JP2024007714A - Massage device and method for controlling the massage device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a massage device that provides illumination suitable for the purpose of a massage operation.
[Solution] A massage device includes a body support part that supports a user's body, a massage unit that is an operation mechanism for performing a massage operation on the user's body supported by the body support part, and a massage operation in the massage unit. and a lighting device that irradiates light onto the user supported by the body support section, the control device controlling the massage unit to perform a massage operation prescribed in a specified massage course, The device is configured to control the lighting so as to emit light having a melanopic lux value defined according to the purpose of the specified massage course.
[Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a massage device and a method of controlling the massage device.

2. Description of the Related Art There are massage devices that utilize lighting for the purpose of enhancing the user's relaxation effect. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-029804 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) discloses a massage machine in which a rod-shaped light guide on which a fluorescent portion is formed is placed inside a hood that covers the head of the user. Disclosed. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2008-220428 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 2) discloses that a light emitting device is attached to a hood that covers the head of a patient and emits light in a predetermined pattern.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-029804 JP2008-220428A

In recent years, research has been conducted on the effects of light irradiated onto living organisms on their rhythms and health. It is becoming clear that there is light that is suitable for different biological rhythms and health goals. For example, it is becoming clear that light is suitable for regulating biological rhythms when we wake up and when we go to sleep.

Massage devices can perform various massage operations according to biological rhythms and health goals. Although the lighting in Patent Documents 1 and 2 can provide a relaxing effect, it may not always match the purpose of the massage operation. Therefore, it is desirable to provide lighting that is suitable for the purpose.

According to an embodiment, a massage device includes a body support part that supports a user's body, a massage unit that is an operating mechanism for performing a massage operation on the user's body supported by the body support part, and a massage unit. a control device for controlling a massage operation in a body support section; and a lighting device for irradiating light onto a user supported by a body support section; and controls the lighting to emit light having a melanopic lux value prescribed according to the purpose of the specified massage course.

According to a certain embodiment, a method for controlling a massage device is a method for controlling a massage device in a control device for a massage device, the massage device including a body support section that supports a user's body, and a body support section that supports the body support section. The control method includes a massage unit that is an operating mechanism for performing a massage operation on the user's body, and a lighting device that irradiates light to the user supported by the body support section. The massage unit includes controlling the massage unit to perform a prescribed massage operation, and controlling the lighting to emit light having a melanopic lux value prescribed according to the purpose of the specified massage course.

Further details are described in the embodiments below.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a massage device according to an embodiment, showing an initial state in which a hood is in a first position. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the massage device according to the embodiment, showing a driving state in which the hood is in the second position. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a light emitting device. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining light irradiation with a light emitting device. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the massage device. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of course information stored in the memory of the control device of the massage device. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a method for controlling a massage device using a control device for the massage device. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a massage device according to another example.

<1. Massage device and method of controlling the massage device>

(1) The massage device according to the embodiment includes a body support part that supports a user's body, a massage unit that is an operation mechanism for performing a massage operation on the user's body supported by the body support part, and a massage unit that is an operation mechanism for performing a massage operation on the user's body supported by the body support part. The control device includes a control device that controls a massage operation in the unit, and a lighting device that irradiates light to a user supported by a body support part, and the control device controls the massage operation to perform a massage operation prescribed in a specified massage course. The device is configured to control the lighting so as to emit light having a melanopic lux value prescribed according to the purpose of the specified massage course.

The purpose of the massage course in a massage device is to improve mental and physical health, and to bring the body into an appropriate state, to improve or suppress problems, and to suppress the progression of problems. Examples include:

Melanopic lux is the intensity of illumination determined by the amount of stimulation to melanopsin cells, which are light-sensitive ganglion cells on the retina. Melanopsin cells make a neural response to light stimulation, and this neural response suppresses the secretion of melatonin, a substance that induces sleepiness. Therefore, when melanopic lux is high, melatonin secretion is suppressed, which has the effect of promoting alertness and concentration. When melanopic lux is low, melatonin is distributed and has the effect of promoting sleep and relaxation. By controlling the lighting to emit light with a melanopic lux value specified according to the purpose of the massage course, the melanopic lux value according to the purpose of the massage course is controlled during the massage operation according to the massage course. It is possible to irradiate a user with light that has a numerical value. In other words, illumination suitable for the purpose of the massage operation will be provided.

(2) In the massage device of (1), preferably, the purpose of the massage course is to bring the living body closer to an awake state, bring the living body closer to a sleeping state, suppress the progression of dementia, and improve/suppress depression. , including at least one of the following. This allows you to maintain your mental and physical health.

(3) In the massage device according to (1) or (2), preferably, the control device is capable of accepting a designation of a first course and a designation of a second course as massage courses, and the control device is capable of accepting designations of a first course and a second course, and and the second course have different melanopic lux values. This allows irradiation with light suitable for the purpose.

(4) In the massage device of (3), preferably, the first course has a higher intensity of the prescribed massage operation than the second course, and the first course has a higher prescribed melanopic massage than the second course. The lux value is large. Thereby, in the first course, the user's awakening is promoted more than in the second course, and the living body can be brought closer to the awake state than in the second course.

(5) In the massage device of (4), preferably, the purpose of the first course includes bringing the living body closer to an awake state, and the purpose of the second course includes bringing the living body closer to a sleeping state. As a result, by selecting the first course or the second course, the user is instructed to perform a massage operation and light irradiation for the purpose of bringing the living body closer to an awake state or to bring the living body closer to a sleeping state. can give.

(6) In the massage device according to any one of (3) to (5), preferably, the control device is capable of further accepting designation of a third course as the massage course, and the third course is the third course. The intensity of the prescribed massage operation is weaker than that of the first course, and the prescribed melanopic lux value of the third course is greater than that of the second course. Thereby, suitable light can be irradiated even in a course aimed at mental and physical health that is different from the first course and the second course.

(7) In the massage device according to any one of (1) to (6), preferably, controlling the illumination specifies at least one of the wavelength and illuminance of the light emitted from the illumination. This includes controlling the value of melanopic lux. By controlling the wavelength, the color of the light is controlled. By controlling at least one of the color and illuminance of the light, the melanopic lux of the emitted light can be controlled.

(8) In the massage device according to any one of (1) to (7), preferably, controlling the lighting includes gradually changing the melanopic lux value during the massage operation. Gradually changing the melanopic lux value during the massage operation refers to controlling the melanopic lux value so that it gradually increases or decreases. As a result, for example, it is possible to change the value of melanopic lux so as to gradually approach the purpose of the massage course, which may reduce the burden on the user rather than changing it suddenly.

(9) The massage device according to any one of (1) to (8), preferably has a first position that is an initial position and a second position that covers from above the vicinity of the user's head supported by the body support part. The control device further includes a hood that is movable between positions 2 and 2 and has a light disposed inside the hood. The hood is configured to be moved from a first position to a second position before starting the massage operation, and to be moved from the second position to the first position when the massage operation is finished. Thereby, the illumination can be placed in a position where it is easy to irradiate the user with light during the massage operation, and the user can be placed in a position where it is easy to stand up from the massage device when the massage is finished.

(10) A method for controlling a massage device according to an embodiment is a method for controlling a massage device in a control device for a massage device, wherein the massage device includes a body support portion that supports a user's body; The control method includes a massage unit that is an operating mechanism for performing a massage operation on the body of a supported user, and an illumination unit that irradiates light onto the user supported by the body support section. Controlling the massage unit to perform the massage operation specified in the course, and controlling the lighting to emit light having a melanopic lux value specified according to the purpose of the specified massage course. . Thereby, during the massage operation according to the massage course, the user can be irradiated with light having a melanopic lux value depending on the purpose of the massage course. In other words, illumination suitable for the purpose of the massage operation will be provided.

<2. Example of a massage device and a method of controlling the massage device>

1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of a massage device 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an initial state (first state) ST1 in which the hood 7 is in a first position, which will be described later, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a driving state (second state) in which the hood 7 is in a second position. ) is a schematic diagram showing ST2. The first position is the initial position of the hood 7, and the second position is a position in which the hood 7 covers the vicinity of the user's head supported by a body support section, which will be described later, from above.

The massage device 100 is a device that provides a massage by stimulating the user's body, and may be, for example, a chair type used by the user while sitting, that is, a massage chair. In the following examples, the massage device 100 is assumed to be a massage chair. In the following description, left and right, top and bottom, and front and rear refer to left and right, top and bottom, and front and rear as viewed from the user seated on the massage device 100.

The massage device 100 mainly includes a seat part 2 on which a user sits, a backrest part 3 provided at the rear of the seat part 2 so as to be reclinable and on which the user can lean, and a front part of the seat part 2 which is movable up and down. A footrest 4 provided to support the user's lower legs, a rear wall portion (hood support portion) 5 provided at the rear of the backrest portion 3, and armrest portions 6 (armrests) provided on both left and right sides of the seat portion 2. and a hood 7 supported by the rear wall portion 5. The seat portion 2, the backrest portion 3, the footrest 4, and the armrest portion 6 function as a body support portion that supports a body part that is a part of the user's body.

A plurality of massage units, which are operating mechanisms for performing massage operations on the user's body, are provided at various locations on the seat portion 2, backrest portion 3, footrest 4, and armrest portion 6. The massage unit is driven by a drive mechanism and massages a body part supported by the body support part with pressure.

Specifically, the seat 2 is provided with a seat massage unit 2A for performing a massage operation on the thighs and buttocks. The backrest portion 3 is provided with a mechanical massage unit 8 mainly for performing a massage operation from the neck to the lower back. The footrest 4 is provided with a foot massage unit 4A for performing massage operations mainly on the calves and the soles of the feet. Further, a pump unit 9 is provided below the seat portion 2.

The rear wall portion 5 and the hood 7 each have a substantially bowl shape, and the hood 7 has a slightly larger diameter than the rear wall portion 5. Thereby, the hood 7 is arranged so as to overlap the rear wall portion 5 from the outside (backward). Bearings 7a are formed at the left and right ends of the hood 7. The hood 7 is placed overlapping the rear wall 5, and bearings 7a are pivotally supported on the left and right portions of the rear wall 5.

Since the bearings 7a are pivotally supported on the left and right portions of the rear wall portion 5, the hood 7 can be rotated around an axis in the left and right direction while being pivotally supported on the rear wall portion 5. That is, the hood 7 covers from above the initial position (first position) of the rear position of the backrest part 3 and the vicinity of the user's head, which is located above the backrest part 3 and is supported by the body support part. position (second position). Specifically, the hood 7 rotates upward from the first position as indicated by arrow A2 in FIG. 2 to reach the second position, and from the second position rotates downward as indicated by arrow A1 in FIG. This will set it to the first position. Thereby, the massage device 100 can take the first state ST1 and the second state ST2 in FIG. 1.

The light emitting device 300 is arranged inside the hood 7, that is, on the side facing the user supported by the body support section. The light emitting device 300 is a lighting whose wavelength and intensity of emitted light are variable. Thereby, the light emitting device 300 can control both the color and illuminance of the emitted light.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a light emitting device 300. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining light irradiation by the light emitting device 300. Referring to FIG. 3, a light emitting device 300 includes a plurality of light sources 31 arranged on a substrate 32. The light source 31 is connected to the illumination control section 30 and emits light in a predetermined pattern under control from the illumination control section 30. Thereby, the wavelength and intensity (illuminance) of the light L emitted from the light emitting device 300 can be made variable.

As an example, each of the light sources 31 is an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and the plurality of light sources 31 are composed of LEDs of a plurality of colors. As an example, the plurality of light sources 31 are composed of four-color LEDs: red (R), green (G), blue (B), and white (W). In this case, the illumination control unit 30 performs PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control for each color, for example. That is, the illumination control unit 30 controls the wavelength and intensity of the light emitted from the light emitting device 300 by controlling the duty ratio, which is the ratio of the pulse width of the light source 31 to the period, for each color.

For example, the light emitting device 300 is arranged such that the direction of light emitted from the light source 31 faces inside the hood 7. For example, the light source 31 is arranged on the surface 7S of the substrate 32 facing inside the hood 7. Preferably, the surface 7S is painted with a color that easily reflects light, such as white or milky white. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the light L from the light source 31 is not directly irradiated onto the face of the user P supported by the backrest 3, but is irradiated toward the surface 7S. will be illuminated with indirect light.

In addition, in the massage device 100, the light emitting device 300 is provided inside the hood 7, but as another example, the entire hood 7 may be the light emitting device 300, or in addition to the hood 7, The light emitting device 300 may be provided in other parts such as the backrest portion 3, the armrest portion 6, and the footrest 4, or the light emitting device 300 may be provided as a whole. As a result, light is irradiated onto areas other than the user's P's face, and the surroundings of the massage device 100 can also be given a nice atmosphere.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a massage device 100A according to another example. A massage device 100A according to another example includes one or more panels 5A that cover the left and right sides of the backrest 3, footrest 4, and armrest 6 from the outside instead of the rear wall 5. There is. In this case, the light emitting device 300 may be provided inside the panel 5A. In the example of FIG. 8, panels 5A are provided on the outside of each of the backrest portion 3, footrest 4, and armrest portion 6, and a light emitting device 300 is placed inside each panel 5A. In the example of FIG. 8, it is sufficient that the light emitting device 300 is disposed on at least the panel 5A that covers the backrest portion 3 among the plurality of panels 5A, and the light emitting device 300 does not need to be disposed on the other panels 5A. .

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the massage device 100. Referring to FIG. 5 , massage device 100 includes control device 10 . The control device 10 is composed of a computer having a processor 11 and a memory 12. The processor 11 is connected to each section and controls each section. Some of the functions of the processor 11 may be realized by a processor (not shown) installed in the tablet 200, which will be described later.

The memory 12 stores a program 121. The program 121 is a program for causing the processor 11 to control the massage operation of the massage device 100. Processor 11 executes program 121 according to operation signals from tablet 200, which will be described later. Thereby, the processor 11 functions as a massage controller.

Massage device 100 includes a pump unit 9. The pump unit 9 includes a pump as an example of an actuator that operates the pump unit 9, and a drive circuit that controls the drive of the pump, and supplies and exhausts air to and from the air cells included in each massage unit. An air cell is an air bag that expands and contracts by supplying and discharging air, and is an example of a pressing member that presses a user's body part by supplying and discharging air. The drive circuit controls the drive of the pump according to a control signal from the processor 11, and controls the supply and exhaust of air to and from the air cells.

Massage device 100 includes a mechanical massage unit 8 that is a massage unit. The mechanical massage unit 8 includes, as a massage member, a pair of left and right arms (not shown) provided with treatment elements at both upper and lower ends, a kneading operation that moves the left and right treatment elements toward and away from each other, and a massaging operation that moves the left and right treatment elements closer to each other. and a drive circuit (not shown) that performs a tapping motion that alternately advances and retreats toward the user. The drive circuit controls the drive of the massage member according to a control signal from the processor 11.

The mechanical massage unit 8 may have a sensor (not shown) and may be configured to obtain body shape information of the user by detecting that the arm is at a predetermined swing position such as the shoulder. A signal indicating the detected predetermined position of the shoulder or the like is input to the processor 11 . The processor 11 calculates the positions of other parts (neck, back, waist, etc.) using the predetermined position as a reference, and detects the user's body shape.

The massage device 100 includes a seat massage unit 2A and a foot massage unit 4A, which are massage units. Each massage unit 2A, 4A includes an air cell (not shown) as an example of a pressing member, and a drive circuit thereof. The drive circuit drives a solenoid valve for supplying and discharging air from the pump unit 9 to the air cell. The drive circuit and the solenoid valve are examples of actuators that cause each massage unit 2A, 4A to perform a massage operation, and are included in a drive mechanism that drives the massage units. The drive circuit controls opening and closing of the solenoid valve according to control signals from the processor 11. This controls the air supply and exhaust to the air cell.

Massage device 100 includes a sensor unit 14. The sensor unit 14 has a sensor (not shown) for detecting the degree of massage operation and the user's condition. Specifically, the sensor detects the amount of operation of the actuator or the internal pressure of the air cell. A sensor may be placed on each massage unit. A signal indicating the sensing result by the sensor unit 14 is input to the processor 11.

Massage device 100 includes a reclining unit 18. The reclining unit 18 is a unit that changes the angle of the backrest portion 3 according to the massage operation, and includes an actuator (not shown) and a drive circuit thereof for changing the angle. The drive circuit controls the drive of the actuator according to a control signal from the processor 11.

Massage device 100 has a hood unit 7B. The hood unit 7B is a unit that rotates the hood 7, and includes an actuator (not shown) and a drive circuit thereof for rotation. The drive circuit controls the drive of the actuator according to a control signal from the processor 11.

The massage device 100 includes a lighting control section 30. The illumination control unit 30 controls the irradiation of light from each light source 31 of the light emitting device 300 according to a control signal from the processor 11.

The massage device 100 includes a tablet 200 as an example of an operation unit that accepts user operations. Tablet 200 may be a device integrated with massage device 100 or may be a separate device independent from massage device 100. Tablet 200 receives a user's operation input and inputs an operation signal representing the operation to processor 11. Tablet 200 may output information according to control signals from processor 11. The information output by the tablet 200 may be an image displayed on a display (not shown), an audio output from a speaker (not shown), or both. good.

The processor 11 functions as a massage controller by executing the program 121 and executes the operation control process 111. The operation control process 111 includes controlling the operation of each massage unit in order to cause each massage unit to perform a selected or predefined massage operation. Specifically, the operation control process 111 includes outputting a control signal to the massage unit so that the massage unit performs a massage operation along a massage course specified by a user operation received by the tablet 200.

A massage course defines a combination of one or more massage operations and the timing of their execution for the purpose of improving mental and physical health. In the massage device 100 according to the present embodiment, the massage course further defines the characteristics of the irradiation light from the light emitting device 300 and the timing of irradiating the light with the characteristics for the purpose of mental and physical health. The memory 12 includes a course information storage section 122 for storing course information that defines the contents of a massage course.

Mental and physical health refers to things such as bringing the body into an appropriate state, improving or suppressing problems, and suppressing the progression of problems. As an example, the purpose of the massage course includes at least one of bringing the living body closer to an awake state, bringing the living body closer to a sleeping state, suppressing the progression of dementia, and improving/suppressing depression. This allows you to maintain your mental and physical health.

Preferably, the course information storage unit 122 is capable of storing course information of a plurality of massage courses. The course information may be stored in advance, may be input from another device via the tablet 200 and stored, or may be updated or changed. good. Thereby, the massage device 100 can accept selection of a massage course to be executed from among a plurality of executable massage courses.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of course information stored in the memory 12. FIG. 6 includes course information 21A of the "awakening course" (first course), course information 21B of the "sleep course" (second course), and course information 21C of the "elderly course" (third course). This shows an example in which a plurality of pieces of course information are stored in the course information storage unit 122. The "awakening course" is a massage course whose purpose is to bring the living body closer to an awake state. The "sleep course" is a massage course whose purpose is to bring the living body closer to a sleeping state. The "elderly course" is a massage course whose purpose is to provide stimulation suitable for the elderly to the living body in order to suppress the progression of dementia.

The course information 21A, 21B, and 21C includes data 22 that specifies the massage operation and the timing to perform it, data 23 that specifies the characteristics of the light emitted from the light emitting device 300 and the timing to emit the light with the characteristics. including. Specifically, the data 22 includes data 22A that specifies the target area of the massage operation, data 22B that specifies the massage operation to be performed, data 22C that specifies the speed of the massage operation, and data 22C that specifies the intensity of the massage operation. Contains data 22D. The data 23 includes data 23A that defines the illuminance (lux) of illumination, and data 23B that defines the wavelength (nm). Thereby, during execution of the massage course, the prescribed massage operation is performed, and the prescribed illumination is also controlled.

Note that if the massage device 100 has a heater, a content playback device for music, etc., the course information 21A, 21B, and 21C includes data specifying the temperature and ON/OFF of the heater in addition to the data 22 and 23. It may also include data that defines the content to be played, the timing of playback, the volume and resolution at the time of playback, and the like.

In each course information 21A, 21B, and 21C, massage operations are defined according to the purpose of the massage course. Further, it is specified that light having a melanopic lux value specified according to the purpose of each massage course is emitted from the light emitting device 300. Therefore, light with different melanopic lux values may be emitted from the light emitting device 300 depending on the massage course.

Melanopic lux is also called equivalent melanopic illuminance, and is a unit that quantitatively captures the brightness that affects the circadian rhythm, that is, it is one of the units that expresses the amount of light. Melanopic lux has been adopted as one of the evaluation items of WELL Certification (USA), which evaluates the built environment, and is known to affect the health of office workers. Melanopic lux is the intensity of illumination determined by the amount of stimulation to melanopsin cells, which are light-sensitive ganglion cells on the retina. Melanopsin cells make a neural response to light stimulation, and this neural response suppresses melatonin secretion.

Melatonin is a substance that induces sleepiness. When melanopic lux is high, melatonin secretion is suppressed, which has the effect of promoting alertness and concentration. When melanopic lux is low, melatonin is distributed and has the effect of promoting sleep and relaxation.

In equation (1), melanopic lux Ez is expressed by the coefficient Km representing the maximum human visibility, the photopic visibility function V(λ), the spectral distribution Eeλ(λ), and the normalized photosensitivity curve Nz(λ ) is defined by equation (1) in FIG. The coefficient Km is Km=683.002 [lm/W].

Melanopic lux changes depending on the wavelength of light and illuminance. In other words, melanopic lux can be changed by controlling the wavelength and illuminance of the irradiated light. The higher the illuminance, the higher the melanopic lux value, and the lower the illuminance, the lower the melanopic lux value. The lower the wavelength, the higher the melanopic lux value, and the higher the wavelength, the lower the melanopic lux value. In other words, even with the same illuminance, melanopic lux differs depending on the color, with blue light having a higher melanopic lux value and red light having a lower melanopic lux value.

As an example, in the period T1 from timing t0 to t1 when the massage course starts, the course information 21A of the "awakening course" performs a massaging motion on the back, and the speed is "1" and the strength is "1". It is specified as "1". Further, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 400 (lux) and a wavelength of 580 (nm) be emitted from the light emitting device 300. In the course information 21B of the "sleep course", a massage operation using air cells is performed on the legs, and the speed is specified as "4" and the strength is specified as "5". Further, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 750 (lux) and a wavelength of 680 (nm) be emitted from the light emitting device 300. In the course information 21C of the "elderly course", a massage operation is performed on the legs using an air cell, and the speed is specified as "2" and the strength is specified as "1". Further, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 400 (lux) and a wavelength of 580 (nm) be emitted from the light emitting device 300.

Next, in the period T2 from timing t1 to t2, the course information 21A of the "awakening course" performs a tapping massage motion on the lower back, and specifies that the speed is "3" and the strength is "3". has been done. Further, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 600 (lux) and a wavelength of 550 (nm) be emitted from the light emitting device 300. In the course information 21B of the "sleep course", a massaging motion of massaging the buttocks is performed, and the speed and strength are defined as "4" and "4", respectively. Further, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 600 (lux) and a wavelength of 690 (nm) be emitted from the light emitting device 300. In the course information 21C of the "elderly course", a massaging motion is performed on the buttocks, and the speed is defined as "2" and the strength is defined as "1". Further, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 600 (lux) and a wavelength of 550 (nm) be emitted from the light emitting device 300.

Next, in the period T3 from timing t2 to t3, the course information 21A of the "awakening course" performs a massaging motion on the buttocks, and specifies that the speed is "3" and the strength is "4". has been done. Further, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 750 (lux) and a wavelength of 530 (nm) be emitted from the light emitting device 300. In the course information 21B of the "sleep course", a massaging motion is performed on the buttocks, and the speed is defined as "3" and the strength is defined as "4". Further, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 450 (lux) and a wavelength of 700 (nm) be emitted from the light emitting device 300. In the course information 21C of the "elderly course", a massaging motion is performed on the buttocks, and the speed and intensity are defined as "3" and "3", respectively. Further, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 750 (lux) and a wavelength of 530 (nm) be emitted from the light emitting device 300.

Next, in the period T4 from timing t3 to t4, the course information 21A of the "awakening course" performs a massaging motion on the buttocks, and specifies that the speed is "5" and the strength is "5". has been done. Further, in the period T4, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 850 (lux) and a wavelength of 500 (nm) is irradiated from the light emitting device 300. In the course information 21B of the "sleeping course", a tapping massage motion is performed on the lower back, and the speed is defined as "2" and the strength is defined as "3". Further, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 300 (lux) and a wavelength of 730 (nm) be emitted from the light emitting device 300. In the course information 21C for the "elderly course", a slapping massage motion is performed on the lower back, and the speed and strength are defined as "2" and "3", respectively. Further, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 850 (lux) and a wavelength of 500 (nm) be emitted from the light emitting device 300.

Next, in the period T5 from timing t4 to t5, the course information 21A of the "awakening course" specifies that the air cell massage motion is performed on the legs, and the speed is "3" and the strength is "5". has been done. Further, in the period T5, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 1000 (lux) and a wavelength of 480 (nm) is irradiated from the light emitting device 300. In the course information 21B of the "sleep course", a back massage action is performed, and the speed and intensity are defined as "1" and "1", respectively. Further, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 100 (lux) and a wavelength of 750 (nm) be emitted from the light emitting device 300. In the course information 21C for the "elderly course", a back massage action is performed, and the speed and intensity are defined as "1" and "1", respectively. Furthermore, it is specified that light with an illuminance of 1000 (lux) and a wavelength of 480 (nm) be emitted from the light emitting device 300.

The type and intensity of the massage motions that physically stimulate the body are higher in the ``awake course'' than in the ``sleep course.'' The illuminance of the light emitted from the light emitting device 300 is stronger in the "awakening course" than in the "sleeping course." The wavelength of the light emitted from the light emitting device 300 is lower in the "awake course" than in the "sleep course." In other words, the melanopic lux value of the light emitted from the light emitting device 300 is higher in the "waking course" than in the "sleeping course." As a result, in the "awakening course", the user's awakening is promoted, and one of the objectives is to bring the living body closer to an awake state. Further, in the "sleep course", the user's sleep is promoted, and one of the purposes is to bring the living body closer to a sleeping state.

Note that whether the massage operation is strong or weak, the wavelength is high or low, and the illuminance is high or low in each course refers to the overall tendency. The overall trend may be, for example, a value for all periods, an average value for the entire course, or other statistical values. The same applies to the subsequent explanations.

Preferably, as shown in the course information 21A, 21B, and 21C, in the massage course, at least one of the illuminance and wavelength of the light emitted from the light emitting device 300 is gradually changed during the execution of the massage operation. It is stipulated that As a result, the melanopic lux value of the light emitted from the light emitting device 300 gradually changes during the massage operation.

Specifically, the course information 21A of the "awakening course" specifies that the wavelength of the light emitted from the light emitting device 300 is gradually lowered and the illuminance is gradually increased. As a result, while the "awakening course" is being executed, the light emitted from the light emitting device 300 gradually changes to blue, and the illuminance gradually increases. Furthermore, the course information 21B of the "sleep course" specifies that the wavelength of the light emitted from the light emitting device 300 is gradually increased and the illuminance is gradually lowered. As a result, while the "sleep course" is being executed, the light emitted from the light emitting device 300 gradually changes to red, and the illuminance gradually decreases. As a result, it becomes possible to gradually bring the state of the living body closer to the desired state.

In the course information 21C of the "elderly course", the intensity of the prescribed massage operation is lower than the intensity of the massage operation in the "awake course", and the illuminance of the light emitted from the light emitting device 300 is lower than that of the "sleep course" overall. The wavelength is generally lower than that of the "sleep course". In other words, the prescribed melanopic lux values are generally larger than the "sleep course." This contributes to suppressing the progression of problems peculiar to the elderly, such as dementia, and also provides stimulation that is not too strong, thereby achieving one of the purposes of providing stimulation suitable for the elderly to the living body.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a method for controlling the massage device 100 by the control device 10. When the processor 11 of the control device 10 receives the selection of a massage course to be executed from the tablet 200 (YES in step S101), the processor 11 of the control device 10 reads course information corresponding to the selected massage course from the course information storage section 122 of the memory 12 ( Step S103).

When processor 11 receives an instruction to start a massage operation from tablet 200 (YES at step S105), processor 11 executes operation control processing 111 so as to perform an operation according to the course information read at step S103.

Preferably, when the processor 11 receives an instruction to start a massage operation from the tablet 200 (YES in step S105), the processor 11 drives the reclining unit 18 to tilt the backrest 3 to a position suitable for massage, and also drives the reclining unit 18 to tilt the backrest 3 to a position suitable for massage. The hood unit 7B is driven to move from the first position to the second position (step S107). Thereby, the massage device 100 shifts from the first state ST1 (FIG. 1) to the second state ST2 (FIG. 2), and becomes a state suitable for massage operation. Note that these operations may be performed manually by a user or an operator.

The processor 11 controls each massage unit to perform a massage operation according to the read course information (step S109). As an example, the processor 11 obtains the drive amount of the drive unit of each massage unit from the course information so as to achieve a prescribed massage operation, and sends a control signal to drive the massage unit according to the drive amount. output to the section.

Further, the processor 11 controls the illumination control unit 30 according to the read course information to cause the light emitting device 300 to emit light having a prescribed melanopic lux value (step S111). As an example, the processor 11 obtains the duty ratio of the light source 31 of each color from the course information so that the light wavelength and illuminance are specified, and sends a control signal for PWM control to achieve the specified duty ratio. It is output to the control section 30.

The processor 11 continues to control the massage operation and the lighting until the end of the course according to the read course information (NO in step S113). When the end timing specified by the course information is reached, or when an end instruction is received from the tablet 200, the processor 11 ends the control according to the course information.

Preferably, when the processor 11 ends the control according to the course information (YES in step S113), the processor 11 drives the reclining unit 18 to raise the backrest 3 from a position suitable for massage to the initial position, and also moves the hood 7 to the first position. The hood unit 7B is driven to move from the second position to the first position (step S115). Thereby, the massage device 100 transitions from the second state ST2 (FIG. 2) to the first state ST1 (FIG. 1), and becomes a state in which the user can easily stand up from the massage device 100. Note that these operations may also be performed manually by the user or operator.

<3. Additional notes＞
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

2: Seat section 2A: Seat massage unit 3: Backrest section 4: Footrest 4A: Foot massage unit 5: Rear wall section 5A: Panel 6: Armrest section 7: Hood 7B: Hood unit 7S: Surface 7a: Bearing 8: Mechanical massage unit 9: Pump unit 10: Control device 11: Processor 12: Memory 14: Sensor unit 18: Reclining unit 21A: Course information 21B: Course information 21C: Course information 22: Data 22A: Data 22B: Data 22C: Data 22D : Data 23 : Data 23A : Data 23B : Data 30 : Lighting control section 31 : Light source 32 : Board 100 : Massage device 100A : Massage device 111 : Operation control processing 121 : Program 122 : Course information storage part 200 : Tablet 300 : Light emission Apparatus A1: Arrow A2: Arrow L: Light P: User ST1: First state ST2: Second state T1: Period T2: Period T3: Period T4: Period T5: Period t0: Timing t1: Timing t2: Timing t3 :Timing t4 :Timing t5 :Timing

Claims (10)

a body support section that supports the user's body;
a massage unit that is an operating mechanism for performing a massage operation on the user's body supported by the body support section;
a control device that controls the massage operation in the massage unit;
a lighting device that irradiates light to the user supported by the body support section;
The control device includes:
controlling the massage unit to perform massage operations prescribed in a designated massage course;
The massage device is configured to control the lighting to emit light having a melanopic lux value defined according to the specified purpose of the massage course. The purpose of the massage course includes at least one of bringing the living body closer to an awake state, bringing the living body closer to a sleeping state, suppressing the progression of dementia, and improving/suppressing depression. massage device. The control device is capable of accepting a first course designation and a second course designation as the massage course,
The massage device according to claim 1, wherein the first course and the second course have different melanopic lux values. The first course has a higher intensity of prescribed massage operation than the second course,
The massage device according to claim 3, wherein the first course has a larger melanopic lux value than the second course. The purpose of the first course includes bringing the living body closer to an awake state,
The massage device according to claim 4, wherein the purpose of the second course includes bringing the living body closer to a sleeping state. The control device is further capable of accepting designation of a third course as the massage course,
The third course has a lower intensity of prescribed massage operation than the first course,
The massage device according to claim 3, wherein the third course has a larger melanopic lux value than the second course. According to claim 1, controlling the illumination includes controlling at least one of the wavelength and illuminance of the light emitted from the illumination to reach the prescribed melanopic lux value. massage device. The massage device according to claim 1, wherein controlling the illumination includes gradually changing a value of melanopic lux during the massage operation. The hood is movable between a first position, which is an initial position, and a second position, which covers from above the vicinity of the user's head supported by the body support part, and the lighting is arranged inside the hood. Further equipped with a placed hood,
Upon receiving the designation of the massage course, the control device moves the hood from the first position to the second position before starting the massage operation prescribed in the designated massage course; The massage device according to claim 1, wherein the hood is moved from the second position to the first position when the massage operation is finished. A method for controlling a massage device in a control device for a massage device, the method comprising:
The massage device includes:
a body support section that supports the user's body;
a massage unit that is an operating mechanism for performing a massage operation on the user's body supported by the body support section;
a lighting device that irradiates light to the user supported by the body support section;
The control method includes:
controlling the massage unit to perform a massage operation prescribed in a specified massage course;
A method for controlling a massage device, comprising: controlling the lighting to emit light having a melanopic lux value defined according to the specified purpose of the massage course.

Images