Massage course determination device

Abstract

To provide a massage course determination device capable of determining a massage course with a novel method.SOLUTION: When a time zone to which a current time belongs is a first time zone, a course determination unit determines a massage course on the basis of first biological information. When the time zone to which the current time belongs is a second time zone, the course determination unit determines a massage course on the basis of second biological information. The first time zone includes a morning time zone. The second time zone includes an afternoon time zone. The first biological information is a sleeping time. The second biological information is a heart rate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a massage course determination device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a massage machine including a seat portion, a backrest portion, an armrest portion, a leg rest portion, and a base portion serving as a base for these. A massage unit having a pair of left and right kneading balls is attached to the backrest portion 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] [[ID=2,2]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of this invention is to provide a massage course determination device that can determine a massage course by a novel method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One embodiment of this invention provides a massage course determination device that includes a course determination unit for determining a massage course based on biological information and a display unit for displaying the massage course determined by the course determination unit, wherein 24 hours are divided into a plurality of time periods, the plurality of time periods include at least a first time period and a second time period, the course determination unit determines a massage course based on first biological information when the time period to which the current time belongs is the first time period, and determines a massage course based on second biological information when the time period to which the current time belongs is the second time period, the first time period includes the morning period, the second time period includes the daytime period, the first biological information is sleep time, and the second biological information is heart rate.

[0006] This configuration allows for the determination of massage courses in a novel way.

[0007] One embodiment of this invention provides a massage course determination device that includes a course determination unit for determining a massage course based on biological information and a display unit for displaying the massage course determined by the course determination unit, wherein 24 hours are divided into a plurality of time periods, the plurality of time periods include at least a second time period and a third time period, the course determination unit determines a massage course based on second biological information when the time period to which the current time belongs is the second time period, and determines a massage course based on third biological information when the time period to which the current time belongs is the third time period, the second time period includes the daytime period, the third time period includes the nighttime period, the second biological information is heart rate, and the third biological information is step count.

[0008] This configuration allows for the determination of massage courses in a novel way.

[0009] One embodiment of this invention provides a massage course determination device that includes a course determination unit for determining a massage course based on biological information and a display unit for displaying the massage course determined by the course determination unit, wherein 24 hours are divided into a plurality of time periods, the plurality of time periods include at least a first time period and a third time period, the course determination unit determines a massage course based on first biological information when the time period to which the current time belongs is the first time period, and determines a massage course based on third biological information when the time period to which the current time belongs is the third time period, the first time period includes the morning period, the third time period includes the night period, the first biological information is sleep time, and the third biological information is the number of steps.

[0010] This configuration allows for the determination of massage courses in a novel way.

[0011] One embodiment of this invention provides a massage course determination device that includes a course determination unit for determining a massage course based on biological information and a display unit for displaying the massage course determined by the course determination unit, wherein 24 hours are divided into a plurality of time periods, the plurality of time periods include a first time period, a second time period, and a third time period, the course determination unit determines a massage course based on first biological information when the time period to which the current time belongs is the first time period, determines a massage course based on second biological information when the time period to which the current time belongs is the second time period, determines a massage course based on third biological information when the time period to which the current time belongs is the third time period, the first time period includes the morning period, the second time period includes the daytime period, the third time period includes the nighttime period, the first biological information is sleep time, the second biological information is heart rate, and the third biological information is step count.

[0012] This configuration allows for the determination of massage courses in a novel way.

[0013] In one embodiment of this invention, the course determination unit determines a plurality of massage course candidates based on biological information corresponding to the time period to which the current time belongs in the first time period and the second time period, and determines a massage course by randomly selecting one massage course candidate from the plurality of determined massage course candidates.

[0014] In one embodiment of this invention, the course determination unit determines a plurality of massage course candidates in the second time zone and the third time zone based on biological information corresponding to the time zone to which the current time belongs, and determines a massage course by randomly selecting one massage course candidate from the plurality of determined massage course candidates.

[0015] In one embodiment of this invention, the course determination unit determines a plurality of massage course candidates based on biological information corresponding to the time period to which the current time belongs in the first time period and the third time period, and determines a massage course by randomly selecting one massage course candidate from the plurality of determined massage course candidates.

[0016] In one embodiment of this invention, the course determination unit determines a plurality of massage course candidates based on biological information corresponding to the time period to which the current time belongs in the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period, and determines a massage course by randomly selecting one massage course candidate from the plurality of determined massage course candidates.

[0017] In one embodiment of this invention, when a massage start command is input while the massage course determined by the course determination unit is displayed on the display unit, the invention includes a course transmission unit that transmits information identifying the massage course to the massage machine.

[0018] In one embodiment of this invention, the course determination unit acquires the biological information from a portable biological information measuring device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the massage system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the external appearance of the massage machine, biometric information measuring device, and mobile terminal. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the massage unit. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a massage machine. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is an air circuit diagram showing the air circuit from the air pump to each airbag. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a biometric information measuring device and a mobile terminal. [Figure 6] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the remote control home screen, Figure 6B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the pairing waiting screen, and Figure 6C is a schematic diagram showing an example of the pairing complete screen. [Figure 7] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mobile device login screen, Figure 7B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a connected device list screen, Figure 7C is a schematic diagram showing an example of a connecting screen, and Figure 7D is a schematic diagram showing an example of a connection complete screen. [Figure 8] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the app's home screen, and Figure 8B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the course selection screen. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of the overall evaluation value table. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of a course selection table. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of a comment table. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the course determination process performed by the course determination unit. [Figure 13]Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for course presentation and transmission processing performed by the course presentation unit and the course transmission unit. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure for course presentation and transmission processing performed by the course presentation unit and the course transmission unit. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of a course selection table. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of this invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] [1] Overall configuration of the massage system Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of massage system 1.

[0022] The massage system 1 comprises 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 the mobile terminal used by the user (recipient) who is receiving a massage from the massage machine 2. The massage machine 2 and the mobile terminal 3 can communicate wirelessly, for example, via Bluetooth®. The mobile terminal 3 and the server 4 can communicate via a communication network 5.

[0023] The massage system 1 further includes a biometric information measuring device 6 that can communicate wirelessly with a mobile terminal 3. The biometric information measuring device 6 is a portable biometric information measuring device that is attached to a part of the user's body. In this embodiment, the biometric information measuring device 6 is a wrist-type (watch-type) device that is attached to the user's wrist. In this embodiment, the biometric information measuring device 6 measures sleep time, heart rate, and steps as biometric information.

[0024] When a 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 the massage was performed, the massage course, the massage intensity for each body part, etc. The mobile terminal 3 stores the massage history received from the massage machine 2 in its memory. The mobile terminal 3 sends the massage history stored in its memory to the server 4 in real time or at a predetermined time. The server 4 stores the massage history received from the mobile terminal 3 for each user of the mobile terminal 3.

[0025] [2] Appearance of the massage machine Figure 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the external appearance of the massage machine 2, the biometric information measuring device 6, and the mobile terminal 3.

[0026] The massage machine 2 includes a seat 11, a backrest 12, armrests 13, a footrest (ottoman) 14, and a base that supports these components.

[0027] In the following description, the front-to-back direction, left-to-right direction, and up-and-down direction refer to the front-to-back direction, left-to-right direction, and up-and-down direction, respectively, as viewed from the user when the user is seated in a normal posture on the massage machine 2.

[0028] The base is located below the seat 11, but in Figure 2, it is not visible because it is hidden by the seat 11, backrest 12, armrests 13, and footrest 14.

[0029] The seat 11 is positioned on a base. The backrest 12 is positioned at the rear of the seat 11. The armrests 13 are positioned on both the left and right sides of the seat 11. The footrest 14 is positioned at the front of the seat 11. The backrest 12 is supported by a backrest rotation actuator 21 (see Figure 4A) so as to be tiltable relative to the seat 11. The footrest 14 is also made rotatable around a pivot shaft extending in the left-right direction, located near the top of the seat, by a footrest rotation actuator 22 (see Figure 4A). As a result, the footrest 14 can rotate between the vertical position shown in Figure 2 and a horizontal position rotated approximately 90 degrees from the vertical position.

[0030] A massage unit 23 is built into the backrest 12. The massage unit 23 is for performing various types of massage (mechanical massage) using a pair of massage balls 51. The backrest 12 is provided with a pair of U-shaped guide rails 28 and 29 (see Figure 3) that extend vertically, allowing the massage unit 23 to move vertically along the guide rails 28 and 29. The detailed configuration of the massage unit 23 will be described later.

[0031] The elbow rest 13 is provided with an arm unit 16 having a forearm-receiving recess 17 for accommodating the user's forearm. The leg rest 14 has leg-receiving recesses 18 and foot-receiving recesses 19 for accommodating the user's left and right legs and feet, respectively.

[0032] The backrest 12, seat 11, armrests 13, and footrest 14 of the massage machine 2 are equipped with airbags. Each airbag inflates and deflates through the supply and exhaust of air, providing an air-type massage to the user.

[0033] The backrest 12 is equipped with a right upper arm airbag 31a for massaging the right upper arm and a left upper arm airbag 31b for massaging the left upper arm. These airbags 31a and 32b together constitute the upper arm airbag 31 for massaging the upper arm.

[0034] The seat 11 is equipped with a pair of lateral thigh airbags 32a and 32b for massaging the sides of the thighs, a pair of upper back thigh airbags 32c and 32d for massaging the upper back of the thighs, and a lower back thigh airbag 32e for massaging the lower back of the thighs. These airbags 32a to 32e together constitute the thigh airbag 32 for massaging the thighs.

[0035] On both sides of the pair of left and right forearm-receiving recesses 17, there are forearm body airbags 33a and 33b for massaging the forearms and hand airbags 33c and 33d for massaging the hands. These airbags 33a to 33d constitute a forearm airbag 33 for massaging the forearms and hands.

[0036] On both sides of the pair of left and right leg-receiving recesses 18, there are calf-side airbags 34a and 34b for massaging the sides of the calves. On the bottom surface of the pair of left and right leg-receiving recesses 18, there are calf-back airbags 34c and 34d for massaging the backs of the calves. These airbags 34a to 34d constitute a calf airbag 34 for massaging the calves.

[0037] On both sides of the pair of left and right foot-receiving recesses 19, there are foot-top airbags 35a and 35b for pressing the top of the foot downward. On the bottom surface of the pair of left and right foot-receiving recesses 19, there are foot-sole airbags 35c and 35d for pressing the sole of the foot upward. These airbags 35a to 35d constitute a foot-sole airbag 35 for massaging the soles of the feet.

[0038] A remote control stand 24 is attached to the arm unit 16. A remote controller (hereinafter referred to as "remote control 25") for the user to operate the massage machine 2 is detachably attached to the remote control stand 24. As shown in Figure 4A, the operating surface of the remote control 25 is provided with an operation display unit 26 and a number of operation keys. The operation display unit 26 is, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display. The remote control 25 is equipped with a communication unit for wireless communication with the mobile terminal 3.

[0039] [3] Configuration of the massage unit Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the massage unit 23.

[0040] The massage unit 23 is mounted on guide rails 28 and 29 so as to be able to move up and down. The massage unit 23 includes a rectangular frame-shaped main frame 41. The main frame 41 consists of a pair of left and right side walls, and a top wall and a bottom wall that connect the upper ends and lower ends of these side walls, respectively. A guide shaft 42 and a lifting drive shaft 43 extending in the left-right direction are rotatably mounted on the main frame 41.

[0041] The guide shaft 42 is located at the top of the main frame 41, and the lifting drive shaft 43 is located at the bottom of the main frame 41. Both ends of the guide shaft 42 and the lifting drive shaft 43 protrude outward from the side walls of the main frame 41. Guide rollers 44, which are guided by guide rails 28 and 29, are attached to both ends of the guide shaft 42. Pinion gears 45, which mesh with racks (not shown) provided on the guide rails 28 and 29, are attached to both ends of the lifting drive shaft 43.

[0042] A lifting motor 46 for rotating the lifting drive shaft 43 is mounted on the main frame 41. The lifting motor 46 is connected to the lifting drive shaft 43 via a gear mechanism 47. As the lifting motor 46 rotates, the massage unit 23 moves up and down along the guide rails 28 and 29.

[0043] The massage unit 23 is equipped with a lifting position sensor 48 for detecting the lifting position (vertical position) of the massage unit 23 by detecting the amount of rotation of the lifting drive shaft 43. The lifting position sensor 48 consists of a rotary encoder for detecting the amount of rotation of the lifting drive shaft 43.

[0044] A swing frame 49 is attached to the middle of the lifting drive shaft 43 so as to be able to swing in the front-rear direction. A pair of left and right treatment elements 51 and a treatment element drive unit 50, which includes a drive mechanism for them, are attached to the swing frame 49. The main frame 41 is provided with a treatment element drive unit advancement / retraction mechanism for moving the swing frame (treatment element drive unit) back and forth in the front-rear direction.

[0045] The advancement and retraction mechanism of the treatment element drive unit will now be described. An advancement and retraction shaft 52, which is positioned below the guide shaft 42 and extends in the left-right direction, is rotatably mounted on the main frame 41. An advancement and retraction motor 53 for rotating the advancement and retraction shaft 52 is mounted on one side of the main frame 41. The advancement and retraction motor 53 is connected to the advancement and retraction shaft 52 via a gear mechanism 54. A pair of left and right pinion gears 55 are mounted in the middle of the length of the advancement and retraction shaft 52. An arc-shaped rack 56 that meshes with the left and right pinion gears 55 is provided on the upper part of the oscillating frame 49. When the advancement and retraction shaft 52 is rotated by the advancement and retraction motor 53, the pinion gears 55 rotate and the arc-shaped rack 56 moves. As a result, the oscillating frame 49 oscillates around the lifting drive shaft 43. This causes the treatment element drive unit 50 (treatment element 51) to move forward and backward.

[0046] The massage unit 23 is equipped with a front-to-back position sensor 57 for detecting the front-to-back position of the treatment element drive unit 50 by detecting the amount of rotation of the forward / backward axis 52. The front-to-back position sensor 57 consists of an encoder for detecting the amount of rotation of the forward / backward axis 52.

[0047] The treatment element drive unit 50 includes a kneading mechanism that performs a kneading action by eccentrically rotating the treatment element 51, and a tapping mechanism that performs a tapping action by swinging the treatment element 51 in the front-back 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 kneading and tapping mechanisms are well known.

[0048] [4] Electrical configuration of massage machine 2, biometric information measuring device 6 and mobile terminal 3 Figure 4A is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the massage machine 2. Figure 4B is an air circuit diagram showing the air circuit from the air pump to each airbag.

[0049] Referring to Figure 4, the massage machine 2 has a built-in control unit 60 for controlling the massage machine 2. 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, memory (RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory), etc. The memory stores the CPU program as well as various other data.

[0050] The control unit 60 is connected to the remote control 25, the drive circuit 71 for the backrest rotation actuator 21, and the drive circuit 72 for the footrest rotation actuator 22. The control unit 60 is also connected to the drive circuit 73 for the lifting motor 46, the drive circuit 74 for the forward / backward motor 53, the drive circuit 75 for the kneading motor 58, and the drive circuit 76 for the tapping motor 59 within the massage unit 23. The control unit 60 is also connected to the lifting position sensor 48 and the front / back position sensor 57 within the massage unit 23.

[0051] The control unit 60 is further connected to a drive circuit 77 for the air pump 81 and drive circuits 78 for a plurality of solenoid valves 82a to 82s. Air is supplied to each of the solenoid valves 82a to 82s from the air pump 81. In the following, when referring to the solenoid valves 82a to 82s collectively, they may be referred to as solenoid valve 82.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4B, the right upper arm airbag 31a is connected to solenoid valve 82a, and the left upper arm airbag 31b is connected to solenoid valve 85b. The right thigh side airbag 32a is connected to solenoid valve 82c, and the left thigh side airbag 32b is connected to solenoid valve 82d. The right upper back thigh airbag 32c is connected to solenoid valve 82e, and the left upper back thigh airbag 32d is connected to solenoid valve 82f. The lower back thigh airbag 32e is connected to solenoid valve 82g.

[0053] The solenoid valve 82h is connected to the airbag 33a for the right forearm body, and the solenoid valve 82i is connected to the airbag 33b for the left forearm body. The solenoid valve 82j is connected to the airbag 33c for the right hand, and the solenoid valve 82k is connected to the airbag 33d for the left hand.

[0054] The right calf lateral airbag 34a is connected to solenoid valve 82l, and the left calf lateral airbag 34b is connected to solenoid valve 82m. The right calf posterior airbag 34c is connected to solenoid valve 82n, and the left calf posterior airbag 34d is connected to solenoid valve 82o. The right foot lateral airbag 35a is connected to solenoid valve 82p, and the left foot lateral airbag 35b is connected to solenoid valve 82q. The right foot posterior airbag 35c is connected to solenoid valve 82r, and the left foot posterior airbag 35d is connected to solenoid valve 82s.

[0055] In this embodiment, each airbag paired on the left and right sides is provided with its own individual solenoid valve; however, a single solenoid valve common to both airbags in a pair may also be provided.

[0056] When the solenoid valve 82 of an airbag is energized, air is supplied to the airbag from the air pump 81 via the solenoid valve 82. This causes the airbag to inflate. When the solenoid valve 82 of the airbag is demagnetized, the air inside the airbag is exhausted to the outside via the solenoid valve. This causes the airbag to deflate.

[0057] The control unit 60 controls the drive circuits 71 and 72 of each actuator 21 and 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 to 76 of each motor 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. As a result, the massage machine 2 is able to perform various types of massage.

[0058] Massage modes include manual mode, automatic mode, body map mode, healthcare mode, and history mode.

[0059] Manual mode is a mode in which the massage is performed according to the type of massage selected by the user.

[0060] The automatic mode allows the user to select their desired massage course from several options, and then executes the selected massage course.

[0061] The Human Body Map mode allows the user to input the areas and degree of stiffness, determines a massage course suitable for the entered areas and degree of stiffness, and then executes the determined massage course.

[0062] Healthcare mode determines a massage course suitable for the user's biometric information, such as steps taken, sleep duration, and pulse rate (heart rate), and then executes the determined massage course.

[0063] History mode allows the user to select a massage course from those previously performed, and then the selected massage course is executed.

[0064] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the biometric information measuring device 6 and the mobile terminal 3.

[0065] The biological information measuring device 6 is equipped with a control unit 200. The control unit 200 includes a microcomputer and is equipped with a CPU, memory (RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory) 201, etc. The memory 201 stores the CPU program as well as various other data.

[0066] The control unit 200 is connected to a communication unit 211, an acceleration sensor 212, an angular velocity sensor 213, a pulse sensor 214, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor 215, a timing unit 216, an operation unit 217, a display unit 218, and the like.

[0067] The communication unit 211 is a communication interface for the control unit 200 to communicate wirelessly with the mobile terminal 3.

[0068] The acceleration sensor 212 detects acceleration in each of the three mutually orthogonal axis directions and outputs acceleration data corresponding to the magnitude and direction of the detected three-axis accelerations.

[0069] The angular velocity sensor 213 detects the angular velocity in each of the three mutually orthogonal axis directions and outputs angular velocity data corresponding to the magnitude and direction of the measured three-axis angular velocities.

[0070] The pulse sensor 214 generates a signal indicating the user's pulse (heart rate). The pulse sensor 214 includes, for example, a light-emitting element that irradiates measurement light of an appropriate wavelength toward subcutaneous blood vessels, and a light-receiving element that detects changes in the intensity of the light generated in the blood vessels in response to the measurement light. By processing the waveform of the light intensity change (pulse wave) using known methods such as frequency analysis, the pulse rate (heart rate) per minute can be measured.

[0071] The GPS sensor 215 generates positioning data (latitude, longitude, altitude, etc.) indicating the location of the biometric information measuring device 6.

[0072] The timekeeping unit 216 is composed of, for example, a Real Time Clock (RTC) IC and generates time data such as year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. The operation unit 217 is composed of, for example, buttons, keys, a microphone, a touch panel, etc. The display unit 218 is composed of, for example, an LCD, an organic EL display, a touch panel display, etc.

[0073] The control unit 200 includes a step count calculation unit 202, a sleep duration calculation unit 203, a heart rate calculation unit 204, and other function processing units.

[0074] The step counting unit 202 counts the user's steps based, for example, on the output of the acceleration sensor 212, the output of the angular velocity sensor 213, and the user's biometric information pre-written in the memory 201. The step counting unit may also use at least one of the acceleration sensor 212 and the GPS sensor 215. The step counting unit 202 calculates the number of steps at predetermined intervals (every minute in this embodiment) and stores the number of steps in the memory 201 in association with the time.

[0075] The sleep time calculation unit 203 calculates the user's sleep time based, for example, on the output of the acceleration sensor 212, the output of the angular velocity sensor 213, and the output of the pulse sensor 214. The sleep time calculation unit 203 calculates the sleep time at predetermined intervals (every minute in this embodiment) and stores the sleep time in the memory 201, associating it with the time.

[0076] The heart rate calculation unit 204 calculates the user's heart rate per predetermined time (heart rate per minute in this embodiment) based on the output of the timing unit 216 and the output of the pulse sensor 214, and stores the heart rate in the memory 201 in association with the time.

[0077] The mobile terminal 3 includes a control unit 90. The control unit 90 includes a microcomputer and is equipped with a CPU, memory (RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory) 91, etc. The memory 91 stores the CPU's program as well as various other data. The control unit 90 is connected to a first communication unit 101, a second communication unit 102, a third communication unit 103, an operation display unit 104, etc.

[0078] The first communication unit 101 is a communication interface for the control unit 90 to wirelessly communicate with the control unit 200 of the biological information measuring device 6. The second communication unit 102 is a communication interface for the control unit 90 to wirelessly communicate with the remote control 25 (control unit 90 of the massage machine 2). The third communication unit 103 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 104 consists of, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display.

[0079] [5] Healthcare mode The following provides a detailed explanation of Healthcare Mode.

[0080] The memory 91 (non-volatile memory) of the mobile terminal 3 stores an application (hereinafter referred to as the "massage app") for implementing the human body map mode, healthcare mode, or history mode, and for sending history data to the server 4. The control unit 90 functions as multiple function processing units by executing the massage app.

[0081] To realize the healthcare mode, which is a feature of the present invention, the control unit 90 includes, as a function processing unit, a course determination unit 92 that determines a massage course based on biological information measured by the biological information measuring device 6, a course presentation unit 93 that presents the determined massage course to the user, and a course transmission unit 94 that transmits the massage course presented by the course presentation unit 93 to the massage machine 2 via the second communication unit 102. The control unit 60 of the massage machine 2 has a function to cause the massage machine 2 to execute a massage course received from the mobile terminal 3.

[0082] [5.1] Starting the massage machine The user activates the massage machine 2 by turning on the power switch of the remote control 25. This displays the home screen shown in Figure 6A (hereinafter referred to as the "remote control home screen") on the operation display unit 26 of the remote control 25. The remote control home screen displays a course selection button 111 for selecting various massage courses, a manual button 112 for manually selecting the type of massage, a settings button 113 for making various settings, a Bluetooth button 114, etc. The Bluetooth button 114 displays a Bluetooth mark. When the massage machine 2 is not connected to the mobile terminal 3, the Bluetooth mark is displayed in white.

[0083] When the user taps the Bluetooth button 114, the massage machine 2 enters a connection waiting state with the mobile device 3 (pairing standby mode). At this time, the operation display unit 26 displays a pairing standby screen as shown in Figure 6B. The pairing standby screen displays the words "Pairing Mode," an arc arrow pair mark, a cancel button, a Bluetooth button, etc. While in pairing standby mode, the arc arrow pair mark rotates.

[0084] When the massage machine 2 and the mobile terminal 3 are connected, the operation display unit 26 displays a pairing completion screen as shown in Figure 6C. On the pairing completion screen, the arc arrow pair mark on the pairing standby screen changes to a check mark. The check mark is a mark that resembles the Japanese character "レ".

[0085] After the connection completion screen is displayed, once a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed, the remote control home screen (see Figure 6A) will be displayed on the operation display unit 26. However, in this case, the Bluetooth mark on the Bluetooth button 114 will be displayed in blue.

[0086] [5.2] Launching the massage app The user launches the massage app by tapping the massage app icon displayed on the operation display unit 104 of the mobile terminal 3. This displays a login screen on the operation display unit 104, as shown in Figure 7A. The login screen displays a login ID input field 121, a password input field 122, a login button 123, etc.

[0087] If a user has already registered, when the user presses the login button 123, the operation display unit 104 displays a connected device list screen as shown in Figure 7B. The connected device list screen displays model selection buttons 124 and 125, which represent the model numbers of massage machines that are in pairing standby mode. The user taps the model selection button corresponding to the model number of the massage machine they wish to use.

[0088] When a designated model selection button is tapped, the control unit 90 of the mobile terminal 3 performs a process to connect the mobile terminal 3 to the massage machine 2 of the model corresponding to the selected model (hereinafter referred to as the "selected model"). If the selected model is XY-0001, the operation display unit 104 displays a connection screen including the message "Connecting to XY-0001" as shown in Figure 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.

[0089] When the mobile device 3 is connected to the massage machine 2, a connection completion screen, as shown in Figure 7D, is displayed on the operation display unit 104. If the selected model is XY-0001, the connection completion screen displays the message "Connection to XY-0001 complete." Then, the home screen of the massage app (hereinafter referred to as the "app home screen") is displayed on the operation display unit 104.

[0090] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram showing an example of an app home screen.

[0091] The app's home screen displays a connection status section 131 indicating the connection status with the massage machine 2, a human body map mode button 132, a healthcare mode button 133, multiple history buttons 134, and more.

[0092] The connection status column 131 displays "Connecting" if the mobile device 3 is connected to the massage machine 2, and "Not connected" if the mobile device 3 is not connected to the massage machine 2.

[0093] The Human Body Map Mode button 132 is used to set the massage mode to Human Body Map Mode. The Human Body Map Mode button 132 displays the text "Human Body Map" or similar. When the Human Body Map Mode button 132 is tapped, a Human Body Map screen (not shown) is displayed on the operation display unit 104, allowing the user to input the location and degree of stiffness. The user inputs the degree of stiffness for the stiff location on the Human Body Map screen.

[0094] When the location and degree of stiffness are entered on the body map screen, a course selection screen is displayed on the operation display unit 104, which presents a massage course suitable for the entered location and degree of stiffness. Then, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the course selection screen, the massage machine 2 executes the presented massage course.

[0095] The Healthcare Mode button 133 is used to set the massage mode to Healthcare Mode. In this embodiment, the Healthcare Mode button 133 displays biometric information such as the user's step count, sleep duration, or heart rate, and a message prompting the user to select a massage course appropriate to that biometric information. In the example of user 8A, the user's step count for the day and a message prompting the user to select a massage course corresponding to that step count are displayed.

[0096] When the healthcare mode button 133 is tapped, the mobile terminal 3 displays a course selection screen on the operation display unit 104 that presents massage courses tailored to the user's biometric information. An example of the course selection screen is shown in Figure 8B. The course selection screen displays the name of the massage course, the massage duration, and its contents, tailored to the user's biometric information, as well as the massage start button 146.

[0097] When the user taps the massage start button 146, the mobile device 3 sends the massage course ID (hereinafter referred to as "course ID") displayed on the course selection screen to the massage machine 2. Upon receiving the course ID from the mobile device 3, the massage machine 2 executes the massage course corresponding to the received course ID.

[0098] Returning to Figure 8A, the history button 134 is a button for setting the massage mode to history mode. The history button 134 displays the name and date and time of massages previously performed for the user. When the history button 134 is tapped, a course selection screen presenting the corresponding massage course is displayed on the operation display unit 104. Then, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the course selection screen, the presented massage course is executed by the massage machine 2.

[0099] [5.3] Method for determining the massage course by the course determination unit 92 The memory (non-volatile memory) 91 (see Figure 5) of the mobile terminal 3 stores the overall evaluation value table 151, the course selection table 152, the comment table 153, and other tables. The contents of these tables will be described later.

[0100] In this embodiment, the biometric information includes sleep duration, heart rate (heartbeats per minute), and step count. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the day is divided into three time zones: the first time zone, the second time zone, and the third time zone.

[0101] In this embodiment, the first time zone is the morning time zone, for example, from 4:00 to 9:00. The second time zone is the daytime time zone, for example, from 9:00 to 18:00. The third time zone is the evening time zone, for example, from 18:00 to 4:00.

[0102] During the first time period, the course determination unit 92 determines the massage course based on the sleep duration. This is because, during the first time period, which is the morning, the user's fatigue level is considered to be greatly influenced by their sleep duration.

[0103] During the second time zone, the course determination unit 92 determines the massage course based on the heart rate. This is because, during the second time zone, which is daytime, the user's fatigue level is thought to be greatly influenced by stress, and the degree of stress is thought to be reflected in the heart rate.

[0104] During the third time period, the course determination unit 92 determines the massage course based on the number of steps taken. This is because, during the third time period, which is nighttime, the user's fatigue level is considered to be largely related to the number of steps taken during the day.

[0105] The course determination unit 92 determines an absolute evaluation value A and a relative evaluation value B, which serve as indicators of fatigue level, based on biological information.

[0106] This section explains how to determine the absolute evaluation score A.

[0107] If the biological information is sleep time, and the sleep time is X1, the course determination unit 92 determines the absolute evaluation value A based on the following equation (1). Note that the absolute evaluation value A is A L (low L ), A M (Normal) and A H It is expressed in three stages (high).

[0108] If X1 > 7, then A = A L If 5 ≤ X ≤ 7 then A = A M If 0 ≦ X1 < 5 then A = A H …(1) When the biological information is the heart rate, if the heart rate is X2, the course determination unit 92 determines the absolute evaluation value A based on the following formula (2).

[0109] If 0 ≦ X2 < 70 then A = A L If 70 ≦ X2 ≦ 100 then A = A M If X2 > 100 then A = A H …(2) [[ID=IP=18]]When the biological information is the number of steps, if the number of steps is X3, the course determination unit 92 determines the absolute evaluation value A based on the following formula (3).

[0110] If 0 ≦ X3 < 5000 then A = A L If 5000 ≦ X3 ≦ 10000 then A = A<00000l2><( If X3 > 10000 then A = A H …(3) A method for determining the relative evaluation value B will be described.

[0111] When the biological information is the sleep time, if the sleep time is X1 and the cumulative average value of the sleep time per day is Y1, the course determination unit 92 determines the relative evaluation value B based on the following formula (4). Note that the relative evaluation value B is B L (low L ), B M (normal) and B H (high) and is represented in three levels.

[0112] If X1 > 1.2 · Y1 then B = B L If 0.8 · Y1 ≦ X1 ≦ 1.2 · Y1 then B = B M If X1 < 0.8 · Y1 then B = B H …(4) If the biometric information is heart rate, and the heart rate is X2 and the cumulative average value of the heart rate is Y2, the course determination unit 92 determines the relative evaluation value B based on the following equation (5).

[0113] if X² < 0.8·Y² then B = B L if 0.8·Y2≦X2≦1.2·Y2 then B=B M If X² > 1.2·Y² then B = B H …(5) If the biometric information is the number of steps, and the number of steps is X3, and the cumulative average value of the number of steps is Y3, the course determination unit 92 determines the relative evaluation value B based on the following equation (6).

[0114] If X3 < 0.8 · Y3, then B = B L if 0.8·Y3≦X3≦1.2·Y3 then B=B M If X3 > 1.2·Y3, then B = B H …(6) Once the absolute evaluation value A and relative evaluation value B of the biological information corresponding to the time period are calculated, the course determination unit 92 calculates the overall evaluation value C based on the absolute evaluation value A, the relative evaluation value B, and the overall evaluation value table 151.

[0115] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of the overall evaluation value table 151.

[0116] The overall evaluation value table 151 shows the absolute evaluation value A(A L ,A M ,A H ) and relative evaluation value B(B L ,B M ,B H For each combination of ( ), an overall evaluation value C is stored. The overall evaluation value C is expressed in five levels from C1 to C5. C1 is the lowest level of fatigue, and the fatigue level increases in the order of C2, C3, C4, and C5.

[0117] In the example in Figure 9, A L and BL C1 is set for the combination of A. L and B M The combination with A M and B L C2 is set for the combination of A. L and B H A combination with M and B M The combination with A H and B L C3 is set for the combination of A. M and B H The combination with A H and B M C4 is set for the combination of A. H and B H C5 is set for the combination of the above.

[0118] Once the overall evaluation value C is determined, the course determination unit 92 determines a massage course, etc., based on the overall evaluation value C and the course selection table 152. This selects a massage course that is appropriate for the user's level of fatigue.

[0119] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of the course selection table 152.

[0120] The course selection table 152 stores the ID, name, massage duration, and content of the appropriate massage course for each overall evaluation score C (C1 to C5).

[0121] In the example shown in Figure 10, the Soft course is stored for C1, the Relaxation course for C2, and the Refresh course for C3. Additionally, the Fatigue Recovery course is stored for C4, and the Extreme Fatigue Recovery course is stored for C5.

[0122] Furthermore, the course determination unit 92 uses biological information corresponding to the current time and a relative evaluation value B(B L ,B M ,B HBased on the above and the comment table 153, a comment (hereinafter referred to as "healthcare comment") that should be displayed on the healthcare mode button 133 (see Figure 8A) is generated.

[0123] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the contents of comment table 153.

[0124] Comment table 153 contains the biometric information and relative evaluation value B(B) used by the course determination unit 92 to determine the massage course. L ,B M ,B H For each combination of ), a comment to be displayed on the healthcare mode button 133 is stored. In the comment in Figure 11, the course name of the massage course most recently determined by the course determination unit 92 is inserted in place of [Course Name].

[0125] Information regarding the massage course determined by the course determination unit 92 is stored in a predetermined area in the memory 91 (hereinafter referred to as the "healthcare course memory area"). When storing information regarding the massage course determined this time in the healthcare course memory area, if information regarding a previously determined massage course is already stored in the memory area, the existing information is overwritten with the new information. As a result, the existing information is erased.

[0126] Furthermore, the healthcare comments generated by the course determination unit 92 are stored in a predetermined area in the memory 91 (hereinafter referred to as the "healthcare comment storage area"). When the healthcare comments generated this time are stored in the healthcare course storage area, if healthcare comments generated earlier are already stored in the storage area, the existing comments are overwritten by the new comments. As a result, the existing comments are deleted.

[0127] [5.4] Method of presenting massage courses by the course presentation unit 93 The course display unit 93 displays the aforementioned app home screen (see Figure 8A) and course selection screen (see Figure 8B) on the operation display unit 104. When the course display unit 93 displays the app home screen, it displays the healthcare comments stored in the healthcare comment storage area of ​​the memory 91 on the healthcare mode button 133 (see Figure 8A). In addition, when the app home screen is displayed, the course display unit 93 updates the healthcare comments displayed on the healthcare mode button 133 (see Figure 8A) as needed.

[0128] [5.5] Course determination processing procedure Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the course determination process performed by the course determination unit 92.

[0129] The process shown in Figure 12 is executed repeatedly at predetermined intervals from the time the massage app is launched until it is terminated.

[0130] The course determination unit 92 acquires biometric information (time-series data) of sleep duration, heart rate, and steps from the biometric information measuring device 6 and stores it in the memory 91 (step S1). At this time, the course determination unit 92 may acquire only the data from the time-series data of sleep duration, heart rate, and steps stored in the biometric information measuring device 6 that has not been acquired so far.

[0131] Next, determine whether the current time belongs to the first time zone, the second time zone, or the third time zone (Step S2).

[0132] In step S2, if it is determined that the current time belongs to the first time zone (4am to 9am), the course determination unit 92 calculates the total sleep time from 9am the previous day to the current time as sleep time X1 (step S3).

[0133] Next, the course determination unit 92 determines the absolute evaluation value A(A) based on formula (1). L ,A M ,A H) is determined (Step S4).

[0134] Next, the course determination unit 92 calculates the average value of sleep time over the past predetermined days as the cumulative average value Y1 (step S5). The past predetermined days are set to, for example, 30 days. In this case, the course determination unit 92 may calculate the cumulative average value Y1 as the average value of sleep time over the past predetermined days within a 24-hour period from 9:00 to 9:00 the following day. Then, the course determination unit 92 calculates the relative evaluation value B(B) based on the formula (4) above. L ,B M ,B H ) is determined (Step S6).

[0135] Next, the course determination unit 92 calculates the overall evaluation value C (C1 to C5) based on the absolute evaluation value A, the relative evaluation value B, and the overall evaluation value table 151 (see Figure 9) (step S15).

[0136] Next, the course determination unit 92 determines a massage course corresponding to the overall evaluation value C based on the overall evaluation value C and the course selection table 152 (see Figure 10), and stores information about the determined massage course in the healthcare course storage area in memory 91 (step S16). The information about the massage course includes the course ID, name, massage time, and content of the massage course.

[0137] Furthermore, the course determination unit 92 generates a healthcare comment based on the relative evaluation value B, the biometric information corresponding to the current time, and the comment table 153 (see Figure 11), and stores it in the healthcare comment storage area in memory 91 (step S17). Then, the course determination process for the current calculation cycle is completed.

[0138] In step S2, if it is determined that the current time belongs to the second time zone (9:00 to 18:00), the course determination unit 92 calculates the heart rate for the one minute from one minute before the current time to the current time as heart rate X2 (step S7).

[0139] Next, the course determination unit 92 determines the absolute evaluation value A(A) based on formula (2). L ,A M ,A H ) is determined (Step S8).

[0140] Next, the course determination unit 92 calculates the average value of the heart rate per minute over the past predetermined days as the cumulative average value Y2 (step S9). The past predetermined days are set to, for example, 30 days. In this case, the course determination unit 92 may also calculate the cumulative average value Y2 as the average value of the heart rate per minute from 0 minutes to 1 minute of each hour over the past predetermined days. Then, the course determination unit 92 calculates the relative evaluation value B(B) based on the formula (5) above. L ,B M ,B H The course determination unit 92 then proceeds to step S15.

[0141] In step S2, if it is determined that the current time belongs to the third time zone (18:00 to 4:00), the course determination unit 92 calculates the sum of the number of steps taken from 4:00 the previous day to the current time as the number of steps x3 (step S11).

[0142] Next, the course determination unit 92 determines the absolute evaluation value A(A) based on formula (3). L ,A M ,A H ) is determined (step S12).

[0143] Next, the course determination unit 92 calculates the average daily number of steps over a predetermined past period as the cumulative average value Y3 (step S13). The predetermined past period is set to, for example, 30 days. In this case, the course determination unit 92 may also calculate the average number of steps over a predetermined past period for 24 hours from 4:00 to 4:00 the following day as the cumulative average value Y3. Then, the course determination unit 92 calculates the relative evaluation value B(B) based on the formula (6) above. L ,B M ,B H The course determination unit 92 then proceeds to step S15.

[0144] [5.6] Course presentation and transmission procedure Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for course presentation and transmission processing performed by the course presentation unit 93 and the course transmission unit 94.

[0145] The course display unit 93 determines whether or not it is time to display the app home screen on the operation display unit 104 (step S21). If it is not time to display the app home screen on the operation display unit 104 (step S21: NO), the course display unit 93 returns to step S21.

[0146] If it is determined in step S21 that it is time to display the app home screen (step S21: YES), the course presentation unit 93 displays the app home screen (see Figure 8A) on the operation display unit 104 (step S22). At this time, the course presentation unit 93 displays the healthcare comments stored in the healthcare comment storage area of ​​the memory 91 on the healthcare mode button 133 on the app home screen. Then, the course presentation unit 93 proceeds to step S23.

[0147] In step S23, the course presentation unit 93 determines whether or not the Healthcare Mode button 133 has been tapped on the app home screen. If the Healthcare Mode button 133 has not been tapped (step S23: NO), the course presentation unit 93 determines whether or not another button (human body map mode button 132 or history button 134) has been tapped on the app home screen (step S24).

[0148] If no other buttons have been tapped (step S24: NO), the course presentation unit 93 determines whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since step S22 or step S26 (described later) to step S23 (step S25).

[0149] Specifically, from the time the app home screen is displayed in step S22 until a predetermined time has elapsed, the course presentation unit 93 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the app home screen was displayed in step S22. After the predetermined time has elapsed since the app home screen was displayed in step S22, each time a healthcare command on the healthcare mode button 133 is updated in step S26 (described later), the unit determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the healthcare command was updated. The predetermined time is set to, for example, 1 minute.

[0150] If it is determined in step S25 that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S25: NO), the course presentation unit 93 returns to step S23. If it is determined in step S25 that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S25: YES), the course presentation unit 93 updates the healthcare comment on the healthcare mode button 133 (step S26). As a result, when the app home screen is displayed, the healthcare comment on the healthcare mode button 133 is updated at predetermined intervals (every minute in this embodiment).

[0151] Specifically, the course presentation unit 93 displays the healthcare comment stored in the healthcare comment storage area of ​​the memory 91 on the healthcare mode button 133, replacing the healthcare comment already displayed on the health mode button 133. However, if the healthcare comment stored in the healthcare comment storage area has not changed since the last reading, the content of the healthcare comment on the health mode button 133 will not change even if the update process in step S26 is performed. After this, the course presentation unit 93 proceeds to step S23.

[0152] In step S23, if it is determined that the healthcare mode button 133 has been tapped (step S23: YES), the course presentation unit 93 generates a course selection screen (see Figure 8B) based on the contents stored in the healthcare course memory area of ​​the memory 91 and displays it on the operation display unit 104 (step S27).

[0153] When the course selection screen is displayed on the operation display unit 104, if the massage start button 146 is tapped (step S28: YES), the course transmission unit 94 transmits the course ID stored in the healthcare course memory area of ​​the memory 91 to the massage machine 2 (step S29). Then, the course transmission unit 94 returns to step S21. When the massage machine 2 receives the course ID from the mobile terminal 3, it executes the massage course corresponding to the received course ID.

[0154] In step S24, if it is determined that buttons 132 and 134 other than the Health Mode button 133 have been tapped on the app home screen (step S24: YES), the course presentation unit 93 returns to step S21, but the control unit 90 performs processing corresponding to the tapped button, as shown by the dashed line (step S30).

[0155] According to the embodiment described above, it becomes possible to perform a massage that corresponds to the user's biometric information. This makes it possible to perform a massage that corresponds to the user's level of fatigue.

[0156] [6] Variations of the course presentation and transmission process Figure 14 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure for the course presentation and transmission process performed by the course presentation unit 93 and the course transmission unit 94. In Figure 14, the steps corresponding to each step in Figure 13 are indicated with the same step numbers as in Figure 13.

[0157] The course display unit 93 determines whether or not it is time to display the app home screen on the operation display unit 104 (step S21). If it is not time to display the app home screen on the operation display unit 104 (step S21: NO), the course display unit 93 returns to step S21.

[0158] If it is determined in step S21 that it is time to display the app home screen (step S21: YES), the course presentation unit 93 displays the app home screen (see Figure 8A) on the operation display unit 104 (step S22). At this time, the course presentation unit 93 displays the healthcare comments stored in the healthcare comment storage area of ​​the memory 91 on the healthcare mode button 133 on the app home screen. Then, the course presentation unit 93 proceeds to step S23.

[0159] In step S23, the course presentation unit 93 determines whether or not the Healthcare Mode button 133 has been tapped on the app's home screen. If the Healthcare Mode button 133 has not been tapped (step S23: NO), the course presentation unit 93 determines whether or not another button (such as the Human Body Map Mode button 132 or the History button 134) has been tapped on the app's home screen (step S24). If no other button has been tapped (step S24: NO), the course presentation unit 93 returns to step S23.

[0160] In step S23, if it is determined that the healthcare mode button 133 has been tapped (step S23: YES), the course presentation unit 93 generates a course selection screen (see Figure 8B) based on the contents stored in the healthcare course memory area of ​​the memory 91 and displays it on the operation display unit 104 (step S27).

[0161] When the course selection screen is displayed on the operation display unit 104, if the massage start button 146 is tapped (step S28: YES), the course transmission unit 94 transmits the course ID stored in the healthcare course memory area of ​​the memory 91 to the massage machine 2 (step S29). Then, the course transmission unit 94 returns to step S21. When the massage machine 2 receives the course ID from the mobile terminal 3, it executes the massage course corresponding to the received course ID.

[0162] In step S24, if it is determined that buttons 132 and 134 other than the Health Mode button 133 have been tapped on the app home screen (step S24: YES), the course presentation unit 93 returns to step S21, but the control unit 90 performs processing corresponding to the tapped button, as shown by the dashed line (step S30).

[0163] [7] Other variations In the above-described embodiment, the recommended massage course (healthcare comment) determined from the biological information is displayed on the healthcare mode button 133. However, it is not necessary to display the recommended massage course determined from the biological information on the healthcare mode button 133. In such cases, the course determination unit 92 may determine a massage course based on the biological information corresponding to the time period when the healthcare mode button 133 is tapped, and display a course determination screen as shown in Figure 8A on the operation display unit 104.

[0164] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the day is divided into three time periods, and the massage course is determined based on different biological information for each time period. However, the day may be divided into two or four or more time periods, and the massage course may be determined based on different biological information for each time period.

[0165] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the course determination unit 92 determines one massage course corresponding to one piece of biometric information that corresponds to the time period to which the current time belongs. However, the course determination unit 92 may also determine multiple massage course candidates corresponding to one piece of biometric information that corresponds to the time period to which the current time belongs, and then determine the final massage course by randomly selecting one massage course candidate from among these multiple massage course candidates.

[0166] Specifically, instead of the course selection table 152, a course candidate selection table 152A, such as the one shown in Figure 15, is used. In the course candidate selection table 152A shown in Figure 15, the ID of the massage course is stored in the first column, and the name of the massage course is stored in the second column.

[0167] Columns 3 through 7 store flag values ​​(=1) for selecting four massage course candidates for each of the overall evaluation values ​​C1 through C5, which are calculated based on sleep duration when the time period is the first time period (morning). In columns 3 through 7, the massage courses corresponding to the rows where the flag value 1 is stored are the massage course candidates for the corresponding overall evaluation values ​​C1 through C5. In the example in Figure 15, for example, for the overall evaluation value C1 calculated based on sleep duration, Soft Course A, Soft Course C, Relaxation Course A, and Refresh Course A are set as massage course candidates.

[0168] Columns 8 through 12 store flag values ​​(=1) for selecting four massage course candidates for each of the overall evaluation values ​​C1 through C5 calculated based on heart rate, when the time period is the second time zone (daytime). In the example in Figure 15, for example, for the overall evaluation value C1 calculated based on heart rate, the Quick Course, Soft Course B, Soft Course C, and Refresh Course B are set as massage course candidates.

[0169] Columns 13 through 17 store flag values ​​(=1) for selecting four massage course candidates for each of the overall evaluation values ​​C1 through C5, which are calculated based on the number of steps, when the time period is the third time period (night). In the example in Figure 15, for example, for the overall evaluation value C1 calculated based on the number of steps, Relaxation Course A, Relaxation Course B, Fatigue Recovery Course B, and Extreme Fatigue Recovery Course B are set as massage course candidates.

[0170] The course determination unit 92 calculates the overall evaluation value C in the same manner as in the embodiment described above, and then determines a number of massage course candidates (four in the example of Figure 15) corresponding to the overall evaluation value C and the time of day, based on the overall evaluation value C, the current time, and the course candidate selection table 152A in Figure 15. The course determination unit 92 then determines the final massage course by randomly selecting one massage course candidate from among these multiple massage course candidates. A well-known method can be used to randomly select or extract one candidate from multiple candidates.

[0171] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the bottom surfaces of the left and right pair of foot-receiving recesses 19 (see Figure 2) are provided with sole-side airbags 35c and 35d for pressing the soles of the feet upward. However, instead of the sole-side airbags 35c and 35d, sole rollers that are driven to rotate in order to massage the soles of the feet may be provided.

[0172] Furthermore, although the mobile terminal 3 was a smartphone in the above-described embodiment, the mobile terminal 3 may be a computer such as a tablet computer.

[0173] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the massage machine 2 is a massage machine, but the massage machine 2 may be a massage machine other than a chair type.

[0174] Furthermore, various design modifications can be made within the scope of the matters described in the patent claims.

[0175] The following features can be extracted from the description and drawings in this specification.

[0176] [A1] A massage system comprising a course determination unit that determines a massage course based on biological information, wherein the course determination unit is characterized in that the day is divided into multiple time periods, and the biological information used to determine the massage course differs for each time period.

[0177] This configuration makes it possible to perform massages tailored to the user's level of fatigue.

[0178] [A2] The massage system according to [A1], wherein the course determination unit is configured to determine a massage course based on biological information corresponding to the time period to which the current time belongs among the plurality of time periods.

[0179] [A3] The massage system according to [A2], wherein the day is divided into a first time zone, a second time zone different from the first time zone, and a third time zone different from the first and second time zones, and the course determination unit is configured to determine a massage course based on first biological information when the time zone to which the current time belongs is the first time zone, to determine a massage course based on second biological information when the time zone to which the current time belongs is the second time zone, and to determine a massage course based on third biological information when the time zone to which the current time belongs is the third time zone.

[0180] [A4] The massage system described in [A3], wherein the first time period is the morning period, the second time period is the daytime period, and the third time period is the nighttime period, the first biometric information is sleep time, the second biometric information is heart rate, and the third biometric information is step count.

[0181] [A5] The massage system according to any one of [A2] to [A4], wherein the course determination unit determines a massage course by determining a plurality of massage course candidates based on biological information corresponding to the time period to which the current time belongs, and randomly selecting one massage course candidate from the plurality of determined massage course candidates.

[0182] [A6] The massage system according to [A4], wherein the course determination unit determines a massage course based on a first absolute evaluation value determined according to which of a plurality of preset time ranges the sleep time belongs to and a first relative evaluation value determined based on the cumulative average value of the sleep time on a daily basis and the sleep time, if the time period to which the current time belongs is the first time period; a second absolute evaluation value determined according to which of a plurality of preset heart rate ranges the heart rate belongs to and a second relative evaluation value determined based on the cumulative average value of the heart rate and the heart rate, if the time period to which the current time belongs is the second time period; and a third absolute evaluation value determined according to which of a plurality of preset step count ranges the number of steps belongs to and a third relative evaluation value determined based on the cumulative average value of the number of steps and the number of steps, if the time period to which the current time belongs is the third time period. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 1 Massage System 2. Chair-type massage machine 3 Mobile devices 4 servers 5. Communication Network 6. Biometric Information Measurement Devices 23 Massage Units 25 Remote control 31. Upper arm airbag 32 Thigh airbags 33 Forearm Airbags 34 Calf airbags 35 Foot airbags 51 Massage balls 60 Control Unit 90 Control Unit 91 memory 92 Course Determination Section 93 Course Information Section 94 Course Transmission Unit 101 First Communications Department 102 Second Communications Department 103 Third Communications Department 104 Operation display section 200 Control Unit 201 memory 202 Step Counting Unit 203 Sleep time calculation section 204 Heart rate calculation unit

Claims

1. A course determination unit that determines the massage course based on biological information, The system includes a display unit that displays the massage course determined by the course determination unit, The 24-hour period is divided into multiple time zones. The aforementioned multiple time periods include at least a first time period and a second time period, The course determination unit determines a massage course based on the first biological information if the current time belongs to the first time period, and determines a massage course based on the second biological information if the current time belongs to the second time period. The aforementioned first time period includes the morning period, The aforementioned second time period includes the daytime period, The first biological information is sleep time, The second biological information is heart rate, according to the massage course determination device.

2. A course determination unit that determines the massage course based on biological information, The system includes a display unit that displays the massage course determined by the course determination unit, The 24-hour period is divided into multiple time zones. The aforementioned multiple time periods include at least the second time period and the third time period, The course determination unit determines a massage course based on the second biometric information if the current time belongs to the second time period, and determines a massage course based on the third biometric information if the current time belongs to the third time period. The aforementioned second time period includes the daytime period, The aforementioned third time period includes the nighttime period. The second biometric information is heart rate, The third biometric information is the number of steps taken, in the massage course determination device.

3. A course determination unit that determines the massage course based on biological information, The system includes a display unit that displays the massage course determined by the course determination unit, The 24-hour period is divided into multiple time zones. The aforementioned multiple time periods include at least the first time period and the third time period, The course determination unit determines a massage course based on the first biological information if the current time belongs to the first time period, and determines a massage course based on the third biological information if the current time belongs to the third time period. The aforementioned first time period includes the morning period, The aforementioned third time period includes the nighttime period. The first biological information is sleep time, The third biometric information is the number of steps taken, in the massage course determination device.

4. A course determination unit that determines the massage course based on biological information, The system includes a display unit that displays the massage course determined by the course determination unit, The 24-hour period is divided into multiple time zones. The aforementioned multiple time periods include the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period. The course determination unit determines a massage course based on the first biological information if the current time belongs to the first time period, determines a massage course based on the second biological information if the current time belongs to the second time period, and determines a massage course based on the third biological information if the current time belongs to the third time period. The aforementioned first time period includes the morning period, The aforementioned second time period includes the daytime period, The aforementioned third time period includes the nighttime period. The first biological information is sleep time, The second biometric information is heart rate, The third biometric information is the number of steps taken, in the massage course determination device.

5. The massage course determination device according to claim 1, wherein the course determination unit determines a plurality of massage course candidates based on biological information corresponding to the time period to which the current time belongs in the first time period and the second time period, and determines a massage course by randomly selecting one massage course candidate from the plurality of determined massage course candidates.

6. The massage course determination device according to claim 2, wherein the course determination unit determines a plurality of massage course candidates in the second time period and the third time period based on biological information corresponding to the time period to which the current time belongs, and determines a massage course by randomly selecting one massage course candidate from the plurality of determined massage course candidates.

7. The massage course determination device according to claim 3, wherein the course determination unit determines a plurality of massage course candidates based on biological information corresponding to the time period to which the current time belongs in the first time period and the third time period, and determines a massage course by randomly selecting one massage course candidate from the plurality of determined massage course candidates.

8. The massage course determination device according to claim 4, wherein the course determination unit determines a plurality of massage course candidates based on biological information corresponding to the time period to which the current time belongs in the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period, and determines a massage course by randomly selecting one massage course candidate from the plurality of determined massage course candidates.

9. A massage course determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a course transmission unit that transmits information identifying the massage course to the massage machine when a massage start command is input while the massage course determined by the course determination unit is displayed on the display unit.

10. The massage course determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the course determination unit acquires the biological information from a portable biological information measuring device.

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