Patent Publication Number: US-2018033437-A1

Title: Massage machine

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the Paris Convention priority based on Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2017-125729 filed on Jun. 28, 2017 and 2016-148069 filed on Jul. 28, 2016, the contents of these applications of which, including the specifications, the claims and the drawings, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a massage machine. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     In general, massage machines are exhibited at stores such as home appliance mass merchandisers, and are on sale by a salesperson who explains features of the massage machine and a manual of the massage machine. However, according to the above-described sales method, the salesperson has to be allocated to every store, thereby leading to inefficient marketing. In order to solve this problem, a massage machine has been proposed which can output information including explanation of the manual of the machine by providing the massage machine with an image output device and an voice output device (for example, refer to JP-A-5-40873). 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A massage machine according to the present invention includes at least one of a display unit and a voice output unit and a control unit configured to control functions of the massage machine. The control unit includes data of control modes in which the functions assigned to each of the control modes are at least partially different from each other. The control modes include a full function control mode in which all or almost all of the functions are assigned, and a function limitation control mode in which the functions are at least partially limited. When the massage machine is in a predetermined state, the control unit proceeds to the function limitation control mode. In the function limitation control mode, the control unit causes the display unit to display information relating to the massage machine, or causes the voice output unit to output the information by using a voice. The information may be receivable from a service provider. 
     The information may include at least any one of features that include a manual, a price, and a purchase method of the massage machine. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a massage machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a massage unit. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the massage machine. 
         FIG. 4  is a view for describing a controller. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are views of a display unit. Respectively,  FIG. 5A  illustrates a state where a course selection key and a site selection key are displayed, and  FIG. 5B  illustrates a state where a procedure selection key is displayed. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are views of the display unit. Respectively,  FIG. 6A  illustrates a state in a function limitation control mode, and  FIG. 6B  illustrates a state in a full function control mode. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart for describing proceeding of a control mode. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart for describing proceeding of the control mode. 
         FIGS. 9A to 9C  are views of the display unit. Respectively,  FIG. 9A  illustrates a state where an advertisement selection key is displayed,  FIG. 9B  illustrates a state where a person selection key and a character selection key are displayed, and  FIG. 9C  illustrates a voice selection key is displayed. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are views of the display unit. Respectively,  FIG. 10A  illustrates a state in the function limitation control mode, and  FIG. 10B  illustrates a state in the full function control mode. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart for describing proceeding of a control mode. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart for describing proceeding of the control mode. 
         FIG. 13  is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an information network system including the massage machine. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Overall Configuration of Massage Machine 
     Hereinafter, an overall configuration of a massage machine  1  according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of the massage machine  1  according to the embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a front view of a massage unit  13 .  FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the massage machine  1 .  FIG. 4  is a view for describing a controller  8 .  FIGS. 5A and 5B  are views of a display unit  82 . Respectively,  FIG. 5A  illustrates a state where a course selection key  84   a  and a site selection key  84   b  are displayed, and  FIG. 5B  illustrates a state where a procedure selection key  84   c  is displayed.  FIGS. 6A and 6B  are views of the display unit  82 . Respectively,  FIG. 6A  illustrates a state in a function limitation control mode  20 , and  FIG. 6B  illustrates a state in a full function control mode  21 .  FIGS. 9A-9C  are views of the display unit  82 . Respectively,  FIG. 9A  illustrates a state where an advertisement selection key  84   e  is displayed,  FIG. 9B  illustrates a state where a person selection key  84   f  and a character selection key  84   f  are displayed, and  FIG. 9C  illustrates a state where a voice selection key  84   g  is displayed.  FIGS. 10A and 10B  are views of the display unit  82 . Respectively,  FIG. 10A  illustrates a state in the function limitation control mode  20 , and  FIG. 10B  illustrates a state in the full function control mode  21 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the massage machine  1  according to the embodiment of the present invention has a main body unit  2  configured to include a seat unit  3  on which a user sits, a backrest unit  4  against which the user leans, which is disposed in a rear portion of the seat unit  3 , and a foot rest  5  disposed in a front portion of the seat unit  3 . In addition, the massage machine  1  has a massage unit  6  for massaging the user, a control unit  7  for controlling a function belonging to the massage machine  1 , a controller  8  for performing various operations of the massage machine  1 , and a voice output unit  9  including a speaker. The voice output unit  9  may be disposed in the vicinity of the head of the user who sits on the main body unit  2 , or may be disposed in the controller  8 . The main body unit  2  may have each armrest disposed on both sides of the seat unit  3 , and the massage unit  6  may be disposed in the armrest. 
     It is preferable that an operation of a reclining mechanism  10  having an actuator enables backrest unit  4  to move (recline) in back and forth directions around a pivot shaft C 1  which is disposed in the rear portion of the seat unit  3  and whose axial direction is right and left directions. It is preferable that an operation of a pivot mechanism  11  having an actuator enables the foot rest  5  to move (pivot) in up and down directions around a pivot shaft C 2  which is disposed in the front portion of the seat unit  3  and whose axial direction is the right and left directions. It is preferable that an operation of an expansion/contraction mechanism  12  having an actuator enables the foot rest  5  to move (expand/contract) along a longitudinal direction of a lower leg. 
     The massage unit  6  has at least one of a massage unit  13  having a pair of right and left treatment devices  62  driven by motors M 1  to M 3 , an air cell  14  which expands and contracts by supplying and discharging air, and a vibrator  15  driven by a motor. In the present embodiment, the massage unit  13  and the vibrator  15  are disposed in the backrest unit  4 , and the air cell  14  and the vibrator  15  are disposed in the seat unit  3  and the foot rest  5 . The arrangement of each massage unit  6  is not limited thereto. The air cell  14  can press a user by supplying and discharging the air. The vibrator  15  can give vibration to the user by rotating an eccentric weight. 
     Configuration of Massage Unit 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the backrest unit  4  has the massage unit  13  for massaging an upper body of the user from behind (rear surface). This massage unit  13  is configured to include a pair of right and left arms  61  and the treatment devices  62  respectively disposed in upper and lower ends of the arm  61 . In this manner, it is possible to perform kneading massage in which the right and left treatment devices  62  move close to and away from each other by driving a massage motor M 1 , and patting massage in which the right and left treatment devices  62  alternately advance toward and retreat from the user by driving a massage motor M 2 . In addition, the massage unit  13  can move upward or downward along a height direction of the user by driving a raising/lowering motor M 3 . In this manner, it is possible to change a position relative to the user&#39;s body, or to perform rolling massage. The backrest unit  4  has a pair of right and left guide rails  16  (refer to  FIG. 1 ) extending in the height direction of the user, and the massage unit  13  moves along the guide rails  16 . Since the massage unit  13  is movable in the height direction of the user, the treatment devices  62  can massage a site between the neck and the waist of the user. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the massage unit  13  has a base frame  60   a  and a movable frame  60   b  supported by the base frame  60   a . The base frame  60   a  has guide rollers  63  respectively fitted to the guide rails  16  on both right and left sides thereof. Then, the massage unit  13  can move along the height direction of the user by a raising/lowering mechanism (not illustrated) having a rack pinion. The movable frame  60   b  is supported by the base frame  60   a  via an oscillation shaft  64  in the right and left directions. An advancing/retreating drive unit  65  having an air cell is disposed between the base frame  60   a  and the movable frame  60   b . Driving the advancing/retreating drive unit  65  enables the movable frame  60   b  to advance toward and retreat from the user around the oscillation shaft  64 . A structure may be adopted in which the movable frame  60   b  does not advance toward and retreat from the user. Alternatively, a structure may be adopted in which the advancing/retreating drive unit  65  is disposed in the arm  61  so that only the arm  61  advances toward and retreats from the user. 
     The arm  61  is connected to a kneading shaft  66  and a patting shaft  67  which extend in the right and left directions. An inclined cam  66   a  having an inclined shaft  66   b  is disposed on both right and left sides of the kneading shaft  66 . The arm  61  is attached to the inclined cam  66   a . The inclined shafts  66   b  on the right and left are inclined with respect to an axis of the kneading shaft  66  so as to have a substantially inverted V-shape in a front view. An eccentric cam  67   a  having an eccentric shaft  67   b  eccentric to the axis of the patting shaft  67  is disposed on both right and left sides of the patting shaft  67 . The arm  61  is connected to the eccentric cam  67   a  via a connecting rod  68 . The eccentric shafts  67   b  on the right and left have mutually different phases with respect to the axis of the patting shaft  67 . Specifically, the phases are different from each other by 180 degrees. The kneading shaft  66  and the patting shaft  67  are rotated by respectively driving the massage motors M 1  and M 2 . The treatment device  62  performs kneading massage by rotating the kneading shaft  66 , and performs patting massage by rotating the patting shaft  67 . The arm  61  having the treatment device  62 , the kneading shaft  66 , and the patting shaft  67  are supported by the movable frame  60   b . Accordingly, the treatment device  62  can advance toward and retreat from the user via the movement of the movable frame  60   b.    
     The arm  61  is capable of oscillation in the back and forth directions, and is biased by biasing means (not illustrated) having a spring so that the treatment device  62  on the upper side projects forward. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the massage unit  13  has a sensor  69  for detecting physical information of the user. The sensor  69  can obtain the physical information by detecting whether the arm  61  reaches a predetermined oscillation position. Specifically, if the treatment device  62  on the upper side reaches above the shoulder of the user in a course of raising the massage unit  13  along the height direction of the user, load acting on the treatment device  62  is released. As a result of an operation of biasing means (not illustrated), the arm  61  oscillates forward so as to reach the predetermined oscillation position. The sensor  69  detects that the arm  61  reaches the predetermined oscillation position. At this time, a position of the shoulder is detected based on up and down positions of the massage unit  13 . Based on the position of the shoulder, a position of other sites (neck, back, and waist) is obtained using calculation. The detected physical information is stored in a storage unit of the control unit  7 . The physical information may be input by the user himself or herself. In this case, for example, the controller  8  can be operated so as to input the physical information. The physical information can be stored in the storage unit of the control unit  7 . 
     Configuration of Control System 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the massage machine  1  has the control unit  7  including a microcomputer for operating the massage unit  13 , the air cell  14 , the vibrator  15 , the reclining mechanism  10 , the pivot mechanism  11 , and the expansion/contraction mechanism  12 . This control unit  7  is disposed under the seat unit  3 , and is connected to the controller  8  operated by the user. The user operates the controller  8  so as to perform various massage operations. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the controller  8  has an operation unit  81  for performing various operations of the massage machine  1 , and a display unit  82  for displaying information relating to the massage machine  1 . The operation unit  81  according to the present embodiment is configured to include a physical button  83  operated by the user pushing with the fingertip of the user, and a touch panel  84  operated by the user with the fingertip of the user. The display unit  82  according to the present embodiment is configured to include the touch panel  84 , and also functions as the operation unit  81 . The display unit  82  may be disposed independently of the controller  8 . 
     As the physical button  83 , there are provided a “power button  83   a ” for actuating or stopping the massage machine by switching power supply states, a “position adjustment button  83   b ” for changing a position of the massage unit  13 , a “reclining button  83   c ” for changing a posture of the backrest unit  4 , a “pivot button  83   d ” for changing a posture of the foot rest  5 , an “expansion/contraction button  83   e ” for changing a length of the foot rest  5 , and an “urgent stop button  83   f ” for urgently stopping all operations of the massage machine  1  during the operation. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 9A to 9C , the touch panel  84  can change a screen by a predetermined operation or with the lapse of time. Types of operation keys displayed on each screen are different from each other. One or more operation keys are displayed on one screen. It is preferable that the touch panel  84  includes one or more operation keys for operating the massage unit  6  or the message information. For example, the operation keys for operating the massage unit  6  include a “course selection key  84   a ” for selecting a massage course for operating each massage unit  6  in accordance with a predetermined program, a “site selection key  84   b ” for selecting the massage unit  6  to be operated among a plurality of the massage units  6 , or a “procedure selection key  84   c ” for selecting a massage procedure performed by the massage unit  6 . In addition, for example, operation keys for operating the message information include an “advertisement selection key  84   e ” for selecting an advertisement to be displayed on the display unit, a “person selection key  84   f ” or a “character selection key  84   f ” for selecting a person or a character to be displayed on the display unit, and a “voice selection key  84   g ” for selecting a voice to be output by the voice output unit. 
     In the present embodiment, the operation unit  81  is configured so that the physical button  83  and the touch panel  84  are combined with each other. However, the operation unit  81  corresponding to the respective buttons  83   a  to  83   f  and the respective operation keys  84   a  to  84   c  may be configured to include only the physical button  83  or only the touch panel  84 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a plurality of the control modes for controlling the function belonging to each massage unit  6  are prepared, and an operation program for operating the massage unit  6  in accordance with the control mode is stored in a storage unit including a RAM and a ROM which are disposed in the control unit  7 . Then, the user operates the operation unit  81  so that the control unit  7  operates the respective massage units  6  and the respective mechanisms  10  to  12 . Furthermore, the control unit  7  has a plurality of the control modes in which the functions available to the user are partially different from each other in all functions of the massage machine  1 . A plurality of the control modes include the full function control mode  21  in which the user can use all functions of the massage machine  1 , and the function limitation control mode  20  in which the functions available to the user are partially limited in the full function control mode  21 . In addition, the control unit  7  is configured so that the massage unit  6  can perform a plurality of different massage courses operated in accordance with a predetermined program. 
     In the full function control mode  21 , it is possible to select and operate all of the massage unit  13 , the air cell  14 , the vibrator  15 , the reclining mechanism  10 , the pivot mechanism  11  and the expansion/contraction mechanism  12  which are the functions belonging to the massage machine  1 . That is, in the full function control mode  21 , all operations of the power button  83   a , the position adjustment button  83   b , the reclining button  83   c , the pivot button  83   d , the expansion/contraction button  83   e , and the urgent stop button  83   f  are set to be valid. All of the course selection key  84   a , the site selection key  84   b , and the procedure selection key  84   c  which relate to the operation of the massage unit  6  are displayed on the display unit  82 , and the operation is set to be valid. 
     In the function limitation control mode  20 , the functions available to the user are at least partially limited in the full function control mode  21 . In other words, it is not possible to entirely or partially select and operate the functions of the massage unit  13 , the air cell  14 , the vibrator  15 , the reclining mechanism  10 , the pivot mechanism  11  and the expansion/contraction mechanism  12  which are the functions belonging to the massage machine  1 . Specifically, in the function limitation control mode  20 , the operation of the position adjustment button  83   b  which relate to the operation of the massage unit  6  is set to be invalid. In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , all of the course selection key  84   a , the site selection key  84   b , and the procedure selection key  84   c  which relate to the operation of the massage unit  6  are set so as not to be displayed on the display unit  82 . On the other hand, the operation of the power button  83   a , the reclining button  83   c , the pivot button  83   d , the expansion/contraction button  83   e , and the urgent stop button  83   f  which do not relate to the operation of the massage unit  6  is set to be valid. 
     In the function limitation control mode  20 , as another method for not operating the operation unit  81  configured to include the touch panel  84 , the operation keys  84   a  to  84   g  are displayed on the display unit  82 . However, the operation using the finger of the user may be set to be invalid. In addition, in the function limitation control mode  20 , at least any one operation of the power button  83   a , the reclining button  83   c , the pivot button  83   d , and the expansion/contraction button  83   e  which do not relate to the operation of the massage unit  6  may be set to be invalid. 
     The massage machine  1  according to the present invention can provide information relating to the massage machine  1  or the message information issued from the service provider who installs the massage machine  1 . As the information relating to the massage machine  1 , it is preferable that at least any one of the following four pieces of information is included. The first information includes information relating to features of the massage machine  1 , such as the function provided for the massage machine  1  and the efficacy and effect which are provided for the user. In other words, the first information is a selling point of this massage machine  1 . The second information includes information relating to a manual of the massage machine  1 , such as a method of adjusting the posture of the backrest unit  4  or the foot rest  5  and a method of selecting a massage course. The third information includes information relating to a price of the massage machine  1 . The fourth information includes information relating to a purchase method of the massage machine  1 , such as guidance on a purchase application form, guidance on a lease contract, or guidance on inquiry destination. In addition, it is preferable that the message information issued from the service provider who installs the massage machine is an advertisement issued from the service provider. For example, the message information issued from the service provider who installs the massage machine includes advertisement information relating to the service provider&#39;s own introduction, or the service provider&#39;s handling products or services, and advertisement information relating to events hosted by the service provider. 
     The information relating to the massage machine  1  will be described. As illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the information relating to the massage machine  1  is displayed as a moving image or a character on the display unit  82  belonging to the above-described controller  8 . This moving image or character may be displayed on the display unit  82  which is disposed independently of the controller  8 . In addition, guidance corresponding to the moving image is output by using a voice from the voice output unit  9 . The information relating to the massage machine  1  is provided in the function limitation control mode  20 . When the control mode proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20 , the control unit  7  controls the display unit  82  and the voice output unit  9  so as to display the information relating to the massage machine  1  and to output the voice. In the function limitation control mode  20  while the information relating to the massage machine  1  is provided, the operation keys  84   a  to  84   c  relating to the operation of the massage unit  6  are not displayed. However, if the information relating to the massage machine  1  is completely provided, the control mode proceeds to the full function control mode  21 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , a proceeding key  84   d  written as “Next” for proceeding to a screen on which the operation keys  84   a  to  84   c  are displayed is displayed, and the operation is validated. 
     Proceeding Flow of Control Mode 
     Hereinafter, a proceeding flow of the respective control modes  20  and  21  will be described.  FIG. 7  is a flowchart for describing the proceeding of the control mode. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , first, the power button  83   a  is operated so as to actuate the massage machine  1 . If the massage machine  1  is actuated, the control mode proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20 . As described above, in the function limitation control mode  20 , the operation of the button  83   b  and/or the respective operation keys  84   a  to  84   c  which relate to the operation of the massage unit  6  is limited. If the control mode proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the control unit  7  controls the display unit  82  and the voice output unit  9  so as to display and output the information relating to the massage machine  1 . Preferably, the information provided here is the first information relating to the features of the above-described massage machine  1  and/or the second information relating to the manual of the massage machine  1 . If the information relating to the massage machine  1  is completely provided, the control mode proceeds to the full function control mode  21 , and the display unit  82  shows a screen illustrated in  FIG. 6B . 
     Proceeding to the function limitation control mode  20  is not limited to when the operation to actuate the massage machine  1  is performed. For example, when the operation keys  84   a  to  84   c  for operating the massage unit  6  are operated in a state where the massage machine  1  is actuated, the control mode may proceed to the function limitation control mode  20 . Alternatively, a sensor (not illustrated) may be disposed in the seat unit  3  or the backrest unit  4  so that the control mode proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20  when contact between the user and the massage machine  1  is detected. 
     In this way, since the control mode forcibly proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20  before the massage machine  1  is used (massage starts), even if a salesperson is not present, the information relating to the features or the manual of the massage machine  1  can be reliably given to the user. Therefore, it is possible to properly use the massage machine  1 . In addition, before the information relating to the massage machine  1  is given to the user, it is possible to prevent the user from leaving the massage machine  1 , thereby expanding sales opportunities. Even in the function limitation control mode  20 , since the operation to move the backrest unit  4  and the foot rest  5  is not limited, the user can obtain the information relating to the massage machine  1  while adopting a desired posture. 
     Hereinafter, a flow to the other respective control modes  20  and  21  will be described.  FIG. 8  is a flowchart for describing the proceeding of the control mode. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , first, the power button  83   a  or the urgent stop button  83   f  is operated so as to stop the actuated massage machine  1 . If the massage machine  1  is stopped, the control mode proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20 . As described above, in the function limitation control mode  20 , the operation of the button  83   b  and/or the respective operation keys  84   a  to  84   c  which relate to the operation of the massage unit  6  is limited. If the control mode proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the control unit  7  controls the display unit  82  and the voice output unit  9  so as to display and output the information relating to the massage machine  1 . Preferably, the information provided here is the third information relating to the price of the above-described massage machine  1  and/or the fourth information relating to the purchase method of the massage machine  1 . If the information relating to the massage machine  1  is completely provided, the control mode proceeds to the full function control mode  21 , and the display unit  82  shows a screen illustrated in  FIG. 6B . 
     Proceeding to the function limitation control mode  20  is not limited to when the operation to stop the massage machine  1  is performed. For example, the control mode may proceed to the function limitation control mode  20  when the massage course is completed after a predetermined time elapses. In this way, even after the massage machine  1  is used (after the massage is completed), since the control mode forcibly proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20 , even if a salesperson is not present, the information relating to the price of the massage machine  1  or the purchase method can be given to the user, thereby expanding sales opportunities. Even in the function limitation control mode  20 , since the operation to move the backrest unit  4  and the foot rest  5  is not limited, the user can obtain the information relating to the massage machine  1  while adopting a desired posture. 
     The message information issued from the service provider who installs the massage machine will be described. As illustrated in  FIG. 10A , the message information issued from the service provider who installs the massage machine is displayed as a moving image or a character on the display unit  82  belonging to the above-described controller  8 . This moving image or character may be displayed on the display unit  82  which is disposed independently of the controller  8 . When displayed on the display unit  82 , it is preferable to display a plurality of persons or a plurality of characters together with the moving image. The person selection key  84   f  or the character selection key  84   f  serving as a selection unit is selected (to be described later). In this way, it is preferable that the user can select any desired person or character from among a plurality of the displayed persons or a plurality of the displayed characters. According to this configuration, it is possible to cause the display unit  82  to display the user&#39;s selected favorite person or character. Therefore, the user can feel a sense of friendliness. 
     In addition, guidance corresponding to the moving image is output by using a voice from the voice output unit  9 . When this voice is output, the voice selection key  84   g  is selected (to be described later). In this way, it is preferable that the user can select any desired voice from a plurality of voices. According to this configuration, it is possible to cause the voice output unit  9  to output the user&#39;s selected favorite voice. Therefore, the user can feel a sense of more friendliness. 
     The message information issued from the service provider who installs the massage machine is provided in the function limitation control mode  20 . If the control mode proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20 , the control unit  7  controls the display unit  82  and the voice output unit  9  so as to display the respective operation keys  84   e  to  84   g  serving as selection units on the display unit  82 . 
     A flow of the respective operation keys  84   e  to  84   g  serving as the selection units is as follows. For example, the user selects any desired advertisement (advertisement  1 ) from the advertisement selection key  84   e  (advertisements  1  to  4 ) displayed on the display unit  82 . If the advertisement  1  is selected, the mode is switched to a screen for selecting the person selection key  84   f  or the character selection key  84   f . The user selects any desired person (person  3 ) from the person selection key  84   f  (persons  1  to  4 ) or the character selection key  84   f  (characters  1  to  4 ). If the person  3  is selected, the mode is switched to a screen for selecting the voice selection key  84   g . The user selects any desired voice (voice  2 ) from the voice selection key  84   g  (voices  1  to  4 ). 
     The user selects all of these in this way. Accordingly, the user can confirm the user&#39;s desired message information (advertisement  1 ) issued from the service provider through the user&#39;s favorite person (person  3 ) and the user&#39;s favorite voice (voice  2 ). 
     In the above-described example, a case has been described where the advertisement selection key  84   e , the person selection key  84   f  or the character selection key  84   f , and the voice selection key  84   g  are sequentially selected. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the respective selection keys  84   e  to  84   g  may be combined with each other in a case where the advertisement selection key  84   e  and the person selection key  84   f  or the character selection key  84   f  are selected, or in a case where the advertisement selection key  84   e  and the voice selection key  84   g  are selected. Alternatively, the respective selection keys  84   e  to  84   g  may be independently selected. A case will be described where the respective selection keys  84   e  to  84   g  are independently selected. For example, in a case where the advertisement selection key  84   e  is independently selected, a person or a character and a voice which relate to the selected advertisement are automatically determined. That is, the person or the character and the voice are determined by the user simply selecting the advertisement selection key  84   e . In addition, in a case where the person selection key  84   f  or the character selection key  84   f  is independently selected, the advertisement and the person or the character which relate to the selected voice are automatically determined. That is, the advertisement and the voice are determined by the user simply selecting the person selection key  84   f  or the character selection key  84   f . In addition, in a case where the voice selection key  84   g  is independently selected, the advertisement and the person or the character which relate to the voice are automatically determined. That is, the advertisement and the person or the character are determined by the user simply selecting the voice selection key  84   g.    
     According to this configuration, it is possible to ease the user&#39;s discomfort in respectively selecting the advertisement and the person or the character and the voice. 
     For example, the advertisement which can be selected using the advertisement selection key  84   e  includes sales information of products or services handled by the service provider who installs the massage machine  1 , and event information hosted by the service provider. In this way, the products or the services handled by the service provider who installs the massage machine  1  can appeal to the user. Accordingly, sales opportunities can be expanded. For example, the person or the character which can be selected using the person selection key  84   f  or the character selection key  84   f  is an announcer, an actor, an actress, an entertainer, or an animation character. In this way, the user can feel a sense of more friendliness. For example, the voice which can be selected using the voice selection key  84   g  is a male voice, a female voice, or a synthesized voice generated using a machine such as Vocaloid (registered trademark). In this way, the user can feel a sense of more friendliness. 
     Proceeding Flow of Control Mode 
     Hereinafter, a proceeding flow of the respective control modes  20  and  21  will be described.  FIG. 11  is a flowchart for describing the proceeding of the control mode. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , first, the power button  83   a  is operated so as to actuate the massage machine  1 . If the massage machine  1  is actuated, the control mode proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20 . As described above, in the function limitation control mode  20 , the operation of the button  83   b  and/or the respective operation keys  84   a  to  84   c  which relate to the operation of the massage unit  6  is limited. If the control mode proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 9A to 9C , the user selects the advertisement selection key  84   e , the person selection key  84   f  or the character selection key  84   f , and the voice selection key  84   g  which serve as the selection units, respectively. In accordance with the selected content, as illustrated in  FIG. 10A , the control unit  7  controls the display unit  82  and the voice output unit  9  so as to display and output the message information issued from the service provider. Here, it is preferable that the provided information is the advertisement issued from the above-described service provider. If the message information is completely provided from the service provider, the control mode proceeds to the full function control mode  21 , and the display unit  82  is switched to a screen illustrated in  FIG. 10B . 
     Proceeding to the function limitation control mode  20  is not limited to when the operation to actuate the massage machine  1  is performed. For example, when the operation keys  84   a  to  84   c  for operating the massage unit  6  are operated in a state where the massage machine  1  is actuated, the control mode may proceed to the function limitation control mode  20 . Alternatively, a sensor (not illustrated) may be disposed in the seat unit  3  or the backrest unit  4 . In this way, the control mode proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20  when contact between the user and the massage machine  1  is detected. 
     In this way, the control mode forcibly proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20  before the massage machine  1  is used (massage starts). Accordingly, even if the salesperson is not present, the message information (for example, advertisement of the service provider or calling the user&#39;s attention to matters when the user uses the massage machine) issued by the service provider who installs the massage machine can be reliably given to the user. Therefore, the message information issued from the service provider can be properly understood by the user. In addition, before the message information issued from the service provider who installs the massage machine is given to the user, it is possible to prevent the user from leaving the massage machine  1 , thereby maximizing an advertising effect. Even in the function limitation control mode  20 , since the operation to move the backrest unit  4  and the foot rest  5  is not limited, the user can obtain the message information issued from the service provider who installs the massage machine, while adopting a desired posture. 
     Hereinafter, a flow to the other respective control modes  20  and  21  will be described.  FIG. 12  is a flowchart for describing the proceeding of the control mode. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , first, the power button  83   a  or the urgent stop button  83   f  is operated so as to stop the actuated massage machine  1 . If the massage machine  1  is stopped, the control mode proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20 . As described above, in the function limitation control mode  20 , the operation of the button  83   b  and/or the respective operation keys  84   a  to  84   c  which relate to the operation of the massage unit  6  is limited. If the control mode proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20 , the advertisement selection key  84   e , the person selection key  84   f  or the character selection key  84   f , and the voice selection key  84   g  which serve as the selection units are respectively selected by the user. In accordance with the selected content, as illustrated in  FIG. 10A , the control unit  7  controls the display unit  82  and the voice output unit  9  so as to display and output the message information issued from the service provider who installs the massage machine. Preferably, the information provided here is the advertisement issued from the above-described service provider. If the message information issued from the service provider who installs the massage machine is completely provided, the control mode proceeds to the full function control mode  21 , and the display unit  82  is switched to a screen illustrated in  FIG. 10B . 
     Proceeding to the function limitation control mode  20  is not limited to when the operation to stop the massage machine  1  is performed. For example, the control mode may proceed to the function limitation control mode  20  when the massage course is completed after a predetermined time elapses. In this way, the control mode forcibly proceeds to the function limitation control mode  20  after the massage machine  1  is used (massage is completed). Accordingly, even if the salesperson is not present, the message information (for example, advertisement of the service provider or calling the user&#39;s attention to matters when the user uses the massage machine) issued by the service provider who installs the massage machine can be reliably given to the user, thereby maximizing an advertising effect. Even in the function limitation control mode  20 , since the operation to move the backrest unit  4  and the foot rest  5  is not limited, the user can obtain the message information issued from the service provider who installs the massage machine  1 , while adopting a desired posture. 
     In addition, the massage machine  1  according to the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form, and may employ another form within the scope of the present invention.  FIG. 13  is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an information network system including the massage machine  1 . 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the massage machine  1  may have communication means  31  which receives information from the outside. In this case, it is preferable that a communication network  30  includes the massage machine  1 , a service provider  40 , and a communication server  50 . For example, in addition to the service provider who installs the massage machine  1 , the service provider  40  includes a service provider who sells the massage machine  1 , a service provider who rents the massage machine  1  to a user, or a service provider who provides maintenance service for the sold massage machine  1 . Specifically, the service provider is an electronics retail store, a general merchandise store (GMS), a mail order firm, a wholesaler, a manufacturer company (manufacturer) which manufactures the massage machine  1 , and a leasing company or a rental company which rents the massage machine  1  to the user. The communication server  50  is configured to communicate with the massage machine  1  via the communication network  30 . For example, the communication network  30  includes an internet network, a communication network in a building, and a network within a region. In the present embodiment, the service provider  40  has a cloud-type communication server  50 . The communication server  50  may be the communication server  50  managed by the service provider  40 , or the communication server  50  managed by other service providers. The communication server  50  transmits the information relating to the massage machine  1  (the above-described first to fourth information). According to this configuration, the above-described information can easily correspond to a change in the massage machine  1 , such as functional improvement and price revision. 
     In addition, the communication server  50  may transmit the message information issued from the service provider who installs the massage machine  1 . According to this configuration, the information can easily correspond to a change in the information such the service provider&#39;s own introduction, and the service provider&#39;s handling products or services, and the advertisement of events hosted by the service provider. 
     In addition, the massage machine  1  may be able to interact with the user. In this case, it is preferable to provide voice recognition means for recognizing a voice output from the user, and it is preferable that an artificial intelligence technology is included in the control unit  7 . According to this configuration, it is possible to interact with the user via the display unit  82  or the voice output unit  9 . Therefore, the information relating to the massage machine  1  or the message information issued from the service provider who installs the massage machine  1  can be more properly given to the user. 
     The present invention can be applied to the massage machine which can sufficiently give the information relating to the massage machine to a user, even if a salesperson is not present, or a massage machine in which message information (for example, advertisement of a service provider or calling the user&#39;s attention to matters when the user uses the massage machine) issued by a service provider who installs the massage machine can be sufficiently given to the user, even if the service provider is not present. 
     Hereinbefore, embodiments of the present invention are described. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may be modified into various forms on the basis of the spirit of the invention. Additionally, the modifications are included in the scope of the invention.