Respiration training system, program, and recording medium

Abstract

To make a trainee clearly aware of unnamed bodily regions during respiration training, the present invention provides a respiration training system in which a user terminal and a server are interconnected over a communication network, and the server is caused to transmit, to the user terminal, respiration training data having the following configuration. (a) Music Data. Music data has an expiratory part and an inspiratory part. The expiratory part is for reproducing n-pulse expiratory music having a length of m bars with n beats as one bar on a user terminal. The inspiratory part is for reproducing n-pulse inspiratory music having a length of o bars with n beats as one bar on the user terminal. (b) Symbol Data. Symbol data includes expiratory symbol data, inspiratory symbol data, and body region symbol data, and forms of the expiratory symbol data, the inspiratory symbol data, and the bodily region symbol data displayed on the user terminal are changed according to playback of the music data.

Description

Respiratory training system, program, and recording medium

[0001] This invention relates to a respiratory training system, program, and recording medium.

[0002] Conventionally, various devices and systems related to respiratory training are known. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a respiratory trainer that provides notification so that a user can easily estimate the timing to start the following operation.

[0003] Patent Document 2 proposes a portable respiratory induction device that can be easily carried by a user, is not limited by location, and causes the user to breathe according to a certain respiratory rhythm.

[0004] Patent Document 3 proposes a respiratory training system that improves the quality of respiration by using the characteristics of music by the inventor of the present application.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-190276, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-128659, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-181150

[0006] When training respiration using the characteristics of music, awareness of the muscles in the abdomen and waist in the trunk is important as the part of the body that moves with respiration.

[0007] In order to be aware of the important abdomen and waist during respiration and move the muscles of the part to be aware of with respiration, a pinpoint instruction to that part is required. In training face-to-face with a trainer, it can be visually shown, such as by pointing with a finger, but when the trainee trains alone, it is necessary to verbally indicate the part to be aware of.

[0008] However, since proper nouns indicating the abdomen and waist are limited, such as the flank (side abdomen), umbilicus, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, xiphoid process, etc., it has been difficult to train respiration while being aware of the unnamed parts of the abdomen and waist. C

[0009] Therefore, an object of this invention is to clearly make a trainee aware of an unnamed part of the body during respiratory training.

[0010] [1] A breathing training system comprising: (a) Music data The music data comprises an exhalation part and an inhalation part, the exhalation part is a part for playing an n-beat exhalation piece of music having a length of m measures with n beats as one measure, the inhalation part is a part for playing an n-beat inhalation piece of music having a length of o measures with n beats as one measure, the exhalation part and the inhalation part are configured such that the exhalation piece of music and the inhalation piece of music are played alternately in time. (b) Symbol data The symbol data comprises exhalation symbol data, inhalation symbol data and torso symbol data, wherein the exhalation symbol data is data for displaying an exhalation symbol on the user terminal screen, which is made up of m units of one symbol unit consisting of n exhalation figures, and each exhalation figure is displayed in association with each beat of the n-beat rhythm of the exhalation music, the inhalation symbol data is data for displaying an inhalation symbol on the user terminal screen, which is made up of o units of one symbol unit consisting of n inhalation figures, and each inhalation figure is displayed in association with each beat of the n-beat rhythm of the inhalation music, the torso symbol data is data for displaying a torso symbol on the user terminal screen, which is made up of a torso figure that can recognize the drawing area, and the torso figure is displayed in association with each beat of the n-beat rhythm of the exhalation music. (c) As the music data is played, the exhalation figures in the exhalation symbol data corresponding to each beat of the n-beat exhalation music are highlighted in sync with each beat. (d) As the music data is played, the inhalation figure in the inhalation symbol data corresponding to each beat of the n-beat inhalation music is highlighted in sync with each beat. (e) As the music data is played, the drawing-in area in the torso symbol data corresponding to each beat of the n-beat exhalation music is highlighted in sync with each beat.

[0011] This invention makes it possible to make trainees clearly aware of unnamed body parts during breathing exercises.

[0012] Figure (a)-(d) shows an example of the overall configuration of the respiratory training system of this embodiment. Figure (a)-(e) shows an example of the exhalation symbol data and inhalation symbol data which are elements of the respiratory training data according to this embodiment. Figure (f) shows an example of the display of the torso symbol data which are elements of the respiratory training data according to this embodiment. Figure (a)-(e) shows an example of how the display of the exhalation symbol data in the first measure changes in accordance with the music being played. Figure (f) shows an example of how the display of the torso symbol data changes in accordance with the music being played. Following Figure 4, Figure (a)-(e) shows the exhalation symbol data in the second measure changing in accordance with the music being played. Figure (f) shows an example of how the display of the torso symbol data changes. Following Figure 5, which shows an example of how the display of the torso symbol data changes in accordance with the music being played, Figure (f) shows an example of how the display of the exhalation symbol data in the third measure changes in accordance with the music being played. Following Figure 6, which shows an example of how the display of the torso symbol data changes in accordance with the music being played, Figure (f) shows an example of how the display of the exhalation symbol data in the fourth measure changes in accordance with the music being played. Following Figure 7, which shows an example of how the display of the torso symbol data changes in accordance with the music being played, Figure (f) shows an example of how the display of the exhalation symbol data in the first measure changes in accordance with the music being played. Figure (f) shows an example of how the display changes. Figure 8 shows an example of how the display of the torso symbol data changes in accordance with the music being played. Figure (f) shows an example of how the display of the inspiratory symbol data in the second measure changes. Figure (f) shows an example of how the display of the torso symbol data changes in accordance with the music being played. Figure (h) shows an example of how the display of the torso symbol data changes in accordance with the music being played. Figure (f) shows an example of how the display of the exhalation symbol data in the first measure changes in accordance with the music being played. Following Figure 11, Figure (a)-(g) shows an example of how the display of the exhalation symbol data in the second measure changes in accordance with the music being played. Figure (h) shows an example of how the display of the torso symbol data changes. Following Figure 12, Figure (a)-(d) shows an example of how the display of the exhalation symbol data in the third measure changes in accordance with the music being played. Figure (e) shows an example of how the display of the torso symbol data changes. Following Figure 13, Figure (a)-(e) shows an example of how the display of the inspiratory symbol data in the first measure changes in accordance with the music being played. Figure (f) shows an example of how the display of the torso symbol data changes.

[0013] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The respiratory training system of this embodiment consists of one or more computers and is used when a trainee user performs respiratory training on the web or on application software (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "app").

[0014] In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the respiratory training system 1 is constructed by connecting a user terminal 2 and a server 3 to each other via a communication network 4, such as an internet communication network or a wireless communication network defined by wireless communication standards.

[0015] [User Terminal] User terminal 2 is a terminal used by a user who is a trainee training in breathing, and can be a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, etc. Although not shown in the drawings, user terminal 2 is used for each of the multiple users who train in breathing using the breathing training system 1 of this embodiment, or one or more user terminals 2 are used for multiple users. In addition, user terminal 2 can include a music playback device such as a conventionally known audio player.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the user terminal 2 comprises a control unit 2A, which is a CPU that executes various computer programs and performs calculations; a storage unit 2E, which is a storage device such as RAM, ROM, or built-in storage that stores the computer programs and various data; an input unit 2C, which is an information input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel; an output unit 2D, which is an information output device such as a liquid crystal display; and a communication unit 2B, which is a communication module that sends and receives various information with the server 3 via the communication network 4.

[0017] The memory unit 2E stores the breathing training application 5. The breathing training application 5 is provided to the user by the breathing training service provider and is downloaded from the server 3 to the user terminal 2 via the communication network 4. When the breathing training application 5 is executed, the control unit 2A communicates with the server 3 and causes the user terminal 2 to function as various means.

[0018] Furthermore, the browser application 6 is stored in the memory unit 2E. When the browser application 6 is executed, the control unit 2A communicates with the server 3 and causes the user terminal 2 to function as a means of displaying web pages.

[0019] [Server] Server 3 is a server computer managed by the respiratory training service provider. As shown in Figure 1, Server 3 comprises a control unit 3A, which is a CPU that executes various computer programs and performs calculations; a storage unit 3C, which is a storage device such as RAM, ROM, and built-in storage that stores the computer programs and various data; and a communication unit 3B, which is a communication module that sends and receives various information with the user terminal 2 via the communication network 4.

[0020] The memory unit 3C stores the breathing training program 7 and the breathing training data 8.

[0021] The breathing training program 7 causes the server 3 to function as a means of providing breathing training data according to the transmission and reception of various information with the user terminal 2.

[0022] The respiratory training data 8 was created by the above-mentioned service provider and has the following structure.

[0023] (a) Music data In this embodiment, the music data consists of an exhalation part and an inhalation part.

[0024] The exhalation part is the part for playing an n-beat exhalation piece of music with a length of m measures, where n beats constitute one measure, on the user terminal 2. For example, the exhalation part can be the part for playing a 4-beat exhalation piece of music with a length of 4 measures, where 4 beats constitute one measure.

[0025] The inhalation part is a part for playing an inhalation piece in n time signature, with n beats per measure and a length of o measures, on the user terminal. For example, the inhalation part can be a part for playing an exhalation piece in 4 time signature, with 4 beats per measure and a length of 2 measures.

[0026] The above-mentioned exhalation part and inhalation part are configured so that the exhalation music and the inhalation music are played alternately in time.

[0027] (b) Symbol data relating to the rhythm of sounds contained in m measures of music data, which consists of exhalation figures, inhalation figures and torso figures that are combinations of one or more letters, figures, symbols and colors.

[0028] (c) As the music data is played, the display of the symbol data changes in accordance with the rhythm of the notes contained in m measures of the music data.

[0029] In this embodiment, as an example, the browser application 6 causes the user terminal 2 to function as a means for displaying web pages. The control unit 2A requests a web page about the respiratory training data 8 from the server 3 according to the browser application 6.

[0030] On server 3, the breathing training program 7 causes server 3 to function as a means of providing web pages. The control unit 3A transmits a web page containing breathing training data 8 to the user terminal 2 according to the breathing training program 7.

[0031] On the user terminal 2, the control unit 2A displays a web page about the respiratory training data 8 according to the browser application 6. The user selects to play the music data related to the respiratory training data 8.

[0032] On server 3, the breathing training program 7 causes server 3 to function as a means of playing music data. The control unit 3A, in accordance with the breathing training program 7, performs processing to play the music data constituting the breathing training data 8 on the user terminal 2, or processing to send the music data to the user terminal 2.

[0033] On the user terminal 2, the control unit 2A plays music data according to the browser application 6.

[0034] Furthermore, in server 3, the breathing training program 7 causes server 3 to function as a symbol data display control means. The control unit 3A changes the display of symbol data in accordance with the breathing training program 7, according to the rhythm of the sounds contained in m measures of the music data.

[0035] The user trains their breathing according to the music data played and the symbol data displayed by the browser application 6.

[0036] [First form of breathing training data and display control processing] As an example, when a user performs breathing training using the breathing training application 5, the first form of breathing training data 8 and the display control processing on the user terminal 2 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 9. The first form of breathing training data 8A is, as an example, music data with a certain rhythm, used for training in which the user exhales in time with the rhythm of 4 measures of music and inhales in time with the rhythm of 2 measures of music.

[0037] When the breathing training application 5 is executed on the user terminal 2, the breathing training application 5 causes the user terminal 2 to function as a data acquisition means. The control unit 2A communicates with the server 3 according to the breathing training application 5 and acquires breathing training data 8.

[0038] When the user selects to play music data related to the breathing training data 8, the breathing training application 5 causes the user terminal 2 to function as a music data playback device. The control unit 2A plays the music data according to the breathing training application 5.

[0039] When the above music data is played on the user terminal 2, the breathing training application 5 causes the user terminal 2 to function as a symbol data display control means. The control unit 2A displays the symbol data 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, and 9F shown in Figures 2 and 3 on the display, which is the output unit 2D, according to the breathing training application 5.

[0040] Symbol data 9A is composed of four rectangular shapes, each displaying a number representing the rhythm of a 4 / 4 beat contained in one measure of music data with a fixed rhythm. As shown in the upper part of Figure 2, four measures of symbol data 9A are displayed on the user terminal 2. This symbol data 9A is exhalation symbol data used when exhaling.

[0041] Symbol data 9B, like symbol data 9A, is composed of four rectangular shapes, each displaying a number representing the rhythm of a 4 / 4 beat contained in one measure of music data with a fixed rhythm. As shown in the lower part of Figure 2, two measures of symbol data 9B are displayed on the user terminal 2. This symbol data 9B is inhalation symbol data used when inhaling.

[0042] Symbol data 9C is constructed with the torso represented as a sphere. As shown in Figure 3(a), the first pole 10A on the chest side of the sphere corresponds to the solar plexus, and the second pole 10B on the groin side corresponds to the anus. The first pole 10A and the second pole 10B represent the draw-in points where the solar plexus and anus are consciously drawn in when exhaling. The large circle 10C of the sphere corresponds to the abdomen and waist, including the navel, and the small circles 10D and 10E correspond to the upper abdomen and its surroundings, and the lower abdomen and its surroundings, respectively. This symbol data 9C is displayed on the user terminal 2 along with symbol data 9A and 9B and is the torso symbol data used when exhaling.

[0043] Symbol data 9D is composed of a circular graphic representation of the abdomen and waist, including the navel. This circle corresponds to the large circle 10C, and as shown in Figure 3(b), 12 draw-in points, which indicate areas to consciously draw in when exhaling, are displayed at equal intervals around the circumference of the circle. These draw-in points liken the abdomen and waist to the face of a clock, and in Figure 3(b), "0," "3," "6," and "9" represent the navel, right side of the abdomen, back, and left side of the abdomen, respectively. Draw-in points for the abdomen and waist that do not have names are represented by other numbers. For example, in Figure 3(b), "1" indicates that the area between the navel and the right side of the abdomen at the 1 o'clock position is a draw-in point. This symbol data 9D, along with symbol data 9A and 9B, is displayed on the user terminal 2 and is the torso symbol data used when exhaling.

[0044] Symbol data 9E is configured by graphically representing the upper abdomen and the surrounding parts in a circular shape. The circle corresponds to the small circle 10D, and as shown in Fig. 3(c), twelve drawing points for being conscious of the retraction of the upper abdomen or the surrounding parts when exhaling are displayed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the circle. These drawing points are regarded as the clock face for the upper abdomen and the surrounding parts. In Fig. 3(c), "0N (North)", "3N", "6N", and "9N" respectively represent the upper side of the navel, the upper side of the right abdomen, the upper side of the back, and the upper side of the left abdomen. Also, the drawing points for the surrounding parts of the upper abdomen without a name are represented by other numbers. For example, "11N" in Fig. 3(c) represents that the part at the 11 o'clock direction between the upper side of the navel and the upper side of the left abdomen is the drawing point. This symbol data 9E is displayed on the user terminal 2 together with symbol data 9A and 9B, and is the body part symbol data used when exhaling.

[0045] Symbol data 9F is configured by graphically representing the lower abdomen and the surrounding parts in a circular shape. The circle corresponds to the small circle 10E, and as shown in Fig. 3(d), twelve drawing points for being conscious of the retraction of the lower abdomen or the surrounding parts when exhaling are displayed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the circle. These drawing points are regarded as the clock face for the lower abdomen and the surrounding parts. In Fig. 3(d), "0S (South)", "3S", "6S", and "9S" respectively represent the lower side of the navel, the lower side of the right abdomen, the lower side of the back, and the lower side of the left abdomen. Also, the drawing points for the surrounding parts of the lower abdomen without a name are represented by other numbers. For example, "4S" in Fig. 3(d) represents that the part at the 4 o'clock direction between the lower side of the right abdomen and the lower side of the back is the drawing point. This symbol data 9F is displayed on the user terminal 2 together with symbol data 9A and 9B, and is the body part symbol data used when exhaling.

[0046] Further, each drawing-in position of the symbol data 9C - 9F is associated with the exhalation symbol data 9A in advance. For example, when the exhalation symbol data 9A is composed of 4 measures, the drawing-in positions "0", "1", "2", "3" of the symbol data 9D are respectively associated with the exhalation symbol data 9A in the 1st to 4th measures. Alternatively, the drawing-in position "6N" of the symbol data 9D is associated with each exhalation symbol data 9A.

[0047] When the music data included in the breathing training data 8A is reproduced on the user terminal 2, the control unit 2A changes the display of the symbol data 9A, 9B and the symbol data 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F in accordance with the breathing training application 5 along the rhythm of the sounds included in one measure of the music data. In FIGS. 4 to 9, the change in the display of the symbol data 9A, 9B, 9D is taken as an example.

[0048] (1) As shown in FIG. 4, among the symbol data 9A for 4 measures, in the symbol data 9A of the 1st measure, the color of the rectangular figure in which the numbers representing the rhythm of the 4 / 4 time sound are displayed changes.

[0049] In the symbol data 9D representing the abdomen and waist including the umbilicus, an arrow indicating the drawing-in position associated with the symbol data 9A is displayed along with the change in the color of the figure of the 1st measure of the symbol data 9A. In the case of FIG. 4(f), it represents that the part in the 2 o'clock direction between the umbilicus and the right abdomen is the drawing-in position.

[0050] (2) Following FIG. 4(e), as shown in FIG. 5, in the symbol data 9A of the 2nd measure, the color of the rectangular figure in which the numbers representing the rhythm of the 4 / 4 time sound are displayed changes.

[0051] In the symbol data 9D representing the abdomen and waist including the umbilicus, an arrow indicating the drawing-in position associated with the symbol data 9A is displayed along with the change in the color of the figure of the 2nd measure of the symbol data 9A. In the case of FIG. 5(f), the arrow indicating the part in the 2 o'clock direction between the umbilicus and the right abdomen as the drawing-in position continues to be displayed.

[0052] (3) Following Figure 5(e), as shown in Figure 6, in the symbol data 9A of the third measure, the color of the rectangular shape displaying the numbers representing the rhythm of the 4 / 4 time signature changes.

[0053] In symbol data 9D, which represents the abdomen and waist including the navel, an arrow indicating the drawing location associated with symbol data 9A is displayed in accordance with the color change of the figure in the third measure of symbol data 9A. In the case of Figure 6(f), an arrow indicating the area at the 2 o'clock position between the navel and the right side of the abdomen is subsequently displayed as the drawing location.

[0054] (4) Following Figure 6(e), as shown in Figure 7, in the symbol data 9A of the fourth measure, the color of the rectangular shape displaying the numbers representing the rhythm of the 4 / 4 time signature changes.

[0055] In symbol data 9D, which represents the abdomen and waist including the navel, an arrow indicating the drawing location associated with symbol data 9A is displayed in accordance with the change in the color of the figure in the fourth measure of symbol data 9A. In the case of Figure 7(f), an arrow indicating the area at the 2 o'clock position between the navel and the right side of the abdomen continues to be displayed as the drawing location.

[0056] The user exhales while consciously drawing in the part of their body corresponding to the 2 o'clock position between the navel and the right side of the abdomen, and visually observing the changes in the display of the symbol data 9A shown in Figures 4-7.

[0057] (5) Following Figure 7(e), as shown in Figure 8, in the symbol data 9B for the first measure (the fifth measure overall) of the two measures of symbol data 9B, the color of the rectangular shape displaying the numbers representing the rhythm of a 4 / 4 time signature changes.

[0058] In symbol data 9D, which represents the abdomen and waist including the navel, the arrow indicating the drawing location becomes invisible as the color of the figure in the first measure of symbol data 9B changes.

[0059] (6) Following Figure 8(e), as shown in Figure 9, in the symbol data 9B of the second measure (sixth measure overall), the color of the rectangular shape displaying the numbers representing the rhythm of the 4 / 4 time signature changes.

[0060] In symbol data 9D, which represents the abdomen and waist including the navel, the arrow indicating the drawing location remains hidden as the color of the figure in the second measure of symbol data 9B changes.

[0061] The user inhales while visually confirming the display of symbol data 9B shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0062] Returning from Figures 9(e) and 9(f) to Figures 4(b) and 9(f), steps (1) to (6) above are repeated. The user visually observes the changes in the display of the repeated symbol data 9A, 9B, and 9D, and practices breathing while consciously drawing in the body part corresponding to the drawing-in area indicated by symbol data 9D.

[0063] Regarding the changes in the display of symbol data 9A and 9B, in addition to the above, various other methods can be employed, such as changing the size of the rectangular figure displaying the numbers representing the 4 / 4 rhythm, or changing its shape to a different shape.

[0064] In addition to the above, various other methods can be used to change the display of Symbol Data 9D, such as changing the size of the numbers or displaying them in shapes other than arrows.

[0065] Furthermore, the breathing training data 8A can be configured to include breathing method guide messages that guide the user on how to breathe while playing music data. This allows the user to confirm their breathing method.

[0066] [Second form of respiratory training data and display control processing] Using the case where a user performs respiratory training using the respiratory training application 5 as an example, the second form of respiratory training data and the display control processing on the user terminal 2 will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 14. The second form of respiratory training data 8B is used, as an example, in music data with a certain rhythm, to train the user to exhale in time with the rhythm of three measures of music and inhale in time with the rhythm of one measure of music, and in swallowing training aimed at strengthening the muscles of the laryngeal elevator group.

[0067] When the breathing training application 5 is executed on the user terminal 2, the breathing training application 5 causes the user terminal 2 to function as a data acquisition means. The control unit 2A communicates with the server 3 according to the breathing training application 5 and acquires breathing training data 8.

[0068] When the user selects to play music data related to the breathing training data 8, the breathing training application 5 causes the user terminal 2 to function as a music data playback device. The control unit 2A plays the music data according to the breathing training application 5.

[0069] When the above music data is played on the user terminal 2, the breathing training application 5 causes the user terminal 2 to function as a symbol data display control means. The control unit 2A displays the symbol data 9G and 9H shown in Figure 10, and the symbol data 9C, 9D, 9E, and 9F shown in Figure 3 above, on the display which is the output unit 2D, according to the breathing training application 5.

[0070] The symbol data 9G is composed of eight rectangular shapes representing the 8-beat rhythm contained in one measure of music data with a fixed rhythm, and vowels 11a(i) and 11b(o) corresponding to the 8-beat rhythm of each measure. As shown in the upper part of Figure 10, three measures' worth of symbol data 9G are displayed on the user terminal 2. This symbol data 9G is exhalation symbol data used when exhaling, and the three symbol data sets 9G are placed in measures 1 to 3, respectively.

[0071] Symbol data 9H is composed of eight rectangular shapes representing the 8-beat rhythm contained in one measure of music data with a fixed rhythm. As shown in the lower part of Figure 10, one measure's worth of symbol data 9H is displayed on the user terminal 2. This symbol data 9H is inhalation symbol data used when inhaling. Note that the 8-beat rhythm can also be represented by 4 beats (eight eighth notes), so in this form, numbers representing the 4 beat rhythm are combined with the rectangular shapes.

[0072] The symbol data 9C, 9D, 9E, and 9F are the same as in the first form, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0073] When the user terminal 2 plays the music data included in the breathing training data 8B, the control unit 2A changes the display of symbol data 9G, 9H and symbol data 9C, 9D, 9E, 9F in accordance with the breathing training application 5 and the rhythm of the sounds contained in one measure of the music data. Figures 11 to 14 show an example of how the display of symbol data 9G, 9H, and 9F changes.

[0074] (1) As shown in Figure 11, in the symbol data 9G for the first measure of the three measures, the color of the rectangular shape representing the 8-beat rhythm changes in the symbol data 9G for the first measure.

[0075] In the symbol data 9F representing the lower abdomen and its surrounding area, an arrow indicating the drawing location associated with symbol data 9G is displayed in accordance with the color change of the figure in the first measure of symbol data 9G. In the case of Figure 11(h), "0S" indicating the lower part of the navel is the drawing location.

[0076] (2) Following Figure 11(g), as shown in Figure 12, in the symbol data 9G of the second measure, the color of the rectangular shape representing the 8-beat rhythm changes.

[0077] In symbol data 9F, which represents the lower abdomen and its surrounding area, an arrow indicating the drawing location associated with symbol data 9G is displayed in accordance with the color change of the figure in the second measure of symbol data 9G. In the case of Figure 12(h), an arrow indicating "0S," which represents the lower part of the navel, is subsequently displayed as the drawing location.

[0078] (3) Following Figure 12(g), as shown in Figure 13, in the symbol data 9G of the third measure, the color of the rectangular shape representing the 8-beat rhythm changes.

[0079] In symbol data 9F, which represents the lower abdomen and its surrounding area, an arrow indicating the drawing location associated with symbol data 9G is displayed in accordance with the color change of the figure in the third measure of symbol data 9G. In the case of Figure 13(e), an arrow indicating "0S," which represents the lower part of the navel, is subsequently displayed as the drawing location.

[0080] The user visually confirms the changes in the display of symbol data 9G while consciously retracting the lower part of the navel, and pronounces the vowels 11a and 11b, confirming the up-and-down movement of the Adam's apple, that is, the movement of the laryngeal elevator muscles.

[0081] (3) Following Figure 13(d), as shown in Figure 14, the color of the rectangular shape in symbol data 9H, which displays numbers representing the 8-beat rhythm, changes.

[0082] In symbol data 9F, which represents the area around the lower abdomen, the arrow indicating the drawing location becomes invisible as the color of the shape in symbol data 9H changes.

[0083] The user takes a breath while visually observing the changes in the display of symbol data 9H.

[0084] (4) Return from Figures 14(e) and (f) to Figures 11(b) and (h), and the above steps (1) to (3) are repeated. The user visually confirms the changes in the display of the repeated symbol data 9G, 9H, and 9F, and performs breathing exercises and throat swallowing exercises while being conscious of drawing in the body part corresponding to the drawing-in area indicated by symbol data 9F.

[0085] Regarding the changes in the display of symbol data 9G and 9H, various methods can be employed, such as changing the size of the rectangular figure representing the 8-beat rhythm, or changing its shape to a different shape.

[0086] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the breathing training data 8B can also be configured to include breathing method guide messages that guide the user on how to breathe in sync with the playback of music data.

[0087] [Embodiment of Program and Recording Medium] The program of this embodiment is a breathing training application 5 that can be downloaded from the server 3 to the user terminal 2. The breathing training application 5 makes the user terminal 2 function by the following means.

[0088] (1) Data acquisition means: The control unit 2A of the user terminal 2 communicates with the server 3 according to the breathing training application 5 and acquires breathing training data 8A and 8B which include symbol data 9A, 9B, 9G, 9H and symbol data 9C-9F.

[0089] (2) The control unit 2A of the music playback means user terminal 2 displays a playback player according to the breathing training application 5 and plays music data having an exhalation piece in n time with a length of m measures, where n beats are considered one measure, and an inhalation piece in n time with a length of o measures, where n beats are considered one measure, according to user operation.

[0090] (3) Symbol data display control means In conjunction with the playback of music data, the control unit 2A of the user terminal 2 displays symbol data 9A-9H on the screen according to the breathing training application 5, which includes an exhalation symbol made up of m units of one symbol unit consisting of n exhalation figures, an inhalation symbol made up of o units of one symbol unit consisting of n inhalation figures, and a torso symbol that can recognize the draw-in area.

[0091] Furthermore, the control unit 2A of the user terminal 2 controls the display of symbol data 9A-9H as described in the first and second embodiments, according to the breathing training application 5.

[0092] When storing the program of this embodiment on a recording medium, for example, a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or non-volatile memory card can be used. By having a computer read this recording medium, the program of this embodiment can be executed, and the above-described functions can be realized.

[0093] In this embodiment, the display of exhalation symbol data indicating exhalation and inhalation symbol data indicating inhalation changes in accordance with the rhythm of the sound, and the display of torso symbol data indicating the area of ​​the torso to be consciously drawn in changes accordingly. As a result, this breathing training system allows users to visually confirm the breathing cycle of "exhaling" and "inhaling," and "which part of the body to be conscious of." Thus, this breathing training system of this embodiment is a system that "visualizes breathing," and by using this system, anyone can understand their breathing patterns and breathing methods and improve the quality of their breathing.

[0094] The respiratory training system of this embodiment can be used in various health-related seminars and training sessions, recreational activities in nursing care facilities, educational programs delivered via video streaming, and the like.

[0095] 1. Breathing training system 4. Communication network 5. Information transmission and reception means 6. Storage means 8A, 8B Breathing training data 9A, 9B, 9C, ... 9H Symbol data 10A First pole 10B Second pole 10C Large circle 10D, 10E Small circle 11a, 11b Vowels

Claims

1. A user terminal and a server are connected to each other via a communication network, and the server has means for transmitting breathing training data to the user terminal via the communication network, and the breathing training data comprises the following configuration: (a) Music data The music data comprises an exhalation part and an inhalation part, the exhalation part is a part for playing an n-beat exhalation piece of music having a length of m measures with n beats as one measure on the user terminal, the inhalation part is a part for playing an n-beat inhalation piece of music having a length of o measures with n beats as one measure on the user terminal, and the exhalation part and the inhalation part are configured so that the exhalation piece of music and the inhalation piece of music are played alternately in time. (b) Symbol data The symbol data comprises exhalation symbol data, inhalation symbol data and torso symbol data, wherein the exhalation symbol data is data for displaying an exhalation symbol on the user terminal screen, which is made up of m units of one symbol unit consisting of n exhalation figures, and each exhalation figure is displayed in association with each beat of the n-beat rhythm of the exhalation music, the inhalation symbol data is data for displaying an inhalation symbol on the user terminal screen, which is made up of o units of one symbol unit consisting of n inhalation figures, and each inhalation figure is displayed in association with each beat of the n-beat rhythm of the inhalation music, the torso symbol data is data for displaying a torso symbol on the user terminal screen, which is made up of a torso figure that can recognize the drawing area, and the torso figure is displayed in association with each beat of the n-beat rhythm of the exhalation music. (c) As the music data is played, the exhalation figures in the exhalation symbol data corresponding to each beat of the n-beat exhalation music are highlighted in sync with each beat. (d) As the music data is played, the inhalation figure in the inhalation symbol data corresponding to each beat of the n-beat inhalation music is highlighted in sync with each beat. (e) As the music data is played, the drawing-in area in the torso symbol data corresponding to each beat of the n-beat exhalation music is highlighted in sync with each beat.

2. The respiratory training system according to claim 1, wherein each of the n exhalation figures in the exhalation symbol data is numbered from 1 to n, and each of the n inspiratory figures in the inhalation symbol data is numbered from 1 to n.

3. The respiratory training system according to claim 1, wherein each of the n exhalation figures in the exhalation symbol data is labeled with a character prompting the user to vocalize, and each of the n inhalation figures in the inhalation symbol data is labeled with a number from 1 to n.

4. The breathing training system according to claim 1, wherein the torso figure has a circular shape, and k draw-in points are displayed in the circumferential direction of the circle corresponding to the torso portion including the navel.

5. The breathing training system according to claim 4, wherein the torso figure further comprises a smaller circle having a smaller diameter than the circle, and i draw-in points are displayed in the circumferential direction of the smaller circle corresponding to the upper abdomen and its surroundings or the lower abdomen and its surroundings.

6. The breathing training system according to claim 1, wherein the torso figure has a sphere, k draw-in points are displayed in the circumferential direction of a large circle on the sphere corresponding to the torso including the navel, i draw-in points are displayed in the circumferential direction of a first small circle on the sphere corresponding to the upper abdomen and its surroundings, and j draw-in points are displayed in the circumferential direction of a second small circle on the sphere corresponding to the lower abdomen and its surroundings.

7. The breathing training system according to claim 6, wherein one draw-in point is displayed at the first pole of the sphere corresponding to the solar plexus, and one draw-in point is displayed at the second pole of the sphere corresponding to the anus.

8. A program that causes a computer to function as a respiratory training system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program of claim 8 is recorded.

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