BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Massage is an ancient art that has been practiced for centuries. Those trained in the art of massage use their fingers and hands to loosen the muscles in different parts of the patient's body. Massage may focus on the head, scalp, back, neck and spinal areas, as well as other parts of the body, such as the hands and feet.

As an alternative to massages by masseuses, people have used implements and devices in an effort to replicate the actions of a masseuse. Conventional devices include those that produce heat and vibrate, those with prongs to press into muscles, cushions which vibrate alternately on different areas of the back and neck, and massage mechanisms within upholstered furniture. Conventional massage devices within upholstered furniture tend to be expensive and complex, however, and generally do not replicate the massage action of a masseuse.

Devices that combine the benefits and features of massage and bathing are also known. Some devices massage mechanically such as with the abovementioned components, while other devices massage with water jets and streams and the like. For example, different devices utilize a water flow to massage the body, either by direct impact or by energy transfer through an intermediate member, such as an impermeable membrane. In other devices, the water flow is used to vibrate or rotate a pad or brush that contacts the user's body.

Representative examples of the prior art are now mentioned.

US Patent 6,387, 062 to Moore, Jr. describes a massage apparatus that comprises a support structure, a plurality of massaging arms operatively connected to the support structure, and an actuating mechanism. Each massaging arm has at least one massaging finger adapted to impart a massaging force to a user. Each massaging arm is moveable relative to the support structure in a manner to move its corresponding massaging finger relative to the support structure between a rearward position and a forward position. The actuating mechanism is adapted to engage the massaging arms in a manner to sequentially move the massaging fingers between their rearward and forward positions.

US Patent 5,464, 382 to Wang describes a variable massage drive unit that includes a rotatable drive shaft disposed uprightly in a hollow casing. The unit has two end portions that extend out of the hollow casing, upper and lower bearings for mounting rotatably the end portions of the drive shaft to the hollow casing, first and second drive gears disposed coaxially on the drive shaft, and first and second one-way clutches provided coaxially on the drive shaft between the drive shaft and a respective one of the drive gears. The drive gears are provided on a respective one of the end portions of the drive shaft between an intermediate portion of the drive shaft and an adjacent one of the upper and lower bearings. First and second thrust bearings are disposed coaxially and respectively on the drive shaft between the intermediate portion of the drive shaft and the first one-way clutch, and between the first one-way clutch and the upper bearing.

US Patents 5,820, 574 and 6,355, 009 to Henlcin, et al. describe apparatus for discharging a water stream for massaging a user's body. The apparatus has a flexible limp slack membrane, preferably of terry cloth, mounted in front of a discharge orifice. In use, a water stream discharged from the orifice impacts against the rear face of the membrane while the membrane's front face is held against and massages the user's body. The kinetic energy of the stream deforms the limp, slack membrane and transfers through the membrane to provide a pleasing massage effect while minimizing the amount of unwanted splash. The apparatus may also include a continuous and/or pulsed shower outlet for selectively discharging a shower spray.

US Published Patent Application US2002010446 (corresponding to Canadian Patent 2350276) describes an apparatus and method for patient care and cleaning. The apparatus includes semi-disposable pants, a mattress, a care materials inflow preparation unit, a waste fluid container, a control unit, and a remote control device. The body area to be washed is covered with pants, providing a soft container having fittings connecting it to a wash liquid supply and effluent disposal hoses. The pants provide hollow spaces that contain absorbent material in the region that may otherwise be smeared with excrement on the path to the outflow port. The waist and femoral regions of the pants are provided with sealing rings for sealing of the space inside the pants during waste handling cycles of the patient care, and unsealing when this cycle is completed. The pants are provided with vibrators for creating a scrubbing action during the washing cycle. Air supply into the pants during washing is added to enhance scrubbing. During rest periods, the vibrators and airflow creates an aeration for drying and massage, enhancing the patient's well being. The inner surface of the pants is fitted with inflated spaces creating canals for air flow next to the skin for airflow enhancement and prevention of bed sores, the space around the pubic and anal regions being shaped for easy and rapid removal of excretory materials. Sensors are located in the pants for remote control of all materials handling functions in the patient care process. Optionally, the pants are provided with manually sealed fasteners to be operated by the caregiver. The mattress is provided with inflatable chambers that facilitate positioning of the patient's body and creation of a hollow space for bath water, thereby facilitating in-bed bathing of the entire body German Patent Document DE19916874 describes a wash and massage device for a shower booth, which comprises a rotating roller with a massaging brush surface and a shower strip above the roller that supplies water. Additives may be added to the water, such as oils, herbal extracts and perfumes.

US Patent 5,044, 357 to Jolms describes foot and leg hydrotherapy apparatus consisting of a housing forming a well that is adapted to receive a user's feet and lower legs. The inner walls of the well have a plurality of precisely directed jets that provide an adjustable air/water jet spray on each foot and leg of the subject. A separate drain motor is utilized for evacuating water from the system. However, this system does not provide massage apparatus.

US Patent 3,939, 825 to Krummenacher describes apparatus for pedicure that comprises an open top treatment chamber receptive of at least one human foot within an upwardly opening generally channel shaped foot-receiving device within the chamber and provided with foot-scrubbing means, a foot rest within the device, and means for effecting relative reciprocation between the device and the foot rest for foot-scrubbing action.

Provisions are made for spraying treatment fluid on the foot, alternating with drying air.

Recirculation of liquid treating fluid can be effected.

US Patent 5,428, 850 to Hiraishi describes a shower apparatus that includes a plurality of shower discharge ports, and in which hot water remains in a hot water line, which communicates with the shower discharge ports, after the discharge has been completed. The hot water, which has a lower temperature, is drained through a drain valve for disposal of the water in the hot water line and a drain line. At the beginning of the next shower discharge, cold water is thus prevented from being discharged. The operation of an opening and closing valve for effecting discharge and stoppage of each shower discharge port is controlled according to control programs, so that the shower discharge is automatically controlled.

US Patent 5,129, 121 to Gelman describes a turbine driven rotating brush that includes a turbine enclosed in a housing having an inlet for receiving water and an outlet for discharging water flow. A port in the housing directs water onto blades of the turbine.

A reduction gear transmits the torque output of the turbine to a shaft on which the brush is mounted. The turbine may be located adjacent a backstop so that water exiting the housing through the outlet is incident on the backstop. The backstop breaks up the discharge of the flow of water outwardly away from the brush for achieving different spray patterns around the brush.

US Patent 3,343, 530 to Solos et al. describes a system adapted to massage and wash the scalp of a person. A helmet is worn by the person for effecting massage and shampoo of the scalp. The system has a controller that controls the time sequence of the system operation.

PCT Published Patent Application WO 02/055784 to ATID, Inc. describes an individually adjustable, automated, washing apparatus, for parts of a human body (e. g., <BR> <BR> scalp, back, leg, etc. ) or the entire human body. The apparatus has nozzles and the like for<BR> delivering water and bathing substances (e. g. , oils and perfumes), as well as tactile<BR> members (e. g. , rollers, brushes, finger-like projections and the like) for performing massage.

One embodiment includes a controller that receives user inputs that define a washing and massaging program. The input may include a characterization of the person whose body or body part is to be washed, elective aspects of water use, soap, conditioner, oils, perfumes, mixtures with air, and instruction for operating the tactile members of the apparatus. The inputs may relate to absolute limitations so as to preclude the controller from configuring a combination of variables that is liable to injure or otherwise adversely wash or stimulate the human body or body part intended for washing. Collectively, the input may relate to a program of at least two steps each having a plurality of variables and expressing thereby aspects concerning individual form, needs and desires; such as temporal aspects of each step, frequency aspects of any variable within a step, cyclic aspects of any step or plurality of steps, and aspects of temperature preference and temperature limits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to provide an improved and novel, multi-function, full-scope, full-cycle integrated healthcare system, as is described more in detail hereinbelow. The present invention, in particular, improves and expands upon the capabilities of PCT Published Patent Application WO 02/055784.

There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a system comprising a plurality of healthcare sub-systems each operative to perform a healthcare activity comprising at least one of massaging and bathing at least one of a head, a neck, a foot, a back and a front of a user, a processor in communication with the healthcare sub-systems and operative to control and coordinate operation of the healthcare sub-systems, and a sensor in communication with the processor that provides feedback to the processor to operate the healthcare sub-systems as a function of an output of the sensor.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a user interface may be in communication with the processor operative to input instructions to the processor.

Further in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention the sensor may comprise at least one of a position sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor and a biosensor operative to sense a biological parameter.

Still further in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention the healthcare sub-systems are operative to perform a healthcare activity comprising at least one of : diagnosing and recommending wellness-oriented plans and activities; spraying a water jet; shampooing; soaping; drying; heating; increasing environmental moisture level; exercising body muscles; and providing sensory stimulants comprising at least one of a video, audio and olfactory stimulant.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a memory may be in communication with the processor that has a healthcare routine stored therein with instructions executable by the processor for carrying out the healthcare routine by the healthcare sub-systems.

Further in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention the processor comprises a context-aware mode of operation wherein the processor provides an indication of a feasibility of performing a healthcare action.

Still further in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in the context-aware mode of operation, the processor recommends a preferred healthcare action to be performed.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in the context-aware mode of operation, the processor recommends a preferred way in which a healthcare action is to be performed.

Further in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in the context-aware mode of operation, the processor selectively permits or prevents operation of at least one of the healthcare sub-systems as a function of a predefined criterion. The predefined criterion may comprise an input from a user to a user interface or an input from the sensor, for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Figs. 1 and 2 are simplified pictorial and block diagram illustrations of a system comprising plurality of healthcare sub-systems, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 3 is a simplified flow chart of a method of operation of the system of the invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Reference is now made to Figs. 1 and 2, which illustrate a system comprising plurality of healthcare sub-systems 10, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Each healthcare sub-system 10 is capable of performing a healthcare activity related to massaging and/or bathing some or all parts of a user's body, such as but not limited to, the user's head, neck, foot, front or back. Healthcare sub-systems 10 may comprise, for example, without limitation, a scalp massager (shown as reference numeral 12 in Fig. 1) with mechanical rollers or"fingers"for gently massaging the scalp in any massage routine (e. g., kneading or Shiatsu) or water jets that emit a stream of water and/or bathing substances (e. g. , shampoo or bathing oils) that bath and massage the user.

Other examples include foot massagers with rolling massage elements that gently knead or rub the balls or soles of the feet; chest or back massagers (shown as reference numeral 14 in Fig. 1); drying devices (e. g. , air or towel) or manicure and pedicure devices.

Examples of some suitable massage and bathing devices are given in PCT Published Patent Application WO 02/055784. Still other examples include patient lift and transport devices, which may be useful for bedridden patients.

The illustrated embodiment in Fig. 1 shows the user seated in a chair-like apparatus. However, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment and may comprise systems for installment in a shower stall, bed, swimming pool, sauna, gym, living room, etc. Accordingly, the system may be used in a variety of environments, such as but not limited to, home, hospital, hotel, senior citizens home, spa, barbershop and others.

A processor 16 may be in wired or wireless communication (e. g. , infrared, BLUETOOTH) with healthcare sub-systems 10. Processor 16 may control and coordinate operation of healthcare sub-systems 10. One or more sensors 18 may be provided that are in wired or wireless communication with processor 16, which provide feedback to processor 16 to operate healthcare sub-systems 10 as a function of the sensor output.

Sensors 18 may comprise, without limitation, a position sensor (for monitoring the position of a portion of the user's body or of the healthcare sub-system 10), a temperature sensor (for monitoring the temperature of a portion of the user's body, bathing water, drying air, or of the healthcare sub-system 10, for example), a pressure sensor (for monitoring the pressure of the massage elements or of a water jet, for example), a flow sensor (for monitoring water flow, for example) or a biosensor operative to sense a biological parameter (e. g. , pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level in blood, C02,<BR> perspiration, muscle activity, ECG, etc. ). Processor 16 may operate in a closed loop with any number and type of sensors 18 to optimize and coordinate the healthcare functions provided to the user. Examples of functions and features which may be modified in such a closed loop control include, but are not limited to, the inclination of the user's sitting position, the pressure of massage rollers, the temperature and angular orientation of dry air jets, and the like.

A user interface 20 may be in communication with processor 16 operative to input instructions to processor 16. User interface 20 may comprise any suitable medium for inputting commands or data (e. g. , concerning individual needs and desires of the user) to processor 16, such as but not limited to, a keyboard, a remote control, a smart card, a voice command unit, a touch display panel, and the like. A user interface display 22 may be provided for displaying messages or input instructions and the like. Examples of inputs in a"context-aware"feature of the invention are described hereinbelow. User interface 20 may be tailored to a particular user. For example, one person may better process information as a stream of voiced instructions, while others may feel more comfortable with colored displays or numerical scales.

A memory 24 may be in communication with processor 16 that has a healthcare routine stored therein with instructions executable by processor 16 for carrying out the healthcare routine by healthcare sub-systems 10. Memory 24 may reside in processor 16 or may be external thereto. Memory 24 may comprise, without limitation, a flash memory (e. g. , EEPROM-electrically erasable programmable read-only memory).

Novel functional combinations may be provided, such as a library of pre- programmed healthcare procedures for washing, massaging and drying a user, that define, for example, the order of operations, time duration, water temperature, type of soap, etc.

The system may store user-defined routines in memory 24 for retrieval and usage. User- friendly software and interfaces may facilitate defining and using such healthcare routines.

The massage and bathing system of the present invention is preferably a multi- function, full-scope, full-cycle integrated system.

"Multi-function"refers to the capability to encompass and perform, under a <BR> <BR> unified control, one or more healthcare functions needed by the user. "Full scope"refers to the ability to perform a complete range of healthcare functions, but with control to <BR> <BR> select only some functions and not perform others. "Full cycle"refers to the ability to provide the healthcare functions in any required order of operation, wherein a selected operating scenario may be automated or modified as desired.

Examples of such healthcare functions include, but are not limited to: diagnostics and recommendation of wellness-oriented plans and activities; exposure to water jets <BR> <BR> (e. g. , from the helmet or in a shower); use of special shampoos; wet or dry massaging of<BR> the skin (e. g. , the entire body or any part thereof, or muscles in a particular region);<BR> heating the user's body with hot air jets (e. g. , for drying a particular region or for changing the ambient temperature); raising the moisture level in a person's immediate environment, like in a sauna; swimming-like movement against the pressure of water; exercising body muscles such as in preparation for some sporting activities; and providing <BR> <BR> video and audio (e. g. , musical) accompaniments (or other sensory stimulants, such as but not limited to, odorants) to enhance the healthcare effect. The user's body may be heated, <BR> <BR> washed, soaped, massaged, dried, etc. , including head, neck, shoulders, back, legs and feet. Alternatively only parts of the body may be attended to, such as massaging the back and feet, but not other body regions. The known prior art does not teach a multi-function, fully integrated, full scope, full cycle or controlled healthcare system.

The system of the invention may comprise or may be integrated or communicate with a decision support system (DSS) 30. DSS 30 may include a computerized information system that supports decision-making activities. DSS 30 may comprise interactive computer-based systems and subsystems that enable the system of the invention to use communications technologies, data, documents, knowledge and/or models to identify and solve problems and make decisions regarding output or resulting action taken by the system.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which illustrates a flow chart of a method of operation of the system of the invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system may have a context-aware operation (100), which is based upon predefined criteria that may be input from the user or care provider via user interface 20 or by input from sensors 18 (101). The system may inform the user or healthcare provider <BR> <BR> about the feasibility (e. g. , possibility or impossibility) of performing a healthcare action (102). This information is based on whether or not the system has or does not have certain resources available at the time, such as soap, hot air, etc. The processor 16 may recommend a preferred healthcare action to be performed (103). The processor 16 may recommend a preferred way in which a healthcare action is to be performed (104). In other words, the system may provide an indication whether the action is recommended or not (e. g. , safe or dangerous) or who or what shall perform the action (e. g. , automatically by the system or manually by a healthcare provider).

The processor 16 may selectively permit or prevent operation of one or more healthcare sub-systems 10 as a function of a predefined criterion (105).

For example, user interface display 22 may indicate whether washing and drying are currently permitted. The system may indicate that drying the user's hair after washing and massage may be performed by the drying sub-system of the system or by hand with a towel or hair dryer.

On the other hand, user data may be input to the system with regard to a patient's schedule of activities in a hospital or senior citizen's home. The system may recognize that at 11: 00 AM the patient is scheduled for a doctor's examination. At a predetermined time before 11: 00 AM, the system may start to indicate that washing and massaging are not recommended because there is not enough time to perform them properly. The predetermined time may be a function of various factors, such as but not limited to, the person's age, current medical status, etc. As another example, the system may indicate if washing for this particular patient should be done with a particular temperature to avoid health risks.

As another example, the system may recognize (e. g. , from human input or sensor input) that it is unsafe to wash or massage a certain part of the patient. In such a case, the system may shut down those healthcare sub-systems 10 used for washing or massaging that part of the body and may not permit their use. User interface display 22 may indicate a warning regarding the particular situation.

Thus the present invention may provide context-aware (also referred to as capability-aware) operations that filter the healthcare functions according to their relevance to immediate or longer-term purposes. That is, only those elements of the system's functions that are relevant to the user's plans will be considered for operation.

For example, if the user has to go out in a hurry in cold weather, the washing function may be inoperative because it takes longer than a dry massage, and there is a risk of catching a cold. However, if the user is going out on a date, then the washing function may be operative.

The definitions and input used to determine the context-aware operation of the system may be provided in a number of ways: (1) input from the user, spouse, relative or authorized healthcare personnel, based on past scenarios, such as but not limited to, a"going out for a business meeting" scenario, a"going to bed"scenario, etc.; (2) processing available contextual information (e. g. , data sent by sensors 18 to processor 16) to provide an indication and a"hypothesis"about a relevant healthcare operation. For example, the time of day and the user's age may be taken into account to indicate that the context is"going out for a date"or"going to sleep", etc.; (3) deliberate planning by the user or authorized care provider about the relevance of a particular combination of functions, intentions and purposes.

The capability-aware controls may be directly controlled by the user, care provider or an automated program stored in memory 24, and/or by the closed loop control system mentioned above with sensors 18.

The capability-aware controls may take into account capabilities and limitations of the user, care provider, other human operator, the operating condition of the system itself, and the control interface. Thus the capability-aware controls may operate within a defined limit of resources and opportunities. Moreover, the controls may be designed to adapt to changes that have occurred since the initial conditions of the system, and to report such changes and their meaning to the user, care provider or the system itself.

The capability-aware controls may allocate different roles, resources and operations to different users, care providers, or other human operators. This may be an important feature, wherein not all of the control is in the hands of one person or sub- system, thereby providing a system of checks and balances that maximizes the safety of the system.

For example, a child user may be allocated certain controls such as the timing of a wash cycle and the temperature of the water, but may be blocked from massaging particular regions of the body or from massaging altogether. As another example, certain functionalities may be taken out of the hands of an elderly person and be allocated to the automated system, depending on the reduced decision-making or sensing capabilities of the person.

The capability-aware or context-aware feature of the invention may include <BR> <BR> serviceability and reliability features. "Serviceability"refers to the ability to adapt to new circumstances. For example, if the system were initially setup for a particular user (for example, with the user's age, physical capabilities, user preferences, and the like taken <BR> <BR> into account) and circumstances changed (e. g. , the user has aged or changed personal<BR> preferences, etc. ), the system may adapt quickly to the new circumstances with the user- friendly interface.

"Reliability"refers to the ability to operate properly despite possible disruptions from the environment. For example, the system may include waterproof sub-systems that are not affected by being submerged in water, or"robust"sub-systems capable of withstanding forces of unwilling patients. The system may include redundancy for increased reliability.

In summary, information for the invention (such as but not limited to, the context- aware feature) may be input in several ways: a. preprogrammed (or otherwise predetermined) instructions built into the system, and sensors capable of validating the current validity or feasibility of these instructions based on the current version of the system, equipment, and system/human capabilities and limitations; b. default recommendation or setting regarding which procedure should be followed; c. healthcare personnel modifying or adjusting the system parameters to suit a particular user, such as on the basis of updated information about the particular user, or new procedures recommended by an expert and the like ; d. the user himself/herself who may decide to modify or adjust the system parameters.

The output or resulting action taken by the system may be a combination that takes into account many possibilities and limitations. For example, the system may initially be set to provide a particular service or action, but this action may be modified or canceled as more information is gathered by the system, such as from one of the abovementioned inputs. Healthcare management support may be inherently complex, but the system of the present invention may meet this challenge and may be adapted to the continuously changing needs of the patient.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to a person of skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.