Control unit, posture improvement support device, and control method

Abstract

To provide a control unit, a posture improvement assistance device, and a control method that make it possible to notify a seated person of his or her posture.SOLUTION: A control unit is capable of performing control to determine the posture of a seated person sitting in a chair, and to output a determination result to a display device. The control unit comprises: an acquisition section that acquires a pressure signal output from a pressure sensor provided at each of a plurality of movable bodies built inside the chair; a computation section that inputs a plurality of pressure signals into a predetermined computing formula to calculate a lumbar curve value which is an index related to the posture of the seated person; a determination section that determines the posture of the seated person on the basis of the lumbar curve value; and an output control section that outputs a human body schematic figure corresponding to the determination result from the determination section to the display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

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[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control unit, a posture improvement support device, and a control method, and particularly relates to a control unit, a posture improvement support device, and a control method that perform notification according to the posture of a seated person.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a posture notification device that detects the posture of a seat occupant and outputs a warning to the occupant is known. Specifically, when the posture of the seat occupant is detected and it is determined that the detection result is not appropriate (for example, in a hunched posture with a large curvature from the back to the waist), an alarm is output. As a result, the occupant can correct their own posture to an appropriate state and can improve the sitting posture.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for determining the posture of a seated person using a pressure sensor. Specifically, a plurality of pressure sensors are arranged in a seat, and based on the pressure signals output by the pressure sensors, the body pressure distribution applied to the seat is obtained. Then, by comparing the obtained body pressure distribution with a prepared appropriate pattern, it is described that the appropriateness of the posture of the seat occupant is determined, and an alarm is output when it is determined that it is not appropriate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to detect if a seated person's posture is not correct based on the pressure signal output by a pressure sensor. Therefore, when a seated person becomes fatigued and their seating posture deteriorates, this can be detected and a warning can be issued to the driver. However, the seated person could not know what their own posture was. As a result, there was a problem in that they could not make a concrete judgment on how to change their posture in order to correct it.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a control unit, a posture improvement support device, and a control method for the posture improvement support device that can inform a seated person of their posture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The aforementioned problem is solved by the control unit of the present invention, which determines the posture of a person sitting in a chair and controls the unit to output the determination result to a display device, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires pressure signals output by pressure sensors provided on each of a plurality of movable bodies built into the chair; a calculation unit that calculates a lumbar curve value, which is an index relating to the posture of the person sitting, by inputting the plurality of pressure signals acquired by the acquisition unit into a predetermined calculation formula; a determination unit that determines the posture of the person sitting based on the lumbar curve value calculated by the calculation unit; and an output control unit that controls the unit to output a schematic diagram of the human body corresponding to the determination result of the determination unit to the display device. The control unit includes a movable body control unit that controls the movable body to be displaced, the calculation unit calculates a lumbar curve value fluctuation amount which is the statistical fluctuation amount of the calculated lumbar curve value, the determination unit determines the lumbar pain level of the seated person based on the lumbar curve value fluctuation amount calculated by the calculation unit, and the movable body control unit controls the movable body to be displaced periodically based on the determination result of the lumbar pain level by the determination unit. This will resolve the issue.

[0008] According to the above configuration, pressure signals output by multiple pressure sensors built into the chair are input into a predetermined calculation formula to calculate a lumbar curve value, which is an index related to the sitter's posture, and the sitter's posture is determined based on the lumbar curve value. In this way, since the sitter's posture is determined based on the lumbar curve value, which is an index related to the sitter's posture, the appropriateness of the sitter's posture can be determined quantitatively and easily. Furthermore, the output control unit controls the output of the sitter's posture determination result, which is determined based on the lumbar curve value, to the display device as a schematic diagram of the human body. Therefore, the sitter can be notified of their posture, and the sitter can visually understand their own posture. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the level of lower back pain of the sitter is determined based on the amount of change in the lumbar curve value, and the movable body is controlled to periodically displace based on the level of lower back pain. Therefore, if the amount of change in the lumbar curve value is large, that is, if the posture of the lumbar region is unstable, it can be determined that the sitter is suffering from lower back pain. If it is determined that the sitter is suffering from lower back pain, it is possible to alleviate the sitter's lower back pain by stimulating the lumbar region by displacing the movable body.

[0009] Furthermore, the determination unit may determine, based on the lumbar curve value, whether the seated person's posture is at least a hunched posture, a standard posture, or an arched back posture, and the output control unit may be controlled to output to the display device, along with the diagram of the human body, characters indicating whether the seated person's posture is a hunched posture, a standard posture, or an arched back posture. According to the above configuration, the system outputs text indicating whether the seated person's posture is at least hunched, arched, or standard. This allows the seated person to accurately understand how to change their posture to correct it.

[0010] Furthermore, the output control unit may be controlled to output a time-series graph showing the change in the lumber curve value over time to the display device. With the above configuration, a time-series graph of the lumbar curve value is output to the display device, allowing the seated person to correct their posture while checking the changes in the lumbar curve value over time.

[0012] Furthermore, the control unit may have a setting reception unit that receives input of a set value relating to the physique of the seated person, and the calculation unit may calculate the lumbar curve value by inputting the pressure signal and the set value into the predetermined calculation formula. According to the above configuration, the system accepts input values ​​regarding the sitter's physique and calculates a lumbar curve value based on those values. Therefore, it is possible to calculate an appropriate lumbar curve value according to the sitter's physique.

[0013] Furthermore, the posture improvement support device may include a control unit and a chair that incorporates a plurality of the movable bodies on which the pressure sensors are provided. According to the above configuration, it becomes possible to inform a person sitting in a chair of their posture, allowing the person to visually understand their own posture.

[0014] Furthermore, the aforementioned problem is solved by the control method of the present invention, which determines the posture of a person sitting in a chair and controls the system to output the determination result to a display device, wherein the system performs the following steps: an acquisition step in which a computer acquires pressure signals output by pressure sensors provided on each of a plurality of movable bodies built into the chair; a calculation step in which a computer calculates a lumbar curve value, which is an index relating to the posture of the person sitting, by inputting the plurality of pressure signals acquired in the acquisition step into a predetermined calculation formula; a determination step in which the system determines the posture of the person sitting based on the lumbar curve value calculated in the calculation step; and an output control step in which the system controls the system to output a schematic diagram of the human body corresponding to the determination result of the determination step to the display device. The process further includes: a variation calculation step for calculating a lumbar curve value variation, which is the statistical variation of the lumbar curve value calculated in the calculation step; a lumbar pain level determination step for determining the lumbar pain level of the seated person based on the lumbar curve value variation calculated in the variation calculation step; and a movable body displacement step for controlling the movable body to displace periodically based on the lumbar pain level determination result from the lumbar pain level determination step. This will resolve the issue.

[0015] According to the above configuration, pressure signals output by multiple pressure sensors built into the chair are input into a predetermined calculation formula to calculate a lumbar curve value, which is an index related to the sitter's posture, and the sitter's posture is determined based on the lumbar curve value. In this way, since the sitter's posture is determined based on the lumbar curve value, which is an index related to the sitter's posture, the appropriateness of the sitter's posture can be determined quantitatively and easily. Furthermore, the output control unit controls the output of the sitter's posture determination result, which is determined based on the lumbar curve value, to the display device as a schematic diagram of the human body. Therefore, the sitter can be notified of their posture, and the sitter can visually understand their own posture. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the level of lower back pain of the sitter is determined based on the amount of change in the lumbar curve value, and the movable body is controlled to periodically displace based on the level of lower back pain. Therefore, if the amount of change in the lumbar curve value is large, that is, if the posture of the lumbar region is unstable, it can be determined that the sitter is suffering from lower back pain. If it is determined that the sitter is suffering from lower back pain, it is possible to alleviate the sitter's lower back pain by stimulating the lumbar region by displacing the movable body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the control unit, posture improvement support device, and control method of the present invention, the seated person can be notified of their posture, and the seated person can visually understand their own posture. Furthermore, seated individuals will be able to accurately understand how to change their posture in order to correct their own posture. Furthermore, seated individuals can correct their posture while monitoring the changes in their lumbar curve over time. Furthermore, if a seated person is determined to be suffering from lower back pain, the movable parts can be displaced to stimulate the lumbar region, thereby alleviating the seated person's lower back pain. Furthermore, it becomes possible to calculate an appropriate lumbar curve value according to the sitter's physique. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of a posture improvement support device. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows the spine and pelvis in a standard posture pattern. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows the spine and pelvis in a hunched posture pattern. [Figure 4] This is a diagram schematically showing the spine and pelvis of a hunched-back posture pattern. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a posture improvement support device. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the flow of health mode processing. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the flow of posture determination processing. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the flow of posture display processing. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing a posture display screen. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the flow of kneading processing. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing a kneading execution screen. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the back frame of a vehicle seat according to the second embodiment, seen from the front. [Figure 13] This is a rear view of a pressure receiving member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a rear view of a pressure receiving member according to a modification example. [Figure 15] This is a front view of the back frame of a vehicle seat according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a rear view of the back frame of a vehicle seat according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view of the back frame of a vehicle seat according to the fourth embodiment, seen from the rear. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 17, showing a modification example of the mounting position of the control unit. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view of the back frame of a vehicle seat according to the fourth embodiment, seen from the front, showing a second modification example of the mounting position of the control unit. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view of the back frame of a vehicle seat according to the fourth embodiment, seen from the front, showing a third modification example of the mounting position of the control unit.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, a posture improvement support device 10, a control unit 30, and a control method executed by the control unit 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

[0019] Furthermore, in the following explanations, "seat front-rear direction" refers to the front-rear direction of the vehicle seat S, and is the direction that coincides with the front-rear direction as seen from the perspective of a person seated in the vehicle seat S. "Vehicle front-rear direction" refers to the direction that coincides with the direction of travel when the vehicle is in motion. Also, "seat width direction" refers to the width direction of the vehicle seat S, and is the direction that coincides with the left-right direction as seen from the perspective of a person seated in the vehicle seat S. Also, "up-down direction" refers to the up-down direction of the vehicle seat S, and is the direction that coincides with the vertical direction when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal plane. Furthermore, when simply referred to as "outside," it refers to the side closer to the outside when moving outward from the center of the vehicle seat S, and when referred to as "inside," it refers to the side closer to the center when moving from the outside of the vehicle seat S towards the center.

[0020] <Overview of Posture Improvement Support Device 10> The posture improvement support device 10 is used to support the improvement of seating posture by determining the posture of a person seated in a vehicle seat S and controlling it to output the determination result to a mobile terminal MT used by the person seated. The posture improvement support device 10 mainly consists of a vehicle seat S and a control unit 30.

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat S seen from the front at an oblique angle. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat S mainly consists of a seat cushion 1, a seat back 2, and a headrest 3. In Figure 1, for illustrative purposes, a portion of the vehicle seat S is shown with the upholstery material T removed.

[0022] The seat cushion 1 is the seating portion that supports the buttocks of the person sitting. The seat cushion 1 is constructed by placing a pad material P on a seat cushion frame (not shown) which constitutes the framework of the seat cushion 1, and then covering the pad material P with a surface material T.

[0023] The seat back 2 is the backrest portion that supports the back of the seated person. The seat back 2 is constructed by placing a pad material P on a seat back frame (not shown) which constitutes the frame of the seat back 2, and then covering the pad material P with a surface material T.

[0024] The seat back 2 has multiple air cells 11 built into it. The air cells 11 are fluid bags that expand when compressed air is injected and contract when compressed air is released. By incorporating the air cells 11 into the seat back 2 and controlling the compressed air, the seat back 2 can be displaced.

[0025] The air cell 11 includes a shoulder air cell 12 positioned opposite the scapula of the seated person, a lumbar air cell 13 positioned opposite the waist, and a pelvic air cell 14 positioned opposite the pelvis. As will be described later, the air cell 11 stimulates the shoulders, waist, and pelvis of the seated person by periodically expanding and contracting, thereby massaging the seated person's muscles. The air cell 11 may also be expanded for the purpose of correcting the seated person's posture.

[0026] The shoulder air cell 12 is located above the seat back 2 and includes a right shoulder air cell 12R positioned on the right side in the seat width direction and a left shoulder air cell 12L positioned on the left side in the seat width direction. By inflating and deflating the shoulder air cell 12, the trapezius muscle or levator scapulae muscle of the seated person can be massaged.

[0027] The lumbar air cell 13 is located below the shoulder air cell 12 and is positioned in the center in the width direction of the seat. The lumbar air cell 13 has a first lumbar air cell 13U and a second lumbar air cell 13D located below the first lumbar air cell 13U. By inflating and deflating the first lumbar air cell 13U and the second lumbar air cell 13D, the latissimus dorsi muscles of the seated person can be massaged.

[0028] The pelvic air cell 14 is located below the lumbar air cell 13 and is positioned in the center in the width direction of the seat. By inflating and deflating the pelvic air cell 14, the gluteus maximus of the seated person can be massaged.

[0029] Each air cell 11 is equipped with a pressure sensor 15 (see Figure 5). A pressure sensor 15 is provided in each air cell 11 to detect the internal pressure of multiple air cells 11. In other words, the right shoulder air cell 12R and left shoulder air cell 12L are equipped with shoulder pressure sensors 16 (right shoulder pressure sensor 16R and left shoulder pressure sensor 16L). The first lumbar air cell 13U and second lumbar air cell 13D are equipped with lumbar pressure sensors 17 (first lumbar pressure sensor 17U and second lumbar pressure sensor 17D). The pelvic air cell 14 is equipped with a pelvic pressure sensor 18. In this way, pressure sensors 15 are positioned opposite the shoulders, waist, and pelvis of the seated person to detect the load applied by the seated person. The control unit 30 can determine the posture pattern of the seated person based on the pressure signal output by the pressure sensor 15.

[0030] Figures 2 to 4 schematically illustrate the spine BN1 and pelvis BN2, which represent the posture patterns of a seated person. More specifically, Figure 2 shows the standard spine BN1 and pelvis BN2 of a person with normal posture. As shown in Figure 2, the standard spine BN1 has an S-shape that curves gently from top to bottom. Figure 3 shows the spinal BN1 and pelvic BN2 positions of a person with a kyphosis posture. Kyphosis, also known as rounded back posture, is characterized by a curved spine BN1 that bulges backward. Figure 4 shows the state of the spine BN1 and pelvis BN2 in a person with a lordotic posture. A lordotic posture, also known as a lumbar lordosis or concave lordosis, is characterized by a shape in which the lumbar region of the spine BN1 protrudes forward.

[0031] The control unit 30 controls the system to display the determined posture of the seated person on the handheld terminal MT used by the seated person. This allows the seated person to understand their own posture and recognize how to improve it. The control unit 30 is built into the seat cushion 1, but is not limited to that. The control unit 30 may be configured separately from the vehicle seat S and installed in the vehicle in which the vehicle seat S is installed.

[0032] Returning to Figure 1, the headrest 3 is attached to the top of the seatback 2 to support the occupant's head. Inside the headrest 3 is a headrest frame (not shown) which forms the skeleton of the headrest 3.

[0033] The reclining device, not shown in Figure 1, rotatably connects the seat back 2 to the seat cushion 1. The reclining device can also lock the seat back 2 in a position tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the seat cushion 1. By releasing the lock, the reclining device can tilt the seat back 2 forward or backward.

[0034] <Regarding the functional configuration of the posture improvement support device 10> Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the posture improvement support device 10. Figure 5 shows the functional configuration of the posture improvement support device 10. The posture improvement support device 10 has a control unit 30, a pressure sensor 15, an air supply pump 20, a valve unit 21, and an air cell 11. The control unit 30 is built into the vehicle seat S and controls the entire vehicle seat S. The control unit 30 also communicates wirelessly with a mobile terminal MT used by the seated person and can output notification signals regarding the seated person's posture to the mobile terminal MT.

[0035] As described above, the pressure sensor 15 is installed in the air cell 11 and detects the internal pressure of the air cell 11. In other words, the pressure sensor 15 detects the load from the seated person's shoulders, waist, and pelvis. The pressure sensor 15 is installed inside the air cell 11, but is not limited to that. The pressure sensor 15 may also be installed on the surface of the air cell 11 facing the seated person. The pressure sensor 15 outputs a pressure signal to the control unit 30.

[0036] The air supply pump 20 and valve unit 21 constitute a compressed air supply mechanism that supplies compressed air to the air cell 11. More specifically, the air supply pump 20 is a small air pump that generates compressed air. The valve unit 21 has an electromagnetic valve and a compressed air outlet, and controls the discharge of compressed air by controlling the electromagnetic valve. The air cell 11 expands when compressed air is discharged from the valve unit 21, and contracts when compressed air is discharged.

[0037] The mobile terminal MT is an information and communication terminal having a display unit, and is a smartphone used by the seated person. The mobile terminal MT can output various setting information to the setting reception unit 35 of the control unit 30, which will be described later, based on the seated person's input operations. The mobile terminal MT can also display the posture display screen 40, which will be described later with reference to Figure 9, and the kneading execution screen 50, which will be described later with reference to Figure 11, on its display unit. The mobile terminal MT only needs to accept input operations from the seated person and have the function of a display device, and may be a tablet terminal. The mobile terminal MT may also be a vehicle seat S or an information and communication terminal mounted in the vehicle. The mobile terminal MT corresponds to a display device.

[0038] The control unit 30 is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) built into the seat cushion 1. The ECU incorporates a control circuit and consists of a processor that executes programs, a non-volatile storage medium, and a volatile storage medium. The processor loads and executes the programs stored in the non-volatile storage medium, thereby functioning as a signal acquisition unit 31, an LC calculation unit 32, a posture determination unit 33, an air cell control unit 34, a setting reception unit 35, and an output control unit 36. The processor is equivalent to a computer.

[0039] The signal acquisition unit 31 has a communication interface and acquires the pressure signal (pressure value) output by the pressure sensor 15. More specifically, the signal acquisition unit 31 acquires the pressure signals output by the right shoulder pressure sensor 16R, the left shoulder pressure sensor 16L, the first lumbar pressure sensor 17U, the second lumbar pressure sensor 17D, and the pelvic pressure sensor 18. The signal acquisition unit 31 may also have an amplification circuit to amplify the pressure signal, an ADC (analog-to-digital converter) to convert the analog signal to a digital signal, and a filter circuit to remove noise components. The signal acquisition unit 31 corresponds to the acquisition unit.

[0040] The LC calculation unit 32 obtains multiple pressure signals (pressure values) acquired by the signal acquisition unit 31 and calculates the lumbar curve value by inputting the pressure values ​​into a predetermined calculation formula. Here, the lumbar curve value is an index used to comprehensively evaluate the seated posture of a person based on pressure signals from the shoulders, waist, and pelvis. In other words, by comparing the LC value calculated by the LC calculation unit 32 with a predetermined threshold, it is possible to determine whether the seated person's posture is a standard, appropriate posture. Furthermore, by comparing the LC value with a predetermined threshold, it is possible to determine whether the seated person's posture is hunched over or arched backward. The lumbar curve value is also called the LC value.

[0041] If the lumber curve value is denoted as LC, the lumber curve value can be calculated using the following formula (1). LC=a1×X1+a2×X2+a3×X3+a4×X4+a5×X5+b (1) Here, X1, X2, X3, X4, and X5 are the pressure values ​​output by the right shoulder pressure sensor 16R, the left shoulder pressure sensor 16L, the first lumbar pressure sensor 17U, the second lumbar pressure sensor 17D, and the pelvic pressure sensor 18, respectively. Also, a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, and b are coefficients set in advance by seated posture experiments conducted on multiple subjects. In this way, the lumbar curve value can be calculated by the calculation formula (1) consisting of a linear first-order polynomial.

[0042] Here, we will explain the seated posture experiment. In the seated posture experiment, first, the subject's posture information is acquired by a camera or other imaging device, or by a motion sensor. Next, a doctor or specialist evaluates the acquired posture information and assigns a lumbar curve value. Subsequently, the subject is seated on an experimental seat with a built-in pressure sensor 15, and measured values ​​consisting of pressure signals are acquired. By repeatedly performing the aforementioned specialist posture evaluation and acquisition of measured values ​​for multiple subjects, it becomes possible to analyze the correlation between the lumbar curve value and the measured pressure signal. Specifically, by performing multiple regression analysis on the lumbar curve value and the measured values, coefficients a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, and b can be obtained.

[0043] The formula for calculating the lumber curve value is not limited to formula (1). The lumber curve value may also be calculated based on the set value and pressure signal received by the setting reception unit 35, which will be described later. In this case, the lumber curve value can be calculated by the following formula (2). LC=a1×X1+a2×X2+a3×X3+a4×X4+a5×X5 +a6 × X6 + a7 × X7 + b (2) Here, X6 and X7 are set values ​​related to the physique of the seated person, representing the seated person's weight and height, respectively. Also, a6 and a7 are coefficients set by the seated posture experiment described above.

[0044] Furthermore, the LC calculation unit 32 calculates the LC fluctuation amount, which is the statistical variation in the lumber curve value. The LC fluctuation amount is the standard deviation of the lumber curve value when the lumber curve value is continuously calculated over a predetermined measurement period. Alternatively, the LC fluctuation amount may be the cumulative squared deviation of the lumber curve value and the mean value during the measurement period. A measurement period of 5 minutes is preferable. As described later, the LC fluctuation amount is used by the posture determination unit 33 to determine the lumbar pain level of the seated person. Therefore, if the measurement period is shorter than 5 minutes, the accuracy of determining the lumbar pain level will decrease. Also, if the measurement time is longer than 5 minutes, the time it takes to obtain the lumbar pain level determination result will be too long, which may cause the seated person to become distrustful. However, the measurement period is not limited to 5 minutes and may be set by the seated person. Furthermore, the measurement period may be set automatically based on the convergence conditions of the LC fluctuation amount. The LC fluctuation amount corresponds to the lumbar curve value fluctuation amount.

[0045] The posture determination unit 33 determines the sitter's posture based on the lumbar curve value calculated by the LC calculation unit 32. More specifically, the posture determination unit 33 determines, based on the lumbar curve value, whether the sitter's posture is "hunched back," "slightly hunched back," "standard posture," "slightly arched back," or "arched back." Alternatively, the posture determination unit 33 may determine whether the sitter's posture is "hunched back," "standard posture," or "arched back." The posture determination unit 33 determines the sitter's posture by comparing the lumbar curve value with a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value may be set by the sitter.

[0046] Furthermore, the posture determination unit 33 determines the level of lower back pain of the seated person based on the LC fluctuation amount calculated by the LC calculation unit 32. More specifically, the posture determination unit 33 determines whether or not the seated person is suffering from lower back pain based on the LC fluctuation amount. As will be described later, if the posture determination unit 33 determines that the seated person is suffering from lower back pain, a kneading process is performed to massage the muscles of the seated person's lower back by controlling the air cell 11 to periodically inflate and deflate. The posture determination unit 33 determines the level of lower back pain by comparing the LC fluctuation amount with a predetermined threshold. The threshold may be set by the seated person.

[0047] The air cell control unit 34 controls the inflation and deflation of the air cell 11 by outputting control signals to the air supply pump 20 and the valve unit 21. When the posture determination unit 33 determines that the sitter is suffering from lower back pain, the air cell control unit 34 controls the air cell 11 to inflate and deflate according to a predetermined inflation and deflation pattern. To give a specific example of the inflation and deflation pattern, first, the air cell 11 is controlled to inflate for 5 seconds. Next, the air cell 11 is controlled to deflate for 5 seconds. Then, the air cell 11 is repeatedly controlled to inflate for 5 seconds again. This inflation and deflation control of the air cell 11 is repeated for 1 minute. This makes it possible to massage the muscles in the lower back of the sitter who has been determined to be suffering from lower back pain, thereby reducing the burden on the sitter. The air cell control unit 34 corresponds to the movable body control unit.

[0048] The setting reception unit 35 accepts input of setting values ​​from the seated person. Specifically, the setting reception unit 35 accepts input of setting values ​​related to the seated person's physique, namely height and weight. As described above, the LC calculation unit 32 calculates the lumbar curve value by inputting the input height, weight, and pressure signal (pressure value) output by the pressure sensor 15 into calculation formula (2). The setting reception unit 35 may also accept input of the amount of compressed air injected into the air cell 11 as a setting value. This makes it possible to appropriately change the intensity of the stimulation applied to the seated person's lumbar muscles during the massage process.

[0049] The output control unit 36 ​​controls the mobile terminal MT to output a posture display screen 40 (see Figure 9) on which a schematic diagram of the human body 42 corresponding to the judgment result of the posture determination unit 33 is drawn. Specifically, the output control unit 36 ​​controls the output of the posture display screen 40 to the mobile terminal MT by communicating with the mobile terminal MT via a wireless communication interface (not shown) provided by the vehicle seat S. As will be described in detail later, the posture display screen 40 displays a schematic diagram of the human body 42 corresponding to the seated person's posture, along with a string indicating whether the seated person's posture is "hunched back," "slightly hunched back," "standard posture," "slightly arched back," or "arched back." The posture display screen 40 also displays a time-series graph 47 showing the change in lumbar curve values ​​over time. Furthermore, the output control unit 36 ​​controls the output of the kneading execution screen 50 (see Figure 11) to the mobile terminal MT during the execution of the kneading process, which will be described later.

[0050] <About the Health Mode Processing Flow> Next, the flow of the health mode processing performed by the control unit 30 will be described. Health mode processing is a process performed to encourage the seated person to improve their sitting posture by determining the seated person's posture based on the pressure signal output by the pressure sensor 15 and informing the seated person of the determined posture. Health mode processing is started by the control unit 30 when the seated person initiates the health mode processing via their mobile terminal MT, but is not limited to this. It may also be started when predetermined conditions are met.

[0051] Figure 6 shows the flow of the health mode processing. As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 30 first detects a seated person by determining whether or not a seated person is seated (step S10). Specifically, the control unit 30 can detect a seated person by determining whether or not there is a load from the seated person based on the pressure signal output by the pressure sensor 15. Alternatively, the control unit 30 may detect a seated person based on the output signal of a seated sensor (not shown) built into the vehicle seat S. If the control unit 30 determines that no seated person is detected (step S10: No), it waits until a seated person is detected.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined that a seated person has been detected (step S10: Yes), the control unit 30 acquires the set values ​​(step S11). Specifically, the control unit 30 acquires the set values ​​entered by the seated person operating their mobile terminal MT via a wireless communication line. The set values ​​include the seated person's height and weight.

[0053] Next, the control unit 30 performs posture determination processing (step S12). Figure 7 shows the flow of posture determination processing performed by the control unit 30. As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 30 first acquires the pressure signal output by the pressure sensor 15 (step S20, acquisition step). Specifically, the control unit 30 acquires the pressure signals (pressure values) output by the right shoulder pressure sensor 16R, the left shoulder pressure sensor 16L, the first lumbar pressure sensor 17U, the second lumbar pressure sensor 17D, and the pelvic pressure sensor 18.

[0054] Next, the control unit 30 calculates the lumber curve value (LC value) (step S21, calculation step). Specifically, the control unit 30 calculates the lumber curve value by inputting the pressure signal (pressure value) acquired in step S20 and the set value acquired in step S11 into the calculation formula (2) described above.

[0055] Next, the control unit 30 performs posture display processing (step S22). Figure 8 shows the flow of posture display processing performed by the control unit 30. As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 30 first determines whether the seated person is in a hunched posture by comparing the lumbar curve value with a preset threshold TH1 (step S30, determination step). If the control unit 30 determines that the lumbar curve value is smaller than the threshold TH1 (step S30: Yes), it determines that the seated person is in a hunched posture. Next, the control unit 30 causes the seated person to display a diagram of the human body corresponding to hunching posture 42 on the mobile terminal MT used by the seated person (step S31, output control step). More specifically, the control unit 30 communicates wirelessly with the mobile terminal MT to control the mobile terminal MT to output the posture display screen 40 to its display unit.

[0056] Figure 9 shows the attitude display screen 40, which is output in real time to the display unit of the mobile terminal MT. As shown in Figure 9, the attitude display screen 40 has three display areas: an attitude display area 41, a graph display area 46, and a history display area 48. The posture display area 41 outputs a schematic human body diagram 42 illustrating the seated person's posture, a posture identification display 43 that allows for the identification of the seated person's posture, a lumbar curve value display 44, and posture improvement support information 45. Figure 10 shows an example screen when the seated person is determined to have a "slightly hunched" posture. The posture display area 41 outputs a display corresponding to the seated posture determination result. Specifically, if the seated person is determined to have a "hunched" posture, a schematic human body diagram 42 corresponding to the "hunched" posture and a posture identification display 43 consisting of the string "hunched" are displayed. Similarly, if the seated person is determined to have a "standard posture," a "slightly arched back posture," or an "arched back posture," a schematic human body diagram 42 and a posture identification display 43 corresponding to the respective posture are output. In addition, below the schematic human body diagram 42, posture improvement support information 45 is output to assist the seated person in improving their posture. The seated person can visually understand their own posture through the anatomical diagram 42 and posture identification display 43, and can effectively improve their seated posture through the posture improvement support information 45.

[0057] The graph display area 46 displays a time-series graph 47 showing the changes in the lumbar curve value over time. The time-series graph 47 is updated in real time by the output control unit 36 ​​of the control unit 30. By checking the time-series graph 47, the seated person can recognize the changes in the lumbar curve value over time, and if the lumbar curve value fluctuates significantly, they can recognize that the condition of their lower back is unstable and that they are likely to suffer from lower back pain.

[0058] The history display area 48 shows daily history information 49, which shows the history of lumbar curve values ​​calculated in the past. By looking at the daily history information 49, the sitter can recognize the changes and trends in their own posture. This makes it possible to encourage the sitter to improve their posture if there is a tendency for the lumbar curve value to deviate from the desired value.

[0059] Returning to Figure 8, if the lumbar curve value is not determined to be smaller than the threshold TH1 (step S30: No), the control unit 30 compares the lumbar curve value with the threshold TH2 to determine whether the seated person is in a slightly hunched posture (step S32). If the control unit 30 determines that the lumbar curve value is smaller than the threshold TH2 (step S32: Yes), it determines that the seated person is in a slightly hunched posture. The control unit 30 then displays a schematic diagram of the human body 42 and a posture identification display 43 corresponding to a slightly hunched posture on the posture display screen 40 of the mobile terminal MT (step S33), and terminates the posture display process.

[0060] Furthermore, if the lumbar curve value is not determined to be smaller than the threshold TH2 (step S32: No), the control unit 30 determines whether the seated person is in a standard posture by comparing the lumbar curve value with the threshold TH3 (step S34). If the control unit 30 determines that the lumbar curve value is smaller than the threshold TH3 (step S34: Yes), it determines that the seated person is in a standard posture. The control unit 30 then displays a schematic diagram of the human body 42 corresponding to the standard posture and a posture identification display 43 on the posture display screen 40 of the mobile terminal MT (step S35), and terminates the posture display process.

[0061] Furthermore, if the lumbar curve value is not determined to be smaller than the threshold TH3 (step S34: No), the control unit 30 compares the lumbar curve value with the threshold TH4 to determine whether the seated person is in a slightly arched back posture (step S36). If the control unit 30 determines that the lumbar curve value is smaller than the threshold TH4 (step S36: Yes), it determines that the seated person is in a slightly arched back posture. The control unit 30 then displays a schematic diagram of the human body 42 corresponding to the slightly arched back posture and a posture identification display 43 on the posture display screen 40 of the mobile terminal MT (step S37), and terminates the posture display process.

[0062] Furthermore, if the lumbar curve value is not determined to be smaller than the threshold TH4 (step S36: No), the control unit 30 determines that the seated person is in a reclined posture. The control unit 30 then displays a schematic diagram of the human body 42 corresponding to the reclined posture and a posture identification display 43 on the posture display screen 40 of the mobile terminal MT (step S38), and terminates the posture display process.

[0063] Returning to Figure 7, the control unit 30 determines whether a predetermined measurement time has elapsed after the attitude display processing (step S23). The measurement time is, for example, 5 minutes. If it is determined that the measurement time has not elapsed (step S23: No), the control unit 30 returns to step S20 and repeats steps S20 to 23. On the other hand, if it is determined that the measurement time has elapsed (step S23: Yes), the control unit 30 terminates the attitude determination processing.

[0064] Returning to Figure 6, the control unit 30 performs the kneading process (step S13). Figure 10 shows the flow of the kneading process performed by the control unit 30. As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 30 first calculates the LC fluctuation amount (step S40). Specifically, the control unit 30 calculates the squared cumulative deviation between the lumber curve value and the mean value.

[0065] Next, the control unit 30 compares the LC fluctuation amount with a fluctuation threshold (step S41). Specifically, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the seated person is suffering from lower back pain by comparing the LC fluctuation amount with a predetermined fluctuation threshold.

[0066] If the LC fluctuation amount is determined to be greater than the fluctuation threshold, the control unit 30 controls the air cell 11 to inflate and deflate (step S42). Specifically, the control unit 30 acquires an inflation and deflation pattern for the air cell 11 and controls the air supply pump 20 and valve unit 21 based on the inflation and deflation pattern. As a result, the air cell 11 inflates and deflates. Furthermore, the control unit 30 inflates and deflates the air cell 11 and outputs the kneading execution screen 50 to the display unit of the mobile terminal MT.

[0067] Figure 11 shows the kneading execution screen 50 displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal MT. As shown in Figure 11, the kneading execution screen 50 has two display areas, a kneading position display area 51 and a kneading status display area 54, as well as a mode selection button 56 and a display switching button 57. The kneading position display area 51 outputs a kneading schematic diagram 52 showing the kneading position by the air cells 11, and kneading support information 53 that provides supplementary explanations of the kneading process. Figure 11 shows the state of kneading the lumbar region of a seated person. Since the kneading schematic diagram 52 and kneading support information 53 are output to the kneading execution screen 50, the seated person can understand what kind of kneading is being performed.

[0068] The kneading status display area 54 displays the remaining time for the kneading process. However, it is not limited to displaying the remaining time for the kneading process; the elapsed time since the start of the kneading process may also be displayed.

[0069] The mode selection button 56 can be operated by the seated person to change the inflation and deflation pattern of the air cell 11. This allows the seated person to perform the kneading process with their preferred inflation and deflation pattern. The display switching button 57 can be operated by the seated person to switch the output of the display unit of the mobile terminal MT to the posture display screen 40. This allows the seated person to perform the kneading process while checking their own posture and lumbar curve values ​​on the posture display screen 40.

[0070] The posture improvement support device 10, configured as described above, can inform the seated person of their posture. As a result, the seated person can understand their own posture and take appropriate steps to improve it.

[0071] <Second Embodiment> The configuration of the posture improvement support device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the above-described embodiment is merely an example to facilitate understanding of the present invention and does not limit it. That is, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and of course, equivalents thereof are included in the present invention. In the embodiments described above, the control unit 30 responsible for controlling the vehicle seat S was described as being built into the seat cushion 1, but it is not limited to this. The control unit 30 may also be built into the seat back 2.

[0072] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the back frame 100 of a vehicle seat S according to the second embodiment, viewed from the front. As shown in Figure 12, the back frame 100 is constructed in a frame shape by left and right side frames 110 extending in the vertical direction, an upper frame 120 connecting the upper and lower ends of the left and right side frames 110, and a lower frame 130. A pressure receiving member 140 is disposed inside the frame-shaped back frame 100.

[0073] The left and right side frames 110 have flat side frame plates 111 between their upper ends, which connect to the upper frame 120, and their lower ends, which connect to the lower frame 130. The upper frame 120 is made of pipe material that is bent into a roughly U-shape. The upper frame 120 has a horizontal section 121 that extends horizontally at its upper end and vertical sections 122 that extend vertically downward from both ends of the horizontal section 121. A pillar support section 123 for supporting the headrest pillar (not shown) of the headrest 3 is attached to the horizontal section 121.

[0074] The pressure-receiving member 140 is a plate-shaped member made of resin and is interposed between the left and right side frames 110. The pressure-receiving member 140 is located in the center in the width direction of the seat and has a pressure-receiving portion 141 that supports the back of the sitter, and support portions 142 located to the left and right of the pressure-receiving portion 141. The pressure-receiving member 140 is connected to and supported by the left and right side frames 110 by connecting wires 143. More specifically, the pressure-receiving member 140 is configured to engage with the upper connecting wire 143A and the lower connecting wire 143B via engaging claws 145, and to receive the load received from the back of the sitter while deforming backward.

[0075] The pressure-receiving member 140 has a bead portion 144 that protrudes to the rear. More specifically, the pressure-receiving member 140 has a first bead portion 144A that extends in the vertical direction, a second bead portion 144B that connects to the first bead portion 144A and extends in the horizontal direction, and a third bead portion 144C that is inclined in the left-right direction. The first bead portion 144A, the second bead portion 144B, and the third bead portion 144C increase the rigidity of the pressure-receiving member 140 in the direction in which the bead extends.

[0076] Figure 13 is a rear view of the pressure-receiving member 140. Above the pressure-receiving member 140, in the center in the left-right direction, there is a central recess 141A that curves from rear to front. The control unit 30 is arranged on the rear side of the pressure-receiving member 140 so as to be housed in the central recess 141A. By arranging the control unit 30 in the central recess 141A, the occupant can sit on the vehicle seat S without feeling any discomfort in their back. A valve unit 21 may also be housed in the central recess 141A. By arranging the valve unit 21 in the central recess 141A, the occupant can sit on the vehicle seat S without feeling any discomfort in their back. Furthermore, it becomes possible to efficiently deliver compressed air to the shoulder air cells 12, lumbar air cells 13, and pelvic air cells 14 built into the seat back 2.

[0077] <Variation> In the embodiments described above, the control unit 30 was described as being arranged to be housed in a central recess 141A located in the center of the sheet width direction of the pressure receiving member 140, but the invention is not limited thereto. Figure 14 is a rear view of a modified pressure-receiving member 140. As shown in Figure 14, a right recess 141B and a left recess 141C are formed on the left and right sides in the seat width direction. Therefore, the control unit 30 can be installed in either the right recess 141B or the left recess 141C, and the valve unit 21 can be installed in the other. As a result, similar to the embodiment described above, the occupant can sit on the vehicle seat S without feeling any discomfort in their back. Furthermore, compressed air can be efficiently delivered to the shoulder air cell 12, lumbar air cell 13, and pelvic air cell 14 built into the seat back 2. Note that electrical components other than the control unit 30 and valve unit 21 may be installed in the central recess 141A, the right recess 141B, and the left recess 141C.

[0078] <Third Embodiment> In the embodiments described above, the control unit 30 and the valve unit 21 were described as being arranged to be housed in a recess formed in the pressure-receiving member 140, but the invention is not limited to this. Preferably, the control unit 30 and the valve unit 21 are arranged in a position that does not overlap with the air cell 11 in the front-rear direction.

[0079] Figure 15 is a front view of the back frame 200 of a vehicle seat S according to the third embodiment. Figure 16 is a rear view of the back frame 200. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the back frame 200 is constructed in a frame shape by left and right side frames 210 extending in the vertical direction, an upper frame 220 connecting the upper and lower ends of the side frames 210, and a lower frame (not shown). Inside the frame-shaped back frame 200, a pressure receiving member 240 to which an air cell 11 is attached is provided.

[0080] The pressure-receiving member 240 is a plate-shaped member made of resin and is interposed between the left and right side frames 110. The pressure-receiving member 240 is connected to and supported by the left and right side frames 210 by connecting wires 243. More specifically, the pressure-receiving member 240 is configured to engage with the upper connecting wire 243A and the lower connecting wire 243B via engaging claws 244 (see Figure 16) and to receive the load from the seated person while deforming backward.

[0081] The lumbar air cell 13 and the pelvic air cell 14 are suspended and fixed to the pressure-receiving member 240 by air cell fixing devices 245. More specifically, the lower part of the lumbar air cell 13 and the pelvic air cell 14 are fixed to the pressure-receiving member 240 so that they overlap each other in the front-to-back direction. The air cell fixing device 245 consists of a screw hole formed in the pressure-receiving member 240 and a screw inserted through the screw hole. The lumbar air cell 13 and the pelvic air cell 14 are connected to tubes 246 for supplying compressed air from a valve unit 21.

[0082] As shown in Figure 16, the control unit 30 is positioned above the lumbar air cell 13. In other words, the control unit 30 is positioned on the pressure receiving member 240 so as not to overlap with the air cell 11 in the front-to-back direction. This makes it possible to suppress the enlargement of components located behind the occupant's back in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, even when the air cell 11 is inflated, the occupant can sit in the vehicle seat S without feeling any discomfort in their back.

[0083] <Fourth Embodiment> In the embodiments described above, the control unit 30 and the valve unit 21 were described as being attached to the pressure receiving member 140, but the invention is not limited to this. The control unit 30 and the valve unit 21 may also be attached to the back frame 300. Figure 17 is a rearward perspective view of the back frame 300 of a vehicle seat S according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, the back frame 300 is constructed in a frame shape by left and right side frames 310 extending in the vertical direction, an upper frame 320 connecting the upper and lower ends of the side frames 310, and a lower frame (not shown).

[0084] The side frame 310 is made of a metal plate and is divided into two parts vertically. Specifically, the side frame 310 is composed of a first side frame piece 311 located above and a second side frame piece 312 located below, which are partially overlapped.

[0085] The upper frame 320 is made of a metal plate, and both ends in the seat width direction are welded to the upper ends of the first side frame pieces 311. The upper frame 320 is bent into a roughly U-shape when viewed from the side. More specifically, as shown in Figure 18, which is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 17, the upper frame 320 has an upper wall portion 321, a lower wall portion 322 facing the upper wall portion 321, and a front wall portion 323 connecting the upper wall portion 321 and the lower wall portion 322.

[0086] Upper reinforcing portion 321b and lower reinforcing portion 322b are formed on the upper wall portion 321 and the lower wall portion 322, respectively. The upper reinforcing portion 321b is formed by partially recessing the upper wall portion 321. Similarly, the lower reinforcing portion 322b is formed by partially recessing the lower wall portion 322. The number and arrangement of the upper reinforcing portions 321b and lower reinforcing portions 322b are not limited to those shown in Figure 17. The upper reinforcing portion 321b may be formed at the front end of the upper wall portion 321, at the boundary between the upper wall portion 321 and the front wall portion 323. Similarly, the lower reinforcing portion 322b may be formed at the front end of the lower wall portion 322, at the boundary between the lower wall portion 322 and the front wall portion 323. As shown in Figure 18, an upwardly curved portion 321c is formed at the rear end of the upper wall portion 321. Furthermore, a downwardly curved portion 322c is formed at the rear end of the lower wall portion 322.

[0087] The front wall portion 323 has a central portion 323a which is a flat surface. The central portion 323a, the upper wall portion 321, and the lower wall portion 322 form a housing area for housing the control unit 30. In other words, the control unit 30 is attached to the upper frame 320 in the center in the seat width direction, surrounded from three directions by the upper wall portion 321, the lower wall portion 322, and the front wall portion 323. This prevents the control unit 30 from interfering with other members and prevents the back frame 300 from becoming larger by attaching the control unit 30 to the upper frame 320. Note that other electrical components, such as a valve unit 21, may be arranged in the housing area described above.

[0088] <Variation> In the fourth embodiment described above, the control unit 30 was described as being attached to the rear side of the front wall portion 323, but it is not limited to this. The control unit 30 may also be attached to the front side of the lower wall portion 322. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 17, showing the control unit 30 attached to the lower bent portion 322c of the lower wall portion 322. In other words, the control unit 30 is attached to the upper frame 320 surrounded from three directions by the lower bent portion 322c of the lower wall portion 322. This makes it possible to suppress interference between the control unit 30 and other members, as in the fourth embodiment described above, and also makes it possible to suppress an increase in the size of the back frame 300 by attaching the control unit 30.

[0089] <Second variation> Furthermore, although the control unit 30 was described as being mounted on the upper frame 320 in the fourth embodiment described above, it is not limited to this. The control unit 30 may also be mounted on the side frame 310. Figure 20 shows the control unit 30 attached to the second side frame piece 312. As shown in Figure 20, the control unit 30 is attached to the second side frame piece 312 of the right side frame 310. On the other hand, the airbag module AM ​​is attached to the second side frame piece 312 of the left side frame 310. In other words, the control unit 30 is attached to the side frame 310 that does not have the airbag module AM ​​attached. This makes it possible to attach the control unit 30 to the side frame 310 without interference between the control unit 30 and the airbag module AM. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the control unit 30 from affecting the operation of the airbag module AM ​​when the airbag module AM ​​is activated.

[0090] Here, the mounting position of the control unit 30 will be described in more detail. The second side frame piece 312 has a recessed portion 312a at approximately the center position in the vertical direction to improve the rigidity of the second side frame piece 312, and a flat portion 312b below the recessed portion 312a that connects to the reclining device. The control unit 30 is mounted on the flat portion 312b. By mounting the control unit 30 on the flat portion 312b, the mounting strength can be improved. <Third variation> As a third variation, the control unit 30 may be mounted so as to be housed in the recess of the uneven portion 312a formed on the second side frame piece 312. Figure 21 shows the control unit 30 attached to the protruding portion 312a of the second side frame piece 312. By attaching the control unit 30 to the side frame 310, it is possible to suppress interference between the control unit 30 and other members. In addition, since the protruding portion 312a has improved rigidity compared to the flat portion 312b, it is possible to improve the seismic resistance and impact resistance of the control unit 30.

[0091] In the embodiments described above, formulas (1) and (2) were explained as being linear first-order polynomials, but are not limited to this. The lumber curve value may also be calculated using a formula consisting of a second-order or third-order polynomial.

[0092] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment was explained as having an air cell 11 built into the vehicle seat S, it is not limited to this. Any movable body built into the vehicle seat S that can stimulate the muscles of the occupant by being displaced is acceptable, and it may also include an elastic body equipped with a drive member such as an actuator.

[0093] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the posture improvement support device 10 was described with the example of its configuration being implemented in a vehicle, but it is not limited to this. The posture improvement support device 10 can also be implemented in seats mounted on other ground-based vehicles with wheels, such as trains, or on aircraft and ships that move above ground. In addition, the posture improvement support device 10 may be implemented in chairs used in offices or ordinary homes. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] S Vehicle Seat P pad material T Skin material BN1 Spine BN2 Pelvis MT mobile terminal AM Airbag Module 1 seat cushion 2 seatbacks 3 Headrests 4 slide rails 10 Posture improvement support device 11. Air cell (movable part) 12 Shoulder air cells 12R Right shoulder air cell 12L left shoulder air cell 13 Lumbar Air Cells 13U 1st waist air cell 13D Second Lumbar Air Cell 14 Pelvic Air Cells 15. Pressure Sensor 16. Shoulder pressure sensor 16R Right Shoulder Pressure Sensor 16L Left Shoulder Pressure Sensor 17. Lumbar pressure sensor 17U First lumbar pressure sensor 17D Second lumbar pressure sensor 18 Pelvic pressure sensor 20 Air supply pump 21 Valve Unit 30 Control Units 31 Signal acquisition unit (acquisition unit) 32 LC calculation section (calculation section) 33 Posture determination unit (determination unit) 34. Air cell control unit (movable body control unit) 35. Settings Reception Department 36 Output control unit 40 Posture display screen 41 Posture display area 42 Schematic diagram of human body 43 Posture specific display 44. Lumber curve value display 45 Posture improvement support information 46 Graph display area 47. Time series graph 48 History display area 49 Daily History Information 50 Massage execution screen 51 Massage position display area 52 Schematic diagram of kneading 53 Massage supplementary information 54 Massage status display area 56 Mode selection button 57 Display Switching Button 100 Backframe 110 Side Frame 111 Side frame plate 120 Upper Frame 121 Horizontal part 122 Vertical section 123 Pillar support section 130 Lower Frame 140 Pressure-receiving member 141 Pressure-receiving section 141A Central recess 141B Right recess 141C Left recess 142 Support part 143 Connecting wire 143A Upper connecting wire 143B Lower connecting wire 144 Bead section 144A First bead section 144B Second bead section 144C Third bead section 145 Engaging claws 200 Backframe 210 Side Frame 220 Upper Frame 240 Pressure-receiving member 243 Connecting wire 243A Upper connecting wire 243B Lower connecting wire 244 Engaging claws 245 Air cell fixing device 246 Tubes 300 Backframe 310 Side Frame 311 First side frame piece 312 Second side frame piece 312a Uneven part 312b Flat part 320 Upper Frame 321 Upper wall section 321a Upper through hole 321b Upper reinforcement part 321c upper bend 322 Lower wall part 322a Lower through hole 322b Lower reinforcement part 322c lower bend 323 Front wall 323a central part 324 Pillar Guide 324a support hole 325 Headrest Pillar

Claims

1. A control unit that determines the posture of a person sitting in a chair and controls the unit to output the determination result to a display device, An acquisition unit that acquires pressure signals output by pressure sensors provided on each of the multiple movable parts built into the chair, A calculation unit calculates a lumbar curve value, which is an index related to the posture of the seated person, by inputting the plurality of pressure signals acquired by the acquisition unit into a predetermined calculation formula. A determination unit determines the posture of the seated person based on the lumbar curve value calculated by the calculation unit, The system includes an output control unit that controls the output of a diagram of the human body corresponding to the determination result of the determination unit to the display device, The movable body control unit controls the displacement of the movable body, The calculation unit calculates the amount of change in the lumber curve value, which is the statistical amount of change in the calculated lumber curve value. The determination unit determines the level of lower back pain of the seated person based on the amount of change in the lumbar curve value calculated by the calculation unit. The movable body control unit is characterized by controlling the movable body to periodically displace based on the determination result of the lower back pain level by the determination unit.

2. The determination unit determines, based on the lumbar curve value, whether the seated person's posture is at least a hunched posture, a standard posture, or an arched back posture. The control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the output control unit controls the display device to output, along with the schematic diagram of the human body, characters indicating whether the seated person's posture is the hunched posture, the standard posture, or the arched back posture.

3. The control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the output control unit controls the display device to output a time-series graph showing the change in the lumber curve value over time.

4. The control unit has a setting reception unit that receives input of setting values ​​related to the physique of the seated person, The control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the calculation unit calculates the lumber curve value by inputting the pressure signal and the set value into the predetermined calculation formula.

5. A control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A posture improvement support device comprising: a chair incorporating a plurality of movable bodies on which the pressure sensors are provided;

6. A control method that determines the posture of a person sitting in a chair and controls the system to output the determination result to a display device, Computers An acquisition step of acquiring pressure signals output by pressure sensors provided on each of the multiple movable parts built into the chair, A calculation step which involves inputting a plurality of pressure signals acquired in the acquisition step into a predetermined calculation formula to calculate a lumbar curve value which is an index related to the posture of the seated person, A determination step to determine the posture of the seated person based on the lumbar curve value calculated in the calculation step, The following steps are performed: an output control step that controls the output of a diagram of the human body corresponding to the determination result of the determination step to the display device; A variation calculation step for calculating the lumber curve value variation, which is the statistical variation of the lumber curve value calculated in the calculation step, A lumbar pain level determination step, which determines the lumbar pain level of the seated person based on the lumbar curve value fluctuation amount calculated in the fluctuation amount calculation step, A control method characterized by further performing a movable body displacement step, which controls the movable body to displace periodically based on the result of determining the lower back pain level in the lower back pain level determination step.

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