U.S. patent application number 12/161143 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-10 for respiration training machine enabling grasp of effect.
Invention is credited to Kazuomi Kario, Yuzo Nakase, Toshikazu Shiga, Osamu Shirasaki.
Application Number | 20090227425 12/161143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38287447 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090227425 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shirasaki; Osamu ; et
al. |
September 10, 2009 |
RESPIRATION TRAINING MACHINE ENABLING GRASP OF EFFECT
Abstract
A breathing exerciser includes: a guide unit for guiding an
exercise pattern of breathing to a user; a biological information
detecting unit for detecting biological information on the user; a
biological information detection control unit for controlling
detection of the biological information at timing associated with
an exercise period during which the exercise pattern is guided; a
characteristic value calculating unit for calculating a
characteristic value that reflects an exercise index, based on the
biological information detected according to the control of the
biological information detection control unit, the exercise index
being a target of breathing exercise; an effect index calculating
unit for calculating an effect index based on at least two
characteristic values, the effect index representing an effect of
the breathing exercise; and an informing unit for informing the
effect index to the user.
Inventors: |
Shirasaki; Osamu; (Hyogo,
JP) ; Shiga; Toshikazu; (Shiga, JP) ; Nakase;
Yuzo; (Ibaraki, JP) ; Kario; Kazuomi;
(Tochigi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP
1650 TYSONS BOULEVARD, SUITE 400
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Family ID: |
38287447 |
Appl. No.: |
12/161143 |
Filed: |
December 26, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
December 26, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2006/325900 |
371 Date: |
July 16, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/20 20130101;
A63B 2071/0625 20130101; A63B 23/185 20130101; A61B 5/0205
20130101; A63B 2230/30 20130101; A63B 2230/04 20130101; A63B
2230/08 20130101; A63B 2230/06 20130101; A61B 5/486 20130101; A63B
2024/0012 20130101; A61B 5/022 20130101; A63B 2024/0068
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/18 20060101
A63B023/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 20, 2006 |
JP |
2006-012879 |
Claims
1. A breathing exerciser comprising: a guide unit for guiding an
exercise pattern of breathing to a user; a detecting unit for
detecting biological information on the user; a detection control
unit for controlling detection of the biological information before
and after an exercise period during which the exercise pattern is
guided; a characteristic value calculating unit (203) for
calculating two characteristic values that reflect an exercise
index, based on the biological information respectively for before
and after the exercise period detected according to the control of
the detection control unit, the exercise index being a target of
breathing exercise; an effect index calculating unit for
calculating an effect index for before and after the exercise
period, based on the two characteristic values, the effect index
representing an effect of the breathing exercise; and an informing
unit for informing the effect index to the user.
2. (canceled)
3. The breathing exerciser according to claim 1 further comprising:
a storage unit for storing the characteristic value which is based
on the biological information detected before or after the previous
exercise period, wherein the characteristic value calculating unit
calculates the two characteristic values based on the detected
biological information and the biological information stored in the
storage unit, and the effect index calculating unit calculates the
effect index for before each exercise period or for after each
exercise period, based on the calculated characteristic values.
4. The breathing exerciser according to claim 1, wherein the
detection control unit further allows the detecting unit to detect
the biological information during the exercise period, the
characteristic value calculating unit calculates the characteristic
value based on the detected biological information for during the
exercise period, and the effect index calculating unit further
calculates the effect index for during the exercise period, based
on the calculated characteristic value.
5. The breathing exerciser according to claim 4 further comprising:
a changing unit for changing the exercise pattern based on a result
of comparison between the effect index for during the exercise
period which is calculated by the effect index calculating unit and
a predetermined threshold.
6. The breathing exerciser according to claim 1, wherein the
exercise index and the characteristic value each are a blood
pressure value, and the effect index is a degree of decrease in the
blood pressure value.
7. The breathing exerciser according to claim 1, wherein the
exercise index is an autonomic nervous activity level index
representing an autonomic nervous activity level, the
characteristic value includes a heart rate fluctuation, the
characteristic value calculating unit calculates heart rate
fluctuations based on two heart rates respectively corresponding to
two pieces of detected biological information, and the effect index
calculating unit calculates, as the effect index, a degree of
suppression of the autonomic nervous activity level based on the
two heart rate fluctuations.
8. The breathing exerciser according to claim 1, wherein the
exercise index is a blood pressure stability index, the
characteristic value includes a baroreflex sensitivity, the
characteristic value calculating unit calculates the baroreflex
sensitivities based on a heart rate fluctuation and a blood
pressure fluctuation respectively corresponding to two pieces of
detected biological information, and the effect index calculating
unit calculates, as the effect index, a degree of increase in blood
pressure stability based on a difference or ratio between the two
baroreflex sensitivities.
9. The breathing exerciser according to claim 1 further comprising:
a storage unit for storing the effect index associated with the
previous exercise period, wherein the informing unit further
informs a trend between the stored effect index and the calculated
effect index.
10. The breathing exerciser according to claim 1 further
comprising: an input unit for inputting physical information on the
user; and a determining unit for determining an exercise pattern
based on the inputted physical information, wherein the guide unit
guides the determined exercise pattern.
11. The breathing exerciser according to claim 10, wherein the
determining unit determines the exercise pattern based on the
effect index associated with the previous exercise period.
12. A breathing exerciser comprising: a guide unit for guiding an
exercise pattern of breathing to a user; a detecting unit for
detecting biological information on the user; a detection control
unit for controlling detection of the biological information before
and after an exercise period during which the exercise pattern is
guided; a characteristic value calculating unit for calculating two
characteristic values that reflect an exercise index, based on the
biological information respectively for before and after the
exercise period detected according to the control of the detection
control unit, the exercise index being a target of breathing
exercise; and an informing unit for informing the characteristic
values respectively for before and after the exercise period to the
user.
13. (canceled)
14. The breathing exerciser according to claim 12 further
comprising: a storage unit for storing a characteristic value which
is based on the biological information detected before or after the
previous exercise period, wherein the characteristic value
calculating unit calculates two characteristic values based on the
detected biological information and the biological information
stored in the storage unit, and the informing unit informs the
characteristic values for before each exercise period or for after
each exercise period.
15. The breathing exerciser according to claim 12, wherein the
detection control unit further allows the detecting unit to detect
biological information during the exercise period, the
characteristic value calculating unit calculates the characteristic
value based on the detected biological information for during the
exercise period, and the informing unit further informs the
characteristic value for during the exercise period.
16. The breathing exerciser according to claim 15 further
comprising: a changing unit for changing the exercise pattern based
on a result of comparison between the characteristic value for
during the exercise period which is calculated by the
characteristic value calculating unit and a predetermined
threshold.
17. The breathing exerciser according to claim 12, wherein the
exercise index and the characteristic value each are a blood
pressure value.
18. The breathing exerciser according to claim 12, wherein the
exercise index is an autonomic nervous activity level index
representing an autonomic nervous activity level, the
characteristic value includes a heart rate fluctuation, and the
characteristic value calculating unit calculates heart rate
fluctuations based on two heart rates respectively corresponding to
two pieces of the detected biological information.
19. The breathing exerciser according to claim 12, wherein the
exercise index is a blood pressure stability index, the
characteristic value includes a baroreflex sensitivity, and the
characteristic value calculating unit calculates the baroreflex
sensitivities based on a heart rate fluctuation and a blood
pressure fluctuation respectively corresponding to two pieces of
detected biological information.
20. The breathing exerciser according to claim 12 further
comprising: an input unit for inputting physical information on the
user; and a determining unit for determining an exercise pattern
based on the inputted physical information, wherein the guide unit
guides the determined exercise pattern.
21. The breathing exerciser according to claim 20, wherein the
determining unit determines the exercise pattern based on the
effect index associated with the previous exercise period.
Description
[0001] This application is a National Stage application of
PCT/JP2006/325900, filed Dec. 26, 2006, which claims the benefit of
priority of Japanese Application No. 2006-012879, filed Jan. 20,
2006, the entire contents of these applications hereby incorporated
by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a breathing exerciser and
more particularly to a breathing exerciser that guides an exercise
pattern of breathing.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] It has been verified that slow deep breathing leads to
suppression of autonomic nerves, providing an effect of decreasing
blood pressure. For example, the document "Slow Breathing Improves
Arterial Baroreflex Sensitivity and Decreases Blood Pressure in
Essential Hypertension" (hereinafter, referred to as the
"Non-Patent Document 1") by Chacko N. Joseph, et al., in
"Hypertension, October 2005", Volume 46, pp. 714-718, published by
the American Heart Association, can be a reference document.
Therefore, conventionally, as autonomic nervous system exercise
methods and biofeedback, studies have been conducted. Also, a
number of breathing exercisers for that have been proposed.
[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-277976
(hereinafter, referred to as the "Patent Document 1") has disclosed
an invention related to an abdominal breathing exercising apparatus
in which a sensor that detects movement of the abdominal cavity
caused by subject's abdominal breathing is placed on his/her
abdomen, a predetermined ideal breathing exercise pattern is
generated, an actual breathing pattern is compared with the ideal
breathing exercise pattern to determine the degree of matching, and
a result of the determination is informed by sound or photoelectric
display. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-301047
(hereinafter, referred to as the "Patent Document 2") has disclosed
an invention related to a breathing induction apparatus including a
breathing detecting means of detecting breathing of a living body,
in which breathing information is extracted from a detected
breathing signal, the information is compared for determination
with target breathing pattern information to be induced, and a
stimulus signal to be provided to the living body is controlled by
a correction value which is based on a difference obtained by the
comparison. Published Japanese Translation of PCT Application No.
2005-535378 (hereinafter, referred to as the "Patent Document 3")
has disclosed that during breathing exercise one or more timing
parameters for operation of breathing are changed.
[0005] It has become clear that respiratory standstill during sleep
due to airway obstruction or autonomic nervous system
abnormalities, which is a so-called "Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS)",
not only simply reduces sleep quality, causing drowsiness during
daytime active hours but also promotes hypertension and thereby
induces harmful blood pressure fluctuations, which becomes a cause
of many serious diseases such as heart diseases and brain
diseases.
[0006] As treatment approaches for the SAS, there have been
proposed an apparatus (CPAP) that delivers a positive pressure of
air to the obstructed airway, a surgical operation for expanding
the airway, medical treatment (application of an alveolar
surfactant preparation to the posterior region of the pharynx (see
Published Japanese Translation of PCT Application No. 2001-507364
(hereinafter, referred to as the "Patent Document 4")), enhancement
of the muscle groups by muscle strength stimulation exercise by low
frequency vibration of the muscle groups of the tongue root in the
cervical region (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2005-237807 (hereinafter, referred to as the "Patent Document 5")),
etc. However, any of the approaches is a great burden for patients
and the current state is that low-burden approaches to the
prevention of the SAS have not been proposed.
[0007] Therefore, for the prevention of the SAS also, breathing
exercise that patients can easily do is considered to be
useful.
[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
No. 62-277976
[0009] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
No. 2002-301047
[0010] [Patent Document 3] Published Japanese Translation of PCT
Application No. 2005-535378
[0011] [Patent Document 4] Published Japanese Translation of PCT
Application No 2001-507364
[0012] [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
No. 2005-237807
[0013] [Non-Patent Document 1] Chacko N. Joseph, Cesare Porta, Gaia
Casucci, Nadia Casiraghi, Mara Maffeis, Marco Rossi, Luciano
Bernardi, "Slow Breathing Improves Arterial Baroreflex Sensitivity
and Decreases Blood Pressure in Essential Hypertension",
"Hypertension, October 2005", the American Heart Association,
Volume 46, pp. 714-718
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0014] However, the Patent Documents 1 to 3 all have disclosed
techniques for merely approximating an actual breathing state to an
ideal breathing pattern and thus there is a problem that even if
exercise is done with them, a user cannot grasp a final effect
(e.g., a decrease in blood pressure, an increase in blood pressure
stability, or the like). This is because it is difficult to grasp a
cause-and-effect relationship between such an exercise action as
breathing and an improvement target (e.g., a blood pressure value).
Hence, there is a concern that it may be difficult to maintain
exercise continuity. Furthermore, since the user needs to use a
sensor that detects breathing, there is a problem that handling
thereof is troublesome.
[0015] The present invention is made to solve problems such as
those described above and an object of the present invention is
therefore to provide a breathing exerciser that enables a user to
easily grasp an effect brought about by breathing exercise.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0016] A breathing exerciser according to one aspect of the present
invention comprises: a guide unit for guiding an exercise pattern
of breathing to a user; a detecting unit for detecting biological
information on the user; a detection control unit for controlling
detection of the biological information before and after an
exercise period during which the exercise pattern is guided; a
characteristic value calculating unit for calculating two
characteristic values that reflect an exercise index, based on the
biological information respectively for before and after the
exercise period detected according to the control of the detection
control unit, the exercise index being a target of breathing
exercise; an effect index calculating unit for calculating an
effect index for before and after the exercise period, based on the
two characteristic values, the effect index representing an effect
of the breathing exercise; and an informing unit for informing the
effect index to the user.
[0017] Preferably, the breathing exerciser further comprises: a
storage unit for storing a characteristic value which is based on
biological information detected before or after a previous exercise
period, the characteristic value calculating unit calculates two
characteristic values based on the detected biological information
and the biological information stored in the storage unit, and the
effect index calculating unit calculates an effect index for before
each exercise period or for after each exercise period, based on
the calculated characteristic values.
[0018] Preferably, the detection control unit further allows the
detecting unit to detect biological information during the exercise
period, the characteristic value calculating unit calculates a
characteristic value based on the detected biological information
for during the exercise period, and the effect index calculating
unit further calculates an effect index for during the exercise
period, based on the calculated characteristic value.
[0019] Preferably, the breathing exerciser further comprises: a
changing unit for changing the exercise pattern based on a result
of comparison between the effect index for during the exercise
period which is calculated by the effect index calculating unit and
a predetermined threshold.
[0020] Preferably, the exercise index and the characteristic value
each are a blood pressure value, and the effect index is a degree
of decrease in the blood pressure value.
[0021] Preferably, the exercise index is an autonomic nervous
activity level index representing an autonomic nervous activity
level, the characteristic value includes a heart rate fluctuation,
the characteristic value calculating unit calculates heart rate
fluctuations based on two heart rates respectively corresponding to
two pieces of detected biological information, and the effect index
calculating unit calculates, as the effect index, a degree of
suppression of the autonomic nervous activity level based on the
two heart rate fluctuations.
[0022] Preferably, the exercise index is a blood pressure stability
index, the characteristic value includes a baroreflex sensitivity,
the characteristic value calculating unit calculates baroreflex
sensitivities based on a heart rate fluctuation and a blood
pressure fluctuation respectively corresponding to two pieces of
detected biological information, and the effect index calculating
unit calculates, as the effect index, a degree of increase in blood
pressure stability based on a difference or ratio between the two
baroreflex sensitivities.
[0023] Preferably, the breathing exerciser further comprises: a
storage unit for storing an effect index associated with a previous
exercise period, and the informing unit further informs a trend
between the stored effect index and the calculated effect
index.
[0024] A breathing exerciser according to another aspect of the
present invention comprises: a guide unit for guiding an exercise
pattern of breathing to a user; a detecting unit for detecting
biological information on the user; a detection control unit for
controlling detection of the biological information before and
after an exercise period during which the exercise pattern is
guided; a characteristic value calculating unit for calculating two
characteristic values that reflect an exercise index, based on the
biological information respectively for before and after the
exercise period detected according to the control of the detection
control unit, the exercise index being a target of breathing
exercise; and an informing unit for informing the characteristic
values respectively for before and after the exercise period to the
user.
[0025] Preferably, the breathing exerciser further comprises: a
storage unit for storing a characteristic value which is based on
biological information detected before or after a previous exercise
period, the characteristic value calculating unit calculates two
characteristic values based on the detected biological information
and the biological information stored in the storage unit, and the
informing unit informs the characteristic values for before each
exercise period or for after each exercise period.
[0026] Preferably, the detection control unit further allows the
detecting unit to detect biological information during the exercise
period, the characteristic value calculating unit calculates a
characteristic value based on the detected biological information
for during the exercise period, and the informing unit further
informs the characteristic value for during the exercise
period.
[0027] Preferably, the breathing exerciser further comprises: a
changing unit for changing the exercise pattern based on a result
of comparison between the characteristic value for during the
exercise period which is calculated by the characteristic value
calculating unit and a predetermined threshold.
[0028] Preferably, the exercise index and the characteristic value
each are a blood pressure value.
[0029] Preferably, the exercise index is an autonomic nervous
activity level index representing an autonomic nervous activity
level, the characteristic value includes a heart rate fluctuation,
and the characteristic value calculating unit calculates heart rate
fluctuations based on two heart rates respectively corresponding to
two pieces of detected biological information.
[0030] Preferably, the exercise index is a blood pressure stability
index, the characteristic value includes a baroreflex sensitivity,
and the characteristic value calculating unit calculates baroreflex
sensitivities based on a heart rate fluctuation and a blood
pressure fluctuation respectively corresponding to two pieces of
detected biological information.
[0031] Preferably, the breathing exerciser further comprises: an
input unit for inputting physical information on the user; and a
determining unit for determining an exercise pattern based on the
inputted physical information, wherein the guide unit guides the
determined exercise pattern.
[0032] Preferably, the determining unit determines the exercise
pattern based on an effect index associated with a previous
exercise period.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0033] According to the present invention, the user can grasp an
effect brought about by breathing exercise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a breathing
exerciser in first and second embodiments of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
breathing exerciser in the first and second embodiments of the
present invention.
[0036] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an exemplary structure of an
execution pattern information storage unit in the first and second
embodiments of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an exemplary structure of an
exercise result storage unit in the first and second embodiments of
the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a breathing exercise
process in the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an exercise pattern
determination process in the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing load levels of eight
exercise patterns stored in an execution pattern information
storage unit 124.
[0041] FIG. 7 is a diagram for specifically describing exercise
patterns.
[0042] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen to be
displayed when inputting physical information.
[0043] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an exemplary display of a
breathing guide.
[0044] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a detailed exemplary display of
the breathing guide based on an exercise pattern for during an
exercise period and a diagram showing an example of the exercise
pattern.
[0045] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an exemplary display of
information on an effect index for before exercise or after
exercise.
[0046] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an exemplary display of
information on an effect index for before and after exercise.
[0047] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an exemplary display of a trend
of an effect index.
[0048] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of a breathing
exercise process in the second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0049] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a pattern change process in the
second embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0050] 1: exerciser main body, 2: cuff, 3: air tube, 4: display
unit, 12: memory, 13: timer, 14: pressure sensor, 15: oscillator
circuit, 16: pump, 17: pump drive circuit, 18: valve, 19: valve
drive circuit, 20: control unit, 21: operation unit, 25: air bag,
24: audio output unit, 30: biological information detecting unit,
100: breathing exerciser, 122: pattern storage unit, 124: execution
pattern information storage unit, 126: exercise result storage
unit, 201: guide unit, 202: biological information detection
control unit, 203: characteristic value calculating unit, 204:
effect index calculating unit, 206: informing unit, and 208:
pattern changing unit.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0051] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in
detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or
corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals
throughout the drawings.
First Embodiment
For Configuration
[0052] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a breathing
exerciser 100 in a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, the breathing exerciser 100 according
to the present embodiment includes an exerciser main body 1; a cuff
2 which is placed on a predetermined body part of a user to
pressurize by air pressure; and an air tube 3 connecting the
exerciser main body 1 and the cuff 2.
[0054] The exerciser main body 1 includes a display unit 4 provided
so that the user can check display content; and an operation unit
21 provided so that the user can externally operate the exerciser.
The operation unit 21 includes a plurality of switches and has a
menu switch 21.1 for inputting an instruction to display a variety
of menus of the breathing exerciser 100; a set switch 21.2 for
inputting an instruction to perform a menu or each operation; a
start switch 21.3 for inputting an instruction to start exercise;
left and right scroll switches 21.4; and the like.
[0055] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the
breathing exerciser 100 in the first embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the breathing exerciser 100
includes a biological information detecting unit 30 for detecting
biological information on the user; a control unit 20 for
intensively controlling and monitoring each unit; a display unit 4;
a memory 12 in which various data and programs are to be stored; an
operation unit 21; a timer 13 that performs a timer operation to
output timer data; and an audio output unit 24. In the present
embodiment, the biological information detecting unit 30 includes a
cuff 2; an air bag 25 contained in the cuff 2; a pressure sensor
14, the capacity of which changes by pressure (hereinafter,
referred to as "cuff pressure") in the air bag 25; an oscillator
circuit 15 that outputs a signal with an oscillation frequency
depending on a capacitance value of the pressure sensor 14, to the
control unit 20; a pump 16 and a valve 18 for adjusting the level
of the cuff pressure; a pump drive circuit 17 that drives the pump
16; and a valve drive circuit 19 for adjusting the degree of
open/close of the valve 18. The air bag 25 is connected to the
pressure sensor 14, the pump 16, and the valve 18 via an air tube
3. Note that the biological information detecting unit 30 is not
limited to such a configuration and any configuration can be
employed as long as biological information for calculating a
characteristic value, which will be described later, can be
detected.
[0056] The control unit 20 is configured by, for example, a CPU
(Central Processing Unit). The control unit 20 includes a guide
unit 201 for guiding an exercise pattern of breathing to the user;
a biological information detection control unit 202 for controlling
detection of biological information at timing associated with an
exercise period; a characteristic value calculating unit 203 for
calculating a biological characteristic value that reflects an
exercise index, based on the detected biological information; an
effect index calculating unit 204 for calculating an effect index
based on at least two characteristic values calculated by the
characteristic value calculating unit 203; and an informing unit
206 for informing the effect index calculated by the effect index
calculating unit 204 to the user.
[0057] Here, the "exercise index" is an index serving as a target
(improvement target) for breathing exercise and represents, for
example, a blood pressure value, an autonomic nervous activity
level index, a blood pressure stability index, etc. The "effect
index" is an index representing an effect of breathing exercise.
The effect index for when the exercise index is a blood pressure
value is the degree of decrease in blood pressure value. The effect
index for when the exercise index is an autonomic nervous activity
level index is the degree of suppression of an autonomic nervous
activity level. The effect index for when the exercise index is a
blood pressure stability index is the degree of increase in blood
pressure stability. In the present embodiment, description is made
with the exercise index being a blood pressure value.
[0058] The "exercise period" is a period during which an exercise
pattern is guided by the guide unit 201.
[0059] Note that a pattern changing unit 208 shown in FIG. 2 is
shown to describe a second embodiment, which will be described
later, and thus does not need to be included in the control unit 20
of the breathing exerciser 100 in the first embodiment.
[0060] The guide unit 201 specifically performs a process of
displaying information (hereinafter, also referred to as a
"breathing guide") for guiding to breathing which is based on an
exercise pattern, on the display unit 4. Note that although in the
present embodiment description is made such that an exercise
pattern is guided using the display unit 4, an exercise pattern may
be guided by sound by the audio output unit 24.
[0061] The biological information detection control unit 202
performs detection control of biological information, i.e., pulse
wave information, at timing associated with an exercise period.
Specifically, the biological information detection control unit 202
controls the drive of the pump drive circuit 17 and the valve drive
circuit 19 to convert a signal obtained from the oscillator circuit
15 into a pressure signal and thereby detects pressure.
[0062] The characteristic value calculating unit 203 specifically
calculates a blood pressure value (systolic blood pressure and
diastolic blood pressure) by applying a predetermined algorithm to
detected pressure data (pulse wave information). As such, as a
characteristic value for when the exercise index is a blood
pressure value, a blood pressure value which is the same as the
exercise index is calculated. For a procedure of calculation of a
blood pressure value, any known procedure which is conventionally
provided can be used. Note that with the above-described
configuration pulse rate (heart rate) can also be calculated by
applying a predetermined algorithm to detected pressure data.
[0063] The effect index calculating unit 204 calculates, based on
calculated characteristic values, effect indices respectively for
before exercise, during exercise, after exercise, and before and
after exercise. Each effect index is specifically calculated using,
for example, a difference between two characteristic values or a
ratio between two characteristic values. In the present embodiment,
as an effect index, the degree of decrease in blood pressure value
(.DELTA.BP) is calculated.
[0064] An effect index for before exercise is calculated using a
characteristic value which is based on biological information
detected before (immediately before) a previous exercise period and
a characteristic value which is based on biological information
detected before (immediately before) a current exercise period. The
"previous exercise period" refers to an exercise period in a
breathing exercise process which is performed earlier than a
current breathing exercise process, and may be, for example, the
first exercise period or may be the last exercise period. In the
following description, it is assumed that an effect index for
before each exercise is calculated based on a characteristic value
obtained before the first exercise period and a characteristic
value obtained before a current exercise period.
[0065] An effect index for during exercise is calculated using
characteristic values which are based on biological information
detected during an exercise period by the biological information
detection control unit 202. For example, an effect index for during
exercise is calculated based on two characteristic values obtained
during an exercise period. Alternatively, an effect index for
during exercise may be calculated based on a characteristic value
obtained before an exercise period and a characteristic value
obtained during the exercise period.
[0066] An effect index for after each exercise is, as with the
effect index for before exercise, calculated using a characteristic
value which is based on biological information detected after
(immediately after) a previous exercise period and a characteristic
value which is based on biological information detected after
(immediately after) a current exercise period. In the following
description, it is assumed that an effect index for after each
exercise is calculated based on a characteristic value obtained
after the first exercise period and a characteristic value obtained
after a current exercise period.
[0067] An effect index for before and after exercise is calculated
using a characteristic value which is based on biological
information detected before a current exercise period and a
characteristic value which is based on biological information
detected after the current exercise period.
[0068] Although in the present embodiment effect indices are thus
calculated before exercise, during an exercise period, after
exercise, and before and after exercise, at least one of such
effect indices may be calculated. Alternatively, in addition to
them/instead of them, for example, an effect index may be
calculated based on a characteristic value obtained during a
current exercise period and a characteristic value obtained after
the current exercise period.
[0069] The control unit 20 may further calculate a change (trend)
of the effect of breathing exercise, based on a difference between
a past effect index and a current effect index. Alternatively, the
control unit 20 may compute a current target value based on a
predetermined computational expression and a past effect index to
calculate a shift of a current effect index from the target
value.
[0070] The informing unit 206 specifically performs a process of
displaying information on a calculated effect index, on the display
unit 4. The informing unit 206 may further display a trend of the
effect index on the display unit 4.
[0071] The operation of each block in the control unit 20 may be
implemented by executing software stored in the memory 12 or at
least one of the blocks may be implemented by hardware.
[0072] The memory 12 is a non-volatile memory, e.g., flash memory.
The memory 12 includes a pattern storage unit 122 in which data on
a plurality of exercise patterns are stored in advance; an
execution pattern information storage unit 124 for storing
information about an exercise pattern (hereinafter, also referred
to as an "execution pattern") to be executed in user's breathing
exercise; and an exercise result storage unit 126 for storing
exercise results. Note that the storage units do not need to be
included in the same storage medium (memory 12) and may be included
in different storage media. Specific examples of data structures in
the execution pattern information storage unit 124 and the exercise
result storage unit 126 will be described with reference to FIGS.
3A and 3B.
[0073] FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams respectively showing exemplary
structures of the execution pattern information storage unit 124
and the exercise result storage unit 126 in the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 3A, the execution pattern information
storage unit 124 includes a storage area 124A for storing user's
physical information; and a storage area 124B for storing data on
exercise patterns to be executed. In the storage area 124A, user's
age data AG and sex data SX are stored. In the storage area 124B,
for example, data PT1 to PT8 on eight exercise patterns is stored
in ascending order of load levels. The data on eight exercise
patterns is selected from data on a plurality of exercise patterns
stored in the pattern storage unit 122. Note that a specific
selection method will be described later.
[0075] The exercise pattern data includes information on at least
exercise time or the number of breaths, a breathing cycle, and the
depth of breathing. The load level is determined by, for example,
at least one of parameters including at least exercise time or the
number of breaths, a breathing cycle, and the depth of breathing.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the load level is
determined by a breathing cycle (the number of breaths per certain
period of time).
[0076] The execution pattern information storage unit 124 further
includes a pointer PN that points to data on an exercise pattern to
be executed this time (or next time) among the data PT1 to PT8 on
eight exercise patterns stored in the storage area 124B. Note that
although here management of an exercise pattern to be executed is
performed by the pointer PN, the present invention is not limited
to such a technique as long as which exercise pattern is executed
this time or which exercise pattern has been executed last time can
be identified.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 3B, in the exercise result storage unit
126, exercise results are stored in the unit of record R. The
record R includes date and time data DT indicating exercise data
and time; blood pressure data Tlb indicating a blood pressure value
(characteristic value) for before exercise; blood pressure data Tlt
and Tlt' indicating blood pressure values (characteristics values)
for during exercise; blood pressure data Tla indicating a blood
pressure value (characteristic value) for after exercise; effect
index data Elb indicating the degree of decrease in blood pressure
value (effect index) for before exercise; effect index data Elba
indicating the degree of decrease in blood pressure value (effect
index) for before and after exercise; and effect index data Ela
indicating the degree of decrease in blood pressure value (effect
index) for after each exercise. Note that such data is not limited
to a storage format using the record R as long as the data is
stored so as to be associated with each exercise.
[0078] (For Operation)
[0079] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a breathing exercise
process in the first embodiment of the present invention. The
process shown in the flowchart in FIG. 4 is stored in advance in
the memory 12 as a program and a function of the breathing exercise
process is implemented by the control unit 20 reading and executing
this program. Note that for simplification of description it is
assumed that a series of breathing exercise process for this time
is an nth one (n: natural number).
[0080] Referring to FIG. 4, a flow of a processing operation will
be described below. First, an exercise pattern determination
process which will be described later using a subroutine is
performed (step S2).
[0081] Then, a biological information detection process and a
characteristic value calculation/storage process are performed
(step S4). Specifically, first, the biological information
detection control unit 202 performs control to detect biological
information and the characteristic value calculating unit 203
calculates a characteristic value, i.e., a blood pressure value
(e.g., a systolic blood pressure value), based on detected
biological information (pulse wave information). Then, data on the
calculated blood pressure value (data on the characteristic value)
is stored in the exercise result storage unit 126 as blood pressure
data Tlbn. Note that at the time of or before detecting biological
information, the user may be urged to take a deep breath.
[0082] Subsequently, a calculation/informing/storage process of an
effect index for before each exercise is performed (step S6).
Specifically, the effect index calculating unit 204 calculates an
effect index, i.e., the degree of decrease in blood pressure value,
for before each exercise, based on blood pressure data Tlbn for
this time which is calculated and stored in step S4 and blood
pressure data Tlb1 for the first time. Information indicating the
calculated degree of decrease in blood pressure value is displayed
in a predetermined area of the display unit 4. By this, the degree
of decrease in blood pressure value for this time with reference to
a blood pressure value for the first time can be informed to the
user. Furthermore, the calculated degree of decrease in blood
pressure value for before each exercise is stored as effect index
data Elbn.
[0083] Next, it is determined whether an instruction to start
exercise has been inputted (step S8). Specifically, it is
determined whether the start switch 21.3 has been pressed by the
user. The control unit 20 waits until an input of a start
instruction has been detected (NO in step S8). If an input of a
start instruction has been detected (YES in step S8), then
processing proceeds to step S10. Note that although here breathing
exercise starts after an instruction from the user has been
inputted, breathing exercise may automatically start after an
effect index has been informed (after the process in step S6).
[0084] In step S10, the guide unit 201 guides an exercise pattern
determined in step S2 to the user. Specifically, a breathing guide
(e.g., how much more exhalation or inhalation should be performed)
is displayed on the display unit 4 based on exercise pattern data
pointed to by the pointer PN in the execution pattern information
storage unit 124.
[0085] Then, it is determined whether evaluation timing has come
(step S12). The evaluation timing may be predetermined such as
every five minutes, for example, after the start of exercise, or
whether it is evaluation timing may be determined by an instruction
from the user. If it is determined that evaluation timing has come
(YES in step S12), then processing proceeds to step S14. On the
other hand, if it is determined that evaluation time has not come
(NO in step S12), then processing proceeds to step S18.
[0086] In step S14, a biological information detection process and
a characteristic value calculation/storage process are performed
again. The processes for biological information detection and
characteristic value calculation here can be performed in the same
manner as that for step S4. A calculated characteristic value (data
on a blood pressure value) is stored in the exercise result storage
unit 126 as blood pressure data Tltn (blood pressure data Tlt'n if
it is a second time).
[0087] Then, a calculation/informing process of an effect index for
during exercise is performed (step S16). In step S16, specifically,
the effect index calculating unit 204 calculates an effect index,
i.e., the degree of decrease in blood pressure value, for during
exercise based on, for example, the blood pressure data Tltn and
blood pressure data Tlt'n calculated and stored in step S14.
Alternatively, an effect index for during exercise may be
calculated based on the blood pressure data Tlbn calculated and
stored in step S4 and the blood pressure data Tltn calculated and
stored in step S14. Information on the calculated degree of
decrease in blood pressure value is displayed in a predetermined
area of the display unit 4. By this, the degree of decrease in
blood pressure value for during exercise can be informed to the
user.
[0088] In step S18, it is determined whether an exercise period has
elapsed. If an exercise period has not elapsed (NO in step S18),
then processing returns to step S10. On the other hand, if it is
determined that an exercise period has elapsed (YES in step S18),
then processing proceeds to step S20.
[0089] In step S20, a biological information detection process and
a characteristic value calculation/storage process are further
performed. The processes for biological information detection and
characteristic value calculation here can also be performed in the
same manner as that for step S4. A calculated characteristic value
(data on a blood pressure value) is stored in the exercise result
storage unit 126 as blood pressure data Tlan. Note that at the time
of or before detecting biological information in step S20, the user
may be urged to take a deep breath.
[0090] Subsequently, a calculation/informing/storage process of an
effect index for before and after exercise is performed (step S21).
Specifically, the effect index calculating unit 204 calculates an
effect index, i.e., the degree of decrease in blood pressure value,
for before and after exercise based on the blood pressure data Tlbn
for before exercise which is calculated and stored in step S4 and
the blood pressure data Tlan for after exercise which is calculated
and stored in step S20. Information on the calculated degree of
decrease in blood pressure value is displayed in a predetermined
area of the display unit 4. By this, the degree of decrease in
blood pressure value for after exercise with reference to a blood
pressure value for before exercise can be informed to the user.
Furthermore, the calculated degree of decrease in blood pressure
value for before and after exercise is stored as effect index data
Elban.
[0091] Furthermore, a calculation/informing/storage process of an
effect index for after each exercise is performed (step S22).
Specifically, the effect index calculating unit 204 calculates an
effect index, i.e., the degree of decrease in blood pressure value,
for after each exercise based on the blood pressure data Tlan for
this time which is calculated and stored in step S20 and the blood
pressure data Tla1 for the first time. Information on the
calculated degree of decrease in blood pressure value is displayed
in a predetermined area of the display unit 4. By this, the degree
of decrease in blood pressure value for this time with reference to
the blood pressure value for the first time can be informed to the
user. Furthermore, the calculated degree of decrease in blood
pressure value for after each exercise is stored as effect index
data Elan.
[0092] Next, it is determined whether there is a past effect index
(an effect index associated with a previous exercise period) (step
S24). If it is determined that a past effect index is stored in the
exercise result storage unit 126 (YES in step S24), then processing
proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, if a past effect index is
not stored (NO in step S24), then the breathing exercise process
ends.
[0093] In step S26, the informing unit 206 displays a trend between
the past effect index and the effect index for this time on the
display unit 4. By this, the trend of the effect index is informed
to the user. When the process in step S26 is completed, the series
of breathing exercise process ends.
[0094] Next, the exercise pattern determination process (S2) will
be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the exercise pattern
determination process in the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 5, first, the control unit 20 determines
whether an exercise pattern is already set (step S102). If an
exercise pattern is not already set (NO in step S102), then
processing proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if an exercise
pattern is already set (YES in step S102), then processing proceeds
to step S106.
[0096] In step S104, the control unit 20 accepts an input of
physical information (e.g., age, sex, etc.) from the user and
stores the physical information in the storage area 124A of the
execution pattern information storage unit 124. When the process in
step S104 is completed, processing proceeds to step S105.
[0097] In step S105, an exercise pattern setting/storage process is
performed based on the accepted physical information. Specifically,
for example, a process such as that below is performed. An
association table in which age and sex are associated with
identification information on an exercise pattern is stored in
advance in, for example, the pattern storage unit 122. The control
unit 20 identifies identification information associated with
user's age and sex in the association table. Then, data on an
exercise pattern indicated by the identified identification
information is read from the pattern storage unit 122 and stored in
the storage area 124B of the execution pattern information storage
unit 124. Note that in the association table eight pieces of
identification information respectively indicating eight exercise
patterns may be stored so as to be associated with each physical
information or identification information indicating one exercise
pattern may be stored so as to be associated with each of physical
information. In the former case, for example, data on an exercise
pattern indicated by identified identification information and data
on seven exercise patterns with load levels continuous with a load
level of the exercise pattern may be selected. In such a case, the
pointer PN is set so as to point to data PT1 on an exercise
pattern.
[0098] In FIG. 6, an x-axis shows the exercise time per exercise, a
y-axis shows the load level (the number of breaths per certain
period of time (e.g., minute) (i.e., a breathing cycle)), and a
z-axis shows the number of days (the number of exercises). As shown
in FIG. 6, exercise patterns are set such that the load level
increases as the number of days (the number of exercises)
increases, i.e., such that the number of breathes per certain
period of time decreases. Exercise pattern data PT1 to PT8
respectively correspond to days 1 to 8. Note that in the drawing
each exercise pattern is a pattern that the load gradually
increases from the start of exercise (the number of breaths per
certain period of time decreases). By this, the user can warm up
and then do substantial breathing exercise. Note that during an
exercise period, the load may be constant. Alternatively, during an
exercise period, not only a warm-up period but also a cool-down
period may be provided.
[0099] (A) of FIG. 7 shows an example of an exercise pattern for a
first time (corresponding to the exercise pattern data PT1), and
(B) of FIG. 7 shows an example of an exercise pattern for a second
time (corresponding to the exercise pattern data PT2). Note that
here an example of the case is shown in which an exercise period
includes a warm-up period, a substantial exercise period, and a
cool-down period.
[0100] Referring to (A) of FIG. 7, a breathing cycle T1 during the
substantial exercise period is longer than a breathing cycle T'1
during the warm-up period and the cool-down period. Also, a depth B
of breathing during the substantial exercise period is greater than
a depth B' of breathing during the warm-up period and the cool-down
period. Also, in (B) of FIG. 7, similarly, a breathing cycle T2
during the substantial exercise period is longer than a breathing
cycle T'2 during the warm-up period and the cool-down period. Also,
a depth B of breathing during the substantial exercise period is
greater than a depth B' of breathing during the warm-up period and
the cool-down period.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 7, the breathing cycle T2 during the
substantial exercise period in the exercise pattern for the second
time is longer than the breathing cycle T1 during the substantial
exercise period in the exercise pattern for the first time. As
such, the breathing cycle becomes longer as the load level
increases.
[0102] In step S106, the control unit 20 reads a stored value of
the latest effect index. The effect index to be read here is, for
example, effect index data Elba (n-1) which indicates the degree of
decrease in blood pressure for before and after exercise. When the
process in step S106 is completed, processing proceeds to step
S107.
[0103] In step S107, an update of the pointer PN is performed based
on the read effect index data Elba (n-1). When the latest effect
index data Elba (n-1) is within a predetermined range, the pointer
PN is updated to point to data on a next exercise pattern (an
exercise pattern with a one-step higher load level). For example,
when the pointer PN points to the exercise pattern data PT2 first,
an update is performed to point to the exercise pattern data PT3.
On the other hand, when the latest effect index data Elba (n-1)
exceeds the predetermined range, for example, a process such as
that shown below is performed. Specifically, when the latest effect
index data Elba (n-1) exceeds an upper limit of the range, the
pointer PN is updated to point to data on an exercise pattern which
is the one after the next one (an exercise pattern with a two-step
higher load level). For example, when the pointer PN points to the
exercise pattern data PT2 first, an update is performed to point to
the exercise pattern data PT4. In contrast, when the latest effect
index data Elba (n-1) falls below a lower limit of the range, the
pointer PN is not updated and is allowed to point to the same
exercise pattern data as the last one.
[0104] When the process in either step S105 or step S107 is
completed, processing is returned to the main routine.
[0105] In this manner, an exercise pattern is selected according to
the degree of achievement (the degree of improvement/deterioration)
of the user him/herself. By this, when the effect index is a good
result, the user can also reach a target value earlier. Note that
although in the present embodiment when the effect of exercise is
high, the load of exercise is further advanced to reach the target
value early, the present invention is not limited to such a
technique. For example, when the effect is high, in contrast, the
user may be allowed to continue exercise with a lower load.
Specifically, when the latest effect index data Elba (n-1) exceeds
the upper limit, the pointer PN may not be updated and may be
allowed to point to the same exercise pattern data as the last
one.
[0106] Note that although in step S106 a stored value of the latest
effect index is read and an exercise pattern is selected based on
the read value, an exercise pattern may be selected based on a
stored value of the latest characteristic value. In this case, it
is desirable to select an exercise pattern based on blood pressure
data Tlb (n-1) for before exercise that reflects a blood pressure
value of the user during the course of a usual day of
activities.
[0107] Note that, as described above, when the effect index exceeds
a predetermined upper limit, an exercise pattern with a two-step
higher load level is selected, and when the effect index falls
below a lower limit, the same exercise pattern as the last one is
selected. However, the present invention is not limited to such a
process. For example, when the effect index exceeds a predetermined
upper limit, an exercise pattern with a three-step higher load
level may be selected, and when the effect index falls below a
predetermined threshold which is lower than the above-described
upper limit, an exercise pattern may be re-set again.
[0108] The upper and lower limits may be determined in advance for
each exercise pattern.
[0109] When the pointer PN points to the exercise pattern data PT8,
and an immediately preceding effect index does not fall below the
lower limit, an exercise pattern may be newly re-set. For example,
in such a case, exercise pattern data with a one- or more-step
higher load level than that of the exercise pattern data PT8 is
read from the pattern storage unit 122. The read exercise pattern
data may be overwritten in the storage area 124B or may be stored
in another storage area. When an exercise pattern is thus newly
re-set, physical information stored in the storage area 124A may be
used again.
[0110] As described above, in the present embodiment, description
is made such that data on a plurality of exercise patterns is
stored in advance in the pattern storage unit 122. However, the
control unit 20 may calculate each parameter of an exercise pattern
based on physical information on a subject and a predetermined
computational expression. Alternatively, only one exercise pattern
may be stored in advance.
[0111] Although in the present embodiment setting of a plurality of
exercise patterns is performed first, each time exercise is done
one exercise pattern may be selected from the pattern storage unit
122.
[0112] (For Exemplary Display)
[0113] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen to be
displayed when inputting physical information in step S104. As
shown in FIG. 8, an item (age or sex) of physical information being
inputted is displayed blinking. Physical information can be
inputted using the scroll switches 21.4 and the set switch 21.2.
Note that in order that a plurality of users can use the exerciser
a user number may be inputted. In this case, inputted physical
information and user number are stored so as to be associated with
each other. Similarly, exercise results, etc., are also stored so
as to be associated with the user number.
[0114] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an exemplary display of a
breathing guide in step S10. Referring to FIG. 9, a breathing guide
is performed by highlighting/not highlighting 14 blocks displayed
in a vertical direction on the screen. Also, the number of
exercises (nth time) and remaining time are displayed in their
respective predetermined areas. Note that a characteristic value or
an effect index for during exercise may be further displayed. Here,
an example is shown in which a characteristic value (BRS which will
be described later) is displayed.
[0115] Detailed exemplary display of the breathing guide will be
described with reference to FIG. 10. (A) of FIG. 10 is a diagram
showing an example of an exercise pattern and (B) is a diagram
showing an exemplary display of the breathing guide at arbitrary
times t1 to t8 of the exercise pattern shown in (A).
[0116] Referring to (B) of FIG. 10, in each breathing guide, a
block at a location indicating the depth of breathing is fixedly
displayed highlighted (displayed darkened). In the guides at times
t1, t2, and t3 during a warm-up period, fifth blocks 81 and 82
respectively located upward and downward from the center are
fixedly displayed highlighted. In the breathing guide at time t1,
the first to third blocks located upward from the center are
displayed highlighted and the block 81 is displayed blinking. By
this, it is possible to inform the user of how much more time
he/she should inhale. In the breathing guide at time t2, similarly,
the block 81 is displayed blinking and all of the first to fourth
blocks located upward from the center are displayed highlighted. By
this, it is possible to inform that it is the end of an inhalation
period.
[0117] At times t4, t5, and t6 during a substantial exercise
period, seventh blocks (blocks at both ends) 83 and 84 respectively
located upward and downward from the center are fixedly displayed
highlighted. In the breathing guide at time t5, the block 84 is
displayed blinking and blocks other than the block 83 are displayed
not highlighted (displayed blanked). By this, the user is guided
that inhalation is finished and thus the user should move to
exhalation.
[0118] At times t7 and t8 during a cool-down period, as with the
warm-up period, fifth blocks 81 and 82 respectively located upward
and downward from the center are fixedly displayed highlighted. In
the breathing guide at time t7, the block 82 is displayed blinking
and the first block located upward from the center is displayed
highlighted. By this, the user is guided that an exhalation state
should be continued for on the order of another one-half.
[0119] Note that the display mode of the breathing guide is not
limited to highlight/no highlight such as that described above; for
example, the display color of blocks may be changed.
[0120] FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams each showing exemplary display
of information on an effect index. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an
exemplary display of information on an effect index for before
exercise in step S6 and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an exemplary
display of information on an effect index for before and after
exercise in step S21. The exemplary display of information on an
effect index for before exercise shown in FIG. 11 may be similar
also for the case of an effect index for after exercise.
[0121] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, each effect index is, for
example, level-displayed. Level-display is performed by
highlighting/not highlighting 14 blocks, as with the breathing
guide. Of the 14 blocks, seven blocks displayed on the upper side
represent improvement and seven blocks displayed on the lower side
represent deterioration. Note that it is assumed that levels (level
-7 to level +7) are predetermined according to the value of the
degree of decrease in blood pressure.
[0122] In FIG. 11, of the seven blocks located on the upper side,
the first to fourth blocks from the center are displayed
highlighted (displayed darkened) and the fifth block from the
center is displayed blinking. By this, the user is informed that a
blood pressure value for this time is reduced (improved) by five
levels, as compared with a blood pressure value for the first time.
When performing such level-display, it is desirable that, as shown
in FIG. 11, the blood pressure value for the first time and the
blood pressure value for this time are further displayed. By this,
the user can grasp the degree of improvement/deterioration in
greater detail.
[0123] In FIG. 12, of the seven blocks located on the upper side,
the first and second blocks from the center are displayed
highlighted (displayed darkened) and the third block from the
center is displayed blinking. By this, the user is informed that a
blood pressure value for after exercise is reduced (improved) by
three levels, as compared with a blood pressure value for before
exercise. In this case too, it is desirable that the blood pressure
value (characteristic value) for before exercise and the blood
pressure value (characteristic value) for after exercise are
further displayed. By this, the user can grasp the degree of
improvement/deterioration in characteristic value (blood pressure
value) in greater detail.
[0124] Note that although here information on an effect index is
informed by the level of improvement/deterioration, the present
invention is not limited thereto; for example, the value of an
effect index (the degree of decrease in blood pressure value)
itself may be informed. When displaying information on an effect
index, the number of exercises may be further displayed.
[0125] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an exemplary display of the
trend of the effect index in step S26. In FIG. 13, a trend of the
effect index for before each exercise and a trend of the effect
index for before and after exercise, for the first time to this
time are displayed. In the drawing, E1, E2, . . . , En each
represent an effect index for before and after exercise, i.e., an
effect per exercise. Et1, Et2, . . . , Etn each represent an effect
index for before each exercise, i.e., a cumulative effect of
exercise according to the progression of exercise. By the trends of
effect indices thus being displayed, the user can visually grasp
short-term/long-term effects of exercise.
[0126] Note that instead of showing trends of effect indices for
the first time to this time, trends of effect indices for a certain
period of time (e.g., for one week) may be displayed.
[0127] An effect index for during exercise or for after each
exercise may be further displayed. Alternatively, the user may be
allowed to select an effect index he/she wants to display and a
trend of the selected effect index may be displayed.
[0128] Note that although in the above description when the
exercise index is a blood pressure value, the characteristic value
calculating unit 203 calculates a blood pressure value itself as a
characteristic value of the user, when the exercise index is other
than the blood pressure value, specifically, a characteristic value
such as that shown below is calculated.
[0129] When the exercise index is the above-described autonomic
nervous activity level index, the characteristic value calculating
unit 203 calculates, for example, a heart rate fluctuation as a
characteristic value. When calculating a heart rate fluctuation,
specific processes in steps S4, S14, and S20 in FIG. 4 are
different from those for the case of a blood pressure value. First,
the biological information detection control unit 202 performs
detection control of biological information. Based on the detected
biological information, the characteristic value calculating unit
203 calculates basic information, i.e., heart rate, to calculate a
characteristic value. Thereafter, after a predetermined period of
time has elapsed, the biological information detection control unit
202 performs detection control of biological information again.
Based on the detected biological information, the characteristic
value calculating unit 203 calculates basic information, i.e.,
heart rate, to calculate a characteristic value. Based on the two
heart rates thus calculated, the characteristic value calculating
unit 203 calculates a heart rate fluctuation (.DELTA.HR). Note that
for procedures of calculation of heart rate and a heart rate
fluctuation any known procedure can be used. Note also that
biological information for this case is information for calculating
a heart rate fluctuation and thus may be electrocardiographic
waveform information.
[0130] When calculating a heart rate fluctuation, in steps S4 and
S20, it is desirable to inform the user at a time between the first
biological information detection control and the second biological
information detection control, to take a deep breath, for example,
to display the message "Take a deep breath" on the display unit 4.
By this, even before or after exercise, heart rates respectively
for before and after a deep breathing state can be calculated.
Note, however, that in view of providing stimulation to autonomic
nerves, the user may be informed to take a quick breath. In step
S14, even during breathing exercise, when performing the second
biological information detection, it is desirable to inform to
suspend deep breathing, for example, to display the message
"Suspend breathing exercise" on the display unit 4. Note that a
suspension period may be preset in an exercise pattern in
advance.
[0131] In steps S6, S16, S21, and S22, the effect index calculating
unit 204 calculates the degree of suppression of the autonomic
nervous activity level based on two heart rate fluctuations
(.DELTA.HR).
[0132] When the exercise index is the above-described blood
pressure stability index, the characteristic value calculating unit
203 calculates, for example, BRS (Baroreflex Sensitivity) as a
characteristic value. The BRS is calculated by, for example, "blood
pressure fluctuation (.DELTA.BP)/heart rate fluctuation
(.DELTA.HR)". The BRS is an index indicating how much the blood
pressure value increases when the heart rate is changed by
providing stimulation to autonomic nerves by deep breathing. The
higher the value, the more baroreflex sensitivity is reduced. That
is, it can be evaluated that blood pressure stability is low and
thus the user is unhealthy.
[0133] When calculating BRS too, in steps S4, S14, and S20 in FIG.
4, a process similar to that for when calculating a heart rate
fluctuation is performed. Note that when calculating BRS, as the
above-described basic information, a blood pressure value and heart
rate are calculated, and based on the calculated two of blood value
and heart rate, BRS is calculated.
[0134] In steps S6, S16, S21, and S22, the effect index calculating
unit 204 calculates the degree of increase in blood pressure
stability (.DELTA.BRS) based on two BRSs.
[0135] Note that when heart rate and/or a blood pressure value can
be continuously measured in synchronization with breathing, a heart
rate fluctuation or BRS may be calculated by a single measurement
operation (biological information detection process).
[0136] Although the above first embodiment describes that only one
type of characteristic value and one type of effect index are
calculated, two or more types of characteristic value and two or
more types of effect index may be calculated and the two or more
types of effect index may be informed to the user.
[0137] Alternatively, in the present embodiment, an effect index
calculated based on two characteristic values is informed to the
user. However, as long as the user can grasp an effect of breathing
exercise, for example, instead of an effect index, two
characteristic values (e.g., a characteristic value for before the
first exercise and a characteristic value for before current
exercise, etc.) may be informed to the user. In this case, the
effect index calculating unit 204 in FIG. 2 may not be included in
the control unit 20. Also, instead of step S6 in FIG. 4, a
characteristic value for before current exercise calculated in step
S4 and a characteristic value for before the first exercise are
informed. Specifically, for example, these two characteristic
values are simultaneously or alternately displayed on the display
unit 4. Similarly, instead of step S16, a characteristic value for
during exercise calculated in step S14 may be informed. Instead of
step S21, a characteristic value for before current exercise
calculated in step S14 and a characteristic value for after current
exercise calculated in step S20 may be informed. Instead of step
S22, a characteristic value for after current exercise calculated
in step S20 and a characteristic value for after the first exercise
may be informed. Instead of steps S24 and S26, a trend of a
characteristic value may be informed. In the exercise pattern
determination process shown in FIG. 5, in step S106, a stored value
of the latest characteristic value (e.g., a characteristic value
for before exercise) may be read, and an update of the pointer
(S107) may be performed based on the latest characteristic
value.
Second Embodiment
[0138] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0139] Although in the first embodiment during breathing exercise
an exercise pattern which is determined before the exercise is not
changed, in the second embodiment even during breathing exercise
the exercise pattern can be changed. Note that the basic
configuration of a breathing exerciser in the second embodiment is
similar to that of the breathing exerciser 100 in the first
embodiment. Thus, also here description is made using the reference
numerals used in the first embodiment.
[0140] Differences from the first embodiment will be described
below.
[0141] Referring to FIG. 2, a control unit 20 of a breathing
exerciser 100 in the second embodiment further includes a pattern
changing unit 208, in addition to the units described in the first
embodiment. The pattern changing unit 208 changes an exercise
pattern being executed, based on an effect index for during a
current exercise period.
[0142] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of a breathing
exercise process in the second embodiment of the present invention.
The process shown in the flowchart in FIG. 14 is stored in advance
in a memory 12 as a program and a function of the breathing
exercise process is implemented by the control unit 20 reading and
executing this program. Note that processes similar to those shown
in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same step numbers.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 14, in the breathing exercise process in
the second embodiment, a pattern change process (step S17) is
performed between steps S16 and S18.
[0144] A flowchart of a subroutine showing the pattern change
process is shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the
pattern change process in the second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0145] Referring to FIG. 15, first, the pattern changing unit 208
determines whether a calculated value of an effect index for during
exercise exceeds a predetermined upper limit (step S202). If it is
determined that the calculated value exceeds the upper limit (YES
in step S202), then processing proceeds to step S204. On the other
hand, if it is determined that the calculated value of an effect
index for during exercise is less than or equal to the upper limit
(NO in step S202), then processing proceeds to step S206.
[0146] In step S204, the pattern changing unit 208 changes an
exercise pattern being executed to a higher load pattern. More
specifically, for example, exercise time is made longer than a set
value. Alternatively, the depth of breathing may be made greater
than a set value. Alternatively, these may be combined or other
parameters (e.g., the intensity of breathing, a ratio between an
exhalation period and an inhalation period, etc.) may be changed.
When the process in step S204 is completed, processing proceeds to
step S206.
[0147] In step S206, the pattern changing unit 208 determines
whether the calculated value of an effect index for during exercise
falls below a predetermined lower limit. If it is determined that
the calculated value falls below the lower limit (YES in step
S206), then processing proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, if
it is determined that the calculated value of an effect index for
during exercise is less than or equal to the lower limit (NO in
step S206), then processing is returned to the main routine.
[0148] In step S208, the pattern changing unit 208 changes an
exercise pattern being executed to a lower load pattern. More
specifically, for example, exercise time is made shorter than a set
value. Alternatively, the depth of breathing may be made smaller
than a set value. Alternatively, these may be combined or other
parameters may be changed. When the process in step S208 is
completed, processing is returned to the main routine.
[0149] As such, in the second embodiment, when such a real-time
effect index as an effect index for during exercise exceeds a
predetermined range, an exercise pattern can be flexibly changed to
a pattern appropriate for the user.
[0150] Note that the upper and lower limits used in the pattern
change process may be the same as those used when determining an
exercise pattern in the first embodiment.
[0151] Although in the second embodiment an exercise pattern is
changed based on an effect index for during exercise, an exercise
pattern may be changed based on a characteristic value for during
exercise. In this case too, for example, an exercise pattern is
changed according to whether a characteristic value for during
exercise exceeds a predetermined upper limit or exceeds a
predetermined lower limit.
[0152] A breathing exercise method to be performed by the breathing
exerciser of the present invention can also be provided in the form
of a program. Such a program can also be provided in the form of a
program product by storing the program on an optical medium, such
as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-ROM), or in a computer-readable storage
medium, such as a memory card. Alternatively, the program can also
be provided by download via a network.
[0153] A program product to be provided is executed by being
installed in a program storage unit such as the memory 12. Note
that the program product includes a program itself and a storage
medium storing the program.
[0154] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the
present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than
by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the appended claims are
intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *