Method for controlling foot pressure feedback of smart mat

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling foot pressure feedback of a smart mat comprising: a case formed to have light transmittance, at least the upper surface of the case being made of a soft material; and a substrate provided inside the case, the substrate comprising multiple pressure sensors arranged to detect the user's foot pressure applied from above, multiple light sources arranged to emit multiple colors of light, and a controller for controlling the light sources on the basis of sensing values from the pressure sensors. The method comprises: step (a) in which pressure sensors disposed in a pressurization area having the user's foot pressure applied thereto generate sensing values; and step (b) in which the controller receives sensing values from pressure sensors disposed in the pressurization area, and controls light emission by light sources disposed at least in the pressurization area. In step (b), the controller controls the light sources according to respective colors allocated for multiple preconfigured pressure sections with regard to sensing values from the pressure sensors.

Description

Foot pressure feedback control method of smart mat

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for performing feedback control by foot pressure in a smart mat that can detect the foot pressure of a user to evaluate the user's postural balance and exercise posture.

[0002] It is very important to maintain proper walking and standing posture while maintaining body balance, as incorrect walking and standing habits can have negative effects on various body parts such as the shoulders, back, spine, and feet.

[0003] However, people with poor walking and standing habits, such as the elderly and those with lower extremity muscle weakness, as well as those with lower extremity injuries, have unstable walking and standing postures, and their weight is concentrated on specific areas such as the heels when they touch the ground or stand.

[0004] In such cases, not only is it detrimental to one's physical health, but it can also lead to high-risk accidents such as falls, so correction of walking and standing posture is essential.

[0005] In the past, a method of analyzing a subject's walking posture and standing posture was used using various posture analysis devices or posture analysis systems.

[0006] However, most of these posture analysis devices and systems have complex structures and high construction costs, making them cumbersome to manufacture and use. In addition, the analysis results are provided only in the form of various data, making it difficult for users to intuitively confirm them.

[0007] Although some simpler and more portable posture analysis devices have been designed and distributed to solve this problem, they all have the common problem of making it difficult for users to intuitively judge the results of their posture analysis.

[0008] For example, in the past, during posture or balance training, evaluators often gave feedback verbally and abstractly about how the subject shifted their center of gravity or applied force. In addition, since training was performed using traditional tools, the effectiveness was often low.

[0009] Therefore, a method to solve these problems is required.

[0010] The present invention is an invention devised to solve the problems of the above-described prior art, and provides a smart mat that can evaluate the postural balance state based on foot pressure by detecting the pressure applied to the foot-stepping area when walking and exercising, and thereby presents a reasonable method for performing feedback control based on foot pressure, thereby enabling the user to more intuitively recognize the postural balance state.

[0011] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a smart mat as a communication tool that can serve as an intermediary to enable smooth communication between an evaluator, such as a trainer or rehabilitation therapist, and a subject, such as a patient or fitness customer.

[0012] To this end, the present invention aims to provide various training feedback, diagnosis, and evaluation using foot pressure data acquired through intuitive biofeedback using a visually confirmable light source.

[0013] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a foot pressure feedback control method for a smart mat, comprising a case having at least an upper surface made of a soft material and formed to have light transmittance, a plurality of pressure sensors provided inside the case and arranged to detect foot pressure of a user applied from above, a plurality of light sources arranged to emit light of a plurality of colors, and a control unit for controlling the light sources based on the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors, the method comprising: a step (a) in which pressure sensors arranged in a pressure area to which foot pressure of a user is applied generate sensing values; and a step (b) in which the control unit receives the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors arranged in the pressure area and controls the light emission of at least the light sources arranged in the pressure area, wherein the step (b) comprises: the control unit controls the light emission of the light sources according to colors assigned to each of a plurality of pressure sections preset for the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors.

[0015] At this time, the plurality of pressure sections can be determined by either a relative section setting method in which the pressure is relatively determined within the range of the maximum and minimum sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors arranged in the pressurized area, or an absolute section setting method in which the pressure is absolutely determined by a fixed value set in steps.

[0016] And in the above step (b), the control unit can control the light source to emit light based on a feedback mode set at the time of receiving the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors among a plurality of preset feedback modes.

[0017] Here, the feedback mode may include a uniform expansion control feedback mode that controls light sources arranged in a uniform expansion area extending outward from the entire perimeter of the pressurized area together with light sources arranged in the pressurized area, and a non-uniform expansion control feedback mode that controls light sources arranged in a non-uniform expansion area extending outward from a light source corresponding to a specific pressure section within the pressurized area together with light sources arranged in the pressurized area.

[0018] And when the feedback mode is set to the equal expansion control feedback mode, the step (b) may include a step (b1-1) in which the control unit receives sensing values ​​of pressure sensors arranged in the pressurized area, a step (b1-2) in which the control unit determines which pressure section among a plurality of preset pressure sections each of the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors received in the step (b1-1) corresponds to and determines a light-emitting color, a step (b1-3) in which the control unit specifies pressure sensors located at the boundary of the pressurized area, a step (b1-4) in which the control unit sets an equal expansion section extended outward from the pressure sensors located at the boundary of the pressurized area, a step (b1-5) in which the control unit determines the light-emitting color of the pressure sensors arranged in the equal expansion section based on the light-emitting color of the pressure sensors located at the boundary of the pressurized area, and a step (b1-6) in which the control unit controls the light-emitting of the pressure sensors arranged in the pressurized area and the equal expansion section.

[0019] In addition, when the feedback mode is set to the non-uniform expansion control feedback mode, the step (b) comprises: a step (b2-1) in which the control unit receives the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors arranged in the pressurized area; a step (b2-2) in which the control unit determines which pressure section among the plurality of preset pressure sections each of the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors received in the step (b2-1) corresponds to, and determines a light-emitting color; a step (b2-3) in which the control unit sets an area in which pressure sensors corresponding to a specific preset pressure section among the plurality of pressure sections are distributed as a selection section; a step (b2-4) in which the control unit specifies pressure sensors located at the boundary of the selection section; a step (b2-5) in which the control unit sets a non-uniform expansion section extended outward from the pressure sensors located at the boundary of the selection section; a step (b2-6) in which the control unit determines the light-emitting color of the pressure sensors arranged in the equal expansion section based on the light-emitting color of the pressure sensors located at the boundary of the selection section; and a step (b2-7) in which the control unit determines the light-emitting color of the pressure sensors located at the boundary of the selection section. It may include a step (b2-7) of controlling the light emission of pressure sensors arranged in the pressurized area and the non-uniform expansion area.

[0020] Meanwhile, the control unit is configured to be capable of wireless communication with any user terminal, and can be configured to control the light source according to a control command transmitted by control software installed in the user terminal.

[0021] In such a case, the present invention may include a step (ex1) in which the user terminal transmits a control command to the control unit through the control software to display a guide pattern of a preset shape on the smart mat using the light sources, and a step (ex2) in which the control unit controls the light emission of light sources arranged in a guide area corresponding to the guide pattern on the smart mat according to the control command.

[0022] At this time, when step (a) is performed while the light sources arranged in the guide area by step (ex2) are emitting light, step (b) can control the light sources to emit light based on the guide mode set at the time when the control unit receives the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors among a plurality of preset guide modes.

[0023] In addition, the guide mode may include a fixed guide mode in which the light emission states of the light sources arranged in the guide area are fixed and the light emission control according to the step (b) is performed only for the remaining light sources, and a variable guide mode in which the light emission control according to the step (b) is performed only for the light sources arranged in the guide area for which the light emission control according to the step (b) is to be performed, and only the light emission states of the remaining light sources are fixed.

[0024] The present invention's method for controlling foot pressure feedback of a smart mat to solve the above-mentioned problem presents a reasonable foot pressure feedback control scheme for a smart mat including a case and a substrate provided therein.

[0025] Specifically, the control unit of the present invention receives sensing values ​​generated from pressure sensors placed in a pressure area where the user's foot pressure is applied, and controls the light sources to emit light corresponding to colors assigned to each of a plurality of preset pressure sections, thereby immediately visually displaying the state of postural balance, allowing the user to intuitively recognize this and correct the posture, thereby having the advantage of effectively learning the correct walking posture and exercise posture.

[0026] In particular, the present invention allows the control unit to control the light sources to emit light in various ways based on various user-friendly modes, so that the user can perform posture correction by setting a feedback method suitable for him / herself.

[0027] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the appearance of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the structure of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the use of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the entire process of a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing various types of modes in a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a detailed process of step (b) performed in an equal expansion control mode in a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are drawings exemplarily showing the light emission form of a light source fed back in the uniform expansion control mode in a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a detailed process of step (b) performed in a non-uniform expansion control mode in a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are drawings exemplarily showing the light emission form of a light source fed back in a non-uniform expansion control mode in a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an additional process for displaying a guide pattern in a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIGS. 13 to 15 are drawings exemplarily showing the light emission form of a light source for displaying a guide pattern in a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] In this specification, when it is said that a component (or region, layer, portion, etc.) is “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another component, it means that it can be directly disposed / connected / coupled to the other component, or a third component may be disposed between them.

[0040] Identical drawing numbers indicate identical components. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thicknesses, proportions, and dimensions of components are exaggerated for the purpose of effectively illustrating the technical content.

[0041] “And / or” includes any combination of one or more of the associated constructs that can be defined.

[0042] While terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a "first component." Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0043] Additionally, terms such as "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" are used to describe the relationships between components depicted in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant technical context, and unless interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, they are explicitly defined herein.

[0045] Terms such as "include" or "have" should be understood to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0046] Hereinafter, a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described, and a foot pressure feedback control method performed through the same will be described.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the appearance of a smart mat (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the structure of a smart mat (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a smart mat (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a multi-layer structure for evaluating and training a user's postural balance, and may include a case (110, 120) and a substrate (130).

[0049] The case (110, 120) is formed so that at least the upper surface is made of a soft material and has light transmission properties, and a space in which a substrate (130) can be accommodated is formed on the inside of the case (110, 120).

[0050] In this embodiment, the case (110, 120) is formed to have a structure in which the upper case (110) and the lower case (120) are connected to each other, and in particular, the upper case (110) includes a light-transmitting layer (111) made of a soft material.

[0051] The substrate (130) is provided in the space between the upper case (110) and the lower case (120), and may include a plurality of pressure sensors (131), a plurality of light sources (132), and a control unit (not shown).

[0052] The pressure sensor (131) is arranged in a preset pattern to detect the user's foot pressure applied from the upper part of the upper case (110).

[0053] A pressure sensor (131) like this may have any structure and method as long as it can detect pressure applied from above. For example, a surface FSR (Force Sensing Resistor) may be applied as the pressure sensor (131).

[0054] And the light source (132) is arranged in a preset pattern at each position corresponding to the pressure sensor (131) to irradiate light of multiple colors.

[0055] Such a light source (132) may have any structure and method as long as it can irradiate light of different colors according to the size of the sensing value detected by the sensor (131). For example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) may be applied as the light source (132).

[0056] The control unit is provided to control the light source (132) based on the sensing value of the pressure sensor (131).

[0057] Since a control unit such as this can perform operation control of a light source (132) based on a signal from a pressure sensor (131), any conventional structure and method may be used, a detailed description of the control unit is omitted.

[0058] In addition to the above components, the smart mat (100) of the present embodiment may further include a first buffer member (140) provided between the upper case (110) and the substrate (130), and a second buffer member (150) provided between the lower case (120) and the substrate (130).

[0059] The first buffer member (140) and the second buffer member (150) can be formed of a buffering material capable of absorbing external impact, and this is to prevent the substrate (130) from being damaged by pressure from above.

[0060] At this time, a through hole can be formed in the first buffer member (140) at each position corresponding to a plurality of pressure sensors (131) and a plurality of light sources (132), and accordingly, light irradiated from each light source (132) placed on the substrate (130) can pass through the through hole and the light-transmitting layer (111) and be transmitted to the outside.

[0061] The first buffer member (140) and the second buffer member (150) may be any type of conventional material capable of alleviating shock transmitted from the outside, and for example, silicone or rubber may be used.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the use of a smart mat (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a user who wants to evaluate or train his / her postural balance can step on the upper part of a smart mat (100) and walk, and accordingly, pressure is detected by a pressure sensor (131) located in an area where pressure is applied, and a light source (132) is caused to emit light of a specific color by a control unit.

[0064] Therefore, the user can perform objective postural balance evaluation and training by checking the color of light irradiated from such a light source (132).

[0065] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a connector (133) protruding by a predetermined length may be formed on one side of the substrate (130) of the smart mat (100), which is a configuration for electrically connecting a plurality of smart mats (100) to each other.

[0066] That is, the user can adjust the walking distance by connecting multiple smart mats (100) in series to each other as shown in Fig. 3.

[0067] To this end, a connection groove into which a connector (133) of another smart mat (100) is inserted can be formed on the other side of the substrate (130), and a terminal that can be electrically connected to the terminal formed on the connector (133) can be placed within the connection groove.

[0068] In addition, the connector (133) and the connection groove can be formed to be magnetically coupled to each other, but the coupling method of the connector (133) and the connection groove is not limited thereto, and various coupling methods can be applied.

[0069] Hereinafter, a method for controlling foot pressure feedback of a smart mat (100) as described above will be described in detail. In addition, in the following description, the drawing symbols shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be applied as is.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the entire process of a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention includes steps (a) and (b).

[0072] First, step (a) is a process in which pressure sensors (131) placed in a pressure area where the user's foot pressure is applied generate sensing values.

[0073] That is, when a user steps on the upper part of the smart mat (100), foot pressure is applied to the area where the user's foot comes into contact, and the pressure sensors (131) placed in the pressure area where foot pressure is applied generate sensing values ​​according to the pressure of the corresponding area.

[0074] And step (b) is a process in which the control unit receives sensing values ​​of pressure sensors (131) placed in the pressurized area and controls the light emission of at least light sources (132) placed in the pressurized area.

[0075] That is, the control unit receives each sensing value generated from the pressure sensors (131) placed in the pressurized area, and controls the light source (132) corresponding to the position of the pressure sensor (131) where the sensing value was generated.

[0076] At this time, step (b) has the characteristic that the control unit controls the light sources (132) to emit light according to the colors assigned to each of the plurality of pressure sections set in advance for the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensor (131).

[0077] That is, the sensing value generated by the pressure sensor (131) can be divided into multiple pressure sections according to specific criteria, and a different light emission color of the light source (132) is assigned to each pressure section.

[0078] In addition, such multiple pressure sections can be determined by either a relative section setting method in which the pressure is relatively determined within the range of the maximum and minimum sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors (131) arranged in the pressurized area, or an absolute section setting method in which the pressure is absolutely determined by a fixed value set in steps.

[0079] In other words, the relative interval setting method is a method of setting the pressure interval only for pressure sensors (131) that generate sensing values, and the absolute interval setting method is a method of setting the pressure interval based on an absolute value regardless of whether sensing values ​​are generated.

[0080] In addition, in step (b) of this embodiment, the control unit can control the light source (132) to emit light based on a feedback mode set at the time of receiving the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors (131) among a plurality of preset feedback modes.

[0081] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing various types of modes in a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the feedback mode in this embodiment may include an equal expansion control feedback mode and an unequal expansion control feedback mode.

[0083] Additionally, this embodiment may further apply a guide mode that operates separately from the feedback mode, which will be described later.

[0084] The uniform expansion control feedback mode is a feedback mode that controls the light sources (132) placed in the pressurized area together with the light sources (132) placed in the uniform expansion area that extends outward from the entire perimeter of the pressurized area.

[0085] In addition, the non-uniform expansion control feedback mode is a feedback mode that controls the light sources (132) placed in the pressurized area together with the light sources (132) placed in the non-uniform expansion area extended outward from the light source (132) corresponding to a specific pressure section within the pressurized area.

[0086] Below, each of these feedback modes is explained in detail with specific examples.

[0087] In the various examples described below, the multiple pressure ranges are divided into a total of three pressure ranges, and the green-yellow-red emission colors correspond to the ranges where the sensing values ​​increase from low to high. This is set solely for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not limited by the examples.

[0088] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a detailed process of step (b) performed in an equal expansion control mode in a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] And FIGS. 7 and 8 are drawings exemplarily showing the light emission form of a light source (132) fed back in the equal expansion control mode in a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the feedback mode in this embodiment is set to the equal expansion control feedback mode, step (b) may include steps (b1-1) to (b1-6) in detail.

[0091] Step (b1-1) is a process in which the control unit receives sensing values ​​from pressure sensors (132) placed in the pressurized area (R1).

[0092] Step (b1-2) is a process in which the control unit determines which pressure range among the multiple preset pressure ranges corresponds to each sensing value of the pressure sensors (132) received in step (b1-1) and determines the light emission color.

[0093] That is, in step (b1-2), the light emission color of the pressure sensors (132) placed in the pressurized area (R1) is determined.

[0094] Step (b1-3) is a process in which the control unit specifies pressure sensors (132) located at the boundary of the pressurized area (R1), and step (b1-4) is a process in which the control unit sets an evenly expanded area (R2) extended outward from the pressure sensors (132) located at the boundary of the pressurized area (R1).

[0095] That is, in the uniform expansion control feedback mode, a uniform expansion area (R2) is set that extends outward from the entire perimeter of the pressurized area (R1).

[0096] Step (b1-5) is a process in which the control unit determines the light emission color of the pressure sensors (132) positioned in the uniform expansion area (R2) based on the light emission color of the pressure sensors (132) positioned in the boundary of the pressurized area (R1).

[0097] In the present embodiment, each of the pressure sensors (132) positioned in the uniform expansion area (R2) is set to emit the same light emission color as the light emission color of the pressure sensor (132) positioned most adjacently among the pressure sensors (132) positioned at the boundary of the pressurized area (R1).

[0098] However, the light emission color of the pressure sensor (132) placed in the uniform expansion area (R2) is not necessarily set as in the present embodiment and may be determined according to various setting criteria.

[0099] Step (b1-6) is a process in which the control unit controls the light emission of pressure sensors (132) placed in the pressurized area (R1) and the uniformly expanded area (R2).

[0100] That is, in this process, the control unit controls the light emission of each pressure sensor (131) to correspond to the light emission color determined in the aforementioned steps (b1-2) and (b1-5).

[0101] Looking at the examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 according to the above process, FIG. 7 shows a case where uniform foot pressure is applied throughout, and FIG. 8 shows a case where relatively strong foot pressure is applied to the heel area.

[0102] That is, when the user steps on the smart mat (100), a uniform pressure is applied to the entire area, and the light source (132) placed in the pressure area (R1) is controlled to emit green light overall.

[0103] And since all light sources (132) located at the boundary of the pressurized area (R1) are controlled to emit green light, all light sources (132) located at the equal expansion area (R2) set outside the pressurized area (R1) can also be controlled to emit green light.

[0104] Also, in the case of Fig. 8, when the user steps on the smart mat (100), stronger pressure is applied to the heel portion, so the light source (132) positioned at the rear of the pressure area (R1) is controlled to emit red light, and the light source (132) positioned at the front is controlled to emit green light. Also, in the example, there is a section where intermediate pressure is applied between the front and rear of the pressure area (R1), so the light source (132) in that section is controlled to emit yellow light.

[0105] Accordingly, the light sources (132) placed in the uniformly expanded area (R2) set outside the pressurized area (R1) can be controlled to emit the same color as the light source (132) closest to the light source (132) among the light sources (132) located at the boundary of the pressurized area (R1).

[0106] Next, FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a detailed process of step (b) performed in a non-uniform expansion control mode in a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] And FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are drawings exemplarily showing the light emission form of a light source (132) fed back in a non-uniform expansion control mode in a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] As illustrated in Fig. 9, when the feedback mode in this embodiment is set to the non-uniform expansion control feedback mode, step (b) may include steps (b2-1) to (b2-7) in detail.

[0109] Step (b2-1) is a process in which the control unit receives sensing values ​​from pressure sensors (132) placed in the pressurized area (R1).

[0110] Step (b2-2) is a process in which the control unit determines which pressure range among the multiple preset pressure ranges corresponds to each of the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors (132) received in step (b2-1) and determines the light emission color.

[0111] That is, in step (b2-2), the light emission color of the pressure sensors (132) placed in the pressurized area (R1) is determined.

[0112] Step (b2-3) is a process in which the control unit sets the area where pressure sensors (132) corresponding to a specific pressure section set among multiple pressure sections as a selection area (R3).

[0113] In this step, the control unit selects a pressure section to be visually emphasized among multiple pressure sections, and arbitrarily sets the area where the pressure sensors (131) corresponding to the pressure section are distributed as a selection area (R3).

[0114] Step (b2-4) is a process in which the control unit specifies pressure sensors (132) located at the boundary of the selection area (R3), and step (b2-5) is a process in which the control unit sets an uneven expansion area (R4) extended outward from the pressure sensors (132) located at the boundary of the selection area (R3).

[0115] That is, in the non-uniform expansion control feedback mode, a non-uniform expansion area (R4) is set that extends outward from the entire perimeter of the selection area (R3).

[0116] Step (b2-6) is a process in which the control unit determines the light emission color of the pressure sensors (132) positioned in the non-uniform expansion area (R4) based on the light emission color of the pressure sensors (132) positioned in the boundary of the selection area (R33).

[0117] In the present embodiment, each of the pressure sensors (132) positioned in the non-uniform expansion area (R4) is set to emit the same light emission color as the light emission color of the pressure sensor (132) positioned most adjacently among the pressure sensors (132) positioned at the boundary of the selection area (R3).

[0118] And, in order to further emphasize the effect, the non-uniform expansion region (R4) can be set to have a range that is more outwardly spread than the aforementioned uniform expansion region (R2).

[0119] However, the light emission color and diffusion range of the pressure sensor (132) placed in the non-uniform expansion area (R4) are not necessarily set as in the present embodiment and may be determined according to various setting criteria.

[0120] Step (b2-7) is a process in which the control unit controls the light emission of pressure sensors (132) placed in the pressurized area (R1) and the non-uniform expansion area (R4).

[0121] That is, in this process, the control unit controls the light emission of each pressure sensor (131) to correspond to the light emission color determined in the aforementioned steps (b2-2) and (b2-6).

[0122] Looking at the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 according to the above process, FIG. 10 shows a case where uniform foot pressure is applied throughout, and FIG. 11 shows a case where relatively strong foot pressure is applied to the heel area.

[0123] That is, when the user steps on the smart mat (100), a uniform pressure is applied to the entire area, and the light source (132) placed in the pressurized area (R1) is controlled to emit green light overall.

[0124] And in this way, when a uniform pressure is applied to the entire pressurized area (R1), a separate selection area (R3) is not temporarily set, and therefore, the non-uniform expansion area (R4) is also not set, so that only the light sources (132) of the pressurized area (R1) can be controlled to emit light.

[0125] In addition, in the case of Fig. 11, when the user steps on the smart mat (100), stronger pressure is applied to the heel portion, so the light source (132) positioned at the rear of the pressure area (R1) is controlled to emit red light, and the light source (132) positioned at the front is controlled to emit green light. In addition, in the example, there is a section where intermediate pressure is applied between the front and rear of the pressure area (R1), so the light source (132) in the section is controlled to emit yellow light.

[0126] And in such a case, the area where the light sources (132) controlled to emit red light are placed and the area where the light sources (132) controlled to emit yellow light are placed can each be set as separate selection areas (R3).

[0127] Accordingly, the light sources (132) positioned in the non-uniform expansion area (R4) set outside the selection area (R3) can be controlled to emit light with the same color as the light source (132) closest to the light source (132) positioned at the boundary of the selection area (R3).

[0128] Above, each feedback mode and its specific examples have been described, and below, the process of displaying a guide pattern on a smart mat (100) separately from steps (a) and (b) will be described.

[0129] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an additional process for displaying a guide pattern in a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] And FIGS. 13 to 15 are drawings showing exemplary light emission forms of a light source (132) for displaying a guide pattern in a foot pressure feedback control method of a smart mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the present embodiment may further include steps (ex1) and (ex2) for displaying a guide pattern.

[0132] (ex1) Step is a process in which the user terminal (10) transmits a control command to the control unit through control software to display a guide pattern of a preset shape on the smart mat (100) using light sources (132).

[0133] And step (ex2) is a process in which the control unit controls the light emission of light sources (132) placed in a guide area corresponding to a guide pattern on a smart mat (100) according to a control command.

[0134] For this purpose, the control unit can be connected to a user terminal (10) so as to enable wireless communication, and control software programmed to control the control unit can be installed in the user terminal (10).

[0135] At this time, the user terminal (10) means any type of computing device that can be used by a trainee or inspector, such as a mobile terminal, personal computer, or server.

[0136] And the guide pattern refers to a pattern formed by a light source (132) on a smart mat (100) to help a trainee performing balance training, rehabilitation training, sports training, etc. understand the training, and this can be set by control software installed in the user terminal (10).

[0137] For example, FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate guide patterns preset in the control software of the user terminal (10). FIG. 13 illustrates a guide pattern for performing a COP training evaluation, and FIG. 14 illustrates a guide pattern for performing a rehabilitation training evaluation.

[0138] And Fig. 15 illustrates an example in which the control unit controls the light sources (132) to emit light according to a guide pattern arbitrarily input by the owner of the user terminal (10) through the user terminal (10). In this way, the guide pattern may be arbitrarily input through the user terminal (10).

[0139] Referring again to FIG. 5 at this time, as described above, the present embodiment may further apply a guide mode that operates separately from the feedback mode.

[0140] Accordingly, when the above-described step (a) is performed while the light sources (132) arranged in the guide area by step (ex2) are emitting light, step (b) can control the light sources (132) to emit light based on the guide mode set at the time when the control unit receives the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors (131) among the plurality of preset guide modes.

[0141] And in this embodiment, the guide mode may include a fixed guide mode and a variable guide mode.

[0142] The fixed guide mode is a mode in which the light emission status of the light sources (132) placed in the guide area is fixed, and light emission control according to step (b) is performed only for the remaining light sources (132).

[0143] That is, in the fixed guide mode, the light source (132) placed in the guide area emits light to display the guide pattern regardless of the sensing value of the pressure sensor (131).

[0144] In addition, the variable guide mode is a mode in which, among the light sources placed in the guide area, light emission control is performed by step (b) for light sources (132) that must be controlled by step (b), and only the light emission state of the remaining light sources (132) is fixed.

[0145] That is, in the case of variable guide mode, among the light sources (132) placed in the guide area, the light source (132) corresponding to the pressure sensor (131) that generated the sensing value by step (a) stops displaying the guide pattern and can be controlled to emit light by the control unit by step (b).

[0146] As described above, the present invention has the advantage that the control unit receives sensing values ​​generated from pressure sensors (131) placed in a pressure area where the user's foot pressure is applied and controls the light sources (132) to emit light corresponding to colors assigned to each of a plurality of preset pressure sections, thereby immediately visually displaying the state of postural balance, allowing the user to intuitively recognize it and correct the posture, thereby effectively learning the correct walking posture and exercise posture.

[0147] Meanwhile, in another embodiment of the present invention, the smart mat (100) may further include height sensors arranged in a layer on the lower side than the pressure sensor (131) for detecting the user's foot pressure.

[0148] The height sensor is provided to map the curvature of the floor surface that the smart mat (100) comes into contact with, and a plurality of such sensors may be arranged over the entire area of ​​the smart mat (100).

[0149] Each height sensor generates a sensing value containing height information and transmits this to the control unit. The control unit then maps the curvature of the floor surface using the sensing values ​​of the height sensors to determine the location and height of the unevenness formed on the floor surface.

[0150] The reason for mapping the curvature of the floor surface in this way is that when foot pressure is applied to the upper part of the smart mat (100), an error may occur in the sensing value depending on the curvature of the floor. For example, a sensing value higher than the actual user's foot pressure may occur in a protruding part of the floor surface, and a sensing value lower than the actual user's foot pressure may occur in a concave part of the floor surface.

[0151] Accordingly, in another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit maps the curvature of the floor surface through the sensing values ​​sensed by the height sensors, and corrects the sensing values ​​generated by the pressure sensors (131) positioned at positions corresponding to the protrusions and depressions of the floor surface, thereby further increasing the accuracy of the results.

[0152] To this end, the control unit can store a compensation value to be compensated for in the sensing value of the pressure sensor (131) according to the sensing value according to the height of the height sensor, and accordingly, a corresponding compensation value can be calculated to correct the sensing value of the pressure sensor (131).

[0153] As described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms, in addition to the embodiments described above, without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the above description, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A case formed with at least the upper surface made of a soft material and having light transmittance; and A substrate including a plurality of pressure sensors arranged to detect the user's foot pressure applied from above and provided inside the case, a plurality of light sources arranged to radiate light of multiple colors, and a control unit that controls the light sources based on the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors; In a method for controlling foot pressure feedback of a smart mat including: (a) step in which pressure sensors placed in a pressure area where the user's foot pressure is applied generate sensing values; and (b) step in which the control unit receives sensing values ​​of pressure sensors arranged in the pressurized area and controls the light emission of at least light sources arranged in the pressurized area; Including, Step (b) above, The above control unit controls the light sources to emit light according to the colors assigned to each of the plurality of preset pressure sections based on the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensor. A method for controlling foot pressure feedback of a smart mat.

2. In paragraph 1, The above multiple pressure sections are: A relative interval setting method that is relatively determined within the range of the maximum and minimum sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors arranged in the above pressurized area; or Absolute interval setting method that is absolutely determined by a fixed value set in steps; Determined by either of the following, A method for controlling foot pressure feedback of a smart mat.

3. In paragraph 1, Step (b) above, The control unit controls the light source to emit light based on a feedback mode set at the time of receiving the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors among a plurality of preset feedback modes. A method for controlling foot pressure feedback of a smart mat.

4. In paragraph 3, The above feedback mode is, A uniform expansion control feedback mode that controls light sources arranged in a uniform expansion area extending outward from the entire perimeter of the pressurized area together with light sources arranged in the pressurized area; and A non-uniform expansion control feedback mode that controls light sources arranged in a non-uniform expansion area extending outward from a light source corresponding to a specific pressure section within the pressurized area, together with light sources arranged in the pressurized area; Including, A method for controlling foot pressure feedback of a smart mat.

5. In paragraph 4, When the above feedback mode is set to the above equal expansion control feedback mode, Step (b) above, (b1-1) step in which the above control unit receives sensing values ​​of pressure sensors placed in the pressurized area; (b1-2) step in which the control unit determines which of the pressure ranges among the preset pressure ranges corresponds to each of the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors received in the (b1-1) step and determines the light-emitting color; (b1-3) step of specifying pressure sensors located at the boundary of the pressurized area by the above control unit; (b1-4) step in which the control unit sets a uniform expansion area extending outward from the pressure sensors located at the boundary of the pressurized area; (b1-5) step in which the control unit determines the light-emitting color of the pressure sensors arranged in the uniformly expanded area based on the light-emitting color of the pressure sensors located at the boundary of the pressurized area; and (b1-6) step in which the control unit controls the light emission of pressure sensors arranged in the pressurized area and the uniformly expanded area; Including, A method for controlling foot pressure feedback of a smart mat.

6. In paragraph 4, When the above feedback mode is set to the above unequal expansion control feedback mode, Step (b) above, (b2-1) step in which the above control unit receives sensing values ​​of pressure sensors placed in the pressurized area; (b2-2) step in which the control unit determines which of the multiple pressure ranges set by determining which sensing value of the pressure sensors received in the (b2-1) step corresponds to which pressure range among the preset pressure ranges and determines the light-emitting color; (b2-3) step in which the control unit sets the area in which pressure sensors corresponding to a preset specific pressure section among the plurality of pressure sections as a selection area; (b2-4) step of specifying pressure sensors located at the boundary of the selection area by the above control unit; (b2-5) step in which the control unit sets an uneven expansion area extending outward from the pressure sensors located at the boundary of the selection area; (b2-6) step in which the control unit determines the light-emitting color of the pressure sensors arranged in the uniformly extended area based on the light-emitting color of the pressure sensors located at the boundary of the selected area; and (b2-7) step in which the control unit controls the light emission of pressure sensors arranged in the pressurized area and the non-uniform expansion area; Including, A method for controlling foot pressure feedback of a smart mat.

7. In paragraph 1, The above control unit is formed to be capable of wireless communication with any user terminal, and is formed to control the light source according to a control command transmitted by control software installed in the user terminal. A method for controlling foot pressure feedback of a smart mat.

8. In paragraph 7, (ex1) step of transmitting a control command to the control unit to display a guide pattern of a preset shape on the smart mat using the light sources through the control software by the user terminal; and (ex2) a step in which the control unit controls the light emission of light sources placed in a guide area corresponding to the guide pattern on the smart mat according to the control command; Including, A method for controlling foot pressure feedback of a smart mat.

9. In paragraph 8, If step (a) is performed while the light sources placed in the guide area by step (ex2) are emitting light, Step (b) above, The control unit controls the light sources to emit light based on the guide mode set at the time of receiving the sensing values ​​of the pressure sensors among a plurality of preset guide modes. A method for controlling foot pressure feedback of a smart mat.

10. In paragraph 9, The above guide mode is, A fixed guide mode in which the light emission status of the light sources placed in the above guide area is fixed and the light emission control according to step (b) is performed only for the remaining light sources; and A variable guide mode in which, among the light sources arranged in the above guide area, light emission control is performed for light sources that must be controlled by the above step (b), and only the light emission state of the remaining light sources is fixed; Including, A method for controlling foot pressure feedback of a smart mat.

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