JP2009119011A - Electric stimulator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric stimulator preventing a user from getting used to stimulations and supplying optimum stimulations. <P>SOLUTION: The electric stimulator for impressing electric signals through a terminal to a prescribed part of the body is provided with a voltage generation control part 20 for making a plurality of voltages of different voltage values be generated and outputting the electric signals corresponding to the voltages to the terminal and a maximum value input part 5 for specifying the maximum value of the voltage value. The voltage generation control part 20 generates the voltage with the maximum value specified through the maximum value input part 5 as an upper limit. <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 beauty signals, training, treatment, and the like by applying electrical signals to the body have been used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Here, if the magnitude of the electric signal to be applied is constant, the user becomes accustomed to the stimulus, and the therapeutic effect may be reduced.
In view of this, some of the electrical stimulation apparatuses include a voltage generator that generates a plurality of voltages having different voltage values and outputs the voltages to a terminal. And the electric signal based on several voltage from which a voltage value differs is applied to a body by outputting the voltage generated by the voltage generation part to a terminal.
As a result, the user's familiarity can be prevented and the therapeutic effect and the like can be improved.
JP 2005-348859 A

  However, since there are individual differences in suitable voltage values, there is a problem that the electrical stimulation device as described above may give a user discomfort depending on the voltage value. In particular, when the voltage value is large, the user's irritation may be too strong.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, Comprising: The electric stimulation apparatus which can prevent the user's familiarity with respect to a stimulus and can give the stimulus suitable for a user's liking is provided. Objective.

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 plurality of voltages having different voltage values, and outputs the electrical signal corresponding to the voltage to the terminal. And a maximum value input unit for specifying a maximum value of the voltage value, and the voltage generation control unit supplies a voltage with the maximum value specified via the maximum value input unit as an upper limit. It is characterized by generating.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to apply an electric signal having a magnitude suitable to the user's preference, with the maximum voltage set by each user as an upper limit.

  In addition, the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a voltage pattern composed of a plurality of voltages having different voltage values, and the voltage generation control unit includes the maximum value input unit based on the voltage pattern stored in the storage unit. The voltage is generated with the maximum value specified via the upper limit as an upper limit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to apply an electric signal having a magnitude suitable to the user's preference to the body quickly and with high accuracy by a simple configuration.

  In addition, the present invention includes a selection unit that selects either a normal mode for generating a voltage pattern voltage stored in the storage unit or an adjustment mode for adjusting the voltage value of the voltage pattern, When the adjustment mode is selected by the selection unit, the generation control unit generates a voltage with the maximum value specified via the maximum value input unit as an upper limit based on the voltage pattern stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, in the adjustment mode, the maximum value specified via the maximum value input unit can be set as the upper limit for the voltage value of the voltage pattern. A magnitude electrical signal can be applied.

  The present invention further includes a minimum value input unit for specifying a minimum value of the voltage value, and the voltage generation control unit generates a voltage with the minimum value specified via the minimum value input unit as a lower limit. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to apply to the body an electrical signal having a magnitude that suits the user's preference, with the minimum value of the voltage set by each user as the lower limit.

  In addition, the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a voltage pattern composed of a plurality of voltages having different voltage values, and the voltage generation control unit includes the minimum value input unit based on the voltage pattern stored in the storage unit. A voltage is generated with the minimum value specified via the lower limit as a lower limit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to apply an electric signal having a magnitude suitable to the user's preference to the body quickly and with high accuracy by a simple configuration.

  In addition, the present invention includes a selection unit that selects either a normal mode for generating a voltage pattern voltage stored in the storage unit or an adjustment mode for adjusting the voltage value of the voltage pattern, When the adjustment mode is selected by the selection unit, the generation control unit generates a voltage with a minimum value designated via the minimum value input unit as a lower limit based on a voltage pattern stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, in the adjustment mode, the minimum value specified via the minimum value input unit can be set as the lower limit for the voltage value of the voltage pattern. A magnitude electrical signal can be applied.

  In addition, the present invention includes a notification unit that notifies that the electrical signal is output, and the voltage generation control unit generates the voltage at a predetermined time interval and outputs the voltage after the time interval. Before, the notification unit is notified that the electrical signal is output.

  According to the present invention, the user can be informed before an electrical signal is output.

  According to the present invention, an electric signal can be applied with the maximum voltage set by each user as an upper limit, so that the user is not accustomed to the stimulus and a stimulus suitable for the user is given. be able to.

(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 value of the voltage value, and the user specifies the minimum value of the 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 configured by an input device, and selectively selects either the normal treatment mode or the habituation prevention mode based on an instruction input from the user, and either the normal mode or the adjustment mode. It is for selecting one alternatively.
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 voltage generation control unit 20.

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.

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 “designated maximum voltage value”) is used as 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 designated maximum voltage value is larger than each pattern voltage value (step S3; YES), the control unit 15 sets the pattern voltage value to the designated 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 designated maximum voltage value, and designates the pattern voltage value that is greater than the designated maximum voltage value. Set to the maximum voltage value. In other words, the control unit 15 sets the designated 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 control unit 15 determines that the maximum value is not specified in Step S4 or after Step S2 (Step S2; NO), or the pattern voltage value is less than or equal to the specified maximum voltage value in Step S3. After determining that there is (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 “designated minimum voltage value”) is smaller than the pattern voltage value. Is determined (step S6).

When determining that the specified minimum voltage value is smaller than each pattern voltage value (step S6; YES), the control unit 15 sets the pattern voltage value to the specified 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 greater than the specified minimum voltage value, and specifies the pattern voltage value for those that are smaller than the specified minimum voltage value. Set to the minimum voltage value. In other words, the control unit 15 sets the designated 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, after step S7, or after determining that the minimum value is not specified in step S5 (step S5; NO), or in step S6, the control unit 15 determines that the pattern voltage value is greater than or equal to the specified minimum voltage value. After determining that it is present (step S6; NO), the voltage generator 18 is driven. That is, the control unit 15 generates a voltage according to the voltage pattern stored in the storage unit 17 (including a voltage pattern after changing the maximum value or the minimum value) via the voltage generation unit 18 (step S8).

FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram showing a voltage waveform corresponding to the voltage pattern after changing the maximum value or the minimum value.
For example, it is assumed that the designated maximum voltage value is d and the designated minimum 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 designated maximum voltage value d is smaller than the maximum value e of the pattern voltage value, and the designated minimum voltage value b is larger than the minimum value a of the pattern voltage value.
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, an electrical signal can be applied to the affected area with the maximum value of the voltage set by the user as an upper limit. In addition, the user can be optimally stimulated.
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.
6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the present invention.
6 and 7, 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.

As shown in FIG. 6, the apparatus main body 2 in this embodiment includes a notification unit 16 that notifies 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. The notification unit 16 is connected to the control unit 15.
Under such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, after step S7, the control unit 15 drives the notification unit 16 so that the notification unit 16 is notified by light emission that an electrical signal is output (step S7). S20).
Further, the control unit 15 drives the voltage generation unit 18 to generate a voltage as described above (step S8). And the control part 15 repeats the process of step S20 and step S8 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 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.

  As described above, according to the electrical stimulation device 1 in the present embodiment, not only the same effects as in the above embodiment can be achieved, but also the user can be informed that an electrical signal is output.

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 for each voltage value generated randomly, the corresponding maximum voltage value is set to the designated maximum voltage value or the designated minimum voltage value. Moreover, the light quantity of the alerting | reporting part 16 can also be changed according to the first voltage value which generate | occur | produced at random.
Although the time interval T1 is provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and a continuous voltage may be used.
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, in the said 2nd Embodiment, although the alerting | reporting part 16 shall notify 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 addition, the notification unit 16 is caused to emit light each time an electrical signal is output, but can be changed as follows. For example, the amount and color of light, the blinking speed, and the like may be changed in accordance with the magnitude of the electric signal to be output. That is, when the electrical signal to be output is large, the amount of light is increased, the red light is emitted, or the blinking is accelerated. On the other hand, when the output electrical signal is small, the amount of light is decreased. Or blue light may be generated, or blinking may be delayed. That is, the control unit 15 reads the initial voltage value generated at each time interval T1, and drives the notification unit 16 to emit light at the light amount, color, and blinking speed associated with the voltage value in advance. Also good. Furthermore, by associating the magnitude of the electrical signal to be output with the amount, color, and blinking speed of the light in multiple stages (large, medium, small, etc.), the magnitude of the output electrical signal can be further detailed by the user. Can let you know. In addition, when notification is made by an image, sound, vibration, etc., it can be similarly changed according to the magnitude of the electric signal.

    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 block diagram which shows 2nd Embodiment of the electrical stimulation apparatus which concerns on this invention for every function. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control part of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrical stimulator 5 Maximum value input part 6 Minimum value input part 7 Selection part 11 Electrode terminal (terminal)
15 Control unit (Voltage generation control unit)
16 Notification unit 17 Storage unit 18 Voltage generation unit (voltage generation control unit)
20 Voltage generation controller

Claims (7)

An electrical stimulation device that applies an electrical signal to a predetermined part of the body via a terminal,
A voltage generation control unit that generates a plurality of voltages having different voltage values and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the voltage to the terminal;
A maximum value input unit for specifying a maximum value of the voltage value,
The voltage generation controller is
An electrical stimulation apparatus, wherein a voltage is generated with a maximum value designated via the maximum value input unit as an upper limit. A storage unit that stores a voltage pattern composed of a plurality of voltages having different voltage values,
The voltage generation controller is
The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein a voltage is generated with the maximum value designated via the maximum value input unit as an upper limit based on a voltage pattern stored in the storage unit. A selection unit that selects one of a normal mode for generating a voltage pattern voltage stored in the storage unit and an adjustment mode for adjusting the voltage value of the voltage pattern;
The voltage generation controller is
When an adjustment mode is selected by the selection unit, a voltage is generated with the maximum value designated through the maximum value input unit as an upper limit based on a voltage pattern stored in the storage unit. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 2. A minimum value input unit for specifying a minimum value of the voltage value;
The voltage generation controller is
The electrical stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a voltage is generated with a minimum value designated via the minimum value input unit as a lower limit. A storage unit that stores a voltage pattern composed of a plurality of voltages having different voltage values,
The voltage generation controller is
The electrical stimulation device according to claim 4, wherein a voltage is generated based on a voltage pattern stored in the storage unit, with the minimum value specified via the minimum value input unit being a lower limit. A selection unit that selects one of a normal mode for generating a voltage pattern voltage stored in the storage unit and an adjustment mode for adjusting the voltage value of the voltage pattern;
The voltage generation controller is
When an adjustment mode is selected by the selection unit, a voltage is generated with a minimum value designated via the minimum value input unit as a lower limit based on a voltage pattern stored in the storage unit. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 5. A notification unit for notifying that the electrical signal is output;
The voltage generation controller is
The voltage is generated at a predetermined time interval, and the notification unit is informed that the electric signal is output before the electric signal output after the time interval. The electrical stimulation device according to any one of 6.

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