the control unit 300. When the second detection sensor 910 is a decompression touch sensor, a pressure sensor, or a switch, when an object presses the electrical box 510, the second detection sensor 910 may be pressed and can transmit a signal indicating that an object is present in the electrical box 510 to the control unit 300. The decompression touch sensor has an advantage that it is fast and can operate even if an object does not hit the electrical box 510. The decompression touch sensor, pressure sensor, or switch has an advantage that it can operate even if the object is not a conductor. Therefore, the second detection sensor 910 can use at least one of a capacitive touch sensor, a decompression touch sensor, a pressure sensor, or a switch in combination. Here, the switch may refer to a tact switch.

[0131] In FIG. 9, the front 920 may mean the front direction when the user sits on the massage device 100. The second detection sensor 910 may be elongated from side to side. The second detection sensor 910 may be a plurality of sensors. For example, the second detection sensor 910 may include a 2-1 detection sensor 911, a 2-2 detection sensor 912, and a 2-3 detection sensor 913. The 2-1 detection sensor 911, the 2-2 detection sensor 912, and the 2-3 detection sensor 913 may be the same type of sensor or may be different sensors. The 2-1 detection sensor 911, the 2-2 detection sensor 912, and the 2-3 detection sensor 913 may be arranged side by side.

[0132] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the 2-1 detection sensor 911, the 2-2 detection sensor 912, and the 2-3 detection sensor 913 may be long in the front-rear direction. The 2-1 detection sensor 911, the 2-2 detection sensor 912, and the 2-3 detection sensor 913 may be parallel to each other, or may be at right angles to each other.

[0133] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operation of a massage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] The leg massager 2300 may include an attitude sensor for measuring the state of the leg massager. The attitude sensor may measure the angle between the leg massager and the seat. The state of the leg massager may refer to the angle that the leg massager 2300 makes with the seat. More specifically, the state of the leg massager may refer to the angle that the leg massager 2300 makes with the seat. The leg massager 2300 may include a control board for controlling actuators associated with the leg massager. The control board included in the leg massager may include an attitude sensor. The attitude sensor may include one of a geomagnetic sensor, a gyro sensor, or an acceleration sensor.

[0135] Referring again to FIG. 5, the leg massage unit 2300 can rotate relative to the body massage unit 2100. (a) of FIG. 5 may be the basic state of the massage device 100. At this time, the user's legs may be in a bent state. As shown in (a) of FIG. 5, the direction of the leg massage unit 2300 may be approximately perpendicular to a direction 530 parallel to the ground. The position of the massage device 100 as shown in (a) of FIG. 5 may be referred to as the basic state.

[0136] Also, in (b) of FIG. 5, the leg massage unit 2300 may be in a raised state. At this time, the user's legs may be in a stretched state. An angle 554 between the direction 542 of the leg massage unit 2300 in (b) of FIG. 5 and the direction 531 of the front side surface 642 of the seat part may be larger than an angle 553 between the direction 541 of the leg massage unit 2300 in (a) of FIG. 5 and the direction 531 of the front side surface 642 of the seat part. Also, an angle 552 between the direction 542 of the leg massage unit 2300 in (b) of FIG. 5 and the direction 530 parallel to the ground may be smaller than an angle 551 between the direction 541 of the leg massage unit 2300 in (a) of FIG. 5 and the direction 530 parallel to the ground. Such angles 551 and 552 can be measured based on a posture sensor.

[0137] When the signal from the posture sensor indicates that the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat exceeds a predetermined threshold angle, the control unit 300 may perform a step of controlling the first detection sensor to detect an object. Here, the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat may refer to the angle 554 between the direction 542 of the leg massage unit 2300 and the direction 531 of the front side surface 642 of the seat. The angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat exceeding the predetermined threshold angle may indicate that the leg massage unit 2300 is lifted. In addition, the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat exceeding the predetermined threshold angle may indicate that the leg massage unit 2300 has come out of the storage unit 610 and the first detection sensor 630 cannot detect the leg massage unit 2300. In addition, when the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat exceeds a predetermined threshold angle, it may mean that an object may be trapped between the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300. (b) of Fig. 5 may be an example diagram of a state in which the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat exceeds a predetermined threshold angle.

[0138] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the signal from the posture sensor indicates that the angle between the leg massage unit and the ground is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold angle, the control unit 300 may perform a step of controlling the first detection sensor to detect an object. The angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the ground may refer to the angle 552 between the direction 542 of the leg massage unit 2300 and the direction 530 parallel to the ground. The angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the ground being equal to or less than the predetermined threshold angle may indicate that the leg massage unit 2300 is rising. Also, the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the ground being equal to or less than the predetermined threshold angle may indicate that the leg massage unit 2300 has come out of the storage unit 610, and the first detection sensor 630 cannot detect the leg massage unit 2300. In addition, when the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the ground is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold angle, it may mean that an object may be trapped between the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300. (b) of Fig. 5 may be an example diagram of a state in which the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the ground is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold angle.

[0139] Also, when the signal from the posture sensor indicates that the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold angle, the control unit 300 may perform a step of controlling the first detection sensor not to detect an object. The angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat may refer to the angle 553 between the direction 541 of the leg massage unit 2300 and the direction 531 of the front side surface 642 of the seat. The angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat being equal to or less than a predetermined threshold angle may indicate that the leg massage unit 2300 is lowered. Also, the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat being equal to or less than a predetermined threshold angle may indicate that the leg massage unit 2300 is inserted into the storage unit 610, and the first detection sensor 630 can detect the leg massage unit 2300. Furthermore, when the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold angle, it may mean that no object can get between the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300. (a) of Fig. 5 may be an example of a state in which the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold angle.

[0140] In this way, when the signal from the posture sensor indicates that the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold angle, the control unit 300 controls the first detection sensor not to detect an object, thereby preventing the first detection sensor from detecting the leg massage unit 2300. By using this process, the massage device 100 is able to prevent the first detection sensor from mistakingly determining that an object is caught between the seat and the leg massage unit 2300, even though the first detection sensor detects the leg massage unit 2300.

[0141] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the signal from the posture sensor indicates that the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the ground exceeds a predetermined threshold angle, the control unit 300 may perform a step of controlling the first detection sensor not to detect an object. The angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the ground may refer to the angle 551 between the direction 541 of the leg massage unit 2300 and the direction 530 parallel to the ground. The angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the ground exceeding the predetermined threshold angle may indicate that the leg massage unit 2300 is descending. Also, the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the ground exceeding the predetermined threshold angle may indicate that the leg massage unit 2300 is inserted into the storage unit 610, and the first detection sensor 630 can detect the leg massage unit 2300. Furthermore, the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the ground exceeding a predetermined threshold angle may mean that an object cannot be placed between the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300. (a) of Fig. 5 may be an example of a state in which the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the ground exceeds a predetermined threshold angle.

[0142] The massage device 100 may also perform a step (1010) of determining whether the first detection sensor 630 detects an object. Furthermore, if the signal from the posture sensor indicates that the angle between the leg massage unit and the seat exceeds a predetermined threshold angle, and the first detection sensor 630 detects an object, the control unit 300 may perform a step (1020) of controlling to output an alarm signal. Furthermore, if the signal from the posture sensor indicates that the angle between the leg massage unit and the ground is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold angle, and the first detection sensor 630 detects an object, the control unit 300 may perform a step (1020) of controlling to output an alarm signal. The alarm signal may be output as text, image, or sound. The alarm signal may be displayed on the screen of the massage device control device 2200.

[0143] Furthermore, in conjunction with step (1020), the control unit 300 can control the massage device 100 to stop moving, thereby preventing the massage device 100 from further damaging the object caught between the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300.

[0144] Additionally, when the signal from the posture sensor indicates that the angle between the leg massage unit and the seat exceeds a predetermined threshold angle and the first sensing sensor detects an object, the control unit 300 can control the leg massage unit 2300 to move parallel to the ground. Also, when the signal from the posture sensor indicates that the angle between the leg massage unit and the ground is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold angle and the first sensing sensor detects an object, the control unit 300 can control the leg massage unit 2300 to move parallel to the ground. The leg massage unit 2300 moving parallel to the ground indicates that the leg massage unit 2300 moves so that the user's legs are stretched. Also, the leg massage unit 2300 moving parallel to the ground indicates that the angle between the leg massage unit 2300 and the seat increases. That is, the leg massage unit 2300 can rise again. Furthermore, when the leg massage unit 2300 rises, the space between the leg massage unit 2300 and the body massage unit 2100 becomes wider. Therefore, the massage device 100 can help the object caught between the leg massage portion 2300 and the body massage portion 2100 to escape easily.

[0145] As already described, the massage device 100 may further include a massage device control device 2200 for the user to control the massage device. The control unit 300 can control the massage device control device 2200 to display an alarm signal on its screen. The control unit 300 can also output an alarm release button on the screen of the massage device control device 2200. The control unit 300 can also control the massage device control device 2200 to deactivate other buttons other than the alarm release button. Therefore, the user can only press the alarm release button on the massage device control device 2200, and cannot perform other operations on the massage device 100. That is, the massage device 100 can continue to maintain a stationary state. The massage device 100 according to this disclosure can prevent further damage to an object sandwiched between the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300.

[0146] In the above, the massage device control device 2200 has been described as a reference, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The massage device control device 2200 may be replaced with the external device of Fig. 4. For example, the massage device control device 2200 may be replaced with an external device including a portable electronic device 410 or a wearable device 420.

[0147] To describe the screens displayed on the massage device control device 2200, reference is made to FIG.

[0148] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a screen output by the massage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] Screen 1110 is an example of a screen before an alarm signal is output. A user can input various commands to the massage apparatus 100 using the massage apparatus control device 2200.

[0150] When an alarm signal is output by the above-mentioned process, the massage device control device 2200 can output a screen 1120. The screen 1120 displayed by the massage device control device 2200 may include a message 1121 based on the alarm signal. The screen 1120 can also display an alarm release button 1122.

[0151] If the user presses the alarm cancel button 1122, the massage device 100 may further perform a step of determining whether at least one of the first detection sensor 630 and the second detection sensor 910 detects an object. If at least one of the first detection sensor 630 and the second detection sensor 910 detects an object, the massage device 100 may display the screen 1120 again. However, if the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor do not detect an object, the massage device 100 may resume the operation before the alarm signal was output.

[0152] Based on the alarm signal output from the massage device 100, the user can remove the object caught between the body massage part 2100 and the leg massage part 2300. Therefore, the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor can not detect the object.

[0153] Then, when an alarm signal is output based on the first detection sensor, the control unit 300 can perform a step of determining whether at least one of the first detection sensor 630 and the second detection sensor 910 has detected an object. Even if an alarm signal is output based on the first detection sensor, the control unit 300 can prevent the massage device 100 from harming surrounding objects, people, or animals by checking whether both the first detection sensor 630 and the second detection sensor 910 have detected an object. This allows the massage device 100 to operate more safely.

[0154] In addition, the control unit 300 may perform a step (1030) of determining whether an alarm release button has been pressed by the user when the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor do not detect an object. When the alarm release button has been pressed by the user, the control unit 300 may perform a step (1040) of controlling to resume the movement of the massage device. In addition, the user may touch the position of the alarm release button displayed on the massage device control device 2200. As a result, the massage device 100 may determine that the alarm release button has been pressed. In addition, the massage device 100 may resume the movement of the massage device. Before resuming the movement of the massage device 100, the massage device 100 may further determine whether at least one of the first detection sensor 630 and the second detection sensor 910 detects an object. The massage device 100 may resume the operation before the alarm signal was output. In addition, when the alarm release button has been pressed by the user, the control unit 300 may control to reactivate other buttons on the screen of the massage device control device. That is, the massage device 100 can display a screen for controlling the massage device 100, such as the screen 1110.

[0155] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the massage device 100 may wait for the user's input without restarting the movement. The user can input a command to the massage device 100 using the massage device control device 2200 or an external device. The massage device 100 can perform an operation corresponding to the input command.

[0156] Also, when an alarm signal is output, the control unit 300 can first perform a step (1030) of determining whether or not the alarm release button is pressed by the user. Next, when the alarm release button is pressed by the user, the control unit 300 can perform a step of determining whether or not at least one of the first detection sensor 630 and the second detection sensor 910 detects an object. When the first detection sensor 630 and the second detection sensor 910 do not detect an object, the massage device 100 can continue to perform the operation just before the movement stops. Also, when the first detection sensor 630 and the second detection sensor 910 do not detect an object, the control unit 300 can control to reactivate other buttons on the screen of the massage device control device. That is, the massage device 100 can display a screen for controlling the massage device 100, such as the screen 1110.

[0157] Furthermore, if the first or second sensing sensor detects an object or the alarm cancel button is not pressed by the user, the massage device 100 can remain motionless and output the alarm signal again.

[0158] Thus far, the first detection sensor 630 has been described. The second detection sensor 910 will be described in more detail below. Operations related to the first detection sensor 630 may be similar to operations related to the second detection sensor 910. Therefore, the following description will focus on non-overlapping content.

[0159] 10, the control unit 300 may perform a step (1010) of determining whether the second detection sensor 910 detects an object. If the second detection sensor 910 detects that an object is present on the upper surface of the electrical box, the control unit 300 may perform a step (1020) of controlling to output an alarm signal. Also, if the second detection sensor 910 detects that an object is present on the upper surface of the electrical box 510, the control unit 300 may control to stop the movement of the massage device 100.

[0160] As already described, the massage device 100 may further include a massage device control device 2200 for the user to control the massage device. Also, the control unit 300 can control the massage device control device 2200 to display an alarm signal on the screen of the massage device control device. Furthermore, the control unit 300 can output an alarm release button on the screen of the massage device control device 2200. The screen displayed on the massage device control device 2200 is as shown in FIG. 11. Since FIG. 11 has already been described, a duplicated description will be omitted. The control unit 300 can control the buttons other than the alarm release button to be inactive. Therefore, the user cannot control the massage device 100 using the massage device control device 2200.

[0161] When an alarm signal is output based on the second detection sensor, the control unit 300 can perform a step of determining whether at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor has detected an object. Even if an alarm signal is output based on the second detection sensor, the control unit 300 can prevent the massage device 100 from harming surrounding objects, people, or animals by checking whether both the first detection sensor 630 and the second detection sensor 910 have detected an object. This allows the massage device 100 to operate more safely.

[0162] In addition, the control unit 300 may perform a step (1030) of determining whether an alarm release button has been pressed by the user when the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor do not detect an object. When the alarm release button has been pressed by the user, the control unit 300 may perform a step (1040) of controlling to resume the movement of the massage device. In addition, the user may touch the position of the alarm release button displayed on the massage device control device 2200. This allows the massage device 100 to determine that the alarm release button has been pressed. Furthermore, the massage device 100 may resume the movement of the massage device. Before resuming the movement of the massage device 100, the massage device 100 may further determine whether at least one of the first detection sensor 630 and the second detection sensor 910 detects an object. The massage device 100 may resume the operation before the alarm signal was output. Furthermore, when the alarm release button has been pressed by the user, the control unit 300 may control to reactivate other buttons on the screen of the massage device control device. That is, the massage device 100 can display a screen for controlling the massage device 100, such as the screen 1110.

[0163] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the massage device 100 may wait for the user's input without restarting the movement. The user can input a command to the massage device 100 using the massage device control device 2200 or an external device. The massage device 100 can perform an operation corresponding to the input command.

[0164] Furthermore, when an alarm signal is output, the control unit 300 can first perform a step (1030) of determining whether or not the alarm release button is pressed by the user. Next, when the alarm release button is pressed by the user, the control unit 300 can perform a step of determining whether or not at least one of the first detection sensor 630 and the second detection sensor 910 detects an object. When the first detection sensor 630 and the second detection sensor 910 do not detect an object, the massage device 100 can continue to perform the operation just before the movement stops. Also, when the first detection sensor 630 and the second detection sensor 910 do not detect an object, the control unit 300 can control to reactivate other buttons on the screen of the massage device control device. That is, the massage device 100 can display a screen for controlling the massage device 100, such as the screen 1110.

[0165] When the massage device 100 outputs an alarm signal, the user may have to take necessary measures. For example, an object located between the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300 may have to be removed. Or, an object on the electrical box 510 may have to be removed. Also, as described in FIG. 10, the user must press the alarm release button before the massage device can resume operation. However, even if the user tries to take necessary measures, the user may have difficulty standing up from the massage device 100. For example, the position of the massage device 100 may be such that it is difficult for the user to stand up. To solve such a problem, the massage device 100 may further perform the following operations.

[0166] The massage device 100 may output a warning sound or a warning light in response to a user's input or automatically. For example, the massage device control device 2200 may further display a warning output button in addition to the alarm release button 1122. If the user presses the warning output button, a warning sound may be output from the speaker or a warning light may be output from the warning light. The speaker or warning light may be located around the first detection sensor 630. Referring to FIG. 6, the speaker or warning light may be located above, below, in front or behind the first detection sensor 630. Here, the front or rear may mean the front and rear when the user sits on the massage device 100. If the object between the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300 is a human or an animal, the human or animal may hear the warning sound or see the warning light and move to a location that is not between the body massage unit 2100 and the leg massage unit 2300.

[0167] In addition, the massage device 100 may automatically output a warning sound or a warning light when performing the step of outputting an alarm signal (1020), without the user having to press a separate button.

[0168] Furthermore, a speaker or a warning light may be located around the second detection sensor 910. The speaker or the warning light may be located in front, behind, to the left or right of the second detection sensor 910. Here, in front may mean the front 920 in FIG. 9. If the object above the electrical box 510 is a human or an animal, the human or animal may hear the warning sound or see the warning light and move to a location that is not above the electrical box 510.

[0169] The massage device 100 may further display a forced motion button on the massage device control device 2200. Alternatively, the massage device 100 may include the forced motion button as a physical button. When the user touches or presses the forced motion button, the massage device 100 assumes a position that makes it easy for the user to stand up. For example, the leg massage unit 2300 may be lowered. Also, the body massage unit 2100 may be raised. A warning sound or a warning light may be output for a predetermined time before the massage device 100 is forced to move. Thus, it is possible to secure time for the object to escape from the danger area.

[0170] In addition, the massage device 100 can further display an emergency button on the massage device control device 2200. When the user presses the emergency button, a call can be sent to the manufacturer's customer service center, the fire department, the police station, or the police box. The user can communicate with the manufacturer's customer service center, the fire department, the police station, or the police box staff by text or voice. Thus, the user can appeal for help to safely escape from the massage device 100.

[0171] The massage device 100 of the present disclosure not only provides a comfortable massage that allows the user to relax, but also does not harm objects, people, or animals around the massage device 100. Therefore, the safety around the massage device 100 can also be guaranteed.

[0172] Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It is clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be realized in various modified embodiments without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above are considered from an explanatory perspective, not a limiting one. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims, not the above description, and all differences within the scope of the equivalents are included in the present invention.

[0173] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention can be created as a program that can be executed in a computer, and can be realized in a general-purpose digital computer that runs the program using a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes storage media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.) and optically readable media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, etc.).

Claims

1. a body massage unit that provides a massage to the back or thighs of a user and includes a storage unit for storing the leg massage unit; an electrical box supporting the body massage unit and including a power supply unit and a control unit; a leg massage unit for providing a massage to the legs of a user and rotating relative to the body massage unit about an axis of rotation; Equipped with The storage section of the leg massage unit includes a first detection sensor, the first detection sensor is arranged to face the leg massage unit, and detects whether or not there is an object in the storage section of the leg massage unit; the leg massage unit includes a posture sensor for measuring an angle between the leg massage unit and a seat; The control unit controls the operation of the body massage unit and the leg massage unit, When the leg massage unit moves away from the storage unit, a signal from the posture sensor indicates that the angle between the leg massage unit and the seat unit has exceeded a predetermined threshold value, and the first detection sensor detects an object, the control unit executes at least one of the following operations: control to output a first alarm signal or control to stop movement of the leg massage unit.

2. the massage device includes a second sensor located on the upper surface of the electrical box and configured to detect whether an object is placed on the upper surface of the electrical box; The first detection sensor includes at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, and an illuminance sensor; The massage device according to claim 1 , wherein the second sensing sensor comprises a tact switch, a capacitive touch sensor, or a pressure sensor.

3. When the signal from the posture sensor indicates that the angle between the leg massage unit and the seat unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value due to the leg massage unit moving away from the storage unit, the control unit controls the first detection sensor to detect an object, 2. The massage device according to claim 1, wherein when the leg massage unit approaches the storage unit and a signal from the posture sensor indicates that an angle between the leg massage unit and the seat unit is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold, the control unit controls the first detection sensor so as not to detect an object.

4. The massage device of claim 3, wherein when the signal from the posture sensor indicates that the angle between the leg massage part and the seat part exceeds a predetermined threshold value as a result of the leg massage part moving away from the storage part, and when the first detection sensor detects an object, the control part controls to output the first alarm signal and controls to stop movement of the massage device.

5. The massage apparatus further comprises a massage apparatus control device for a user to control the massage apparatus; The control unit controls the first alarm signal to be displayed on a screen of the massage apparatus control device, The massage apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit controls the massage apparatus control device to output an alarm reset button on a screen thereof and to deactivate other buttons than the alarm reset button.

6. When the first alarm signal is output, the control unit determines whether the first detection sensor detects an object; The control unit determines whether an alarm cancel button is pressed by a user when the first detection sensor does not detect an object; The massage device according to claim 5 , wherein, when the user presses an alarm cancel button, the control unit controls the leg massage unit to resume movement.

7. The massage apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein, when the user presses an alarm cancel button, the control unit controls the other buttons on the screen of the massage apparatus control device to be reactivated.

8. The massage device of claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the leg massage unit to stop moving, and then further controls the leg massage unit to move parallel to the ground.

9. The massage device according to claim 2, wherein when the second detection sensor detects that an object is present on the upper surface of the electrical box, the control unit controls the body massage unit to output a second alarm signal and to stop movement of the body massage unit.

10. The massage apparatus further comprises a massage apparatus control device for a user to control the massage apparatus; The control unit controls the second alarm signal to be displayed on a screen of the massage apparatus control device, The massage apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit controls the massage apparatus control device to output an alarm cancel button on a screen thereof and to deactivate other buttons than the alarm cancel button.

11. When the second alarm signal is output, the control unit determines whether the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor detect an object; The control unit determines whether an alarm cancel button is pressed by a user when the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor do not detect an object; The massage device according to claim 10, wherein, when the user presses an alarm cancel button, the control unit controls the body massage unit to resume its movement.

12. The massage apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, when the user presses an alarm cancel button, the control unit controls the other buttons on the screen of the massage apparatus control device to be reactivated.

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