Chairs and booths

Abstract

To support a motion of a user in changing a posture while sitting on a chair.SOLUTION: A chair 60 includes: a first component 61 having a seat surface 64; a second component 62 connected to the first component 61; and a control device 20 which fixes an angle between the first component 61 and the second component 62 by locking a connection part 65 between the first component 61 and the second component 62 before detecting a specific motion of a user sitting on the seat surface 64, and varies the angle by unlocking the connection part 65 when detecting the specific motion. The chair can be deformed so as to be extended in a longitudinal direction when the angle is variable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a chair. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that assists a seated user in standing up by using an autonomous mobile robot and an automatic liftable chair that are connected via a communication network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-129667 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Users may sit in chairs in partitioned booths and conduct remote meetings and other tasks using terminals such as PCs. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer.

[0005] In a small booth, there is no space for the user to change posture, so if the user remains seated in the chair, he or she may get tired and hurt their back. The system that assists the user in standing up, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, cannot assist the user in changing posture while sitting in the chair.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to assist a user in changing posture while sitting in a chair. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The chair according to the present disclosure comprises: A first part having a seat surface; a second part coupled to the first part; a control device that fixes an angle between the first part and the second part by locking a connecting portion between the first part and the second part until a specific movement of a user sitting on the seat is detected, and that makes the angle variable by unlocking the connecting portion when the specific movement is detected; Equipped with It is deformable to extend vertically when the angle is variable. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to assist a user in changing their posture while sitting in a chair. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a booth and a chair installed in the booth according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device for a chair according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a control device of a chair according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] The configuration of a booth 10 according to this embodiment and a chair 60 installed in the booth 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0013] The booth 10 includes a partition 30. The partition 30 is installed so as to form an internal space of the booth 10.

[0014] The chair 60 includes a first part 61, a second part 62, a third part 63, and a control device 20. The first part 61 has a seat surface 64. In this embodiment, the first part 61 has two built-in load sensors 40 for measuring a load on the seat surface 64. The number of load sensors 40 may be one or three or more. The second part 62 is connected to the first part 61. The third part 63 is connected to the side of the first part 61 opposite to the side connected to the second part 62. The control device 20 can communicate with each load sensor 40, a connection part 65 between the first part 61 and the second part 62, and a connection part 66 between the first part 61 and the third part 63 via a dedicated line or a network such as a LAN. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0015] The control device 20 fixes the angle between the first part 61 and the second part 62 by locking the connecting part 65 between the first part 61 and the second part 62 until it detects a specific movement of the user sitting on the seat surface 64. When the control device 20 detects a specific movement of the user, it unlocks the connecting part 65 to make the angle between the first part 61 and the second part 62 variable. The chair 60 is deformable so as to extend in the vertical direction when the angle between the first part 61 and the second part 62 is variable.

[0016] According to this embodiment, even if there is no space in the booth 10 for the user to change his / her posture, when the user makes a specific movement, the movable part of the chair 60 is unlocked, and the user can change his / her posture while sitting in the chair 60. In other words, the user can be assisted in changing his / her posture while sitting in the chair 60. As a result, the user is less likely to get tired and hurt his / her back while sitting in the chair 60.

[0017] In this embodiment, the control device 20 also fixes the angle between the first part 61 and the third part 63 by locking the connecting part 66 between the first part 61 and the third part 63 until a specific movement of the user is detected. When the control device 20 detects a specific movement of the user, the control device 20 also makes the angle between the first part 61 and the third part 63 variable by unlocking the connecting part 66. The chair 60 is deformable so as to extend in the vertical direction when both the angle between the first part 61 and the second part 62 and the angle between the first part 61 and the third part 63 are variable.

[0018] As a modified example of this embodiment, the connecting portion 66 between the first part 61 and the third part 63 may be configured not to be lockable. In other words, the angle between the first part 61 and the third part 63 may be constantly variable. Alternatively, the third part 63 may be omitted.

[0019] The leg rest of the chair 60 may be the second part 62 and the backrest of the chair 60 may be the third part 63. However, in the following, a specific configuration will be described with the backrest of the chair 60 as the second part 62 and the leg rest of the chair 60 as the third part 63, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] The second part 62 has a lower end connected to one end of the first part 61 in a side view. The second part 62 is arranged so that the back surface of the surface against which the user's back is placed or faced is in contact with or close to the partition 30. As shown on the left side of FIG. 1, when the connecting part 65 is locked, the first part 61 is fixed in a horizontal state, and the second part 62 is fixed in a vertical state. That is, the angle between the first part 61 and the second part 62 is fixed at a right angle. As shown on the right side of FIG. 1, when the connecting part 65 is unlocked, the first part 61 can be changed from a horizontal state to an oblique state, and the second part 62 can be slid vertically along the partition 30 while remaining in a vertical state. That is, the angle between the first part 61 and the second part 62 can be changed from a right angle to an obtuse angle.

[0021] The third part 63 has an upper end connected to the other end of the first part 61 in a side view. Although not essential, a plate 67 for a user to place his / her feet is provided at the lower end of the third part 63. That is, the chair 60 further includes the plate 67. As shown on the left side of FIG. 1, when the connecting part 66 is locked, the first part 61 is fixed in a horizontal state, and the third part 63 is fixed in a vertical state. That is, the angle between the first part 61 and the third part 63 is fixed at a right angle. As shown on the right side of FIG. 1, when the connecting part 66 is unlocked, the first part 61 can be changed from a horizontal state to an oblique state, and the third part 63 can also be changed from a vertical state to an oblique state. That is, the angle between the first part 61 and the third part 63 can be changed from a right angle to an obtuse angle. When viewed from the side, the plate 67 is hidden within a recess formed in the floor 50 of the booth 10 when the third part 63 is vertical, and when the third part 63 is in an inclined position, the plate 67 rises obliquely as the third part 63 inclines.

[0022] The control device 20 may be installed in any location. Even if the control device 20 is installed in a location physically separated from the chair 60, it is considered to be a logical component of the chair 60. The control device 20 is a computer such as a microcomputer, a PC, a server computer, or a dedicated computer.

[0023] The configuration of the control device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] The control device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0025] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 executes processes related to the operation of the control device 20 while controlling each part of the control device 20.

[0026] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM or a ROM. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used in the operation of the control device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the control device 20.

[0027] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11, a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard, or 5G standard, or a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. The communication unit 23 communicates with each load sensor 40, a connection portion 65 between the first part 61 and the second part 62, and a connection portion 66 between the first part 61 and the third part 63. The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the control device 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the control device 20.

[0028] The functions of the control device 20 are realized by executing a program according to this embodiment on a processor serving as the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the control device 20 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the control device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the control device 20. That is, the computer functions as the control device 20 by executing the operations of the control device 20 in accordance with the program.

[0029] The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium include a flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. The program may be distributed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as an SD card, DVD, or CD-ROM on which the program is stored. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may be distributed by storing the program in the storage of a server and transferring the program from the server to another computer. The program may be provided as a program product.

[0030] A computer temporarily stores in a main storage device, for example, a program stored in a portable medium or a program transferred from a server. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main storage device with a processor, and executes processing according to the read program with the processor. The computer may read the program directly from a portable medium and execute processing according to the program. The computer may execute processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer. Processing may be executed by a so-called ASP-type service that realizes functions only by execution instructions and result acquisition without transferring a program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program is information used for processing by a computer, and includes those equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct command to a computer but has the property of defining computer processing falls under "those equivalent to a program."

[0031] A part or all of the functions of the control device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. In other words, a part or all of the functions of the control device 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0032] The operation of the control device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. This operation corresponds to the control method according to this embodiment.

[0033] In the initial state, the connecting portion 65 between the first part 61 and the second part 62 and the connecting portion 66 between the first part 61 and the third part 63 are both locked. That is, the angle between the first part 61 and the second part 62 and the angle between the first part 61 and the third part 63 are both fixed.

[0034] When the control unit 21 of the control device 20 detects a specific movement of the user sitting on the seat 64 in step S1, it unlocks the connecting part 65 to make the angle between the first part 61 and the second part 62 variable, and unlocks the connecting part 66 to make the angle between the first part 61 and the third part 63 variable in step S2.

[0035] Specifically, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 repeatedly acquires the measured value of the load on the seat surface 64 from the load sensor 40 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 analyzes the fluctuation of the acquired measured value to determine whether or not the weight shift occurs more frequently than a threshold value, that is, whether or not the user is restless and moves frequently. When the control unit 21 determines that the user is moving frequently, it transmits an unlock command to the connecting parts 65 and 66 via the communication unit 23 to unlock the connecting parts 65 and 66. As a result, both the angle between the first part 61 and the second part 62 and the angle between the first part 61 and the third part 63 become variable, and the chair 60 becomes deformable so as to extend in the vertical direction.

[0036] After step S2, when the control unit 21 of the control device 20 detects the stop of the specific movement of the user in step S3, the control unit 21 fixes the angle between the first part 61 and the second part 62 by locking the connecting part 65, and fixes the angle between the first part 61 and the third part 63 by locking the connecting part 66 in step S4. However, when the chair 60 is extended in the vertical direction and the connecting parts 65 and 66 cannot be locked, the control unit 21 does not detect the stop of the specific movement of the user. In other words, when the control unit 21 detects the stop of the specific movement of the user in a state in which the connecting parts 65 and 66 can be locked, the control unit 21 fixes the angle between the first part 61 and the second part 62 by locking the connecting part 65, and fixes the angle between the first part 61 and the third part 63 by locking the connecting part 66.

[0037] Specifically, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 repeatedly acquires the measured value of the load on the seat surface 64 from the load sensor 40 via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 analyzes the fluctuation of the acquired measured value to determine whether or not the weight shift occurs more frequently than a threshold value, that is, whether or not the user is restless and moves frequently. When the control unit 21 determines that the user is not moving frequently, it transmits a lock command to the connecting parts 65 and 66 via the communication unit 23 to lock the connecting parts 65 and 66. As a result, both the angle between the first part 61 and the second part 62 and the angle between the first part 61 and the third part 63 are fixed, and the chair 60 returns to the initial state.

[0038] The processes from step S1 to step S4 are repeatedly executed.

[0039] As described above, in this embodiment, at least one part of the chair 60 is locked, a specific movement of the user is detected by the load sensor 40, and depending on the detection result, the chair 60 is switched between locked and unlocked, and when unlocked, the chair 60 can be deformed so as to extend vertically. Therefore, even if the user cannot secure a space to change his / her posture, the chair 60 can be deformed to assist the user in changing his / her posture. For example, the user can move or stretch his / her legs while sitting on the chair 60. When the user can no longer sit still, the chair 60 is automatically unlocked, allowing the user to stretch his / her body.

[0040] For example, chair 60 may be configured to stretch vertically when unlocked by the force of springs provided in each of connecting portion 65 and connecting portion 66. According to such an example, when chair 60 is unlocked, the force of the springs can encourage the user to stretch.

[0041] For example, if the chair 60 deforms during a video conference and the height of the user's face changes, the height of the video conference camera or desk may be automatically adjusted so that the video conference participant does not notice that the user is stretching. The angle or position of the microphone may be further adjusted. The angle or position of the lighting may be further adjusted.

[0042] For example, when the chair 60 becomes transformable, the chair 60 may not only be simply unlocked, but may also be transformed automatically by the drive of a built-in motor.

[0043] For example, chair 60 may be deformable not only to extend, but also to retract, in which case it may be desirable to use a motor to return chair 60 to its original shape from its retracted state.

[0044] As a modified example of this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the control device 20 may detect a specific movement of the user by image recognition instead of detecting the specific movement of the user by the load sensor 40. In such a modified example, a camera is installed at a location where an image of the interior space of the booth 10 can be captured. The camera is, for example, a visible light camera or a far-infrared camera. The control device 20 repeatedly acquires an image of the user from the camera via the communication unit 23. The control unit 21 analyzes the acquired image to determine whether the user is restless and moving frequently. A known method can be used as a method of image analysis. Machine learning such as deep learning may also be used.

[0045] As a variation of this embodiment, if there is space between the backrest and the partition 30, when the chair 60 is deformed, instead of the backrest extending vertically along the partition 30, the angle of the backrest may change slightly.

[0046] In one variation of this embodiment, the chairs 60 may extend downward instead of upward. In such a variation, the booth 10 may be configured such that a portion of the floor 50 is sunken.

[0047] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, two or more blocks shown in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps shown in the flowchart in chronological order as described, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capacity of the device executing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] Booth 10 20 Control device 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 30 Partition 40 Load Sensor 50 beds 60 Chairs 61 1st Part 62 2nd Part 63 3rd part 64 Seat 65 Connecting part 66 Connecting part 67 board

Claims

1. The seat and A backrest connected to the seat surface; a control device that fixes an angle between the seat and the backrest by locking a connecting portion between the seat and the backrest until a specific movement of a user sitting on the seat is detected, and that makes the angle variable by unlocking the connecting portion when the specific movement is detected; Equipped with When the connecting portion is locked, the seat surface is fixed in a horizontal state and the backrest is fixed in a vertical state, and when the connecting portion is unlocked, the seat surface can be changed from a horizontal state to an inclined state, and the backrest can be slid vertically while remaining in a vertical state; The chair is deformable so that when the angle is variable, the angle changes from a right angle to an obtuse angle and extends in the vertical direction.

2. The chair described in claim 1, wherein the control device repeatedly acquires measured values ​​of the load on the seat from a load sensor installed on the seat, and analyzes fluctuations in the acquired measured values ​​to determine whether the specific movement involves weight transfer occurring at a frequency higher than a threshold value.

3. Further comprising a leg rest connected to the seat surface, 2. The chair of claim 1, wherein the control device fixes the angle between the seat and the leg rest by locking a connecting portion between the seat and the leg rest until the specific movement is detected, and when the specific movement is detected, the control device unlocks the connecting portion between the seat and the leg rest to make the angle between the seat and the leg rest variable.

4. A chair according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Partitions that form the interior space Equipped with The chair is installed in the interior space, The backrest of the chair is positioned so that the underside of the surface against which the user's back rests or faces is in contact with or adjacent to the partition, and when the connection between the seat and the backrest is unlocked, the booth can slide vertically along the partition while remaining in a vertical position.

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