CN111655327A

CN111655327A - Muscle electrical stimulation device

Info

Publication number: CN111655327A
Application number: CN201980011155.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 松下刚
Original assignee: MTG Co Ltd
Current assignee: MTG Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-31
Filing date: 2019-01-25
Publication date: 2020-09-11
Also published as: TWI808122B; JP7386710B2; WO2019151136A1; JPWO2019151136A1; KR20200112882A; TW201940205A

Abstract

In a muscle electrical stimulation apparatus (10) that gives electrical stimulation to muscles, a sensor detects information relating to a body of a user. The control unit controls the voltage applied between the electrodes and processes information detected by the sensor. The sensor detects information for estimating muscle mass of each of a plurality of body parts to which electric stimulation is applied. The control unit estimates the muscle balance of a plurality of body parts based on the detected information, and controls the voltage in accordance with the muscle balance.

Description

Muscle electrical stimulation device

Technical Field

The invention relates to a muscle electrical stimulation device.

Background

As a sports implement used for the movement of the body of a human being, for example, there is a muscle electrical stimulation device. The muscle electrical stimulation device can exercise muscles and increase muscle strength by causing the muscles to tighten and loosen the muscles by passing a weak current through the muscles. Conventionally, for example, a muscle electrical stimulation device described in patent document 1 has been proposed.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1 Japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2017-6644

Problems to be solved by the invention

Since the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus is worn on the body of the user, the present inventors have conceived various auxiliary ways of utilizing the apparatus in relation to the body, and have conceived various ways of improving the convenience of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus itself.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a muscle electrical stimulation apparatus with improved convenience.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the above problem, a muscle electrical stimulation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a muscle electrical stimulation apparatus for electrically stimulating muscles, including a sensor for detecting information on a body of a user, and a control unit for controlling a voltage applied between electrodes and processing information detected by the sensor.

Any combination of the above-described constituent elements, or mutual substitution of the constituent elements of the present invention or the expression thereof in a method, an apparatus, a program, a recording medium having the program recorded thereon, a system, or the like is also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, a muscle electrical stimulation apparatus with improved convenience can be provided.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exercise device control system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the sports implement control system.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a muscle electrical stimulation apparatus as an example of a sports implement.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus.

Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sports implement control device.

Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information management server.

Fig. 7 is a side view showing a use state of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus.

Fig. 8 shows an example of a screen for displaying an avatar.

Detailed Description

Since the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus is worn on the body of the user, it is possible to detect various biological information and operation states related to the state of the body of the user. The muscle electrical stimulation apparatus can consider various auxiliary utilization methods related to the body and various methods for improving convenience of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus itself by detecting various biological information and operation states.

The muscle electrical stimulation device in the present embodiment is a muscle electrical stimulation device that electrically stimulates muscles, and includes a sensor that detects information on the body of a user, and a control unit that controls a voltage applied between electrodes and processes the information detected by the sensor.

The "muscle electrical stimulation device" is an example of a "sports implement", and is applicable to sports implements used for various sports and beauty purposes, in addition to a muscle electrical stimulation device that supports the movement of the body of a living body including a human being. The "biological information" includes information related to the body such as vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, body temperature, and the like), thickness of fat or muscle, water content or blood flow, and skin gas (ammonia, acetone, nitrogen dioxide, acetic acid, and the like), and may also include information indicating the motion state or activity amount of the body in a wide range. The information indicating the motion state and the activity amount of the body may include information that directly indicates the values of the motion state and the activity amount, and information that is a basis for indirect estimation. For example, a value indicating a state of each muscle for estimating a body shape or posture of the user, a motion value indicating a muscle or organ for estimating a heart rate of the user, a value of a current flowing through a body for estimating a motion of the user, a resistance value, a potential change, an electrostatic capacitance, an acceleration of a predetermined body part, a biological magnetism, and the like.

The sensor detects information for estimating the muscle mass of each of the plurality of body parts to which the electrical stimulation is applied, and the control unit estimates the muscle balance of the plurality of body parts based on the detected information, or may control the voltage based on the muscle balance.

According to this aspect, the operation form of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus can be adjusted to a more appropriate value based on the information on the body of the user, feedback can be performed to enable a more efficient program, or information useful for the user can be provided, thereby improving convenience.

Hereinafter, the same or equivalent constituent elements, members, and steps shown in the respective drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted as appropriate. In addition, the dimensions of the components in the drawings are appropriately enlarged and reduced for easy understanding. In the drawings, parts that are not essential to the description of the embodiments are omitted.

(sports implement control System)

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an exercise device control system 100 according to an embodiment. The sports implement control system 100 includes muscle electrical stimulation devices 10a to 10g as sports implements, an information terminal as a sports implement control device 12, and an information management server 14 for managing information. The muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 is of a type (muscle electrical stimulation apparatuses 10a to 10f) to be worn on each body part of the user, such as the abdominal muscle, the flank, the arm, and the leg, and of a type (muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10g) to be placed on both feet of the user. The muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 applies electrical stimulation to the muscles of the user through a weak current. The muscle electrical stimulation devices 10a to g transmit and receive information by communicating with the sports equipment control device 12 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The exercise equipment control program executed by the exercise equipment control device 12 communicates with the muscle electrical stimulation devices 10a to 10g, and controls the settings and operations of the muscle electrical stimulation devices 10a to 10g, respectively. The sports implement control device 12 is connected to the network 15 by wireless communication such as wireless LAN or mobile phone communication, and transmits and receives information to and from the information management server 14. The information management server 14 manages the update of the sports implement control program executed by the sports implement control device 12, and receives and manages setting information of sports, result information, from the sports implement control device 12. As a modification, each muscle stimulation device may be connected to the network 15 without passing through the exercise device control device 12, and may communicate with the information management server 14 and the like.

The sports implement control device 12 is various information terminals operated by a user, and examples thereof include a mobile phone terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a personal computer. The sports equipment control device 12 sets the correspondence relationship between the muscle electrical stimulation devices 10a to 10g and the body part using the muscle electrical stimulation device 10, and controls the intensity setting or operation of each muscle electrical stimulation device 10. The muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 can be set or operated with the intensity even if it is a single body, and the user can directly operate the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 or can operate it by the exercise device control apparatus 12. Since the exercise device control device 12 functions as a center of the plurality of muscle electrical stimulation devices 10a to 10g, it is more efficient to collectively control the plurality of muscle electrical stimulation devices 10a to 10g by operating the exercise device control device 12 than to individually set and operate the plurality of muscle electrical stimulation devices 10a to 10g by a user.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the sports implement control system 100. The premise in this form is that electrical stimulation is applied to a plurality of users simultaneously from a plurality of muscle electrical stimulation devices, and at the same time, the body is exercised in accordance with instructions in accordance with the pattern of the electrical stimulation, thereby performing an exercise program that strengthens muscles more effectively in a shorter time. The sports equipment control system 100 includes a plurality of fitness clothes 102 to which a plurality of electrical stimulation modules are attached, a sports equipment control device 12, a display control device 104, and a display device 106. The sports equipment control device 12, the display control device 104, and the display device 106 are provided as one set, and one or more sets are provided in the studio of the gym, and a plurality of users, for example, 7 or less, prepare a set of upper and lower gyms 102 and a set of upper and lower underwear, not shown, respectively. The electrostimulation module is worn on each part of the gym suit 102 to apply electrostimulation to each body part of the user, such as the abdominal muscles, the flank muscles, the pectoral muscles, the dorsal muscles, the arms, the legs, and the buttocks. A plurality of electrical stimulation modules are worn for each gym suit 102 of a plurality of users. The voltage setting and operation are controlled in each of the plurality of electrostimulation modules of the plurality of users by a motion control program which is instructed to start execution by communication with the motion equipment control device 12. The sports implement control device 12 transmits and receives information to and from the display control device 104 in the local area network via the network cable 108. The display control device 104 is a computer that displays moving images on the display device 106 in accordance with instructions of a motion control program executed by the moving equipment control device 12.

The sports implement control device 12 is an information terminal operated by a trainer or a user at the gym. The sports implement control device 12 controls the intensity setting or operation of each user and each electrical stimulation module. Since the sports implement control device 12 functions as a center of the plurality of electrical stimulation modules of the plurality of users, it is more efficient to centrally control the plurality of electrical stimulation modules by operating the sports implement control device 12, compared to setting and operating the plurality of electrical stimulation modules by a coach or a user, respectively. Further, the operation control of a plurality of users can be performed simultaneously by the same program.

The sporting equipment control apparatus 12 displays the description of the sporting program and the image of the sporting sample on the display apparatus 106 by the display control apparatus 104 in synchronization with the control of the plurality of electrostimulation modules. However, the delay of wireless communication with each electrostimulation module may be considered, and instead of displaying a moving image at a timing completely synchronized with the control pulse of the electrostimulation module, an image may be displayed at a timing delayed by a predetermined period. The display control device 104 may have a built-in motion camera capable of capturing a user, or may capture an image of a user who is performing a motion in cooperation with a motion program, and display the image or an image in which a motion of a skeleton based on an analysis of the motion of the user is reproduced on the display device 106.

As described above, the exercise program in the present embodiment is realized by the interlocking of the exercise control program for controlling the voltage by the electrostimulation module and the exercise control program for causing the display device 106 to display a synchronized image while transmitting a control signal such as a start signal to the plurality of electrostimulation modules of the plurality of users by the exercise equipment control device 12. In addition, each user moves his body to execute the exercise program by using the video displayed on the display device 106 as a sample.

(sports apparatus)

Fig. 3 shows an external appearance example of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 as an example of the exercise device. Fig. 3(a) is a plan view of the muscle electrostimulation device 10a, fig. 3(b) is an enlarged plan view of a frame portion in an enlarged manner, fig. 3(c) is an external view of an intermediate member of the muscle electrostimulation device 10a as viewed from the back side, and fig. 2(d) is a rear view of the muscle electrostimulation device 10 a. The muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10a includes a frame 20, a cover 24, a first base material 26, a second base material 27, a first electrode group 31, a second electrode group 32, a third electrode group 33, and a fourth electrode group 34. The main body of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10a mainly composed of the cover 24, the first base material 26, and the second base material 27 includes an abdominal muscle portion 21a as a portion to be worn on an abdominal muscle of a human, a right abdominal portion 21b as a portion to be worn on the right abdominal side, and a left abdominal portion 21c as a portion to be worn on the left abdominal side.

The frame 20 is provided at the center of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 a. As shown in fig. 3(b), the frame 20 is made of resin and has a substantially elliptical shape in plan view. The housing 20 houses a power supply unit such as a lithium ion battery and a control unit (both described later with reference to fig. 4). A positive button 20a, a negative button 20b, an abdominal muscle specifying button 20c, and a flank specifying button 20d, which are operation portions, are formed on the flat surface side of the housing 20. The positive button 20a, the negative button 20b, the abdominal muscle designation button 20c, and the lateral abdomen designation button 20d are each formed in a cantilever state by hollowing out a part of the housing 20.

The first substrate 26 and the second substrate 27 are overlapped to form a substrate. The cap 24 is made of an elastomer such as silicon. The cover 24 covers the first base 26 and the planar (surface) side of the frame. That is, the cover 24, the first base material 26, and the second base material 27 are stacked in this order from the flat surface side. The cover 24, the first base material 26, the second base material 27, and the frame 20 are bonded by tape or adhesive. A "+" mark is projected from a portion of the cover 24 covering the positive button 20a, and a "-" mark is projected from a portion of the cover 24 covering the negative button 20 b. A character string "FRONT" is formed to protrude from a portion of the cover 24 covering the abdominal muscle specifying button 20c, and a character string "SIDE" is formed to protrude from a portion of the cover 24 covering the lateral abdomen specifying button 20 d. The first base 26 and the second base 27 are sheet-like members, and are formed of a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate, for example.

The muscle electrical stimulation device 10 includes one or more sets of positive and negative facing electrodes. In the case of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10a, the first electrode group 31 includes the electrodes 31a to 31c, the second electrode group 32 includes the electrodes 32a to 31c, the third electrode group 33 includes the

electrodes

33a and 33b, and the fourth electrode group 34 includes the

electrodes

34a and 34 b. The electrodes are disposed on the back surface of the first base material 26, i.e., the surface in contact with the abdominal muscles or the flank, and are exposed through the openings provided at the positions of the electrodes in the second base material 27. Each electrode is made of conductive ink and is printed on the back surface of the first base 26. Electricity is passed between the

electrodes

31a and 32a, between the

electrodes

31b and 32b, between the

electrodes

31c and 32c, between the

electrodes

33a and 34a, and between the

electrodes

33b and 34 b. In the second base material 27, the openings 35a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j are provided at positions corresponding to the

electrodes

34a, 33a, 31b, 31c, 32a, 32b, 32c, 33b, 34b, respectively.

In the case of the electrode arrangement shown in fig. 3(c), the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32 are energized in the lateral direction between the left and right rectus abdominis muscles, but the electrode arrangement may be such that the left and right rectus abdominis muscles are energized independently in the longitudinal direction (height direction). In this case, for example, electrical stimulation is independently applied to the left rectus abdominus muscle only by the first electrode group 31, and electrical stimulation is independently applied to the right rectus abdominus muscle only by the second electrode group 32. Thus, electrical stimulation with different voltage values can be applied to the right and left rectus abdominis muscles.

A gel-like adhesive pad, not shown, is attached to the periphery of each opening and each electrode, and the muscle electro-stimulation device 10 is worn on each body part by the adhesiveness of the adhesive pad. Long surface fastener tapes, not shown, are attached to the end of the right abdominal part 21b and the end of the left abdominal part 21c, respectively. The muscle electro-stimulation device 10 is fixed by making the surface fastener tape wrap around the body of the person and tightening it at an appropriate length. The adhesive pad has conductivity, and electricity is supplied from each electrode to a body part of a user through the adhesive pad. The adhesive pad is replaced when, for example, the moisture content decreases with use, the adhesive strength decreases, the resistance increases, or the adhesive pad is broken or the dirt becomes conspicuous.

A sensor for detecting information related to the body of the user is provided in any one of the frame 20, the first base 26, the second base 27, the first electrode group 31, the second electrode group 32, the third electrode group 33, and the fourth electrode group 34. The sensor will be described later.

Although fig. 3 illustrates the muscle electrostimulation device 10a of the type worn on the abdominal muscle and the flank, the muscle electrostimulation device 10 of the type worn on another body part is also provided with a base material formed in a shape suitable for being worn on the body part and with the number of electrodes suitable for supplying current to the body part. In addition, the electrostimulation module worn on the gym suit 102 in fig. 2 is also configured to include one or more positive and negative facing electrodes, frames, and base materials.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10. The muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 includes a power supply unit 22, a first base material 26, and a control unit 28. The control unit 28 includes a power supply control unit 50, a skin detection unit 52, an electrical stimulation control unit 54, a setting unit 56, and a communication unit 58. The power supply unit 22 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, but may be a replaceable primary battery. The power supply unit 22 is electrically connected to the control unit 28 and supplies electric power.

The first substrate 26 includes a sensor 40 in addition to the first electrode group 31, the second electrode group 32, the third electrode group 33, and the fourth electrode group 34. In the present figure, although an example in which the sensor 40 is included in the first base material 26 is described, the sensor 40 may be included in any one or each of the first electrode group 31, the second electrode group 32, the third electrode group 33, and the fourth electrode group 34. Alternatively, the first base 26 or each electrode group may not include the sensor 40, and the power supply unit 22 may include the sensor 40.

Each module of the control unit 28 may be realized by an element or a mechanical device including a cpu (central processing unit) of a computer in terms of hardware, or may be realized by a computer program or the like in terms of software. Accordingly, those skilled in the art who have access to the present specification will appreciate that these functional blocks can be implemented in various forms by a combination of hardware and software. The same applies to the modules of fig. 5 and 6.

The power supply control unit 50 controls the charging of the power supply unit 22, and transmits information indicating the charging state to the sports implement control device 12 through the communication unit 58.

The skin detection unit 52 detects whether the electrode is in contact with the skin based on the resistance value received from the sensor 40. The sensor 40 in this case is, for example, a living body impedance measuring instrument. The skin detection unit 52 obtains the resistance value between the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32, and between the third electrode group 33 and the fourth electrode group 34. The skin detection unit 52 detects that the electrode is in contact with the skin when the detected resistance value is less than the threshold value, and detects that the electrode is not in contact with the skin when the detected resistance value is not less than the threshold value.

When the epidermis detecting unit 52 detects that the electrodes are in contact with the epidermis, the electrical stimulation control unit 54 applies a set voltage between the electrodes for a predetermined operation time (for example, 23 minutes) and for a predetermined period (for example, a period with a frequency of 20 Hz). That is, for example, electrical stimulation is applied to the abdominal muscles and the lateral abdomen of the user. The setting unit 56 receives an operation input from the positive button 20a and the negative button 20b arranged vertically, and increases or decreases the set voltage value applied by the electrostimulation control unit 54. That is, the setting unit 56 increases the setting voltage value each time the user presses the positive button 20a, and decreases the setting voltage value each time the user presses the negative button 20 b. The set voltage value may be set to a value of 20 levels of intensity, for example. The setting unit 56 further receives operation inputs from the left and right abdominal muscle designation buttons 20c and the lateral abdomen designation button 20d, and determines which of the abdominal muscle portion 21a and the left and right

abdominal regions

21b and 21c is to be operated to set the voltage value. When the user wants to operate the set voltage value of the abdominal muscle, the user presses the abdominal muscle specifying button 20c and then adjusts the set voltage value using the positive button 20a and the negative button 20 b. When the flank designation button 20d is pressed when the set voltage value of the flank is to be operated, the set voltage value is adjusted by the positive button 20a and the negative button 20 b. The electrostimulation control unit 54 increases or decreases the operation time or cycle, the set voltage value, and the like based on the value detected by the sensor 40. The control method according to the type of the sensor 40 will be described later.

The communication unit 58 receives information on the set voltage from the sports implement control apparatus 12 by the short-range wireless communication and transmits the information to the setting unit 56. If the communication unit 58 receives information on the set voltage value or information indicating an increase or decrease in the set voltage value from the sports equipment control device 12, the setting unit 56 increases or decreases the set voltage value based on the received information. The electrostimulation control unit 54 applies a voltage between the electrodes at a new set voltage value every time the set voltage value is increased or decreased, and thereby the user feels the body and confirms the set voltage value, that is, the exercise intensity. The communication unit 58 increases or decreases the set voltage value when receiving an instruction to increase or decrease the exercise intensity from the exercise equipment control device 12 during the exercise, that is, during the applied voltage. However, even if the increase/decrease instruction of exercise intensity is received from a device other than the exercise equipment control device 12 being connected, it is ignored and the increase/decrease instruction of exercise intensity from another device is not satisfied. The purpose is to prevent other people except the user from increasing or decreasing the voltage value at will. The communication unit 58 transmits information indicating the voltage application state of the electrical stimulation control unit 54, that is, the motion execution state to the exercise equipment control device 12. The communication unit 58 transmits information detected by the sensor 40 to the exercise equipment control device 12.

(control device for sports implement)

Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sports implement control device 12. The sports implement control device 12 includes a control unit 70, a communication unit 71, and a display unit 72. The control unit 70 includes a communication processing unit 60, a type determination unit 61, a correspondence determination unit 62, a setting processing unit 63, an appliance control unit 64, a display control unit 65, and an information management unit 66.

The communication unit 71 transmits and receives information to and from the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 by short-range wireless communication, and transmits and receives information to and from the information management server 14 by communication means such as a mobile phone communication network or a wireless LAN. The control unit 70 transmits and receives information to and from the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 and the information management server 14 via the communication unit 71. The display unit 72 is a touch panel display device such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, displays information on a screen, and receives an operation input from a user.

The communication processing unit 60 transmits and receives information to and from the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 via the communication unit 71. The content of the information received by the communication processing unit 60 from each of the plurality of types of sports equipment differs depending on the type of sports equipment. For example, the information received from each sports implement contains identification information showing the kind of the sports implement or the type of the sport. The information received from each sports appliance may also contain individual identification information and a unique network address (MAC address) for user registration or individual management.

The type decision section 61 decides a type of exercise using the exercise device from among a plurality of types based on the received information. The type determination unit 61 stores, for each type of sports implement, possible types of sports implements of the type in advance. The type determination unit 61 stores in advance the specific names and types of motions of the motion devices such as "Abs + watch", "Abs", "Arm", "Leg", and "Body", for example. The type determination unit 61 determines the type of exercise by determining the type of the exercise device based on the received information. Here, if a sports equipment or a sports type is specified, such as "Abs + watert" or "Abs", a body part to be used with the equipment may be uniquely specified, such as "abdominal muscle + flank" or "abdominal muscle", but the body part to be used may not necessarily be uniquely specified with other sports equipment. For example, "Arm" is used for which of the right and left arms and for which of the front and back of the Arm, without the user's designation, is uncertain. Likewise, "Leg" is for the right or left Leg, and for the front or back of the Leg, unless specified by the user. "Body" may be used for any of the flank, arm, leg, and therefore the Body part used is uncertain if there is no designation by the user. Therefore, the determination of the body part used is performed as follows according to the kind or the exercise type of the exercise equipment.

The correspondence determination unit 62 determines the correspondence between different sports apparatuses for each of the plurality of body parts, based on the respective types of sports determined for one or more sports apparatuses. The correspondence determination unit 62 stores in advance, for each type of motion, one or more body parts that can be moved according to the type. When there are a plurality of body parts that can be moved depending on the type of movement, that is, when a sports implement whose body part needs to be specified is worn, the correspondence determination unit 62 specifies the correspondence between a certain body part and the sports implement based on an operation input from the user to the display unit 72.

The setting processor 63 sets the operation contents of the sporting goods in accordance with the operation input to the display 72 by the user. The setting processor 63 can set different operation contents for each of a plurality of body parts. The setting processor 63 sets the intensity of the electrical stimulation of the muscle electrical stimulation device, that is, the voltage value of one of the 20 levels as the operation content. The setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation content of the muscle electrostimulation device 10 based on the detection value of the sensor 40 acquired from the muscle electrostimulation device 10. The adjustment of the operation content based on the detection value from the sensor 40 will be described later. In the present embodiment, the operation content or the pattern of the set voltage value of the muscle electrical stimulation device 10 is adjusted by both the electrical stimulation control unit 54 and the setting processing unit 63 based on the detection value from the sensor 40, but in a modification, the operation content or the pattern of the set voltage value of the muscle electrical stimulation device 10 may be adjusted by only one of the electrical stimulation control unit 54 and the setting processing unit 63.

The appliance control unit 64 controls the exercise of the exercise appliance by transmitting information indicating the operation content to each exercise appliance through the communication unit 71 based on the correspondence between the specified body part and the exercise appliance and the set operation content. For example, the appliance control unit 64 controls the muscle electrical stimulation device 10 by transmitting a movement start signal, a pause signal, an end signal, a voltage value signal, and the like to the muscle electrical stimulation device 10. On the other hand, in order to suppress battery consumption due to communication in the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10, it is preferable in design to limit communication to a minimum. For example, the voltage value set for the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 is stored in the information management unit 66, and information on the voltage value is not acquired from the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10. In addition, the termination of the exercise program may be determined after a predetermined time has elapsed without transmitting or receiving the exercise termination signal.

The display control unit 65 controls the display of a screen related to the correspondence between the body part and the sports equipment, the operation content, and the sports status. The display control unit 65 displays an image of the human body model, and displays an image dynamically showing the movement of the muscle in motion on the screen according to the control state of the sports implement. The display control unit 65 displays visualized contents on a screen based on the value detected by the sensor 40.

The information management section 66 stores user registration information, attribute information, exercise result information, detection values of the sensors 40, and the like. The user registration information and attribute information include, for example, information such as a mail address, a password, a nickname, date and year of birth, height, weight, and sex. The information management section 66 uses the coefficient for each body part to determine the amount of motion based on the content of the action set and performed for each body part as a result of the motion for each body part, and records the accumulated amount of motion. The information management unit 66 may store a coefficient corresponding to the average muscle area or electrode area for each body part, for example, and calculate the product of the voltage value, the application time, and the coefficient as the primary motion amount. The amount of motion may also be expressed using a separate unit such as "mp". The information management section 66 accumulates the calculated motion amount and stores it as an accumulated motion amount.

Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information management server 14. The information management server 14 includes a control unit 80 and a communication unit 81. The control section 80 stores and manages information received from each of the plurality of sports implement control apparatuses 12. The communication unit 81 performs transmission and reception of information with each of the plurality of sports implement control devices 12 via a communication unit such as a mobile phone communication network or a wireless LAN.

The control unit 80 includes a communication processing unit 85 and an information management unit 86. The communication processing unit 85 transmits and receives information to and from the plurality of sports equipment control devices 12 through the communication unit 81. The information management section 86 stores and manages information received from the plurality of sports implement control apparatuses 12. The information received from the exercise equipment control device 12 is, for example, setting information or exercise result data of the muscle electrical stimulation device 10 for each exercise equipment control device 12, and a detection value of the sensor 40. The information management unit 86 stores the motion control program, and when the motion control program is updated, distributes the new version of the program to the sports equipment control device 12 via the communication unit 81.

In addition, although the sports implement control system 100 according to the present embodiment is described as a configuration including the information management server 14, as another embodiment, a sports implement control system 100 not including the information management server 14 may be realized. In this case, the setting information or the information of the exercise result of each exercise equipment control device 12 is mainly stored in the storage device on the exercise equipment control device 12.

(sensor)

As described above, the sensor 40 that detects information related to the body of the user is provided on any of the housing 20, the first base material 26, the second base material 27, the first electrode group 31, the second electrode group 32, the third electrode group 33, and the fourth electrode group 34. By providing the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 with some kind of sensor, it is possible to acquire biological information of the user or detect an operation state or an operation state of the user. The information obtained or detected is recorded as a user's use history, or fed back to the control of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10. Examples of the sensor provided in the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 will be described below.

Examples of sensors for detecting biological information of a user include doppler sensors, ultrasonic sensors, bioimpedance measuring devices, near infrared sensors, far infrared sensors, skin gas sensors, thermometers, and magnetic sensors. Examples of sensors for detecting the motion state and activity of the user include a doppler sensor, a myoelectric potential sensor, a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a camera.

(1) Doppler sensor

The doppler sensor emits a radio wave (microwave), and detects the movement of the object by comparing the frequency of the reflected wave from the object with the frequency of the emitted wave. The doppler sensor needs to be provided at a separate position that is not in contact with the body of the user as the object. In the case of a physical activity of the user, the frequency of the reflected wave changes due to the doppler effect, and thus it is possible to determine whether the physical activity is still. Vital signs such as heart rate, respiration rate, etc. can be obtained, for example, by detecting body motion caused by heart rate or respiration.

(2) Ultrasonic sensor

The ultrasonic sensor emits ultrasonic waves, and detects a distance based on the time during which a reflected wave returns from an object. Based on the distance information detected by the ultrasonic sensor, the display control unit 65 of the exercise device control apparatus 12 displays a cross-sectional image obtained by visualizing the cross-section of the user's body on the display unit 72. By visualizing a cross-section of the user's body, the thickness of fat, muscle can be determined. The effect of the muscle electrostimulation device 10 can be measured from the history of the thickness of fat and the thickness of muscle stored in the information management unit 66 and the information management unit 86. Unlike the doppler sensor, the ultrasonic sensor needs to be installed at a position in contact with the body of the user as the object. For example, the measurement device is placed in a position where the measurement of the size and contraction of the muscle can be performed in the rectus abdominis muscle. The ultrasonic sensor may be provided in the form of an ultrasonic probe connected to the sporting goods control apparatus 12 shown in fig. 2. In this way, the visualized cross-sectional image of fat or muscle can be displayed on the screen using the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor. Further, by measuring the thickness of fat or muscle and recording the thickness as a history, the change in fat loss or muscle growth can be measured. The setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, the cycle, the waveform, and the like according to the change in the fat or the muscle thickness, the fat reduction, and the muscle growth as the training content of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10. In addition, the recommendation frequency of training and the like may be determined. Further, a pattern in which the ultrasonic sensor is provided on the same layer as the electrode in the first base material 26 or the second base material 27 may be employed. In this case, a gel-like adhesive pad attached to the electrode may be used as the gel-like member of the acoustic matching layer.

(3) Biological impedance measuring device

The bioimpedance measuring device measures the resistance of the body of the user by passing a weak current through the body of the user. The values of the body composition such as fat mass, muscle mass, and water mass can be estimated from the relationship between the measured resistance value and the body information such as height, weight, age, and sex of the user stored in advance. The bioimpedance measuring device needs to be installed at a position in contact with the body of the user in order to allow a weak current to flow through the body, but may be of a type in which the first electrode group 31, the second electrode group 32, the third electrode group 33, and the fourth electrode group 34 are used instead of being installed as separate sensors, and a resistance is measured by allowing a weak current to flow through these electrodes. The electrostimulation control unit 54 or the setting processing unit 63 can adjust the set voltage value of the muscle electrostimulation device 10 or analyze whether or not the electrode position is appropriate and feed back the adjusted voltage value based on the resistance value measured by the bioimpedance measuring device. Further, based on the result of the body composition analysis, the setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time or cycle, waveform, and the like as the content of the training of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10. In addition, the recommendation frequency of training and the like may be determined.

(4) Near infrared sensor

The near-infrared sensor detects, for example, a water content or a blood flow of a user's body based on a difference in reflection, absorption, or transmission amount when the user's body as an object is irradiated with near-infrared rays, which are electromagnetic waves close to visible light. This enables measurement of the training effect and vital signs such as the heart rate and pulse of the user. For example, the setting processor 63 adjusts the operation time or cycle, waveform, and the like according to the change in the water content or the blood flow. For example, the presence or absence of edema may be determined, and based on the determination result, blood flow may be promoted by muscle movement (single contraction) based on electrical stimulation of less than about 15 Hz.

(5) Far infrared sensor

The far infrared ray sensor detects far infrared rays emitted from an object and detects a slight temperature difference. For example, a change in body temperature or a body temperature distribution of the user is detected, and the display control unit 65 of the exercise device control apparatus 12 displays the change in body temperature or the body temperature distribution on the display unit 72. In order to detect the body temperature from each of the plurality of body parts to which the electrical stimulation is applied, sensors may be provided at the plurality of body parts to estimate the difference in the exercise effect or the balance of the exercise for each body part. For example, the setting processor 63 adjusts the operation time, the cycle, the waveform, and the like based on the estimation results.

(6) Myoelectric potential sensor

The myoelectric potential sensor measures myoelectric potential generated by muscle contraction and detects potential change during muscle action. In order to detect myoelectric potentials from a plurality of body parts to which electric stimulation is applied, sensors may be provided at a plurality of parts to estimate differences in muscle movement, differences in muscle fatigue, and balance in muscle movement for each body part. For example, the setting processor 63 adjusts the operation time, the cycle, the waveform, and the like based on the estimation results.

(7) Skin gas sensor

The skin gas sensor is a sensor for detecting gas emitted from the skin surface, and can detect skin gas such as ammonia (NH3), acetone, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), acetic acid, and the like. For example, when ammonia is detected by a skin gas sensor, fatigue of the user may be measured. When acetone is detected by the skin gas sensor, the fat burning amount of the user can be measured. When nitrogen dioxide is detected by the skin gas sensor, the blood flow of the user can be determined. When acetic acid is detected by the skin gas sensor, fatigue of the user can be measured. Based on these measurement values or changes thereof, the setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, cycle, waveform, and the like.

(8) Pressure sensor

The pressure sensor detects a change in capacitance and a change in resistance of the strain gauge due to deformation caused by pressure. For example, vital signs such as heart rate, respiration rate, etc. can be obtained by detecting body movement caused by heart rate, respiration. Further, for example, the pressure of the belt when the muscle electrostimulator 10 is wound around the body may be detected by a pressure sensor to detect the tightening of the belt. The pressure at which the user sits can also be detected by a pressure sensor. By providing the pressure sensor on the bottom surface of the type (muscle stimulation device 10g) in which both feet of the user are placed, the shaking of the muscle stimulation device 10g described later can be detected. Based on these measurement values or changes thereof, the setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, cycle, waveform, and the like.

(9) Acceleration sensor

The acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of the object to detect the movement velocity of the muscle of the user. Further, the magnitude of muscle contraction may be measured based on the amount of exercise of the object. By providing an acceleration sensor in a type (the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10g) in which both feet of the user are placed, the shaking of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10g described later can be detected. The setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, the cycle, the waveform, and the like based on the measurement values and the changes thereof, or the difference in the movement speed of each body part.

(10) Temperature meter

The thermometer detects the temperature of the object. For example, the body temperature of the user or the temperature of the environment is detected. In addition, a hygrometer may be provided to further detect the humidity of the environment. The setting processor 63 adjusts the operation time, cycle, waveform, and the like in accordance with the change in the body temperature of the user or the temperature of the environment.

(11) Image sensor with a plurality of pixels

The image sensor is an image pickup device that acquires an image of an object. The body shape and the motion of the user are detected by the image sensor, so that the deformation and the motion of the body of the user are determined. As the image sensor, a camera built in the moving equipment control device 12 may be used. The setting processor 63 adjusts the operation time, cycle, waveform, and the like in accordance with the deformation and operation of the body of the user.

(12) Biological magnetic sensor

The biomagnetic sensor can detect the biomagnetic of the user to obtain vital signs such as heart rate. Based on these measurement values or changes thereof, the setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, cycle, waveform, and the like.

(13) Waist circumference measuring device

In the case of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 of the type shown in fig. 3, which is wound around the waist, a belt for measuring the waist circumference is provided to measure the waist circumference. In the muscle electrostimulation device 10 of the type that wraps around a body part such as an arm or a leg in addition to the abdomen, a belt for measuring the circumference of the arm or the leg may be provided to measure the circumference. The body shape and body balance of the user are estimated from these measurement values and other measurement values, and the setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, cycle, waveform, and the like based on the estimation result.

By using detection values of various sensors, for example, the following functions can be realized.

(1) Balance of muscles

The setting processor 63 adjusts the operation time, cycle, and waveform based on the balance of muscle mass of each body part measured by using a sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor or a bioimpedance measuring device, and the balance of muscle movement or muscle fatigue of each body part measured by using a sensor such as a myoelectric potential sensor or an infrared sensor. That is, the setting processing unit 63 performs adjustment so as to perform training in a direction in which the imbalance between the right and left muscles or between the upper and lower muscles is eliminated. When the imbalance in muscle mass of the right and left rectus abdominis or oblique abdominis is measured, the setting processing unit 63 may set a larger voltage value to the rectus abdominis or oblique abdominis with a smaller muscle mass as the setting voltage value corresponding to the right and left difference. When the muscle mass imbalance of the left and right arms is measured, the setting processing unit 63 may set a larger voltage value for the arm with the smaller muscle mass as the setting voltage value corresponding to the left and right difference. When the muscle mass imbalance of the left and right legs is measured, the setting processing unit 63 may set a larger voltage value for the leg with the smaller muscle mass as the setting voltage value corresponding to the left and right difference. When the imbalance between the muscle mass of the upper and lower bodies, the muscle mass of the front and rear bodies, and the like is measured, the setting processing unit 63 may set a larger voltage value for the muscle with the smaller muscle mass as the setting voltage value corresponding to the difference. The setting processing unit 63 may set the voltage value to be suitable for the electrical stimulation and the exercise amount of the user based on the relationship between the fat amount and the muscle amount, the ratio thereof, the body information of the user such as height, weight, age, and sex, which is stored in advance, and the body shape and the exercise amount desired by the user. As described above, more appropriate electrical stimulation can be applied according to different body shapes and muscle masses of different users.

(2) Electrical stimulation corresponding to heart rate

When a vital sign such as a heart rate of a user is obtained by a sensor such as a doppler sensor, a near infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, or a biological magnetic sensor, the setting processing unit 63 adjusts the setting voltage value of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 according to the heart rate. When the heart rate of the user is monitored by these sensors, the setting processor 63 may promote blood flow during single contraction by applying electrical stimulation with a waveform at a timing that matches the heart rate. The setting processing unit 63 reduces the setting voltage value and the like to suppress training when the heart rate is excessively increased beyond a predetermined value, and conversely increases the setting voltage value to increase the intensity when the heart rate is lowered to a level lower than the predetermined value. As described above, the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 can be used more effectively.

(3) Attention reminder for changing bonding pad

The sensor detects whether or not the gel-like adhesive pad attached to the electrode of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 is in a state to be replaced due to wear or the like. For example, the composition (particularly, the water content) of the adhesive pad may be detected by a sensor such as a doppler sensor, a bioimpedance measuring device, or a near infrared ray sensor. In order to detect the moisture content of the adhesive pad, the sensor may be disposed so that the sensor is sandwiched between a part of the adhesive pad. In addition to the pattern in which the living body impedance measuring device measures the resistance value of the adhesive pad while the electrode is energized with the body of the user, a pattern in which a dedicated impedance measuring device for measuring the resistance value of the adhesive pad is provided near the electrode may be used. When the consumption of the adhesive pad is detected and the setting processing unit 63 determines that the adhesive pad should be replaced, the display control unit 65 displays a content urging the user to replace the adhesive pad on the display unit 72. Further, information indicating that the adhesive pad should be replaced may be transmitted to the information management server 14 via the communication unit 71, and the communication processing unit 85 of the information management server 14 receiving the information may automatically place a new purchase order for the adhesive pad for the user. As described above, the replacement of the adhesive pad improves the convenience of the user, and can promote the user to appropriately use the adhesive pad or the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10.

(4) Waveform adjustment

Since it is difficult to apply current when the thickness of fat and the amount of fat are large, the setting processor 63 adjusts the waveform according to the amount of fat in order to increase the frequency of electrical stimulation and increase the current application. Specifically, the frequency of the pulse constituting the burst wave to be energized is adjusted to an appropriate depth and stimulation amount in accordance with the fat amount measured by the ultrasonic sensor or the bioimpedance measuring device. For example, when the fat amount exceeds a predetermined value, the frequency of the waveform is increased. In particular, the muscle electrostimulation device 10 of the coherent type is capable of waveform adjustment to reach a target site. As described above, more effective electrical stimulation may be provided to the user.

(5) Output regulation

In the type (the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10g) in which the user places both feet, if the electrical stimulation from the sole of the foot is enhanced, the ankle acts by the electrical stimulation, and therefore the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10g swings like a seesaw in cooperation with the ankle. Fig. 7 is a side view showing a use state of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 g. In using the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10g, the user places both feet on the pair of

foot rest portions

92L, 92R of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10g, respectively, in a leaning seated position. The reclining sitting posture means a posture in which the legs FL and FR are lowered while the chair is seated on the backrest and the floor of the chair. A stimulation current for giving an electrical stimulation is passed through both legs via a pair of electrodes. The stimulation current takes the left leg, the right leg and the muscle electrical stimulation device 10g of the user as an electrifying path. When a stimulating current is applied to both legs, an electrical stimulus is applied to muscles such as the shin, calf, and sole, and the movement accompanying these contraction and loosening prevention is promoted. That is, the movement of the muscles under the knee and the foot is promoted. When the muscles below the knee and the foot contract by electrical stimulation, the feet FL and FR move in the direction Pa1 so that the ankle is bent. On the other hand, if the muscle in the contracted state is released by the release of the electrical stimulation, the feet FL and FR move in the direction Pa2 so that the ankle joints thereof stretch. By repeatedly applying electrical stimulation to the muscles below the knee and the foot, the reciprocating rocking motion of the feet FL, FR of the user in these directions Pa1, Pa2 is promoted. The body 16 of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10g is provided so as to be capable of swinging back and forth in association with the up-and-down movement of the front and rear end portions in a state in which a part thereof is grounded. Thus, when the feet FL and FR are placed on the muscle electrostimulation device 10g and the oscillation of the feet FL and FR is promoted by the electrostimulation, the muscle electrostimulation device 10g oscillates following the oscillation. Accordingly, even when the feet FL and FR are shaken, the feet FL and FR can be kept in contact with the electrode unit of the muscle electrostimulator 10g, and the electrostimulator 10g can continue to give electrostimulation. As a result, the rocking motion of the feet FL and FR is continuously promoted by the muscle electrical stimulation device 10g, and a training effect of exercising muscles by electrical stimulation is obtained.

However, in the case of a user who is not accustomed to using the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10g, it is also conceivable that there are users: there is hesitation in raising the voltage value, and the voltage value cannot be raised appropriately until the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10g swings. Therefore, a pressure sensor or an acceleration sensor is provided on the muscle electrostimulation device 10g to detect the shaking of the muscle electrostimulation device 10 g. When it is determined that the detected value indicating the shaking of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10g is lower than the shaking shortage such as the predetermined value, the user may be notified that the voltage value is insufficient or increased to an appropriate voltage value, or the control to increase the voltage value to an appropriate voltage value may be automatically executed.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment is illustrative, and various modifications are possible in combination of these respective constituent elements and respective processing procedures, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. Modifications are shown below.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the muscle electrical stimulation device 10 that exercises the muscle by the reflex exercise of the electrical stimulation is used as the exercise equipment has been described. In the modification, it is also applicable to the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 for hybrid training in which the reflex motion based on electrical stimulation is added to an arbitrary motion.

In the above embodiment, the exercise device control apparatus 12 is connected to the information management server 14, and transmits the exercise result and the user registration information for each user to the information management server 14 for management. In the modification, the sports implement control system may be configured by only the plurality of muscle electrical stimulation devices 10 and the sports implement control device 12 without using the information management server 14. The muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 may be configured integrally with the exercise equipment control apparatus 12 as a single apparatus by providing the display function, the control function, and the communication function of the exercise equipment control apparatus 12 to the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10. In this case, the user does not need to separately hold the exercise device control apparatus 12, and the communication unit 58 of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 directly communicates with the information management server 14 as shown in fig. 4. In addition, direct communication is possible between the plurality of muscle electrical stimulation apparatuses 10, and accordingly, synchronization of the motions is easily achieved between the muscle electrical stimulation apparatuses 10.

In the above embodiment, a pattern in which the movement time of the applied voltage and the like are determined as the movement program has been described. In the modification, not only the exercise time, but also the body part to be used, the exercise frequency, the schedule, the setting intensity, and the like may be programmed into the exercise program in a form optimized according to the exercise purpose, the attribute of the user, the exercise history, and the like. In this case, the notification urging the execution of the exercise may be performed on an appropriate schedule. Further, the strength may be gradually increased based on the history, or may be automatically adjusted by decreasing the strength according to the fatigue level.

As described above, the first base material 26 and the second base material 27 are formed of sheet-like members and are formed in a shape suitable for a body part to be worn. For example, the electrostimulation module worn on the gym suit 102 uses a substrate that is adapted to be worn on the gym suit 102. The base material may be formed into a substantially rectangular shape having an equal moment of a rectangle on which each configuration of the electrostimulation module is mounted, or may be formed of a fiber material having shape stability and lightweight. For example, the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10g may use a base material having a material or shape suitable for a foot rest.

In a modification, the muscle electrostimulation device 10 may be configured to borrow the user for a fee, and the muscle electrostimulation device 10 may be operated only during a period of equivalent payment. For example, the communication unit 58 or the communication unit 71 may inquire of the information management server 14 whether or not there is payment by the user, and the setting unit 56 may perform control to validate the operation of the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 only when the communication unit 58 or the communication unit 71 receives information indicating that there is payment and that there is a legitimate use authority from the information management server 14.

In a modification, as shown in fig. 8, the display controller 65 of the sports implement controller 12 may display an avatar displayed as a user avatar in the virtual reality space on the screen of the display 72. Fig. 8 shows an example of a screen displaying an avatar. On the screen, the avatar 110 whose muscle size can be changed according to the use history is displayed. The display modality of the avatar 110 may be changed based on the usage history of the muscle electrostimulation device 10 of the user. For example, changes in muscle growth of the avatar 110 may also be displayed before and after use of the muscle electrostimulation device 10. For example, the growth of the muscle may be simulated according to the usage history such as the frequency of use, the number of times of use, the usage time, and the usage voltage value of the muscle electro-stimulation device 10, and displayed on the screen. In this case, the user can use the muscle electrical stimulation apparatus 10 with the feeling of enjoying a game of cultivating the avatar 110.

Any combination of the above-described embodiments and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. The new embodiment resulting from the combination has the effects of both the combined embodiment and the modified example.

Description of the symbols

10 muscle electrical stimulation devices, 12 sports equipment control devices, 28 control units, 40 sensors, 60 communication processing units, 63 setting processing units, 64 equipment control units, 65 display control units, 66 information management units, 70 control units, 80 control units, 85 communication processing units and 86 information management units.

Industrial applicability of the invention

The invention relates to a muscle electrical stimulation device.

Claims

1. A muscle electrical stimulation device for applying electrical stimulation to a muscle, comprising:

a sensor that detects information related to a body of a user; and

and a control unit that controls a voltage applied between the electrodes and processes information detected by the sensor.

2. The muscle electro-stimulation device as claimed in claim 1,

the sensor detects information for estimating muscle mass of each of a plurality of body parts to which an electric stimulus is given,

the control unit estimates the muscle balance of the plurality of body parts based on the detected information, and controls the voltage in accordance with the muscle balance.