Posture determination device

Abstract

To provide a posture determination device that determines a posture of a seated person and urges the seated person to take a normal posture according to the determined posture.SOLUTION: A posture determination device 10 having a seating part S2 and a backrest S1 includes: pressure sensors 4 provided to the seating part and the backrest for measuring the pressure received from a seated person; a storage unit 52 for storing posture information 55 indicating relationships between a measurement value of the pressure received from the seated person and a posture pattern of the seated person; and a control unit for comparing a result of the measurement by the pressure sensors with the posture information 55 stored in the storage unit, determining the posture pattern of the seated person, and detecting the hardness of the hamstring muscle of the seated person based on the determined posture pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a posture determination device for determining the posture of a seated person, and particularly to a posture determination device capable of determining the posture and prompting a correct posture when the seated person is sitting.

Background Art

[0002] While a human is performing daily operations, technologies have been developed to actively correct the posture and skeletal distortion of that human by pressing various parts of the body. For example, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, when a person sits on a vehicle seat equipped with an air cell inside, the inflation pressure of the air cell is adjusted by judging the build of the seated person, and the sitting posture of the seated person is actively corrected. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the physical and mental fatigue of the seated person while sitting on the seat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, regarding one's own posture when sitting, one is often not conscious of it, and for example, there is a possibility of sitting in a hunched-back state. In order to correct the posture, it is If it can be determined preferable.

[0005] Book dev Ming The purpose is to provide a posture determination device capable of determining the posture of a seated person. to do

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] ​The aforementioned problem can be solved by the posture determination device of the present invention, which has a seating portion and a backrest. And, A pressure sensor is provided on the seat and the backrest to measure the pressure received from the seated person, The seated pelvic angle based on the measurement results of the pressure sensor and A storage unit that stores posture information showing the relationship with the posture pattern of the seated person, and the pressure sensor Based on the measurement results, the seated pelvic angle is calculated, and the seated pelvic angle and The aforementioned posture information By comparing with the threshold included, Determining the posture patterns of seated individuals Determine The problem is solved by providing a control unit and 。

[0007] Furthermore, in the above posture determination device, The pressure sensor may be provided in the first back-side pressing mechanism, the second back-side pressing mechanism, and the third back-side pressing mechanism which constitute the back-side pressing unit provided on the backrest, and in the first leg-side pressing mechanism, the second leg-side pressing mechanism, and the third leg-side pressing mechanism which constitute the leg-side pressing unit provided on the seat.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above posture determination device, The threshold includes a first threshold and a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold. The control unit may determine that there is a tendency towards arched back when the seated pelvic angle is greater than the first threshold, determine that there is an ideal posture when the seated pelvic angle is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, and determine that there is a tendency towards hunchback when the seated pelvic angle is less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above posture determination device, The posture information may include the threshold value set according to the weight of the seated person.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above posture determination device, The control unit may determine whether the seated person is seated using the pressure sensor, and if it determines that the person is seated, it may acquire the measurement result from the pressure sensor and calculate the seated pelvic angle. Furthermore, the above-described posture determination device may further include a display unit for displaying information, and the control unit may cause the determined posture pattern to be displayed on the display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] By comparing the results measured by the pressure sensor with posture information, it is possible to determine the posture pattern of the seated person, and consequently, to encourage the seated person to adopt a better posture. Furthermore, by detecting the stiffness of the hamstring muscles, it is possible to obtain information such as the risk of lower back pain. Furthermore, it is equipped with a pressing mechanism that presses against the seated person's back, buttocks, and legs, and the control unit controls the pressing mechanism based on the posture pattern, making it possible to correct the seated person's posture according to the posture pattern. By massaging the hamstring muscles with a pressure mechanism, the curvature of the lumbar spine is improved, and for example, a hunched posture pattern can be corrected to an optimal posture pattern. In addition, by determining the risk level of the seated person's low back pain and displaying a warning screen on the display unit, it becomes possible to notify the seated person of the risk of low back pain and prompt them to adopt an appropriate posture pattern. Also, by automatically contacting a regular medical institution or the like when the risk of low back pain is high, it becomes possible to take appropriate measures before the onset of low back pain.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a vehicle seat equipped with the posture determination device of the present invention. [Figure 2A] It is a diagram showing a posture pattern in an ideal spinal state. [Figure 2B] It is a diagram showing a posture pattern in a spinal state with a hunchback tendency. [Figure 2C] It is a diagram showing a posture pattern in a spinal state with a swayback tendency. [Figure 3] It is a configuration diagram of the posture determination device. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the relationship between the seated person and the vehicle seat. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the posture determination device. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart of the process for determining the posture pattern. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of the process for determining the risk level of low back pain. [Figure 8] It is a graph showing the relationship between the lumbar curvature in sitting position and the pelvic angle in sitting position. [Figure 9A] It is a diagram showing the warning screen. [Figure 9B] It is a diagram showing another example of the warning screen.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 9B. In the following description, the front-rear direction refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle, that is, the direction in which the vehicle travels, and the left-right direction refers to the direction in which the width of the vehicle and the vehicle seat coincides.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the posture determination device 10 according to this embodiment is mounted on a seat (hereinafter referred to as a vehicle seat) S provided in a vehicle. The vehicle seat S on which the posture determination device 10 is mounted may be the driver's seat, passenger seat, or rear seat. The posture determination device 10 then presses against the back of the occupant seated in the vehicle seat S to actively determine the occupant's posture pattern. Here, the posture pattern is an indicator of the occupant's posture, and in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the posture pattern is determined by the state of the arc shape BL formed by each region of the skeleton: the shoulder BN1, the lumbar spine BN2, and the sacrum BN3. Figure 2A shows a posture pattern representing an ideal spine state, where the arc shape BL is formed in a gentle S-shape. Figure 2B shows a posture pattern representing a spine state with a tendency towards kyphosis, where the arc shape BL is not formed in an S-shape, and the back is rounded. Figure 2C shows a posture pattern representing a spine state with a tendency towards lordosis, where the arc shape BL is formed in a sharp S-shape.

[0015] The basic configuration of the vehicle seat S on which the posture determination device 10 is mounted is the same as that of known configurations. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat S includes a seat back S1 (an example of a backrest) that supports the back of the occupant, a seat cushion S2 (an example of a seat) that supports the buttocks, and a headrest S3 that supports the head. The headrest S3 is supported by a pair of headrest pillars HP (not shown) attached to the upper end of the seat back S1, and the headrest S3 may be fixed to the seat back S1 or be movable in the vertical direction.

[0016] The seat back S1 has a back pad BP (not shown) that contacts the occupant's back through the upholstery material. Furthermore, the seat back S1 includes a back-side pressing unit 11 of the posture determination device 10 between the back pad BP and the upholstery material. The back-side pressing unit 11 is composed of multiple air cells 1 and includes a first back-side pressing mechanism 11a that presses the shoulder BN1 of the seated person, a second back-side pressing mechanism 11b that presses the lumbar region BN2 and sacrum BN3, and a third back-side pressing mechanism 11c that presses the sides of the back. Each of the first back-side pressing mechanism 11a, the second back-side pressing mechanism 11b, and the third back-side pressing mechanism 11c is provided with a pressure sensor 4. The back-side pressing unit 11 includes an actuator 3 that adjusts the inflation state of each air cell 1. The first back-side pressing mechanism 11a, the second back-side pressing mechanism 11b, and the third back-side pressing mechanism 11d are held by a holding frame (not shown).

[0017] The seat cushion S2 has a cushion pad CP (not shown) that contacts the seater's buttocks and legs via a surface material. Furthermore, the seat cushion S2 includes a leg-side pressing unit 12 of the posture determination device 10 between the cushion pad CP and the surface material. The leg-side pressing unit 12 includes a first leg-side pressing mechanism 12a that presses the buttocks, a second leg-side pressing mechanism 12b that presses the legs, and a third leg-side pressing mechanism 12c that presses the sides of the buttocks. Pressure sensors 4 are provided in the first leg-side pressing mechanism 12a, the second leg-side pressing mechanism 12b, and the third leg-side pressing mechanism 12c. The leg-side pressing unit 12 also includes an actuator 3 that adjusts the inflation state of the air cells 1 of each pressing mechanism. The first to third leg-side pressing mechanisms 12a to 12c are held by a holding frame (not shown).

[0018] Then, each air cell 1, as air is sealed inside and it inflates, pushes out the back pad BP located in front of it, pressing against the back of the seated person. As a result, pressure is applied to the seated person's back.

[0019] In this embodiment, each of the air cells 1 is positioned on the front side of the back pad BP and on the upper side of the cushion pad CP. In this case, the air cells 1 press against the back of the seated person through the surface material, resulting in good responsiveness (response sensitivity) to pressure applied by the air cells 1. The air cells 1 may also be positioned on the rear side of the back pad BP or on the lower side of the cushion pad CP.

[0020] Actuator 3 adjusts the inflation state of each air cell 1 to switch the pressing state of the first back-side pressing mechanism 11a to the third back-side pressing mechanism 11c and the first leg-side pressing mechanism 12a to the third leg-side pressing mechanism 12c. Specifically, actuator 3 is connected to each air cell 1 via a tube (not shown) and performs the sealing of air into each air cell 1 and the extraction of air from each air cell 1. This switches the pressing state when the first back-side pressing mechanism to the third back-side pressing mechanism 11c and the first leg-side pressing mechanism 12a to the third leg-side pressing mechanism 12c press against the seated person's back. Here, "pressure state" is a general term encompassing the direction of pressure, the location of pressure, the magnitude of pressure, etc.

[0021] In this embodiment, the actuator 3 is mounted at a predetermined position on the back frame, for example, on the rear side of the seat back S1 as shown in Figure 4.

[0022] Furthermore, the actuator 3 according to this embodiment can adjust the inflation state of each air cell 1 that constitutes the first back-side pressing mechanism 11a to the third back-side pressing mechanism 11c and the first leg-side pressing mechanism 12a to the third leg-side pressing mechanism 12c, individually for each air cell 1.

[0023] Each of the air cells 1 constituting the first to third back-side pressing mechanisms 11a to 11c may be fixed to a movable plate MP. When the air cells 1 are fixed to the movable plate MP, a movable rail MR extending along the height direction of the seat back S1 is attached to the rear surface of the movable plate MP. This movable rail MR is mounted in a manner that allows it to move relative to a fixed rail FR fixed to the front surface of the support plate PL. Furthermore, a drive unit Gm is provided between the movable rail MR and the fixed rail FR to move the movable rail MR. This drive unit Gm is a drive roller controlled by the aforementioned ECU, and its rotation causes the movable rail MR to move relative to the fixed rail FR. All of the first to third back-side pressing mechanisms 11a to 11c may be fixed to a single movable plate MP, or each of the first to third back-side pressing mechanisms 11a to 11c may have its own movable plate MP. With this configuration, the first back-side pressing mechanism 11a to the third back-side pressing mechanism 11c can be moved independently.

[0024] The air cells 1 constituting each of the first leg-side pressing mechanisms 12a to the third leg-side pressing mechanisms 12c are similarly fixed to the movable plate MP (not shown). A movable rail MR extending horizontally along the seat cushion S2 is attached to the rear surface of this movable plate MP. This movable rail MR is mounted in a manner that allows it to move relative to a fixed rail FR fixed to the front surface of the support plate PL. Furthermore, a drive unit Gm is provided between the movable rail MR and the fixed rail FR, which operates to move the movable rail MR. This drive unit Gm is a drive roller controlled by the aforementioned ECU, and its rotation causes the movable rail MR to move relative to the fixed rail FR.

[0025] With the above configuration, the posture determination device 10 can change the positions of the first back-side pressing mechanism 11a to the third back-side pressing mechanism 11c and the first leg-side pressing mechanism 12a to the third leg-side pressing mechanism 12c according to the physique of the occupant M seated in the vehicle seat S. As a result, it is possible to correct the posture pattern of the occupant regardless of their height.

[0026] As described above, in this embodiment, the pressure applied to each area of ​​the seated person's back can be individually adjusted by each air cell 1. Furthermore, the pressure applied to the leg and buttock areas of the seated person can also be adjusted by each air cell 1. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, it becomes possible to massage the hamstring muscles H and gluteal muscles D of the seated person M. The hamstring muscles are the muscles that make up the posterior lower limb of a human, and consist of three muscles located on the posterior thigh: the biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus.

[0027] In this embodiment, the sealing and extraction of air by the actuator 3 is automatically controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) not shown. More specifically, the vehicle seat S is equipped with a measuring instrument that measures skeletal index values ​​when a sitter M sits on the vehicle seat S. Here, skeletal index values ​​are values ​​that change according to the curvature of the sitter M's skeleton, specifically the curvature of each part of the spine. More specifically, as shown in Figure 1, each air cell 1 is fitted with a pressure sensor 4 as a measuring instrument. This pressure sensor 4 measures seat pressure balance, weight, seated pelvic angle, etc., as examples of the above-mentioned index values. The measurement results of the pressure sensor 4 are transmitted to the ECU, and the ECU calculates the seated lumbar curvature of the sitter M based on the measurement results of the pressure sensor 4.

[0028] After calculating the seated lumbar curvature of the seated person, the ECU determines the seated person's posture pattern. Specifically, the ECU determines, based on the measured seated pelvic angle α, whether the seated person's posture falls into one of the posture patterns shown in Figures 2A to 2C.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the ECU 50 includes a controller 51 (control unit) that controls various devices and a memory 52 (storage unit) that stores data. The memory 52 stores posture information 55 that shows the relationship between the measured pressure received from the seated person M and the seated person's posture pattern. The posture information 55 records thresholds T1 to T3 of the seated pelvic angle α (see Figure 4, the angle between the vertical plane B with respect to the direction C in which the seat back S1 extends and the pelvis A) according to the person's weight, etc., in order to determine, for example, whether the person has a tendency to hunch or arch their back. The posture determination device 10 may also include a display unit 53 that displays the results determined by the ECU 50. It may also include a communication unit 54 that transmits the determination results to an external source.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the controller 51 first determines whether a seated person M, for example, a driver, is seated by measuring the pressure received from the pressure sensor 4 (S101). The controller 51 acquires the seat pressure and weight of the seated person M (S102), calculates the seated pelvic angle α (see Figure 4), compares it with the posture information 55 stored in the memory 52, and determines the posture pattern of the seated person M (S103). Furthermore, based on the determined posture pattern of the seated person M, the controller 51 detects the stiffness of the seated person M's hamstring muscles (S104).

[0031] The process for determining posture patterns will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 6 and the graph in Figure 8 that shows the relationship between seated lumbar curvature and seated pelvic angle.

[0032] Let's explain Figure 8. The amount of lumbar spine curvature in a seated position is related to posture patterns. If the amount of lumbar spine curvature in a seated position is below a predetermined value, for example, 5 mm or less, it can be determined that there is a tendency towards kyphosis (range A). Furthermore, if the amount of lumbar spine curvature in a seated position is 0 mm or less, it can be determined that there is a high risk of lower back pain (range D). Also, if the amount of lumbar spine curvature in a seated position is 10 mm or more, it can be determined that there is a tendency towards lordosis (range C). If the amount of lumbar spine curvature in a seated position is in the range of 5 to 10 mm, the posture pattern is determined to be ideal. Note that the threshold for the amount of lumbar spine curvature in a seated position is just an example and will vary depending on the weight and height of the person sitting.

[0033] As shown in Figure 8, there is a correlation between the amount of lumbar spine curvature in a seated position and the pelvic angle in a seated position, and the amount of lumbar spine curvature in a seated position can be estimated from the pelvic angle in a seated position. The pelvic angle in a seated position can be measured from the pressure sensor 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, the posture pattern is determined by the pelvic angle in a seated position α.

[0034] When determining the posture pattern, the seated pelvic angle α is compared with the threshold T1 (approximately 10°) recorded in the posture information 55 (S201). If the seated pelvic angle α is less than or equal to the threshold T1 (No in S201), it is determined that there is no tendency toward lordosis, and it is then compared with the threshold T2 (approximately 5°) (S202). If the seated pelvic angle α is higher than the threshold T2, it is determined that the seated pelvic angle α is within the ideal posture range B, and the seated lumbar curvature is within the normal range.

[0035] If the seated pelvic angle α is greater than the threshold T1 (Yes in S201), the posture pattern is determined to be a tendency toward arched back (S204). At this time, the ECU 50 drives the actuator 3 and corrects the posture by pressing the back of the seated person M using the first back pressing mechanism 11a to the third back pressing mechanism 11c of the back pressing unit 11.

[0036] If the seated pelvic angle α is smaller than the threshold T2 (Yes in S202), the posture pattern is determined to be a tendency toward kyphosis (S206). There is a correlation between hamstring muscle stiffness and kyphosis; when the hamstring muscles are stiff, that is, when the hamstring muscles cannot stretch, the pelvis is pulled and tilts backward. Therefore, a tendency toward kyphosis is likely. So, if the posture pattern is determined to be a tendency toward kyphosis in S206, the leg-side pressing unit 12, in particular the first leg-side pressing mechanism 12a, is used to massage the gluteus maximus and hamstring muscles (S207). By massaging the hamstring muscles, they become softer and easier to stretch, and the pelvis moves forward. Therefore, the kyphosis of the seated person can be corrected. In S205 and S207, after moving the pressing mechanism for a while to correct the posture, the process of determining the posture pattern may be terminated. Furthermore, the seated pelvic angle α and the posture information 55 may be compared again, and this process may be repeated until the posture pattern becomes ideal.

[0037] Next, the process for determining the risk of lower back pain will be explained. In the posture pattern, if there is a tendency towards kyphosis, and the amount of lumbar curvature in a seated position is a very low value, it can be determined that there is a high risk of lower back pain. For example, if the amount of lumbar curvature in a seated position is 0 mm or less (seated pelvic angle is T3 or less), it can be estimated that there is extreme kyphosis. In the posture determination device 10 of this embodiment, if the posture pattern is determined to be a tendency towards kyphosis, and the seated pelvic angle is further lower than the threshold T3 (Yes in S303), it is determined that there is extreme kyphosis and that there is a high risk of lower back pain (S306). In this case, a warning screen is displayed on the display unit 53 (S308). Furthermore, if the memory 52 contains contact information for cases where there is a high risk of lower back pain, for example, the email address or server information of the patient's primary care physician, the ECU 50 may send the determination result of a high risk of lower back pain to that contact via the communication unit 54 (S309). Furthermore, even if, in S303, it is determined that the patient has a hunched posture but the seated pelvic angle is higher than the threshold T3 and the risk of lower back pain is low (S304), a warning screen indicating that the posture pattern is hunched but the risk of lower back pain is low may be displayed on the display (S305).

[0038] As described above, the posture determination device 10 includes a display unit 53 that displays the results determined by the ECU 50. The display unit 53 is, for example, a display mounted in the vehicle or a smartphone used by the occupant. The ECU 50 and the display / smartphone may be directly connected by a cable or the like, or they may be wirelessly connected by Wi-Fi or Bluetooth®. The display unit 53 displays a warning screen 60 that shows the posture pattern determined by the ECU 50, the risk of lower back pain, etc., as shown in Figure 9A, for example.

[0039] The display unit 53 displays a warning screen 60, which, as shown in Figure 9A, simultaneously displays an illustration 61 representing one of the posture patterns and text information (for example, "hunchback") to make the results of the assessment easy for the seated person M to understand. Also, as shown in Figure 9A, if a tendency towards hunchback is detected, the future risks associated with the hunchback posture are shown in the message display unit 62 on the screen. For example, as a future risk (danger level) due to hunchback, a warning message such as "Be careful of stiff shoulders, lower back pain, and gastrointestinal problems due to compression of internal organs" is displayed in the message display unit 62. Information about the causes of hunchback may also be displayed in the message display unit 62. For example, "Your pelvis is tilted backward" or "Your muscle balance is disrupted" may be displayed. In addition, a message encouraging ideal posture may be displayed in the message display unit 62 on the screen. For example, a message such as "By being conscious of your back muscles and pectoralis major muscles and straightening your pelvis, you can strengthen your muscles and maintain ideal posture" may be displayed. In addition, an illustration of ideal posture may be displayed separately along with the illustration of hunchback.

[0040] Figure 9B shows another example of a warning screen displayed on the display unit 53. The warning screen 60a shows an illustration 61a of the current posture pattern in the "Before" column, and an illustration 61b of the ideal posture pattern after the posture has been corrected in the "After" column. Visualizing the change in posture encourages posture improvement. At that time, the warning screen 60a may also display that the amount of lumbar curvature is corrected and the spinal-pelvic angle returns to a normal state as the lower back is pressed by the pressure device and the hamstring muscles are softened by the pressure device on the seat. In addition, the message display unit 62a on the screen may display a message encouraging the user to adopt the ideal posture, such as "By being conscious of your back and pectoralis major muscles and straightening your pelvis, you can strengthen your muscles and maintain the ideal posture."

[0041] Furthermore, if a high risk of lower back pain is determined, the ECU50 may automatically search for nearby hospitals and display the results on the screen to the passenger, recommending a hospital. This saves the driver the trouble of searching for a hospital, and in urgent cases, such as when a passenger develops lower back pain, the driver can immediately take the passenger to the recommended hospital.

[0042] The ECU 50 then determines the posture pattern of the seated person M and controls the actuator 3 to adjust the inflation state of the air cells 1 according to the seated person's posture pattern. For example, if the posture pattern is determined to be hunched over, the ECU 50 adjusts the air cells 1 placed on the seat surface to massage the seated person's hamstring and gluteal muscles, increasing the amount of change in lumbar curvature. If the posture pattern is determined to be lordosis (swayback), the ECU 50 controls the air cells 1 placed on the seat back S1 using the actuator 3 to press against the shoulders and reduce the amount of lumbar curvature.

[0043] Thus, by using the posture determination device 10 of this embodiment, the posture of the seated person can be determined, and the seated person can be encouraged to adopt a normal posture according to the determined posture. Furthermore, the air cells 1 provided in the seat cushion S2 and seat back S1 can encourage the seated person to improve their posture.

[0044] Furthermore, the measuring instrument for measuring the index values ​​related to the posture pattern is not limited to the pressure sensor 4, but may be any other measuring instrument as long as it can measure the index values ​​related to the posture pattern. For example, a shape sensor that measures the curvature of each part of the skeleton may be used.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a collision load is applied from the rear of the vehicle while the occupant is seated in the vehicle seat S, the actuator 3 is configured to simultaneously extract air from all the air cells 1. More specifically, when the aforementioned ECU detects that a collision load from the rear has acted on the vehicle, the actuator 3 is controlled to extract air from each air cell 1. As a result, when a load is applied to the vehicle from the rear, the occupant's body can be pulled behind the vehicle seat S, thereby ensuring the occupant's safety in the event of a rear collision.

[0046] In this embodiment, when the ECU 50 detects that a collision load has been applied from the rear of the vehicle, the actuator 3 extracts air from each air cell 1 in response to a command from the ECU 50. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that the air is extracted from the air cells 1 mechanically when a collision load is applied from the rear of the vehicle.

[0047] The above embodiments primarily describe the posture determination device 10 of the present invention. However, the above embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

[0048] The vehicle seat S may be linked to the vehicle body in which it is installed. For example, the side support or thigh support may be moved during sudden acceleration or braking of the vehicle to prevent the seat from sliding.

[0049] The third leg-side pressing mechanism 12c may be used to fix the pelvis of the seated person M and then knead it to enhance the effect of improving posture. At this time, the position and pressure of the pressing mechanism are automatically adjusted according to differences in body size and individual differences.

[0050] A frame supporting the pressing mechanism may be provided on the seat surface to ensure that the first leg-side pressing mechanism 12a applies optimal pressure to the gluteus maximus and hamstring muscles of the seated person M.

[0051] Furthermore, when a seated person M is seated, the posture determination device 10 may inflate the first leg-side pressing mechanism 12a to the third leg-side pressing mechanism 12c of the leg-side pressing unit 12 to prevent the buttocks from sliding and to hold the seated person in the correct position.

[0052] The actuator may be equipped with a heater, which warms the air when kneading the seated person M, and the warmed air may be sent to the air cell. Alternatively, the actuator may be equipped with an air cooler, which cools the air, and the cool air may be sent to the air cell 1. By adjusting the temperature of the air cell 1, the seated person can receive a comfortable kneading experience.

[0053] Furthermore, when inflating the air cell, temperature-controlled gel or liquid may be supplied in addition to air. Using gel or liquid enhances the heat retention effect, making it possible to maintain the desired temperature for a longer period of time.

[0054] The kneading effect may be enhanced by vibrating the air cells 1 provided in the back-side pressing unit 11 and the leg-side pressing unit 12. Alternatively, the kneading effect may be enhanced by providing a heater in the vehicle seat S and preheating the occupant M's body with the heater.

[0055] Furthermore, massaging not only the back and hamstring muscles of the seated person M, but also the lumbar spine can increase the range of motion of the lumbar spine and enhance the effect of improving posture. For example, stretching the lumbar spine increases the range of motion of the intervertebral discs through the stretching effect, thereby enhancing the effect of improving posture.

[0056] Furthermore, the vehicle seat S may be linked to an automatic braking system mounted on the vehicle body. For example, the third back-side pressing mechanism 11c (side support) and the second leg-side pressing mechanism 12b (thigh support) are moved during sudden acceleration and braking to prevent the occupant's buttocks from sliding. Also, for example, if the automatic brake is applied, the posture determination device 10 of the vehicle seat S, i.e., the massage device and posture correction device, may be controlled to automatically stop.

[0057] Furthermore, the system may measure changes in the seated person's posture in real time, predict the person's fatigue level based on these changes, and activate the kneading air cells (leg-side pressing unit 12) to provide massage. For example, even if the person maintains a normal posture at the beginning of driving, they may hunch over as they continue driving. By reading these changes, the system may massage and soften the gluteus maximus and hamstring muscles before the person hunches over, thereby enabling them to maintain a correct posture.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a posture determination device mounted on a vehicle seat S was used as an example. However, the posture determination device of the present invention can also be mounted on seats other than vehicle seats S, for example, on medical beds, office chairs, waiting room benches, airplane seats, train seats, ship seats, bus and taxi driver seats, dental chairs, home sofas, and seats installed in commercial facilities such as movie theaters and public facilities such as hospitals.

[0059] Alternatively, a seat cover-like mat with a built-in pressure sensor can be retrofitted to an existing vehicle seat S to detect posture and determine the flexibility of the hamstring muscles, among other things. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] M Seated person H Hamstring muscles D gluteus maximus BN1 Shoulder BN2 waist BN3 Sacrum BL arc shape S Vehicle Seat S1 Seatback S2 Seat Cushion S3 Headrest 1 Air Cell 3 Actuators 4. Pressure Sensor 10 Posture determination device 11. Back-side pressing unit 11a First back-side pressing mechanism 11b Second back-side pressing mechanism 11c Third back-side pressing mechanism 12 Leg-side pressing unit 12a First leg side pressing mechanism 12b Second leg side pressing mechanism 12c Third leg side pressing mechanism 50 ECU 51 Control Unit 52 Storage section 53 Display section 54 Communications Department 55 Posture information 60, 60a Warning screen 61, 61a, 62b Illustrations 62, 62a Message display section

Claims

1. A posture determination device having a seat and a backrest, A pressure sensor is provided on the seat and the backrest to measure the pressure received from the seated person, A storage unit that stores posture information showing the relationship between the seated pelvic angle based on the measurement results of the pressure sensor and the posture pattern of the seated person, A posture determination device comprising: a control unit that calculates the seated pelvic angle based on the measurement results of the pressure sensor, and determines the posture pattern of the seated person by comparing the seated pelvic angle with a threshold value included in the posture information.

2. The pressure sensor is The back-side pressing unit provided on the backrest comprises a first back-side pressing mechanism, a second back-side pressing mechanism, and a third back-side pressing mechanism, The posture determination device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided in a first leg-side pressing mechanism, a second leg-side pressing mechanism, and a third leg-side pressing mechanism which constitute a leg-side pressing unit provided in the seating portion.

3. The threshold includes a first threshold and a second threshold which is a value smaller than the first threshold. The control unit, If the seated pelvic angle is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that there is a tendency towards lordosis. The ideal posture is determined when the seated pelvic angle is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold. The posture determination device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it determines that there is a tendency towards kyphosis when the seated pelvic angle is less than or equal to the second threshold.

4. The posture determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the posture information stores the threshold value set according to the weight of the seated person.

5. The posture determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit determines whether or not the seated person is seated using the pressure sensor, and if it determines that the person is seated, it obtains the measurement result from the pressure sensor and calculates the seated pelvic angle.

6. Further comprising a display unit for displaying information, The control unit is characterized by causing the determined posture pattern to be displayed on the display unit. A posture determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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