Massage apparatus and method of controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current massage apparatuses do not allow users to comfortably watch a screen while receiving a massage, as they lack the ability to adjust the image position based on the user's height and eye level, and fail to adapt to the user's changing states such as sleep.
Innovation Solution
A massage apparatus with a rotatable cover, sensors (including pressure sensors and cameras) to estimate the user's face position, and a controller to adjust the image and sound settings, ensuring the image is optimally positioned and the volume is adjusted based on the user's position and sleep status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed screen is provided in the massage apparatus, then the user can watch a screen during massage, but the image position cannot be adjusted to match different user heights and eye levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the image position by controlling the display unit to move the image to different positions based on sensor data about user height and eye level. This allows the system to adapt to different users without requiring manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect user characteristics (height and eye level) and provides feedback to the controller, which then adjusts the image position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to different users while keeping the interface simple and the overall system complexity manageable.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is rotated to cover the head seating portion for privacy, then the user can relax, but the user cannot access or adjust settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically adjusting the image position and other settings before the user needs to interact with them. The cover can be rotated to cover the head seating portion for privacy while the system has already prepared the optimal viewing configuration, allowing users to relax without needing to access controls during the massage session.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and adjustable displays are added to the massage apparatus, then user comfort and experience are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into existing components. The display unit serves both as a visual interface and as an adjustable image source. The sensors are integrated into the existing massage apparatus structure. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to adapt to different users while minimizing the need for separate dedicated components, thereby easing manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A massage apparatus includes a seat frame including a head seating portion on which a head of a user is seated so that a face of the user is placed forward, and a body seating portion, a base frame configured to support the seat frame, a massage module coupled to the base frame and configured to control a massage function, a cover rotatably coupled to the base frame, and placeable at a first position or a second position which the cover is rotated from the first position to cover the head seating portion, at least one sensor to obtain a sensor value to estimate a face position of the user, a display to display an image on an inside of the cover at the second position, and a controller configured to adjust a position of the image displayed by the display based on the obtained sensor value.