JP2893084B2 - Stimulus pattern data transmission method - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a transmission method of stimulus pattern data for obtaining a stimulus pulse for stimulating a nerve or the like of a motor palsy patient. [Summary of the Invention] The present invention embeds a detection signal from a detecting means for detecting a displacement or the like of a non-paralyzed part of a paralyzed patient in a paralyzed part of the paralyzed patient via a functional electrical stimulation computer having a first storage means. Stimulating means for electrically stimulating the embedded electrode to operate the paralyzed portion, and second storage means for generating an electrical stimulus pattern for storage in the first storage means of the functional electrical stimulation computer. Generating means provided with a stimulating pattern generating computer having the stimulating pattern generating means, transmission means connecting the functional electrical stimulating computer of the stimulating means and the stimulating pattern generating computer of the generating means, and a standard stimulus pattern being loaded from the second storage means. The computer for generating the stimulus pattern in the generating means and the stimulating means connected to the electrode implanted in the paralyzed patient are connected via the transmitting means to the individual standard. The comparing means for comparing with the stimulus pattern and the comparing means with the second storing means in the generating means, and the stored first stimulating data in the stimulating means via the transmitting means for the stimulus data suitable for the individual patient with paralysis. Switching means for disconnecting the transmission means between the stimulating means and the generating means after being stored in the means, and for the paralyzed patient, based on the stimulus pattern adapted to the individual paralyzed patient stored in the first storage means in the stimulating means. Thus, stimulation pattern data can be exchanged even when a functional electrical stimulation computer in the stimulator is built in the living body by giving stimulation pulses through separated stimulation means. [Prior art] Conventionally, in order to recover a paralyzed limb of a motor palsy patient with severe limb paralysis, voluntary biological signals such as electromyogram, electroencephalogram, jaw, shoulder, neck, etc. and voices are used. A signal from a detection means (sensor) attached to each of the above sections is used as an operation command signal source, and a functional electrical stimulatio
n: hereinafter referred to as “FES”, which is processed by a computer, and the electrodes implanted in the vicinity of nerves or muscles are subjected to electrical stimulation programmed by the above-mentioned FES computer, thereby causing muscle contraction caused by the patient. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 59-160455 discloses a stimulator for performing the movement of the limb intended by the present inventors. A stimulator using such an FES computer can exercise not only limbs but also motor functions such as respiratory muscles, trunk muscles, and genitourinary organs. Particularly, muscle atrophy caused by motor paralysis caused by stroke or spinal cord injury, etc. It has remarkable therapeutic effects on shortening, muscle and joint contracture, bone atrophy, muscle spasticity and circulatory disorders. Various types of such stimulators have been proposed, but a stimulator (14) as shown in FIG. 3 is known. In Fig. 3, (1a) to (1n) show the remaining voices, joints, muscle displacements, respiration, biopotentials (encephalograms, electromyograms, bioaction potentials), postures, and other information obtained from the living body of a motor palsy patient. Detection means for detecting a biological signal, and the detection signals from these detection means (1a) to (1n) are converted into control signals obtained by digitizing the detection signals by an analog-digital conversion circuit or the like constituting the signal processing means (2). Supply to FES computer (3). The FES computer (3) stores the stimulus data for each control signal in the storage means (4) in the computer.
The signal processing means (2) recognizes various input control signals and selects the stimulus data stored in the storage means (4). The stimulus data stored in the storage means (4) is created by a large stimulus pattern generation computer (6) for each patient. That is, ROM writer (7)
The stimulus data written in the FES computer is inserted into the storage means (4) of the FES computer (3).
Based on the stimulus data selected by the above-mentioned FES computer (3), a stimulus pulse train is generated to stimulate a plurality of electrodes (5) embedded in a living body so that a paralyzed portion works. [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the stimulator of the above-mentioned conventional configuration, the stimulus data to be supplied to the paralyzed patient is converted into a ROM writer by using a stimulus pattern data generation computer (6). Write to ROM by (7)
In order to operate the stimulator (14) by inserting it into the storage means (4) of the ES computer (3), the storage means (4) in the FES computer (3) must be configured as a ROM and the device becomes larger. In addition to this, a human error occurs when replacing the ROM. Further, when an FES computer is used by being implanted in a living body, such as a pacemaker, the FES computer becomes large and difficult to be implanted in the living body, and ROM exchange is not possible. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described drawbacks, and its purpose is to eliminate the need for ROM exchange, to immediately send stimulus pattern data to an FES computer after creating stimulus pattern data, Even if is embedded in a living body, data can be exchanged. [Means for Solving the Problems] The stimulus pattern data transmission method of the present invention is based on detection means (1a) to (1n) for detecting displacement of a non-paralyzed part of a paralyzed patient (9) as shown in FIG. The electrode (5) embedded in the paralyzed part of the paralyzed patient (9) via the functional electrical stimulation computer (3) having the first storage means (4) with the detection signal of
a) Stimulation means (14) for electrically stimulating ~ (5m) to operate the paralyzed part, and functional electrical stimulation computer (3)
Generating means (15) comprising a stimulus pattern generating computer (6) having a second storage means (10) for generating an electrical stimulus pattern to be stored in the first storage means (4); A transmission means (12) connecting between a functional electrical stimulation computer (3) of the stimulating means (14) and a stimulus pattern generating computer (6) of the generating means (15), and a standard from the second storage means (10). Computer (6) for generating a stimulus pattern in the generating means (15) loaded with the stimulus pattern
Comparison of the stimulating means (14) connected to the electrodes (5a) to (5m) implanted in the paralyzed patient (9) via the transmitting means (12) and comparing with individual standard stimulation patterns Means (ST
5) is compared with the second storage means (10) in the generation means (15) by the comparison means (ST5), and the stored stimulus data suitable for the individual with the paralyzed patient (9) is transmitted to the transmission means (12). Switching means (ST7) for disconnecting the transmitting means (12) between the stimulating means (14) and the generating means (15) after storing in the first storage means (4) in the stimulating means (14) via The first storage means (4) in the stimulating means (14) for the paralyzed patient (9))
A stimulation pattern transmission method characterized in that a stimulation pulse is applied via a separated stimulation means (14) on the basis of a stimulation pattern suitable for an individual patient with paralysis stored in the apparatus. [Operation] The stimulus pattern data transmission method of the present invention connects the stimulus pattern generation computer (6) with the FES computer (3) and the paralyzed patient (9) to provide a level of a stimulus pulse specific to each paralyzed patient (9). And at least stimulus pattern data adapted to the individual is generated by a stimulus pattern generation computer (6), and the generated stimulus pattern data is stored in a transmission path (bus line) in a storage means (4) of the FES computer. After transmitting the data, the transmission line (12) is disconnected after storing the data, and the stimulator (14) and the patient (9)
We decided to use it between them. [Embodiment] An embodiment of a stimulus pattern data transmission system of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The parts corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.
In this example shown in FIG. 1, the remaining functions of the motor palsy patient (9), such as voice, joint, muscle displacement, respiration, biopotential, etc., are detected, that is, voice detection means (1a), joint, muscle The detection outputs of the displacement detection means (1b), the respiration detection means (1c), the biopotential detection means (1n), etc. are taken out, and the signal processing means (A / D) comprising a plurality of amplifiers and analog-digital converters (A / D) 2), one detection signal supplied to the A / D is digitized into a control signal, and this control signal is supplied to the FES computer (3). The storage means (4) of this FES computer, for example, a stimulus data area (4
(a) and (4b) store stimulus data for each channel (for example, channels 1 to m), and further store operation program data and the like in the operation program data area (4c). Such reading of the stimulus data can be obtained by specifying the address of the stimulus data by the control signal output from the A / D. For example, m-channel stimulus data is embedded in a living body of a paralyzed patient (9) as a stimulus pulse train of an analog signal from signal output means (8) composed of a plurality of digital-analog converters (D / A) and isolators. (5a), (5b) ‥‥ (5m). Electrodes (5
(a), (5b) ‥‥ (5m) are related to nerves and muscle groups, and stimulate them to activate the paralyzed part. On the other hand, a large stimulus pattern generation computer (6) for generating stimulus pattern data of individual paralyzed patients (9)
And storage means included in the computer such as RAM (10)
In addition, the generating device (15) including an external storage device (11) is separated from the stimulating device, and stores the generated stimulating pattern data and operation program data as described in the conventional example.
FES computer (3) in stimulator (14) via ROM
In this example, the FES computer (3) and the stimulus pattern generating computer (6) are connected via a transmission path such as a data bus (12). This transmission path may be performed via a telemeter, infrared rays, electromagnetic coupling means, etc., without using a data bus. Such a transmission form has a particularly remarkable effect when the FES computer (3) is embedded in a living body. Show. The procedure for generating stimulus pattern data in the stimulus pattern generation computer (6) will be described with reference to FIG. First, in the step following the start (ST ₀ ), the standard stimulus pattern written on the floppy disk is loaded into the external storage device (11) in the generation device (15) (ST ₁ ). This standard stimulus pattern is obtained by envelope detection of an electromyogram waveform that detects joints, muscle displacements, etc. of a healthy person (normal person without paralysis), obtains a pulse train sampled from the envelope waveform, and obtains a pulse train of each pulse of the pulse train. Stimulation pattern data in which the voltage amplitude or the pulse width is a digital value is stored. As the stimulus pattern data, for example, data corresponding to all the operations of holding a cup with a hand is stored. The next step (ST ₂ ) is the generator (15) and stimulator (14) as well as the paralyzed patient (9)
To connect between the signal output means (8) and the multiple electrodes (5a) to (5m) embedded in individual paralyzed patients (9), a FES computer (3) and a stimulus pattern generation computer (6) is communicated by the data bus (12). In the next step (ST ₃ ), the generator (15) is controlled to stimulate individual muscle groups of the paralyzed patient (9) via the FES computer (3) of the stimulator (14). The next step (ST ₄₎ in by changing the amplitude of the stimulation Palace, finding by the threshold level of individual muscle groups based on the threshold level of the muscle groups of healthy subjects. The standard stimulus pattern level stored in the next step (ST ₅₎ in in accordance with the threshold level that finds the storage means (10) corrects the pattern suitable for the individual patient. The next step stimulus data area of (ST ₆₎ in the storage means (10) (10a), (10b) and the operating program data area (10c) the modified and stored in the data the data bus (12)
Through the stimulus data areas (4a) and (4b) of the storage means (4) of the FES computer (3) and the operation program area (4)
Transfer to c). In this case, the operation program data is transferred together, but only the stimulus pattern data may be transferred. Disconnecting the data bus (12) between the next step (ST ₇₎ In the generator (15) and stimulator (14). In the next step (ST ₈ ), the contents stored in the stimulating means (4) are determined by correcting or setting the stimulating pattern data, so that a stimulating pulse is supplied to a specific paralyzed patient (9), for example, a hand gripping operation. Etc. are performed by the stimulator alone to reach the end (ST ₉ ). In the above-described embodiment, the case where all the stimulus pattern data are set and transferred has been described. However, only the stimulus pattern data of the corrected portion may be transferred, or a part of the operation program data may be stored in the generation device. The data may be corrected and only the corrected portion may be written to the operation program data area (4c) of the storage means (4) of the FES computer (3) through the data bus (12). As described above, the present invention can save the trouble of ROM exchange work when storing the stimulus pattern data suitable for the patient in the storage means in the stimulator, can prevent human error at the time of ROM exchange, and can generate , The pattern data can be stored in the storage means (4) of the FES computer (3) immediately after the stimulus pattern is created, and the stimulator can be downsized because the stimulator does not need to be configured in consideration of ROM replacement. As described above, a device suitable for incorporating an FES computer into a living body can be obtained, and a transmission method suitable for this can be provided. It is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention] Since the present invention is configured as described above, the trouble of ROM replacement and human error at the time of replacement can be prevented, and even if the FES computer is built in the living body, the stimulus pattern correction or replacement is easy. A stimulus pattern data transmission method that can be performed in a short time is obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing an embodiment of a stimulus pattern data transmission system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an example of a flowchart showing a stimulus pattern data generation procedure of FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a system diagram of the conventional stimulator. (1a) is voice detection means, (1b) is joint and muscle displacement detection means, (1c) is respiration detection means, (1n) is biopotential detection means, (2) is signal processing means, and (3) is FES computer , (4), (10) are storage means, (5a), (5b)}
(5m) is an electrode, (6) is a computer for generating a stimulus pattern, (11) is external storage means, (14) is a stimulator, (15)
Is a generator.

   ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page    (73) Patent holder 999999999               NEC Sanei Co., Ltd.               3-42-6 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Yasunobu Handa               3-7-4 Arigasaki, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture (72) Inventor Nozomi Hoshimiya               10-5, Sanjo Sanjo, Miyanomori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido               No. 3 Miyanomori Residence 403-11 (72) Inventor Seiichi Ishikawa               1-57 NEC, Kodaira City, Tokyo               Sakae Co., Ltd. Tokyo factory (72) Inventor Masahiko Tanaka               1-57 NEC, Kodaira City, Tokyo               Sakae Co., Ltd. Tokyo factory                (56) References JP-A-61-217174 (JP, A)                 JP-A-58-41570 (JP, A)

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An electrode embedded in a paralyzed part of the paralyzed patient is electrically connected to a detection signal from a detection means for detecting a displacement or the like of a non-paralyzed part of the paralyzed patient via a functional electric stimulation computer having a first storage means. A stimulating means for stimulating the paralyzed part and a second storage means for generating an electrical stimulus pattern to be stored in the first storage means of the functional electrical stimulation computer; Generating means comprising a computer; transmitting means for connecting a functional electrical stimulation computer of the stimulating means to a stimulus pattern generating computer of the generating means; and generating the standard stimulus pattern loaded from the second storage means. A computer for generating a stimulus pattern in the means and the stimulating means connected to the electrodes embedded in the paralyzed patient via the transmitting means Comparing means for subsequently comparing with individual standard stimulus patterns; and comparing the second storage means in the generating means with the comparing means, and storing the stimulus data suitable for the individual paralyzed patient stored in the transmitting means. Switching means for disconnecting the stimulating means and the transmitting means in the generating means after storing in the first storage means in the stimulating means via A stimulus pattern transmission system, characterized in that a stimulus pulse is given via the separated stimulus means based on a stimulus pattern suitable for the individual paralyzed patient stored in the first storage means.