Massage system

Abstract

To provide a massage system capable of determining a massage course suitable for a stiff part in a new way.SOLUTION: A massage system includes: a stiffness input part for causing a user to input a stiff part; a storage part in which at least two kinds of course selection tables are stored; a course determination part for determining a massage course suitable for the stiff part input by the stiffness input part on the basis of the stiff part input by the stiffness input part and at least two kinds of course selection tables; and a massage machine control part for causing a massage machine to perform a massage course determined by the course determination part. The at least two kinds of course selection tables include a first course selection table used when the stiff part input by the stiffness input part is one place, and a second course selection table used when the stiff part input by the stiffness input part is two places.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a massage system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a massage machine including a seat part, a backrest part, an armrest part, a leg rest part, and a base part serving as a base for these. A massage unit having a pair of left and right kneading balls is attached to the backrest part of Patent Document 1 so as to be movable up and down. The massage unit includes a kneading mechanism for eccentrically rotating the kneading balls and a tapping mechanism for swinging the kneading balls back and forth.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of this invention is to provide a massage system capable of determining a massage course suitable for a stiff part by a novel method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention includes a stiffness input unit for allowing a user to input a stiff part, a storage unit storing at least two types of course selection tables, the stiff part input by the stiffness input unit, and based on the at least two types of course selection tables, a course determination unit that determines a massage course suitable for the stiff part input by the stiffness input unit, and a massage machine control unit for causing the massage machine to execute the massage course determined by the course determination unit. The at least two types of course selection tables include a first course selection table used when the number of stiff parts input by the stiffness input unit is one, and a second course selection table used when the number of stiff parts input by the stiffness input unit is two, and provides a massage system.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first course selection table stores a massage course suitable for each stiff part for each stiff part, and the second course selection table stores combinations of two selectable stiff parts, a plurality of types of combinations, and massage courses for each combination. When the number of stiff parts input by the stiffness input unit is one, the course determination unit determines a massage course based on the one stiff part input by the stiffness input unit and the first course selection table. When the number of stiff parts input by the stiffness input unit is two, the course determination unit determines a massage course based on the two stiff parts input by the stiffness input unit and the second course selection table.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the number of stiff parts input by the stiffness input unit is three or more, the course determination unit determines a predetermined massage course set in advance as the massage course.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the massage courses determined using the first course selection table include a massage course that only performs mechanical massage using a treatment element, a massage course that only performs air massage using an airbag, and a massage course that performs both the mechanical massage and the air massage.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the stiffness input unit has a function of allowing the user to input the stiff part, a function of allowing the user to input the degree of stiffness of the stiff part, and a function of displaying the degree of stiffness of the input stiff part in terms of color density.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit stores a color density / intensity conversion table that stores the massage intensity for the color density representing the degree of stiffness. The course selection unit determines the massage intensity for the stiff part input by the stiffness input unit based on the color density representing the degree of stiffness for each stiff part input by the stiffness input unit and the color density / intensity conversion table. The massage mechanism control unit causes the massage machine to execute a massage according to the massage course determined by the course determination unit and the massage intensity for the stiff part.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

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[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] [1] Overall Configuration of the Massage System FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the massage system 1.

[0014] The massage system 1 includes a chair-type massage machine (hereinafter simply referred to as "massage machine 2"), a mobile terminal 3, and a server 4. In this embodiment, the mobile terminal 3 is a smartphone. The mobile terminal 3 is a mobile terminal used by a user (recipient) who intends to receive a massage by the massage machine 2. The massage machine 2 and the mobile terminal 3 can communicate wirelessly, for example, by Bluetooth (registered trademark). The mobile terminal 3 and the server 4 can communicate via a communication network 5.

[0015] When massage is performed by the massage machine 2, the massage history is sent to the mobile terminal 3. The massage history includes the date and time when the massage was performed, the massage course, the massage intensity of each part, etc. The mobile terminal 3 stores the massage history received from the massage machine 2 in the memory. The mobile terminal 3 transmits the massage history stored in the memory to the server 4 in real time or at a predetermined timing. The server 4 stores the massage history received from the mobile terminal 3 separately for each user of the mobile terminal 3.

[0016] [2] Appearance of the massage machine FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the appearances of the massage machine 2 and the mobile terminal 3.

[0017] The massage machine 2 includes a seat part 11, a backrest part 12, an armrest part 13, a footrest part (ottoman) 14, and a base on which these are mounted.

[0018] In the following description, the front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction shall refer to the front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction as viewed from the user when the user is seated on the massage machine 2 in a normal posture, respectively.

[0019] The base exists below the seat part 11, but in FIG. 2, it is hidden by the seat part 11, the backrest part 12, the armrest part 13, and the footrest part 14, and thus does not appear.

[0020] The seat part 11 is arranged on the base. The backrest part 12 is arranged at the rear part of the seat part 11. The armrest parts 13 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the seat part 11. The footrest part 14 is arranged at the front side of the seat part 11. The backrest part 12 is tiltably supported with respect to the seat part 11 by a backrest rotation actuator 21 (see FIG. 4A). Further, the footrest part 14 can be rotated about a support shaft extending in the left - right direction provided near the upper part of the seat part by a footrest rotation actuator 22 (see FIG. 4A). Thereby, the footrest part 14 can be rotated between the vertical posture shown in FIG. 2 and a horizontal posture rotated approximately 90 degrees from the vertical posture.

[0021] A massage unit 23 is incorporated in the backrest part 12. The massage unit 23 is for performing various massages (mechanical massages) using a pair of left - right treatment balls (kneading balls) 51. In the backrest part 12, a pair of left - right guide rails 28, 29 having a U - shaped cross - section extending in the vertical direction (see FIG. 3) are provided, and the massage unit 23 can move in the vertical direction along the guide rails 28, 29. The detailed configuration of the massage unit 23 will be described later.

[0022] An arm unit 16 having a forearm accommodation recess 17 for accommodating the user's forearms is provided on the armrest part 13. The footrest part 14 has a leg accommodation recess 18 and a foot accommodation recess 19 for accommodating the user's left and right legs and feet respectively.

[0023] Air bags are provided on the backrest part 12, the seat part 11, the armrest parts 13, and the footrest part 14 of the massage machine 2. Each air bag performs an air - type massage on the user by expanding and contracting by supplying and exhausting air.

[0024] On the backrest part 12, a right - two - arm air bag 31a for massaging the right two - arms and a left - two - arm air bag 31b for massaging the left two - arms are provided. The two - arm air bag 31 for massaging the two - arms is constituted by these air bags 31a, 32b.

[0025] On the seat part 11, a pair of left and right thigh side airbags 32a and 32b for massaging the side parts of the thighs, a pair of left and right upper back thigh airbags 32c and 32d for massaging the upper back parts of the thighs, and a lower back thigh airbag 32e for massaging the lower back parts of the thighs are provided. These airbags 32a to 32e constitute a thigh airbag 32 for massaging the thighs.

[0026] On both side surfaces of a pair of left and right forearm accommodation recesses 17, forearm main body airbags 33a and 33b for massaging the forearms and hand airbags 33c and 33d for massaging the hands are provided. These airbags 33a to 33d constitute a forearm airbag 33 for massaging the forearms and hands.

[0027] On both side surfaces of a pair of left and right leg accommodation recesses 18, calf side airbags 34a and 34b for massaging the side surfaces of the calves are provided. On the bottom surfaces of a pair of left and right leg accommodation recesses 18, calf back airbags 34c and 34d for massaging the back sides of the calves are provided. These airbags 34a to 34d constitute a calf airbag 34 for massaging the calves.

[0028] On both side surfaces of a pair of left and right foot accommodation recesses 19, front foot surface airbags 35a and 35b for pressing the front surface parts of the feet downward are provided. On the bottom surfaces of a pair of left and right foot accommodation recesses 19, back foot surface airbags 35c and 35d for pressing the soles of the feet upward are provided. These airbags 35a to 35d constitute a sole airbag 35 for massaging the soles of the feet.

[0029] The wrist unit 16 is attached with a remote control stand 24. The remote control stand 24 is detachably attached with a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as "remote control 25") for the user to operate the massage machine 2. As shown in FIG. 4A, an operation display unit 26 and a plurality of operation keys are provided on the operation surface of the remote control 25. The operation display unit 26 is composed of, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display. The remote control 25 is provided with a communication unit for wireless communication with the mobile terminal 3.

[0030] [3] Configuration of the massage unit FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the massage unit 23.

[0031] The massage unit 23 is attached to the guide rails 28, 29 so as to be movable up and down. The massage unit 23 includes a main frame 41 in a rectangular frame shape. The main frame 41 is composed of a pair of left and right side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall that connect the upper ends and the lower ends of these side walls respectively. A guide shaft 42 extending in the left-right direction and a lifting drive shaft 43 are rotatably attached to the main frame 41.

[0032] The guide shaft 42 is arranged at the upper part of the main frame 41, and the lifting drive shaft 43 is arranged at the lower part of the main frame 41. Both ends of the guide shaft 42 and the lifting drive shaft 43 protrude outward from both side walls of the main frame 41. Guide rollers 44 guided by the guide rails 28, 29 are attached to both ends of the guide shaft 42. Pinion gears 45 that mesh with a rack (not shown) provided on the guide rails 28, 29 are attached to both ends of the lifting drive shaft 43.

[0033] A lifting motor 46 for rotating the lifting drive shaft 43 is attached to the main frame 41. The lifting motor 46 is connected to the lifting drive shaft 43 via a gear mechanism 47. When the lifting motor 46 rotates, the massage unit 23 is lifted and lowered along the guide rails 28, 29.

[0034] The massage unit 23 is provided with a lifting position sensor 48 for detecting the lifting position (vertical position) of the massage unit 23 by detecting the rotation amount of the lifting drive shaft 43. The lifting position sensor 48 consists of a rotary encoder for detecting the rotation amount of the lifting drive shaft 43.

[0035] A swing frame 49 is swingably attached in the front-rear direction to an intermediate portion of the length of the lifting drive shaft 43. A treatment head drive unit 50 having a pair of left and right treatment heads 51 and its drive mechanism is attached to the swing frame 49. The main frame 41 is provided with a treatment head drive unit advancing / retreating mechanism for advancing and retreating the swing frame (treatment head drive unit) in the front-rear direction.

[0036] The treatment head drive unit advancing / retreating mechanism will be described. A forward / backward shaft 52 that is disposed below the guide shaft 42 and extends in the left-right direction is rotatably attached to the main frame 41. A forward / backward motor 53 for rotating the forward / backward shaft 52 is attached to one side portion of the main frame 41. The forward / backward motor 53 is connected to the forward / backward shaft 52 via a gear mechanism 54. A pair of left and right pinion gears 55 are attached to an intermediate portion of the length of the forward / backward shaft 52. Arc-shaped racks 56 that mesh with the pair of left and right pinion gears 55 are respectively provided on the upper portion of the swing frame 49. When the forward / backward shaft 52 is rotated by the forward / backward motor 53, the pinion gears 55 rotate and the arc-shaped racks 56 move. As a result, the swing frame 49 swings about the lifting drive shaft 43. Thereby, the treatment head drive unit 50 (treatment heads 51) advances and retreats in the front-rear direction.

[0037] The massage unit 23 is provided with a front-rear position sensor 57 for detecting the front-rear position of the treatment head drive unit 50 by detecting the rotation amount of the forward / backward shaft 52. The front-rear position sensor 57 consists of an encoder for detecting the rotation amount of the forward / backward shaft 52.

[0038] The treatment element drive unit 50 includes a kneading mechanism that performs a kneading operation by eccentrically rotating the treatment element 51, and a tapping mechanism that performs a tapping operation by swinging the treatment element 51 in the front-rear direction. The kneading mechanism includes a kneading motor 58 as an actuator (drive source). The tapping mechanism includes a tapping motor 59 as an actuator (drive source). Such a kneading mechanism and tapping mechanism are well-known.

[0039] [4] Electrical Configuration of Massage Machine 2 and Portable Terminal 3 FIG. 4A is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the massage machine 2. FIG. 4B is an air circuit diagram showing the air circuit from the air pump to each airbag.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, inside the massage machine 2, a control unit 60 for controlling the massage machine 2 is built-in. The control unit 60 is an example of the "massage machine control unit" of the present invention. The control unit 60 includes a microcomputer and is equipped with a CPU, a memory (RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory), etc. Various data are stored in the memory in addition to the programs of the CPU.

[0041] A remote control 25, a drive circuit 71 of the backrest rotation actuator 21, and a drive circuit 72 of the legrest rotation actuator 22 are connected to the control unit 60. Further, a drive circuit 73 of the lifting motor 46, a drive circuit 74 of the forward / backward motor 53, a drive circuit 75 of the kneading motor 58, and a drive circuit 76 of the tapping motor 59 in the massage unit 23 are connected to the control unit 60. Further, a lifting position sensor 48 and a front-rear position sensor 57 in the massage unit 23 are connected to the control unit 60.

[0042] Further, a drive circuit 77 of the air pump 81 and a drive circuit 78 of a plurality of electromagnetic valves 82a to 82s are connected to the control unit 60. Air is supplied from the air pump 81 to each electromagnetic valve 82a to 82s. In the following, when collectively referring to the electromagnetic valves 82a to 82s, they may be referred to as electromagnetic valve 82.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4B, the right second-arm airbag 31a is connected to the solenoid valve 82a, and the left second-arm airbag 31b is connected to the solenoid valve 85b. The right thigh-side airbag 32a is connected to the solenoid valve 82c, and the left thigh-side airbag 32b is connected to the solenoid valve 82d. The right back-upper thigh airbag 32c is connected to the solenoid valve 82e, and the left back-upper thigh airbag 32d is connected to the solenoid valve 82f. The back-lower thigh airbag 32e is connected to the solenoid valve 82g.

[0044] The right forearm main body airbag 33a of the right arm is connected to the solenoid valve 82h, and the left forearm main body airbag 33b of the left arm is connected to the solenoid valve 82i. The right hand airbag 33c is connected to the solenoid valve 82j, and the left hand airbag 33d is connected to the solenoid valve 82k.

[0045] The right shin-side airbag 34a is connected to the solenoid valve 82l, and the left shin-side airbag 34b is connected to the solenoid valve 82m. The right back-shin airbag 34c is connected to the solenoid valve 82n, and the left back-shin airbag 34d is connected to the solenoid valve 82o. The right front-foot airbag 35a is connected to the solenoid valve 82p, and the left front-foot airbag 35b is connected to the solenoid valve 82q. The right back-foot airbag 35c is connected to the solenoid valve 82r, and the left back-foot airbag 35d is connected to the solenoid valve 82s.

[0046] In this embodiment, solenoid valves are provided individually for the airbags arranged in pairs on both the left and right sides, but one common solenoid valve may be provided for the two airbags arranged in a pair.

[0047] When the solenoid valve 82 of a certain airbag is excited, air is supplied from the air pump 81 to the airbag through the solenoid valve 82. As a result, the airbag expands. Then, when the solenoid valve 82 of the airbag is demagnetized, the air in the airbag is exhausted to the outside through the solenoid valve. As a result, the airbag contracts.

[0048] The control unit 60 controls the drive circuits 71, 72 of the actuators 21, 22 based on the operation of the remote control 25, the operation of the mobile terminal 3, etc. The control unit 60 also controls the drive circuits 73-76 of the motors 46, 53, 58, 59, the drive circuit 77 of the air pump 81, and the drive circuit 78 of the solenoid valve 82 based on the operation of the remote control 25, the operation of the mobile terminal 3, etc. This allows the massage machine 2 to perform various massages.

[0049] The massage modes include a manual mode, an automatic mode, a body map mode, a health care mode, and a history mode.

[0050] The manual mode is a mode in which a massage is performed according to the type of massage selected by the user.

[0051] The automatic mode is a mode in which the user is prompted to select a desired massage course from a plurality of types of massage courses, and the selected massage course is executed.

[0052] The human body map mode is a mode in which the user is prompted to input the stiff area and the degree of stiffness, a massage course suited to the input stiff area and degree of stiffness is determined, and the determined massage course is executed.

[0053] The healthcare mode is a mode in which a massage course suited to the user's biological information, such as the number of steps taken, sleep time, and pulse rate (heart rate), is determined, and the determined massage course is executed.

[0054] The history mode is a mode in which the user is prompted to select a desired massage course from massage courses that have been performed in the past, and the selected massage course is then performed.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the mobile terminal 3. As shown in FIG.

[0056] The mobile terminal 3 is provided with a control unit 90. The control unit 90 includes a microcomputer and is equipped with a CPU, a memory (RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory) 91, etc. Various data, in addition to the programs of the CPU, are stored in the memory 91. A first communication unit 101, a second communication unit 102, an operation display unit 103, etc. are connected to the control unit 90. The first communication unit 101 is a communication interface for the control unit 90 to perform wireless communication with the remote controller 25 (the control unit 90 of the massager 2). The second communication unit 102 is a communication interface for the control unit 90 to communicate with the server 4 and other mobile terminals via the communication network 5. The operation display unit 103 is composed of, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display.

[0057] [5] Human body map mode Hereinafter, the human body map mode will be described in detail.

[0058] In the memory 91 (non-volatile memory) of the mobile terminal 3, an application (hereinafter referred to as the "massage app") for realizing the human body map mode, the healthcare mode, or the history mode, or for transmitting history data to the server 4 is stored. By executing the massage app, the control unit 90 functions as a plurality of functional processing units.

[0059] In order to realize the human body map mode which is a feature of the present invention, the control unit 90, as a functional processing unit, includes a stiffness input unit 92 for allowing the user to input the stiff part and the degree of stiffness, a course determination unit 93 for determining a massage course suitable for the input stiff part and the degree of stiffness, and a course transmission unit 94 for transmitting the determined massage course to the massager 2 via the first communication unit 101. The control unit 60 of the massager 2 has a function of causing the massager 2 to execute the massage course received from the mobile terminal 3.

[0060] [5.1] Activation of the massager The user activates the massage machine 2 by turning on the power switch of the remote control 25. As a result, a home screen as shown in FIG. 6A (hereinafter referred to as the "remote control home screen") is displayed on the operation display unit 26 of the remote control 25. On the remote control home screen, a course selection button 111 for selecting various massage courses, a manual button 112 for manually selecting a massage type, a setting button 113 for making various settings, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) button 114, etc. are displayed. A Bluetooth (registered trademark) mark is displayed on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) button 114. When the massage machine 2 is not connected to the mobile terminal 3, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) mark is displayed in white.

[0061] When the user taps the Bluetooth (registered trademark) button 114, the massage machine 2 enters a connection standby state (pairing standby mode) with the mobile terminal 3. At this time, a pairing standby screen as shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the operation display unit 26. On the pairing standby screen, characters of "pairing mode", an arc arrow pair mark, a cancel button, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) button, etc. are displayed. During pairing standby, the arc arrow pair mark rotates.

[0062] When the massage machine 2 and the mobile terminal 3 are in a connected state, a pairing completion screen as shown in FIG. 6C is displayed on the operation display unit 26. On the pairing completion screen, the arc arrow pair mark in the pairing standby screen changes to a dot mark. The dot mark is a mark similar to the character "レ".

[0063] After the connection completion screen is displayed, when a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed, the remote control home screen (see FIG. 6A) is displayed on the operation display unit 26. However, in this case, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) mark on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) button 114 is displayed in blue.

[0064] [5.2] Activation of the Massage App The user activates the massage app by tapping the icon of the massage app displayed on the operation display unit 103 of the mobile terminal 3. Thereby, a login screen as shown in FIG. 7A is displayed on the operation display unit 103. The login screen displays a login ID input section 121, a password input section 122, a login button 123, etc.

[0065] When user registration has already been performed and the user taps the login button 123, a connected device list screen as shown in FIG. 7B is displayed on the operation display unit 103. The connected device list screen displays type selection buttons 124, 125 indicating the types of massage machines in pairing standby mode. The user taps the type selection button corresponding to the type of massage machine the user intends to use.

[0066] When a predetermined type selection button is tapped, the control unit 90 of the mobile terminal 3 performs processing for connecting the mobile terminal 3 to a massage machine 2 of the type (hereinafter referred to as the "selected type") corresponding to the type selection button. Assuming that the selected type is XY-0001, a connection in progress screen including a message "Connecting to XY-0001" is displayed on the operation display unit 103 as shown in FIG. 7C. If the massage machine 2 to be used is in a pairing standby state, the mobile terminal 3 is then connected to the massage machine 2.

[0067] When the mobile terminal 3 is connected to the massage machine 2, a connection completed screen as shown in FIG. 7D is displayed on the operation display unit 103. Assuming that the selected type is XY-0001, a message "Connection to XY-0001 completed" is displayed on the connection completed screen. Then, a home screen of the massage app (hereinafter referred to as the "app home screen") is displayed on the operation display unit 103.

[0068] FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the app home screen.

[0069] On the app home screen, a connection status bar 131 indicating the connection status with the massage machine 2, a human body map mode button 132, a healthcare mode button 133, a plurality of history buttons 134, etc. are displayed.

[0070] In the connection status bar 131, when the mobile terminal 3 is connected to the massage machine 2, the string "Connected" is displayed, and when the mobile terminal 3 is not connected to the massage machine 2, the string "Not connected" is displayed.

[0071] The human body map mode button 132 is a button for setting the massage mode to the human body map mode. On the human body map mode button 132, a string such as "Human body map" is displayed. When the human body map mode button 132 is tapped, a human body map screen for allowing the user to input the stiff parts and the degree of stiffness is displayed on the operation display unit 103. Details of the human body map screen will be described later.

[0072] The healthcare mode button 133 is a button for setting the massage mode to the healthcare mode. On the healthcare mode button 133, for example, biometric information such as the user's number of steps, sleep time, and pulse rate, and a message prompting a massage course suitable for the biometric information are displayed. In this example, the user's number of steps for the day and a message prompting a massage course suitable for the number of steps are displayed. When the healthcare mode button 133 is tapped, a course determination screen for presenting a massage course suitable for the user's number of steps, sleep time, pulse rate, etc. is displayed on the operation display unit 103. Then, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the course determination screen, the presented massage course is executed by the massage machine 2.

[0073] The history button 134 is a button for setting the massage mode to the history mode. The name of the massage course and the massage date and time executed in the past for the user are displayed on the history button 134. When the history button 134 is tapped, a course determination screen for presenting the massage course corresponding to the history button 134 is displayed on the operation display unit 103. Then, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the course determination screen, the presented massage course is executed by the massage machine 2.

[0074] [5.3] Human body map On the app home screen, when the human body map mode button 132 is tapped, the mobile terminal 3 displays a human body map screen as shown in FIG. 8B, for example, on the operation display unit 103. The human body map screen includes a title area E1, a human body map display area E2, a message area E3, and a button area E4. The title area E1 is a horizontally long rectangular area at the upper end of the operation display unit 103, and the button area E4 is a horizontally long rectangular area at the lower end of the operation display unit 103. The message area E3 is a horizontally long rectangular area above the button area E4. The human body map display area E2 is a vertically long rectangular area between the title area E1 and the message area E3.

[0075] The string "Human Body Map" is displayed in the title area E1. The human body map 141 is displayed in the human body map display area E2. The message "Please paint the area you want to massage" is displayed in the message area E3. The OK button 142 and the reset button 143 are displayed in the button area E4. Note that the human body map display area E2 only needs to include the human body map 141, and its size and shape can be arbitrarily set.

[0076] The human body map 141 consists of an illustration of the back view of the human body. In the illustration of the back view of the human body, area-by-site regions representing the ranges of a plurality of preset sites are drawn discriminatively. In this embodiment, the plurality of sites consists of "neck and shoulders", "back", "waist", "hips", "upper arms", "forearms", "thighs", "calves", and "soles of the feet". In FIG. 8B, the dashed line indicates a part of the left-right center line of the back view of the human body. Such a dashed line may or may not be displayed within the human body map 141.

[0077] The user moves a part of the body while contacting a site with a high fatigue level (tightness) (tightened site) on the human body map screen (more precisely, the human body map display area E2). In this embodiment, it is assumed that a part of the body is a finger. When a finger contacts the human body map display area E2, the finger contact area (body contact area) on the human body map display area E2 and an area that is line-symmetric to the finger contact area with respect to the left-right center line of the human body map 141 are colored. The color applied to the finger contact area and its line-symmetric area in this way is referred to as the first color. However, the "finger contact area" may be the exact area where the finger is in contact, or may be an area including the area where the finger is in contact and its vicinity. As a result, the movement trajectory of the finger (including the line-symmetric area) on the human body map display area E2 is colored with the first color. The first color is, for example, gray. Note that the first color may be other than gray.

[0078] And, before the finger is separated from the human body map display area E2 (human body map screen), when the application area of the first color in the target part area, which is the part area painted with the first color, reaches a predetermined percentage or more of the target part area, when the finger is separated from the human body map display area E2, the first color is erased and a color representing the condensation position and degree of condensation is applied to the entire target part area. The predetermined percentage is set to, for example, 60%. In this way, the color applied to the entire part area (the color representing the condensation position and degree of condensation) is referred to as the second color. In this embodiment, a plurality of types of second colors with different concentrations according to the degree of condensation are prepared as the second color. In this embodiment, the higher the concentration of the second color, the higher the degree of condensation. Note that, alternatively, the lower the concentration of the second color, the higher the degree of condensation may be represented.

[0079] The second color is, for example, a blue-based color in this embodiment. Note that the second color may be a color other than a blue-based color. Note that the first color applied on the human body map by the contact movement of the finger is erased when the finger is separated from the operation display unit 103 regardless of the application area of the first color.

[0080] With reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, for example, the process of applying the second color to the forearm will be described.

[0081] The user touches the finger on the human body map display area E2 and mainly moves the finger, for example, on the left forearm. The curve S in FIG. 9A represents the movement locus of the finger in this case. As shown in FIG. 9A, when the finger is moved in contact, as shown in FIG. 9B, the first color with an arbitrary width is applied along the movement locus of the finger, and the first color with an arbitrary width is applied along a line that is line-symmetrical to the movement locus of the finger with respect to the left-right center line of the human body map 141. In FIG. 9B, it is assumed that the area where the first color is applied is 60% or more of the area of the forearm. After that, when the finger is separated from the human body map display area E2, as shown in FIG. 9C, the first color is erased and the second color is applied to the entire left and right forearms.

[0082] After the finger is separated from the area-by-site region painted with the second color, assume that the finger is again brought into contact and moved over the area-by-site region. Then, after the area of the first color newly painted within the area-by-site region reaches 60% or more of the area-by-site region, when the finger is separated from the human body map display area E2, the color density of the second color of the entire area-by-site region is darkened by one step. That is, in this embodiment, based on the area of the region of the human body map 141 touched and moved by the user's finger and its area, the stiffened site and the degree of stiffness are determined.

[0083] The color density representing the degree of stiffness is represented in four levels of 0, 1, 2, and 3 in ascending order of low density. However, the 0 level is the state where the second color is not applied. In this embodiment, the colors of color densities 0 to 3 are set as follows. The 0 level is white. The 1 level is light blue (the second color with low density). The 2 level is blue (the second color with medium density). The 3 level is dark blue (the second color with high density).

[0084] Note that the reset button 143 is a button for resetting the color density of all the area-by-site regions to 0.

[0085] After thus finishing painting the second color of the appropriate density according to the degree of stiffness for each stiffened site, the user taps the OK button 142. When the OK button 142 is tapped, the mobile terminal 3 displays a density display screen as shown in FIG. 10A on the operation display unit 103.

[0086] On the density display screen, the color density is digitally displayed for each site name. Specifically, the color density is displayed in four levels by the number of black circles arranged horizontally. If the number of black circles is 0, it indicates color density 0; if the number of black circles is 1, it indicates color density 1; if the number of black circles is 2, it indicates color density 2; and if the number of black circles is 3, it indicates color density 3. Also, an analysis button 144 and a return button 145 are displayed on the density display screen. Note that when the OK button 142 on the human body map screen is tapped in a state where the second color is not applied to any of the area-by-site regions within the human body map screen (see FIG. 8B), the tap operation may be invalidated.

[0087] When the analysis button 144 is tapped on the concentration display screen, the mobile terminal 3 determines a massage course suitable for the stiffened part and the degree of stiffness input via the body map screen. Then, the mobile terminal 3 displays an analysis result screen as shown in FIG. 10B. On the analysis result screen, the name of the massage course determined by the mobile terminal 3, the massage time, and its content are displayed, and a massage start button 146 is also displayed.

[0088] When the user taps the massage start button 146, the mobile terminal 3 transmits the massage course displayed on the analysis result screen to the massage machine 2. When the massage machine 2 receives the massage course from the mobile terminal 3, it executes the received massage course.

[0089] [5.4] Operations of the Mobile Terminal 3 In the memory 91 (see FIG. 5) of the mobile terminal 3, there are stored a course selection table 151, 152 (see FIG. 5) used to determine a massage course suitable for the stiffened part and the degree of stiffness input via the body map screen, and a color density / intensity conversion table 153 (see FIG. 5).

[0090] The course selection table includes a first course selection table 151 used when only one of the nine parts is selected as the stiffened part, and a second course selection table 152 used when two of the nine parts are selected as the stiffened part (excluding the case where three or more parts are selected).

[0091] In this embodiment, when three or more of the nine parts are selected as the stiffened part, the "Full Body·Extreme Fatigue Recovery Course" is always selected as the massage course. Therefore, no table is prepared for the case where three or more parts are selected as the stiffened part.

[0092] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the content of the first course selection table 151.

[0093] In the first course selection table 151, a massage course suitable for each stiff part is stored. In the example of FIG. 11, for the neck and shoulders, a neck-concentrated massage course that intensively massages the neck is stored. That is, when only the neck and shoulders are selected as the stiff part, the neck-concentrated massage course that intensively massages the neck is determined as the massage course.

[0094] In the neck-concentrated massage course, a mechanical massage using the treatment element 51 is performed. Specifically, based on the output of the lifting position sensor 48, the massage unit 23 is controlled to reciprocate in the neck region, so that the neck is intensively massaged. As the massage operation, for example, a kneading operation and a tapping operation are alternately performed every predetermined time. Also, the intensity is adjusted by rotating the longitudinal axis 52 so that the treatment element drive unit 50 moves forward and backward in the front-rear direction.

[0095] For the back, a scapula-concentrated massage course that intensively massages the scapula is stored. That is, when only the back is selected as the stiff part, the scapula-concentrated massage course that intensively massages the scapula is determined as the massage course.

[0096] In the scapula-concentrated massage course, a mechanical massage using the treatment element 51 is performed. Specifically, based on the output of the lifting position sensor 48, the massage unit 23 is controlled to reciprocate in the scapula region, so that the scapula is intensively massaged. As the massage operation, for example, a kneading operation and a tapping operation are alternately performed every predetermined time. Also, the intensity is adjusted by rotating the longitudinal axis 52 so that the treatment element drive unit 50 moves forward and backward in the front-rear direction.

[0097] For the waist, a waist-concentrated massage course that intensively massages the waist is stored. That is, when only the waist is selected as the stiff part, the waist-concentrated massage course that intensively massages the waist is determined as the massage course.

[0098] In the lumbar concentration massage course, mechanical massage using the treatment element 51 is performed. Specifically, based on the output of the lift position sensor 48, the massage unit 23 is controlled to reciprocate in the lumbar region, so that the lumbar is intensively massaged. As the massage operation, for example, a kneading operation and a tapping operation are alternately performed every predetermined time. Also, by rotating the forward and backward axis 52, the treatment element drive unit 50 moves forward and backward in the front-rear direction to adjust the intensity.

[0099] A sciatic concentration massage course for intensively massaging the sciatic nerve on the buttocks is stored. That is, when only the buttocks are selected as the stiff area, the sciatic concentration massage course for intensively massaging the sciatic nerve is determined as the massage course.

[0100] In the sciatic concentration massage course, mechanical massage using the treatment element 51 and air massage using the thigh airbag 32 are performed. Specifically, based on the lift position sensor 48, the massage unit 23 is controlled to reciprocate in the sciatic region, so that the sciatic is intensively massaged. As the massage operation, for example, a kneading operation and a tapping operation are alternately performed every predetermined time. Also, by rotating the forward and backward axis 52, the treatment element drive unit 50 moves forward and backward in the front-rear direction to adjust the intensity. Further, inflation and contraction due to supply and exhaust of air to the thigh airbag 32 are repeated at a constant cycle.

[0101] A forearm air massage course is stored for the forearms. That is, when only the forearms are selected as the stiff area, the forearm massage course for intensively massaging the forearms is determined as the massage course. The forearm air massage course is a massage course in which the settings of areas other than the forearms are turned off in the normal air massage course. Specifically, inflation and contraction due to supply and exhaust of air to the forearm airbag 31 are repeated at a constant cycle.

[0102] For the forearm, a forearm air massage course is memorized. That is, when only the forearm is selected as the stiffened part, a forearm massage course that intensively massages the forearm is determined as the massage course. The forearm air massage course is a massage course in which the settings of parts other than the forearm are turned off in the normal air massage course. Specifically, the inflation and contraction due to the supply and exhaust of air to the forearm airbag 33 are repeated at a certain cycle.

[0103] For the thigh, a thigh air massage course is memorized. That is, when only the thigh is selected as the stiffened part, a thigh massage course that intensively massages the thigh is determined as the massage course. The thigh air massage course is a massage course in which the settings of parts other than the thigh are turned off in the normal air massage course. Specifically, the inflation and contraction due to the supply and exhaust of air to the thigh airbag 32 are repeated at a certain cycle.

[0104] For the calf, a calf air massage course is memorized. That is, when only the calf is selected as the stiffened part, a calf massage course that intensively massages the calf is determined as the massage course. The calf air massage course is a massage course in which the settings of parts other than the calf are turned off in the normal air massage course. Specifically, the inflation and contraction due to the supply and exhaust of air to the calf airbag 34 are repeated at a certain cycle.

[0105] For the sole of the foot, a sole air massage course is memorized. That is, when only the sole of the foot is selected as the stiffened part, a sole massage course that intensively massages the sole of the foot is determined as the massage course. The sole air massage course is a massage course in which the settings of parts other than the sole of the foot are turned off in the normal air massage course. Specifically, the inflation and contraction due to the supply and exhaust of air to the sole airbag 35 are repeated at a certain cycle.

[0106] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the content of the second course selection table 152.

[0107] The second course selection table 152 stores the combination of two selected parts and the massage course for that combination.

[0108] For the combination of the neck / shoulder and the back, a "neck / shoulder relaxation course" is stored. In the neck / shoulder relaxation course, a mechanical massage using the treatment element 51 and an air massage using an airbag are performed. Specifically, based on the output of the lifting position sensor 48, the massage unit 23 is controlled to mainly reciprocate in the neck / shoulder area, thereby performing a massage centered on the neck / shoulder. As the massage operation, for example, a kneading operation and a tapping operation are alternately performed every predetermined time.

[0109] In the neck / shoulder relaxation course (similarly for the full-body relaxation course and the waist relaxation course described later), the operating speed of the kneading balls in the kneading operation and the tapping operation is slower than that in the fatigue recovery courses (the waist / fatigue recovery course and the full-body / fatigue recovery course) described later, and the massage is characterized by slowly kneading and relaxing. Also, in the neck / shoulder relaxation course, the inflation and contraction due to the supply and exhaust of air to the airbags 31 for the upper arms, 32 for the thighs, 33 for the forearms, 34 for the calves, and 35 for the soles of the feet are repeated at a constant cycle.

[0110] For the combination of the head / shoulders and the waist, a "waist / fatigue recovery course" is stored. In the waist / fatigue recovery course, a mechanical massage using the treatment element 51 and an air massage using the airbag are performed. Specifically, based on the output of the lifting position sensor 48, the massage unit 23 is controlled to reciprocate mainly in the waist region, thereby performing a massage centered on the waist. As the massage operation, for example, a kneading operation and a tapping operation are alternately performed at predetermined time intervals. Also, the inflation and contraction due to the supply and exhaust of air to the airbag 31 for the upper arms, the airbag 32 for the thighs, the airbag 33 for the forearms, the airbag 34 for the calves, and the airbag 35 for the soles of the feet are repeated at a constant cycle.

[0111] For the combination of the head / shoulders and the buttocks, a "whole body / fatigue recovery course" is stored. In the whole body / fatigue recovery course, a mechanical massage using the treatment element 51 and an air massage using the airbag are performed. Specifically, based on the output of the lifting position sensor 48, the massage unit 23 is controlled to reciprocate from the head / shoulder region to the ischial region, thereby performing a massage over the entire movable region of the massage unit 23. As the massage operation, for example, a kneading operation and a tapping operation are alternately performed at predetermined time intervals. Also, the inflation and contraction due to the supply and exhaust of air to the airbag 31 for the upper arms, the airbag 32 for the thighs, the airbag 33 for the forearms, the airbag 34 for the calves, and the airbag 35 for the soles of the feet are repeated at a constant cycle.

[0112] For the combination of the head / shoulders and the upper arms, a "Full Body Relaxation Course" is stored. In the Full Body Relaxation Course, mechanical massage using the treatment element 51 and air massage using the airbag are performed. Specifically, based on the lifting position sensor 48, the massage unit 23 is controlled to reciprocate from the head / shoulder region to the ischium region, so that massage is performed over the entire movable area of the massage unit. As the massage operation, for example, a kneading operation and a tapping operation are alternately performed at predetermined time intervals. Also, inflation and contraction due to supply and exhaust of air to the upper arm airbag 31, the thigh airbag 32, the forearm airbag 33, the shin airbag 34, and the sole airbag 35 are repeated at a constant cycle.

[0113] For the combination of the head / shoulders and the thighs, a "Full Body Relaxation Course" is stored. For the combination of the head / shoulders and the shins, a "Full Body Relaxation Course" is stored. For the combination of the head / shoulders and the soles, a "Full Body Fatigue Recovery Course" is stored.

[0114] For the combination of the back and the waist, a "Waist Relaxation Course" is stored. In the Waist Relaxation Course, mechanical massage using the treatment element 51 and air massage using the airbag are performed. Specifically, based on the output of the lifting position sensor 48, the massage unit 23 is controlled to mainly reciprocate in the waist region, so that massage centered on the waist is performed. As the massage operation, for example, a kneading operation and a tapping operation are alternately performed at predetermined time intervals. Also, inflation and contraction due to supply and exhaust of air to the upper arm airbag 31, the thigh airbag 32, the forearm airbag 33, the shin airbag 34, and the sole airbag 35 are repeated at a constant cycle.

[0115] For the combination of the back and the buttocks, a "Full Body Fatigue Recovery Course" is stored. For the combination of the back and the upper arms, a "Full Body Relaxation Course" is stored. For the combination of the back and the forearms, a "Full Body Relaxation Course" is stored.

[0116] For the combination of the back and the thigh, the "Whole body · Relaxation Course" is memorized. For the combination of the back and the calf, the "Whole body · Relaxation Course" is memorized. For the combination of the back and the sole of the foot, the "Whole body · Fatigue Recovery Course" is memorized.

[0117] For the combination of the waist and the buttocks, the "Waist · Fatigue Recovery Course" is memorized. For the combination of the waist and the upper arms, the "Whole body · Relaxation Course" is memorized. For the combination of the waist and the forearms, the "Whole body · Relaxation Course" is memorized.

[0118] For the combination of the waist and the thigh, the "Whole body · Relaxation Course" is memorized. For the combination of the waist and the calf, the "Whole body · Relaxation Course" is memorized. For the combination of the waist and the sole of the foot, the "Whole body · Fatigue Recovery Course" is memorized.

[0119] For the combination of the buttocks and the upper arms, the "Whole body Air Course" is memorized. In the Whole body Air Course, air massage using airbags is performed. Specifically, inflation and contraction due to the supply and exhaust of air to the upper arm airbag 31, thigh airbag 32, forearm airbag 33, calf airbag 34, and sole of the foot airbag 35 are repeated at a constant cycle. In this course, mechanical massage is not performed.

[0120] For the combination of the buttocks and the forearms, the "Whole body Air Course" is memorized. For the combination of the buttocks and the thighs, the "Whole body Air Course" is memorized. For the combination of the buttocks and the calves, the "Whole body Air Course" is memorized. For the combination of the buttocks and the sole of the foot, the "Whole body · Relaxation Course" is memorized.

[0121] For the combination of the upper arms and the forearms, "Full-body Air Course" is memorized. For the combination of the upper arms and the thighs, "Full-body Air Course" is memorized. For the combination of the upper arms and the calves, "Full-body Air Course" is memorized. For the combination of the upper arms and the soles of the feet, "Full-body Relaxation Course" is memorized.

[0122] For the combination of the forearms and the thighs, "Full-body Air Course" is memorized. For the combination of the forearms and the calves, "Full-body Air Course" is memorized. For the combination of the forearms and the soles of the feet, "Full-body Relaxation Course" is memorized.

[0123] For the combination of the thighs and the calves, "Full-body Air Course" is memorized. For the combination of the thighs and the soles of the feet, "Full-body Relaxation Course" is memorized. For the combination of the calves and the soles of the feet, "Full-body Relaxation Course" is memorized.

[0124] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the content of the color density-intensity conversion table.

[0125] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the massage intensity can be adjusted in five levels of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in ascending order from weak.

[0126] In the example of Figure 13, for a color density of 0, 2 is memorized as the corresponding massage intensity. For a color density of 1, 3 is memorized as the corresponding massage intensity. For a color density of 2, 4 is memorized as the corresponding massage intensity. For a color density of 3, 5 is memorized as the corresponding massage intensity.

[0127] When a massage course is selected based on the first course selection table 151, the massage intensity for the massage course is set to the intensity corresponding to the color density of the site selected as the stiff part.

[0128] When a massage course is selected based on the second course selection table 152 or when three or more parts are input as stiff parts, the massage intensity for the massage course is set to an intensity corresponding to the color density of the part selected as the stiff part for the part selected as the stiff part, and is set to intensity 3 for parts other than the part selected as the stiff part.

[0129] FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are flowcharts showing the procedure of processing executed by the control unit 90 of the mobile terminal 3 when the human body map mode is selected on the home screen of the massage application.

[0130] In the following description, j is a variable representing a part. The relationship between the value of j and the corresponding part is as follows.

[0131] j = 1: Neck and shoulders j = 2: Back j = 3: Waist j = 4: Buttocks j = 5: Upper arms j = 6: Forearms j = 7: Thighs j = 8: Calves j = 9: Soles of the feet Also, n j is a variable representing the color density (color) of part j.

[0132] n j = 0 represents white, n j = 1 represents light blue, n j = 2 represents blue, n j = 3 represents dark blue respectively.

[0133] When the human body map mode is selected on the application home screen (step S1), the control unit 90 sets n1 to n9 to 0 (step S2).

[0134] Next, the control unit 90 displays the human body map screen (see FIG. 8B) on the operation display unit 103 (see FIG. 5) (step S3).

[0135] Next, the control unit 90 monitors whether a finger has touched the human body map display area E2 (step S4), whether the OK button 142 (Fig. 8B) has been tapped (step S5), and whether the reset button 143 (Fig. 8B) has been tapped (step S6).

[0136] When it is determined that a finger has touched the human body map display area E2 (step S4: YES), the control unit 90 applies a first color to the finger contact area on the human body map display area E2 and an area that is line-symmetrical to the finger contact area with respect to the left-right center line of the human body map 141 (step S7). As a result, the movement locus of the finger (including the line-symmetrical area) on the human body map display area E2 is painted with the first color.

[0137] Then, in the area for each part where the first color is mainly applied (hereinafter referred to as the "area for each part of interest"), the control unit 90 determines whether the application area of the first color in the area for each part of interest has reached 60% or more of the area for each part of interest (step S8).

[0138] If the application area of the first color has not reached 60% or more of the area for each part of interest (step S8: NO), the control unit 90 determines whether the finger has left the human body map display area E2 (step S9). If the finger has not left the human body map display area E2 (step S9: NO), the control unit 90 returns to step S7.

[0139] In step S9, when it is determined that the finger has left the human body map display area E2 (step S9: YES), the control unit 90 erases the first color (step S10) and then proceeds to step S4.

[0140] In step S8, when it is determined that the application area of the first color in the area for each part of interest has reached 60% or more of the area for each part of interest (step S8: YES), the control unit 90 increases the color density n j corresponding to the area for each part of interest by 1 (step S11). However, when the color density n j becomes 4 or more after increasing by 1, the color density n jis set to 3. In other words, the color density n corresponding to the region for each part of interest j if it has already been set to 3, the color density n j is not increased.

[0141] After that, the control unit 90 determines whether the finger has separated from the human body map display area E2 (step S12). If the finger has not separated from the human body map display area E2 (step S12: NO), the control unit 90 applies the first color to the finger contact area on the human body map display area E2 and the area that is line-symmetric to the finger contact area with respect to the left-right center line of the human body map 141 (step S13). Then, the control unit 90 returns to step S12.

[0142] In step S12, when it is determined that the finger has separated from the human body map display area E21 (step S12: YES), the control unit 90 erases the first color and colors the region for each part of interest with the second color corresponding to its color density n j (step S14). Then, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S4.

[0143] In the said step S4, if it is determined that the finger is not in contact with the human body map display area E2 (step S4: NO), the control unit 90 proceeds to step S5.

[0144] In step S5, the control unit 90 determines whether the OK button 142 (see FIG. 8B) has been tapped. If the OK button 142 has not been tapped (step S5: NO), the control unit 90 proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the control unit 90 determines whether the reset button 143 (see FIG. 8B) has been tapped.

[0145] When the reset button 143 is not tapped (step S6: NO), the control unit 90 proceeds to step S4. If it is determined in step S6 that the reset button 143 has been tapped (step S6: YES), the control unit 90 sets n1 to n9 to 0 and returns the entire human body map to white (step S15). Then, the control unit 90 returns to step S4.

[0146] Examples of the human body map screen in which the color indicating the stiffening position and degree of stiffness is painted on the human body map 141 by the above-described processing are shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C. In the example of FIG. 15A, only the neck and shoulders are painted dark blue. In the example of FIG. 15B, the neck and shoulders are painted dark blue and the forearms are painted blue. In the example of FIG. 15C, the neck and shoulders and calves are painted dark blue, the forearms are painted blue, and the back is painted light blue.

[0147] In step S5, if it is determined that the OK button 142 has been tapped (step S5: YES), the control unit 90 displays a density display screen (see FIG. 10A) (step S16). Specifically, the control unit 90 digitally displays the color density n j (j = 1, 2,..., 8, 9) of each part.

[0148] Next, the control unit 90 monitors whether or not the analysis button 144 on the density display screen has been tapped (step S17) or whether or not the back button 145 on the density display screen has been tapped (step S18). If the back button 145 has been tapped (step S18: YES), the control unit 90 displays the human body map screen immediately before the density display screen was displayed (step S19). Then, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S4.

[0149] If the analysis button 144 has been tapped (step S17: YES), the control unit 90 determines a massage course suitable for the stiffening part and degree of stiffness input on the human body map screen and the massage intensity of each part based on the color density n j of each part (step S20).

[0150] Specifically, when the second color is applied to only one part, the control unit 90 determines a massage course based on the part and the first course selection table 151. Further, the control unit 90 determines the color density n of the one part to which the second color is applied j and determines the massage intensity of the part based on the color density / intensity conversion table 153. The control unit 90 sets 2 as the massage intensity for parts where the second color is not applied (parts where n j = 0).

[0151] When the second color is applied to two parts (excluding the case where the second color is applied to three or more parts), the control unit 90 determines a massage course based on the two parts and the second course selection table 152. Further, the control unit 90 determines the color density n of the two parts to which the second color is applied j and determines the massage intensity of the two parts based on the color density / intensity conversion table 153. The control unit 90 sets 2 as the massage intensity for parts where the second color is not applied (parts where n j = 0).

[0152] When the second color is applied to three or more parts, the control unit 90 determines the full body / extreme fatigue recovery course as the massage course. Further, the control unit 90 determines the massage intensity of each of these parts based on the color density n of each part to which the second color is applied j and the color density / intensity conversion table 153. The control unit 90 sets 2 as the massage intensity for parts where the second color is not applied (parts where n j = 0).

[0153] Then, the control unit 903 displays an analysis result screen (see FIG. 10B) including the name of the massage course determined in step S18, etc. (step S21).

[0154] After that, when the massage start button 146 on the analysis result screen is tapped (step S22: YES), the control unit 903 transmits the massage course determined in step S20 and the massage intensity of each part to the massage machine 2 (step S23). When the massage machine 2 receives the massage course and the massage intensity of each part from the mobile terminal 3, it executes a massage based on the received massage course and the massage intensity of each part.

[0155] According to the above-described embodiment, it becomes easier for the user to input the stiff part and the degree of stiffness. Further, according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to perform a massage suitable for the user's stiff part and the degree of stiffness.

[0156] [6] Modification As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention can be implemented in other forms.

[0157] In the above-described embodiment, as the second color, a plurality of types of second colors having different densities according to the degree of stiffness are prepared. However, as the second color, a plurality of types of second colors having different colors (for example, hue) according to the degree of stiffness may be prepared. In this case, in the flowcharts of FIGS. 14A to 14C described above, n j may be replaced with a variable representing the type of color of part j. For example, the degree of stiffness may be divided into four stages, and the color of the first stage may be set to white, the color of the second stage may be set to green, the color of the third stage may be set to blue, and the color of the fourth stage may be set to red. In this case, n j = 0 represents white, n j = 1 represents green, n j = 2 represents blue, and n j = 3 represents red, respectively.

[0158] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the stiff part and the degree of stiffness are determined based on the finger contact movement area on the human body map 141 by the user and its area. However, the stiff part and the degree of stiffness may be determined by other methods. Hereinafter, modification examples 1 to 3 of the method for determining the stiff part and the degree of stiffness will be described.

[0159] [6.1] Variant Example 1 In Variant Example 1, the control unit 90 determines the stiffened part and the degree of stiffness based on the contact position of the finger on the human body map 141 and the finger contact duration. Specifically, the user touches the finger on the part (stiffened part) with a high fatigue level (degree of stiffness) on the human body map 141. The user increases the finger contact duration as the degree of stiffness increases. The control unit 90 paints the entire part where the finger is in contact. At this time, the control unit 90 determines the color density according to the finger contact duration. Here, the color density is represented in four levels of 0, 1, 2, and 3 in ascending order of low density. For example, level 0 is white. Level 1 is light blue. Level 2 is blue. Level 3 is dark blue.

[0160] The relationship between the finger contact duration T (seconds) and the density level is as follows.

[0161] if T = 0 seconds then density = 0 if 0 seconds < T ≤ 2 seconds then density = 1 if 2 seconds < T ≤ 4 seconds then density = 2 if T > 4 seconds then density = 3 When applying Variant Example 1, among the processing procedures shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C described above, the procedure shown in FIG. 14B is replaced by the procedure shown in FIG. 16. The procedures shown in FIGS. 14A and 14C described above are applied almost as they are. However, in step S4 of FIG. 14A described above, it is determined whether a finger has touched the human body map display area E2, but when applying Variant Example 1, in step S4 of FIG. 14A, it is determined whether a finger has touched the human body map 141.

[0162] That is, when it is determined that a finger has touched the human body map 141 (step S4 in FIG. 14A: YES), the control unit 90 activates a timer for measuring the contact duration T (step S31).

[0163] Then, the control unit 90 determines whether the contact duration T is within the range of 0 seconds < T ≤ 2 seconds (step S32). If the contact duration T is within the range of 0 seconds < T ≤ 2 seconds (step S32: YES), the control unit 90 sets the color density n j corresponding to the area for each part where the finger is in contact (hereinafter referred to as the "area for each part of interest") to 1, and applies light blue to the entire area for each part of interest (step S33). Then, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S37.

[0164] In step S32, if it is determined that the contact duration T is outside the range of 0 seconds < T ≤ 2 seconds (step S32: NO), the control unit 90 determines whether the contact duration T is within the range of 2 seconds < T ≤ 4 seconds (step S34).

[0165] If the contact duration T is within the range of 2 seconds < T ≤ 4 seconds (step S34: YES), the control unit 90 sets the color density n j corresponding to the area for each part of interest to 2, and applies blue to the entire area for each part of interest (step S35). Then, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S37.

[0166] In step S34, if it is determined that the contact duration T is outside the range of 2 seconds < T ≤ 4 seconds, that is, if it is determined that the contact duration T is longer than 4 seconds (step S34: NO), the control unit 90 sets the color density n j corresponding to the area for each part of interest to 3, and applies dark blue to the entire area for each part of interest (step S36). Then, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S37.

[0167] In step S37, the control unit 90 determines whether the finger has separated from the human body map 141. If the finger has not separated from the human body map 141 (step S37: NO), the control unit 90 returns to step S32.

[0168] In step S37, when it is determined that the finger has separated from the human body map 141 (step S37: YES), the control unit 90 resets and stops the timer for measuring the contact duration T (step S38). Then, the control unit 90 returns to step S4 in FIG. 14A.

[0169] [6.2] Modification Example 2 In modification example 2, the control unit 90 determines the stiffened area and the degree of stiffness based on the pressing position (contact position) and the pressing force (tap intensity) of the finger on the human body map 141. In this case, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressing force of the finger on the display screen of the operation display unit 103 is provided in the mobile terminal 3, and the pressing force of the finger on the human body map 141 is detected by this pressure sensor.

[0170] The user touches and presses the finger on the part (stiffened area) with a high degree of fatigue (degree of stiffness) on the human body map 141. The stronger the degree of stiffness, the stronger the pressing force of the finger. The control unit 90 paints the entire area where the finger is in contact. At this time, the control unit 90 determines the shade of the color according to the pressing force of the finger. Here, the color density is represented in four levels of 0, 1, 2, and 3 in ascending order of low density. For example, level 0 is white. Level 1 is light blue. Level 2 is blue. Level 3 is dark blue.

[0171] The relationship between the pressing force F of the finger and the level of the density is as follows. However, F1 < F2.

[0172] if F = 0 then density = 0 if 0 < F ≦ F1 (F: the pressure at which the finger is touching) then density = 1 if F1 < F ≦ F2 (F: the pressure at which it is lightly pressed) then density = 2 if F > F2 (F: the pressure at which it is strongly pressed) then density = 3 When applying Modification 2, among the processing procedures shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C described above, the procedure shown in FIG. 14B is replaced with the procedure shown in FIG. 17. The procedures shown in FIGS. 14A and 14C described above are applied almost as they are. However, in step S4 of FIG. 14A described above, it is determined whether a finger has touched the human body map display area E2, but when applying Modification 2, in step S4 of FIG. 14A, it is determined whether a finger has touched the human body map 141.

[0173] That is, when it is determined that a finger has touched the human body map 141 (step S4 in FIG. 14A: YES), the control unit 90 detects the pressing force F of the finger on the human body map 141 (step S41). Then, the control unit 90 determines whether the pressing force F is within the range of 0 < F ≦ F1 (step S42).

[0174] When the pressing force F is within the range of 0 < F ≦ F1 (step S42: YES), the control unit 90 determines whether the color density n j corresponding to the area for each part where the finger is in contact (hereinafter referred to as the "area for each part of interest") is less than 1 (step S43). The color density n corresponding to the area for each part of interest j When it is less than 1 (step S43: YES), the control unit 90 sets the color density n j to 1 and applies light blue to the entire area for each part of interest (step S44). Then, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S50.

[0175] In step S43, when it is determined that the color density n j corresponding to the area for each part of interest is 1 or more (step S43: NO), the control unit 90 proceeds to step S50.

[0176] In step S42, when it is determined that the pressing force F is outside the range of 0 < F ≦ F1 (step S42: NO), the control unit 90 determines whether the pressing force F is within the range of F1 < F ≦ F2 (step S45).

[0177] When the pressing force F is within the range of F1 < F ≤ F2 (step S45: YES), the control unit 90 determines the color density n corresponding to the region for each part of interest j to see if it is less than 2 (step S46). If the color density n corresponding to the region for each part of interest j is less than 2 (step S46: YES), the control unit 90 sets the color density n corresponding to the region for each part of interest j to 2 and applies blue to the entire region for each part of interest (step S47). Then, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S50.

[0178] In step S46, if it is determined that the color density n corresponding to the region for each part of interest j is 2 or more (step S46: NO), the control unit 90 proceeds to step S50.

[0179] In step S45, if it is determined that the pressing force F is outside the range of 0 < F ≤ F2, that is, if it is determined that the pressing force F is greater than F2 (step S45: NO), the control unit 90 determines the color density n corresponding to the region for each part of interest j to see if it is less than 3 (step S48). If the color density n corresponding to the region for each part of interest j is less than 3 (step S48: YES), the control unit 90 sets the color density n corresponding to the region for each part of interest j to 3 and applies dark blue to the entire region for each part of interest (step S49). Then, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S50.

[0180] In step S48, if it is determined that the color density n corresponding to the region for each part of interest j is 3 or more (step S49: NO), the control unit 90 proceeds to step S50.

[0181] In step S50, the control unit 90 determines whether the finger has separated from the human body map 141. If the finger has not separated from the human body map 141 (step S50: NO), the control unit 90 returns to step S41. In step S50, if it is determined that the finger has separated from the human body map 141 (step S50: YES), the control unit 90 returns to step S4 in FIG. 14A.

[0182] [6.3] Variation 3 In Variation 3, the control unit 90 determines the stiffened part and the degree of stiffness based on the contact position of the finger on the human body map 141 (hereinafter referred to as the "tap position") and the number of contacts (hereinafter referred to as the "number of taps"). Specifically, the user taps on the part (stiffened part) with a high degree of fatigue (degree of stiffness) on the human body map 141. The user increases the number of taps as the degree of stiffness increases. The control unit 90 paints the entire part where the finger is in contact. At this time, the control unit 90 determines the darkness of the color according to the number of taps. Here, the color density is represented in four levels of 0, 1, 2, and 3 in ascending order of low density. For example, level 0 is white. Level 1 is light blue. Level 2 is blue. Level 3 is dark blue.

[0183] The relationship between the number of taps K and the level of density is as follows.

[0184] if K = 0 then density = 0 if K = 1 then density = 1 if K = 2 then density = 2 if K ≧ 3 then density = 3 When applying Variation 3, among the processing procedures shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C described above, the procedures shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B are replaced with the procedures shown in FIG. 18. In FIG. 18, the same steps as the steps of each part of FIG. 14A described above are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 14A.

[0185] Also, the procedure shown in FIG. 14C described above is applied almost as it is. However, when the human body map screen is displayed immediately before the concentration display screen is displayed in step S19 of FIG. 14C, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S51 of FIG. 18.

[0186] That is, referring to FIG. 18, when the human body map mode is selected on the application home screen (step S1), the control unit 90 sets n1 to n9 to 0 (step S2).

[0187] Next, the control unit 90 displays the human body map screen (see FIG. 8B) on the operation display unit 103 (step S3).

[0188] Next, the control unit 90 monitors whether the human body map 141 has been tapped (step S51), whether the OK button 142 has been tapped (step S5), and whether the reset button 143 has been tapped (step S6).

[0189] If the human body map 141 is tapped (step S61: YES), the control unit 90 determines whether the color density n j corresponding to the tapped area by part (hereinafter referred to as the area by target part) is less than 3 (step S62).

[0190] The color density n j corresponding to the area by target part is less than 3 (step S62: YES), the color density n j corresponding to the area by target part is increased by 1 (step S63). Then, the control unit 90 colors the area by target part with the color corresponding to the color density n j . After that, the control unit 90 returns to step S61.

[0191] In step S62, if it is determined that the color density n j corresponding to the area by target part is 3 or more (step S62: NO), the control unit 90 returns to step S61.

[0192] When it is determined in step S5 that the OK button 142 has been tapped and when it is determined in step S6 that the reset button 143 has been tapped, the operations of the control unit 90 are the same as the operations of the control unit 90 shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C.

[0193] [6.4] Others In the foregoing embodiment, the OK button 142 and the reset button 143 are provided on the human body map screen (see FIG. 8B). However, as indicated by the dashed-dotted line 147 in FIG. 8B, a cancel button may be provided. The cancel button 147 is a button for canceling the operation performed immediately before. For example, when the cancel button 147 is tapped immediately after a second color with a predetermined concentration is applied to a certain part by contact movement of a finger, the application of the second color with the predetermined concentration to the part is canceled, and the color of the part is returned to the color before the application of the second color with the predetermined concentration.

[0194] When such a cancel button 147 is provided, the reset button 143 may be omitted.

[0195] Also, as indicated by the dashed-dotted line 148 in FIG. 8B, an analysis button similar to the analysis button 144 on the concentration display screen (FIG. 10A) may be provided on the human body map screen (see FIG. 8B). When this analysis button 148 is tapped, the mobile terminal 3 determines a massage course suitable for the stiff part and the degree of stiffness input by the human body map screen, and displays an analysis result screen as shown in FIG. 10B.

[0196] In the foregoing embodiment, the mobile terminal 3 includes a stiffness input unit 92 for allowing the user to input the stiff part and the degree of stiffness, and a course determination unit 93 for determining a massage course suitable for the input stiff part and the degree of stiffness. However, the server 4 may have the function performed by the course determination unit 93. In this case, the first course selection table 151, the second course selection table 152, and the color density / intensity conversion table 153 are stored on the server 4 side.

[0197] In this case, the information on the stiffened part and the degree of stiffness input to the stiffness input unit 92 is sent from the mobile terminal 3 to the server 4. Based on the received information on the stiffened part and the degree of stiffness and the tables 151, 152, and 153, the server 4 determines a massage course suitable for the received stiffened part and the degree of stiffness and the massage intensity for each part, and transmits it to the mobile terminal 3. The mobile terminal 3 transmits the received massage course and the massage intensity for each part to the massage machine 2.

[0198] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the sole side air bags 35c and 35d for pressing the sole upward are provided on the bottom surfaces of the pair of left and right foot accommodation recesses 19 (see FIG. 2). Instead of the sole side air bags 35c and 35d, sole rollers that are rotationally driven to massage the sole may be provided.

[0199] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the mobile terminal 3 is a smartphone, but the mobile terminal 3 may be a computer such as a tablet computer.

[0200] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the massage machine 2 is a chair-type massage machine, but the massage machine 2 may be a massage machine other than a chair-type massage machine.

[0201] In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

[0202] The following features can be extracted from the description of this specification and the drawings.

[0203] [A1] A stiffness input unit for allowing a user to input the stiffened part and the degree of stiffness, A course determination unit for determining a massage course suitable for the stiffened part and the degree of stiffness input by the stiffness input unit, A massage system including a massage machine control unit for causing the massage machine to execute the massage course determined by the course determination unit.

[0204] According to this configuration, it becomes easier for the user to input the stiff part and the degree of stiffness. Also, according to this configuration, it becomes possible to perform a massage suitable for the user's stiff part and degree of stiffness.

[0205] [A2] including a mobile terminal capable of communicating with the massage mechanism control unit, The mobile terminal includes the stiffness input unit and the course determination unit, and is the massage system according to [A1].

[0206] [A3] The stiffness input unit displays a human body map in which area-by-part regions representing the ranges of a plurality of preset parts are discriminably drawn within the human body map display area on the touch panel type display unit, and based on the contact movement area of the human body map by the user and its area, it is configured to determine the stiff part and the degree of stiffness, and is the massage system according to [A1] or [A2].

[0207] [A4] The stiffness input unit a first means for applying a first color to the body contact area on the human body map display area and an area that is line-symmetric to the body contact area with respect to the left-right center line of the human body map from when the user's body touches the human body map display area until the body separates from the human body map display area; a second means for erasing the first color and applying a second color representing the stiff position and the degree of stiffness to the entire area-by-part region of interest that is the area-by-part region where the first color is applied when the ratio of the applied area of the first color in the area-by-part region of interest to the area-by-part region of interest reaches a predetermined value or more and the body separates from the human body map display area, and is the massage system according to [A3].

[0208] [A5] As the second color, a plurality of types of second colors with different concentrations are prepared according to the degree of stiffness, When the second means applies the second color to the entire region for each target site, if the second color has already been applied to the entire region for each target site, the concentration of the currently applied second color is not the concentration indicating the maximum degree of stiffness, then the second color with a concentration indicating a degree of stiffness one level higher than the concentration of the currently applied second color is applied to the entire region for each target site. The massage system according to [A4].

[0209] [A6] A plurality of types of second colors with different colors according to the degree of stiffness are prepared as the second color. When the second means applies the second color to the entire region for each target site, if the second color has already been applied to the entire region for each target site, and the color of the currently applied second color is not the color indicating the maximum degree of stiffness, then the second color with a color indicating a degree of stiffness one level higher than the color of the currently applied second color is applied to the entire region for each target site. The massage system according to [A4].

[0210] [A7] The stiffness input unit displays a human body map on a touch panel display unit in which region-by-site regions representing the ranges of a plurality of preset sites are distinguishable, and determines the stiff site and the degree of stiffness based on the contact position and contact duration of the user with the human body map. The massage system according to [A1] or [A2].

[0211] [A8] The stiffness input unit displays a human body map on a touch panel display unit in which region-by-site regions representing the ranges of a plurality of preset sites are distinguishable, and determines the stiff site and the degree of stiffness based on the pressing position and pressing force of the user on the human body map. The massage system according to [A1] or [A2].

[0212] [A9] The stiffness input unit is configured to display on the touch panel display unit a human body map in which area-by-site regions representing the ranges of a plurality of preset sites are depicted in an identifiable manner, and to determine the stiffened site and the degree of stiffness based on the tap position and the number of taps on the human body map by the user, in the massage system according to [A1] or [A2].

Explanation of Signs

[0213] 1 Massage system 2 Chair-type massage machine 3 Portable terminal 4 Server 5 Communication network 23 Massage unit 25 Remote control 31 Airbag for the upper arms 32 Airbag for the thighs 33 Airbag for the forearms 34 Airbag for the calves 35 Airbag for the soles of the feet 51 Kneading ball 60 Control unit 90 Control unit 91 Memory 92 Stiffness input unit 93 Course determination unit 94 Course transmission unit 101 First communication unit 102 Second communication unit 103 Operation display unit

Claims

1. a stiffness input unit for allowing a user to input a stiff area; A storage unit in which at least two types of course selection tables are stored; a course determination unit that determines a massage course suitable for the stiff area input by the stiffness input unit, based on the stiff area input by the stiffness input unit and the at least two types of course selection tables; a massage machine control unit for causing the massage machine to execute the massage course determined by the course determination unit, the at least two types of course selection tables include a first course selection table used when the stiffness area input by the stiffness input unit is one location, and a second course selection table used when the stiffness area input by the stiffness input unit is two locations, The second course selection table stores massage courses corresponding to each combination of two selectable stiff areas, When the number of stiff areas input by the stiffness input unit is two, the course determination unit determines, from among the massage courses stored in the second course selection table, a massage course that corresponds to the combination of stiff areas input by the stiffness input unit as the massage course suitable for the combination of stiff areas.

2. The first course selection table stores a massage course suitable for each stiff area, The massage system according to claim 1, wherein when the stiffness area input by the stiffness input unit is one area, the course determination unit determines, from among the massage courses stored in the first course selection table, a massage course that corresponds to the stiffness area input by the stiffness input unit as the massage course suitable for that stiffness area.

3. 3. The massage system according to claim 2, wherein the course determination unit determines a predetermined massage course as the massage course when the number of stiff areas input by the stiffness input unit is three or more.

4. The massage system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the massage courses determined using the first course selection table include a massage course that performs only a mechanical massage using treatment elements, a massage course that performs only an air massage using an airbag, and a massage course that performs both the mechanical massage and the air massage.

5. The massage system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stiffness input unit has a function of allowing the user to input the stiff area, a function of allowing the user to input the degree of stiffness of the stiff area, and a function of displaying the degree of stiffness for the input stiff area using color intensity.

6. The storage unit stores a color density / intensity conversion table that stores massage intensities corresponding to color densities that indicate stiffness, the course selection unit determines a massage intensity for the stiff area input by the stiffness input unit based on a color density representing the degree of stiffness for each stiff area input by the stiffness input unit and the color density / intensity conversion table; The massage system according to claim 5 , wherein the massage machine control unit causes the massage machine to execute a massage according to the massage course determined by the course determination unit and a massage intensity for the stiff area.

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