Exercise tool, information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention enables a user to use an exercise tool properly, and maintain exercise effects over the long term by providing continuous support. An exercise performance detection part 151 of an exercise tool 10 detects, as exercise performance information, information indicating performance of grip exercise with the exercise tool 10 when a user performs the grip exercise. An exercise performance quantification part 152 quantifies the performance for each of one or more parameters, with one index indicating the effect of exercise as a parameter, on the basis of the exercise performance information. An exercise performance providing part 153 provides the user with information based on at least a part of values of the one or more quantified parameters. A predetermined processing execution unit 171 of a server 1 executes predetermined processing by using the at least a part of values of the one or more quantified parameters provided from the exercise tool 10, and provides the execution result to the user.

Description

Exercise equipment, information processing system, information processing method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise tool, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

[0002] Conventionally, grip strength has been measured by grasping a pair of handles held opposite each other and measuring the changing load between the handles using the principle of a spring balance. Regarding grip strength measuring devices, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a configuration in which a grip portion with an enclosed space is formed from a flexible member, and grip strength is measured by grasping this grip portion and measuring the changing pressure in the enclosed space.

[0003] It has been reported that training through grip strength management can lower blood pressure or prevent hypertension. This suggests that grip strength can be used not only to measure grip strength, but also as a tool for training and other exercises that use grip strength as a guide. However, conventional grip strength meters have the problem of not being suitable for such training.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a sound-generating exercise tool for recovering fingertip function, in which a pair of outer shells are formed from a metal plate or synthetic resin material or the like into a bowl shape that is approximately elliptical in plan view, has a bow-shaped cross section, and has a recessed portion, and a hinge portion is provided at the center of the periphery on one side in the direction of the minor axis in plan view, the outer shells are stacked with the recessed portions facing each other, and the hinge portion is rotatably connected with a hinge pin (therefore, the main body has a structure similar to that of a bivalve shell or the musical instrument castanet), one end of a support pole is fixed to the center of the recessed portion of one of the outer shells to make the support pole stand up, and approximately the center of the convex surface of an elastic plate of appropriate length formed into a bow shape is fixed to the other end of the support pole, and one end of the elastic plate is fixed to the inside periphery (recessed portion) of the periphery of the other outer shell, with the outer shells opening to an appropriate size at the periphery opposite the hinge portion.

[0005] By holding this sound-making exercise device for recovering fingertip function in the palm of your hand and repeatedly clenching and loosening it, you can stimulate blood circulation not only in your palm and fingertips but throughout your entire body, helping to alleviate numbness in your hands caused by high blood pressure and promoting the recovery of grip function. Furthermore, every time you clench your hand while using the device, the elastic plate is pressed and deformed, emitting a pleasant sound, allowing you to consciously recognize the sensation of use and use it for long periods of time without getting bored.

[0006] However, the sound-generating fingertip function recovery exercise device described in Patent Document 3 has the problem that it is difficult to adjust the hardness of the elastic plate, and if the elastic plate is too hard and does not deform, it is not possible to perform the clenching exercise, and conversely, if the elastic plate is too soft, it is not possible to perform the appropriate exercise. Also, there is the hassle of having to replace the fixed elastic plate every time adjustment is made.

[0007] Furthermore, there was a problem in that improving high blood pressure required long periods of exercise using this sound-generating fingertip function recovery exercise device.

[0008] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-193537 Japanese Unexamined Utility Model No. 1987-25362 Japanese Unexamined Utility Model No. 6-52824

[0009] However, one characteristic of exercise is that it is only effective if the method is appropriate. Furthermore, since it is difficult for users to determine whether their exercise method is appropriate, support for the user is necessary. Furthermore, isometric exercise is characterized in that it only becomes effective after a certain duration (e.g., four months) has passed, and even after it becomes effective, the effect cannot be maintained unless it is continued. Therefore, the present invention aims to enable users to appropriately use exercise equipment, such as various training methods intended to lower blood pressure through exercise, and to enable users to maintain the effects of exercise over the long term through continued support.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the exercise equipment of the present invention comprises: exercise performance detection means for detecting information indicating the performance of a predetermined isometric exercise as exercise performance information when the user performs the exercise; exercise performance quantification means for quantifying one or more parameters based on the exercise performance information, using one index indicating the effect of the predetermined isometric exercise as a parameter; and user provision means for providing the user with information based on at least a portion of the values ​​of the one or more quantified parameters.

[0011] An information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing system including the exercise equipment according to the embodiment of the present invention described above and an information processing device, wherein the information processing device is equipped with a predetermined processing execution means that executes a predetermined process using at least a portion of the values ​​of the one or more quantified parameters and provides the user with the results of the execution.

[0012] An information processing method and a program according to one aspect of the present invention are respectively a method and a program corresponding to the information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention described above.

[0013] It is possible for users to appropriately use exercise equipment for various trainings intended to lower blood pressure through exercise, and through continuous support, it is possible for users to maintain the effects of exercise for a long period of time.

[0014] 1 shows a sports equipment equipped with a grip detection mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (B) is a plan view, (A) and (C) are side views, and a perspective view showing the sports equipment equipped with the grip detection mechanism of FIG. 1 in use, (A) is a cross-sectional view of the sports equipment equipped with the grip detection mechanism of FIG. 1, (B) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of pressure sensors, a block diagram of the grip detection mechanism of FIG. 1, a flowchart showing the operation of the sports equipment equipped with the grip detection mechanism of FIG. 1 and the processing process by the control unit of the grip detection mechanism, a plan view of the display unit, and a plan view showing how the sports equipment of the present invention is used and how the display unit changes over time during exercise, and (A) and (B) are exploded perspective views of the sports equipment equipped with the grip detection mechanism of FIG. 1, each showing different flashing directions of the display unit. This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system including the sports equipment of FIG. 1. This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server in the information processing system shown in FIG. 9. This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the sports equipment of FIG. 4 and the server of FIG. 10 in the information processing system of FIG. 9. 12 is a diagram showing an image of a training game realized by the exercise equipment and server having the functional configuration of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing various examples of screens that use predetermined processing executed by the server having the functional configuration of FIG. 11 and that also realize communication between users.

[0015] 1 shows an exercise tool 10 equipped with a grip strength detection mechanism 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The exercise tool 10 equipped with the grip strength detection mechanism 1 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape, with a grip portion 2 at the center in the direction of the central axis of the cylinder, and cylindrical end portions 3 and 4 at both ends of the grip portion 2. Here, the grip portion 2 is formed in a barrel shape with the largest diameter at the center, but instead, it may be made to have a constant diameter in the direction of the central axis, or may be formed so that the diameter is smallest at the center, and further, the cross-sectional shape of the outer peripheral side surface along the central axis may be wave-shaped to fit comfortably in the hand.

[0016] The grip force detection mechanism 1 has a switch unit 5 located approximately in the center of the end face of one end portion 4. The switch unit 5 constitutes a power switch operator, allowing the power to be turned on by rotating the switch unit 5 clockwise. The switch unit 5 can also be removed by rotating it counterclockwise, allowing the battery to be replaced. The grip force detection mechanism 1 also has a display unit 7 located on the end face of the other end portion 3. The display unit 7 is a cylindrical, transparent or translucent member with a low peripheral wall and a bottom, and is fitted inside the top cap 16 to cover the wiring board 23 (described later). As shown in FIG. 8 , the display unit 7 has a circular display unit 7A formed in its center, corresponding to the light-emitting diode 8A installed in the center of the wiring board 23. Furthermore, circular and triangular display units 7B-7M corresponding to the light-emitting diodes 8B-8M are formed concentrically around the central display unit 7A at equal angular intervals (approximately 30 degrees) around the central display unit 7A. Here, in the display sections 7B to 7M spaced at regular equal angular intervals, only one of these display sections 7B to 7M, display section 7B, is formed in a triangular shape with its tip positioned on the side of the central display section 7A, and the other display sections 7C to 7M are formed in a circular shape, thereby making it easy to distinguish display section 7B from the other display sections 7C to 7M.

[0017] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shapes of the other display units 7C to 7M are circular, but the shapes of the other display units 7C to 7M are not limited to circular, and they may be other shapes that can be easily distinguished from display unit 7B, such as rectangular.

[0018] The grip strength detection mechanism 1 configured as described above can detect and measure grip strength by grasping and pressing the grip part 2 with the display part 7 facing up so that it can be visually confirmed, as shown in Figure 2, and is further configured so that the grip strength detection results can be used to perform training.

[0019] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in FIG. 1. The grip force detection mechanism 1 includes a cylindrical battery case 11 having flanges 11A, 11A at both ends. A grip portion 12 is formed cylindrically from a flexible material such as silicone resin so that the diameter is greatest at the center. The battery case 11 is axially disposed within the grip portion 12. The end of the grip portion 12 on the side of the terminal end 4 is sealed by being pressed against the flange 11A of the battery case 11 with an end cap 13, which is a cylindrical sealing member located at the terminal end 4, using a screw 14. The end of the grip portion 12 on the side of the terminal end 3 is sealed by being pressed against the flange 11A of the battery case 11 with a top cap 16, which is a cylindrical sealing member located at the terminal end 3, using a screw 17. As a result, the grip force detection mechanism 1 includes a cylindrical, deformable, sealed space 18 formed inside by the battery case 11 and the grip portion 12.

[0020] In the grip force detection mechanism 1, O-rings 19, which are flexible sealing materials made of synthetic rubber, such as silicone resin, are appropriately placed between the flange 11A of the battery case 11 and the top cap 16, between the flange 11A of the battery case 11 and the end cap 13, between the screws 14 and the end cap 13, and between the screws 17 and the top cap 16, to prevent air leakage from the sealed space 18. A through-hole 11B is formed in the flange 11A of the battery case 11 on the end cap 13 side, and a check valve 21, such as an umbrella valve 21, is provided on the sealed space 18 side of this through-hole 11B, thereby preventing sudden inflow and outflow of air in the sealed space 18 and preventing air leakage when the device is left unused for a long period of time (see FIG. 3A). The O-rings 19 and umbrella valves 21 may be omitted if the sealed space 18 can be maintained sufficiently for practical use.

[0021] A wiring board 23 is disposed at the end on the top cap 16 side. Furthermore, battery terminals 25, 26 are provided inside the cylindrical battery case 11 so that the switch unit 5 can be removed to store a dry battery 24, so that the electrode on the switch unit 5 side of the stored dry battery 24 can be connected to the wiring board 23 via the switch unit 5, and so that the electrode of the dry battery 24 on the wiring board 23 side can be connected to the wiring board 23. In this way, the grip force detection mechanism 1 can remove the switch unit 5 to store a dry battery 24, and the dry battery 24 drives the electronic circuit provided on the wiring board 23.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3B , a through-hole 27 is provided in the flange 11A on the wiring board 23 side of the battery case 11, and a pressure sensor 28 is provided on the wiring board 23 to cover this through-hole 27. Here, the pressure sensor 28 is formed so that the end on the flange 11A side extends from the cylindrical outer periphery, and this cylindrical portion is positioned to fit into the through-hole 27, and an O-ring 29 serving as a sealant is disposed between this cylindrical portion and the through-hole 27. In this way, the grip force detection mechanism 1 effectively prevents air leakage and detects the pressure in the sealed space 18 using the pressure sensor 28. Here, the pressure sensor 28 is a so-called semiconductor pressure sensor 28, but a wide variety of pressure sensors can be applied as needed.

[0023] As the pressure sensor 28 used in the present invention, for example, a piezo-resistance type semiconductor pressure sensor that utilizes the piezo-resistance effect is suitable.

[0024] The sensor chip used in the piezo-resistive semiconductor pressure sensor is made by stacking a silicon layer with a downward-facing, roughly concave cross section on a glass base, with a small cavity (this cavity serves as a diaphragm (pressure-receiving part)) etched into it, and forming a piezo-resistive part (strain gauge) on the thin silicon surface that forms the roof of the cavity.

[0025] In the present invention, the piezo-resistive semiconductor pressure sensor is such that when the grip portion 12 is depressed by the user, the volume of the sealed space 18 decreases and the pressure inside the sealed space 18 increases, causing the thin silicon surface on the cavity (diaphragm) to bend, which changes the electrical resistance value of the piezo-resistive portion (strain gauge), and this change is converted into an electrical signal (processed and amplified by an electronic circuit).

[0026] The grip force detection mechanism 1 also includes a drive circuit for driving the pressure sensor 28, a computer-based control circuit for processing the detection results of the pressure sensor 28, and light-emitting diodes 8A to 8M corresponding to the display units 7A to 7M, which are provided on the wiring board 23.

[0027] The grip force detection mechanism 1 has a terminal end 3 formed by fitting a bottomed, cylindrical outer cap 35 made of a transparent or translucent resin material with a high peripheral wall to the outside of the top cap 16 so as to cover the display unit 7, so that the light emitted by the light-emitting diodes 8A to 8M can be seen from the outside via the display unit 7 attached to cover the wiring board 23.

[0028] In this way, both ends of the grip portion 12, which is made of a cylindrical flexible material, are sealed with end caps 13 and top caps 16, which are sealing members, to form a deformable sealed space 18 surrounded by the grip portion 12, and changes in pressure in this sealed space 18 are detected and displayed by a pressure sensor 28 held in the sealing member.

[0029] Furthermore, by using a cylindrical battery case 11 having flanges 11A, 11A at both ends, each end of the grip portion 12 is pressed against the flanges 11A of this battery case 11 to seal it, and by holding the dry batteries 24 inside this battery case 11, the device can be made portable and usable, and the entire device can be made small, lightweight, and portable. Furthermore, by making the entire device cylindrical, it can be made into an excellent shape in terms of design.

[0030] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the grip strength detection mechanism 1. When the power switch in the switch unit 5 is operated, power supply to the grip strength detection mechanism 1 is started, and each unit starts up operation. The control unit 31, which is a computer provided on the wiring board 23, controls the overall operation to detect and measure grip strength, and also switches the display on the display unit 7 so that the user can perform training based on the detection and measurement results, and further drives the signal output unit 32 to generate a signal sound.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing steps involved in the operation of the exercise tool and the control of the control unit 31. When the control unit 31 starts up its operation by supplying power, in step SP2, it first detects and measures the maximum value of the grip strength of the dominant hand (in this embodiment, the right hand is the dominant hand; the same applies below). This detection and measurement process begins by driving the signal output unit 32 to emit a signal sound indicating the start of detection and measurement, and then the pressure sensor 28 repeatedly detects and measures the pressure in the enclosed space 18. Based on the results of this detection and measurement, when the control unit 31 detects an increase in pressure in the enclosed space 18, it determines that the user has tightly gripped the grip unit 2 and has begun measuring the grip strength. Following this determination, the control unit 31 detects the maximum pressure just before the user fully grips the exercise tool and releases their hand, and records this detected pressure as the maximum grip strength of the dominant hand (right hand) involved in the training.

[0032] After detecting and measuring the grip force in this manner, the control unit 31 may display the detection and measurement results on the display unit 7 (step SP3). As shown in FIG. 6 , the control unit 31 uses the differently shaped display unit 7B as a reference among the display units 7B-7M arranged at regular angular intervals. Each time the measurement value increases by a certain value, for example, clockwise from the display unit 7B, the control unit 31 increases the number of illuminated display units. In this embodiment, this certain value is set to 5 kg. If the grip force corresponding to the detected pressure is between 0 kg and 5 kg, only the differently shaped display unit 7B is illuminated. Furthermore, if the detected and measured grip force is between 5 kg and 10 kg, the differently shaped display unit 7B and the adjacent clockwise display unit 7C are illuminated. Furthermore, if the detected and measured grip force is between 10 kg and 15 kg, the differently shaped display unit 7B and the two adjacent clockwise display units 7C and 7D are illuminated. Note that step SP3 above can be omitted as appropriate.

[0033] As a result, the grip force detection mechanism 1 displays the grip force measurement and detection results in a step-by-step display. The display of the grip force measurement and detection results (step SP3) may be performed numerically using a display unit capable of displaying numbers, or may be notified by sound. When the control unit 31 displays the grip force in this manner, it may activate the signal output unit 32 to generate a sound signal to alert the user.

[0034] Next, the control unit 31 waits for a certain interval (e.g., one minute) while displaying the grip strength detection and measurement results, and then starts training with the hand used for grip strength detection and measurement (in this case, the right hand) (step SP4). The control unit 31 then notifies the user of the start of training by driving the signal output unit 32 to generate a signal sound. Note that this interval can be omitted as appropriate, and training may begin immediately without the one-minute interval. The control unit 31 then repeatedly detects and measures grip strength using the pressure sensor 28. The control unit 31 sets a certain percentage of the grip strength detected and measured in step SP2 (i.e., a pressure equal to or less than the maximum grip strength detected and measured in step SP2) as the reference grip strength. By evaluating the detection and measurement results repeatedly obtained using this reference grip strength, the control unit 31 determines whether the continuously detected and measured grip strengths are within a certain range of the reference grip strength and displays the result of this determination (step SP5).

[0035] Here, this reference grip force is set to, for example, approximately 30% of the grip force detected and measured in step SP2. The control unit 31 sets the upper and lower limit pressures within a certain range of the reference grip force, for example, ±5 kg, and sequentially judges based on these upper and lower limit values. Here, as shown in FIG. 7A , if the detection and measurement result is equal to or greater than the upper limit, the control unit 31 displays the central display unit 7A of the display unit 7 in red. On the other hand, if the detection and measurement result is equal to or less than the lower limit, the central display unit 7A is displayed in yellow. Furthermore, if the detection and measurement result is between the upper and lower limits, the central display unit 7A is displayed in blue. Note that the color of the light emitted by the display unit 7A is not limited to the above; for example, it may be blue if the measurement result is equal to or greater than the upper limit, green if the measurement result is between the upper and lower limits, and red if the measurement result is equal to or less than the lower limit, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0036] As a result, the control unit 31 notifies the user of the magnitude of the current grip strength relative to the reference grip strength. The control unit 31 continues this training for a certain period of time (e.g., two minutes), and when this certain period of time has elapsed, the control unit 31 drives the signal output unit 32 to generate a signal sound and notify the user to release their grip on the grip portion (step SP6). When this training period (two minutes) has elapsed, the control unit 31 notifies the user by selectively displaying display units 7B to 7M, which are arranged at regular intervals around the display unit 7A. More specifically, as shown by arrow A in FIG. 7A, for example, the display units 7B to 7M are selectively turned on or off, and the flashing portions are sequentially varied in a clockwise direction, and this selective flashing completes one cycle depending on the training time, thereby notifying the user.

[0037] In addition, in displaying the pressure detection results based on such a reference grip force, instead of the three-level color display of red, blue, and yellow, a different color display may be used, or a color display of four or more levels may be used. Also, the results may be displayed by selectively displaying the display units 7B to 7M arranged circumferentially, or a separate grip force display unit may be provided to display the detected and measured grip force together.

[0038] By switching the display on the display unit 7A based on the reference grip strength, the grip strength detection mechanism 1 allows training to be performed by maintaining the reference grip strength for a certain period of time and then relaxing the finger muscles. This type of training has been reported to be effective in alleviating high blood pressure, as described below. That is, maintaining the reference grip strength for a certain period of time safely forces tension on the muscles used for gripping while effectively avoiding the onset and worsening of diseases related to high blood pressure. Releasing the grip also allows the muscles to rapidly relax, resulting in blood vessel dilation. Repeating this training significantly improves blood vessel elasticity, resulting in the improvement of high blood pressure. Therefore, in this embodiment, training using the grip strength detection mechanism can prevent and even alleviate high blood pressure, and the grip strength detection mechanism can be used for training intended to achieve the above-mentioned effects.

[0039] After the user releases the grip, the control unit 31 waits for a fixed interval (e.g., one minute) (step SP7), signaling the user to release the grip and take a break. During the one-minute interval, for example, the display units 7B-M, which are all lit, may sequentially turn off counterclockwise at fixed intervals, until all display units 7B-M turn off after one minute, informing the user that one minute has passed. After another fixed interval, the control unit 31 starts detecting and measuring the grip force of the non-dominant hand (in this embodiment, the non-dominant hand is the left hand; the same applies below) (step SP8), detects the grip force in the same manner as described above for step SP2, and displays the grip force corresponding to the detected pressure (step SP9).

[0040] It should be noted that steps SP8 and SP9 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0041] Training is then started with the non-dominant hand (step SP10), and a reference grip strength is calculated from the detected and measured grip strength, as in the case of the right hand, and the detected and measured pressure is judged and displayed based on the reference pressure (steps SP11 and SP12). In this case, the display of display units 7C to 7M may be switched counterclockwise to indicate the passage of time, as shown in Figure 7(B) in comparison with Figure 7(A), to allow the user to recognize that training is being done for the left hand.

[0042] When the training is completed after a certain period of time has elapsed, the number of times the training has been repeated is determined. If the number of repetitions is less than two, the process returns to detecting and measuring the grip strength of the right hand after an interval and repeats the series of steps (steps SP13-SP14). If the number of repetitions has already been two, the entire process is terminated (step SP15).

[0043] As described above, steps SP3, SP8, and SP9 can be omitted as appropriate when operating the exercise equipment of the present invention.

[0044] Furthermore, the reference grip strength can be set to a value calculated from the maximum grip strength of the dominant hand initially detected and measured in step SP2, and unified with this value, thereby eliminating the need to detect and measure the maximum grip strength again. In other words, in this case, steps SP8 and SP9, as well as steps SP2, SP8, and SP9 for the second training session after one training session (steps SP1 to SP14) with the dominant hand and non-dominant hand, can be omitted.

[0045] Next, the effects of training using an exercise tool equipped with the grip strength detection mechanism 1 of the present invention will be described.

[0046] The training content is as explained in the first embodiment above, and to briefly explain the operation of the exercise equipment of the present invention, after turning on the main body, the following operations 1 to 4 are performed.

[0047] Operation 1: After gripping the grip portion 12 with full strength, relax your grip and let go. At this time, the pressure in the sealed space 18 at 100% of the user's grip strength is detected. Operation 2: Grip the grip portion 12 again, but this time with approximately 30% of the user's maximum grip strength. Continue gripping for two minutes, maintaining a constant grip strength when the central display unit 7A lights up blue. Note that when the display unit 7A lights up blue while gripping the grip portion 12, it indicates that the user's grip strength is around 30%; when it lights up yellow, it indicates that the grip is weak (the grip strength has not reached around 30%); and when it lights up red, it indicates that the grip is strong (the grip strength exceeds around 30%). Operation 3: After gripping for two minutes with approximately 30% of the maximum grip strength, take a one-minute break. Note that it is important to always take this one-minute break by releasing the grip. Operation 4: Operations 1 to 4 count as one repetition, and repeat this exercise four times (one set) with each hand.

[0048] When using the exercise equipment of the present invention, it is effective to use it at a position lower than the heart. For example, it is more effective to place the exercise equipment of the present invention on your thighs while sitting in a chair and grip the grip portion 12.

[0049] In order to confirm the effects of the above-mentioned training, 10 subjects were asked to use the exercise equipment of the present invention to perform the above-mentioned series of exercises (operations 1 to 4), repeating each set twice with each hand for a total of four times, five days a week for four weeks, and the systolic blood pressure of each subject was measured under the supervision of the Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Nippon Sport Science University.

[0050] Table 1 lists the gender and age of each subject, as well as the systolic blood pressure measurements for each subject at weeks 1 and 4 of the study. For the study, subjects did not change their lifestyle habits, but instead used the exercise equipment of the present invention once a day (8 minutes + 3 minutes), five days a week, for four weeks, as described above. Measurements were then taken at the Exercise Physiology Laboratory at Nippon Sport Science University in weeks 1 and 4. As described above, one set of once a day (8 minutes + 3 minutes) means gripping the exercise equipment of the present invention with 30% grip strength for two minutes, followed by one minute of rest, repeated twice with each palm, a total of four times.

[0051]

[0052] As is clear from Table 1, a decrease in systolic blood pressure was confirmed in all 10 subjects within 4 weeks. A decrease in systolic blood pressure was also confirmed in subjects taking antihypertensive drugs.

[0053] The reason for the drop in systolic blood pressure is still under research, but it is reasonably assumed that gripping the exercise equipment of the present invention for two minutes with about 30% of grip strength causes the arm muscles to compress the blood vessels, slightly reducing blood circulation (blood flow). However, if you relax and rest for the next minute, the muscles suddenly relax, and blood circulation in the blood vessels becomes more active, stimulating the cells inside the blood vessels; this stimulation causes NO (nitric oxide) to be actively secreted from the inner walls of the blood vessels.

[0054] In other words, NO (nitric oxide) is produced by the thin endothelial cells in the inner walls of blood vessels, and it works to widen blood vessels, improve blood circulation, keep blood vessels flexible, and stabilize blood pressure.

[0055] Furthermore, when the function of the thin vascular endothelial cells weakens due to aging, poor lifestyle habits, stress, etc., the secretion of NO (nitric oxide) decreases, which results in an increased tendency for blood pressure to rise. Therefore, it was discovered that by gripping the exercise equipment of the present invention with approximately 30% of the grip strength and alternating between hands while taking breaks, NO is secreted from the blood vessels of both arms and circulates throughout the body, lowering blood pressure.

[0056] Furthermore, as can be seen in Table 1, the effect was also seen in people taking antihypertensive drugs. This is thought to be due to the fact that NO has the function of keeping blood vessels flexible and breaking down plaque that can clog blood vessels.

[0057] An information processing system that supports a user in properly exercising and continuing to exercise for a long period of time using the exercise tool 10 described above will now be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system that includes the exercise tool of Fig. 1.

[0058] The information processing system shown in Fig. 9 is configured to include an exercise tool 10, a server 100, and a user terminal 101. The exercise tool 10, the server 100, and the user terminal 101 are connected to one another via a network such as the Internet. Note that the exercise tool 10 may be connected to the user terminal 101 via a wireless network such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) without being connected to a network such as the Internet.

[0059] The server 100 is an information processing device managed by a provider of various services (hereinafter referred to as "the service") using the sports equipment 10, such as games, described below. The server 100 executes various processes to realize the service while appropriately communicating with the user terminal 101 and the sports equipment 10.

[0060] The user terminal 101 is an information processing device managed by a user of the exercise equipment 10, and is configured as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or the like.

[0061] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server in the information processing system shown in FIG.

[0062] The server 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113, a bus 114, an input / output interface 115, an input unit 116, an output unit 117, a memory unit 118, a communication unit 119, and a drive 120.

[0063] The CPU 111 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 112 or a program loaded from the storage unit 118 to the RAM 113. The RAM 113 also stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 111 to execute various processes, as appropriate.

[0064] The CPU 111, ROM 112, and RAM 113 are interconnected via a bus 114. An input / output interface 115 is also connected to this bus 114. An input unit 116, an output unit 117, a storage unit 118, a communication unit 119, and a drive 120 are connected to the input / output interface 115.

[0065] The input unit 116 is configured with, for example, a keyboard and is used to input various types of information. The output unit 117 is configured with a display such as an LCD, a speaker, and the like and outputs various types of information as images and sounds. The storage unit 118 is configured with, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and is used to store various types of data. The communication unit 119 communicates with other devices (for example, the user terminal 101 and the exercise equipment 10 in FIG. 9) via a network including the Internet.

[0066] Removable media 130, which may be a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, semiconductor memory, or the like, is appropriately attached to the drive 120. Programs read from the removable media 130 by the drive 120 are installed in the storage unit 118 as needed. The removable media 130 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 118 in the same way as the storage unit 118.

[0067] Although not shown, the user terminal 101 also has the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

[0068] Various processes for providing this service can be executed by cooperation between various hardware (FIG. 10) and various software that constitute the information processing system of FIG. 9, which includes the exercise equipment 10, the server 100, and the user terminal 101.

[0069] 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the sports equipment of FIG. 4 and the server of FIG. 10 in the information processing system of FIG.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 11, an exercise result detection unit 151, an exercise result digitization unit 152, an exercise result provision unit 153, and a reward information provision unit 154 function in the control unit 31 of the exercise tool 10.

[0071] When a user performs a grip exercise using the exercise tool 10, the exercise performance detection unit 151 detects information indicating the performance (e.g., time-series data on grip strength) as exercise performance information. Based on the exercise performance information, the exercise performance quantification unit 152 quantifies (e.g., calculates as a score) one or more parameters, using an index indicating the effectiveness of the grip exercise (e.g., the length of time the user was able to grip the exercise tool 10 with 30% of their maximum grip strength) as a parameter. The exercise performance provision unit 153 provides the user with information based on at least a portion of the quantified values ​​of the one or more parameters. Here, "information based on at least a portion of the quantified values ​​of the one or more parameters" may be the quantified values ​​of the specified parameters themselves or processed information, or may be information generated using at least a portion of the quantified values ​​of the one or more parameters. The form of providing information to the user is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, displaying information on the display unit 7 ( FIG. 4 ) of the exercise tool 10, vibrating the exercise tool 10, or displaying or outputting information as audio on the user terminal 101.

[0072] The exercise tool 10 having such a functional configuration allows the user to perform exercises using the exercise tool 10 more accurately. For example, exercises that were performed accurately can be scored. Specifically, for example, the length of time that the user was able to grip the exercise tool 10 with 30% of their maximum grip strength can be scored and presented to the user after the exercise.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, the following information can be used as "information based on at least a portion of the values ​​of one or more quantified parameters" to warn the user when an action that reduces the effectiveness of exercise using the exercise equipment 10 is detected. For example, if even one finger is lifted up even slightly, the exercise result providing unit 154 can warn the user by presenting information indicating this to the user. For example, if the user holds their breath while gripping the exercise equipment 10, the exercise result providing unit 154 can warn the user by presenting information indicating this to the user. For example, if the user attempts to train using the exercise equipment 10 within about one hour after eating, the exercise result providing unit 154 can warn the user by presenting information indicating this to the user. For example, if the user attempts to train using the exercise equipment 10 within about 30 minutes after waking up, the exercise result providing unit 154 can warn the user by presenting information indicating this to the user.

[0074] Here, the exercise performance information described above can include time information regarding the time the user exercised using the exercise equipment 10 (for example, the date and time of the exercise, the length of time the exercise was performed (which can also be the start time and end time), etc.). In this case, the one or more indices can include an index regarding the length of time the user has continued exercising using the exercise equipment 10 (hereinafter referred to as a "duration index"). The duration index can be, for example, an index indicating how many days the exercise has been continued, or an index indicating how long the user has not resumed exercising since the last time the exercise was stopped (how many hours the user has not touched the exercise equipment 10). The reward etc. information providing unit 154 compares the value of the quantified duration index with a threshold for awarding a reward or a penalty, and outputs information indicating the awarding of a reward or a penalty as reward etc. information when the value is above or below the threshold.

[0075] By providing the exercise equipment 10 with such a functional configuration, the following rewards can be given to the user's efforts and continuity, so that the user can continue exercising using the exercise equipment 10 for a longer period of time. For example, the user can receive a bonus if he or she completes "five or more days a week." For example, the user can receive a bonus if he or she completes "eight weeks of continuity" (the threshold at which the blood pressure lowering effect is achieved). For example, if the user continues exercising for more than eight weeks, he or she can receive a bonus at each milestone. Note that if the exercise equipment 10 is not touched for, for example, 48 hours or more, a warning or an invitation to exercise is given by the exercise equipment 10 or the user terminal 101, as described above. If the user continues not touching the exercise equipment 10 after the warning, some kind of penalty may be given to the user.

[0076] Here, the exercise device 10 has been described as having the configuration shown in Figures 1 to 8 above. However, any exercise device having the functional configuration of Figure 11 may be used as a component of the information processing system of Figure 9 and is not limited to this configuration. For example, in the configurations shown in Figures 1 to 8 above, air is inserted into the sealed space 18, but this is not a limitation and the sealed space 18 may be filled with a liquid or gel. Furthermore, the exercise device 10 may be a handgrip exercise device with a configuration different from that shown in Figures 1 to 8 above. Furthermore, the exercise device 10 may be an isometric exercise device that is not limited to handgrip exercise. In the following description, the exercise device 10 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 1 to 8 and is assumed to be an isometric exercise device having the functional configuration of Figure 11.

[0077] A predetermined processing execution unit 171 functions in the CPU 111 of the server 100 in Fig. 11. The predetermined processing execution unit 171 executes predetermined processing using at least some of the values ​​of one or more quantified parameters provided by the exercise equipment 10, and provides the execution results to the user. The predetermined processing is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, a game execution process and a content generation process are adopted. For this reason, the predetermined processing execution unit 171 is provided with a game execution unit 181 and a content generation unit 182.

[0078] The game execution unit 181 executes a game that can motivate exercise. Specifically, for example, a training game in which a specific character is trained is executed, and the trained specific character is provided to the user. In this way, by combining the exercise device 10 having the functional configuration of FIG. 11 with the game execution unit 181, in other words, by fusing exercise performance with a game, and by parameterizing exercise performance and using it in the game, it is possible to support the user's continuation of isometric exercise. That is, isometric exercise can lead to blood pressure reduction if continued "five or more days a week" for "at least four to eight weeks." As such, while continuity is important in isometric exercise, many users give up after three days. This is because isometric exercise is uninteresting and monotonous. Therefore, by integrating games and isometric exercise, specifically, for example, by integrating the following "training game," which is popular with many people, with isometric exercise, blood pressure reduction can be achieved.

[0079] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a training game implemented by the exercise equipment and server having the functional configuration of FIG. 11 . The story of the training game illustrated in FIG. 12 is, for example, as follows: The training character is a small animal or bird, has characteristics of being a big eater, and his favorite food is apples. Each time the user exercises using the exercise equipment 10, an apple appears based on the user's exercise score (a score calculated from the values ​​of multiple quantified parameters). The type of apple is classified as a "gold apple," "silver apple," "copper apple," or "wood apple" depending on the length of time the user was able to grip the apple with 30% of their maximum grip strength. If the training character cannot eat an apple, he will cry from hunger. A hungry, teary-eyed image of the training character appears on the screen of the user's terminal, complaining, "Aren't you going to grip today? I'm hungry." The snooze function activates and the character appears several times. If the user still does not exercise, his crying face will gradually worsen. As the user continues exercising for a longer period of time, the training character will grow and change appearance. Specifically, for example, as shown in Fig. 12, the character being raised grows and changes appearance, such as chick → raccoon → griffin → phoenix → dragon. On the other hand, if the character does not exercise for a predetermined period (long period), it will turn into a skull or die, as shown in Fig. 12.

[0080] When the training game shown in FIG. 12 is applied to the exercise device 10 for the "hand grip exercise" as shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, at least some of the following first to eighth parameters can be used as the parameters. The first parameter is the length of time (for each of the right and left hands) during which the gripping time is evaluated as "appropriate." Here, "appropriate" refers to approximately 30% of maximum grip strength. This is because excessively intense isometric exercise increases cardiac output and arterial blood pressure (ABP) while leaving peripheral vascular resistance largely unchanged, increasing the cardiac compression load. It has been shown that isometric hand grip exercise, typically performed at approximately 30% of maximum voluntary contraction, only slightly increases blood pressure and heart rate even after two minutes of contraction. Therefore, the "correct grip" for hand grip exercise can be defined as "approximately 30% of maximum grip strength" and "approximately two minutes." The second parameter is the length of time during which the grip strength is displayed as "too weak." The third parameter is the length of time during which the grip strength is displayed as "too strong." The fourth parameter is a score for whether the exercise was performed at the correct time of day. For example, immediately after waking up or within one hour after a meal is inappropriate. For example, an inappropriate time would receive a score of 50, while a correct time would receive a score of 100. The fifth parameter is a score for whether the exercise was performed with the correct fingers. For example, a score on a 10-point scale from 0 to 100 can be used depending on the correctness of the grip. The sixth parameter is a score for whether the exercise was performed without holding breath. In other words, because holding breath during exercise is prohibited, a score on a 10-point scale from 0 to 100 can be used depending on the length of time breath was held. The seventh parameter is the duration of exercise required to reach a threshold. In other words, handgrip exercise is not effective if performed only one day; it is only effective if performed continuously at least five days a week for four to eight weeks. Therefore, the threshold is "five days a week" and "continuous for at least four to eight weeks." The seventh parameter is a parameter intended to assist in reaching this threshold. The eighth parameter is the duration of exercise continued after the threshold has been reached.In other words, the effect of handgrip exercise does not continue even if you stop exercising once you reach the threshold value, but you need to continue exercising to maintain the effect. Therefore, the eighth parameter is a parameter that aims to support you in continuing exercise as part of your lifestyle for a long period of time even after you have exceeded the threshold value.

[0081] The content generation unit 182 in FIG. 11 executes a process for generating predetermined content, including music, illustrations, movies, or art, and presents the generated predetermined content to the user. In this case, the content generation unit 182 generates content using the "numericalized values ​​of one or more parameters" output from the exercise equipment 10. For example, if the exercise equipment 10 is configured for handgrip exercises as shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the "numericalized values ​​of one or more parameters" can be the first to sixth parameters used in the training game described above. In this case, the content generation unit 182 uses at least a portion of the first to seventh parameters obtained from "one day's worth" of exercise performance as a single unit and generates content that depicts the trajectory of exercise performance over the "last week," "last four weeks," "last eight weeks," or "last N months" in a dramatic manner using music, illustrations, movies, art, or the like. Here, bright music and colors can be used in response to a good score, and dark music and colors can be used in response to a bad score. A training character or an icon of the user can also appear in conjunction with the training game. As mentioned above, handgrip exercises are not effective if done for just one day, but only when done five or more days a week for four to eight weeks. Therefore, it is preferable to further employ the seventh and eighth parameters when generating content.

[0082] 11 uses "the respective values ​​of one or more quantified parameters," and examples of parameters that can be used as the one or more parameters in the case of handgrip exercise among isometric exercises are as described above. Below, examples of parameters that can be used as the one or more parameters in the case of twisting exercise and plank among isometric exercises will be described.

[0083] When twisting exercise is employed as part of the isometric exercise, at least some of the following parameters 11 to 18 can be employed. The 11th parameter is the length of time (for both the right and left hands) during which the twisting grip time is evaluated as "appropriate." Here, "appropriate" refers to a predetermined appropriate strength of twisting force. The 12th parameter is the length of time during which the grip strength is displayed as "too weak." The 13th parameter is the length of time during which the grip time is displayed as "too strong." The 14th parameter is a score for whether the exercise was performed at the correct time of day. For example, immediately after waking up or within one hour after a meal is inappropriate. For example, an inappropriate time is scored as 50 points, and a correct time is scored as 100 points. The 15th parameter is a score for whether the grip was performed with the correct fingers. For example, a score ranging from 0 to 100 points can be employed based on the correctness of the grip. The 16th parameter is a score for whether the grip was performed without holding breath. That is, because breathing should not be held during exercise, a score on a 10-point scale (for example, 0 to 100) can be used depending on the length of time breathing is held. The seventeenth parameter is the duration of exercise until the threshold is reached. That is, twisting exercise is not effective if performed only for one day; it is effective only when performed five days or more per week for four to eight weeks. Therefore, the threshold is "five days per week" and "at least four to eight weeks of continuation." The seventeenth parameter is a parameter intended to support the user in reaching this threshold. The eighteenth parameter is the duration of exercise after the threshold is reached. That is, the effect of twisting exercise does not continue even if the user does not exercise once the threshold is reached; rather, continued exercise is necessary to maintain the effect. Therefore, the eighteenth parameter is a parameter intended to support the user in continuing exercise as part of their lifestyle for a long period of time even after the threshold is exceeded.

[0084] In this case, for example, the content generation unit 182 in FIG. 11 may treat at least some of the 11th to 16th parameters obtained from a "day's worth" of exercise performance as a single unit, generating content that depicts the trajectory of exercise performance over the "last week," "last four weeks," "last eight weeks," or "last N months" in a dramatic manner using music, illustrations, movies, art, etc. Here, bright music and colors may be used for good scores, and dark music and colors may be used for bad scores. In this case, a training character may appear in conjunction with a training game, or an icon of the user may appear. As mentioned above, twisting exercises do not produce results even if performed only one day; they are only effective when performed continuously for at least three days a week for four weeks. Therefore, it is preferable to further employ the 17th and 18th parameters when generating content.

[0085] The above describes examples of parameters that can be used in the torsion exercise, which is one type of isometric exercise. Next, we will explain examples of parameters that can be used in the plank exercise, which is another type of isometric exercise.

[0086] In the case of the plank, which is an isometric exercise, first, as a premise, a silhouette of an ideal angle is drawn on a wall, and the exercise equipment 10 detects the degree to which the actual body position deviates from the ideal (for example, if the exercise equipment 10 has a video recording function, it detects this from the video), and quantifies at least some of the following 21st to 25th parameters.

[0087] The 21st parameter is a parameter related to the length of time that the correct form was maintained. For example, a score on a 10-point scale from 0 to 100 can be used for each of the following four items, one to four, depending on the length of time that the form was maintained. The first item is the length of time that the waist position was maintained "proper." Because the waist must not bend or arch, it is necessary to strive to form a straight line from head to toe, and this item is an indicator of that. The second item is the length of time that the chin position was maintained "proper." Because the chin must not be raised, this item is an indicator of that. The third item is the length of time that the hands' positions were maintained "proper." Because neither gripping nor straining is allowed, this item is an indicator of that. The fourth item is a score for gripping without holding your breath. Because holding your breath is not allowed, this item is an indicator of that.

[0088] The 22nd parameter is a parameter related to the daily exercise time. The 23rd parameter is scored from 10 seconds to 300 seconds, with one point per second, because the posture needs to be maintained for as long as possible, starting from 10 seconds. The 24th parameter is a parameter related to rest. In other words, rest is also important in isometric exercise aimed at "increasing muscle mass." The International Sports Science Association recommends a 1:1 ratio between exercise time and rest time. In other words, if one set of exercise takes 60 seconds, the rest between sets should also be 60 seconds. Therefore, the 14th parameter, "the performance of adequate rest," is also used. For example, if the rest time is the same as the number of seconds exercised (no discrepancy between the two), a score of 100 is assigned. If there is a discrepancy, a score on a 10-point scale from 0 to 100 can be used depending on the magnitude of the discrepancy.

[0089] The 25th parameter is the duration of exercise until the threshold is reached. In other words, doing planks for just one day will not produce any results; doing them at least three days a week for four weeks continuously will produce results. Therefore, the threshold is "three days a week" and "four weeks of continuation." The 15th parameter is a parameter intended to support continuing exercise until this threshold is reached. The 26th parameter is the duration of exercise after the threshold is reached. In other words, the effects of planks do not continue even if you stop exercising once you reach the threshold; continuing exercise is necessary to maintain the effects. Therefore, the 26th parameter is a parameter intended to support continuing exercise as part of your lifestyle for a long period of time even after you exceed the threshold.

[0090] In this case, for example, the content generation unit 182 of FIG. 11 may treat at least some of the 21st to 24th parameters obtained from a "day's worth" of exercise performance as a single unit, generating content that depicts the trajectory of exercise performance over the "last week," "last four weeks," "last eight weeks," or "last N months" in a dramatic manner using music, illustrations, movies, art, etc. Here, bright music and colors may be used for good scores, and dark music and colors may be used for bad scores. In this case, a training character may appear in conjunction with a training game, or an icon of the user may appear. As mentioned above, planking exercises do not produce results even if performed only one day; they are only effective when performed three or more days a week for four weeks. Therefore, it is preferable to further utilize the 25th and 26th parameters when generating content.

[0091] The above describes in detail specific configurations suitable for implementing the present invention, but the present invention allows the configurations of the above-mentioned embodiments to be modified in various ways and even combined with conventional configurations, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0092] For example, the predetermined processing executed by the predetermined processing execution unit 171 in Fig. 11 was a game execution process and a content generation process in the above embodiment, but is not limited thereto and can execute various processes related to the sports equipment 10, such as a process for displaying a screen as shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 13 shows various examples of screens that use the results of the predetermined processing executed by a server having the functional configuration of Fig. 11 and enable communication between users. As shown in Fig. 13, the predetermined processing time unit 171 executes the predetermined processing related to the sports equipment 10 and can display various screens such as screen 201, screen 202, and screen 203 on the user terminal 2 as the execution results.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the reference grip force is set to approximately 30% of the maximum grip force detected and measured, but the present invention is not limited to this. The reference grip force can be changed in various ways as long as continuous gripping for a certain period of time does not impose a burden on the human body. Similarly, the upper and lower limit values ​​for judgment can also be set in various ways.

[0094] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the grip strength is detected and measured each time training is performed, and a reference grip strength is set and recorded. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if practically sufficient, the setting of a reference grip strength each time training is performed may be omitted.

[0095] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where training related to the grip strength of the right hand and training related to the grip strength of the left hand are performed by continuous processing of the control unit is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the training may be performed separately.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where grip strength is detected and measured and training related to the prevention of high blood pressure is carried out has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the detection and measurement of grip strength and such training may be set to be carried out separately by switching modes, and further, the present invention may also be applied to a case where only grip strength is simply detected and measured.

[0097] Furthermore, the system configuration shown in FIG. 9 and the hardware configuration of the server 100 and the user terminal 101 shown in FIG. 10 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention, and are not particularly limited.

[0098] Furthermore, the functional block diagram shown in Fig. 11 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient if the information processing system in Fig. 9 is provided with a function that can execute the various processes described above as a whole, and the functional blocks and databases used to realize this function are not particularly limited to the example in Fig. 11.

[0099] Furthermore, the locations of the functional blocks are not limited to those shown in Fig. 11 and may be arbitrary. For example, at least some of the functional blocks located on the server 1 side may be provided in the exercise equipment 10, the user terminal 101, or another information processing device (not shown).

[0100] The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software, and each functional block can be configured by hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of both.

[0101] When a series of processes is executed by software, the programs constituting the software are installed onto a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer incorporated into dedicated hardware. The computer may also be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, such as a service provider server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0102] The recording medium containing such a program may be composed of not only a removable medium (not shown) that is distributed separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to the user, but also a recording medium that is provided to the user in a state that it is pre-installed in the device main body.

[0103] In this specification, the steps describing the program to be recorded on the recording medium include not only processes that are performed chronologically in accordance with the order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically but are performed in parallel or individually.

[0104] To summarize the above, it is sufficient for an exercise tool to which the present invention is applicable to have the following configuration, and various embodiments are possible. That is, an exercise tool to which the present invention is applicable (for example, the exercise tool 10 in FIGS. 9 and 11 having the configurations of FIGS. 1 to 8) is sufficient if it includes: exercise performance detection means (for example, the exercise performance detection unit 151 in FIG. 11) that detects information indicating the performance of a user performing a predetermined isometric exercise as exercise performance information, exercise performance digitization means (for example, the exercise performance digitization unit 152 in FIG. 11) that digitizes one or more parameters, using one index indicating the effect of the predetermined isometric exercise as a parameter, based on the exercise performance information, and user provision means (for example, the exercise performance provision unit 153 in FIG. 11) that provides the user with information based on at least a portion of the digitized values ​​of the one or more parameters.

[0105] The exercise performance information includes time information regarding the time the user performed the specified isometric exercise, and the one or more indicators include a duration indicator regarding the time the user continued the specified isometric exercise, and the device may further include a reward information output means (e.g., reward information providing unit 154 in Figure 11) that compares the quantified value of the duration indicator with a threshold for giving a reward or penalty, and outputs information for giving a reward or penalty as reward information when the value is above or below the threshold.

[0106] The predetermined isometric exercise is a hand grip exercise, and further comprises: a grip portion (e.g., grip portion 12 in FIG. 3) made of a cylindrical flexible member; sealing members (e.g., end cap 13 and top cap 16 in FIG. 3) that seal both ends of the grip portion and form a deformable sealed space (e.g., sealed space 18 in FIG. 3) surrounded by the grip portion, into which air, liquid, or gel is inserted; and a pressure sensor (e.g., pressure sensor 28 in FIG. 3) within the sealed space that detects changes in pressure within the sealed space that deforms due to the gripping force of the user holding the grip portion, and the exercise performance detection means can detect the predetermined pressure detected by the pressure sensor as at least part of the exercise performance information.

[0107] Furthermore, an information processing system to which the present invention is applied is only required to have the following configuration, and can take various forms. That is, an information processing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the information processing system of FIG. 9) is an information processing system including: an exercise tool (for example, the exercise tool 10 of FIGS. 9 and 11); and an information processing device (for example, the server 100 of FIGS. 9 and 11), wherein the information processing device is provided with predetermined processing execution means (for example, the predetermined processing execution unit 171 of FIG. 11) that executes predetermined processing using at least a portion of the values ​​of the one or more quantified parameters and provides the execution results to the user.

[0108] The predetermined processing execution means (for example, the game execution unit 181 of the predetermined processing execution unit 171 in Figure 11) can execute a game as the predetermined processing (for example, as shown in Figure 12, execute a training game in which a predetermined character is trained), and provide the user with the results of the game (for example, the trained predetermined character).

[0109] The predetermined processing execution means (for example, the content generation unit 182 of the predetermined processing execution unit 171 in FIG. 11) can execute, as the predetermined processing, a process of generating predetermined content including music, illustrations, movies, or art, and present the generated predetermined content to the user.

[0110] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Grip force detection mechanism 2 Grip portion 3, 4 Terminal portion 5 Switch portion 7, 7A to 7M Display portion 8A to 8M Light emitting body (LED) 10 Exercise equipment 11 Battery case 11A Flange 11B Through hole 12 Grip portion 13 End cap (sealing member) 14, 17 Screw 16 Top cap (sealing member) 18 Sealed space 19, 29 O-ring 21 Check valve (umbrella valve) 23 Wiring board 24 Dry battery 25, 26 Battery terminal 27 Through hole 28 Pressure sensor 30 Cover 31 Control unit 32 Signal output unit 35 Outer cap 100 Server 101 User terminal 111 CPU 112 ROM 113 RAM 114 Bus 115 Input / output interface 116 Input unit 117 Output unit 118 Storage unit 119 Communication unit 120 Drive 130 Removable media 151 Exercise result detection unit 152 Exercise result digitization unit 153 Exercise result provision unit 154 Reward etc. information provision unit 171 Predetermined process execution unit 181 Game execution unit 182 Content generation unit

Claims

1. Patent Proposal 1 An exercise device comprising: exercise performance detection means for detecting information indicating the performance of a predetermined isometric exercise as exercise performance information when the user performs the exercise; exercise performance quantification means for quantifying one or more parameters based on the exercise performance information, using one index indicating the effect of the predetermined isometric exercise as a parameter; and user provision means for providing the user with information based on at least a portion of the values ​​of the one or more quantified parameters.

2. Patent Proposal 2 The exercise equipment of claim 1 further comprises: said exercise performance information includes time information relating to the time the user performed said specified isometric exercise; said one or more indicators include a duration indicator relating to the time the user continued said specified isometric exercise; and a reward etc. information output means for comparing the quantified value of said duration indicator with a threshold for awarding a reward or penalty, and outputting information for awarding a reward or penalty as reward etc. information when the value of said duration indicator is above or below said threshold.

3. Limited to your company's product (hand grip exercise equipment) (dependent claim of claim 1 or 2, created based on the claims of the previous patent) The exercise equipment of claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined isometric exercise is hand grip exercise, and further comprising: a grip portion made of a cylindrical flexible member; sealing members that seal both ends of the grip portion to form a deformable sealed space surrounded by the grip portion, wherein air, liquid, or gel is inserted into the sealed space; and a pressure sensor within the sealed space that detects changes in pressure within the sealed space that deforms due to the gripping force of the user holding the grip portion; and wherein the exercise performance detection means detects the predetermined pressure detected by the pressure sensor as at least part of the exercise performance information.

4. Generic concept of Patent Proposals 3 and 4 An information processing system comprising: an exercise tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and an information processing device, wherein the information processing device is provided with a predetermined processing execution means for executing a predetermined process using at least a portion of the values ​​of the one or more quantified parameters, and providing the execution results to the user.

5. Patent Proposal 3 The information processing system described in claim 4, wherein the predetermined processing execution means executes a game as the predetermined processing, and provides the user with the results of the game execution), executes a training game in which a predetermined character is trained, and provides the user with the trained predetermined character.

6. Patent Proposal 4 The information processing system described in claim 4, wherein the predetermined processing execution means executes, as the predetermined processing, a process of generating predetermined content including music, illustrations, movies, or art, and presents the generated predetermined content to the user.

7. Method corresponding to claim 4 An information processing method in an information processing system including the exercise equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and an information processing device, the information processing method including a predetermined processing execution step of executing a predetermined process using at least a portion of each value of the one or more parameters that have been quantified, and providing the execution result to the user.

8. Program corresponding to claim 4 A program for an information processing system including an exercise tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and an information processing device, the program causing a computer controlling the information processing device to execute a control process including a predetermined processing execution step of executing a predetermined process using at least a portion of the values ​​of the one or more parameters that have been quantified, and providing the execution results to the user.

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