WO2010053457A1

WO2010053457A1 - Method of presenting functions performed by a massaging device

Info

Publication number: WO2010053457A1
Application number: PCT/SG2009/000417
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kian Sitt Victor Ong; Wee Len Lim; Kia Tong Tan
Original assignee: Osim International Ltd
Priority date: 2008-11-10
Filing date: 2009-11-10
Publication date: 2010-05-14
Also published as: CN201773404U

Abstract

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of presenting, in a user interface, functions performed by a massaging device, the method including: providing one or more hierarchical levels, each hierarchical level including one or more selection items, wherein each selection item represents a function performed by the massaging device or a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels; configuring a display state, the display state used to display the content of at least one of the one or more hierarchical levels; displaying the display state; and displaying a cursor that is moveable on the user interface to select one or more of the one or more selection items in the display state.

Description

Method Of Presenting Functions Performed By A Massaging Device

Field Of The Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a method of presenting functions performed by a massaging device. The invention also relates to a massaging device.

Background Of The Invention

[0002] Massaging apparatus are provided with elements such as rollers and inflatable air cushions that simulate a massaging motion performed by a masseur. For example, protrusions may be provided on the surface of the rollers which come into contact with the person being massaged. When the rollers rotate about a pivot point, the person being massaged may experience a motion similar to that of a masseur tapping on the person. On the other hand, the air cushions may inflate and deflate to stimulate a masseur performing a kneading massage.

[0003] Each massaging apparatus may have several of such elements, where each element or a group of these elements are arranged to massage a particular portion of a user. The massaging apparatus elements may be controlled via a user interface, where a dedicated set of buttons may be provided to control each of the functions provided by each element or the group of the massaging apparatus elements. For instance when the massaging apparatus is incorporated into a chair, one button may be used to activate a massage apparatus element that massages a user's back or legs, while separate directional buttons may be provided to move the massage apparatus element to different positions at the neck portion of the massaging apparatus. This button arrangement would then be repeated for massage apparatus elements that massage a different portion of the user. Thus, the user interface can become complicated, whereby operation of the user interface becomes unintuitive. [0004] One known user interface is disclosed in US patent no. 6,171,266 by Inada et al. provides three different operating options to control the massaging apparatus elements.

[0005] The first of the options provides a menu of massaging courses where each course has a specific therapeutic purpose. Program data for each specialised course is stored in memory, the data being a series of massaging operations that perform the respective purpose of the course.

[0006] The second of the options is a non-automated massaging course where a user manually inputs corresponding massaging operations to be performed. All of the massaging operations are presented on a single image on the user interface display.

[0007] The third option provides a diagnostic course, where a series of questions are asked to determine the physical state of the user. The massaging apparatus elements then operate based on the response of the user to each of the questions.

[0008] Another known user interface is disclosed in US patent no. 6,117,094 by Fujii provides selection for automated massaging courses and for manual operation.

[0009] Six standard pre-programmed massaging treatment courses are available as automated massaging courses, with each course selected by a corresponding key on the user interface. Also, a shortening mode key is provided on the user interface. If the shortening key is selected in combination with one of the six automated massaging course keys, then a shortened automated massaging course is activated.

[0010] For the manual operation, the user is allowed to actuate massaging apparatus elements along various positions of a massaging chair. [0011] It would be advantageous to have a user interface which arranges access to the massaging apparatus elements in a structured manner, where operating the various massaging apparatus elements is an intuitive process. Also, by having a structured arrangement, the total number of buttons required on the user interface to access the massaging apparatus elements can be reduced.

Summary Of The Invention

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of presenting, in a user interface, functions performed by a massaging device, the method including: providing one or more hierarchical levels, each hierarchical level including one or more selection items, wherein each selection item represents a function performed by the massaging device or a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels; configuring a display state, the display state used to display the content of at least one of the one or more hierarchical levels; displaying the display state; and displaying a cursor that is moveable on the user interface to select one or more of the one or more selection items in the display state.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a massaging device including: a user interface; a processor which controls the user interface, the processor configured to perform the functions of: providing one or more hierarchical levels, each hierarchical level including one or more selection items, wherein each selection item represents a function performed by the massaging device or a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels; configuring a display state, the display state used to display the content of at least one of the one or more hierarchical levels; displaying the display state in the user interface; and displaying a cursor that is moveable on the user interface to select one or more of the one or more selection items in the display state.

Brief Description Of The Drawings [0014] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 shows a user interface built according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating display states arranged in a hierarchical structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figures 4A and 4B are block diagrams of a display state.

[0019] Figures 5A and 5B show instances whereby a user is given an option to make mutually exclusive selections within a list of one or more selection items.

[0020] Figures 6A and 6B are block diagrams of a display state when a cursor 320 moves to a selection item that represents a navigation link to another of one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C.

[0021] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hierarchical structure used by a massage program that has been coded according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8A shows a screen shot of a hierarchical level with the smallest presentation level number. [0023] Figure 8B shows a screen shot of the hierarchical level with the highest presentation level number.

[0024] Figure 8C shows a screen shot of a hierarchical level.

[0025] Figure 9 shows a block diagram of a display state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figures 1OA to 1OG show block diagrams of display states according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11 shows a block diagram of a display state according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 12 shows a block diagram of a massage device built according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 13A is a block diagram representing elements in the basic sequence flow of a program, according to one embodiment of the present invention, for a massaging device.

[0030] Figure 13B is a block diagram representing further elements that may be present in the basic sequence flow of a program, according to one embodiment of the present invention, for a massaging device.

[0031] Figures 14A and 14B are block diagrams representing various operation stages for a massage device, built according to one embodiment of the present invention. (0032] Figure 15 is a block diagram representing an overview of a control sequence flow used by a user interface, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 16 is a block diagram providing further detail of a power on sequence, according to one embodiment of the present invention, of a control sequence flow.

[0034] Figure 17 is a block diagram providing further detail of a power off sequence, according to one embodiment of the present invention, of a control sequence flow.

[0035] Figure 18 is a block diagram providing further detail of a power on sequence, according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a power off sequence, according to one embodiment of the present invention, both sequences of a control sequence flow.

[0036] Figure 19 is a flowchart for a program, according to one embodiment of the present invention, used to present, in a user interface, functions performed by a massaging device.

Detailed Description

[0037] While embodiments of the invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced. It will be appreciated that common numerals, used in the relevant drawings, refer to components that serve a similar or the same purpose.

[0038] Figure 1 is a flowchart 100 of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The method is used to present, in a user interface, functions performed by a massaging device. At step 102, one or more hierarchical levels is provided, each hierarchical level including one or more selection items. Each selection item represents a function performed by the massaging device or a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels. At step 104, a display state is configured, the display state used to display the content of at least one of the one or more hierarchical levels. At step 106, a display state is displayed. At step 108, a cursor is displayed, the cursor being moveable on the user interface to select one or more of the one or more selection items in the display state.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a user interface 202 built according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the user interface 202 is provided in the form of a handheld controller. The user interface 202 includes several buttons 212, a navigation button 206 and a display screen 208. The navigation button 206 surrounds a selection button 210. The user interface 202 is in electrical communication with a massaging device 204.

[0042] The user interface 202 is used to enter instructions into a massage program to control a massage operation followed by the massaging device 204. For instance and with reference to Figure 1 , the navigation button 206 is used to move the cursor of step 108 on the user interface, while the selection button 210 is used to select one or more of the one or more selection items in the display state. Data from the massage program is transferred between both the user interface 202 and the massaging device 204. The content of the display screen 208 changes accordingly from the exchange of data between the user interface 202 and the massaging device 204.

[0043] By arranging navigational links and functions performed by the massaging device 204 into one or more hierarchical levels, it will be appreciated that a user- friendly, intuitive and structured approach would be present when programming the massaging operation performed by the massaging device 204. By arranging the massage program into a hierarchical manner and having to navigate across a relevant number of hierarchical levels before arriving at the hierarchical level where the desired selection item is categorised under, the total number of physical buttons required on the user interface 202 to program the massage program can be reduced. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a two button arrangement of the navigation button 206 and the selection button 210 is provided for the purpose of programming the massage program. However, in another embodiment (not shown) a single button can be used instead of the two button arrangement of the navigation button 206 and the selection button 210.

[0044] The functions are derived from one or more hierarchical levels provided by a processor. For instance, Figure 3 illustrates a hierarchy implemented by the processor, the hierarchy having at least three hierarchical levels.

[0045] Thus, in one embodiment, a hierarchical level is one having subsets of lower hierarchical levels and/or belonging to a higher hierarchical level.

[0046] In another embodiment, each assigned function may be derived from a hierarchical level that is common to several different hierarchies. This common hierarchical level is at a same level to all of the different hierarchies. For instance in Figure 3, the hierarchy level 3 may be shared with a second hierarchy (not shown), wherein the shared hierarchy is also a third hierarchical level to the second hierarchy. The second hierarchy would also be implementable by the processor. [0047] In another embodiment, each function in the one or more hierarchical levels may be a combination of sub-functions, each of the sub-functions having a massage-related parameter. Each of the functions in a hierarchical level will not only have a subset lower hierarchical level, but will also have additional massage- related sub-functions.

[0048] In still another embodiment, the hierarchical levels may represent different levels of generality of a massage function. Thus there may be a hierarchical level for whole-body functions, a lower hierarchical level for functions affecting only regions of the body, and a further hierarchical level representing a type of motion to be used in a massage.

[0049] In summary, a hierarchical level may be subsets of lower hierarchical levels and/or belonging to a higher hierarchical level; a common hierarchy level that is shared by different hierarchies; a combination of sub-functions; or represent different levels of generality of a massage function.

[0050] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating display states 302A to 302F arranged in a hierarchical structure 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The hierarchical structure 300 may be employed by a massage program, such as the massage program used to control a massage operation followed by the massaging device 204 (Figure 2).

[0051] The hierarchical structure 300 includes one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C. Each hierarchical level 304A, 304B or 304C includes one or more selection items 306A to 306C. Each selection item 306A, 306B or 306C represents a function performed by the massaging device 204 (Figure 2) or a navigation link 308 to another of the one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C. [0052] Each of the display states 302A to 302F is displayed, for example on the display screen 208 (Figure 2), of the user interface 202 (Figure 2). Each of the display states 302 A to 302F displays the content of a respective hierarchical level, from the one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C, where the massage program is at. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the content is the one or more selection items 306A to 306C associated with the respective hierarchical level. A cursor 320 is used to select one or more of the one or more selection items 306 A to 306C, the cursor being movable on the user interface, hi the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the cursor 320 is represented by a dotted box. It will be appreciated that the cursor 320 may also be shown by having the text for one of the selection items 306A to 306C displayed in bold or being highlighted in a different colour.

[0053] A selected function is added to a massage program [such as the massage program used to control a massage operation followed by the massaging device 204 (Figure 2)] if the cursor 320 is used to select a selection item that represents a function performed by the massaging device. A new display state containing the content of a selected hierarchical level is configured and displayed if the cursor 320 is used to select a selection item that represents a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels.

[0054] An example of how the cursor 320 is used to select a selection item that represents a function performed by the massaging device is described with reference to Figures 4A and 4B. Figures 4A and 4B are block diagrams of one of the display states 302 A, 302B and 302C from the hierarchical structure 300 of Figure 3.

[0055] The display states 302A, 302B and 302C are displayed on the display screen 208 (Figure 2) when entering instructions into a massage program to control the massaging device 204 (Figure 2). Figures 4A and 4B show instances whereby a user is given an option to make multiple selections within the list of one or more selection items 306 A to 306C. Check boxes 402 are adopted as a visual indicator for indicating that multiple selections are possible. When the cursor 320 (represented by the second selection item, "Item 2", being highlighted in bold) is used to select a selection item that represents a function performed by the massaging device, the selected function is added to the massage program. A tick 420T will then appear in the respective check box 402, as shown in Figure 4B, to indicate that the selection function has been selected. It will be appreciated that, other than the tick 420T, visual indicators such as a cross, a star and a circle placed within the check boxes 402 may also be used.

[0056] Figures 5A and 5B show instances whereby a user is given an option to make mutually exclusive selections within a list of one or more selection items. In Figures 5A and 5B, the cursor 320 can select only one of the three selection items in display state 500. A visual indicator 502, which is different from the visual indicator 402 (for indicating that multiple selections are possible) used in Figures 4A to 4B, is used in Figures 5A and 5B. Radio buttons 502 are adopted as a visual indicator for indicating that mutually exclusive selections are possible. When the cursor 320 (represented by the second selection item, "Item 2", being highlighted in bold) is used to select a selection item that represents a function performed by the massaging device, the selected function is added to the massage program. The selected radio button 502s will then be filled with a colour, as shown in Figure 5B, to indicate that the selection function has been selected. Other selected radio buttons 502, if any, will be unselected.

[0057] Figures 6A and 6B are block diagrams of a display state 600 when the cursor 320 (also see Figure 3) moves to a selection item 306A to 306C that represents a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C (see Figure 3). If the selection item is a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C, a suitable visual indicator 604 will appear next to the respective selection item 306 A to 306C when the cursor 320 moves over the respective selection item. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 A and 6B, the respective selection item is the second selection item and the suitable visual indicator 604 is a right directional arrow. A new display state containing the content of a selected hierarchical level will be configured and displayed if the cursor 320 selects the respective selection item (for example, see change in content shown in Figure 8A to Figure 8C). The cursor 320 may then be provided in the new display state to alternatively select a selection in the new display state.

[0058] Returning to Figure 3, it will be appreciated that one of the one or more selection items 306 A to 306C represents a start option that may be used to initiate a massage program to control the massaging device 204 (Figure 2). In this manner, the massaging device 204 (Figure 2) is instructed to perform the selected functions in the massage program when the start option is selected.

[0059] In providing the one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C, a presentation level number may be assigned to each of the one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the hierarchical level 304A may be given a presentation level number 1 (the smallest presentation level), the hierarchical level 304B may be given a presentation level number 2, while the hierarchical level 304C may be given a presentation level number 3 (the highest presentation level).

[0060] A selection item of each of the one or more selection items 306A of the hierarchical level 304A with the smallest presentation level number may represent a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels 304B or 304C. Each of the one or more selection items 306C of the hierarchical level 304C with the highest presentation level number may represent a function performed by the massaging device 204 (see Figure 2).

[0061] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, all the selection items 306C in the third hierarchical level 304C (i.e. the hierarchical level with the highest presentation level number) may, for example, represent functions performed by the massaging device. The first selection item 306C (displayed as "Item 1" in the third display state 302C) may represent a kneading type massage, the second selection item 306C (displayed as "Item 2" in the third display state 302C) may represent a tapping type massage, while the third selection item 306C (displayed as "Item 3" in the third display state 302C) may represent a rolling type massage. It will also be appreciated that the selection items 306 in the third hierarchical level 304C may also represent a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels

[0062] It was earlier mentioned, with reference to Figure 1, that each of the selection items from a hierarchical level may be a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels. When selecting such a selection item, the display state will be configured to display the content of the selected hierarchical level. The display state will then be displayed, where the one or more selection items may either represent a function performed by the massaging device or a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels. Thus, it will be appreciated that the content of each of the one or more hierarchical levels may be different from one another.

[0063] For instance, consider the navigation link 308 between the second hierarchical level 304B and the third hierarchical level 304C.

[0064] The first selection item 306B (displayed as "Item 1" in the display states 302B and 302D), under the second hierarchical level 304B, may represent the portion of the massaging device 204 (see Figure 2) that massages the shoulder of a user. Selecting the first selection item 306B will cause the display state 306C to configure the content of the third hierarchical level 304C, so that the displayed content is that which is associated with the first selection item 306B. For instance, massaging functions, such as "kneading", "tapping" and "back press", applicable to the shoulders of a user may be associated with the first selection item 306B. These functions will then be displayed as the content of the display^'state 302C, under the third hierarchical level 304C. The first selection item 306C (displayed as "Item 1" in the display state 302C) may represent the "kneading" massaging function, the second selection item 306C (displayed as "Item 2" in the display state 302C) may represent the "tapping" massage function, while the third selection item 306C (displayed as "Item 3" in the display state 302C) may represent the "back press" massage function.

[0065] On the other hand, the second selection item 306B (displayed as "Item 2" in the display states 302B, 302D, 302E and 302F), under the second hierarchical level 304B, may represent the portion of the massaging device 204 (see Figure 2) that massages the full back of a user. Selecting the second selection item 306B will cause the display state 306C to configure the content of the third hierarchical level 304C, so that the displayed content is that which is associated with the second selection item 306B. For instance, massaging functions, such as "kneading", "tapping" and "rolling", applicable to the full back of a user may be associated with the second selection item 306B. These functions will then be displayed as the content of the display state 302C, under the third hierarchical level 304C. The first selection item 306C (displayed as "Item 1" in the display state 302C) may represent the "kneading" massaging function, the second selection item 306C (displayed as "Item 2" in the display state 302C) may represent the "tapping" massage function, while the third selection item 306C (displayed as "Item 3" in the display state 302C) may represent the "rolling" massage function.

[0066] From the above example, it will be appreciated that the massage functions associated with one selection item may be different from the massage functions associated with another selection item. Thus, the content of the one or more selection items 306C in the hierarchical level 304C with the highest presentation level number changes according to the chosen selection item in another hierarchical level. In one embodiment, a user would have to navigate from each of the one or more selection items 306 A in the hierarchical level having a lower presentation level to the hierarchical level 304C with the highest presentation level number to access associated functions performed by the massaging device 204 (Figure 2). Such a navigation function is provided by the massage program to control the massaging device 204 (Figure 2). [0067] The selection items 306A and 306B may also, for example, represent navigational links to a hierarchical level which is different from the hierarchical level that the respective selection item is categorised under. The selection items 306A (displayed in the first display state 302A as "Item 1", "Item 2" and "Item 3") may represent navigational links to the second hierarchical level 304B. The selection items 306B (displayed in the second display state 302B as "Item 1", "Item 2" and "Item 3") may represent navigational links to either the first hierarchical level 304A or the third hierarchical level 304C. It will also be appreciated that any of the one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C may contain a combination of selection items 306A to 306C, where each selection item 306A to 306C either represents a function performed by the massaging device or a navigation link 308 to another of the one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C, other than the hierarchical level that the respective selection item is categorised under.

[0068] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hierarchical structure 700 used by a massage program [such as the massage program used to control a massage operation followed by the massaging device 204 (Figure 2)] that has been coded according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] The hierarchical structure 700 includes one or more hierarchical levels 704A to 704C. Each hierarchical level 704A, 704B or 704C includes one or more selection items 706A to 706C.

[0070] The selection items 706C represent functions performed by the massaging device 204 (Figure 2). hi the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the functions performed by the massaging device (Figure 2) are a "shoulder press" motion, a "kneading" massaging motion, a "tapping" massaging motion, a "back press" massaging motion, a "rolling" massaging motion, a "vibration" massaging motion, an "inverse knead" massaging motion and a "squeeze" massaging motion. [0071] The selection item 706A(i), labeled "Select Area" represents a navigation link from the first hierarchical level 704A to the second hierarchical level 704B.

[0072] Similarly, in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the selection items 706B represent navigation links from the second hierarchical level 704B to the third hierarchical level 704C. Selection item 706B(i), labeled "Shoulder", represents a navigation link to the third hierarchical level 704C having selection item 706C(i), labeled "Shoulder press", as the content of the third hierarchical level 704C. Each of the set of selection items 706B(ii), labeled "Full back", "Upper back" and "Lower back", represent navigation links to the third hierarchical level 704C having the set of selection items 706C(ii), labeled "Kneading", "Tapping", "Back press", "Rolling", "Vibration" and "Inverse knead", as the content of the third hierarchical level 704C. Selection item 706B(Ui), labeled "Hand", represents a navigation link to the third hierarchical level 704C having selection item 706C(Ui), labeled "Squeeze", as the content of the third hierarchical level 704C. Selection item 706B(Lv), labeled "Seat", represents a navigation link to the third hierarchical level 704C having the set of selection items 706C(iv), labeled "Squeeze" and "Vibration", as the content of the third hierarchical level 704C. Selection item 706B(v), labeled "Leg", represents a navigation link to the third hierarchical level 704C having a set of selection items 706C(v), labeled "Squeeze" and "Vibration", as the content of the third hierarchical level 704C. Massage assigned functions, such "kneading", "tapping", "back press", "rolling", "vibration" and "inverse knead", fall within Level 3 of the hierarchical structure 700 of Figure 7. These massage assigned functions under the third hierarchical level 704C stem from functions (such as "full back", "Upper back" and "lower back" for the massage assigned functions of "kneading", "tapping", "back press", "rolling", "vibration" and "inverse knead") of a higher hierarchy level (hierarchy level 2). It will thus be appreciated from the embodiment shown in Figure 7 that what is displayed as content of the one or more hierarchical levels depends on which of the one or more selection items is selected from a higher hierarchical level. [0073] The content of each of the hierarchical levels 704A to 704C is displayed as display states, for example on the display screen 208 (Figure 2), of the user interface 202 (Figure 2).

[0074] At a starting point of programming a massage program to control the massaging device 204 (see Figure 2), the display state displays content of the hierarchical level with the smallest presentation level number. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the hierarchical level 704A has the smallest presentation level number. Thus, the content (being the selection items 706A) of the hierarchical level 704A will be displayed when a user starts to input commands into a massage program to control the massaging device 204 (see Figure 2).

[0075] Figure 8A shows a screen shot of the hierarchical level 704A (also compare the hierarchical level 704A of Figure 7) with the smallest presentation level number. The content of the hierarchical level 704A is one or more of a group 706A consisting of a navigation link 706A(i) [labeled as "Select Area"] to a hierarchical level (see Figure 8C) having as content one or more selection items representing areas to be massaged by the massaging device 204 (see Figure 2); a selection item 706A(ii) [labeled as "Start Massage"] to start a programmed massaging operation; a selection item 706A(Ui) [labeled as "Massage Duration"] to indicate the duration of a programmed massaging operation and/or the amount of time remaining for the programmed massaging operation; and a selection item 706A(iv) [labeled as "Clear all selections", shown in Figure 7] to delete the programmed massaging operation.

[0076] Figure 8B shows a screen shot of the hierarchical level 704B (also compare the hierarchical level 704B of Figure 7). The hierarchical level 704B has an "intermediate" presentation level, i.e. the hierarchical level 704B is one of the one or more hierarchical levels 704A to 704C, other than the hierarchical level 704A with the smallest presentation level and the hierarchical level 704C with the highest presentation level. The hierarchical level 704B has content having one or more selection items 706B representing areas to be massaged by the massaging device. [0077] The one or more selection items 706B representing areas to be massaged by the massaging device are one or more of a group consisting of a shoulder massage area, a back massage area, a hand massage area, a pelvis massage area and a leg massage area. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8B, only the shoulder massage area 706B(i) and a sub-set (a full back massage area and an upper back massage area) of the back massage area 706B(ii) are shown as the content of the hierarchical level 704B.

[0078] Figure 8C shows a screen shot of the hierarchical level 704C (also compare the hierarchical level 704C of Figure 7) with the highest presentation level number. Each of the one or more selection items 706C in the hierarchical level 704C with the highest presentation level number represents massage motion functions to be performed by the massaging device 204 (see Figure 2).

[0079] The massage motion functions are one or more selection items 706C being one or more of a group consisting of a kneading massaging motion, a tapping massaging motion, a rolling massaging motion, a pressing massaging motion, a vibration massaging motion and a squeezing massaging motion. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8C, only the kneading massaging motion, the tapping massaging motion and the pressing massaging motion (shown as a back press massaging motion) are shown as the content of the hierarchical level 704C.

[0080] Comparing Figures 7 and 8B, it will be appreciated that related navigational links in the program used to control a massage operation followed by the massaging device 204 (Figure 2) are grouped together as content of a same hierarchical level 704B under the one or more hierarchical levels 704A to 704C. The navigational links 706B that are shown in Figure 8B are grouped together as content of the hierarchical level 704B and are associated with the selection item 706A(i). [0081] Comparing Figures 7 and 8C, it will be appreciated that similar functions performed by the massaging device 204 (see Figure 2) are grouped together as content of a same hierarchical level 704C under the one or more hierarchical levels 704A to 704C. The massaging functions 706C that are shown in Figure 8C are grouped together as content of the hierarchical level 704C and are associated with the set of selection items 706B(ii).

[0082] It will be appreciated, from Figures 8A to 8C, that the content of the hierarchical levels 704A to 704C occupies the entire display area of a user interface. Thus, with reference to Figures 1, configuring the display state of step 104 includes configuring the display state to display the content of a selected hierarchical level, wherein the content of the selected hierarchical level occupies the entire display area of the user interface.

[0083] Figure 9 shows a block diagram of a display state 902 according to one embodiment of the present invention. An indicator 904 of which of the at least one of the one or more hierarchical levels is being displayed is provided, where it will be appreciated that such an indicator 904 is also provided for all display states, such as the display states 302A to 302F shown in Figure 3.

[0084] Figures 1OA to 1OG show block diagrams of display states 1002 A to 1002G according to one embodiment of the present invention. The display states 1002 A to 1002G show the sequence of changes that occur when a cursor 1020 (shown as the label "tapping" being labeled in bold) moves from one selection item 1006C to another selection item 1006C. A symbol 1030 is displayed if the cursor 1020 is placed upon a selection item 1006C that represents a function performed by the massaging device, wherein the symbol 1030 is representative of the respective function performed by the massaging device 204 (see Figure 2). The symbol 1030 changes in response to the selection item 1006C that the cursor 1020 is placed upon. As illustrated in Figure 1OA, the symbol 1030 initially shows a picture of a clenched fist, which is a visual representation of the "tapping" selection item 1006C. After the cursor 1020 moves to the "back press" selection item 1006, the symbol 1030 changes, in response, to become a picture of a clenched fist with an extended thumb.

[0085] The symbol 1030 includes an identification element 1032 which remains constant within a single hierarchical level. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1OA to 1OF, the identification element 1032 is the shape of the symbol 1030. The identification element serves as a means to indicate which of the one or more hierarchical levels a massage program used to control a massage operation followed by the massaging device 204 (Figure 2) is at. In addition to being a shape of the symbol 1030, the identification element 1032 may also be a colour of the symbol 1030.

[0086] Figure 11 shows a block diagram of a display state 1102 according to one embodiment of the present invention. A cursor 1120 (indicated by the dotted rectangular box) is placed upon a selection item 1106, labeled "Shoulder", hi addition to "Shoulder" being labeled in bold, a left pointing arrow 1120A and a right pointing arrow 1120B indicate the position of the cursor 1120. The left pointing arrow 1120A indicates that a lower hierarchical level is accessible from the present hierarchical level of the one or more hierarchical levels that the cursor 1120 is in. Similarly, the right pointing arrow 1120B indicates that a higher hierarchical level is accessible from the present hierarchical level of the one or more hierarchical levels that the cursor 1120 is in. In other words, the cursor 1120 changes to provide an indicator as to whether either a higher hierarchical level of the one or more hierarchical levels; or a lower hierarchical level of the one or more hierarchical levels; or both; is accessible from the present hierarchical level of the one or more hierarchical levels that the cursor is in.

[0087] Figure 12 shows a block diagram of a massage device 1204 built according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0088] The massage device 1204 includes a user interface 1202 and a processor 1216. The processor 1216 is coupled to the user interface 1202. It will be appreciated that the arrangement shown in Figure 12 is similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 2, with the exception that in Figure 12, the user interface 1202 is included with the massage device 1204. In one embodiment, the user interface 1202 is integrated with the massage device 1204, while in another embodiment the user interface 1202 is removably coupled with the massage device 1204

[0089] hi the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the user interface 1202 is provided in the form of a handheld controller. The user interface 1202 includes several buttons 1212 and a navigation button 1206. The navigation button 1206 surrounds a selection button 1210. The user interface 1202 is in electrical communication with the massaging device 1204.

[0090] The processor 1216 controls the user interface 1202. With reference to Figure 3, the processor 1216 is configured to perform the function of providing one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C, each hierarchical level 304A to 304C including one or more selection items 306A to 306C. Each selection item 306A to 306C represents a function performed by the massaging device 1204 or a navigation link 308 to another of the one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C. The processor 1216 is also configured to perform the function of configuring a display state 302 A to 302F, the display state 302 A to 302F being used to display the content of at least one of the one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C. The processor 1216 is configured to perform the function of displaying the display state 302A to 302F in the user interface 1202. The processor 1216 is also configured to perform the function of displaying a cursor 320 that is moveable on the user interface 1202 to select one or more of the one or more selection items 306A to 306C in the display state 302 A to 302F.

[0091] The user interface includes a display screen 1208 and a cursor control device being, in the embodiment shown in Figure 12, in the form of the navigation button 1206 that surrounds the selection button 1210. The display state 302A to 302F is displayed in the display screen 1208 and the cursor 320, which is moved by the cursor control device 1206, is moveable on the display screen 1208 to select one or more of the one or more selection items 306A to 306C.

[0092] The display screen 1208 may be a touch-screen and the cursor control device is formed as a portion of the touch-screen 1208.

[0093] With reference to Figure 3, the processor 1216 may be configured to further perform the function of adding a selected function to a massage program (such as the massage program whose hierarchical structure is shown in Figure 3) if the cursor 320 is used to select a selection item 306A to 306C that represents a function performed by the massaging device 1204. The processor 1216 may be configured to further perform the function of configuring and displaying, on the user interface 1202, a new display state containing the content of a selected hierarchical level 304A to 304C if the cursor 320 is used to select a selection item 306A to 306C that represents a navigation link 308 to another of the one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C.

[0094] The processor 1216 may be configured to further perform the function of instructing the massaging device 1204 to perform the selected functions in the massage program when a start option is selected [see selection item 706A(ii) of Figure 8A].

[0095] The cursor 320 may be provided to alternatively select a selection in the new display state.

[0096] The processor 1216, in being configured to perform the function of providing the one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C, may be configured to further perform the functions of assigning a presentation level number to each of the one or more hierarchical levels 304A to 304C. As earlier mentioned, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the hierarchical level 304 A may be given a presentation level number 1 (the smallest presentation level), the hierarchical level 304B may be given a presentation level number 2, while the hierarchical level 304C may be given a presentation level number 3 (the highest presentation level). Each of the one or more selection items 306A of the hierarchical level 304A with the smallest presentation level number may represent a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels 304B or 304C and each of the one or more selection items 306C of the hierarchical level with the highest presentation level number 304C may represent a function performed by the massaging device 1204.

[0097 J The processor 1216 may be configured to further perform the function of displaying, at a starting point of programming a massage program (such as the massage program whose hierarchical structure is shown in Figure 3) to control the massaging device 1204, the content of the hierarchical level 304A with the smallest presentation level number as the display state in the user interface 1202.

[0098] With reference to the screen shot of Figure 8A, the content of the hierarchical level 704A with the smallest presentation level number may be one or more of a group consisting of a navigation link 706A(i) to a hierarchical level (see Figure 8C) having as content one or more selection items representing areas to be massaged by the massaging device 1204, a selection item 706A(ii) to start a programmed massaging operation and a selection item 706A(Ui) to delete the programmed massaging operation.

[0099] With reference to the screen shot of Figure 8B, the one or more selection items in the hierarchical level 704C with the highest presentation level number may represent massage motion functions to be performed by the massaging device 1204.

[00100] The massage motion functions may be one or more selection items being one or more of a group consisting of a kneading massaging motion, a tapping massaging motion, a rolling massaging motion, a pressing massaging motion, a vibration massaging motion and a squeezing massaging motion. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8C, only the kneading massaging motion, the tapping massaging motion and the pressing massaging motion (shown as a back press massaging motion) are shown as the content of the hierarchical level 704C.

[00101] With reference to the screen shot of Figure 8B, the hierarchical level 704B has an "intermediate" presentation level, i.e. the hierarchical level 704B may be one of the one or more hierarchical levels 704A to 704C, other than the hierarchical level 704A with the smallest presentation level and the hierarchical level 704C with the highest presentation level. The hierarchical level 704B may have content having one or more selection items 706B representing areas to be massaged by the massaging device.

[00102] The one or more selection items 706B may represent areas to be massaged by the massaging device are one or more of a group consisting of a shoulder massage area, a back massage area, a hand massage area, a pelvis massage area and a leg massage area. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8B, only the shoulder massage area 706B(i), and a sub-set (a full back massage area and an upper back massage area) of the back massage area 706B(ii) are shown as the content of the hierarchical level 704B.

[00103] The processor 1216, in being configured to provide the one or more hierarchical levels 704A to 704C (see Figures 8A to 8C), may be configured to further perform the function of grouping together, as the content of a same hierarchical level 704A to 704C, similar functions performed by the massaging device 1204 or related navigational links.

[00104] The processor 1216, in being configured to configure the display state, may be configured to further perform: configuring the display state to display the content of a selected hierarchical level, wherein the content of the selected hierarchical level occupies the entire display area 1208 of the user interface 1202. [00105] With reference to the screen shot of Figure 9, the processor 1216 may be configured to further perform the function of: providing an indicator 904 of which of the at least one of the one or more hierarchical levels is being displayed.

[00106] With reference to the screen shots of Figures 1OA to 1OG, the processor 1216 may be configured to further perform the function of displaying a symbol 1030 if the cursor 1020 is placed upon a selection item 1006C that represents a function performed by the massaging device 1204. The symbol 1030 may be representative of the respective function performed by the massaging device 1204 and the symbol 1030 may change in response to the selection item 1006C that the cursor is placed upon; and the symbol 1030 may be displayed on the user interface 1202.

[00107] The symbol 1030 may include an identification element 1032 which remains constant within a single hierarchical level. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1OA to 1OF, the identification element 1032 is the shape of the symbol 1030. In addition to being a shape of the symbol 1030, the identification element 1032 may also be a colour of the symbol 1030.

[00108] The cursor 1020 may change to provide an indicator as to whether either a higher hierarchical level of the one or more hierarchical levels; or a lower hierarchical level of the one or more hierarchical levels; or both; is accessible from the present hierarchical level of the one or more hierarchical levels that the cursor is in.

[00109] Figure 13A is a block diagram representing elements in the basic sequence flow of a program 1300, according to one embodiment of the present invention, for a massaging device. The basic sequence flow may be followed by the massage program used to control a massage operation followed by the massaging device 204 (Figure 2). The basic sequence flow may also be implemented in the processor 1216 (see Figure 12). [00110] At element 1302, a user will enter an input through, for example, the user interface 1202 (see Figure 12). The input from element 1302 will cause the processor 1216 to process a first result element 1304. If the user enters further input, at element 1306, through the user interface 1202, the processor will then process a second result, at element 1310. The processed first result 1304 may also be output, at element 1308, by the program 1300 as a third result, at element 1312.

[00111] Figure 13B is a block diagram representing further elements that may be present in the basic sequence flow of a program 1300, according to one embodiment of the present invention, for a massaging device.

[00112] From Figures 13A and 13B, it will be appreciated that the processor 1216 may select to process one of result elements 1304 to 1304a as a response to the user input at element 1302. Similarly, the processor 1216 may select to process one of result elements 1310 to 1310a in response to the user's further input element 1306.

[00113] Figures 14A and 14B are block diagrams representing various operation stages for a massage device, built according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figures 14A and 14B, the massage device is in the form of a chair.

[00114] In Figure 14A, after the chair is plugged, at stage 1410, into a power socket and the power socket switched on, the chair will become powered at stage 1404. At stage 1404, a user interface/controller (such as the user interface 202 of Figure 2 and the user interface 1202 of Figure 12) will become powered to undergo an initialisation sequence. All of the user interface/controller function buttons will become available for use, at stage 1408, after the initialisation sequence.

[00115] The various functions available after the initialisation sequence is shown in Figure 14B. The functions are volume and mute control of a speaker mounted in the chair; initialisation of power, safety stop, chair position adjustments and seat return buttons; and enabling external audio to be played by the speaker mounted in the chair.

[00116] Stage 1412 represents the power socket being switched off. All operations performed by the massage chair will stop at stage 1406. The chair will then be in a powered off state at stage 1402.

[00117] Figure 15 is a block diagram representing an overview of a control sequence flow 1500 used by a user interface (not shown), according to one embodiment of the present invention. The control sequence flow 1500 may be used by the user interface 202 (Figure 2) or the user interface 1202 (Figure 12) to control their respective massaging devices (204 and 1204). The control sequence flow 1500 may also be implemented in the processor 1216 (see Figure 12).

[00118] Switching on (at 1510) the user interface, when the user interface is in a power off state 1502, will cause a power on sequence 1504 to be initiated. After the power on sequence 1504 is completed, a user can then start keying in instructions (see reference numeral 1512) to program massage operations performed by a massage device. After the massage operations are programmed, the user can use the user interface to start the massage operation program (at 1508).

[00119] If a user switches off (at 1514) the user interface, a power off sequence 1506 will be initiated. After the power off sequence 1506 is completed, the user interface will return to its power off state 1502.

[00120] Figure 16 is a block diagram providing further detail of the power on sequence 1504, according to one embodiment of the present invention, of the ccoonntrol sequence flow 1500 of Figure 15.

[00121] The power on sequence 1504 may begin at step 1602 with the user interface displaying a start up screen and playing a tone. For the embodiment of the invention where the user interface is connected to a massage chair, the start up screen may be accompanied by sequence 1614. The sequence 1614 may include, for example, the massage chair returning to a default start position, unfolding/moving a leg rest portion to its default starting position and all massage rollers being returned to their starting position.

[00122] The start up screen may include displaying an animation sequence. After the animation sequence is completed (at 1604), a greeting screen is shown at step 1606.

[00123] If the user does not enter any input into the user interface, the power on sequence 1504 will proceed to step 1610, after a predefined interval (such as around 15 seconds) of user inactivity. At step 1610, the user interface will enter into a screen saver mode. In the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the screen saver mode may display a manufacturer logo for the user interface as an animation sequence. After the animation sequence is completed (at step 1612), the manufacturer logo is shown as a static display in step 1618. After another predefined interval (such as around 20 seconds) of user inactivity (at 1616), the power on sequence 1504 will return to step 1610, i.e. the screen saver mode.

[00124] In one embodiment of the invention, the power on sequence 1504 will proceed to step 1608 first before proceeding to step 1610. In step 1608, the user is allowed to select, from a number of languages, the language which the user interface will use to display its content. The power on sequence 1504 will return to step 1610 either after the user selects one of the languages or after a predefined interval of user inactivity, where a default language will be automatically selected by the user interface.

[00125] Figure 17 is a block diagram providing further detail of the power off sequence 1506, according to one embodiment of the present invention, of the control sequence flow 1500 of Figure 15. [00126] The power off sequence 1506 may begin at step 1702, where all operations performed by a massaging device the user interface is connected to is stopped. A powering down screen may be displayed at step 1704. After a predefined interval (of around 3 seconds), shown as step 1706, a sequence 1708 may be executed. For the embodiment of the invention where the massaging device is a massage chair, the sequence 1708 may include rollers returning to a default start position, the massage chair returning to an upright start position and leg slides folding under the massage chair. Further, the user interface may display a static display in step 1708a of a manufacturer logo for the user interface.

[00127] Figure 18 is a block diagram providing further detail of the power on sequence 1504 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and the power off sequence 1506 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Both sequences 1504 and 1506 belong to the control sequence flow 1500 of Figure 15.

[00128] Comparing the embodiments of the power on sequence 1504 and the power off sequence 1506 shown respectively in Figures 16 and 17 with the power on sequence 1504 and the power off sequence 1506, both shown in Figure 18, the power on sequence 1504 of Figure 18 includes a memory function, which is represented by steps 1822 and 1820. The language selection function, shown as step 1608 in Figure 16, is not shown in the power on sequence 1504 of Figure 18. However, it will be appreciated that the language selection function can also be incorporated into the power on sequence 1504 shown in Figure 18.

[00129] The power on sequence 1504 of Figure 18 may begin at step 1802 with the user interface displaying a start up screen and playing a tone. For the embodiment of the invention where the user interface is connected to a massage chair, the start up screen may be accompanied by sequence 1814. The sequence 1814 may include, for example, the massage chair returning to a default start position, unfolding/moving a leg rest portion to its default starting position and all massage rollers being returned to their starting position.

[00130] The start up screen may include displaying an animation sequence. If the memory function has been selected (at step 1805) and where a list of user profiles has already been saved into memory, the power on sequence 1504 will proceed to step 1822, where the list of user profiles are displayed for selection. This list of user profiles may include standard default profiles (for example, factory pre-stored default profiles) or may be saved profiles from a previous massage operation. Each profile has a programmed sequence of massage operations that are to be preformed by a massaging device the user interface is connected to. On the other hand, if no user profiles exist in memory (for example when the power on sequence 1504 of Figure 18 is first initiated) an appropriate message will be shown.

[00131] If one of the user profiles is selected (at step 1826), a greeting screen showing which of the user profiles has been selected is shown at step 1806. The selected user profile is thus activated.

[00132] On the other hand, if the step of selecting one of the user profiles is skipped (at step 1824), a normal greeting screen is displayed at step 1820 (similar to the greeting screen shown at step 1606 of Figure 16).

[00133] If the user does not, while either at steps 1806 or 1820, enter any input into the user interface, the power on sequence 1504 will proceed to step 1810, after a predefined interval (such as around 15 seconds) of user inactivity. At step 1810, the user interface will enter into a screen saver mode. In the embodiment shown in Figure 18, the screen saver mode may display a manufacturer logo for the user interface as an animation sequence. After the animation sequence is completed (at step 1812), the manufacturer logo is shown as a static display in step 1818. After another predefined interval (such as around 20 seconds) of user inactivity (at 1816), the power on sequence 1504 will return to step 1810, i.e. the screen saver mode. [00134] The power off sequence 1506 may begin at step 1852, where all operations performed by a massaging device the user interface is connected to is stopped. If one of the user profiles was selected at step 1826 and modifications were made to the programmed sequence of massage operations associated with the selected user profile, the modifications made are saved for the selected user profile in step 1852. A powering down screen may be displayed at step 1854. After a predefined interval (of around 3 seconds), shown as step 1856, a sequence 1858 may be executed. For the embodiment of the invention where the massaging device is a massage chair, the sequence 1858 may include rollers returning to a default start position, the massage chair returning to an upright start position and leg slides folding under the massage chair. Further, the user interface may display a static display in step 1858a of a manufacturer logo for the user interface.

[00135] Figure 19 is a flowchart 1900 for a program, according to one embodiment of the present invention, used to present, in a user interface, functions performed by a massaging device. The flowchart 1900 may be used by the user interface 202 (Figure 2) or the user interface 1202 (Figure 12) to control their respective massaging devices (204 and 1204). The flowchart 1900 may also be implemented in the processor 1216 (see Figure 12).

[00136] The flowchart 1900 begins at step 1902 with a user accessing the program through a menu, termed "Explore menu" in the embodiment shown in Figure 19, at step 1904. Comparing step 1904 with Figure 3, step 1904 may involve a user interface displaying the contents of the hierarchical level 304A (i.e. the hierarchical level with the smallest presentation level number). At step 1904, the user interface may show content such as that shown in Figure 8A.

[00137] How the flowchart 1900 proceeds from step 1904 will depend on the input from the user and whether the massaging device is performing a massage at the instance when the user is entering input. [00138] Step 1906 will occur when the massaging device is at rest and the user selects an area to be massaged and the type of massage to be applied to that area. Comparing step 1906 with Figure 3, step 1906 may involve the user accessing the other hierarchical levels 304B and 304C via a user interface. The relevant selected selection items 306A to 306C are stored, at step 1906, into a list that stores the type of massage(s) that is(are) to be applied to the corresponding body area(s). A massage operation, executed in accordance to the contents of the list of step 1906, will begin when a user starts the program.

[00139] hi the embodiment shown in Figure 19, the user would have to return to the "Explore menu" of step 1904 (i.e. in comparison with Figure 3, returning to the hierarchical level 304A) to have the option of starting the program. If the user starts the massage program, the flowchart 1900 will proceed to step 1908. At step 1908, the program will detect whether any selections are made, such as whether there is any content in the list of step 1906. If the list of step 1906 contains entries (as described above), the flowchart 1900 will proceed to step 1910 where the user's acupuncture points are detected. After acupuncture point detection is completed, the massage starts in accordance to the contents of the list of step 1906. After the massage is completed in step 1912, the massage device (such as a chair) will remain in its last massaging position.

[00140] Turning to step 1908, if the list of step 1906 contains no entries, then the flowchart moves to step 1914, where a user interface will display a message to indicate that no selections have been made. After a predefined interval (such as around 5 seconds) of user inactivity, the flowchart 1900 will return to step 1904 via step 1916.

[00141] Step 1918 will occur if the massaging device is already performing a massage operation and the user wants to program another massage operation. At step 1918, the user would be prompted for confirmation to stop the ongoing massage operation. If the user chooses to do so, the ongoing massage operation will be stopped at step 1920 and the flowchart will return to step 1906. On the other hand, if the user decides to allow the ongoing massage to continue, then the flowchart 1900 will return to step 1904 via step 1922.

[00142] Step 1924 will occur if there is a predefined interval (such as around 15 seconds) of user inactivity when the flowchart is at step 1904. In step 1924, the program will return to a default mode, whereby a user interface may display a static display, such as in step 1618 of Figure 16 and step 1818 of Figure 18.

[00143] Step 1926 will occur when the user selects, at step 1904, to clear all programmed selections in the program.

[00144] If previous selections are detected, such as there are entries in the list of step 1906, a confirmation screen will be shown in step 1928 to prompt the user to confirm whether the previous selections are to be deleted. All previous selections will be cleared in step 1930 if the user so proceeds. The flowchart 1900 will then return to step 1904, via step 1922, after a predefined interval (such as around 5 seconds) of user inactivity.

[00145] On the other hand, if the user decides not to delete the previous selections, the flowchart 1900 returns to step 1904, via step 1922, after a predefined interval (such as around 5 seconds) of user inactivity.

[00146] Returning to step 1926, step 1932 will occur if no previous selections are detected. In step 1932, a message will be displayed to indicate that no selections have been made. The flowchart 1900 will then return to step 1904, via step 1922, after a predefined interval (such as around 5 seconds) of user inactivity. [00147] Step 1934 will occur if there is a predefined interval (such as around 5 minutes) of user inactivity when the flowchart is at step 1904. hi step 1934, the program will return to a standby mode.

[00148] Step 1936 will occur if the massaging device is already performing a massage operation and the user selects a duration option, hi step 1936, a list of massaging operations that the massaging device has been programmed to execute will be displayed, indicating the duration of each massaging operation. The flowchart 1900 will then return to step 1904, via step 1922, after a predefined interval (such as around 5 minutes) of user inactivity.

[00149] While embodiments of the invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims

1. A method of presenting, in a user interface, functions performed by a massaging device, the method comprising: providing one or more hierarchical levels, each hierarchical level including one or more selection items, wherein each selection item represents a function performed by the massaging device or a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels; configuring a display state, the display state used to display the content of at least one of the one or more hierarchical levels; displaying the display state; and displaying a cursor that is moveable on the user interface to select one or more of the one or more selection items in the display state.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: adding a selected function to a massage program if the cursor is used to select a selection item that represents a function performed by the massaging device; and configuring and displaying a new display state containing the content of a selected hierarchical level if the cursor is used to select a selection item that represents a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising instructing the massaging device to perform the selected functions in the massage program when a start option is selected.

4. The method of claims 2 or 3, wherein the cursor is provided to alternatively select a selection in the new display state.

5. The method of claims 1 to 4, wherein providing the one or more hierarchical levels further comprises: assigning a presentation level number to each of the one or more hierarchical levels, wherein a selection item of each of the one or more selection items of the hierarchical level with the smallest presentation level number represents a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels, and wherein each of the one or more selection items of the hierarchical level with the highest presentation level number represents a function performed by the massaging device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein at a starting point of programming a massage program to control the massaging device, the display state displays content of the hierarchical level with the smallest presentation level number.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the content of the hierarchical level with the smallest presentation level number is one or more of a group consisting of a navigation link to a hierarchical level having as content one or more selection items representing areas to be massaged by the massaging device, a selection item to start a programmed massaging operation and a selection item to delete the programmed massaging operation.

8. The method of claims 5 to 7, wherein each of the one or more selection items in the hierarchical level with the highest presentation level number represents massage motion functions to be performed by the massaging device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the massage motion functions are one or more selection items being one or more of a group consisting of a kneading massaging motion, a tapping massaging motion, a rolling massaging motion, a pressing massaging motion, a vibration massaging motion and a squeezing massaging motion.

10. The method of claims 7 to 9, wherein the one or more hierarchical levels, other than the hierarchical level with the smallest presentation level number and the hierarchical level with the highest presentation level number, has content having one or more selection items representing areas to be massaged by the massaging device.

11. The method of claims 7 to 10, wherein the one or more selection items representing areas to be massaged by the massaging device are one or more of a group consisting of a shoulder massage area, a back massage area, a hand massage area, a pelvis massage area and a leg massage area.

12. The method of claims 1 to 11, wherein providing the one or more hierarchical levels comprises grouping together, as the content of a same hierarchical level, similar functions performed by the massaging device or related navigational links.

13. The method of claims 1 to 12 wherein configuring the display state includes configuring the display state to display the content of a selected hierarchical level, wherein the content of the selected hierarchical level occupies the entire display area of the user interface.

14. The method of claims 1 to 13, the method further comprising: providing an indicator of which of the at least one of the one or more hierarchical levels is being displayed.

15. The method of claims 1 to 14, the method further comprising: displaying a symbol if the cursor is placed upon a selection item that represents a function performed by the massaging device, wherein the symbol is representative of the respective function performed by the massaging device and wherein the symbol changes in response to the selection item that the cursor is placed upon.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the symbol comprises an identification element which remains constant within a single hierarchical level.

17. The method of claim 17, wherein the identification element is one or more of a group consisting of a shape of the symbol and a colour of the symbol.

18. The method of claims 1 to 17, wherein the cursor changes to provide an indicator as to whether either a higher hierarchical level of the one or more hierarchical levels; or a lower hierarchical level of the one or more hierarchical levels; or both; is accessible from the present hierarchical level of the one or more hierarchical levels that the cursor is in.

19. A massaging device comprising: a user interface; a processor which controls the user interface, the processor configured to perform the functions of: providing one or more hierarchical levels, each hierarchical level including one or more selection items, wherein each selection item represents a function performed by the massaging device or a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels; configuring a display state, the display state used to display the content of at least one of the one or more hierarchical levels; displaying the display state in the user interface; and displaying a cursor that is moveable on the user interface to select one or more of the one or more selection items in the display state.

20. The massaging device of claim 19, wherein the user interface comprises: a display screen; and a cursor control device, wherein the display state is displayed in the display screen and the cursor is moveable on the display screen to select one or more of the one or more selection items, and wherein the cursor control device is used to move the cursor.

21. The massaging device of claim 20, wherein the display screen is a touch- screen and the cursor control device is formed as a portion of the touch-screen.

22. The massaging device of claims 19 to 21, wherein the processor is configured to further perform the functions of: adding a selected function to a massage program if the cursor is used to select a selection item that represents a function performed by the massaging device; and configuring and displaying, on the user interface, a new display state containing the content of a selected hierarchical level if the cursor is used to select a selection item that represents a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels.

23. The massaging device of claim 22, wherein the processor is configured to further perform the function of: instructing the massaging device to perform the selected functions in the massage program when a start option is selected.

24. The massaging device of claims 22 or 23, wherein the cursor is provided to alternatively select a selection in the new display state.

25. The massaging device of claims 19 to 24, wherein the processor, in being configured to perform the function of providing the one or more hierarchical levels, is configured to further perform the functions of: assigning a presentation level number to each of the one or more hierarchical levels, wherein each of the one or more selection items of the hierarchical level with the smallest presentation level number represents a navigation link to another of the one or more hierarchical levels, and wherein each of the one or more selection items of the hierarchical level with the highest presentation level number represents a function performed by the massaging device.

26. The massaging device of claim 25, wherein the processor is configured to further perform the function of: displaying, at a starting point of programming a massage program to control the massaging device, the content of the hierarchical level with the smallest presentation level number as the display state in the user interface.

27. The massaging device of claim 26, wherein the content of the hierarchical level with the smallest presentation level number is one or more of a group consisting of a navigation link to a hierarchical level having as content one or more selection items representing areas to be massaged by the massaging device, a selection item to start a programmed massaging operation and a selection item to delete the programmed massaging operation.

28. The massaging device of claims 25 to 27, wherein each of the one or more selection items in the hierarchical level with the highest presentation level number represents massage motion functions to be performed by the massaging device.

29. The massaging device of claim 28, wherein the massage motion functions are one or more selection items being one or more of a group consisting of a kneading massaging motion, a tapping massaging motion, a rolling massaging motion, a pressing massaging motion, a vibration massaging motion and a squeezing massaging motion.

30. The massaging device of claims 27 to 29, wherein the one or more hierarchical levels, other than the hierarchical level with the smallest presentation level number and the hierarchical level with the highest presentation level number, has content having one or more selection items representing areas to be massaged by the massaging device.

31. The massaging device of claims 27 to 30, wherein the one or more selection items representing areas to be massaged by the massaging device are one or more of a group consisting of a shoulder massage area, a back massage area, a hand massage area, a pelvis massage area and a leg massage area.

32. The massaging device of claims 19 to 31, wherein the processor, in being configured to provide the one or more hierarchical levels, is configured to further perform: grouping together, as the content of a same hierarchical level, similar functions performed by the massaging device or related navigational links.

33. The massaging device of claims 19 to 32, wherein the processor in being configured to configure the display state, is configured to further perform: configuring the display state to display the content of a selected hierarchical level, wherein the content of the selected hierarchical level occupies the entire display area of the user interface.

34. The massaging device of claims 19 to 33, wherein the processor is configured to further perform the function of: providing an indicator of which of the at least one of the one or more hierarchical levels is being displayed.

35. The massaging device of claims 19 to 34, wherein the processor is configured to further perform the function of displaying a symbol if the cursor is placed upon a selection item that represents a function performed by the massaging device, wherein the symbol is representative of the respective function performed by the massaging device and wherein the symbol changes in response to the selection item that the cursor is placed upon; and displaying the symbol on the user interface.

36. The massaging device of claim 35, wherein the symbol comprises an identification element which remains constant within a single hierarchical level.

37. The massaging device of claim 36, wherein the identification element is one or more of a group consisting of a shape of the symbol and a colour of the symbol.

38. The massaging device of claims 19 to 37, wherein the cursor changes to provide an indicator as to whether either a higher hierarchical level of the one or more hierarchical levels; or a lower hierarchical level of the one or more hierarchical levels; or both; is accessible from the present hierarchical level of the one or more hierarchical levels that the cursor is in.