JP2016158700A - Biological stimulation device, biological stimulation system, and stimulator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a biological stimulation device that gives a stimulus according to the health status of a user.SOLUTION: A biological stimulation device has a detection unit 10 that detects biological information VI of a user, an estimation unit 53 that estimates a health status HI of the user on the basis of the biological information VI, and a determination unit 55 that determines stimulus information SI for the user on the basis of the health status HI.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a biological stimulation device, a biological stimulation system, and a stimulation device.

  Conventionally, the body is physically or mentally improved by applying external stimuli such as electricity, magnetism, and compression to reduce physical fatigue, improve shoulder stiffness, improve swelling of the feet, and relieve mental stress. Well-known health equipment is known. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a health device (biological stimulation device) that simultaneously applies electrical energy and magnetic energy to a living body to stimulate the living body.

JP 2002-65867 A

  However, in the biostimulation apparatus described in Patent Document 1, stimulation is given through the skin that is in contact with the user as soon as the user wears it on the body, and the mental and physical health of the user is in any situation. However, it was stimulating to users regardless. The user does not always accurately judge his / her health condition even for the user himself / herself. For example, even if the state of eagerness to achieve the desired job continues and mental stress is accumulated, the parties are not necessarily aware that they are in stress. Absent. If such a situation continues, there is a risk that stress will overlap and the mental state of the user will get worse. Therefore, there is a need for a biostimulator that can determine the user's health condition on behalf of the user and provide a stimulus according to the determination result.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 The biostimulation apparatus according to this application example is based on a detection unit that detects a user's biological information, an estimation unit that estimates the user's health state based on the biological information, and the health state. And a determination unit for determining stimulation information for the user.

  According to this application example, the biological stimulation device estimates the user's health state based on the biological information detected from the user. Then, stimulation information for the user is determined based on the estimated health condition. Therefore, it is possible to provide a biostimulation apparatus that can determine a user's health condition and give a stimulus according to the determination result.

  Application Example 2 The biological information described in the application example is at least one of pulse wave, heart rate, electrocardiogram, pulse, body temperature, activity amount, calorie intake, calorie consumption, blood sugar level, blood pressure, and body movement. It is characterized by including.

  According to this application example, the health state of the user can be estimated from various biological information detected from the user's biological body.

  Application Example 3 The health state described in the application example is characterized by being based on at least one of a sleep state, a stress state, a fatigue state, a tension state, an excitement state, a relaxation state, and a calorie balance.

  According to this application example, it is possible to estimate the mental and physical health of the user.

  [Application Example 4] The stimulus information described in the application example is information including at least one of a stimulus type, a number of times of stimulation, a stimulus position, and a strength of stimulus given to the user. .

  According to this application example, for example, it is possible to select a content of stimulation suitable for improving a user's health condition.

  [Application Example 5] The present invention further includes a stimulation unit that stimulates the user based on the stimulation information described in the application example.

  According to this application example, the user can be stimulated by the biological stimulation device, and thus the health condition of the user can be improved.

  [Application Example 6] The stimulation unit described in the application example described above is a low-frequency stimulation that generates a low-frequency pulse current, a pressure-contact stimulation that applies a stimulus by causing a user to touch or press a protrusion, and a body part is compressed. It is characterized in that a stimulus including at least one of a compression stimulus that gives a stimulus by performing and a temperature stimulus that gives a stimulus by warming or cooling a body part is provided.

  According to this application example, it is possible to cope with various health conditions of the user by various stimulation methods.

  Application Example 7 In the application example described above, it is possible that the stimulation unit can stimulate at least one of the user's arm, leg, head, neck, and chest. .

  According to this application example, it is possible to apply stimulation to various parts of the living body, and thus it is possible to cope with improvement of various health conditions of the user.

  Application Example 8 The biostimulation apparatus according to the application example described above is characterized in that it is a part of clothing that the user can wear.

  According to this application example, the user can obtain the utility of the biostimulation apparatus with less discomfort and wearing feeling in daily life and exercise by wearing clothes.

  [Application Example 9] The present invention further includes a notification unit that notifies at least one of the biological information, the health condition, and the stimulation information described in the application example.

  According to this application example, the user can recognize his / her biological information, health status, and stimulation information by the notification unit.

  Application Example 10 The biostimulation system according to this application example is based on a detection unit that detects a user's biological information, an estimation unit that estimates the user's health state based on the biological information, and the health state. A determination unit that determines stimulation information for the user, a communication unit that transmits the stimulation information, and a stimulation unit that receives the stimulation information from the communication unit and stimulates the user based on the stimulation information. It is characterized by providing.

According to this application example, in the biological stimulation system, the health state of the user is estimated based on the biological information detected from the user. Then, stimulation information for the user can be determined based on the estimated health condition, and the user can be stimulated. Therefore, it is possible to provide a biostimulation system that can determine a user's health condition and give a stimulus according to the determination result.
Moreover, since stimulation information can be transmitted via a communication part, the detection part which detects a user's biometric information, and the stimulation part which stimulates a user can be made into the structural part which was physically separated. For example, the determination unit can provide stimulation to various body parts by determining stimulation information that provides stimulation to various parts of the user. Therefore, the effect of health improvement can be expected for the user.

  Application Example 11 The stimulation device according to this application example stimulates the user based on the stimulation information, a receiving unit that receives stimulation information for the user determined based on the biological information and health status of the user. And a stimulating unit for performing the above-described operation.

  According to this application example, the stimulation apparatus can give a stimulus to the user based on the stimulation information determined based on the user's biological information and health condition. Therefore, it is possible to provide a stimulating device that can determine the health state of the user and give a stimulus according to the determination result.

Explanatory drawing showing the outline | summary of a biostimulation apparatus. Explanatory drawing showing the function outline | summary of a biostimulation apparatus. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of a biostimulation apparatus. The flowchart figure showing the flow of a process of an estimation program. The flowchart figure showing the flow of a process of a determination program. Explanatory drawing showing the outline | summary of the biostimulation apparatus in Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a biological stimulation device according to a second embodiment. Explanatory drawing showing the outline | summary of the biostimulation apparatus in Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a biological stimulation device according to a third embodiment. Explanatory drawing showing the outline | summary of the biostimulation system in Embodiment 4. FIG. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of a biostimulation system. Explanatory drawing showing the outline | summary of the biostimulation system in Embodiment 5. FIG. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of a biostimulation system.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the scale of each layer and each member is made different from the actual scale so that each layer and each member can be recognized. The embodiments described below do not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
(Outline of biostimulator)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a biological stimulation device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a functional outline of the biological stimulation device. First, the outline | summary of the biostimulation apparatus 1 concerning this embodiment is demonstrated.

  The biostimulator 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a belt-shaped device that is wound around the user's U forearm FA. The biological stimulation device 1 is provided with a pulse sensor 11 and a stimulation unit 70 on the skin side surface of the forearm FA while being mounted on the forearm FA, and a display unit 31 on the opposite surface facing the skin side. It has been. In addition, a body motion sensor 13 is provided inside the apparatus. The biostimulator 1 is mounted on the forearm FA after the position is adjusted by the user U. Specifically, the biostimulator 1 is moved until the “gakimon” (acupuncture point P1) existing between the wrist and the elbow on the palm side of the forearm FA is covered with the stimulation unit 70. When the positioning is completed, the belt is fastened and fixed.

The pulse sensor 11 detects a blood flow on the skin surface of the forearm FA to detect a pulse wave and a pulse rate. While worn on the forearm FA, the pulse rate is constantly detected in daily life including work, rest, sleep, and exercise. For example, the pulse rate is detected every few seconds during work such as a meeting. It is also possible to detect at (for example, 1 second). The body motion sensor 13 is configured by an acceleration sensor or the like, and detects body motion information such as a change state of the body motion of the user U. The stimulation unit 70 is a known stimulation unit that applies electric energy to a living body, and can switch the output start and stop of electric energy, the intensity of output energy, the output interval, and the like. The contents to control these are defined in stimulus information SI output from the determination unit 55 described later.
The acupoint P1 is an acupuncture point that has the effect of stabilizing the spirit. It is expected that the user U moves toward a mentally stable state by applying stimulation from the stimulation unit 70 to the acupuncture point P1 and the surrounding area (for example, a radius of about 5 mm).
The display unit 31 is a display device capable of displaying characters and icons, and is, for example, a flexible dot matrix type EPD (Electrophoretic Display) that can be flexibly deformed.

  The biostimulator 1 is mounted on the forearm FA of the user U shown in FIG. The biostimulation function 1Q represents a part of functions realized in the biostimulation apparatus 1 that is attached. The detection unit 10 detects the biological signal V and outputs biological information VI. The estimation unit 53 estimates a health state HI that is health state information from the biological information VI. The determination unit 55 determines stimulus information SI related to a stimulus given to the user U based on the information on the health state HI. The stimulus information SI includes information such as the strength of output energy and the output interval. In the stimulating unit 70, the stimulus S is given to the user U based on the content of the stimulus information SI.

As described above, the biological stimulation device 1 directly detects the biological signal V from the user U and directly applies the stimulation S to the user U via the biological stimulation function 1Q. In the biological stimulation function 1Q, the health state HI is estimated from the user's biological information VI, and the stimulation information SI corresponding to the health state HI is determined. As a result, the user S is given a stimulus S in consideration of the health state HI of the user U.
In addition, in the conventional device, the stimulus S is given by the user U performing an action of being consciously attached, whereas in the biostimulator 1, the biological signal V is always outputted in the daily life of the user U. Sensing S can be given only when there is an abnormality in the health condition HI.

  Below, the detail of such a biological stimulation apparatus 1 is demonstrated.

(Configuration of biostimulator)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the biological stimulation device 1.
The biological stimulation apparatus 1 includes a detection unit 10, a notification unit 30, an operation unit 35, a clock unit 37, a storage unit 40, a control unit 50, a stimulation unit 70, and the like.

The detection unit 10 includes a pulse sensor 11 and a body motion sensor 13.
The pulse sensor 11 is configured by a photoelectric sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The pulse sensor 11 irradiates light from the light emitting element toward the living body, and receives reflected light reflected by the blood vessel by the light receiving element. The pulse sensor 11 detects the pulse wave of the user U using a phenomenon in which the reflectance of light is different between when the blood vessel is dilated and when it is contracted. The pulse sensor 11 performs frequency resolution processing on the detected pulse wave data, analyzes the signal intensity value of each frequency, and specifies a frequency spectrum corresponding to the pulse wave. Then, the pulse rate is calculated from the frequency of the frequency spectrum of the pulse wave. The calculated pulse rate and pulse wave are output to the control unit 50 as biological information. The pulse sensor 11 is not limited to the above-described photoelectric sensor, but may be an ultrasonic sensor that measures the pulse rate by detecting the contraction of the blood vessel with ultrasonic waves. You may employ | adopt the sensor etc. which measure a number.

The body motion sensor 13 is an acceleration sensor or the like, and is a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) sensor that detects acceleration in three substantially perpendicular directions. The acceleration change of each axis in the three axis directions is measured at every sampling interval, and an acceleration signal is generated. The sampling interval is set to 16 Hz or more, for example. The amount of movement per unit time is calculated by integrating the amount of change in acceleration per unit time from the acceleration signal. The calculated amount of exercise is output to the control unit 50 as body movement information, and is used for estimating the health state HI in the estimation unit 53 described later.
The body motion sensor 13 may include a gyro sensor. The gyro sensor is a MEMS sensor that detects angular velocities about three substantially orthogonal axes as central axes, and generates angular velocity signals by measuring changes in angular velocities about the respective axes at each sampling interval. The sampling interval is set to 16 Hz or more, for example. The angular velocity signal may be used to calculate the amount of exercise associated with the user's body tilt or rotation per unit time, and such information may be included in the body motion information.

The notification unit 30 includes a display unit 31, a sound output unit 33, and the like.
The display unit 31 is a flexible dot matrix type EPD as described above, and character strings and icon images representing the biological information VI, the health state HI, the stimulation information SI, and the like according to the display signal input from the control unit 50. Various displays are performed. The display unit 31 may be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a segment type LCD, an organic electroluminescence display, or the like.

  The sound output unit 33 includes a speaker, a piezoelectric vibrator, and the like, and is a sound output device that performs various notifications based on an output signal input from the control unit 50. Note that the sound output unit 33 may include an earphone jack or a short-range radio, and in that case, an audio output signal may be transmitted to an earphone or a headphone worn by the user U.

  Note that the notification unit 30 may include a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that emits a plurality of colors, and the LED may emit light to notify the user U that the stimulus S is applied. .

  The operation unit 35 is an input device that includes a touch sensor, a touch panel, and the like. The operation unit 35 is disposed on the surface of the display unit 31 and detects a touched portion by a method such as a capacitance method or a resistance film method. Then, the detection signal is output to the control unit 50.

  The clock unit 37 is a real-time clock, and has a clocking function such as a clock output to the detection unit 10, a sampling time, a timer function, a clock function, and a stopwatch function.

The storage unit 40 is configured by a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash ROM, or a RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores various programs, data, and the like for realizing each functional unit of the control unit 50. Yes. In addition, it has a work area for temporarily storing in-process data, variable values, processing results, and the like of various processes.
The storage unit 40 stores an estimation program 41, a determination program 43, and the like.

  When the estimation program 41 is read and executed by the control unit 50, the function of the estimation unit 53, which is a functional unit included in the control unit 50, is executed. These processes will be described later in the estimation unit 53.

  The determination program 43 is read and executed by the control unit 50, thereby executing the function of the determination unit 55 that is a functional unit included in the control unit 50. These processes will be described later in the determination unit 55.

  The control unit 50 is a control device and an arithmetic device that collectively control each unit of the biological stimulation device 1 according to various programs stored in the storage unit 40, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and the like. It is configured with a processor.

  The control unit 50 includes functional units such as a detection control unit 51, an estimation unit 53, a determination unit 55, and a stimulus control unit 57. However, these functional units are merely described as one embodiment, and all of these functional units do not necessarily have to be essential components. Moreover, it is good also considering a function part other than these as an essential component.

  The detection control unit 51 is a functional unit that controls the detection unit 10 from the control unit 50 side, and starts and stops each sensor constituting the detection unit 10, determines a sampling interval for each sensor, and detects a living body detected by the detection unit 10. It has functions such as acquisition of information VI and storage of biological information VI acquired sequentially in the storage unit 40. When the detection control unit 51 acquires the biological information VI from the detection unit 10, the pulse rate (hereinafter referred to as a pulse rate HR), body motion information (hereinafter referred to as body motion) at every sampling interval (for example, 1 second interval). (Referred to as information X). The storage unit 40 may store a pulse rate HR and body motion information X detected in the past.

(Estimator)
The estimation unit 53 estimates the health state HI from the biological information VI. Specifically, whether or not the user U is in a mental stress state is estimated from the information on the pulse rate HR and the body motion information X acquired from the user U. The mental stress state can be improved by stimulating the acupoint P1 that can be stimulated by the stimulating unit 70.

A processing flow of the estimation unit 53 will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the estimation program. The flow shown in FIG. 4 describes a process for realizing the function of the estimation unit 53 by the estimation program 41 being read and executed by the control unit 50.

  In step S100, body motion information X is acquired. Specifically, the latest body motion information X is acquired from the storage unit 40. The body movement information X is an index that represents the amount of exercise per unit time (for example, 1 second). If the value is large, the amount of body movement is large, and thus there is a high possibility that the user U is in some exercise state. On the other hand, if the value is small, the amount of movement is small and the user U is not exercising, for example, sleeping, resting, working such as a meeting or desk work, and actively moving the body. Not in a non-exercise state. The body motion information X is the amount of exercise per unit time, but the average (moving average value) of the amount of exercise for the past several times may be calculated and the value may be used as the body motion information X.

  In step S110, the pulse rate HR is acquired. Specifically, the latest pulse rate HR is acquired from the storage unit 40. The pulse rate HR is a pulse rate (unit: beats / minute) calculated in the latest unit time (for example, 1 second). In a state where the body is moved, such as during exercise, and in a mental stress state, the number of pulsations increases, so the pulse rate HR becomes a high value.

In step S120, the body motion information X is compared with the threshold TX, and if it is equal to or less than the threshold TX (Yes), the process proceeds to step S130, and if it is greater than the threshold TX (No), this flow ends.
The threshold value TX is a threshold value for determining whether the exercise amount of the body motion information X is an exercise state or a non-exercise state. When the body motion information X is equal to or less than the threshold value TX, the state is a non-motion state in which the body is not moved for the purpose of exercise or the like, and the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S130, the maximum pulse rate HRMax when not exercising is stored. Specifically, the maximum pulse rate HRMax when not exercising is the highest pulse rate among the pulse rates HR of the user U detected in the past when not exercising. In this step, when the pulse rate HR acquired in step S110 is larger than the maximum pulse rate during non-exercise detected in the past, it is stored in the storage unit 40 as the maximum pulse rate HRMax.

  In step S140, the stress level ST is calculated. The stress degree ST is an index value obtained by quantifying the stress state of the user U, and is represented by a numerical value of 0 to 100 (unit:%). Specifically, the pulse rate of the resting pulse rate HRRest is the stress level ST = 0%, the pulse rate of the maximum pulse rate HRMax is the stress level ST = 100%, and the value of the stress level ST of the pulse rate HR that takes between them Is calculated.

  The resting pulse rate HRRest of the user U is measured in advance and stored in the storage unit 40. In step S130, the resting pulse rate HRRest may store the lowest pulse rate during non-exercising, and the lowest pulse rate may be used as the resting pulse rate HRRest.

The stress level ST is calculated by Equation 1.
ST = 100 × (HR−HRRest) / (HRMax−HRRest) (Formula 1)

In step S150, the stress level ST is compared with the threshold value TST. If the stress level ST is equal to or greater than the threshold value TST (Yes), the process proceeds to step S160. If the stress level ST is smaller than the threshold value TST (No), this flow ends.
Specifically, the threshold value TST is a threshold value for determining whether or not the user U is in a stress state by comparing with the stress level ST. The threshold value TST is 50% as a preferable example.

  In step S160, it is notified that it is in a stress state. Specifically, a character string or an icon indicating that the user U is in a stress state is generated and output to the notification unit 30 (display unit 31). Moreover, you may output to the display part 31 including information, such as the user's U body motion information X, the pulse rate HR, and the stress degree ST.

  In step S170, the health condition HI is stored. Specifically, a storage state HI including information on the time when the user U enters the stress state and the stress level ST is stored in the storage unit 40.

  As shown in the above flow, from the information of the biological information VI including the body motion information X and the pulse rate HR, the health state HI including the stress time and the stress degree ST can be estimated. In this flow, the unit time is described as a process that is repeated every second, for example. However, the unit time can be set to a longer time such as 1 minute or 5 minutes. For example, when the unit time is 1 minute, the body motion information X and the pulse rate HR may be calculated using an average value for the past 1 minute.

(Decision part)
Returning to FIG.
The determination unit 55 determines the stimulation information SI from the health state HI. Specifically, the latest stress level ST is read from the stress state information stored in the storage unit 40. Stimulation information SI corresponding to the numerical value of the stress level ST is set. In the stimulus information SI, the information is expressed in three levels, i.e., the intensity of the stimulus is "weak", "medium", and "strong", and the number of times of stimulation is once per second, twice per second, and three times per second. It is included. When the stress level ST is high, the intensity of stimulation is increased and the number of stimulations is set to be large. When the mental stress state is strong, it is possible to increase the intensity of stimulation to the acupuncture point P1 and provide stimulation with a large number of stimulations.
The determination unit 55 may be started when the estimation unit 53 estimates that the user U is in a stress state. Specifically, the determination program 43 may be read and executed after the process of step S170 (FIG. 4) is completed.

A processing flow of the determination unit 55 will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the determination program. The flow shown in FIG. 5 describes processing for realizing the function of the determination unit 55 by the determination program 43 being read and executed by the control unit 50.

In step S200, the stress level ST is compared. Specifically, the latest stress level ST is read from the storage unit 40 using the time information when the stress state is reached. If the numerical value of the stress level ST is 50% or more and less than 70%, the process proceeds to step S210 and 70% If it is less than 90%, the process proceeds to step S220. If it is 90% or more, the process proceeds to step S230.
The stress level ST is a numerical value in the range of 50% to 100% depending on the processing flow of the estimation program.

In step S210, the stimulus information SI is determined by setting the intensity of the stimulus to “weak” and the number of times of stimulation once per second.
In step S220, the stimulation information SI is determined with the intensity of stimulation being “medium” and the number of stimulations being twice per second.
In step S230, the stimulus information SI is determined with the strength of the stimulus being “strong” and the number of times of stimulation being 3 times per second.

Step S240 outputs stimulus information. Specifically, the stimulation information SI determined in steps S210 to S230 is transmitted to the stimulation unit 70.
As shown in the above flow, the stimulation information SI including the strength of stimulation and the number of stimulations can be determined from the information on the health state HI including the time when the stress is entered and the stress level ST.
The intensity of stimulation and the number of stimulations shown as the contents of the stimulation information SI are merely examples, and other setting contents may be used. Moreover, the setting which fluctuates the intensity | strength and frequency | count of a stimulus within an appropriate range may be sufficient.

Returning to FIG.
The stimulation control unit 57 is a functional unit that controls the stimulation unit 70 from the control unit 50 side. The stimulation control unit 57 controls activation and termination of stimulation units constituting the stimulation unit 70, start and stop of output energy, intensity of stimulation, number of stimulations, and the like. It has a function of instructing the stimulation unit 70. When the determination unit 55 transmits the stimulation information SI to the stimulation unit 70, the stimulation control unit 57 converts the information of the stimulation information SI into a command or signal that can be interpreted by the stimulation unit 70 (stimulation unit side), and the stimulation Send to unit.
The stimulation control unit 57 may be configured on the stimulation unit 70 side. In that case, the stimulation information SI is transmitted from the determination unit 55 to the stimulation unit 70, and the stimulation information SI is interpreted on the stimulation unit 70 side and the stimulation S is output.

The stimulation unit 70 is a stimulation unit that contacts the skin and stimulates the acupuncture points and the periphery of the acupoints. The low-frequency stimulation apparatus includes a pulse current generation unit, a pulse current waveform adjustment unit, two electrodes (conductors) (all not shown), and the like. The pulse current generator generates a pulse current using a command, signal, power supply, or the like output from the controller 50 as a trigger.
The pulse current waveform adjustment unit can change the voltage, pulse width, output frequency, output duration, etc. related to the pulse current waveform, adjust the waveform in accordance with the command or signal output from the control unit 50, etc. Output current.
One of the two conductors is attached to the point of the acupuncture point, and the other is attached to the other skin part, and a low-frequency pulse current is output to the skin side through this conductor. Further, as shown in Patent Document 1, two conductors may be configured as a single device, and may be a device that generates electric energy and magnetic energy.

When the example of steps S210 to S230 (FIG. 5) of the stimulation information SI is applied to the pulse current output from the stimulation unit 70, for example, the voltage and frequency can be set as follows. However, the output voltage of the stimulating unit 70 is variable from 20V to 40V, and the output frequency is variable from 1 Hz to 3 Hz.
(1) The intensity of stimulation is “weak”, the frequency is once per second, the output voltage is 20V, the output frequency is 1Hz.
(2) The intensity of stimulation is “medium”, the number of times is twice per second, the output voltage is 30 V, and the output frequency is 2 Hz.
(3) The intensity of stimulation is “strong”, the frequency is 3 times per second, the output voltage is 40 V, the output frequency is 3 Hz.

As described above, according to the biological stimulation device 1 according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
The detection unit 10 detects the biological information VI from the biological signal V sensed from the user U. The estimation unit 53 estimates the health state HI of the user U from the biological information VI. In the estimation part 53, when the health state HI of the user U is a stress state, the stress level ST is calculated. The determination unit 55 determines stimulation information SI to be given to the user U. The determination unit 55 determines the strength of stimulation and the number of stimulations according to the value of the stress level ST. The stimulation unit 70 gives the stimulation S to the user based on the content of the stimulation information SI. The stimulation unit 70 applies a pulse current to the user U by applying an output voltage and an output frequency corresponding to the intensity of stimulation and the number of stimulations included in the stimulation information SI.

In this way, when the health state HI of the user U becomes a stress state, a stimulus is given to the acupoint P1, which is an acupuncture point for improving the stress state. When the stimulus is given, it can be expected that the stress state of the user U is reduced or eliminated.
Therefore, it is possible to provide the biostimulator 1 that can determine the health state of the user and give a stimulus according to the determination result.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of the biological stimulation device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the biological stimulation device according to the second embodiment.
The biostimulator 101 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to these drawings. In addition, about the component same as Embodiment 1, the same number is used and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the apparatus is mounted on the forearm FA of the user U. However, the present embodiment is different in that the apparatus is mounted on the head of the user U. As shown in FIG. 6, the biostimulator 101 is a head-mounted display type device that is worn in front of the head.

  The biological stimulation device 101 is attached to the user U, touches the user's U lobe and detects a pulse, a pulse sensor 11, a body motion sensor 13, and a blink detection sensor disposed at a position near the eyebrow portion of the user U 15, a display unit 31 disposed in front of the user U and having a transmissive half mirror structure, and a stimulation unit 70 disposed at a position covering the “sun” (acupuncture point P2) present in the temple. .

  The acupoint P2 is an acupuncture point that has an effect of improving eye fatigue. It is expected that the tiredness of the eyes of the user U is reduced by applying stimulation from the stimulating unit 70 to the pot P2 and the surrounding area.

A schematic configuration of the biological stimulation device 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
The biological stimulation device 101 includes a detection unit 110, a storage unit 140, a control unit 150, and the like.

The detection unit 110 includes a blink detection sensor 15.
The blink detection sensor 15 is an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), for example, and generates an imaging signal (image signal) by photoelectrically converting the amount of received light. The blink detection sensor 15 is disposed with the light receiving portion facing the face side of the user U, and detects the movement of the eyelid of the user U. Specifically, a black eye or a white eye is imaged, and a change in brightness of the captured image due to blinking is detected. The detection result is calculated as the number of blinks (number of times / minute), and is output to the control unit 150 as biological information VI every unit time (for example, every second). In the pulse sensor 11 and the body motion sensor 13, the detected pulse rate and body motion information are also included in the biological information VI. The blink detection sensor 15 is not limited to a configuration having a CCD, and any method that can detect the number of blinks per unit time may be used. For example, a known electrooculogram sensor may be provided to detect eye blinks by capturing eye movements.

The control unit 150 includes functional units of an estimation unit 153 and a determination unit 155.
The estimation unit 153 refers to the number of blinks and the number of pulses from the biological information VI and compares them with a predetermined threshold value to estimate the degree of fatigue of the eyes of the user U. When both the number of blinks and the number of pulses decrease, there is a possibility that poor blood circulation and dry eye symptoms may occur, so it is determined that the degree of eye fatigue of the user U is large. An index value of the degree of eye fatigue is calculated from the number of blinks and the number of pulses, and when the index value falls below a predetermined threshold, it is estimated that the eyes of the user U are tired. Information including the time when the eyes of the user U become tired and the index value of the degree of fatigue of the eyes is generated as the health state HI.

The determination unit 155 determines the stimulation information SI based on the health state HI. The intensity of stimulation and the number of stimulations are determined according to the index value of the degree of eye fatigue included in the health condition HI. The determined information is output to the stimulation unit 70 to give a stimulus to the user U.
Note that the acupoint P2 is an acupuncture point sensitive to the strength of the stimulus, and therefore it is necessary to gradually change it from a weak state gradually. The determination unit 155 generates the stimulation information SI including information on the elapsed time and the intensity level for increasing the intensity of the stimulation in stages.

  In the display unit 31, information such as the biological information VI, the health state HI, and the stimulation information SI may be displayed on the half mirror unit to notify the user U.

  The storage unit 140 includes an estimation program 141 and a determination program 143. The estimation program 141 is read and executed by the control unit 150, thereby realizing the function of the estimation unit 153. The determination program 143 is read and executed by the control unit 150, thereby realizing the function of the determination unit 155.

As described above, according to the biological stimulation device 101 according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment.
The biostimulator 101 is configured as a head-mounted display type, thereby realizing a health state related to the degree of eye fatigue of the user U and stimulating the acupoints of the acupoint P2 that has an effect of improving eye fatigue. ing. Specifically, by providing the detection unit 15 with the blink detection sensor 15, it is possible to estimate a state in which the eyes are tired as the health state HI. In addition, since the point of the acupuncture point P2 is effective in improving eye fatigue, the stimulation unit 70 is disposed at the position of the point P2.
The biostimulator 101 having such a configuration is effective in a work site where high eye fatigue such as assembly work of precision parts and VDT (Visual Display Terminals) work for staring at the screen of the display device for a long time is effective. is there. By attaching the worker to such a work site, the state that the eyes are tired is detected in the biostimulator 101 and the fatigue of the eyes is improved before the worker feels fatigue and interrupts the work. Therefore, the work can be continued and the productivity can be expected to be improved.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of the biological stimulation device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the biological stimulation device according to the third embodiment.
The biostimulator 201 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to these drawings. In addition, about the component same as Embodiment 1, the same number is used and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the device is mounted on the forearm FA of the user U. However, the present embodiment is different in that the device is mounted on the chest of the user U. As shown in FIG. 8, the biostimulator 201 is a chest belt type device that is wound around the chest and worn.

  The biological stimulation device 201 is provided with a heart rate sensor 211 and a stimulation unit 70 on the skin side of the user U in a state of being worn on the chest of the user U. In addition, the biostimulator 201 is mounted by the user U so that the stimulator 70 covers the “Danchu” (acupuncture point P3) existing in the center of the chest. Furthermore, a body motion sensor 13 for detecting body motion information and an atmospheric pressure sensor 17 for sensing atmospheric pressure are provided.

  The acupoint P3 is an acupuncture point that is supposed to improve the blood circulation of the body, and is an acupuncture point that is effective in improving swelling and dullness of the foot. It is expected that the swelling and dullness of the foot of the user U is reduced or eliminated by applying the stimulus from the stimulation unit 70.

A schematic configuration of the biological stimulation device 201 will be described with reference to FIG.
The biological stimulation device 201 includes a detection unit 210, a storage unit 240, a control unit 250, and the like.
The detection unit 210 includes a heart rate sensor 211 and an atmospheric pressure sensor 17.
The heart rate sensor 211 is an electrocardiogram detection sensor including an electrode, and detects an electrocardiogram by bringing the electrode into contact with the skin portion of the user U. The heart rate sensor 211 detects the heart (pulse) beat rate (the unit is beats / minute) and outputs it to the control unit 250.
The atmospheric pressure sensor 17 is a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) sensor that measures atmospheric pressure, and outputs atmospheric pressure information every unit time (for example, 1 second).
The information on the atmospheric pressure is output to the control unit 250 as biological information VI together with the pulse rate and the body motion information detected by the body motion sensor 13.

The control unit 250 includes functional units such as an estimation unit 253 and a determination unit 255.
The estimation unit 253 detects the time zone in which the user U is standing by referring to the atmospheric pressure information from the biological information VI. Specifically, from a change state of the atmospheric pressure measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 17, a pattern of sleeping (high atmospheric pressure), sitting (intermediate atmospheric pressure), and standing (low atmospheric pressure) is estimated. . Next, the non-exercise state is detected from the amount of exercise per unit time with reference to the heart rate and body motion information from the biological information VI. If the user U is standing in a non-exercise state (standing work state) for a certain time (for example, 1 hour) or longer, it is estimated that the legs are swollen and the standing work state is a certain time. Information including the elapsed time (becomes swollen feet) and the accumulated time of standing work for one day is generated as a health state HI.

  The determination unit 255 determines the stimulus information SI based on the health state HI. The intensity of stimulation, the number of stimulations, and the like are determined from the time when the symptoms of swelling of the feet included in the health condition HI and the accumulated time of standing work for one day. For example, if the accumulated time is long, the intensity of stimulation is increased and the number of stimulations is increased.

The stimulation information SI generated in this way is output to the stimulation unit 70, and stimulation is given to the user U.
Since the low frequency pulse current output from the stimulation unit 70 is superimposed on the detection of the electrocardiogram of the heart rate sensor 211, the waveform of the low frequency pulse current is also input and superimposed on the heart rate sensor 211 side. From the electrocardiogram waveform, for example, an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) is applied to extract the electrocardiogram waveform.

  The storage unit 240 includes an estimation program 241 and a determination program 243. The estimation program 241 is read and executed by the control unit 250, thereby realizing the function of the estimation unit 253. The determination program 243 is read and executed by the control unit 250, thereby realizing the function of the determination unit 255.

  The biostimulator 201 may be provided with the notification unit 30. The notification unit 30 includes a display unit 31 such as an LED, and a sound output unit 33 such as a piezoelectric vibrator, and the necessary information is selected from the biological information VI, the health state HI, and the stimulus information SI, and the LED emits light. It is notified to the user U by blinking, buzzer sound output, or the like.

As described above, according to the biological stimulation device 201 according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiment.
The biostimulator 201 further includes the atmospheric pressure sensor 17 to detect the biometric information VI that the user U is standing, and the estimation unit 253 sets the symptom of swelling of the foot according to the standing work state as the health state HI. presume. The determination unit 255 generates stimulation information SI for improving the swelling state of the foot.
The biostimulation apparatus 201 having such a configuration is effective, for example, at a work site where a store worker is standing, working at a cashier, a manufacturing line, or the like. By attaching to workers at such work sites, the swelling of the feet can be reduced or eliminated by giving stimulation before the symptoms of swelling of the feet appear, and work can be continued for a long time. It becomes like this.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of the biological stimulation system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the biological stimulation system.
The biostimulation system 3 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to these drawings. In addition, about the component same as Embodiment 1, the same number is used and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

The biological stimulation system 3 is a system that includes a biological stimulation device 301 and a stimulation device 5. Further, the biological stimulation device 301 and the stimulation device 5 are communicably connected via the communication 2.
In the first embodiment, the stimulation unit 70 is provided in the biological stimulation device 1. However, in this embodiment, the stimulation unit 70 is different from the biological stimulation device 301 in that the stimulation device 5 is provided.

The biological stimulation device 301 is a wristwatch type device worn on the wrist WR of the user U, and includes a detection unit 10 including a pulse sensor 11 and a body motion sensor 13, a display unit 31, an operation unit 35, a communication unit 60, and the like. Is done. Moreover, it has the estimation part 353 and the determination part 355 as a function part.
The stimulation device 5 is a bag-like device that wraps the user U's ear EA, and includes stimulation units 70 at three reception units 71. The stimulating unit 70 is arranged in contact with the skin portion of the ear at a position covering the “shinmon” (point P4), “lung” (point P5), and “starvation point” (point P6) that are points on the ear. Has been.

  Moreover, the communication part 60 and the receiving part 71 are short-distance wireless adapters as a suitable example, and connect with the biological stimulation apparatus 301 and the stimulation apparatus 5 through the communication 2 so as to be able to transmit and receive. Note that the communication unit 60 and the reception unit 71 may be wired communication adapters. In this case, the communication 2 is connected via a cable or the like.

  The acupoint P4, the acupuncture point P5, and the acupoint P6 are all acupuncture points that are effective for dieting. The acupoint P4 has an effect of alleviating annoyance caused by hunger and the like when the diet is restricted, the acupoint P5 has an effect of suppressing excessive secretion of insulin and suppresses appetite, and the acupoint P6 has an effect of overeating and It is said that there is an effect of suppressing appetite, and by stimulating these acupoints, it is expected that the appetite of the user U is suppressed and weight loss is successful.

The detection unit 10 of the biological stimulation device 301 detects biological information VI including a pulse rate and body motion information from the user U.
The estimation unit 353 estimates the health state HI related to whether or not the user U needs to be on the diet based on information on the dietary status and exercise status of the user U. Specifically, the user U is prompted to input information on meal contents and meal time using the display unit 31 and the operation unit 35, and calorie intake is calculated based on the information. Based on the pulse rate and body motion information, calories burned including during exercise are calculated. For example, if the daily calorie intake is greater than the calorie consumption, it is estimated that there is a need for diet. Information that there is a diet necessity and information on the calorie difference amount are generated as a health state HI.

  The determination unit 355 determines the stimulation information SI based on the health state HI, and transmits the stimulation information SI to the stimulation device 5. The intensity of stimulation, the number of stimulations, and the like are determined from the information on the necessity of dieting included in the health condition HI and the information on the calorie difference amount. For example, as the calorie difference amount is larger, the stimulation intensity may be increased and the number of stimulations may be increased.

The communication unit 60 establishes communication with the receiving unit 71 of the stimulation device 5 under the control of the determination unit 355 and transmits the stimulation information SI to the stimulation device 5.
In the stimulation device 5, when the reception unit 71 receives the stimulation information SI, it is output to the three stimulation units 70, and the stimulation unit 70 responds to the intensity of stimulation specified by the stimulation information SI and the number of stimulations. A stimulus S is given to the user U.

As described above, according to the biological stimulation system 3 according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiment.
By configuring the biological stimulation device 301 that detects the biological signal V from the user U and the stimulation device 5 that gives the stimulation S to the user U as different devices, the position is limited to the position where the stimulation device 5 is mounted. In addition, since it can be reduced in size and weight, it can be configured in a highly flexible shape. In the present embodiment, the stimulating device 5 can be formed into a shape that can be attached to the ear EA having a complicated shape.
In the present embodiment, the stimulator 5 is attached to the ear EA. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the stimulator 5 can be attached to any place where acupoints of the human body exist. Can do. For example, even if the acupuncture points are located on the soles of the feet or between the toes, the stimulating device 5 is formed in a sock shape or a five-finger sock shape so that a living foot It is also applicable to.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of the biological stimulation system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the biological stimulation system.
The biostimulation system 103 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to these drawings. In addition, about the same component as the biostimulation system of Embodiment 4, the same number is used and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the fourth embodiment, the system is configured by one stimulation device 5 and the biological stimulation device 301, but the present embodiment is different in that it is configured by including a plurality of stimulation devices 5.

  The biological stimulation system 103 is a system that includes a biological stimulation device 401 and five stimulation devices 5, 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D. Five stimulation devices 5 (5A to D) are fixed to the wear 7. The biological stimulation device 401 and the five stimulation devices 5 (5A to 5D) are communicably connected via the communication 2.

The wear 7 is an elastic inner, and the stimulating device 5 (5A to 5D) is sewed and fixed to a position where the stimulating unit 70 can contact the points P1 to P6.
The biological stimulation device 401 senses the biological signal VI by sensing the biological signal V, and estimates the health state HI. The estimated health condition HI can include various kinds of health condition information such as a mental stress condition, a symptom of swelling of the foot, and a condition requiring a diet. Stimulation information SI is determined based on the health condition HI. The stimulus information SI includes information on a stimulator that can select acupuncture points that can reduce or eliminate symptoms corresponding to various types of health condition information and can provide a stimulus S corresponding to the selected acupoints.
The generated stimulation information SI is simultaneously transmitted from the biological stimulation device 401 to the stimulation device 5 (5A to 5D) via the communication 2. In the stimulation device 5 (5A to D), when the information is for the own stimulation device, the stimulation S is given to the living body wearing the wear 7 based on the content of the stimulation information SI.

As described above, according to the biological stimulation system 103 according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiment.
The health state HI estimated by the biostimulator 401 can include a variety of health state information. In addition, acupoints are present in various parts of the living body, and each acupoint is said to improve a specific health condition. In the biostimulation system 103 according to the present embodiment, various health conditions can be estimated, and by providing the stimulation S with a plurality of stimulation devices, various health conditions can be improved at the same time.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. A modification will be described below.

(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiment, pulse wave, pulse, heart rate, electrocardiogram, activity amount, number of blinks, calorie intake, calorie consumption, and the like are detected as biological information. However, biological information is not limited to such information, and is detected from the living body. Any information can be used. For example, it may be a pulse wave waveform, a pulse interval, body temperature, skin temperature, number of steps, blood pressure, blood sugar level, body fat, oxygen consumption, exercise amount, exercise intensity, respiration rate, and the like. Moreover, those combinations may be sufficient.

(Modification 2)
In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the health state is estimated as a mental state such as a mental stress state, a tired state of the eyes, a swollen symptom of a foot, or a state requiring a diet. Any health condition can be used as long as it can be estimated from biological information. For example, it may be a sleep state, a fatigue state, a tension state, an excitement state, a relaxed state, and a calorie balance state.

(Modification 3)
In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the stimulating unit is a stimulating device that generates a low-frequency pulse current. For example, pressure stimulation that gives a stimulus by touching or pressing a protruding part or curved part such as a kneading ball or roller against a part of a living body, and stimulation by wrapping a body part and compressing it with air pressure or oil pressure It is also possible to use a device that provides a pressure stimulus that gives a stimulus, a temperature stimulus that gives a stimulus by warming or cooling a body part, a magnetic stimulus that gives a stimulus by magnetism, an acupuncture stimulus that gives a stimulus by an acupuncture needle, and the like.

(Modification 4)
In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the stimulation unit gives stimulation to the user's forearm, head, and chest. However, the stimulation unit is not limited to these regions, and other parts of the body may be used. There may be. For example, the leg part including the sole of the foot, the arm part including the palm, the shoulder part, the neck part, and the waist part may be used.

(Modification 5)
In the above-described embodiment and modification, the stimulation device 5 (5A to 5D) in the biological stimulation system 3 (103) is a device fixed to the wear 7, but is not limited to such a configuration, and stimulates the living body. It may be installed in any object as long as it can be given. For example, the stimulator 5 (5A to 5D) can be used for clothing such as hats, shoes, neck warmers, belly rolls, supporters, necklaces, daily furniture such as chairs, sofas, beds, bathtubs, toilets, automobiles, trains, airplanes, etc. It may be installed on a driver's seat of a vehicle, a chair of a seat, a movie theater, a fitness facility, a playground, a sofa or a chair of a public facility such as a hotel.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101,201,301,401 ... Biostimulation device, 1Q ... Biostimulation function, 2 ... Communication, 3,103 ... Biostimulation system, 5 ... Stimulation device, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D ... Multiple stimulation devices , 7 ... Wear, 10 ... Detection unit, 11 ... Pulse sensor, 13 ... Body motion sensor, 15 ... Blink detection sensor, 17 ... Barometric pressure sensor, 30 ... Notification unit, 31 ... Display unit, 33 ... Sound output unit, 35 ... Operation unit 37 ... Clock unit 40, 140, 240 ... Storage unit 41, 141, 241 ... Estimation program, 43, 143, 243 ... Determination program, 50, 150, 250 ... Control unit, 51 ... Detection control unit, 53, 153, 253, 353 ... estimation unit, 55, 155, 255, 355 ... determination unit, 57 ... stimulation control unit, 60 ... communication unit, 70 ... stimulation unit, 71 ... reception unit, 110 ... detection unit, 210 ... Inspection Department, 211 ... heart rate sensor.

Claims (11)

A detection unit for detecting the biological information of the user;
An estimation unit that estimates the health status of the user based on the biological information;
A determination unit that determines stimulation information for the user based on the health state;
A biostimulation apparatus comprising:   The biological information includes at least one of a pulse wave, a heartbeat, an electrocardiogram, a pulse, a body temperature, an activity amount, a calorie intake, a calorie consumption, a blood glucose level, a blood pressure, and a body motion. The biostimulator according to the description.   The biostimulation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the health state is based on at least one of a sleep state, a stress state, a fatigue state, a tension state, an excitement state, a relaxation state, and a calorie balance. apparatus.   4. The information according to claim 1, wherein the stimulus information is information including at least one of a kind of stimulus given to the user, the number of stimuli, a stimulus position, and a strength of the stimulus. The biostimulator according to Item. Further comprising a stimulation unit for stimulating the user based on the stimulation information;
The biostimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:   The stimulation unit is a low-frequency stimulus that generates a low-frequency pulse current, a pressure-contact stimulus that gives a stimulus by touching or pressing a protruding portion to a user, a pressure stimulus that gives a stimulus by pressing a body part, a body part The biostimulation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a stimulus including at least one of a temperature stimulus that gives a stimulus by heating or cooling is provided. The stimulation unit is capable of stimulating at least one of the user's arm, leg, head, neck, and chest;
The biostimulator according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the above. Being part of clothing that the user can wear;
The biostimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: Further comprising an informing unit for informing at least one of the biological information, the health condition, and the stimulus information;
The biostimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by: A detection unit for detecting the biological information of the user;
An estimation unit that estimates the health status of the user based on the biological information;
A determination unit that determines stimulation information for the user based on the health state;
A communication unit for transmitting the stimulus information;
A stimulation unit that receives the stimulation information from the communication unit and stimulates the user based on the stimulation information;
A biostimulation system comprising: A receiving unit for receiving stimulation information for the user determined based on the biological information and health status of the user;
A stimulation unit that stimulates the user based on the stimulation information;
A stimulating device comprising:

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