Chair and control method thereof

Abstract

This chair comprises: a seat part; a backrest part which is rotatably coupled to the top of the seat part; a leg part which is rotatably coupled to the bottom of the seat part; a drive part which rotates the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part; a plurality of pressure sensors which sense a first pressure applied to the seat part and a second pressure applied to the backrest part; and a controller which controls rotations of the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part on the basis of the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure.

Description

Chairs and how to control them

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a chair and a method for controlling the chair.

[0002] Chairs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing people to sit or lie down comfortably. Recently, chairs have been designed with adjustable backrests (supporting the back), seat angles (supporting the buttocks), and leg angles (supporting the legs), allowing people to sit or lie down comfortably.

[0003] The present disclosure can provide a chair that allows a user to sit or lie down in a comfortable posture by manipulating a leg portion, a seat portion, and a backrest portion to fit the user's body shape based on pressure measured by a seated user.

[0004] A chair according to the invention may include a seat portion; a backrest portion rotatably coupled to an upper portion of the seat portion; leg portions rotatably coupled to a lower portion of the seat portion; a driving portion that rotates the seat portion, the backrest portion, and the leg portions; a plurality of pressure sensors that detect a first pressure applied to the seat portion and a second pressure applied to the backrest portion; and a control portion that controls rotation of the seat portion, the backrest portion, and the leg portion based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure.

[0005] A method for controlling a chair according to the invention may include: a step of measuring a first pressure applied to a seat portion; a step of measuring a second pressure applied to a backrest portion; and a step of controlling rotation of the seat portion, the backrest portion, and the leg portion based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure.

[0006] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a chair is provided that allows a user to sit or lie down in a comfortable posture by manipulating a leg portion, a seat portion, and a backrest portion to fit the user's body shape by pressure measured by a seated user.

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a chair is provided that operates a leg section, a seat section, and a backrest section based on user body type information input by the user to operate the chair in a manner suitable for the user's body type, thereby allowing the user to sit or lie down in a comfortable position.

[0008] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a side view of a chair according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of communication between a chair and an external device according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 is a control block diagram of a chair according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for controlling a driving unit based on pressure according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of controlling a driving unit to rotate at least one of a leg portion, a seat portion, and a backrest portion based on pressure.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart for selecting a pressure distribution mode and controlling a driving unit based on pressure, according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 illustrates an example of selecting a pressure distribution mode and controlling a driving unit based on pressure.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for controlling a driving unit based on user body shape information and pressure, according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 illustrates an example of controlling a driving unit based on user body shape information and pressure.

[0019] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification at the time of filing of this application.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosed invention.

[0021] For example, in this specification, a singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0023] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0024] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0025] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0026] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0027] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0028] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0029] Additionally, terms such as "~part", "~device", "~block", "~absence", and "~module" may refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation. For example, the terms may refer to at least one hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) / ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one software stored in a memory, or at least one process processed by a processor.

[0030] Below, display devices according to various embodiments are specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair according to one embodiment.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a chair (1) may include a leg portion (10), a seat portion (20), a backrest portion (30), a support portion (41), a side support portion (42), an arm support portion (43) and / or a user interface (100).

[0033] The leg section (10) can support the user's legs by placing the user's lower part below the knees. The seat section (20) can be combined with the leg section (10) to support the user's buttocks. The backrest section (30) can be combined with the seat section (20) to support the user's back.

[0034] The support member (41) can be combined with other components so that the chair (1) can be placed on the floor. For example, the support member (41) can be combined with a side support member (42) so that the chair (1) can be placed stably on the floor.

[0035] The side support (42) can be provided to allow the chair (1) to be stably placed on the floor by being connected to both sides of the support (41), and can be helpful in terms of appearance by making the electrical components under the chair (1) not easily visible from the outside.

[0036] The arm support (43) can be combined with the side support (42) to support the user's arms. For example, the arm support (43) can be combined with a pair of side support (42) to support both arms of the user.

[0037] The arm support (43) can include a device that outputs specific light, such as an LED, and can output specific light when the user uses the chair (1).

[0038] The arm support (43) may include at least one of a chamber (44) capable of accommodating a user interface (100) and a user interface (100).

[0039] The chamber (44) can be opened or closed by moving the cover provided on the arm support (43).

[0040] A user interface (100) is provided in the chamber (44), and a user can take out the user interface (100) from the chamber (44).

[0041] The location where the user interface (100) is provided is not limited thereto, and may be coupled to various locations of the chair (1). For example, the user interface (100) may be provided on the side support (42) or on the lower part of the seat (20).

[0042] The user interface (100) can acquire user input. The user interface (100) can provide various information regarding the operation of the chair (1). A detailed description thereof will be provided below.

[0043] Figure 2 is a side view of a chair according to one embodiment.

[0044] Referring to Fig. 2, the chair (1) can be positioned on the XZ plane, and the +X direction can be referred to as the front, and the -X direction can be referred to as the rear. The +Z direction can be referred to as the upward direction, and the -Z direction can be referred to as the downward direction.

[0045] In addition, referring to FIG. 2, the chair (1) may include a driving unit (50), and the driving unit (50) may include a first lifter (51), a second lifter (52), and a third lifter (53).

[0046] The first lifter (51) may include a first motor (510) and a first slider (511). The first motor (510) may transmit power to the first slider (511), and the first slider (511) may perform linear movement by the transmitted power.

[0047] In one embodiment, the first lifter (51) can be coupled with the seat portion (20) to rotate the seat portion (20). For example, when the first slider (511) moves upward via the first motor (510), the seat portion (20) can rotate upward relative to the backrest portion (30). In addition, when the first slider (511) moves upward, the leg portion (10) coupled with the seat portion (20) can move upward relative to the backrest portion (30).

[0048] The second lifter (52) may include a second motor (520) and a second slider (521). The second motor (520) may transmit power to the second slider (521), and the second slider (521) may perform linear movement by the transmitted power.

[0049] In one embodiment, the second lifter (52) can be coupled with the leg portion (10) to rotate the leg portion (10). For example, when the second slider (521) moves forward via the second motor (520), the leg portion (10) can rotate upward relative to the seat portion (20). Additionally, when the second slider (521) moves backward, the leg portion (10) can move downward relative to the seat portion (20).

[0050] The third lifter (53) may include a third motor (530) and a third slider (531). The third motor (530) may transmit power to the third slider (531), and the third slider (531) may perform linear movement by the transmitted power.

[0051] In one embodiment, the third lifter (53) can be coupled with the drive link (60) to rotate the backrest portion (30). For example, when the third slider (531) moves forward via the third motor (530), the backrest portion (30) can rotate downward with respect to the seat portion (20) via the drive link (60). Additionally, when the third slider (531) moves backward via the third motor (530), the backrest portion (30) can rotate upward via the drive link (60).

[0052] The leg part (10) may include a leg part frame (11) forming the skeleton of the leg part (10) and a leg part cover (12) covering the leg part frame (11).

[0053] The seat part (20) may include a seat part frame (21) forming the skeleton of the seat part (20) and a seat part cover (22) covering the seat part frame (21).

[0054] The seat frame (21) is combined with the backrest frame (31) and can rotate based on the backrest (30).

[0055] The backrest part (30) may include a backrest part frame (31) forming the skeleton of the backrest part (30) and a backrest part cover (32) covering the backrest part frame (31).

[0056] By rotating the backrest portion (30) from the seat portion (20), the chair (1) can be transformed into a chair or bed shape. The user can rotate the backrest portion (30) while sitting on the seat portion (20) to lie down in a flat bed shape and rest.

[0057] At least one of the leg cover (12), seat cover (22) and backrest cover (32) may be made of leather or fabric that can come into contact with the user's skin.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of communication between a chair and an external device according to one embodiment.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, the server (2) can establish communication with the chair (1) and / or the user device (3).

[0060] These servers (2) can be implemented as various computing devices such as workstations, clouds, data drives, data stations, etc. The servers (2) can be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on functions, detailed configuration of functions, or data, etc., and can transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0061] The server (2) can perform functions such as managing user accounts, registering chairs (1) by linking them to user accounts, and managing or controlling registered chairs (1). For example, a user can access the server (2) via a user device (3) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user.

[0062] The user device (3) can establish communication with the chair (1) and / or the server (2).

[0063] The user device (3) can be carried by the user. The user device (3) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc.

[0064] The user device (3) can store a program, i.e., an application, for controlling the chair (1). The application may be sold installed on the user device (3) or downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0065] A user can access the server (2) by executing an application installed on the user device (3), create a user account, and register a chair (1) by communicating with the server (2) based on the logged-in user account.

[0066] For example, if the chair (1) is operated so that the chair (1) can be connected to the server (2) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (3), the chair (1) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the chair (1) in the corresponding user account on the server (2).

[0067] A user can control a chair (1) using an application installed on a user device (3). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application installed on the user device (3), a chair (1) registered to the user account appears, and when a control command for the chair (1) is input, the control command can be transmitted to the chair (1) via the server (2).

[0068] A network can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0069] A network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not use an access point (AP). Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), Z-Wave, etc.

[0070] An access point (AP) can connect a chair (1) or a user device (3) to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (2) is connected. The chair (1) or the user device (3) can be connected to the server (2) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0071] The access point (AP) can communicate with the chair (1) or user device (3) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] According to various embodiments, the chair (1) may be directly connected to a user device (3) or a server (2) without going through an access point (AP).

[0073] The chair (1) can be connected to a user device (3) or a server (2) via a long-range wireless network or a short-range wireless network.

[0074] For example, the chair (1) can be connected to the user device (3) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

[0075] As another example, the chair (1) may be connected to a user device (3) or a server (2) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-distance wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0076] As another example, the chair (1) can be connected to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication and connected to a user device (3) or a server (2) through the wide area network (WAN).

[0077] If the chair (1) can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, it can also function as an access relay. Accordingly, the chair (1) can be connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (2) is connected.

[0078] The chair (1) can transmit information about its operation or status to the user device (3) or server (2) via a network. For example, the chair (1) can transmit information about its operation or status to the user device (3) or server (2) when a request is received from the server (2), when a specific event occurs in the chair (1), or periodically or in real time.

[0079] When information about the operation or status is received from the chair (1), the server (2) can update the stored information about the operation or status of the chair (1) and transmit the updated information about the operation and status of the chair (1) to the user device (3) via the network. Here, the update of information can include various operations that change existing information, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information or an operation of replacing existing information with new information.

[0080] The chair (1) can obtain various information from the user device (3) or the server (2) and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the chair (1) can obtain information related to the function of the chair (1) (e.g., user status information and posture information, etc.) and information on various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the server (2) and output the obtained information through the user interface.

[0081] The chair (1) can operate according to a control command received from a user device (3) or a server (2). For example, if the chair (1) has obtained prior approval from the user so that it can operate according to a control command from the server (2) even without user input, the chair (1) can operate according to a control command received from the server (2). Here, the control command received from the server (2) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the user device (3) or a control command based on a preset condition.

[0082] The user device (3) can transmit information about the user to the chair (1) or the server (2). The user device (3) can transmit information about the user to the server (2) with the user's prior consent.

[0083] The chair (1), user device (3), or server (2) may determine control commands using technologies such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server (2) may receive information regarding the operation or status of the chair (1) or information regarding the user of the user device (3), process the information using technologies such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processing result or control command to the chair (1) based on the processing result.

[0084] Figure 4 is a control block diagram of a chair according to one embodiment.

[0085] In one embodiment, the chair (1) may include at least one of a user interface (100), a communication unit (200), a sensor unit (300), a control unit (400), and a driving unit (50).

[0086] The user interface (100) may include at least one input interface (101) and at least one output interface (102).

[0087] At least one input interface (101) can convert input information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0088] At least one input interface (101) may include a power button, an operation button, a chair operation mode selection dial (or a chair operation mode selection button), and a user body type information input dial (or a user body type information input dial).

[0089] At least one input interface (101) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0090] At least one output interface (102) can transmit various data related to the movement of the chair (1) to the user.

[0091] For example, at least one output interface (102) may transmit information to the user regarding the chair (1) operating time, whether communication is performed with the server (2) and / or the user device (3).

[0092] Information regarding the movement of the chair (1) can be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface (102) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0093] The communication unit (200) can communicate with an external device via wires and / or wirelessly. The communication unit (200) can include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0094] The communication unit (200) can transmit data to a server (2), a user device (3) and / or a home appliance (e.g., a bed, a TV, etc.), or receive data from the server (2), a user device (3) and / or a home appliance (e.g., a bed, a TV, etc.).

[0095] The communication unit (200) can receive user body shape information data from the server (2) and / or the user device (3).

[0096] The communication unit (200) can receive a chair operation mode selection signal from the server (2) and / or the user device (3).

[0097] The sensor unit (300) may include sensors for collecting data (e.g., a first sensor (301) and / or a second sensor (302)). Each sensor unit (300) may collect user data and transmit the collected data to the control unit (400).

[0098] In one embodiment, the data collected by the sensor unit (300) may include a first pressure applied to the seat unit (20) and a second pressure applied to the backrest unit (30).

[0099] In one embodiment, the first sensor (301) and / or the second sensor (302) may include a Force Sensitive Resistor Sensor (FSR) that measures pressure by a variable resistance value, a Piezoelectric sensor that generates an electrical signal corresponding to a displacement caused by pressure, etc.

[0100] For convenience of explanation, the first sensor (301) and the second sensor (302) are defined as pressure sensors below.

[0101] The control unit (400) may include at least one processor (401) and at least one memory (402) to perform the operations described above and the operations described below.

[0102] The control unit (400) may include at least one memory (402) that stores data in the form of an algorithm and / or a program for controlling the operations of components (e.g., a user interface (100), a communication unit (200), a sensor unit (300), and a driving unit (50)) within the chair (1), and at least one processor (401) that performs the operations described above and the operations described below using the data stored in the at least one memory (402). The memory (402) and the processor (401) may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor (401) may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory (402) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory (402) and the processor (401) may also be implemented as a single chip.

[0103] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) based on pressure data received from the sensor unit (300).

[0104] For example, the processor (401) can control the driving unit (50) to rotate at least one of the leg unit (10), the seat unit (20), and the backrest unit (30) based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure received from the sensor unit (300).

[0105] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) based on a user input signal received from the user interface (100).

[0106] For example, the driving unit (50) can be controlled to rotate at least one of the leg unit (10), the seat unit (20), and the backrest unit (30) based on the user body shape information received from the user interface (100).

[0107] As another example, the processor (401) may control the driving unit (50) to rotate at least one of the leg unit (10), the seat unit (20), and the backrest unit (30) based on a chair operation mode (e.g., basic mode, viewing mode, pressure distribution mode) selection signal received from the user interface (100).

[0108] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) based on a signal for selecting a chair operation mode received from the communication unit (200).

[0109] For example, the processor (401) can control the driving unit (50) to rotate at least one of the leg unit (10), the seat unit (20), and the backrest unit (30) based on a signal for selecting a chair operation mode received from the communication unit (200).

[0110] For another example, the processor (401) can control the driving unit (50) to rotate at least one of the leg unit (10), the seat unit (20), and the backrest unit (30) based on the user's body shape information received from the communication unit (200).

[0111] In one embodiment, the memory (402) can store the respective reference positions of the leg portion (10), seat portion (20), and backrest portion (30) according to body type information. A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0112] The memory (136) may be implemented as at least one of a non-volatile memory element such as a cache, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable ROM), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and a flash memory, a volatile memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), or a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a CD-ROM, but is not limited thereto.

[0113] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for controlling a driving unit based on pressure according to one embodiment.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 5, the first sensor (301) can detect a first pressure, and the second sensor (302) can detect a second pressure (1000).

[0115] The first pressure may refer to the pressure applied to the seat portion (20), and the second pressure may refer to the pressure applied to the backrest portion (30). The first pressure includes the pressure value detected by the first pressure sensor, and the second pressure includes the pressure value detected by the second pressure sensor. The first pressure and the second pressure may refer to pressures measured at the same time.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 6, the first sensor (301) may be provided in the seat portion (20). For example, the first sensor (301) may be provided in the seat portion frame (21), in the seat portion cover (22), or between the seat portion frame (21) and the seat portion cover (22).

[0117] The second sensor (302) may be provided in the backrest portion (30). For example, the second sensor (301) may be provided in the backrest portion frame (31), in the backrest portion cover (32), or between the backrest portion frame (31) and the backrest portion cover (32).

[0118] The first sensor (301) and the second sensor (302) can be provided in various forms so as to measure the pressure applied to the seat portion (20) and the backrest portion (30).

[0119] Referring again to FIG. 5, the chair (1) can control the rotation of the leg portion (10), the seat portion (20), and the backrest portion (30) based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure.

[0120] A large difference between the first and second pressures may cause the user's body weight to be applied to the lower body, which may increase or decrease the user's fatigue while sitting on the chair (1). Therefore, at least one of the leg portion (10), the seat portion (20), and the backrest portion (30) may be rotated until the difference between the first and second pressures is minimized, thereby allowing the user to sit or be seated in a comfortable posture.

[0121] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) to rotate at least one of the seat unit (20), the backrest unit (30), and the leg unit (10) based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value (1100) (1200).

[0122] For example, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) to rotate the leg unit (10) upward relative to the seat unit (20) based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

[0123] The fact that the leg part (10) rotates downward with respect to the seat part (20) may mean that it rotates downward with respect to the first rotation axis (X1), and the fact that the leg part (10) rotates upward with respect to the seat part (20) may mean that it rotates upward with respect to the first rotation axis (X1).

[0124] As another example, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) to rotate the seat unit (20) downward or upward with respect to the backrest unit (30) based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

[0125] The seat part (20) rotating downward with respect to the backrest part (30) may mean rotating downward with respect to the second rotation axis (X2), and the seat part (20) rotating upward with respect to the backrest part (30) may mean rotating upward with respect to the second rotation axis (X2).

[0126] As another example, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) to rotate the backrest unit (30) downward or upward with respect to the seat unit (20) based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

[0127] The fact that the backrest part (30) rotates downward with respect to the seat part (20) may mean that it rotates downward with respect to the third rotation axis (X3), and the fact that the backrest part (30) rotates upward with respect to the seat part (20) may mean that it rotates upward with respect to the third rotation axis (X3).

[0128] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) to rotate the backrest unit (30) downward and at least one of the seat unit (20) and the leg unit (10) upward based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

[0129] For example, the control unit (400) may control the driving unit (50) so that the leg portion (10) rotates upward with respect to the seat portion (20), the seat portion (20) rotates upward with respect to the backrest portion (30), and the backrest portion (30) rotates downward with respect to the seat portion (20), since a large difference between the first pressure and the second pressure may mean that the user's body load is applied to the lower body. Thus, the control unit (400) may induce the user to sit or lie down in a comfortable position.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) to prevent the seat unit (20), the backrest unit (30), and the leg unit (10) from rotating based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure being less than or equal to a reference value (1100) (1300).

[0131] For example, if the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is less than a reference value, the control unit (400) determines that the user is seated in a comfortable posture, and can control the driving unit (50) so that the seat unit (20), backrest unit (30), and leg unit (10) do not rotate.

[0132] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart for selecting a pressure distribution mode and controlling a driving unit based on pressure, according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 illustrates an example for selecting a pressure distribution mode and controlling a driving unit based on pressure.

[0133] The chair (1) can control the driving unit (50) to move the seat portion (20), backrest portion (30), and leg portion (10) to each reference position based on the user's selection of the body pressure distribution mode.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) to move at least one of the leg unit (10), the seat unit (20), and the backrest unit (30) to each reference position based on the user's selection of the body pressure distribution mode (83).

[0135] For example, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) to move the leg unit (10) to the leg unit reference position (A1) based on the user's selection of the body pressure distribution mode (83).

[0136] As another example, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) to move the seat unit (20) to the seat unit reference position (B1) based on the user's selection of the body pressure distribution mode (83).

[0137] As another example, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) to move the backrest unit (30) to the backrest unit reference position (C1) based on the user's selection of the body pressure distribution mode (83).

[0138] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) by receiving a signal for selecting a pressure distribution mode (83) received from the server (2) and / or the user device (3) from the communication unit (200).

[0139] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) by receiving a signal for selecting a pressure distribution mode (83) received from the input interface (101).

[0140] In one embodiment, the reference position (A1) of the leg portion (10), the reference position (B1) of the seat portion (20), and the reference position (C1) of the backrest portion (30) may be determined differently based on the operating mode of the chair (1).

[0141] For example, in the basic mode (81) or viewing mode (82), the reference position of the leg section (10) and the reference position of the seat section (20) may be positioned lower than each reference position (A1 and B1) based on the selection of the body pressure distribution mode (83), and the reference position of the backrest section (30) may be positioned higher than the reference position (C1) based on the selection of the body pressure distribution mode (83).

[0142] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) can control the drive unit (50) based on a reference position based on the selection of the pressure distribution mode stored in the memory (402).

[0143] For example, the memory (402) may store a reference position (A1) of the leg portion (10) and a reference position (B1) of the seat portion (20) for making the leg portion (10) and the seat portion (20) form a certain angle (e.g., 125 degrees to 145 degrees), and may store a reference position (C1) of the backrest portion (30) for making the backrest portion (30) and the seat portion (20) form a certain angle (e.g., 100 degrees to 150 degrees), and the processor (401) may control the driving unit (50) to move the leg portion (10), the seat portion (20), and the backrest portion (30) based on each of the reference positions (A1, B1, and C1) stored in the memory (402).

[0144] Referring to FIG. 7, the chair (1) controls the driving unit (50) so that the seat part (20), the backrest part (30), and the leg part (10) move to their respective reference positions based on the user's selection of the body pressure distribution mode, and controls the driving unit (50) so that at least one of the seat part (20), the backrest part (30), and the leg part (10) rotates based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding the reference value (2200) (2300).

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, in one embodiment, the control unit (400) controls the driving unit (50) to move the seat part (20), the backrest part (30), and the leg part (10) to their respective reference positions based on the user's selection of the body pressure distribution mode (83), and then controls the driving unit (50) to rotate at least one of the seat part (20), the backrest part (30), and the leg part (10) based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding the reference value.

[0146] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) controls the driving unit (50) to move the seat unit (20), the backrest unit (30), and the leg unit (10) to their respective reference positions based on the user's selection of the basic mode (81), and then controls the driving unit (50) to rotate at least one of the seat unit (20), the backrest unit (30), and the leg unit (10) based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding the reference value.

[0147] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) controls the driving unit (50) to move the seat unit (20), the backrest unit (30), and the leg unit (10) to their respective reference positions based on the user's selection of the viewing mode (82), and then controls the driving unit (50) to rotate at least one of the seat unit (20), the backrest unit (30), and the leg unit (10) based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding the reference value.

[0148] The body pressure distribution mode (83) may correspond to any chair operation mode that induces the user to sit or lie down comfortably, such as a rest mode, a sleep mode, or a zero-gravity mode.

[0149] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an actuator based on user body shape information and pressure, according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of controlling an actuator based on user body shape information and pressure.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 9, the chair (1) can control the driving unit (50) so that the seat unit (20), the backrest unit (30), and the leg unit (10) move to a reference position corresponding to the user's body type information based on the user's body type information and the reference positions of the seat unit (20), the backrest unit (30), and the leg unit (10) according to the body type information (3000).

[0151] In one embodiment, the memory (402) can store the reference positions of the seat portion (20), backrest portion (30), and leg portion (10) according to body type information.

[0152] For example, body type information may include weight, height, gender, age, body fat percentage, muscle mass, obesity, waist circumference, etc., and the memory (402) may store reference positions of the seat (20), backrest (30), and leg (10) according to the body type information.

[0153] In one embodiment, the communication unit (200) can receive information on the reference positions of the seat unit (20), backrest unit (30), and leg unit (10) according to body type information from the server (2) and / or user device (3).

[0154] In one embodiment, the communication unit (200) can receive user body shape information from the server (2) and / or the user device (3).

[0155] Referring to FIG. 10, for example, the communication unit (200) can receive user body type information corresponding to the user's body type information (e.g., height (91), weight (92), gender (93), obesity (94)) entered into an application downloaded from the server (2).

[0156] For another example, the communication unit (200) can receive user body shape information from a body shape measurement device (e.g., Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, In-Body body shape measurement analyzer).

[0157] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) to move the seat unit (20), the backrest unit (30), and the leg unit (10) to a reference position corresponding to the user body type information based on the user body type information received by the communication unit (200) and the reference position stored in the memory (402).

[0158] For example, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) to move the leg unit (10), the seat unit (20), and the backrest unit (30) to the reference position (A2) of the leg unit (10), the reference position (B2) of the seat unit (20), and the reference position (C2) of the backrest unit (30) corresponding to the user's body type information received by the communication unit (200) among the reference positions of the leg unit (10), the seat unit (20), and the backrest unit (30) according to the body type information stored in the memory (402).

[0159] In one embodiment, the reference positions (A1, B1 and C1) of the leg portion (10), the seat portion (20) and the backrest portion (30) based on the user's selection of the body pressure distribution mode (83) may be different from the reference positions (A2, B2 and C2) corresponding to the user's body shape information.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 9, the chair (1) controls the driving unit (50) so that the seat (20), backrest (30), and leg (10) according to the user's body type information and body type information move to a reference position corresponding to the user's body type information, and can control the driving unit (50) so that at least one of the seat (20), backrest (30), and leg (10) rotates based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value (3200).

[0161] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 10, in one embodiment, the control unit (400) controls the driving unit (50) so that the seat unit (20), the backrest unit (30), and the leg unit (10) according to the user body type information and the body type information move to the reference positions (A2, B2, and C2) corresponding to the user body type information, and then controls the driving unit (50) so that at least one of the seat unit (20), the backrest unit (30), and the leg unit (10) rotates based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding the reference value.

[0162] For example, the control unit (400) controls the driving unit (50) so that the seat unit (20), the backrest unit (30), and the leg unit (10) move to reference positions (A2, B2, and C2) corresponding to the user body type information and the body type information, and then, based on the difference between the first pressure detected by the first sensor (301) and the second pressure detected by the second sensor (302) exceeding the reference value, the control unit (400) can control the driving unit (50) so that the leg unit (10) rotates upward with respect to the seat unit (20), the seat unit (20) rotates downward with respect to the backrest unit (30), and the backrest unit (30) rotates downward with respect to the seat unit (20).

[0163] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a chair may include: a seat portion; a backrest portion rotatably coupled to an upper portion of the seat portion; leg portions rotatably coupled to a lower portion of the seat portion; a driving portion that rotates the seat portion, the backrest portion, and the leg portions; a plurality of pressure sensors that detect a first pressure applied to the seat portion and a second pressure applied to the backrest portion; and a control portion that controls rotation of the seat portion, the backrest portion, and the leg portion based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure.

[0164] The control unit can control the driving unit to rotate at least one of the seat unit, the backrest unit, and the leg unit based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

[0165] The control unit can control the driving unit so that the backrest portion rotates downward and at least one of the seat portion and the leg portion rotates upward based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

[0166] The control unit can control the driving unit so that the seat unit, the backrest unit, and the leg unit do not rotate based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure being less than or equal to a reference value.

[0167] The control unit may control the driving unit to move the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part to each reference position based on the user's selection of the body pressure distribution mode, and may control the driving unit to rotate at least one of the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

[0168] The control unit can control the driving unit so that the seat unit, the backrest unit, and the leg unit maintain their respective reference positions based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure being less than or equal to a reference value.

[0169] It further includes a memory that stores each reference position of the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part according to body type information; and a communication part that receives user body type information from an external device; and the control part can control the driving part so that the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part move to each reference position corresponding to the user body type information based on the received user body type information and the stored reference positions.

[0170] The control unit can control the driving unit to maintain the reference position based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure being less than or equal to the reference value.

[0171] A method for controlling a chair according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a step of measuring a first pressure applied to a seat portion; a step of measuring a second pressure applied to a backrest portion; and a step of controlling rotation of the seat portion, the backrest portion, and the leg portion based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure.

[0172] The step of controlling the rotation of the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure may include controlling the driving part so that at least one of the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part rotates based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

[0173] Controlling the driving unit so that at least one of the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part rotates based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value; may include controlling the driving unit so that the backrest part rotates downward and at least one of the seat part and the leg part rotates upward based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

[0174] The step of controlling the rotation of the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure may include controlling the driving part so that the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part do not rotate based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure being less than or equal to a reference value.

[0175] The step of controlling the rotation of the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure may include controlling the driving unit so that the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part move to each reference position based on the user selecting the body pressure distribution mode, and controlling the driving unit so that at least one of the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part rotates based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

[0176] It may further include controlling the driving unit so that the seat unit, the backrest unit, and the leg unit maintain their respective reference positions based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure being less than or equal to a reference value.

[0177] The method may further include storing the reference positions of the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part according to body type information, and receiving user body type information from an external device; and controlling the driving unit to rotate at least one of the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value, including: controlling the driving unit to move the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part to a reference position corresponding to the user body type information based on the received user body type information and the reference positions of the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part according to body type information; and controlling the driving unit to rotate at least one of the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding the reference value.

[0178] It may further include controlling the driving unit to maintain the reference position based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure being less than or equal to the reference value.

[0179] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0180] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0181] Additionally, a computer-readable recording medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0183] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. Sheet part; A backrest part rotatably connected to the upper part of the above seat part; A leg portion rotatably connected to the lower part of the above sheet portion; A driving unit that rotates the seat, backrest and leg sections; A plurality of pressure sensors that detect a first pressure applied to the seat portion and a second pressure applied to the backrest portion; and A chair including a control unit that controls the rotation of the seat, the backrest, and the leg based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A chair that controls the driving unit to rotate at least one of the seat unit, the backrest unit, and the leg unit based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

3. In paragraph 2, The above control unit, A chair that controls the driving unit so that the backrest rotates downward and at least one of the seat and leg portions rotates upward based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

4. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A chair that controls the driving unit so that the seat portion, the backrest portion, and the leg portion do not rotate based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure being less than or equal to a reference value.

5. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, Controlling the driving unit so that the seat part, the backrest part and the leg part move to each reference position based on the user's selection of the body pressure distribution mode, A chair that controls the driving unit to rotate at least one of the seat unit, the backrest unit, and the leg unit based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

6. In paragraph 5, The above control unit, A seat unit that controls the driving unit so that the seat unit, the backrest unit, and the leg unit maintain their respective reference positions based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure being less than or equal to a reference value.

7. In paragraph 2, A memory storing each reference position of the seat part, the backrest part and the leg part according to body type information; and Further comprising a communication unit for receiving user body shape information from an external device; The above control unit Controlling the driving unit so that the seat part, the backrest part and the leg part move to each reference position corresponding to the user body type information based on the received user body type information and each stored reference position, A chair that controls the driving unit to rotate at least one of the seat unit, the backrest unit, and the leg unit based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding the reference value.

8. In paragraph 7, The above control unit, A chair that controls the driving unit to maintain the reference position based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure being less than or equal to the reference value.

9. Step of measuring the first pressure applied to the sheet; A step of measuring a second pressure applied to the backrest; A method for controlling a chair, comprising: a step of controlling the rotation of the seat portion, the backrest portion, and the leg portion based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure.

10. In paragraph 9, A step of controlling the rotation of the seat part, the backrest part and the leg part based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure; A method for controlling a chair, comprising: controlling a driving unit to rotate at least one of the seat unit, the backrest unit, and the leg unit based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

11. In paragraph 10, Controlling the driving unit so that at least one of the seat part, the backrest part and the leg part rotates based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value; A control method for a chair, comprising: controlling the driving unit so that the backrest portion rotates downward and at least one of the seat portion and the leg portion rotates upward based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

12. In paragraph 9, A step of controlling the rotation of the seat part, the backrest part and the leg part based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure; A control method for a chair, comprising: controlling a driving unit so that the seat portion, the backrest portion, and the leg portion do not rotate based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure being less than or equal to a reference value.

13. In paragraph 9, A step of controlling the rotation of the seat part, the backrest part and the leg part based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure; Controlling the driving unit so that the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part move to each reference position based on the user's selection of the body pressure distribution mode, A control method for a chair, comprising: controlling the driving unit to rotate at least one of the seat unit, the backrest unit, and the leg unit based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value.

14. In paragraph 13, A control method for a chair further comprising: controlling the driving unit so that the seat portion, the backrest portion, and the leg portion maintain their respective reference positions based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure being less than or equal to a reference value.

15. In paragraph 10, Store each reference position of the seat part, the backrest part, and the leg part according to body type information, further comprising receiving user body shape information from an external device; Controlling the driving unit so that at least one of the seat part, the backrest part and the leg part rotates based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding a reference value, Controlling the driving unit so that the seat unit, the backrest unit and the leg unit move to each reference position corresponding to the user body type information based on the received user body type information and the respective reference positions of the seat unit, the backrest unit and the leg unit according to the body type information; A method for controlling a chair, comprising: controlling the driving unit to rotate at least one of the seat unit, the backrest unit, and the leg unit based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure exceeding the reference value.

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