Pelvic floor muscle training support system and program

Abstract

A pelvic floor muscle training support system that allows a user to easily train their pelvic floor muscles is provided. The pelvic floor muscle training support system includes a sitting aid that can be placed on a flat surface and has a seat on which a user can sit, the sitting aid having an opening near the center of the seat in the left-right direction, a sensor unit that can be inserted through the opening, and a lifting unit configured to lift and lower the sensor unit in the up-down direction, the sensor unit having a displacement sensor and a sensor support part that supports the displacement sensor so as to be able to detect the displacement in the up-down direction of an object that comes into contact with the displacement sensor, the displacement sensor being able to come into direct or indirect contact with the anus portion of the user from below when the user sits on the sitting aid by operating the lifting unit, and configured to detect the displacement of the anus portion against which the displacement sensor is directly or indirectly in contact.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a program for assisting in training of pelvic floor muscles. [Background technology]

[0002] Pelvic floor muscle training is known as a method for improving symptoms of defecation dysfunction such as fecal incontinence and constipation. The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles including the anal sphincter, and can be trained, for example, by performing exercises that tighten and loosen the anus in a predetermined cycle. It is also believed that a user (patient) can detect whether the anal sphincter is moving correctly by training while measuring the pressure inside the anus, thereby making it possible to perform training effectively.

[0003] As a device for measuring pressure within the anus, Patent Document 1 discloses a human muscle motion detection device that includes a balloon catheter having a balloon to be inserted into a body cavity of the human body, pressure detection means connected to the balloon catheter for detecting the pressure within the balloon, and alarm means for outputting an alarm signal when the pressure detected by the pressure detection means reaches or exceeds a set value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-327936 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when training with a balloon inserted in a body cavity (anus), the user needs to be supervised by a doctor or other specialist at a facility such as a hospital. This makes it difficult for the user to train easily. In addition, it is possible that the user may experience psychological barriers such as a sense of shame.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a pelvic floor muscle training support system and program that enables a user to easily train their pelvic floor muscles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a pelvic floor muscle training support system, which is a sitting aid that can be placed on a flat surface and has a seat on which a user can sit, where a first direction is a direction approximately parallel to the front-to-back direction of the user when seated on the seat, a second direction is a direction approximately parallel to the left-to-right direction of the user, and a third direction is a direction perpendicular to the plane. The sitting aid has an opening provided near the center of the seat in the second direction, a sensor unit that can be inserted through the opening, and a lifting unit configured to raise and lower the sensor unit in the third direction, wherein the sensor unit has a displacement sensor and a sensor support portion that supports the displacement sensor so as to be able to detect the displacement of an object in the third direction that comes into contact with the displacement sensor, and the displacement sensor is capable of directly or indirectly contacting the anal portion of the user from below when the user is seated on the sitting aid by operating the lifting unit, and is configured to detect the displacement of the anal portion against which the displacement sensor is directly or indirectly contacting.

[0008] The pelvic floor muscle training support system may further comprise an information processing device configured to obtain measured values ​​of displacement of the anal part based on the signal output from the displacement sensor and to display a pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on the measured values.

[0009] In the above pelvic floor muscle training support system, the information processing device may have a calibration unit configured to set a state in which the user's body is in contact with the displacement sensor in a predetermined state as an initial state.

[0010] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the lifting unit may be configured to raise and lower the sensor unit by an actuator operating under electrical control, the displacement sensor may be configured using a strain gauge, and the calibration section may raise and lower the sensor unit by operating the actuator, and stop the operation of the actuator when the amount of deflection of the displacement sensor reaches a predetermined value.

[0011] In the pelvic floor muscle training support system described above, the information processing device may display a graph showing changes in the measurement values ​​over time on the pelvic floor muscle training support screen.

[0012] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the information processing device may further have an operation input unit configured to receive operations performed from outside, and a training mode setting unit configured to set a training mode selected from a plurality of training modes in accordance with the operation received by the operation input unit, and the plurality of training modes may include at least one of a first training mode for training instantaneous contraction movements, a second training mode for training sustained contraction movements, and a third training mode for training strain movements.

[0013] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the training mode setting unit may be configured to display a training menu on the pelvic floor muscle training support screen, the training menu including the number of times an exercise is to be performed, the target displacement of the anal part, the duration of the exercise, and intervals, according to the selected training mode.

[0014] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, a groove-shaped recess parallel to the first direction may be formed in the seating surface of the seating aid near the center in the second direction, the opening may be provided in a bottom surface of the groove-shaped recess, and two flat recesses or through holes whose length in the second direction is longer than its length in the first direction may be formed in the seating surface on both sides of the groove-shaped recess.

[0015] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the displacement sensor may have a rectangular substrate and a strain gauge attached closer to one end than the longitudinal center of the substrate, the displacement sensor being fixed to the sensor unit at the one end, and the sensor unit may be positioned so that the one end of the displacement sensor is at the rear of the seat and the strain gauge is closer to the rear than the center line of the two recesses or through-holes in the first direction.

[0016] In the above pelvic floor muscle training support system, the sensor unit may further have a second displacement sensor, and the sensor support part may support the second displacement sensor at a position closer to the end in the second direction than the displacement sensor and lower than the first sensor so as to be able to detect displacement in a direction perpendicular to an inclined surface that becomes lower from the central part toward the end in the second direction, and the second displacement sensor may be configured to be able to directly or indirectly contact the gluteal cleft of the user when seated on the seating aid by operating the lifting unit, and to detect displacement of the gluteal cleft against which the second displacement sensor is directly or indirectly in contact.

[0017] In the above pelvic floor muscle training support system, the information processing device may be configured to obtain a first measurement value representing the displacement of the anal portion based on a signal output from the displacement sensor, and to obtain a second measurement value representing the displacement of the intergluteal cleft portion based on a signal output from the second displacement sensor, and to display a pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on the first and second measurement values.

[0018] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the information processing device may have a calibration unit configured to set a state in which the displacement detected by the displacement sensor and the second displacement detected by the second displacement sensor each become a predetermined value as an initial state.

[0019] In the above-mentioned pelvic floor muscle training support system, the information processing device may further have a judgment unit configured to judge the user's exercise state based on the first and second measurement values, and the judgment unit may be configured to, if the first measurement value increases when the anal portion is displaced downward from the initial state, and the second measurement value increases when the intergluteal cleft portion is displaced diagonally downward from the initial state, judge the state to be an agonizing state when the first measurement value increases, judge the state to be a contracted state when the first measurement value decreases, and judge the state to be an error state when the amount of change in the second measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0020] In the above pelvic floor muscle training support system, the lifting unit may be electrically driven by an actuator, and the information processing device may communicate with the lifting unit and operate the actuator to raise and lower the sensor unit, and may stop the operation of the actuator when the first measurement value and the second measurement value each reach the specified value.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for a pelvic floor muscle training support system, the program being executed by an information processing device that displays a pelvic floor muscle training support screen, the pelvic floor muscle training support system being a seating aid that can be placed on a flat surface and has a seat on which a user can sit, the seating aid having an opening provided near the center of the seat in the second direction, where a first direction is a direction substantially parallel to the front-to-back direction of the user when seated on the seat, a second direction is a direction substantially parallel to the left-to-right direction of the user, and a third direction is a direction perpendicular to the plane, the seating aid being configured to: have a sensor unit that can be inserted through the opening; and raise and lower the sensor unit in the third direction. and a lifting unit having a displacement sensor and a sensor support portion that supports the displacement sensor so as to be able to detect the displacement of an object in the third direction that comes into contact with the displacement sensor, and the information processing device is caused to execute the steps of: by operating the lifting unit, directly or indirectly bringing the displacement sensor into contact with the anal portion of the user from below when the user is seated on the seating aid; detecting the displacement of the anal portion against which the displacement sensor is directly or indirectly in contact; obtaining a measurement value of the displacement of the anal portion based on a signal output from the displacement sensor; and displaying a pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on the measurement value. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible for a user to easily train their pelvic floor muscles. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a pelvic floor muscle training support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pelvic floor muscle training support system shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the seating aid shown in FIG. 2 along line AA. [Figure 4]3 is a cross-sectional view of the seating aid shown in FIG. 2 . [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the device body shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC line of the main body of the device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 3 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the functional configuration of the sensor unit illustrated in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 3 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a functional configuration of an information processing device connected to the sensor unit illustrated in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pelvic floor muscle training support screen displayed on the display unit in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the user's exercise state during pelvic floor muscle training. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a pelvic floor muscle training support system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the seating aid shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the device main body shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing the inside of the device main body shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the displacement sensor. [Figure 16] 13 is a top view for explaining the positional relationship between the seating aid and the displacement sensor. FIG. [Figure 17] 5 is a schematic diagram showing the deflection of a displacement sensor due to the displacement of an anus portion; FIG. [Figure 18] 14 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic functional configuration of a circuit unit illustrated in FIG. 13. [Figure 19] 15 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic functional configuration of an information processing device connected to the circuit unit illustrated in FIG. 14. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a pelvic floor muscle training support system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pelvic floor muscle training support screen (main screen). [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a training setting screen. [Figure 23] 11 is a graph for explaining output timing of a guide. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a training result screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, a pelvic floor muscle training support system and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In addition, in the description of each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0025] The drawings referred to in the following description merely show the shape, size, and positional relationship in a schematic manner to the extent that the contents of the present invention can be understood. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the shape, size, and positional relationship exemplified in each drawing. In addition, there may be cases where the dimensional relationship and ratio of each part differs between the drawings.

[0026] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a pelvic floor muscle training support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pelvic floor muscle training support system shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pelvic floor muscle training support system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a seating aid 10 that can be placed on a flat surface, and a device main body 20. The seating aid 10 is for allowing a user performing training to sit down. The device main body 20 includes a sensor unit 30 and a lifting unit 40 that lifts and lowers the sensor unit 30 in a direction perpendicular to the flat surface on which the seating aid 10 is placed. The pelvic floor muscle training support system 1 may further include an information processing device that can be connected to the sensor unit wirelessly or via a wire.

[0027] FIG. 3 is an AA cross-sectional view of the seating aid 10. FIG. 4 is a BB cross-sectional view of the seating aid 10. In the following, each direction is defined based on the direction seen from the user when sitting on the seating aid 10. That is, the direction approximately parallel to the front-rear direction of the user is the x-direction (first direction), the direction approximately parallel to the left-right direction of the user is the y-direction (second direction), and the direction approximately parallel to the up-down direction of the user (direction perpendicular to the plane on which the seating aid 10 is placed) is the z-direction (third direction). In the following, the x-direction may be referred to as the left-right direction, the y-direction as the front-rear direction, and the z-direction as the vertical direction or the up-down direction. In addition, the plane on which the seating aid 10 is placed may be referred to as the horizontal plane, and the direction parallel to the plane may be referred to as the horizontal direction. In the first embodiment, the vertical downward direction is positive.

[0028] As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the seating aid 10 has an overall shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped with no corners. The seating aid 10 is hollow so that it can be placed over the device body 20. Such a seating aid 10 is made of a material such as hard plastic so that it can maintain its shape even when a user (e.g., an adult) sits on it. In the first embodiment, the left side of Fig. 4 (the direction in which a lifting / lowering dial 43 of a lifting / lowering unit 40, described later, is located) is the front of the user.

[0029] The seating surface 11 of the seating aid 10 is shaped so that the vicinity of the user's anus is located approximately in the center in the y direction when the user is seated. An opening 12 through which the sensor unit 30 can be inserted is provided near the center of the seating surface 11 in the y direction.

[0030] Specifically, the seat surface 11 is formed with a groove-like recess 13 parallel to the y direction. By aligning the left and right ischial bones with this recess 13, the user can comfortably sit on the seating aid 10, and the positional relationship between the sensor unit 30 and the user's anus in the x direction can be properly maintained. In addition, the seat surface 11 is formed with a groove-like recess 14 parallel to the x direction and deeper than the recess 13. By sitting with the gluteal cleft along the recess 13, the user can properly maintain the positional relationship between the sensor unit 30 and the user's anus in the y direction. In addition, since the recess 14 is deeper than the recess 13, the vicinity of the anus of the seated user is free, making training easier. Furthermore, the seat surface 11 may be curved in a concave shape as a whole so as to hold the user's buttocks.

[0031] A dial opening 15 is formed on the front side of the seating aid 10 to expose a part of a lifting dial 43 provided on the tip side of a lifting unit 40, which will be described later. Also, a switch opening 16 is formed on the rear side of the seating aid 10 to expose a switch box 37 arranged on the rear end side of the lifting unit 40.

[0032] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the device body 20. Fig. 6 is a CC cross-sectional view of the device body 20. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the device body 20 is an integrated unit of the sensor unit 30 and the lifting unit 40 that lifts and lowers the sensor unit 30. The lifting unit 40 has an elongated shape with a substantially semicircular tip end (on the lifting dial 43 side) and a substantially rectangular rear end in a plan view. On the other hand, the sensor unit 30 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and is attached to the upper part of the lifting unit 40 so as to be movable up and down (z direction) relative to the lifting unit 40.

[0033] When the seating aid 10 is placed over such device body 20, a part of the sensor unit 30 protrudes from the opening 12 of the seating aid 10, and a part of the lift dial 43 is exposed from the dial opening 15.

[0034] The sensor unit 30 includes two displacement sensors 31 and 32, a sensor support section 33 that supports the displacement sensors 31 and 32, a sensor housing 34 that houses the sensor support section 33, a sensor frame 35 that holds the sensor support section 33 housed in the sensor housing 34, and a switch box 37. In the first embodiment, the switch box 37 is disposed in a housing 41 of the lifting unit 40. The switch box 37 is provided with a circuit section for driving and controlling the sensor unit 30, and the displacement sensors 31 and 32 are connected to this circuit section via wiring 36. The arrangement of the switch box 37 is not limited thereto, and may be disposed in the sensor housing 34, for example. The sensor housing 34 is also provided with a cylindrical support section 38 that is connected to a shaft 46 of the lifting unit 40, which will be described later. A female screw is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the support section 38 near the lower end portion.

[0035] The displacement sensors 31 and 32 can be configured using, for example, strain gauges. A strain gauge is a sensor component whose electrical resistance value changes when it is deflected by a force applied to it. By measuring the electrical resistance value of the strain gauge, it is possible to detect the amount of deflection of the strain gauge, in other words, the displacement of an object to which a force is applied to the strain gauge.

[0036] One of the displacement sensors (first displacement sensor) 31 is supported by a sensor support section 33 at the center in the y direction so as to be able to detect the vertical displacement of an object in contact with the displacement sensor 31. In detail, sensor support bases 33a and 33b are provided at the center in the y direction of the sensor support section 33, which support both ends of the displacement sensor 31 so that the displacement sensor 31 is parallel to the horizontal plane 31a. As shown in FIG. 5, a positioning through hole 310 is provided at one end of the displacement sensor 31. The displacement sensor 31 is fixed to one sensor support base 33a by a bolt at this through hole 310. The other end of the displacement sensor 31 is placed freely on the other sensor support base 33b. Furthermore, a cavity is formed below the center of the displacement sensor 31 while it is supported by the sensor support bases 33a and 33b. This allows the displacement sensor 31 to bend against a vertical force.

[0037] The other displacement sensor (second displacement sensor) 32 is supported by the sensor support 33 at the end side in the y direction from the one displacement sensor 31 and below the one displacement sensor 31 so as to be able to detect displacement in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface 32a that becomes lower from the center to the end of the object in contact with the displacement sensor 32. In detail, at a position closer to the end than the center of the sensor support 33 in the y direction, sensor support bases 33c and 33d are provided to support both ends of the displacement sensor 32 so that the displacement sensor 32 is slightly inclined. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, a through hole 320 for positioning is provided at one end of the displacement sensor 32. The displacement sensor 32 is fixed to one sensor support base 33c with a bolt at this through hole 320. The other end of the displacement sensor 32 is placed on the other sensor support base 33d in a free state. Furthermore, in a state where the displacement sensor 32 is supported by the sensor support bases 33c and 33d, a hollow is formed below the center of the displacement sensor 32. This allows the displacement sensor 32 to bend in response to a force in a direction perpendicular to the inclined surface 32a.

[0038] 1, 2, 5, and 6, the displacement sensors 31 and 32 are exposed, but the displacement sensors 31 and 32 may be covered with a cover when using the device main body 20. As the cover, a film made of a flexible material such as rubber, silicone rubber, elastomer, or the like can be used so that the displacement of an object in contact with the cover is transmitted directly to the displacement sensors 31 and 32.

[0039] The lifting unit 40 has a housing 41 including a bottom portion 41a and a lid portion 41b. The housing 41 is provided with a lifting dial 43, a pulley (not shown) connected to the lifting dial 43 and rotating together with the lifting dial 43, a belt 44 that is stretched across the pulley and transmits the power of the pulley to another pulley 45, a shaft 46 connected to the pulley 45 and rotating together with the pulley 45, and a battery case 47. A male screw that can be screwed with a female screw formed on the support portion 38 of the sensor housing 34 is formed near the upper end of the shaft 46. By rotating the lifting dial 43, the rotation of the lifting dial 43 is transmitted to the shaft 46 via the belt 44 and the pulley 45. The shaft 46 rotates accordingly, and the entire sensor unit 30 including the support portion 38 that is screwed with the shaft 46 moves vertically according to the rotation direction of the lifting dial 43.

[0040] Inside the housing 41, wiring is provided that electrically connects a battery 48 housed in a battery case 47 to a circuit portion disposed inside the switch box 37.

[0041] By raising and lowering the sensor unit 30 with such a lifting unit 40, one of the displacement sensors 31 can be brought into direct or indirect contact (i.e., via a cover) from below with the anus of the user seated on the seating aid 10, and the other displacement sensor 32 can be brought into direct or indirect contact with the intergluteal cleft of the user. This allows the displacement sensor 31 to detect the displacement of the anus in the vertical direction, and the displacement sensor 32 to detect the displacement of the intergluteal cleft in the direction perpendicular to the inclined surface 32a.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the sensor unit 30. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of an information processing device connected to the sensor unit 30. An information processing device 50 shown in Fig. 8 is connected to the sensor unit 30 wirelessly or via wire so as to be able to communicate with the sensor unit 30.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, the sensor unit 30 includes a control unit 30a connected to two displacement sensors 31 and 32, a memory 30b, a communication unit 30c, a power switch 30d, and a power source 30e.

[0044] The control unit 30a is realized by, for example, causing a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a program. Alternatively, the control unit 30a may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), or may be realized by a combination of these. When the power switch 30d is turned on, the control unit 30a energizes the displacement sensors 31 and 32 with power supplied from the power source 30e, generates a detection signal corresponding to the displacement of the displacement sensors 31 and 32 (for example, the amount of deflection of a strain gauge), and outputs the detection signal to the information processing device 50 via the communication unit 30c.

[0045] The memory 30b is formed of, for example, a ROM or a RAM, and stores programs to be executed by the control unit 30a, parameters used during the execution of the programs, and the like.

[0046] The communication unit 30c transmits detection signals indicating the displacements of the displacement sensors 31, 32 to the information processing device 50 under the control of the control unit 30a. The communication unit 30c may perform wireless communication with an external device such as the information processing device 50, or may perform wired communication. The communication unit 30c also receives instructions and commands for the control unit 30a from the information processing device 50 and executes a process of inputting the instructions and commands to the control unit 30a.

[0047] The power supply 30e is realized, for example, by a battery 48 shown in Fig. 6. Of course, instead of the battery 48, power may be obtained from the outside via a power cable.

[0048] 8 may be configured by a general-purpose information processing device such as a personal computer (PC), a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a dedicated microcomputer. The information processing device 50 includes a communication interface 51, an operation input unit 52, a display unit 53, a memory 54, and a control unit 55.

[0049] The communication interface 51 is a hardware module for connecting the information processing device 50 to other devices (for example, the sensor unit 30) via a communication network or a communication cable, and for communicating with the other devices.

[0050] The operation input unit 52 is an input device constituted by input devices such as input buttons, switches, a numeric keypad, a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel, and receives operations performed from the outside and inputs signals corresponding to the operations to the control unit 55. The display unit 53 is configured with a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0051] The memory 54 is configured using a semiconductor memory such as a ROM or a RAM, or a computer-readable storage medium such as a disk drive. The memory 54 stores an operating system program, a driver program, a program for causing the information processing device 50 to execute a predetermined operation, and various data and parameters used during execution of the programs. Specifically, the memory 54 stores a program 54a for causing the information processing device 50 to execute a series of operations for connecting the information processing device 50 to the sensor unit 30, receiving a signal detected by the sensor unit 30, and displaying a pelvic floor muscle training support screen on the display unit 53 based on the signal, and measurement data 54b based on the signal transmitted from the sensor unit 30.

[0052] The control unit 55 is configured using hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and by reading and executing a program 54a stored in the memory 54, transfers data and issues instructions to each unit of the information processing device 50, and comprehensively controls the operation of the information processing device 50. Functional units realized by the control unit 55 executing the program 54a include a measurement unit 55a, a calibration unit 55b, and a determination unit 55c.

[0053] The measurement unit 55a acquires the amount of displacement detected by one displacement sensor 31 (measurement value) and the amount of displacement detected by the other displacement sensor 32 (second measurement value) based on a signal transmitted from the sensor unit 30. Hereinafter, the amount of displacement detected by the displacement sensor 31 is also referred to as a top value, and the amount of displacement detected by the displacement sensor 32 is also referred to as a side value.

[0054] The calibration unit 55b sets a state in which the user's body is in contact with the two displacement sensors 31, 32 in a predetermined state as an initial state.

[0055] The determination unit 55c determines the user's exercise state based on the top value and the side value. The determination unit 55c may perform a predetermined calculation using the top value and the side value, and make a determination based on this calculation value.

[0056] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pelvic floor muscle training support screen (hereinafter also simply referred to as the support screen) displayed on display unit 53. Support screen 53a shown in Fig. 9 is provided with initial setting button 53b used during calibration, training start button 53c, and graph display field 53d in which waveforms representing top and side values ​​are displayed as the user's exercise state. Note that a waveform representing a calculated value based on the top and side values ​​may be displayed in graph display field 53d. Furthermore, when it is determined that training is not being performed effectively, warning display 53e may be displayed on support screen 53a.

[0057] Next, we will explain a training method using pelvic floor muscle training support system 1. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a pelvic floor muscle training support screen displayed on display unit 53. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the user's exercise state during pelvic floor muscle training.

[0058] First, the user sits on the seating aid 10 (see FIG. 1) placed over the device main body 20 in a position such that the left and right ischial bones fit into the recesses 13 of the seating aid 10. At this time, the user may remain clothed. Then, the user turns on the power switch 30d and starts up the pelvic floor muscle training support program in the information processing device 50. As a result, the support screen 53a shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 53, and the top and side values ​​detected by the displacement sensors 31, 32 are displayed in the graph display field 53d.

[0059] Next, the user rotates the elevation dial 43 while relaxing the buttocks 2 to raise the sensor unit 30. When the displacement sensors 31 and 32 come into contact with the user's body (through clothing, the same applies below), they output signals according to their respective displacement amounts, and the information processing device 50 receives these signals and displays waveforms representing the top value and the side value in the graph display field 53d. While looking at the support screen 53a, the user adjusts the height of the sensor unit 30 so that the displacement sensor 31 arranged in the center comes into contact with the anus with a certain amount of pressure, and the displacement sensor 32 arranged on the side comes into contact with the intergluteal cleft with a certain amount of pressure. Then, when the top value and the side value each reach a predetermined value, the user taps the initial setting button 53b. Thereby, the displacement amounts of the displacement sensors 31 and 32 at this time are calibrated as initial values ​​(zero points). After that, the user taps the training start button 53c.

[0060] In the following, the calibrated state (initial state) is used as a reference, and it is noted that when the displacement sensor 31 is displaced downward from the initial state, the top value increases, and when it is displaced upward, the top value decreases. On the other hand, it is noted that when the displacement sensor 32 is displaced diagonally downward from the initial state, the side value increases, and when it is displaced diagonally upward, the side value decreases.

[0061] Point A shown in Fig. 10 indicates the position of the anus in contact with the displacement sensor 31 arranged in the center, and point B indicates the position of the intergluteal cleft in contact with the displacement sensor 32 arranged on the side. Fig. 10(a) shows the user's body (buttocks 2) when the top value and the side value indicate their respective initial values. Hereinafter, this state is also referred to as the neutral state.

[0062] Training is performed by repeating a neutral state, training, and anal contraction in a predetermined cycle. This allows the pelvic floor muscles, such as the anal sphincter, to be trained. However, a user who is not accustomed to consciously controlling the anal sphincter may end up performing an exercise other than the intended one, such as contracting the gluteal muscles instead of contracting the anus. In such a case, the anal sphincter is not exercised much, and the pelvic floor muscles cannot be trained effectively. Therefore, it is important to make the user aware of the anal contraction.

[0063] FIG. 10(b) shows the user's body in the scolding state. In the scolding state, the vertical position of the anus (point A) is lower than in the neutral state. On the other hand, there is no significant change in the position of the intergluteal cleft (point B). Therefore, when the top value increases from the neutral state and the change in the side value is within a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the user is in the scolding state. Alternatively, the scolding state may be determined by the increase in the top value.

[0064] FIG. 10(c) shows the user's body in an anal contraction state. In an anal contraction state, the vertical position of the anus (point A) rises from the neutral state. Meanwhile, there is no significant change in the position of the intergluteal cleft (point B). Therefore, when the top value decreases from the neutral state and the amount of change in the side value is within a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the user is in an anal contraction state. Alternatively, the anal contraction state may be determined based on a decrease in the top value.

[0065] FIG. 10(d) shows the user's body in a gluteal muscle contraction state. In the gluteal muscle contraction state, the position of the anus (point A) in the vertical direction rises from the neutral state. On the other hand, the position of the gluteal cleft (point B) is displaced relatively greatly in association with the movement of the anus position. Therefore, when the top value decreases from the neutral state and the change amount of the side value exceeds a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that the gluteal muscle contraction state exists. Alternatively, the change amount of the side value exceeding a predetermined threshold may be determined as an error state. For reference, the dashed line shown in FIG. 10(d) shows the shape of the user's body in the neutral state.

[0066] The information processing device 50 may display on the support screen 53a waveforms representing the sensor values ​​and side values, or waveforms representing the calculated values ​​based on these values, or may display each measured value or calculated value as a numerical value on the support screen 53a. Alternatively, the information processing device 50 may display the judgment result of the user's state (neutral, straining, anal contraction, gluteal muscle contraction) on the support screen 53a by text or icons. Furthermore, when it is judged that the gluteal muscle is withdrawn (error state), a warning display 53e may be displayed.

[0067] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the support screen 53a is displayed based on the measured values ​​obtained from the signals output from the two displacement sensors 31, 32, so that the user can objectively monitor his / her own exercise state using the support screen 53a. This allows the user to easily and effectively train the pelvic floor muscles.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the height of the sensor unit 30 is adjustable relative to the seating aid 10, so that the initial state can be set for each user. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine the user's motion state based on the signals output from the two displacement sensors 31 and 32.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the user's motion state is determined using the top value and the side value, but the user's motion state may also be determined using a calculated value calculated from the top value and the side value.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the sensor unit 30 is manually raised and lowered by the lift dial, but the lift unit may be electrically driven by an actuator. In this case, the information processing device 50 may perform calibration by communicating with the lift unit and operating the actuator to raise and lower the sensor unit 30, and stopping the actuator when the top value and the side value reach predetermined values.

[0071] Second Embodiment Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a pelvic floor muscle training support system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 11, a pelvic floor muscle training support system 3 according to the second embodiment includes a seating aid 60 that can be placed on a flat surface, and a device main body 70. The pelvic floor muscle training support system 3 may further include an information processing device that can be connected to the device main body 70 wirelessly or via a wire.

[0072] The seating aid 10 is for allowing a user to sit while training, and is configured to be able to be placed on a flat surface and to be removable from the device body 70. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the seating aid shown in Fig. 11. Note that, in the following description, each direction is defined based on the orientation seen from the user when seated on the seating aid 60. That is, the front-to-back direction as seen from the user is the x-direction (first direction), the left-to-right direction is the y-direction (second direction), and the up-down direction is the z-direction (third direction).

[0073] As shown in Fig. 12, the seating aid 60 has an overall shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped with no corners. The seating aid 60 is hollow so that it can be placed over the device body 70. The seating aid 10 is made of a material such as hard plastic so that it can maintain its shape even when a user (e.g., an adult) sits on it. In the second embodiment, the positive x direction is the front of the user.

[0074] The seat surface 61 of the seating aid 60 has an inclined shape that becomes lower from the left and right toward the center so that the vicinity of the user's anus is located approximately in the center in the y direction when the user sits down. The seat surface 61 may be curved to make it easier for the user to sit down.

[0075] A groove-like recess 62 parallel to the x direction is formed in the seat surface 61 near the center in the y direction. The depth of the recess 62 is not particularly limited, but may be about 10 mm to several tens of mm, preferably about 15 mm to 50 mm, and more preferably about 18 mm to 40 mm. An opening 63 through which the sensor unit 80 can be inserted is provided in a bottom surface 62a of the recess 62. The opening 63 is disposed near the center of the seat surface 61 in the y direction so as to be parallel to the x direction (i.e., parallel to the user's intergluteal cleft direction).

[0076] A flat recess 64 whose length in the y direction is longer than its length in the x direction is formed on both sides of the recess 62 of the seat 61. The recess 64 is provided to accommodate the left and right ischial tuberosities of the user when the user sits on the seat 61. When the user sits on the seat 61 so that the left and right ischial tuberosities are accommodated in the two recesses 64, respectively, the positional relationship between the opening 63 and the position of the user's anus can be appropriately determined.

[0077] Furthermore, by the user sitting so that the ischial tuberosities are accommodated in the recess 64, the buttocks are slightly opened to the left and right around the intergluteal cleft. This causes the anal area to be exposed under clothing in the recess 62, making it easier to bring the upper surface of the sensor unit 80 into contact with the anal area (through the clothing, of course). Note that, although the recess 64 is a recess with a bottom in the second embodiment, it may be a through hole without a bottom.

[0078] The size of each recess 64 can be set appropriately depending on the body shape and gender, but generally, the length in the x direction (front-back direction) can be about 35 mm to 40 mm, and the length in the y direction (left-right direction) can be about 65 mm to 75 mm. The center pitch between two recesses 64 can also be set appropriately depending on the body shape and gender, but generally, it can be about 140 mm to 160 mm. The planar shape of each recess 64 may be an ellipse or a rectangle, in addition to an oval shape as shown in FIG. 12.

[0079] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the exterior of device main body 70. Fig. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing the inside of the device main body shown in Fig. 13. As shown in Fig. 13, device main body 70 has a housing 71 including a bottom part 72 and a lid part 73. Also, as shown in Fig. 14, in addition to sensor unit 80, housing 71 is provided with an elevation unit 90 for elevating sensor unit 80 and a circuit part 75.

[0080] An opening 74 through which the sensor unit 80 can be inserted is provided on the top surface 73a of the lid 73, and the sensor unit 80 can be raised and lowered through this opening 74 relative to the housing 71. The housing 71 is disposed below the recess 62 of the seating aid 60 such that the upper surface of the sensor unit 80 passes through the opening 74 of the lid 73 and the opening 63 of the seating aid 60 and protrudes into the recess 62 of the seating aid 60.

[0081] The sensor unit 80 has one displacement sensor 81 and a sensor support part 82 that supports the displacement sensor 81. The displacement sensor 81 can be configured using, for example, a strain gauge. The sensor support part 82 is supported so as to be able to move up and down by a pin 85 that is fixed to the bottom surface of the bottom part 72 so as to face vertically upward.

[0082] The displacement sensor 81 is supported by a sensor support section 82 so as to be able to detect the displacement of an object in contact with the displacement sensor 81 in the vertical direction (z direction, third direction). In detail, the sensor support section 82 is provided with sensor support bases 83a and 83b that support both ends of the displacement sensor 81. Furthermore, a positioning through hole 810 is provided at one end of the displacement sensor 81. The displacement sensor 81 is fixed to one sensor support base 83a at this through hole 810 with a bolt. The other end of the displacement sensor 81 is placed freely on the other sensor support base 83b. Furthermore, a cavity is formed below the area of ​​the displacement sensor 81 excluding both ends. This allows the displacement sensor 81 to bend in response to a force in the vertical direction.

[0083] 14, the displacement sensor 81 is exposed, but when the device main body 70 is in use, the displacement sensor 81 may be covered with a cover 86 as shown in Fig. 13. The cover 86 may be formed of a film made of a flexible material such as rubber, silicone rubber, elastomer, etc., so that the displacement of an object in contact with the cover 86 is transmitted directly to the displacement sensor 81.

[0084] Such a displacement sensor 81 can come into contact with the user's anal area from below, directly or indirectly (i.e., via clothing and cover 86) when the user is seated on the seating aid, by operating the lifting unit 90, and is configured to detect the displacement of the anal area that the displacement sensor 81 is in direct or indirect contact with.

[0085] 14, the lifting unit 90 includes an actuator 91 that is rotationally driven under electrical control, and a cam 92 that is connected to the actuator 91 via a gear and converts the rotational motion generated by the actuator 91 into linear motion in the vertical direction. The cam 92 is connected to the sensor support portion 82 of the sensor unit 80. By controlling the rotation of the actuator 91, the lifting unit 90 can raise and lower the sensor unit 80 by any amount.

[0086] Fig. 15 is an enlarged plan view of the displacement sensor 81, showing the bottom surface. Fig. 16 is a top view for explaining the positional relationship between the seating aid 60 and the displacement sensor 81. Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the deflection of the displacement sensor due to the displacement of the anus area.

[0087] 15, the displacement sensor 81 can be configured by a member in which a strain gauge 812 is attached to a rectangular substrate 811 formed from an elastic thin plate. The length of the substrate 811 in the longitudinal direction is not limited, but considering the amount of displacement of the anus due to strain and contraction, it is preferably about 50 mm to 70 mm, and more preferably about 55 mm to 65 mm. The material of the substrate 811 can be, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or an alloy.

[0088] The strain gauge 812 is attached closer to the through-hole 810 side than the center C in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 811. In other words, the strain gauge 812 is disposed so as to be closer to the base end side (fixed side) when the displacement sensor 81 is attached to the sensor support base 83a.

[0089] 16, the sensor unit 80 is disposed so that the longitudinal center C of the substrate 811 approximately coincides with the front-rear center (x direction) of the recess 64 for accommodating the ischial tuberosities. This results in the center of the strain gauge 812 being located slightly behind the line connecting the ischial tuberosities of a seated user.

[0090] Here, anatomically, it is said that the human anus is generally located about 10 mm behind the line connecting the left and right ischial tuberosities. However, there are individual differences in the anus position, and the positional relationship between the anus and the ischial tuberosities changes depending on the sitting posture. However, when the user is intentionally made to sit so that the ischial tuberosities fit into the recess 64 of the seating aid 60, the pelvis can be in the middle position or slightly tilted forward. In this case, the anus is located on the line connecting the left and right ischial tuberosities, or slightly forward of the line (see area 4 in FIG. 14). Therefore, in the second embodiment, the center C in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 811 is aligned with the center in the front-rear direction (x direction) of the recess 64 for accommodating the ischial tuberosities. As a result, even if there is some error in the anus position, the anus can be abutted at a position closer to the front than near the center of the substrate 811. This makes it possible to efficiently transmit the displacement of the anus to the substrate 811.

[0091] Also, as shown in FIG. 17(b), if the center of the substrate 811 and the center of the strain gauge 812 are substantially aligned, even if the substrate 811 is bent by the pressure of the object 5 (for example, the anus), the strain gauge 812 will bend only slightly. Therefore, the detection sensitivity of the displacement of the anus will be reduced. In contrast, in the second embodiment, as described above, the strain gauge 812 is attached on the through hole 810 side of the center C of the substrate 811 in the longitudinal direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17(a), when the substrate 811 is bent by the pressure of the object 5, the strain gauge 812 will also bend significantly, and a large signal will be output from the strain gauge 812. In other words, the detection sensitivity of the displacement of the anus can be improved.

[0092] 18 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the circuit unit 75. The circuit unit 75 is communicably connected to an information processing device such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone, either wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0093] 18, the circuit section 75 has a control section 75a, a memory 75b, a communication section 75c, a power switch 75d, and a power supply 75e. The basic configurations and functions of these sections are similar to the configurations and functions of the control section 30a, the memory 30b, the communication section 30c, the power switch 30d, and the power supply 30e provided in the sensor unit 30 (see FIG. 7) in the first embodiment, respectively.

[0094] When the power switch 75d is turned on, the control unit 75a energizes the displacement sensor 81 with power supplied from the power source 75e, generates a detection signal according to the deflection of the displacement sensor 81, and outputs the detection signal to the information processing device through the communication unit 75c. Moreover, the control unit 75a raises and lowers the sensor unit 80 by supplying power to the actuator 91 based on a control signal received from the information processing device.

[0095] Figure 19 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of an information processing device connected to circuit section 75. Information processing device 50A shown in Figure 19 can be configured by, for example, a general-purpose information processing device such as a personal computer (PC), notebook PC, tablet terminal, or smartphone, or a dedicated microcomputer. Information processing device 50A receives a signal output from displacement sensor 81 via circuit section 75 and displays a pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on a measured value of the displacement of the anus portion obtained from the signal, and also controls the operation of pelvic floor muscle training support system 3 by, for example, outputting a control signal for operating actuator 91.

[0096] The information processing device 50A includes a communication interface 51, an operation input unit 52, a display unit 53, an audio output unit 56, a memory 57, and a control unit 58. Among these, the basic configurations and functions of the communication interface 51, the operation input unit 52, and the display unit 53 are similar to those of the first embodiment. The audio output unit 56 includes, for example, a speaker and an audio decoder, and outputs audio under the control of the control unit 58.

[0097] The memory 57 is configured using a computer-readable storage medium such as a semiconductor memory such as a ROM or a RAM, a disk drive, etc. The memory 57 stores various programs 57a for causing the information processing device 50A to execute predetermined operations, measurement data 57b based on a signal transmitted from the sensor unit 80, various setting information (for example, a training menu according to a training mode) and parameters used during the execution of the programs, etc.

[0098] The control unit 58 is configured using hardware such as a CPU, a GPU, etc. Functional units realized by the control unit 58 executing a program 57a stored in the memory 57 include a measurement unit 58a, a calibration unit 58b, a determination unit 58c, and a training mode setting unit 58d.

[0099] The measuring section 58a acquires the amount of displacement (measured value) of the anus detected by the displacement sensor 81 based on the signal transmitted from the circuit section 75.

[0100] The calibration unit 58b performs calibration by sending a control signal for operating the lifting unit 90 to the circuit unit 75 to lift the sensor unit 80 and set a state in which the user's body (anus) is in contact with the displacement sensor 81 in a predetermined state as an initial state. As an example, the calibration unit 58b sets a state in which the center of the substrate 811 is deflected by a specified value (for example, 1 mm to several mm) (see solid line in (a) of FIG. 17) as the initial state, compared to a state in which the substrate 811 is not receiving a load (see dashed line in (a) of FIG. 17).

[0101] When performing the calibration, the calibration unit 58b may appropriately adjust the lifting speed of the sensor unit 80 by the lifting unit 90. Specifically, the calibration unit 58b sets the rotation command value (speed) to be output to the actuator 91 to, for example, about 2000 to 3000 PPS while the output value from the displacement sensor 81 is zero (i.e., while the displacement sensor 81 is not in contact with the user's body). After that, the calibration unit 58b reduces the rotation output value to, for example, about 500 to 1000 PPS after the moment the output value from the displacement sensor 81 changes (i.e., the moment the displacement sensor 81 comes into contact with the vicinity of the anus), thereby suppressing the lifting speed of the sensor unit 80. Then, the calibration unit 58b stops the actuator 91 at the timing when the output value from the displacement sensor 81 reaches the calibration specified value. Alternatively, the actuator 91 may be stopped once, slightly lowered, and then raised again at a slower speed, and finally stopped. By such control, it is possible to suppress measurement errors with respect to the calibration specified value.

[0102] The determination unit 58c calculates statistical values ​​such as the maximum and average values ​​of the measurement values ​​and a score for evaluating the training based on the measurement values ​​acquired by the measurement unit 58a. The determination unit 58c may also determine the user's exercise state based on these statistical values ​​and scores.

[0103] The training mode setting unit 58d selects a training mode from among a plurality of training modes prepared in advance, in response to an operation received by the operation input unit 52. Then, the training mode setting unit 58d sets a training menu in response to the selected training mode, and sets measurement values, scores, judgment criteria, and the like used for judgment by the judgment unit 58c. The training mode setting unit 58d may also change the contents of the training menu in response to an operation received by the operation input unit 52.

[0104] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the pelvic floor muscle training support system 3. First, when the application for the pelvic floor muscle training support system is started (step S100), information processing device 50A connects to circuit section 75 of device main body 70 via the communications network (step S101).

[0105] Next, information processing device 50A displays a pelvic floor muscle training support screen (hereinafter also simply referred to as the support screen) (step S102).

[0106] Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating a support screen. As shown in Fig. 21, the support screen is provided with a plurality of tabs a11, a12, and a13 for switching between a plurality of screens. As the support screens, a main screen, a training setting screen, a training result screen, and the like are provided, and the user can display a desired screen by selecting one of the tabs a11 to a13. Note that in Fig. 21, the main screen of the tab a13 is displayed.

[0107] The main screen A1 shown in FIG. 21 is provided with a zero point button a15 for performing calibration, a training start button a16, a display field a17 for the selected training mode, an audio output on / off button a18, and a graph display field a19 in which the measured value of the displacement of the anal area during training is displayed in real time.

[0108] When the information processing device 50A (calibration unit 58b) detects an operation on the zero point button a15 on the main screen A1 (for example, a tap operation on the screen) (step S103: Yes), it moves the lifting unit 90 to the lowest point for calibration (step S105). On the other hand, when the information processing device 50A does not detect an operation on the zero point button a15 (step S103: No), it may output a voice or text guide such as "Please press the zero point button" (step S104).

[0109] Based on the signal output from the displacement sensor 81, the information processing device 50A obtains the amount of deflection of the displacement sensor 81 (step S106), while outputting a control signal to the actuator 91 to raise the lifting unit 90 (step S107). This operation continues until the amount of deflection reaches a predetermined value (step S108: No, step S106). Then, when the amount of deflection reaches the predetermined value (step S108: Yes), the information processing device 50A stops the actuator 91 and sets the amount of deflection of the displacement sensor 81 at that time to zero point (step S109).

[0110] When the training mode is selected on the assistance screen (step S110: Yes), information processing device 50A displays a training menu (hereinafter also simply referred to as a menu) for the selected training mode (step S111).

[0111] Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating a training setting screen. The training setting screen A2 shown in Fig. 22 is provided with training mode selection buttons a21, a22, and a23, and a training menu display field a24 for the currently selected training mode.

[0112] In the second embodiment, the training modes are a first training mode (hereinafter also referred to as "contraction quick") for training instantaneous contraction force, a second training mode (hereinafter also referred to as "contraction long") for training sustained contraction force, and a third training mode (hereinafter also referred to as "contraction quick") for training strain force. Of course, training modes other than these may be prepared, or only one or two of these training modes may be prepared. FIG. 22 shows a state in which the training mode of contraction quick is selected by the selection button a21.

[0113] In the training menu display field a24, the initial setting values ​​of the number of times an exercise (contraction or scolding) is performed, the target value of the displacement of the anus, the holding time of the exercise, and the rest time (interval) between exercises are displayed as a training menu to be performed by the user. The contents of the menu (the values ​​in each field) can also be changed by the user using the operation input unit 52. In FIG. 22, as an example of the training menu (initial setting values) of the quick contraction, "Initial setting: Number of times performed = 3 times, Target value = 1.0 mm, Holding time = 3 seconds, Rest time = 10 seconds" is illustrated. This is a menu in which the exercise of holding the contracted state of the anus for 3 seconds is repeated three times with a 10-second rest period. During the contraction, the target is that the position of the anus is raised by 1.0 mm or more. Similarly, the number of times performed, the target time, the holding time, and the rest time are set in each of the training modes of the long contraction and the quick scolding.

[0114] On the other hand, when a specific training mode is not selected (step S110: No), the information processing device 50A may display a training menu for a default training mode (for example, quick contraction) (step S112).

[0115] The information processing device 50A judges whether or not a change operation has been performed on the displayed menu (step S113). If a change operation has been performed (step S113: Yes), the information processing device 50A displays the changed menu (step S114), and if no change operation has been performed (step S113: No), the information processing device 50A displays the initial setting value as it is.

[0116] When the information processing device 50A detects an operation on the training start button a16 (see FIG. 21) (step S115: Yes), it acquires a measurement value of the displacement of the anus part based on the signal output from the displacement sensor 81 and starts displaying the measurement value (step S116). The measurement value is displayed in a graph display field a19 on the main screen A1. Note that the signs of the measurement value are opposite between the contraction exercise and the strain exercise, but the absolute value of the measurement value may be displayed in the graph display field a19.

[0117] Next, the information processing device 50A outputs guidance based on the training menu (step S117). The guidance is output by voice when the voice output on / off button a18 is turned on. Note that, when the on / off button a18 is turned off, the guidance may be output by text.

[0118] FIG. 23 is a graph for explaining the output timing of the guidance. The guidance is output at the start and end of the retention time in accordance with the training menu. As a specific example, after the start of training, the first voice guidance "put in the effort" is output, and then when the retention time T (for example, 3 seconds in the case of a quick contraction) has elapsed, the voice guidance "relax" is output. Then, after the rest time T int After 10 seconds, the voice prompt "Put more pressure on it" is output for the second time. This continues in the same way.

[0119] Information processing device 50A repeats output of such guidance until the training menu ends (step S118: No, step S117).

[0120] When the training menu ends (step S118: Yes), the information processing device 50A stops acquiring measurement values ​​(step S119) and calculates and records various statistical values ​​and scores based on the measurement values ​​acquired during this training (step S120).

[0121] Here, as shown in FIG. 23, the information processing device 50A detects a predetermined period T at the beginning of the period T from the exercise start guide ("put in some effort") to the exercise end guide ("relax"). out The period excluding this is the actual exercise period T det and the exercise period T det It is preferable to calculate statistics and scores based on measurements at , because there is a gap between when the user perceives the guide and when they actually move their muscles.

[0122] Specifically, the information processing device 50A performs det The maximum value (mm) among the maximum values ​​Max(1), Max(2), ..., Max(N) of the measured values ​​in is acquired as the maximum value for this training. Here, N is a natural number indicating the number of times the exercise is performed, and N=3 in the training menu shown in FIG.

[0123] In addition, the information processing device 50A detects each exercise period T det The average value Ave(1), Ave(2), ..., Ave(N) of the measurement values ​​in is obtained as {Ave(1)+Ave(2)+, ..., +Ave(n)} / N, which is the average value for this training.

[0124] The score when the training mode is the contraction quick or the strain quick can be calculated, for example, as follows: det In the training, if a displacement that reaches the target value is observed even once, a score of 100 is given, and if a displacement that reaches the target value is not observed, a score of 0 is given. The average score of these exercise periods is obtained as the total score (%) for this training. For example, if the target value is exceeded two times out of three exercise periods but not once, the total score is 67 (%), which is calculated by rounding off 200 / 3.

[0125] The score when the training mode is the long contraction mode can be calculated, for example, as follows: det Let the number of samples of the measurement values ​​be n (n is a natural number) and the exercise period T det The number of samples that exceed the target value in ok The score SC for each exercise period is SC = (n ok / n) x 100(%). The average of the scores for these exercise periods is obtained as the total score for this training. For example, if during three exercise periods the first score is 80%, the second score is 85%, and the third score is 87%, the total score will be 84%.

[0126] Furthermore, the information processing device 50A displays the training result including the calculated statistical value and score (step S121). Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a training result screen. The training result screen A3 shown in Fig. 24 includes a display field a31 for the selected training mode, a table a32 showing the training result, a graph display field a33, and buttons a34, a35, and a36 for selecting values ​​to be displayed in the graph display field a33.

[0127] In table a32, maximum values, average values, and scores are displayed in chronological order as training results from the past to the present. In addition, in graph display field a33, the transition of the values ​​displayed in table a32 is displayed in the form of a graph. In Fig. 24, the maximum value selection button a34 is selected, and the graph display field a33 displays a graph showing the transition of the maximum value over 12 training sessions.

[0128] As described above, according to the second embodiment, a sensor unit 80 that can be raised and lowered is provided in the seating aid 60, and a displacement sensor 81 is brought into direct or indirect contact with the user's anal area to detect displacement of the user's anal area, so that the user can sit in the seating aid 60 while remaining fully clothed and easily train their pelvic floor muscles.

[0129] According to the second embodiment, the flat recess 64 is provided in the seating aid 60, so that the positional relationship between the anus position of the user seated on the seating aid 60 and the displacement sensor 81 arranged in the opening 63 can be easily determined. In addition, the strain gauge 812 is arranged behind the center of the substrate 811 in the displacement sensor 81, so that the sensitivity of the displacement sensor 81 can be improved. Furthermore, since the displacement sensor 81 is arranged so that its center (see FIG. 16) is aligned with the flat recess 64, it is possible to suppress a decrease in sensitivity caused by differences in the physique of the user, specifically, variations in the positional relationship between the ischial tuberosities and the anus. For example, it becomes possible to detect the deflection of the substrate 811 (in other words, the displacement of the anus) with good sensitivity within a range of about 10 mm (plus or minus) in the front-back direction from the center C of the substrate 811 in the longitudinal direction.

[0130] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the displacement of the anus area is displayed on the pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on the signal output from the displacement sensor 81, so the user can objectively monitor their own exercise state by referring to the screen. This allows the user to effectively train their pelvic floor muscles.

[0131] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, a guide instructing the user on how to exercise is output, so that the user can train effectively by following the guide to exercise.

[0132] According to the second embodiment, a score according to the training mode is calculated and displayed based on the measurement value indicating the displacement of the anus portion, so that the user can easily understand whether the training is being performed effectively or not. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the training results from the past to the present are visualized on the support screen, so that the user can easily understand the results of his / her own training.

[0133] According to the second embodiment, the predetermined period T out Excluding the actual exercise period Tdet Since statistics and scores are calculated based on the measured values ​​in the measurement, training results that correspond to the user's actual exercise can be displayed.

[0134] The present invention described above is not limited to the first and second embodiments and modifications, and various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the first and second embodiments and modifications. For example, some components may be removed from all the components shown in the first and second embodiments and modifications, or the components shown in the first and second embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined to form various inventions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1·3...pelvic floor muscle training support system, 2...buttocks, 4...area, 5...object, 10·60...sitting aid, 11·61...seat, 12·63...opening, 13·14·62·64...recess, 15...dial port, 16...switch port, 20·70...device body, 30·80...sensor unit, 30a·75a...control unit, 30b·75b...memory, 30c·75c...communication unit, 30d·75d...power switch, 30e· 75e...power supply, 31·32·81...displacement sensor, 31a...horizontal surface, 32a...inclined surface, 33·82...sensor support, 33a·33b·33c·33d·83a·83b...sensor support base, 34...sensor housing, 35...sensor frame, 36...wiring, 37...switch box, 38...support, 40·90...lifting unit, 41·71...housing, 41a·72...bottom, 41b·73...lid, 43...lifting dial, 44... Belt, 45...pulley, 46...shaft, 47...battery case, 48...battery, 50, 50A...information processing device, 51...communication interface, 52...operation input section, 53...front section, 53a...pelvic floor muscle training support screen (support screen), 53b...initial setting button, 53c...training start button, 53d...graph display section, 53e...warning display, 54, 57...memory, 54a, 57a...program, 54b 57b...measurement data, 55, 58...control section, 55a, 58a...measurement section, 55b, 58b...calibration section, 55c, 58c...determination section, 58d...training mode setting section, 56...audio output section, 62a...bottom surface, 73a...top surface, 74...opening, 75...circuit section, 85...pin, 86...cover, 91...actuator, 92...cam, 310, 320, 810...through hole, 811...substrate, 812...strain gauge,

Claims

1. A seating aid that can be placed on a flat surface and has a seating surface on which a user can sit, the seating aid having an opening provided near the center of the seating surface in a first direction, a second direction, a third direction, and a third direction, where a first direction is approximately parallel to a front-to-back direction of the user when the user sits on the seating surface, a second direction is approximately parallel to a left-to-right direction of the user, and a third direction is perpendicular to the flat surface; a sensor unit that can be inserted through the opening; a lifting unit configured to lift and lower the sensor unit in the third direction; an information processing device configured to display a pelvic floor muscle training support screen; Equipped with The sensor unit includes: A displacement sensor; a sensor support portion that supports the displacement sensor so as to be able to detect a displacement of an object in the third direction in contact with the displacement sensor; having The displacement sensor is configured to be able to directly or indirectly contact the anus portion of the user from below when the user sits on the seating aid by operating the lifting unit, and to detect the displacement of the anus portion that the displacement sensor directly or indirectly contacts; The information processing device is configured to determine, based on the signal output from the displacement sensor, that the anus is in a contracted state when the anal portion is displaced upward, and that the anus is in a tensed state when the anal portion is displaced downward, and to obtain a measurement value of the displacement of the anal portion based on the signal output from the displacement sensor, and to display the user's exercise state on the pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on the result of the determination and the measurement value. Pelvic floor muscle training support system.

2. the information processing device has a calibration unit configured to set a state in which a user's body is in contact with the displacement sensor in a predetermined state as an initial state; the predetermined state is a state in which the displacement sensor is deformed by a predetermined amount, The information processing device is configured to determine that the anus is in a contracted state when the deformation amount of the displacement sensor decreases, and that the anus is in a tensed state when the deformation amount of the displacement sensor increases. The pelvic floor muscle training support system according to claim 1 .

3. the lifting unit is configured to lift and lower the sensor unit by an actuator that operates under electrical control; The displacement sensor is configured using a strain gauge, the predetermined state is a state in which the displacement sensor is bent by a predetermined amount, 3. The pelvic floor muscle training support system of claim 2, wherein the calibration section raises and lowers the sensor unit by operating the actuator, and stops the operation of the actuator when the deflection amount of the displacement sensor reaches a predetermined value.

4. The pelvic floor muscle training support system according to claim 1 , wherein the information processing device displays a graph showing a change over time in the measured values ​​on the pelvic floor muscle training support screen.

5. The information processing device includes: An operation input unit configured to receive an operation performed from an outside; a training mode setting unit configured to set a training mode selected from a plurality of training modes in response to an operation received by the operation input unit; and The plurality of training modes include at least one of a first training mode for training an instantaneous contraction movement, a second training mode for training a sustained contraction movement, and a third training mode for training a straining movement. The pelvic floor muscle training support system according to claim 4.

6. 6. The pelvic floor muscle training support system according to claim 5, wherein the training mode setting unit is configured to display a training menu on the pelvic floor muscle training support screen, the training menu including the number of exercises to be performed, the target displacement of the anal part, the exercise maintenance time, and intervals, according to the selected training mode.

7. A groove-shaped recess parallel to the first direction is formed in the vicinity of the center of the seat surface of the seating aid in the second direction, The opening is provided on a bottom surface of the groove-shaped recess, In the seat surface, two flat recesses or through holes are formed on both sides of the recess, the length of which in the second direction is longer than the length of which in the first direction. The pelvic floor muscle training support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The displacement sensor includes: A rectangular substrate; a strain gauge attached to the substrate closer to one end than to the center in the longitudinal direction; having the displacement sensor is fixed to the sensor unit at the one end side, the sensor unit is disposed such that the one end side of the displacement sensor is on the rear side of the seating surface, and the strain gauge is disposed closer to the rear side than on a center line of the two recesses or through holes in the first direction; The pelvic floor muscle training support system according to claim 7.

9. The sensor unit further includes a second displacement sensor, the sensor support portion supports the second displacement sensor on an end side in the second direction relative to the displacement sensor and below the displacement sensor so as to be able to detect a displacement in a direction perpendicular to an inclined surface that decreases from a center of an object in contact with the second displacement sensor toward the end in the second direction, The second displacement sensor is configured to be able to directly or indirectly contact the gluteal cleft of the user when the user sits on the seating aid by operating the lifting unit, and to detect the displacement of the gluteal cleft that the second displacement sensor directly or indirectly contacts. The pelvic floor muscle training support system according to claim 1 .

10. 10. The pelvic floor muscle training support system of claim 9, wherein the information processing device is configured to obtain a first measurement value representing the displacement of the anal portion based on the signal output from the displacement sensor, and to obtain a second measurement value representing the displacement of the intergluteal cleft portion based on the signal output from the second displacement sensor, and to display a pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on the first and second measurement values.

11. 11. The pelvic floor muscle training support system according to claim 10, wherein the information processing device has a calibration unit configured to set a state in which the displacement detected by the displacement sensor and the second displacement detected by the second displacement sensor each become a predetermined value as an initial state.

12. The information processing device further includes a determination unit configured to determine a user's exercise state based on the first and second measurement values, the determination unit comprising: If the first measurement value increases when the anus portion is displaced downward from the initial state, and the second measurement value increases when the intergluteal cleft portion is displaced obliquely downward from the initial state, determining that the subject is in an angry state when the first measurement value increases; determining a contracted state when the first measurement value decreases; and configured to determine that an error condition exists when the amount of change in the second measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold. The pelvic floor muscle training support system according to claim 11.

13. The lifting unit is electrically driven by an actuator, 13. The pelvic floor muscle training support system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the information processing device communicates with the lifting unit to operate an actuator to raise and lower the sensor unit, and stops the operation of the actuator when the first measurement value and the second measurement value each reach the predetermined value.

14. A program executed by an information processing device that displays a pelvic floor muscle training support screen in a pelvic floor muscle training support system, The pelvic floor muscle training support system comprises: A seating aid that can be placed on a flat surface and has a seating surface on which a user can sit, the seating aid having an opening provided near the center of the seating surface in a first direction, a second direction, a third direction, and a third direction, where a first direction is approximately parallel to a front-to-back direction of the user when the user sits on the seating surface, a second direction is approximately parallel to a left-to-right direction of the user, and a third direction is perpendicular to the flat surface; a sensor unit that can be inserted through the opening; a lifting unit configured to lift and lower the sensor unit in the third direction; Equipped with The sensor unit includes: A displacement sensor; a sensor support portion that supports the displacement sensor so as to be able to detect a displacement of an object in the third direction in contact with the displacement sensor; having The information processing device includes: A step of directly or indirectly abutting the displacement sensor against an anus portion of the user from below when the user sits on the seating aid by operating the lifting unit; detecting a displacement of the anus part that the displacement sensor directly or indirectly abuts; obtaining a measurement of the displacement of the anal portion based on a signal output from the displacement sensor; determining, based on a signal output from the displacement sensor, that the anus is in a contracted state when the anus portion is displaced upward, and that the anus is in an irritated state when the anus portion is displaced downward; displaying an exercise state of the user on the pelvic floor muscle training support screen based on a result of the determination in the determining step and the measured values; A program to execute.

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