WO2011031241A1 - Massaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a massaging device including: a user interface, the user interface including a plurality of actuators; a processor coupled to the user interface, the processor configured to provide one or more hierarchical levels, each hierarchical level including one or more functions performed by the massaging device, each of the functions assigned to a respective one of the plurality of actuators so that the functions assigned are activated when the respective actuator is actuated; wherein the actuators, assigned to functions within a same hierarchical level, are disposed adjacent to each other to form a category, so that the actuators are grouped into categories, with each category being assigned to a different hierarchical level.

Description

Massaging Device

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[001] The present application claims the benefit of priority of US provisional application "A User Interface" being filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office on September 11, 2009 and being assigned the official serial number 61/241,419. The content of this application filed on September 11, 2009 is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference for all purposes, including an incorporation of any element or part of the description, claims or drawings not contained herein and referred to in Rule 20.5(a) of the PCT, pursuant to Rule 4.18 of the PCT.

Field Of The Invention

[002] Various embodiments describe a massaging device and more specifically to a user interface for the massaging device.

Background Of The Invention

[003] 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.

[004] 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.

[005] 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.

[006] 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.

[007] 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.

[008] 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.

[009] Another known user interface is disclosed in US patent no. 6,1 17,094 by Fuji provides selection for automated massaging courses and for manual operation.

[010] 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.

[011] For the manual operation, the user is allowed to actuate massaging apparatus elements along various positions of a massaging chair.

[012] The user interfaces discussed above have their operating buttons and other controls arranged in a random manner that makes them non-intuitive to operate. It would therefore be advantageous to have an easy-to-use user interface for a massaging device, that facilitates intuitive operation of the myriad massaging functions of such a device. Summary Of The Invention

[013] According to various embodiments, there is provided a massaging device including: a user interface, the user interface including a plurality of actuators; a processor coupled to the user interface, the processor configured to provide one or more hierarchical levels, each hierarchical level including one or more functions performed by the massaging device, each of the functions assigned to a respective one of the plurality of actuators so that the functions assigned are activated when the respective actuator is actuated; wherein the actuators, assigned to functions within a same hierarchical level, are disposed adjacent to each other to form a category, so that the actuators are grouped into categories, with each category being assigned to a different hierarchical level.

[014] In the context of various embodiments, the term "actuators" may mean a pressure sensitive device that is provided on one surface of the user interface. Examples of the actuators include press buttons; touch-screen surface or flip/toggle switches.

[015] In the context of various embodiments, the term "processor" may mean an electronic device that reads and executes the instructions of a computer program. In various embodiments, the processor may be pre-programmed or custom-designed to carry out the instructions associated with each actuator.

[016] In the context of various embodiments, the term "user interface" means a controller allowing user input to manipulate the massaging device and provides output to indicate the effects of the user's manipulation.

[017] In various embodiments, the term "hierarchical levels" may represent different levels or sequences of instructions performed by the computer program executed by the processor. Since various embodiments relate to a user interface for a massaging device, the hierarchical levels represent different levels of generality of a massage function. Thus, there may be a hierarchical level for whole-body functions (such as instructions to provide an automated full body massage), another hierarchical level for functions affecting only regions of the body (such as instructions to provide a localised massage), and another hierarchical level representing a type of motion to be used in a massage (such as instructions to activate one of a plurality of massagers). The whole-body functions may form one category; the functions affecting only regions of the body form another category; and the type of motion to be used in a massage form a further category. Thus, in the context of various embodiments, the phrase "same hierarchical level" may mean massaging functions that fall within same category.

[018] In various embodiments, a hierarchical level may include a sequence of instructions to perform a first massaging function and another sequence of instructions to perform a second massaging function. In various embodiments, a hierarchical level may include a portion of the sequence of instructions to perform the first massaging function and a portion of the sequence of instructions to perform the second massaging function.

[019] In the context of various embodiments, the term "functions" may include movement performed by the massagers, such as kneading, tapping and rolling motions.

[020[ In various embodiments, each assigned function may be derived from a level shared by several different hierarchies. The shared level may be at a same level to all of the different hierarchies.

[021] 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.

[022] In various embodiments, the user interface may further include a display screen, wherein the processor is configured to change the contents of the display screen in response to the function activated. In other embodiments, the user interface may not have a display screen but use a plurality of indicator lights that activate in response to the function activated.

[023] In various embodiments, the processor may be configured to display the function activated as a symbol representative of the respective function performed by the massaging device and display the symbol on the display screen.

[024] In various embodiments, the categories include a first category, wherein the actuators of the first category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to activate the user interface, to pause a massage operation and to stop a massage operation.

[025] In various embodiments, the categories include a second category related to programmed massages, wherein the actuators of the second category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions having pre-programmed massage operations. [026] In various embodiments, the categories include a third category related to position adjustment,' wherein the actuators of the third category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to adjust various positions of components of a chair.

[027] In various embodiments, the categories include a fourth category related to localised massaging, wherein the actuators of the fourth category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to activate massage elements placed at different locations of the massaging device.

[028] In various embodiments, the categories include a fifth category related to a first set of massage motions, wherein the actuators of the fifth category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to activate a kneading massaging motion, a tapping massaging motion and a rolling massaging motion.

[029] In various embodiments, the categories include a sixth category related to a second set of massage motions, wherein the actuators of the sixth category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to activate vibration motions at different locations of the massaging device.

[030] In various embodiments, the categories include a seventh category related to movement of massage elements, wherein the actuators of the seventh category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to move massage elements along the massaging device.

[031] In various embodiments, the categories include an eighth category related to fine adjustments of the functions provided by the second to the seventh categories, wherein the actuators of the eighth category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to adjust the duration of a massage, the strength of a massage, the intensity of a massage and the application of heat to a massage.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

[032] 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: [033] Figure 1 shows front views and a side view of a user interface built according to various embodiments.

[034] Figure 2 shows a block diagram representation of hierarchical level classification, according to one embodiment, of the fiinctions provided by the massaging device of Figure 1.

[035] Figure 3 shows a table summarising sequences performed to configure a processor.

[036] Figure 4 is a block diagram representing a start-up sequence for a massage device, built according to various embodiments.

[037] Figure 5 is a block diagram representing a power on/idle sequence for a massage device, built according to various embodiments.

[038] Figure 6 is a block diagram representing a sequence of activities that occur to return a massage chair to a reset position.

[039] Figure 7 is a block diagram explaining how a massage device, built according to various embodiments, enters into a timeout mode.

[040] Figure 8 is a block diagram representing a safety stop sequence for a massage device, built according to various embodiments.

[0411 Figure 9 is a block diagram representing a sequence followed by a massage device, built according to various embodiments, when a controller is used to select a massage.

[042] Figure 10 is a block diagram representing a timer selection sequence for a massage device, built according to various embodiments.

Detailed Description

[043] 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.

[044] Figure 1 shows front views 104, 106 and a side view 108 of a user interface 102 built according to various embodiments. Front view 104 shows the user interface 102 with a cover panel 112 closed, while front view 106 shows the user interface 102 with the cover panel 112 flipped open.

[045] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the user interface 102 is provided in the form of a handheld controller. As shown in side view 108, the handheld controller has a housing with a top shell 118 and a matching bottom shell 120 fitted together to provide an inner chamber. The user interface 102 is in electrical communication with a massaging device 110.

[046] The user interface 102 is used to enter instructions into a massage program to control a massage operation followed by the massaging device 110. Data from the massage program is transferred between both the user interface 102 and the massaging device 110. The content of a display screen 1 14, which may be a LCD, changes accordingly from the exchange of data between the user interface 102 and the massaging device 1 10. In another embodiment (not shown), the user interface may not have a display screen but use a plurality of indicator lights that activate in response to the exchange of data between the user interface and a massaging device.

[047] The user interface 102 includes a plurality of actuators 116 (the embodiment of Figure 1 shows that there are 33 of them, implemented as push buttons, where any one or more may be adapted to be backlit) provided on the surface of the top shell 108. It will be appreciated that other types of actuators may be used, such as flip/toggle switches. In another embodiment (not shown), the entire front of the top shell 118 may be a pressure- sensitive touch screen, having portions to realise each of the actuators.

[048] A processor (not shown) is coupled to the user interface. In one embodiment, the processor may be mounted on a circuit board and housed within the inner chamber provided by the top shell 118 and the bottom shell 120. In another embodiment, the processor is positioned external to the handheld controller.

[049] The processor is configured to provide one or more hierarchical levels, each hierarchical level including one or more functions performed by the massaging device. Each of the functions is assigned to a respective one of the plurality of actuators 116 so that the functions assigned are activated when the respective actuator 116 is actuated. In addition, the processor may be configured to change the contents of the display screen 1 14 in response to the function activated, for instance to show a symbol 140 representing the respective function activated.

[050] In various embodiments, hierarchical levels are different levels or sequences of instructions performed by the computer program executed by the processor. Since various embodiments relate to a user interface for a massaging device, the hierarchical levels represent different levels of generality of a massage function. In various embodiments, a hierarchical level may include a sequence of instructions to perform a first massaging function and another sequence of instructions to perform a second massaging function. In various embodiments, a hierarchical level may include a portion of the sequence of instructions to perform the first massaging function and a portion of the sequence of instructions to perform the second massaging function. Thus, there may be a hierarchical level for whole-body functions (such as instructions to provide an automated full body massage), another hierarchical level for functions affecting only regions of the body (such as instructions to provide a localised massage), and another hierarchical level representing a type of motion to be used in a massage (such as instructions to activate one of a plurality of massagers).

[051] Figure 2 shows a block diagram representation of hierarchical level classification, according to one embodiment, of the functions provided by the massaging device of Figure 1.

[052] In Figure 2, a processor 204 is configured to provide one or more of several hierarchical levels 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234 and 236, each having one or more massaging functions performed by the processor 204 executing a respective sequence of instructions. Each of the several hierarchical levels 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234 and 236 has massage functions that belong to the category of the respective hierarchical level.

[053] For instance, the hierarchical level 222 provides a first category of massage functions that activate the user interface 102 (of Figure 1), pause a massage operation and stop a massage operation. The hierarchical level 224 provides a second category of massage functions related to pre-programmed automated massages. The hierarchical level 226 provides a third category of massage functions related to position adjustment of components of a massaging device. The hierarchical level 228 provides a fourth category of massage functions related to localised massaging, where massage elements placed at different locations of a massaging device are activated. The hierarchical levels 230 and 232 respectively provide a fifth and sixth category of massage functions related to controlling the operation of individual elements of a a (delete one a) massaging device. The hierarchical level 234 provides a seventh category of massage functions that move massage elements along a massaging device. The hierarchical level 236 provides an eighth category related to massage functions that provide fine adjustments of the massage functions provided by the second to the seventh categories.

[054] Returning to Figure 1, actuators 116 assigned to functions within a same hierarchical level (i.e. any one of the levels 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234 and 236 of Figure 2), are disposed adjacent to each other to form a category. In this manner, all the actuators are 116 grouped into categories 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134 and 136 where each category belongs to an assigned hierarchical level. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, these categories 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134 and 136 are as follows.

[055] The first category 122 has actuators assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to activate the user interface 102; to pause a massage operation; and to stop a massage operation.

[056] The second category 124 has actuators assigned to a hierarchical level with functions having pre-programmed massage operations, to allow selection of one of several fully automated massage programs.

[057] The third category 126 has actuators assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to adjust various positions of components of the massage device 110. When the massage device is for example, a chair, the actuators may adjust the angle of inclination of the back rest, the angle of inclination of the leg rest; to extend or retract the leg rest; and to return the chair to its original position.

[058] The fourth category 128 has actuators assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to activate massage elements placed at different locations of the massaging device 1 10 so as to provide a localised massage. [059] The fifth category 130 has actuators assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to activate a kneading massaging motion, a tapping massaging motion and a rolling massaging motion.

[060] The sixth category 132 has actuators assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to activate vibrations at different locations (such as the seat, the hand or the footrest) of the massaging device 1 10.

[061] The seventh category 134 has actuators assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to move massage elements along the massaging device.

[062] The eighth category 136 has actuators assigned to a hierarchical level with functions related to fine adjustments of the functions provided by the second to the seventh categories 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134 and 136, so that the actuators can adjust the duration of a massage, the strength of a massage, the intensity of a massage and the application of heat to a massage.

[063] The cover panel 1 12 serves to divide the categories 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134 and 136 into two segments. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first segment includes the first to the third (122, 124, 126) and the seventh categories (134); while the second segment includes the fourth to sixth segments (128, 130, 132) and the eighth categories (136). The cover panel 1 12 provides a simple way of alternatively concealing and accessing some of the massage functions provided by the massaging device 1 10.

[064] By grouping the various actuators into several categories or clusters, in terms of functional importance and frequency of use, a clearer layout being intuitive to use, is provided, compared to other known controllers without such grouping.

[065] By pressing any one of the actuators 1 16 within the second and fourth to sixth categories (124, 128, 130 and 132), the user interface 102 will initiate the respective assigned massaging function. The types of massage motions that may be provided by the massaging device include kneading, tapping, rolling and vibration. By pressing any one of the actuators 116 within the third and seventh to eighth categories (126, 134 and 136), various modifications are made to the massage applied by the massaging device 1 10.

[066] Figure 3 shows a table 300 summarising sequences performed to configure a processor with functions which are used to form one or more of the hierarchical levels 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234 and 236 (see Figure 2). [067] To program each function, a three step 304A, 304B and 304C process may be executed. Each of the three steps 304A to 304C includes one or more selection items 306A, 306B and 306C.

[068] In the first step 304A, it is decided which one of the selection items 306A(i) 306A(ii) and 306A(iii) is chosen. In Figure 3, the selection item 306A(i), labeled "Select Area", refers to an area of a user's body that is to be massaged; the selection item 306A(ii), labeled "Massage duration" refers to the length of a massage selected; and the selection item 306A(iii), labeled "Clear all selections" refers to the stopping of any ongoing massage.

[069] If the selection item has another level of options [for instance 306B(i) to 306B(v) for the selection item 306A(i) and 306B(vi) for the selection item 306A(ii)], then the second step 304B is undertaken. In Figure 3,

306B(i) labeled "Shoulder", provides the type of massage motion available to the shoulder area of a user: 306C(i) - "Shoulder press";

306B(ii) labeled "Full back", "Upper back" and "Lower back" provides the types of massage motions available to the entire back, the upper back and the lower back of a user: 306C(ii) - "Kneading", "Tapping", "Back press", "Rolling", "Vibration" and "Inverse knead";

306B(iii) labeled "Hand" provides the type of massage motion available to the hands of a user: 306C(iii) - "Squeeze";

306B(iv) labeled "Seat" provides the types of massage motions available to the buttocks area of a user: 306C(iv) - "Squeeze" and "Vibration"; and

306B(v) labeled "Leg", provides the types of massage motions available to the legs of a user, 306C(v) - "Squeeze" and "Vibration".

306B(vi) provides the massage duration - 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes.

[070] For the massage duration [306A(iii)], the process ends at the second step 304B. On the other hand, if the chosen selection item belongs to any one of 306B(i) to 306B(v), then the third step 304C is taken.

[071] Each function is thus composed of any one or more of the selection items 306 A to 306C. One or more of such functions may then be assigned to (see Figure 1) an actuator 1 16 of the user interface 102. Actuators 1 16 assigned to functions of a same category (such as to provide a massage to a specific body part or to provide different types of massages to an entire body) are disposed adjacent to each other to form a category. In this manner, the actuators 116 are grouped into one or more categories, with each category performing a specific massage type.

[072] Figure 4 is a block diagram representing a start-up sequence for a massage device, built according to various embodiments. In Figure 4, the massage device is in the form of a chair.

[073] At 402, no power is supplied to the chair. At 404, the chair is plugged into a power socket and the power switched on. Also, a selection of actuators (such as a power button, a safety stop button, chair adjustment buttons and seat return buttons) of a controller is ready for use. 406 occurs when the controller is switched on, whereby all controller actuators become available for use. 408 occurs when the controller is switched off, whereby all massage functions (if any are activated) stop.

[074] Figure 5 is a block diagram representing a power on/idle sequence for a massage device, built according to various embodiments. In Figure 5, the massage device is in the form of a chair.

[075] At 502, a controller for the massage device is in an idle mode. 504 occurs when the controller power is switched on, so that the controller is in a ready state. 506 occurs when actuators of the controller are operated. 508 occurs if the controller power is again operated, where the massage function performed by the chair is stopped and the chair returns to its reset position. If the massage program is allowed to complete, 510 occurs where the chair returns to its reset position.

[076] Figure 6 is a block diagram representing a sequence of activities that occur at 510 of Figure 5.

[077] After all massage operations have completed or have been stopped in 510, 604 occurs. In 604, all massaging functions are stopped; all massaging elements (such as rollers) return to their default position; all air is released from air bags; and a display of the controller is switched off if the chair is left in an idle mode or will show a ready state screen if 604 occurs from the controller power is operated. [078J Figure 7 is a block diagram explaining how a massage device, built according to various embodiments, enters into a timeout mode. In the timeout mode, the massage device will enter into the reset position illustrated in Figure 6.

[079] For instance from 702, while a massage operation is being performed, step 714 occurs when the massage is completed. A controller for the massage device is then in a ready state and the timeout mode occurs in 716 when there is no input to the massage device for more than 5 minutes.

[080] From 702, step 704 occurs when the controller is used to pause the massage operation. With no input into the massage device for more than 5 minutes, timeout will occur at 706 to return the controller to an idle mode in 708.

[081] From 708, the controller will be placed into a ready state in 710 if the power button is activated. Timeout will also occur if no input occurs for more than 5 minutes, where the controller will return to 708.

[082] From 702, when the controller power is activated, the chair will stop all functions in 712 and return the controller to a ready state in 710.

[083] Figure 8 is a block diagram representing a safety stop sequence for a massage device, built according to various embodiments. In Figure 8, the massage device is in the form of a chair.

[084] Figure 8 incorporates features of Figure 5, which will not be re-described.

[085] Figure 8 shows that at any point 502, 504, 506 and 510, should the stop button of the controller be activated, 802 occurs where all massage operations are stopped and the chair ceases all movement (even not initiating the sequence of Figure 5 to have the chair return to a reset position). 804 occurs should the power button of the controller be activated, where massage elements (such as rollers and airbags) are returned to their original settings. The controller is then returned to its idle mode in 502.

[086] Figure 9 is a block diagram representing a sequence followed by a massage device, built according to various embodiments, when a controller is used to select any one of 3 types of massages: full body auto programs, localised area programs and manual selection programs. In Figure 9, the massage device is in the form of a chair.

[087] In 902, a controller is already powered and in a ready state. At 904, chair adjustments may be made to have the chair move to the selected position in 906. [088] 908 occurs after a massage program is selected, where the chair performs an acupuncture scan. The button corresponding to the selected program lights up and a display of the controller indicates that scanning is in progress. A scanning tone may also be played. After the scanning is completed, the massage program begins at 910 where a timer countdown is initiated.

[089] During the massage countdown, adjustments to rollers of the chair may be done in 912. The duration of the massage may also be changed in 914. Heat treatment may also be added to the massage in 916. Fine adjustments such as changing the intensity of the massage or including a vibratory massage may be done in 918. The rollers of the chair may be made stationary to only focus the massage at one zone in 920. If the controller power is activated, 922 occurs where the chair will initiate the reset position sequence of Figure 5 to have the chair return to a ready state in 924. With no input into the massage device for more than 5 minutes, timeout will occur to return the controller to an idle mode in 926.

[090] After the massage is completed, 928 occurs where the chair will initiate the reset position sequence of Figure 5 to return the controller to the idle mode in 926. Alternatively, if another massage program is initiated in 930, the chair will initiate the reset position sequence of Figure 5, where the new massage function will occur in 932.

[091] Figure 10 is a block diagram representing a timer selection sequence for 910 of Figure 9. As mentioned with respect to Figure 9, the timer selection sequence program only initiates after a massage program has started.

[092] At 1002, the timer starts with a default setting of 15 minutes. Upon user selection, the duration of the massage is changed in intervals of 5 minutes, from 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 5 minutes and 10 minutes at 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010 and 1012 respectively. Should the user wish to return to a massage duration of 15 minutes at 1002, the user selects the respective button again.

Claims

1. A massaging device comprising:

a user interface, the user interface comprising a plurality of actuators;

a processor coupled to the user interface, the processor configured to provide one or more hierarchical levels, each hierarchical level including one or more functions performed by the massaging device, each of the functions assigned to a respective one of the plurality of actuators so that the functions assigned are activated when the respective actuator is actuated;

wherein the actuators, assigned to functions within a same hierarchical level, are disposed adjacent to each other to form a category, so that the actuators are grouped into categories, with each category being assigned to a different hierarchical level.

2. The massaging device of claim 1, wherein the user interface further comprises a display screen; and wherein the processor is configured to change the contents of the display screen in response to the function activated.

3. The massaging device of claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to display the function activated as a symbol representative of the respective function performed by the massaging device and configured to display the symbol on the display screen.

4. The massaging device of claims 1 to 3, wherein the categories include a first category, wherein the actuators of the first category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to activate the user interface, to pause a massage operation and to stop a massage operation.

5. The massaging device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the categories include a second category related to programmed massages, wherein the actuators of the second category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions having preprogrammed massage operations.

6. The massaging device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the categories include a third category related to position adjustment, wherein the actuators of the third category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to adjust various positions of components of a chair.

7. The massaging device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the categories include a fourth category related to localised massaging, wherein the actuators of the fourth category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to activate massage elements placed at different locations of the massaging device.

8. The massaging device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the categories include a fifth category related to a first set of massage motions, wherein the actuators of the fifth category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to activate a kneading massaging motion, a tapping massaging motion and a rolling massaging motion.

9. The massaging device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the categories include a sixth category related to a second set of massage motions, wherein the actuators of the sixth category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to activate vibration motions at different locations of the massaging device.

10. The massaging device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the categories include a seventh category related to movement of massage elements, wherein the actuators of the seventh category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to move massage elements along the massaging device.

1 1. The massaging device of claims 4 to 9, wherein the categories include an eighth category related to fine adjustments of the functions provided by the second to the seventh categories, wherein the actuators of the eighth category are assigned to a hierarchical level with functions to adjust the duration of a massage, the strength of a massage, the intensity of a massage and the application of heat to a massage.

12. The massaging device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuators are buttons.