JP2009017945A - Electric stimulator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric stimulator capable of impressing the electric signals of an appropriate size and improving the effect of treatment or the like. <P>SOLUTION: The electric stimulator for impressing the electric signals through a terminal 11 to the prescribed part of the body comprises an output control part 20 for generating a voltage and outputting the electric signals corresponding to the voltage to the terminal 11 and a reporting part 16 for reporting that the electric signals are to be outputted to the terminal 11. The output control part 20 makes the reporting part 16 report beforehand that the electric signals are to be outputted to the terminal 11 when outputting the electric signals to the terminal 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical stimulation device that applies an electrical signal to a body.

Conventionally, various electrical stimulation apparatuses that apply an electrical signal to the body to perform treatment, beauty, training, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “treatment”) have been used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In such an electrical stimulation device, if the applied electrical signal is too large, the user is uncomfortable.
Therefore, an electrical stimulation device is known that can adjust the magnitude of an electrical signal so that an electrical signal is not excessively applied by operating an operation unit or the like.

Here, when the user feels uncomfortable, a psychological factor is very large. In other words, although the stimulus is not strong enough to feel uncomfortable, it may overreact to the stimulus, resulting in an illusion of discomfort.
JP 2001-333990 A

  However, in the conventional electrical stimulation apparatus as described above, when the user feels uncomfortable due to an excessive reaction, the electrical signal is reduced more than necessary, and thus effective treatment or the like cannot be performed. There is a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can appropriately apply an electric signal having a magnitude according to the user's preference, and can improve the effect of treatment and the like. An object is to provide a stimulator.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides the following means.
The present invention is an electrical stimulation device that applies an electrical signal to a predetermined part of the body via a terminal, generates a voltage, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the voltage to the terminal; A notification unit that notifies that the electrical signal is output to the terminal, and the output control unit notifies in advance that the electrical signal is output to the terminal when the electrical signal is output to the terminal. It is characterized by notifying the part.

  According to the present invention, the user can be informed before the electrical signal is applied. Therefore, an excessive reaction of the user can be prevented.

  Further, according to the present invention, the output control unit outputs the electrical signal at a predetermined time interval, and outputs the electrical signal to the terminal in advance when outputting each electrical signal. It is characterized by notifying.

  According to the present invention, the user can be surely notified that an electric signal is applied.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the notification unit can be notified at a plurality of notification levels, and the output control unit changes the notification level according to the magnitude of the voltage to be generated.

  According to the present invention, the magnitude of the applied electrical signal can be intuitively notified to the user via the notification unit. Therefore, an excessive reaction of the user can be effectively prevented.

  According to the present invention, before an electric signal is applied, the user can be informed of this, and the user's excessive reaction can be prevented. An electric signal can be applied appropriately and the effect of treatment or the like can be improved.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, an electrical stimulation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an electrical stimulation device as a first embodiment of the present invention.
The electrical stimulation device 1 includes a device body portion 2 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a conductor 3 attached to the affected area of the user.
A display unit 4 for displaying various information is provided on the top surface of the apparatus main body unit 2. The display unit 4 is made of liquid crystal.

In addition, in the vicinity of the display unit 4 on the top surface of the apparatus main body unit 2, a maximum value input unit 5 for the user to specify the maximum voltage value and the user specifies the maximum voltage value. A minimum value input unit 6 is provided.
A selection unit 7 for alternatively selecting a treatment mode is provided in the vicinity of the display unit 4 on the top surface of the apparatus main body unit 2.
As the treatment mode, a normal treatment mode for outputting an electric signal having a constant magnitude at a predetermined time and a habituation prevention mode for outputting a plurality of electric signals having different magnitudes at a predetermined time are set.
Further, the familiarization prevention mode is set with a normal mode for outputting a plurality of predetermined electrical signals and an adjustment mode for adjusting (changing) the magnitudes of the plurality of predetermined electrical signals. Yes.
The selection unit 7 is for selectively selecting either the normal treatment mode or the habituation prevention mode and alternatively selecting either the normal mode or the adjustment mode.
Further, the apparatus main body 2 is provided with a connecting portion 8 to which the conductor 3 is connected.

Further, the conductor 3 includes an electrode terminal (terminal) 11 that is in contact with the affected part, a cable 9 connected to the electrode terminal 11, and a connector 10 provided at an end of the cable 9. .
The connector 10 is connected to the connection portion 8, whereby the conductor 3 is detachably coupled to the apparatus main body portion 2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical stimulation apparatus 1 for each function.
The apparatus main body 2 includes a control unit 15 that controls the overall operation.
The control unit 15 is connected to the storage unit 17 that stores various information, the display unit 4, the maximum value input unit 5, the minimum value input unit 6, and the selection unit 7 described above.
The storage unit 17 stores a voltage value of a voltage to be generated by a voltage generation unit 18 to be described later and a waveform pattern (voltage pattern) of the generation time.
When operated by the user, the maximum value input unit 5 or the minimum value input unit 6 outputs a maximum value signal or a minimum value signal indicating the maximum value or the minimum value of the voltage value to the control unit 15. Then, the control unit 15 reads the maximum value signal or the minimum value signal, and stores the maximum value or the minimum value in the storage unit 17.
The selection unit 7 outputs a mode selection signal to the control unit 15 when an operation according to the normal mode or the adjustment mode is performed by the user.

The control unit 15 is connected to a voltage generation unit 18 that generates a voltage.
The voltage generator 18 is connected to the electrode terminal 11. Then, the control unit 15 reads the voltage pattern stored in the storage unit 17, generates a voltage corresponding to the voltage pattern via the voltage generation unit 18, and further generates a voltage generated by the voltage generation unit 18. An electrical signal corresponding to the signal is output to the electrode terminal 11 via the voltage generator 18. That is, the control unit 15 and the voltage generation unit 18 function as the output control unit 20.
Moreover, the control part 15 is connected to the alerting | reporting part 16 which alert | reports that an electrical signal is output. The notification unit 16 is, for example, an LED, and notifies the user that an electrical signal is output by emitting light.

Next, the operation of the electrical stimulation device 1 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described.
When the control unit 15 reads the mode selection signal output from the selection unit 7 and determines that the normal treatment mode is selected, the electrical signal set by the operation unit (not shown) of the apparatus main body unit 2 is The voltage is output to the electrode terminal 11 via the voltage generator 18. Then, the electric signal is applied to the affected area via the electrode terminal 11, and the affected area is thereby treated.
On the other hand, when the control unit 15 determines from the mode selection signal output from the selection unit 7 that the habituation prevention mode has been selected and the normal mode has been selected, the voltage pattern stored in the storage unit 17 in advance. And a voltage corresponding to the voltage pattern is generated via the voltage generator 18.

FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram illustrating a voltage waveform corresponding to the voltage pattern stored in the storage unit 17.
In this voltage pattern, a plurality of different voltages having voltage values from the minimum value a to the maximum value e are generated within a predetermined time T. A pattern at a predetermined time T is periodically generated at a predetermined time interval T1.
That is, the control unit 15 outputs electrical signals having different magnitudes at a predetermined time T to the electrode terminal 11 via the voltage generation unit 18 at predetermined time intervals T1.
For example, the time T is set to 1 minute, and the time interval T1 is set to 30 seconds.

On the other hand, when the familiarity prevention mode is selected from the mode selection signal output from the selection unit 7 and the adjustment mode is selected, the control unit 15 operates as follows.
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 15 reads a voltage pattern stored in advance in the storage unit 17 (step S1), and determines whether or not a maximum voltage value is designated (step S2). . That is, the control unit 15 accesses the storage unit 17 and determines whether or not the maximum value is stored. When the control unit 15 determines that the maximum value is stored (step S2; YES), the stored maximum value (hereinafter referred to as “input maximum voltage value”) is the voltage value of the voltage pattern (hereinafter referred to as “pattern”). It is determined whether or not it is larger than the “voltage value” (step S3).

When determining that the input maximum voltage value is larger than each pattern voltage value (step S3; YES), the control unit 15 sets the pattern voltage value to the input maximum voltage value. That is, the control unit 15 holds the pattern voltage value as it is for each pattern voltage value that is less than or equal to the input maximum voltage value, and inputs the pattern voltage value for those that are greater than the maximum input voltage value. Set to the maximum voltage value. In other words, the control unit 15 sets the input maximum voltage value as the upper limit of the pattern voltage value (step S4).
Then, the control unit 15 stores the changed voltage pattern in the storage unit 17.
Next, the controller 15 determines that the pattern voltage value is equal to or less than the input maximum voltage value after step S4 or after determining that the maximum value is not specified in step S2 (step S2; NO) or in step S3. After the determination (step S3; NO), it is determined whether or not a minimum value is designated (step S5).

  That is, the control unit 15 accesses the storage unit 17 to determine whether or not the minimum value is stored. If the control unit 15 determines that the minimum value is stored (step S5; YES), whether or not the stored minimum value (hereinafter referred to as “input minimum voltage value”) is smaller than the pattern voltage value. Is determined (step S6).

When determining that the input minimum voltage value is smaller than each pattern voltage value (step S6; YES), the control unit 15 sets the pattern voltage value to the input minimum voltage value. That is, the control unit 15 holds the pattern voltage value as it is for each pattern voltage value that is equal to or higher than the input minimum voltage value, and inputs the pattern voltage value for those that are smaller than the input minimum voltage value. Set to the minimum voltage value. In other words, the control unit 15 sets the input minimum voltage value as the lower limit of the pattern voltage value (step S7).
Then, the control unit 15 stores the changed voltage pattern in the storage unit 17.

Next, the control unit 15 determines that the minimum value is not specified in Step S7 or after Step S5 (Step S5; NO), or that the pattern voltage value is greater than or equal to the input minimum voltage value in Step S6. After the determination (step S6; NO), the control unit 15 outputs a predetermined value of current to the notification unit 16 to drive the notification unit 16. That is, the control part 15 makes the alerting | reporting part 16 alert | report that an electric signal is output (step S8).
Furthermore, the control unit 15 generates a voltage according to the voltage pattern (including the one after the change of the maximum value or the minimum value) stored in the storage unit 17 via the voltage generation unit 18 (step S9). And the control part 15 repeats the process of step S8 and step S9 until the preset treatment time is complete | finished or a power supply is turned off by the user. That is, the control unit 15 drives the notification unit 16 in advance immediately before each output pattern that is repeated every time interval T1. Thus, the notification unit 16 emits light at every time interval T1 at a timing immediately before t1 and t2 shown in FIG.
Therefore, the user can recognize that an electric signal is applied by visually observing the light emission of the notification unit 16.

Here, FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram showing a voltage waveform corresponding to the voltage pattern after the change of the maximum value or the minimum value.
For example, it is assumed that the maximum input voltage value is d and the minimum input voltage value is b.
In this voltage pattern, voltage values from a minimum value a (indicated by a broken line) to a maximum value e (indicated by a broken line) are included. Here, the maximum input voltage value d is smaller than the maximum pattern voltage value e, and the minimum input voltage value b is larger than the minimum pattern voltage value a.
Therefore, the maximum value e and the minimum value a of the pattern voltage value are cut and set to the maximum value d and the minimum value b, respectively (shown by a solid line).
As a result, an electrical signal having a magnitude between the maximum voltage value and the minimum voltage value specified by the user is applied to the affected area.

As described above, according to the electrical stimulation device 1 in the present embodiment, the user can be informed before the electrical signal is applied, and the excessive reaction of the user can be prevented. Therefore, an electric signal having a magnitude according to the user's preference can be appropriately applied, and the effect of treatment or the like can be improved.
In addition, since an electric signal can be applied to the affected area with the maximum voltage set by the user as an upper limit, not only the user's habituation to the stimulus can be prevented, but also the user can be given an optimal stimulus. .
In addition, an electric signal can be applied to the affected area with the minimum value of the voltage set by the user as a lower limit, and an optimal stimulus can be given to the user.
In addition, since the voltage pattern is stored in the storage unit 17 in advance, a voltage for preventing habituation can be generated quickly and accurately with a simple configuration.
In addition, since the normal treatment mode, the habituation prevention mode, the normal mode, the adjustment mode, and the like are set, appropriate treatment can be performed according to various treatments.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 6, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
This embodiment and the first embodiment have the same basic configuration, and different points will be mainly described here.

The control unit 15 in the present embodiment reads the initial voltage value generated by the voltage generation unit 18 before driving the notification unit 16 and drives the notification unit 16 according to the voltage value.
The storage unit 17 stores in advance the first read voltage value and the current applied to the notification unit 16 in association with each other. That is, if the voltage value is large, the current value is set large, and if the voltage value is small, the current value is also set small.
Under such a configuration, the control unit 15 determines that the minimum value is not specified in step S7 or after step S5 (step S5; NO), or the pattern voltage value is the input minimum in step S6. After determining that the voltage value is equal to or higher than the voltage value (step S6; NO), the first voltage value of the voltage pattern (including the one after the change of the maximum value or the minimum value) stored in the storage unit 17 is read (step S20). ). And the control part 15 reads the electric current value previously matched with the first voltage value, outputs the electric current to the alerting | reporting part 16, and drives the alerting | reporting part 16 (step S8). That is, the light quantity (notification level) of the notification unit 16 is changed according to the magnitude of the initial voltage value output at every predetermined time interval T1. Specifically, if the initial voltage value is large, the light amount of the notification unit 16 is large, and if the initial voltage value of the voltage pattern is small, the light amount of the notification unit 16 is small.

  As described above, according to the electrical stimulation device 1 of the present embodiment, not only can the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment be achieved, but also the magnitude of the applied electrical signal can be changed through the change in the light amount of the notification unit 16. Users can be informed intuitively. Therefore, an excessive reaction of the user can be effectively prevented.

In the first and second embodiments, the same voltage pattern is periodically repeated in the habituation prevention mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate. For example, a plurality of voltage patterns may be stored in advance, and the plurality of voltage patterns may be extracted sequentially or randomly to generate a voltage. Alternatively, the voltage value may be generated randomly by randomly generating a voltage value without being stored in advance in the storage unit 17. Also in this case, it goes without saying that the light quantity of the notification unit 16 is changed according to the first voltage value that is randomly generated. In addition, for each of the randomly generated voltage values, the corresponding one can be set to the input maximum voltage value or the input minimum voltage value.
Moreover, although it demonstrated on the assumption that it is an electrotherapy device as the electrical stimulation apparatus 1, it is not restricted to this, A beauty instrument and a training apparatus may be sufficient.

Moreover, although the alerting | reporting part 16 shall alert | report by light, such as LED, it is not restricted to this, The structure of the alerting | reporting part 16 can be changed suitably. For example, it may be notified by an image, sound, vibration, or the like, or may be notified by applying a weak current. In the case of an image, the notification level can be indicated by displaying the character, figure, symbol, or the like indicating the notification level. Further, in the sound, vibration and weak current, the notification level can be indicated by the sound itself, the sound volume, and the vibration and weak current. Also, in the case of LEDs, the notification level can be indicated by the color of light, the flashing speed, etc. in addition to the amount of light. In other words, when the electrical signal to be output is large, red light can be emitted or blinking can be accelerated. On the other hand, when the electrical signal to be output is small, blue light is generated or blinking is delayed. be able to.
Furthermore, by associating the magnitude of the applied electrical signal with the amount, color, blinking speed, etc. of the light in multiple stages (large, medium, small, etc.), the user can know the magnitude of the electrical signal in more detail. It can be tightened.

    The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is a top view which shows 1st Embodiment of the electrical stimulation apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric stimulation apparatus of FIG. 1 for every function. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control part of FIG. FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram illustrating a voltage waveform corresponding to a voltage pattern stored in a storage unit in FIG. 2. It is a wave form diagram which shows the voltage waveform after changing the maximum value or minimum value of the voltage waveform of FIG. It is a figure which shows 2nd Embodiment of the electrical stimulation apparatus which concerns on this invention, Comprising: It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a control part.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electrical stimulator 11 Electrode terminal (terminal)
16 Notification unit 20 Output control unit

Claims (3)

An electrical stimulation device that applies an electrical signal to a predetermined part of the body via a terminal,
An output control unit that generates a voltage and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the voltage to the terminal;
A notification unit for notifying that the electrical signal is output to the terminal;
The output control unit
When outputting the electrical signal to the terminal, the electrical stimulation apparatus is configured to notify a notification unit in advance that the electrical signal is output to the terminal. The output control unit
Outputting the electrical signal at a predetermined time interval;
The electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the respective electric signals are output, the notification unit is notified in advance that the electric signals are output to the terminals. The notification unit can be notified at a plurality of notification levels,
The electrical stimulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output control unit changes the notification level according to a magnitude of the voltage to be generated.

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