Abstract: The invention provides a massage machine for health care which comprises a living body information sensor 5 for detecting living body information of the autonomic nervous system of the person to be massaged, a control circuit 6 for judging the psychological state of the person based on the living body information detected, and a memory 61 for holding histories of psychological states of persons to be massaged. The machine is adapted to judge the physical condition of the person based on the history of psychological states of the person, and to judge whether the condition of the person's health is improved by massage so as to utilize the result of judgement as guidelines for health care.

Abstract: The invention provides a massage machine for health care which comprises a living body information sensor 5 for detecting living body information of the autonomic nervous system of the person to be massaged, a control circuit 6 for judging the psychological state of the person based on the living body information detected, and a memory 61 for holding histories of psychological states of persons to be massaged. The machine is adapted to judge the physical condition of the person based on the history of psychological states of the person, and to judge whether the condition of the person's health is improved by massage so as to utilize the result of judgement as guidelines for health care.

Abstract: The present invention provides a massage machine comprising a physiological sensor 5 for detecting physiological data of autonomic nerve system of the user and a control circuit 6 for controlling a massage operation based on the physiological data detected by the sensor 5. The control circuit 6 estimates a psychological state of the user based on variations of the physiological data detected by the sensor 5 by an execution of a preliminary massage, and thereafter adjusts a full massage operation in accordance with the estimated psychological state. For the preliminary massage, one typical massage movement is performed from among a plurality of massage movements to be performed for the full massage.

Abstract: A massage machine is provided which is adapted to give a suitable massage in accordance with the degree of stiffness or degree of relaxation of the person to be massaged, based on the results obtained by measuring the body outline of the person and physiological data as to the person such as the pulse rate and skin temperature. The massage machine measures the body outline of the person, and measures physiological data concerning the person which is produced by massaging the person. The body outline of the person, such as the position of the neck, shoulder, back and waist is measured, and the measured physiological data is used to discriminate between the part of great stiffness and the part of low stiffness so as to give an effective massage in accordance with the degree of stiffness.

Abstract: A massaging apparatus includes: a potentiometer for detecting a change in the swing angle of a swinging arm in the process of reciprocating massaging members; a skewness detector 60 for measuring skewness of the user being in contact with the massaging members, based on the change in the swing angle detected by the potentiometer; and a massaging operation controller 63 for controlling a massaging operation according to the degree and pattern of skewness detected by the skewness detector 60. With this massaging apparatus, it is possible to correct the skewness or the like and reduce stiffness by giving a suitable massage to each user, according to the skewness of the body, unbalance between the left and right sides, and differences in physical attributes.

Abstract: A washing machine according to the present invention includes a pressure sensor provided at a rod holding plate holding a suspension rod with which an outer tub is suspended. The pressure sensor is constructed so that a coil is wound around a magnetostrictive element whose magnetic characteristic changes when it is expanded, compressed or twisted by an external force. The change in the magnetic characteristic is converted to the change in the inductance of the coil, and an oscillating signal of a frequency corresponding to the inductance generated. Based on the frequency of the signal, the load on the pressure sensor is detected. Before supplying water, the amount of the laundry contained in a wash-and-extraction tub is detected based on the output of the pressure sensor, and an object water level corresponding to the amount is determined. After that, a water supply valve is opened to start supplying water into the wash-and-extraction tub.

Abstract: A massage machine is provided which is adapted to give a suitable massage in accordance with the degree of stiffness or degree of relaxation of the person to be massaged, based on the results obtained by measuring the body outline of the person and physiological data as to the person such as the pulse rate and skin temperature. The massage machine comprises means for measuring the body outline of the person, and means for measuring physiological data concerning the person and produced by massaging the person. The body outline measuring means detects the body outline of the person, such as the position of the neck, shoulder, back and waist, while the physiological data measuring means discriminates between the part of great stiffness and the part of low stiffness so as to give an effective massage in accordance with the degree of stiffness.

Abstract: The invention provides a massage machine for health care which comprises a living body information sensor 5 for detecting living body information of the autonomic nervous system of the person to be massaged, a control circuit 6 for judging the psychological state of the person based on the living body information detected, and a memory 61 for holding histories of psychological states of persons to be massaged. The machine is adapted to judge the physical condition of the person based on the history of psychological states of the person, and to judge whether the condition of the person's health is improved by massage so as to utilize the result of judgement as guidelines for health care.

Abstract: The present invention provides a massage machine comprising a living body information sensor 5 for detecting the living body information of the autonomic nervous system of the person to be massaged, and a control circuit 6 for controlling massage based on the living body information detected by the sensor 5. The control circuit 6 estimates the psychological state of the person based on variations in the living body information detected by the sensor 5, and adjusts massage movement in accordance with the estimated psychological state. In adjusting the massage movement, one of a relaxation mode and a refreshment mode can be selected, and the massage movement is so adjusted as to lower the activity of the autonomic nervous system in the relaxation mode, or is so adjusted as to increase the activity of the autonomic nervous system in the refreshment mode.