JP2019054942A - Electric muscular stimulation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electric muscular stimulation device which can provide a user with prescribed convenience in accordance with involuntary biological (response) change to electric stimulation.SOLUTION: An electric muscular stimulation device includes: fitting means fitted to a prescribed body part of a user; pulse current imparting means imparting low frequency pulse current to the prescribed body part; detection means detecting a change of the prescribed body part with respect to the imparted low frequency pulse current; use state information generation means generating use state information including data of change obtained by the detection means and data of an imparting condition of the low frequency pulse current; and output means performing at least either notification to the user or control into the pulse current imparting means on the basis of the use state information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical muscle stimulator.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electrical muscle stimulating device that promotes muscle tension and relaxation by applying a low-frequency pulse current from the body surface is known.

  Such an electric muscle stimulating device is used for the purpose of eliminating stiff shoulders, for example, but in recent years, the use for the purpose of muscle strengthening and slimming is also increasing (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In addition, the electric muscle stimulating device is used as a device for assisting muscle strength (muscle strength assisting device) by utilizing the fact that the muscle tension can be controlled and tensioning the muscle in accordance with the timing when the user applies power. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

JP 2016-220848 A JP2015-164510A

  However, the above-described conventional electric muscle stimulating device merely gives a pulse current to the user, and the user's state is not taken into account when the pulse current is given.

  In addition, the conventional muscle force assist device takes into account the user's condition in that it detects the timing at which the user puts force into the muscle when performing a predetermined exercise when issuing a pulse current that promotes muscle contraction. However, it does not give convenience to the user in consideration of the state of the user related to the biological reaction induced in response to the generated pulse current.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is an electrical muscle stimulation device that can provide a user with a predetermined convenience in response to involuntary biological changes (biological reactions) in response to electrical stimulation. I will provide a.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, in the electrical muscle stimulating device according to the present invention, (1) a wearing means to be worn on a predetermined body part of a user, and a low-frequency pulse current is applied to the predetermined body part. A pulse current applying means; a detecting means for detecting a change in the predetermined body part with respect to the applied low frequency pulse current; a change data obtained from the detecting means; and a data for applying the low frequency pulse current. Use state information generating means for generating use state information including output means, and output means for executing at least one of notification to the user or control to the pulse current applying means based on the use state information. It was.

In addition, the electrical muscle stimulation device according to the present invention is also characterized by the following points.
(2) The detection means includes a pressure sensor that measures a pressure that the electrical muscle stimulating device receives from the predetermined body part by a body surface behavior accompanying application of the low-frequency pulse current.
(3) The control of the pulse current applying means in the output means is performed in advance by the pressure information output from the pressure sensor and the electrical muscle stimulating device to be received from the predetermined body part by appropriate body surface behavior. And adjusting the intensity of the low-frequency pulse current that is executed based on the measured pressure value.
(4) The detection unit includes a biological sensor that measures a physiological change in the predetermined body part accompanying the application of the low-frequency pulse current, and the use state information includes biological information obtained from the biological sensor. about.
(5) A communication means for transmitting the use state information to an external device is provided.

  Further, in the electrical muscle stimulation system according to the present invention, (6) the plurality of electrical muscle stimulation devices described in (5) above and the use state information received from the one or more electrical muscle stimulation devices. A plurality of Internet connection terminals that transmit to the information collection server via the Internet; and an information collection server that builds a database by accumulating usage state information received from the Internet connection terminal. The database is used to generate information regarding a tendency that is a biological reaction to the application of a low-frequency pulse current and can be significantly derived from usage state information collected from a plurality of users, and the information regarding the tendency is connected to the Internet. It was decided to send it to the terminal.

  According to the present invention, the wearing means for wearing on a predetermined body part of the user, the pulse current applying means for applying a low frequency pulse current to the predetermined body part, and the predetermined body for the applied low frequency pulse current Detection means for detecting a change in a part; use state information generation means for generating use state information including change data obtained from the detection means and data on a condition for applying the low-frequency pulse current; and the use state Output means for executing at least one of notification to the user and control to the pulse current applying means based on the information, so that a predetermined response in response to an involuntary biological change with respect to the electrical stimulus is provided. It is possible to provide an electrical muscle stimulation device that can provide convenience to the user.

  In addition, if the detection means includes a pressure sensor that measures the pressure that the electrical muscle stimulation device receives from the predetermined body part based on the body surface behavior accompanying the application of the low-frequency pulse current, it is relatively inexpensive and It is possible to provide convenience according to the behavior appearing on the body surface with a simple configuration.

  More specifically, an accurate muscle movement cannot be known unless a myoelectric sensor or the like is used. In the present invention, the physical movement appearing on the body surface is determined from the myoelectric potential. It is assumed that it is correlated with the data that will be obtained. Therefore, simply by looking at the change in the signal from the pressure sensor, it is easy to provide a convenience according to the movement corresponding to the electrical stimulation without mounting an expensive myoelectric potential sensor or the like. Can do.

  Further, if the myoelectric sensor is used, if the myoelectric sensor is used, the myoelectric sensor is a sensor that detects a weak current of the muscle. It is necessary to take some measures regarding the interference, but the electrical muscle stimulating device according to the present invention refers to the physical movement (change) on the body surface, which is the original function of the electrical muscle stimulating device. Regardless of the generation of a certain low frequency pulse current, a change in muscle response due to the low frequency pulse current can be obtained. The myoelectric potential sensor is not necessarily excluded, and the myoelectric potential sensor may be provided together with the pressure sensor in the electrical muscle stimulating device according to the present invention.

  Further, the control to the pulse current applying means in the output means is set in advance by the electrical muscle stimulating device to be received from the predetermined body part by pressure information output from the pressure sensor and appropriate body surface behavior. It is good also as the intensity adjustment of the said low frequency pulse current performed based on the measured pressure value. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately control and give a low-frequency pulse current according to the behavior actually appearing on the body surface, not the movement of muscles in the deep part of the body, and the physique and fat layer thickness Even if there is a factor that inhibits the movement generated in the muscle from propagating to the body surface, such as the above, feedback control can be appropriately performed so that a sufficient body surface behavior appears in appearance.

  In addition, the detection means includes a biological sensor that measures a physiological change in the predetermined body part accompanying the application of the low-frequency pulse current, and the use state information includes biological information obtained from the biological sensor. It is also good. By providing such a configuration, information obtained from the biosensor, for example, the state of heart rate and blood flow is also included in the use state information, and notification is made to the user based on this, or pulse current applying means Operations such as controlling the output can be executed by the output means.

  Moreover, the electrical muscle stimulating device according to the present invention may include a communication unit that transmits usage state information to an externally connected device. By providing the transmission means, the usage status information generated by the detection means can be transmitted to other devices, and analysis based on the usage status information and advice to the user are provided by the destination device. Is possible.

  In the electrical muscle stimulation system according to the present invention, the plurality of the electrical muscle stimulation devices including the transmission unit and the use state information received from the one or more electrical muscle stimulation devices are transmitted to the information collection server via the Internet. A plurality of Internet connection terminals that transmit via the Internet, and an information collection server that accumulates usage state information received from the Internet connection terminals and constructs a database, the information collection server using the constructed database Generating information on a tendency that is a biological reaction to the application of a low-frequency pulse current and can be significantly derived from use state information collected from a plurality of users, and transmitting the information on the tendency to the Internet connection terminal It is said.

  Therefore, regarding the use of the electrical muscle stimulating device according to the present invention, it is possible to provide the user with an opportunity to obtain information that is not yet known and that is useful for the slimming based on the usage state information of a plurality of users. .

It is explanatory drawing which showed the external appearance of the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure of the electric muscle stimulating device. It is the flow which showed the process performed in a control part. It is the flow which showed the process performed in a control part. It is explanatory drawing which showed the change of the display content of a display part. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus which concerns on other embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the sticking body. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the electrical muscle stimulation system. It is explanatory drawing which showed the display content in the display of a smart phone.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an electrical muscle stimulating apparatus A according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the electrical muscle stimulating device A has a substantially rectangular appearance (clover shape) in plan view in which the substantially central portions of the four sides are recessed inwardly, and is arranged at the substantially central portion. And the four flexible piece portions 11 extending from the functional portion 10 to the four corners.

  The function unit 10 includes an operation unit 12 and a display unit 13 on the surface side of the electrical muscle stimulating device A, and a user inputs an operation to the control unit 15 accommodated therein, or the control unit 15 The information output from can be displayed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the function unit 10 on the back side of the electric muscle stimulating device A has a predetermined function when the electric muscle stimulating device A is attached to a predetermined part of the user's body. A detecting means 18 constituted by a sensor or the like for acquiring a change in the movement or state of the part is disposed.

  On the other hand, each flexible piece 11 has an electrode 16 for applying electrical stimulation to the user on the back side of the electrical muscle stimulating device A, specifically, the first electrode 16a to the fourth electrode. 16d is arranged.

  Further, a gel body 17 as a mounting means made of a conductive sheet-like gel is arranged on the electrode 16 so as to be superposed, and the electric muscle stimulator A can be attached to a predetermined part of the user's body. doing. For example, the electrical muscle stimulating device A shown in FIG. 1 can be used for the purpose of sticking to the user's abdomen and slimming the abdomen or strengthening the abdominal muscles.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the electrical muscle stimulator A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the electrical muscle stimulator A. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 15 includes a CPU 20, a ROM 21, a RAM 22, an RTC 23, and the like as its configuration, and can execute a program necessary for the operation of the electrical muscle stimulation device A.

  Specifically, the ROM 21 stores a program and the like necessary for the processing of the CPU 20, and the RAM 22 functions as a temporary storage area when the program or the like is executed.

  For example, in a predetermined area of the ROM 21, in addition to a program for realizing processing, for example, in a pulse intensity automatic adjustment mode described later, power that causes behavior to appear appropriately on the body surface due to muscle contraction with respect to the applied pulse current An appropriate pressure regulation table that is referred to when supplying the first electrode 16a to the fourth electrode 16d is stored.

  In the appropriate pressure regulation table, for each of various pulse patterns applied at the time of treatment, appropriate values that the pressure sensor 18a described later should receive from a predetermined body part (for example, the abdomen), that is, the behavior on the body surface of the user. A pressure value that should be received when a muscular exercise that is not an excessive or excessive muscular exercise is being performed is set in advance.

  Further, for example, in a predetermined area of the RAM 22, an automatic mode flag indicating whether or not the pulse intensity automatic adjustment mode is set, data output by each detection means 18, changes with time, and output pulse intensity values (in this embodiment) , 15 to 15 intensities can be set).

  An RTC (Real Time Clock) indicated by reference numeral 23 is used to generate a clock pulse that serves as a reference for executing an interrupt process described later. Even in a state where the processing is being executed, the CPU 20 interrupts the processing according to a clock pulse generated every predetermined cycle (for example, 2 milliseconds) from the RTC 23 and executes an interrupt processing.

  An operation unit 12 is connected to the input side of the control unit 15 and can accept input from the user.

  Similarly, a detection means 18 is connected to the input side of the control unit 15. In the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A according to the present embodiment, the detection means 18 includes a pressure sensor 18a as a physical change detection means in the body surface of the predetermined body part to which the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A is attached, A physiological change detection means, that is, a temperature sensor 18b, a pulse sensor 18c, a blood flow sensor 18d, and a myoelectric potential sensor 18e as biological sensors are provided, and are configured to be referred to according to the execution state of the program in the control unit 15. doing. In addition, after the signals output from these sensors 18 are converted into numerical data in the control unit 15, information obtained from the pressure sensor 18a is used as pressure information, and information obtained from the biosensor group is used as a living body. Information is stored in a predetermined address of the RAM 22.

  An internal battery 25 is connected to the control unit 15, and can receive power from the internal battery 25 for generating electrical stimulation to be given to the user and power for operating the control unit 15.

  Further, the output side of the control unit 15 is connected to the display unit 13, the communication unit 14, and a pulse current application circuit 31 including the first electrode 16 a to the fourth electrode 16 d. The display unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the pulse current application circuit 31 are controlled and driven according to the program execution status in the control unit 15. For example, the display unit 13 displays an image based on notification information and usage state information described below. The communication unit 14 is a part for performing wireless communication with an external connection device such as a smartphone or a server on the Internet according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). is there. Further, the pulse current applying circuit 31 adjusts the intensity of the low frequency pulse current intensity according to an instruction from the control unit 15.

  Next, the process performed in the control part 15 is demonstrated, referring FIG.3 and FIG.4. FIG. 3 is a flow showing main processing executed by the CPU 20 of the control unit 15, and FIG. 4 is a flow showing processing in a subroutine.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the main process, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the power button provided on the operation unit 12 has been pressed by the user (step S11). If it is determined that the power button has not been pressed (step S11: No), the CPU 20 returns the process to step S11 again. On the other hand, when determining that the power button has been pressed (step S11: Yes), the CPU 20 moves the process to step S12.

  In step S12, the CPU 20 performs an initial setting process. In this initial setting process, a predetermined program is read and various variables and flags are initialized. For example, a process of setting the pulse intensity value to the weakest value 1 is performed.

  Next, the CPU 20 performs a user state confirmation process for confirming the user's current body state while referring to information output from the detection means 18 (step S13). In this user state confirmation processing, for example, the user's body temperature is measured with reference to information output from the temperature sensor 18b, the heart rate is calculated with reference to information from the pulse sensor 18c, or the blood flow sensor 18d. Check the blood circulation status with reference to the information.

  Further, the temperature sensor 18b refers to information stored in the ROM 21, RAM 22 or the like when the information is confirmed, for example, a table that records a normal body temperature or a normal heart rate inputted in advance by the user. When the obtained user's body temperature exceeds the numerical range stored as normal body temperature on the table, or when the user's heart rate obtained from the pulse sensor 18c exceeds the normal heart rate, that effect Is generated as information to be notified to the user before use.

  Next, in step S14, the CPU 20 determines whether there is notification information. If it is determined that there is no notification information (step S20: No), the CPU 20 moves the process to step S16. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that there is notification information (step S14: Yes), the CPU 20 moves the process to step S15.

  In step S15, the CPU 20 executes notification processing for notifying the user of notification information. In this notification process, for example, when the notification information is generated that the body temperature is higher than normal in the previous user state confirmation process (step S13), the user is warned by displaying the fact on the display unit 13 or the like. Encourage arousal. Moreover, it is good also as alert | reporting with an audio | voice etc. using the speaker etc. which are not shown in figure. When step S15 is completed, the CPU 20 moves the process to step S16.

  In step S <b> 16, the CPU 20 executes a treatment mode selection process that causes the user to select a treatment mode. In this treatment mode selection process, the control unit 15 accepts an input from the operation unit 12 by the user, and sets whether or not the treatment is performed in an automatic adjustment mode in which pulse intensity is automatically adjusted. This setting is stored as a value of the automatic mode flag at a predetermined address in the RAM 22.

  Next, the CPU 20 reads the pulse pattern stored at a predetermined address in the ROM 21, reads the value of the pulse current intensity with reference to the RAM 22, and outputs the pulse current with a predetermined intensity to the pulse current applying circuit 31. Is applied (step S17). The electrical muscle stimulation device A according to the present embodiment can execute different muscle exercises in a series of flows, for example, by automatically switching over a dozen types of pulse patterns, for a predetermined time (for example, The muscles of the user are stimulated continuously or intermittently for 20 minutes.

  Next, the CPU 20 executes a sensor information reference process for detecting the user's biological reaction to the application of the pulse current with reference to the information from the detection means 18 (step S18). In this step S18, the CPU 20 refers to, for example, information from the pressure sensor 18a stored in the RAM 22, and how much pressure corresponding to the pulse current is applied to the back side of the electrical muscle stimulating device A. Reference is made to how much muscle contraction with respect to the applied pulse current appears on the body surface (also referred to as body surface behavior in this specification).

  In the sensor information reference process, information on the temperature sensor 18b, the pulse sensor 18c, the blood flow sensor 18d, and the myoelectric potential sensor 18e is also referred to. Specifically, a predetermined address in the RAM 22 is referred to regarding a biological reaction change such as a user's body temperature, heart rate, blood flow, and myoelectric potential with respect to a pulse current.

  Next, the CPU 20 stores biological reaction (change) data (pressure information obtained from the pressure sensor 18a or biological information obtained from the biological sensor group) obtained from each detection means 18 stored on the RAM 22, and Similarly, usage state information including the pulse current intensity data stored in the RAM 22 is generated (step S19).

  Next, the CPU 20 performs image display processing for displaying an image on the display unit 13 based on the use state information generated in step S19 and notifying the user of the detection result of the biological reaction in response to the pulse current (step). S20). In particular, in the electrical muscle stimulating device A according to the present embodiment, an icon corresponding to the strength of the pressure received by the pressure sensor 18a is displayed on the display unit 13, thereby visually informing the user of the aforementioned body surface behavior. .

  In general, even when the pulse current intensity is the same, the strength with which the muscle contracts in response to the pulse current varies from person to person, and the behavior derived from the muscle contraction does not necessarily affect the body surface, causing movement. In addition, since the electrical muscle stimulator A is attached to a predetermined body part to which a pulse current is applied, it is difficult to directly view the body surface behavior of the stimulation part.

  In this regard, in the electrical muscle stimulating apparatus A according to the present embodiment, for example, an icon as shown in FIG. 5A is displayed while changing in synchronization with the pressure received by the pressure sensor 18a, thereby generating a pulse current. Informing the user that the derived body surface behavior is small, or switching and displaying an icon as shown in FIG. 5B to notify that the body surface behavior is appropriate, or as shown in FIG. Such an icon is switched and displayed to notify that the body surface behavior is excessive.

  In this image display process, in addition to the information from the pressure sensor, the body temperature is displayed based on the information from the temperature sensor 18b, the heart rate is displayed based on the information from the pulse sensor 18c, the blood flow It is also possible to notify the user by displaying the blood flow state based on information from the sensor 18d. When this step S20 is completed, the CPU 20 moves the process to step S21.

  In step S21, the CPU 20 refers to a predetermined address in the RAM 22 and determines whether or not the automatic adjustment mode is set. If it is determined that the mode is not the automatic adjustment mode (step S21: No), the CPU 20 moves the process to step S23. On the other hand, when determining that the automatic adjustment mode is set (step S21: Yes), the CPU 20 shifts the processing to step S22.

  In step S22, the CPU 20 performs a pulse intensity adjustment process. In this pulse intensity adjustment processing, pressure information output from the pressure sensor 18a, usage state information including pressure information, and an appropriate pressure regulation table stored at a predetermined address of the ROM 21 are referred to, for example, body surface behavior is small. In some cases or in excess, the pulse current applying circuit 31 is instructed to increase or decrease the low-frequency pulse current intensity, and the feedback process is performed so that the body surface behavior becomes appropriate.

  Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the treatment should be ended, for example, whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the treatment, and whether or not a series of flows (treatment sequences) based on a combination of predetermined treatment patterns has ended. A determination is made (step S23). Here, when it is determined that the treatment should not be ended (step S23: No), the CPU 20 moves the process to step S17 again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the treatment should be ended (step S23: Yes), the CPU 20 ends the process.

  Next, the interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. Even when the CPU 20 is executing the process, the CPU 20 may interrupt the process and execute the interrupt process. The following interrupt processing is executed in accordance with clock pulses generated every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) from the RTC 23.

  In the interrupt process, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the user has pressed the power button for a long time (for example, 2 seconds) (step S31). If it is determined that a long press of the power button has been detected (step S31: Yes), the CPU 20 issues a command to stop the application of the pulse current to the pulse current application circuit 31, and is necessary for the end operation. Processing is performed (step S32), and the processing is terminated. After completion, for example, the process may return to the loop of step S11 and wait until the power is turned on again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S31 that the long press of the power button is not detected (step S31: No), the CPU 20 advances the process to step S33.

  In step S33, the CPU 20 performs an operation reception process. In this operation reception process, a process of changing the intensity of the pulse current to be transmitted to the pulse current applying circuit 31 is performed by receiving an operation such as a strength button arranged on the operation unit 12 by the user. When step S33 is completed, the CPU 20 returns the processing to the address before branching.

  Next, a series of operations in the electrical muscle stimulating apparatus A having the above-described configuration will be described.

  When the user attaches the electrical muscle stimulating device A with his / her abdomen as a predetermined body part and presses the power button of the operation unit 12, the electrical muscle stimulating device A is activated and executes a user state confirmation process.

  Here, when the user is in poor physical condition (for example, due to a cold and has heat), notification information such as a high body temperature is displayed on the display unit based on information from the temperature sensor 18b, and notification to the user is made. Is done.

  Therefore, the user who has acquired the notification information can determine whether or not the body condition is suitable for treatment at the stage before treatment by the electrical muscle stimulator A.

  Further, when there is no notification information or when the notification information is acquired and used, when the treatment mode is selected next, the control unit 15 (CPU 20) executes step S17, whereby the pulse current applying circuit 31 and the electrode are selected. 16 functions as a pulse current applying means, and applies a pulse current to the user.

  Here, the biological reaction change corresponding to the pulse current applied to the user's muscle in step S18 is referred to, and in step S19, the control unit 15 (CPU 20) functions as usage state information generating means to generate usage state information. In step S20, image display processing is performed.

  Specifically, based on information from the pressure sensor 18a, display is performed on the display unit 13 while changing icons in synchronization with actual body surface behavior. That is, by executing step S20, the control unit 15 (CPU 20) functions as an output unit together with the display unit 13.

  Therefore, it is possible to recognize how much motion has propagated to the abdominal surface in response to involuntary biological changes in response to electrical stimulation, that is, muscle contraction.

  In addition, if the display unit 13 displays the information based on information from other biological sensor groups, the involuntary biological change in response to an electrical stimulus to the user, that is, a change in body temperature at a predetermined body part, Numbers, changes in pulse, etc. can be reported and recognized.

  In addition, when the automatic adjustment mode is set to be effective, the control unit 15 (CPU 20) functions as an output unit by executing step S21, and automatically adjusts the pulse intensity so that an appropriate body surface behavior appears. Adjustments are made.

  This is also one of the conveniences provided in response to involuntary muscle contraction in response to electrical stimulation. The control unit 15 (CPU 20) functions as output means by executing step S22, and pulse current applying means. By performing the feedback control to, it becomes possible to easily perform treatment with appropriate body surface behavior.

  In the present embodiment, the detection means 18 is provided at one place on the back side of the function unit 10, but is not limited to this, and instead of the back side of the function unit 10 or the function unit 10. You may comprise so that it may provide in the back surface side of a part or all of each flexible piece part 11 with a back surface side. In particular, the electrical muscle stimulator A according to the present embodiment performs feedback control to the pulse current means based on a pressure sensor as a physical sensor that is not easily affected by the low-frequency pulse current. Even when the detection means 18 is arranged on the back surface of the unit 11, it is possible to control the body surface behavior while suppressing the interference with the low frequency pulse current as much as possible.

  Next, an electrical muscle stimulating device B according to another embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of the electrical muscle stimulating device B. In the following description, components having similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the electrical muscle stimulating device B has substantially the same configuration as the electrical muscle stimulating device A described above. However, the stimulating device main body 40 including the control unit 15 and the like, The attachment body 41 provided with the electrode 16 attached to the body part is a separate body, and both are connected by a cable 42 for electrical connection, and the shape of the attachment body 41 is the same. The configuration is different.

  The stimulation device main body 40 includes an operation unit 12 and a display unit 13, and a user can input an operation to the control unit 15 accommodated therein, or display information output from the control unit 15. It is configured. Specifically, the operation unit 12 is provided with a power button 12 a and a pulse intensity adjustment button 12 b, and the activation and stop of the electric muscle stimulation device B and the electrode 16 of the sticking body 41 through the user 16. The intensity of the pulse current applied to the predetermined body part can be adjusted to an arbitrary intensity.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sticking body 41 has a substantially rectangular horizontally long shape, and is composed of two flexible piece portions 11 extending left and right from the center portion.

  A first electrode 16a and a second electrode 16b are disposed on the back surface side of each flexible piece portion 11, and a gel body 17 serving as a mounting means capable of electrical conduction is disposed on each electrode 16 so that the user's body It is comprised so that the sticking body 41 can be stuck to the predetermined site | part.

  In addition, a detection means 18 comprising a pressure sensor 18a, a temperature sensor 18b, a pulse sensor 18c, a blood flow sensor 18d, and a myoelectric potential sensor 18e is arranged at a substantially central portion of the sticking body 41, and the stimulating device The control unit 15 in the main body 40 is electrically connected via the cable 42.

  Similar to the above-described electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A, the control unit 15 is implemented with a predetermined program or the like that can execute the processing shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the change data obtained from the detection means. And at least one of usage state information generating means for generating usage state information including low frequency pulse current application condition data and notification to the user or control to the pulse current application means based on the usage state information The output means is configured to be realized.

  Therefore, even with the electrical muscle stimulating apparatus B having such a configuration, an electrical muscle stimulating apparatus that can provide a user with a predetermined convenience in response to an involuntary biological (response) change to the electrical stimulation. Can be provided.

  Next, an electrical muscle stimulation system D constructed by including the electrical muscle stimulation device C and the electrical muscle stimulation device C according to still another embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the electrical muscle stimulation system D.

  The electrical muscle stimulation system D includes an electrical muscle stimulation device C, a smartphone 51, and an information collection server 52.

  The electrical muscle stimulating device C has an appearance configuration substantially the same as that of the electrical muscle stimulating device A described above, and the characteristics thereof are as described above. However, the electrical muscle stimulating device C is wirelessly communicated with the smartphone 51 as an externally connected device. The configuration is different in that it incorporates possible communication means. Specifically, in the electrical configuration described in FIG. 2, the communication unit is electrically connected to the control unit 15 and receives information from the smartphone 51 to adjust the pulse current intensity, Information obtained from each detection means 18 and usage state information can be transmitted to the smartphone 51.

  A predetermined application for operating the electrical muscle stimulating device C and the like is installed on the smartphone 51 by the user, and is in an executable state.

  In addition to being able to communicate wirelessly with the electrical muscle stimulation device C, the smartphone 51 has a function as a mobile communication terminal that can be connected to the Internet, and can access the information collection server 52 via the Internet. It is said.

  The information collection server 52 is a server connected to the Internet, and accumulates usage state information obtained by the electric muscle stimulating device C owned by each separate user via the smartphone 51 and the Internet to construct a database. .

  Further, the information collection server 52 uses the constructed database of usage state information, and is a biological reaction to the application of pulse current, and information on a tendency that can be significantly derived from the usage state information collected from a plurality of users (hereinafter, It is also referred to as potential knowledge information.) And is transmitted to the smartphone 51 via the Internet.

  When a predetermined application is launched, the smartphone 51 displays potential knowledge information as “recommended information” on the display 55, for example, as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, even in the electrical muscle stimulation system D having such a configuration, an electrical muscle stimulation device that can provide a user with a predetermined convenience in response to an involuntary biological (response) change in response to electrical stimulation. Can be provided.

  As described above, according to the electrical muscle stimulating device according to the present embodiment, the mounting means for mounting on a predetermined body part of the user, and the pulse current applying means for applying a low frequency pulse current to the predetermined body part. And a detecting means for detecting a change in the predetermined body part with respect to the applied low-frequency pulse current, a use state including data on the change obtained from the detecting means and data on a condition for applying the low-frequency pulse current Since it is provided with usage state information generation means for generating information, and output means for executing at least one of notification to the user or control to the pulse current applying means based on the usage state information. It is possible to provide the user with a predetermined convenience in response to involuntary changes in the living body (response) in response to a physical stimulus.

  Finally, the description of each embodiment described above is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For this reason, it is a matter of course that various modifications can be made in accordance with the design and the like as long as they do not depart from the technical idea according to the present invention other than the embodiments described above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Display part 15 Control part 16 Electrode 18 Detection means 31 Pulse current provision circuit AC Electrical muscle stimulation apparatus

Claims (6)

Wearing means for wearing on a predetermined body part of the user;
Pulse current applying means for applying a low-frequency pulse current to the predetermined body part;
Detecting means for detecting a change in the predetermined body part with respect to the applied low-frequency pulse current;
Use state information generating means for generating use state information including change data obtained from the detection means and data on the application condition of the low frequency pulse current;
And an output unit that executes at least one of notification to the user and control to the pulse current applying unit based on the use state information.   The said detection means is provided with the pressure sensor which measures the pressure which the said electrical muscle stimulation apparatus receives from the said predetermined body part by the body surface behavior accompanying provision of the said low frequency pulse current. Electrical muscle stimulator.   The control to the pulse current applying means in the output means is based on pressure information output from the pressure sensor and a preset pressure that the electrical muscle stimulating device should receive from the predetermined body part according to appropriate body surface behavior. The electrical muscle stimulation device according to claim 2, wherein the intensity adjustment of the low-frequency pulse current is performed based on the value.   The detection means includes a biological sensor that measures a physiological change in the predetermined body part accompanying the application of the low-frequency pulse current, and the use state information includes biological information obtained from the biological sensor. The electrical muscle stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The electrical muscle stimulation device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that transmits the usage state information to an external device. A plurality of electrical muscle stimulators according to claim 5;
A plurality of Internet connection terminals that transmit usage state information received from one or more of the electrical muscle stimulating devices to an information collection server via the Internet;
An information collection server that builds a database by accumulating usage state information received from the Internet connection terminal,
The information collection server uses the constructed database to generate information related to a biological reaction to the application of a low-frequency pulse current that can be significantly derived from usage state information collected from a plurality of users. An electrical muscle stimulation system characterized by transmitting information on a trend to the Internet connection terminal.

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