JP4174831B2 - Biological stimulator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a biostimulation apparatus that applies a conductor containing an electrode to a living body and applies a current to the living body from the conductor to give a stimulus.

  Conventional biostimulators perform treatment such as nerve treatment by flowing a low-frequency pulse current output from a transmitter to a conductor to the affected area. For example, in Patent Document 1, a user operates a switching operation switch to output a stimulation signal that is output from an output circuit to a human body that is a living body for each positive pulse period, and a positive intermittent pulse. Switch between alternating intermittent pulses that output a square wave pulse group consisting of pulses and negative pulses at each cycle, and alternating intermittent pulses that output positive and negative pulses at each cycle. A biostimulator that can adjust the speed and intensity of stimulation by changing the period and amplitude of a pulse is disclosed.

  By the way, as is well known, it is known that human muscles contract and relax by an electrical signal called a myoelectric potential signal. When the muscle is stimulated only once by the electrical signal such as the rectangular pulse, the muscle quickly contracts and relaxes. This is called twitch. Similarly, when the muscle is stimulated twice in succession, the second contraction is superimposed on the first contraction, and a contraction larger than the single contraction is obtained. This is called the weight of the contraction, and the contraction becomes larger and longer when the number of stimulations is increased.

  In addition, the human body is difficult to pass direct current, and its resistance value is approximately 100 KΩ although it depends on the voltage. On the other hand, the AC voltage with a frequency of 1 KHz is about 1 KΩ, and the resistance value becomes half when the frequency is doubled. That is, the human body is capacitive just like a capacitor, and has a characteristic that bioresistance decreases with increasing frequency.

  Due to the characteristics of the muscles and the human body, the low-frequency stimulation signal has a low frequency close to direct current, and the rectangular wave with more direct current components (straight line portions), the faster the above-described contraction is applied. . Therefore, the feeling of irritation to the human body is strengthened. On the other hand, when the stimulation signal is an alternating current such as a sine wave, the weight of the contraction slowly proceeds, gradually contracts and gradually relaxes, and the feeling of stimulation becomes soft. Therefore, even at the same frequency, the sine wave is softer than the rectangular wave because the weight of contraction is gentler.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a biological stimulation apparatus that gives such a sinusoidal stimulation signal to the human body. In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as control means, which converts a digital data signal output therefrom into an analog data signal by a D / A circuit 102. After the analog data signal is amplified by the amplifier circuit 103, a sinusoidal stimulus signal is generated between the output terminal 105, which is a conductor, via the transformer 104. In this case, the amplitude of the sine wave can be arbitrarily increased or decreased by operating the output variable volume 106 connected to the preceding stage of the amplifier circuit 103, for example.

  However, the sine wave generated with such a configuration is soft to the human body and is preferable for the human body, but has only a single frequency component and is disadvantageous for obtaining a wide range of treatment and treatment effects. Also in the output circuit of the apparatus, so-called analog circuits such as the D / A circuit 102 and the amplifier circuit 103 must be used in order to obtain a sinusoidal waveform, and the number of parts increases and the circuit configuration becomes complicated. As a result, the power efficiency is deteriorated and the manufacturing cost is increased. That is, a circuit that outputs a sine wave requires several tens of parts such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors.

As a means for solving the above problem, Patent Document 2 previously filed by the applicant of the present application discloses that a rectangular wave pulse output at a predetermined repetition frequency is subjected to pulse width modulation (an ON width is increased or decreased with a constant OFF width of the rectangular wave pulse). In addition, there is disclosed a device including a stimulus generation unit that outputs a repetition of a rectangular wave pulse group including a plurality of frequency components higher than the rectangular wave pulse to the conductor as a stimulation signal. In this case, the time width of each on-pulse gradually increases until half of the time width of the rectangular wave pulse group elapses, and then the time width of each on-pulse is gradually reduced as it approaches the falling edge of the rectangular wave pulse group. The PWM modulation method (pulse width modulation method) is employed, and the human body is softly stimulated by utilizing the fact that the waveform applied to the human body is distorted in a substantially sine wave shape.
JP-A-1-146562 JP 2001-259048 A

  By the way, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, during the generation period of the rectangular wave pulse group, the individual on-pulse width (on-time) varies greatly, for example, 10 μ to 60 μm, while the off-time interval between each on-pulse is constant. In particular, in the period when the on-pulse width is wide, the amount of charge with respect to the equivalent electrostatic capacity of the human body rises rapidly, and there is a complaint that it is difficult to obtain a soft sense of sensation. Moreover, the amplitude of the sine wave was constant, and it was a monotonous and regular stimulus. In general, the human body shows an adaptation phenomenon to such a monotonous stimulus, and the effect of treatment tends to fade with time. Nonetheless, simply using an irregular stimulus to avoid monotony may result in discomfort.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention provides a biostimulator capable of easily obtaining a more natural and soft stimulation feeling with simple control and continuously obtaining a wide range of treatment and treatment effects over a long period of time. The purpose is to do.

The biological stimulation apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is a biological stimulation apparatus that applies a conductor to a living body and applies a current to the living body from the conductor to give stimulation, and a stimulation generating means that outputs a stimulation signal to the conductor. The stimulus generation means outputs a repetition of a rectangular wave pulse group composed of a plurality of rectangular wave pulses having the same period within the same group as the stimulation signal, and further the rectangular wave pulse group Each time a set of positive and negative rectangular wave pulses is output until a half of the predetermined time width elapses in a predetermined time width consisting of a plurality of rectangular wave pulse groups. the gradually increasing the duty of the rectangular wave pulse, Deyute thereafter toward the end of this time width, the rectangular wave pulse each time the output set of the rectangular wave pulse group negative in Characterized in that it is a gradually reduced configure.

In this way, the period of each rectangular wave pulse constituting the rectangular wave pulse group is constant within the same rectangular wave pulse group, and the on-time of the rectangular wave pulse is larger than the time width of the rectangular wave pulse group. However, the on-time change is relatively small because it only changes within the period of a single rectangular wave pulse having a very short time width. Therefore, the amount of charge with respect to the equivalent electrostatic capacity of the human body becomes gentle without rapidly increasing, and a softer feeling of stimulation can be obtained. Further, since the period of each rectangular wave pulse is constant and only the duty is changed, it can be easily realized by a simple control sequence. Further, since the stimulation signal flowing in the living body has a waveform in which a high frequency component is superimposed on a smooth waveform such as a sine wave, the effect of the high frequency treatment by the high frequency component can be obtained simultaneously with the low frequency treatment. A wide range of treatment and treatment effects that cannot be achieved by the use of alone can be obtained . Furthermore, the ON time of the rectangular wave pulse is constant within the time width of the rectangular wave pulse group, and gradually changes with each period of the rectangular wave pulse group, so that the change in the ON time is further reduced. Therefore, the charge amount with respect to the equivalent capacitance of the human body becomes more gradual, and a further soft feeling of stimulation can be obtained. In addition, the stimulation signal is an AC waveform having a vibration property in which the duty of the rectangular wave pulse increases or decreases in the entire rectangular wave pulse group with a predetermined time width as one cycle. Therefore, it does not become a monotonous and regular stimulus, but becomes a stimulus that shows a moderately regular change, so that the effect of treatment continues even after a long period of use. Moreover, since it is an alternating current waveform having vibration such as a myoelectric potential signal that is originally generated in the living body, it becomes a natural movement of the muscle without any difficulty, and it feels soft and comfortable. From the above, it is possible to easily obtain a more natural and soft sense of stimulation with simple control and to continuously obtain a wide range of treatment and treatment effects over a longer period.

The biological stimulation device according to claim 2 of the present invention is a biological stimulation device that applies a conductor to a living body and applies a current to the living body from the conductor to give stimulation, and a stimulation generating means for outputting a stimulation signal to the conductor. The stimulus generation means outputs a repetition of a rectangular wave pulse group composed of a plurality of rectangular wave pulses having the same on-time within the same group as the stimulation signal, and further the rectangular wave pulse A group is output alternately and positively and periodically, and a set of positive and negative rectangular wave pulse groups is output until a half of this time width elapses in a predetermined time width composed of a plurality of rectangular wave pulse groups. the gradually increasing the density of the square wave pulse every, then toward the end of this time width, the density of the rectangular wave pulse each time the output set of the rectangular wave pulse group negative gradually Characterized in that it is a Kusuru configuration.

In this way, the on-time of each rectangular wave pulse constituting the rectangular wave pulse group is constant regardless of the number (density) of rectangular wave pulses in one rectangular wave pulse group. The amount of charge with respect to the capacitance becomes gentle without suddenly increasing, and a softer feeling of stimulation can be obtained. Further, the on-time of each rectangular wave pulse is constant, and can be easily realized by a simple control sequence because the number of the on-time is changed. Further, since the stimulation signal flowing in the living body has a waveform in which a high frequency component is superimposed on a smooth waveform such as a sine wave, the effect of the high frequency treatment by the high frequency component can be obtained simultaneously with the low frequency treatment. A wide range of treatment and treatment effects that cannot be achieved by the use of alone can be obtained. Furthermore, the on-time of the rectangular wave pulse is constant within the time width of the rectangular wave pulse group, and gradually changes with each period of the rectangular wave pulse group, so that the change in the on-time is further reduced. . Therefore, the charge amount with respect to the equivalent capacitance of the human body becomes more gradual, and a further soft feeling of stimulation can be obtained. In addition, the stimulation signal is an AC waveform having an oscillating property that increases and decreases the density of the rectangular wave pulses in the entire rectangular wave pulse group with a predetermined time width as one cycle. Therefore, it does not become a monotonous and regular stimulus, but becomes a stimulus that shows a moderately regular change, so that the effect of treatment continues even after a long period of use. In addition, since it is an alternating waveform having vibration such as a myoelectric potential signal that is originally generated in a living body, it becomes a natural movement of a natural muscle without difficulty, and it feels soft and comfortable. From the above, it is possible to easily obtain a more natural and soft sense of stimulation with simple control and to continuously obtain a wide range of treatment and treatment effects over a longer period.

  Since the present invention is as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

According to the living body stimulating device of claim 1 of the present invention , the effect is continued by the alternating waveform having the vibration property, and a more natural and soft sense of stimulation can be easily obtained by simple control. The high-frequency component superimposed on can provide a wide range of therapeutic and therapeutic effects over a long period of time.

According to the biostimulator of claim 2 of the present invention , the effect is continued by the alternating waveform having vibration, and a more natural and soft stimulation feeling can be easily obtained by simple control. The high-frequency component superimposed on can provide a wide range of therapeutic and therapeutic effects over a long period of time.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the biological stimulation device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, the same portions as those in the conventional example are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the common parts will be omitted as much as possible.

  The overall configuration of the apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Reference numeral 1 denotes a stabilized power source that converts an AC input to a DC output in a stabilized state. Here, AC 100V AC voltage is converted into DC + 15V and DC + 5V DC voltages, respectively. is doing. Reference numeral 2 denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control means that operates based on a DC + 5V DC voltage from the stabilized power supply 1 and a reference clock signal from the crystal oscillator 3. As is well known, the CPU 2 incorporates input / output means, storage means, arithmetic processing means, etc., and in accordance with a control sequence stored in the storage means, a stimulation current of a predetermined pattern is a human body that is a living body (not shown). To give to.

  A plurality of switches 4 serving as mode selection means for selecting a specific stimulation mode from a plurality of stimulation modes are connected to the input side port of the CPU 2. Correspondingly, a plurality of LEDs 6 serving as mode display means for indicating which stimulation mode is selected and executed are connected to the output side port of the CPU 2. In addition, on the output side port of the CPU 2, the segment LED 7 as time display means for counting and displaying the stimulation time, the two FETs 9 and 10 constituting the stimulation generating means 8, and the amplitude and interval (pause) of the stimulation signal applied to the human body The output variable circuit 11 that varies the period) is connected. In the present embodiment, only one segment LED 7 is shown for convenience, but in reality, two or more segment LEDs 7 are arranged in parallel. Further, for example, the LED 6 and the segment LED 7 may be integrated and displayed by a common LCD display or the like.

  The output variable circuit 11 is operated by a DC voltage of + 15V from the stabilized power source 1, and each control signal output from the CPU 2, that is, a forced stimulation command signal (HAMMAR), a stimulation pause period setting signal (INTERVAL) ), And a rectangular waveform variable output signal that is output at a predetermined repetition frequency that is amplitude-modulated in the range of DC0V to DC + 15V by the stimulus start signal (START) and the output level setting signal from the variable resistor 14 that can be manually operated. Is supplied to the stimulus generating means 8. On the other hand, the stimulus generating means 8 performs pulse width modulation on the variable output signal from the output variable circuit 11, and in addition to the FETs 9 and 10 as switch means, a transformer 21 in which the primary side and the secondary side are insulated. It is configured with. Specifically, the primary winding 22 of the transformer 21 has a center tap connected to the variable output line of the output variable circuit 11, and a conductor connected to both ends of the secondary winding 23 that outputs a stimulation signal. A pair of output terminals 24 corresponding to are connected to each other. One end of the primary winding 22 of the transformer 21 is connected to the drain of one FET 9 grounded at the source, and the other end of the primary winding 22 of the transformer 21 is connected to the drain of the other FET 10 that is also grounded. Is connected. Then, a positive PWM (pulse width modulation) signal is supplied from the CPU 2 to the gate that is the control terminal of the FET 9, and a negative PWM signal from the CPU 2 is supplied to the gate that is the control terminal of the FET 10. Yes.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the waveform diagram of FIG. In FIG. 2, the waveform at the uppermost stage is a variable output signal from the variable circuit 11, and the waveforms of the + side PWM signal, the − side PWM signal, and the stimulation signal between the output terminals 24 are shown below.

  When a specific stimulation mode is selected by the switch 4 and a start switch (not shown) is operated, the LED 6 corresponding to the stimulation mode selected by the CPU 2 is lit. Further, the CPU 2 functions as a stimulus generation unit that controls each unit including the stimulus generation unit 8 and the output variable circuit 11 so that a stimulus signal corresponding to the selected stimulation mode is output from between the output terminals 24. In this series of controls, when a stimulus start signal is output from the CPU 2 to the output variable circuit 11, a rectangular wave with an amplitude A1 having a predetermined time width t1 is repeatedly output every period T as shown on the left side of the graph of FIG. The variable output signal is supplied from the output variable circuit 11 to the stimulus generating means 8. Here, the amplitude A1 can be appropriately changed within the range of DC0V to DC + 15V by the variable resistor 14, so that the user can easily change the degree of stimulation to a desired state. Although not shown here, if the period T and the time width t1 of a variable output signal that defines a rectangular wave pulse group, which will be described later, can be varied by a command from the CPU 2, it is more preferable for the user. It will be easier to get. In addition, this can be realized simply by changing the control program in the CPU 2.

  Each time the variable output signal is output from the output variable circuit 11, the CPU 2 alternately outputs a plurality of on-pulses having higher frequency components to the FET 9 or FET 10 during the output period of the variable output signal. At this time, within the time width t1 of one variable output signal, each on-pulse that finally becomes a rectangular wave pulse has a constant ratio between the on-width and the off-width of the FET 9 or the FET 10 at the same period t2. Is output. That is, the ON pulse output to the FET 9 or the FET 10 is output at a constant duty for every constant period t2 within the time width t1. Note that the pulse width modulation used in the present embodiment is a method in which the period t2 of each rectangular wave pulse is made constant, and the ON width is variably controlled for each rectangular wave pulse group. It should be noted that the ON width and period are not increased or decreased while the OFF width of the wave pulse is kept constant. Further, the duty of each on-pulse is variably controlled for each rectangular wave pulse group having a time width t1 within a predetermined time width with a plurality of rectangular wave pulse groups as one unit. The control will be described later.

When a + side PWM signal is supplied from the CPU 2 to the FET 9 with the variable output signal being output to the center tap of the primary winding 22 of the transformer 21, the FET 9 is turned on during the period in which the on-pulse is output. Thus, one end side (dot side) of the primary winding 22 is grounded, and a voltage is induced on one end side (dot side) of the secondary winding 23. Similarly, when a negative output signal is supplied from the CPU 2 to the FET 10 with the variable output signal being output to the center tap of the primary winding 22 of the transformer 21, the FET 10 turns on, a voltage is induced to the other end of the secondary winding (non-dot side). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, when an ON pulse is supplied to the gate of the FET 9 during a period in which the variable output signal is output, a period in which a positive stimulus signal is output in a pulse shape and a rectangular wave pulse is output. When an ON pulse is supplied to the gate of the FET 10, a negative polarity stimulation signal is output in a pulse shape.

  Thus, between the output terminals 24, a rectangular wave pulse group in which a variable output signal is pulse-width-modulated into a plurality of rectangular wave pulses having a constant period t2 and a duty by FETs 9 and 10 at a voltage level proportional to the amplitude A1. S is repeatedly generated as a stimulus signal alternately positive and negative. Further, the duty of the rectangular wave pulses constituting the rectangular wave pulse group S is variably controlled for each rectangular wave pulse group S within a predetermined time width with a plurality of rectangular wave pulse groups S as a unit, as will be described later. Is done. While a stimulus signal is output, a timer (not shown) built in the CPU 2 measures time and displays the result on the segment LED 7.

  The waveforms when such a stimulus signal is generated are shown in FIGS. The stimulation signal as the sample waveform here includes a rectangular wave pulse of a high frequency signal component in which the repetition frequency of the rectangular wave pulse group S is 2.08 kHz (repetition period T = 480 μsec) and each appears at a constant period of 50 μsec. Yes. FIG. 3 shows a waveform when a 500Ω dummy resistor is connected as a load between the output terminals 24 for reference. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the time axis of the waveform in FIG. In the case of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a waveform substantially the same as the stimulus signal shown in FIG. 2 is generated between both ends of the dummy resistor. On the other hand, FIG. 5 shows a voltage waveform between the output terminals 24 when the output terminal 24 is energized by placing it on the stomach of the human body, and FIG. 6 expands the time axis of the waveform in FIG. It is a thing. When the output terminal 24 is energized with the human body abdomen, the human body acts as a capacitor body such as a capacitor, and can be regarded as an equivalent circuit as shown in FIG. In the figure, reference numerals 25 and 26 denote capacitors as capacitive bodies formed between the output terminal 24 as a conductor and the human body, and 27 denotes a resistance of the human body. Hereinafter, the action of the stimulus signal in the human body will be described according to this equivalent circuit.

  When a rectangular wave pulse is output between the output terminals 24, the capacitors 25 and 26 are charged during the on-time of the rectangular wave pulse. On the contrary, the charges of the capacitors 25 and 26 are discharged during the OFF time of the rectangular wave pulse. At this time, the electric charges of the capacitors 25 and 26 are charged and discharged according to the time constant of the capacitors 25 and 26 and the resistor 27. When the next rectangular wave pulse is output, the electric charges remain in the capacitors 25 and 26 without being discharged, so that the next rectangular wave pulse is biased by the voltage VC charged in the capacitors 25 and 26. It becomes. Similarly, if charging / discharging is repeated each time a rectangular wave pulse is output, the bias voltage VC gradually increases, but the duty of the rectangular wave pulses constituting the rectangular wave pulse group is all constant. Therefore, it converges to a certain value. When the last rectangular wave pulse forming the rectangular wave pulse group S has been applied, the discharge is performed according to the time constant and converges to zero. At this time, it should be noted that the waveform of the rectangular wave pulse group has a shape in which a rectangular wave pulse as a high frequency component is superimposed on a sine wave having an amplitude of the bias voltage VC.

  Subsequently, the next rectangular wave pulse group is output, and the duty of each rectangular wave pulse constituting this rectangular wave pulse group is set to be larger than the duty of each rectangular wave pulse in the previous rectangular wave pulse group. Modulate width. Specifically, for example, the duty of each rectangular wave pulse in the previous positive and negative rectangular wave pulse group is 0.1, and the duty of each rectangular wave pulse in the current positive and negative rectangular wave pulse group is 0.2. In this way, the amount of charge charged in the capacitors 25 and 26 at the on-width of the rectangular wave pulse increases, and the amount of charge discharged from the capacitors 25 and 26 at the off-width of the rectangular wave pulse decreases. The waveform of the previous rectangular wave pulse group has a waveform in which the amplitude of the sine wave is increased and the polarity is inverted.

  Here, T0 shown in FIG. 5 is a vibration period that defines a predetermined time width that is configured with one period T of the rectangular wave pulse group S as a minimum unit, and for each rectangular wave pulse group S as described above. This is a repetition period of pulse width modulation. More specifically, from the start to the half of the vibration period T0, the duty of each rectangular wave pulse gradually increases, for example, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,. From the half of the vibration period T0 to the end, the duty of each rectangular wave pulse is gradually reduced to, for example,..., 0.3, 0.2, 0.1 for each set of positive and negative rectangular wave pulses S. The duty of the rectangular wave pulse is varied for each rectangular wave pulse group S. As a result, an alternating current waveform having a vibration property in which high frequency components are superimposed as shown in FIG. 5 is obtained.

  In other words, when the duty of the square wave pulse is small, the amount of charge with respect to the equivalent electrostatic capacity of the human body is small and the amount of discharge is large, so the amplitude of the voltage waveform between the output terminals 24 is small and the change is slow. When the duty ratio increases, the amount of charge with respect to the equivalent capacitance of the human body is large and the amount of discharge is small, so that the amplitude of the voltage waveform between the output terminals 24 is large and the change is sudden. As a result, the stimulus signal becomes an alternating waveform having a vibration property that repeats positive and negative, and a waveform in which a high-frequency rectangular wave signal is placed on the low-frequency signal is formed. Note that, when the duty of the rectangular wave pulse is not changed, the amplitude is constant, and an AC waveform that approximates a sine wave is obtained.

  By the way, the myoelectric signal is observed as a noise-like waveform with complex influences on voltage, frequency, phase, etc., but in the low-frequency region, the AC waveform has an oscillation with irregular positive and negative amplitudes. Therefore, when an alternating waveform having vibration as shown in FIG. 5 is sent to the muscle, it becomes a very natural movement of the muscle, and it feels soft and comfortable. The low-frequency signal distorted into the AC wave shape having the vibration property can provide a very soft and natural feeling of stimulation as compared with a rectangular wave having the same current and frequency. In addition, since the high-frequency rectangular wave signal obtained by switching the FETs 9 and 10 is included in the stimulus signal, the therapeutic effect of the component can be expected. As a specific therapeutic effect by the high-frequency component, the high-frequency wave penetrates into the human body and acts on blood vessels, thereby promoting blood circulation, treating stiffness and pain, and adjusting the autonomic nerve. It also has the effect of increasing skin temperature.

  Further, since the period t2 of each rectangular wave pulse is constant and only its duty is changed by the stimulus generating means 8, there is no wider on-pulse than that disclosed in Patent Document 2. Therefore, the charging current is supplied in small increments with respect to the equivalent capacitance of the human body, and the amount of charge (energization amount) rises gradually. Therefore, even in a high-frequency on-pulse component, it is possible to obtain a softer sense of stimulation.

  As a modification of the present embodiment, various distorted waves such as a triangular wave and a sawtooth wave can be obtained by changing the duty of the rectangular wave pulse in each rectangular wave pulse group S in a different pattern within the vibration period. Can be given to the human body, and a unique stimulation can be obtained. Specifically, the effect of “striking” with intermittent output waveforms, “vibration” with continuous output waveforms at regular intervals, and waveforms with shorter output time intervals than “vibration” are intermittent. Various stimulation feelings such as “fir” are obtained by outputting them to each other, and any of them can be a natural and soft stimulation feeling.

  By the way, in general, the human body shows an adaptation phenomenon to monotonous stimulation, and there is a tendency that therapeutic effects such as pain removal and alleviation effects fade with time. However, in this embodiment, since the amplitude of the low frequency component changes greatly, there is no such drawback, but in order to effectively prevent the adaptation phenomenon, a strong stimulus command signal and a stimulus pause period setting signal are provided. Yes. As a result, as a control sequence of the CPU 2, while the stimulus pause period setting signal is output from the CPU 2 to the output variable circuit 11, the stimulus signal output can be temporarily stopped to provide a stimulus pause period. When a strong stimulation command signal is output from the CPU 2 to the output variable circuit 11, a rectangular wave pulse having an amplitude A2 larger than the preset amplitude A1 is stimulated from the output variable circuit 11 as shown on the right side of the graph of FIG. A strong stimulation signal that is temporarily output to the generating means 8 and has a larger rectangular wave pulse group S ′ than before can be given to the human body.

The means for obtaining a pulse wave modulated rectangular wave pulse group as shown in FIG. 2 is not limited to that shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , according to the present invention, a stimulus generating means 31 for sending a plurality of rectangular wave pulse groups pulse-modulated in advance according to the present invention at regular intervals, and a rectangular wave pulse group for a predetermined time is output from the stimulus generating means 31 Each time, a signal inversion means 32 for alternately inverting and outputting the rectangular wave pulse group and a stimulus generation means 33 for amplifying and outputting the output signal from the signal inversion means 32 as a stimulus signal are provided. Good. Also in this case, the stimulus generation means 31 may arbitrarily change the pause period and amplitude of the rectangular wave pulse group S. Furthermore, if the stimulus generation means 31 can generate positive and negative alternating rectangular wave pulse groups S, the signal inversion means 32 becomes unnecessary.

In the embodiment as described above, the living body against the output terminal 24 as Shirubeko, in biostimulation device to stimulate by applying a current from the output terminal 24 to the living body, the stimulation signal output before SL output terminal 24 The stimulus generation means 8 outputs a repetition of a rectangular wave pulse group S composed of a plurality of rectangular wave pulses having the same period t2 in the same group as the stimulation signal. Further, the rectangular wave pulse group S is cyclically repeatedly output alternately with positive and negative at the period T until a half of the time width T0 elapses in a predetermined time width T0 composed of the plurality of rectangular wave pulse groups S. Each time the rectangular wave pulse group S is output, the duty of the rectangular wave pulse is gradually increased, and then as the time width T0 is approached, the individual rectangular wave pulse group is increased. It is configured so as to gradually reduce the duty of the rectangular wave pulse each time the output.

In this way, the period t2 of each rectangular wave pulse constituting the rectangular wave pulse group S is constant within the same rectangular wave pulse group S, and the on-time of the rectangular wave pulse is equal to the rectangular wave pulse group S. The on-time change is relatively small because it only changes within the period t2 of a single rectangular wave pulse having a time width much shorter than the time width t1. For example, in this embodiment, since the period t2 = 50 μsec, even if the duty of the rectangular wave pulse changes between 0.1 and 0.9, the on-time of the rectangular wave pulse is 5 μsec to 45 μsec, and the time of the rectangular wave pulse group S The change is relatively small compared to the width t1. Of course, if the period t2 of the rectangular wave pulse is shortened, the change becomes smaller. Therefore, the amount of charge with respect to the equivalent capacitances 25 and 26 of the human body is gradual without rapidly increasing, so that a softer feeling of stimulation can be obtained. In addition, the period t2 of each rectangular wave pulse is constant, and can be easily realized with a simple control sequence because only the duty is changed. Further, since the stimulation signal flowing in the living body has a waveform in which a high frequency component is superimposed on a smooth waveform such as a sine wave, the effect of the high frequency treatment by the high frequency component can be obtained simultaneously with the low frequency treatment. A wide range of treatment and treatment effects that cannot be achieved by the use of alone can be obtained . Furthermore, the on-time of the rectangular wave pulse is constant within the time width t1 of the rectangular wave pulse group S and gradually changes with the period T of the rectangular wave pulse group S. Less. Therefore, the amount of charge with respect to the equivalent capacitances 25 and 26 of the human body becomes gentler without rapidly increasing, and a softer feeling of stimulation can be obtained. In addition, the stimulation signal in the living body is an AC waveform having a vibration property in which the duty of the rectangular wave pulse increases or decreases in the entire rectangular wave pulse group S with a predetermined time width T0 as one cycle. Therefore, it does not become a monotonous and regular stimulus, but a stimulus that shows a moderately regular change, so that the effect continues even after long use. Moreover, since it is an alternating current waveform having vibration such as a myoelectric potential signal that is originally generated in the living body, it becomes a natural movement of the muscle without any difficulty, and it feels soft and comfortable. From the above, it is possible to easily obtain a more natural and soft sense of stimulation with simple control and to continuously obtain a wide range of treatment and treatment effects over a longer period.

Next, another modification of the present invention is shown in FIG. Although the overall configuration of the apparatus is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, here, as shown in FIG. 9, a rectangular wave pulse composed of a plurality of rectangular wave pulses having the same on-time in each rectangular wave pulse group S. The repetition of the group S is output from the output terminal 24 as a stimulus signal by the stimulus generating means 8 and the density of the rectangular wave pulses can be gradually changed every time the stimulus generating means 8 outputs the rectangular wave pulse group S. In addition, a positive side PDM (pulse density modulation) signal or a negative side PDM signal is output from the CPU 2 to the gates of the FETs 9 and 10.

  Next, the operation of this modification will be described. When a specific stimulation mode is selected by the switch 4 and a start switch (not shown) is operated, the CPU 2 changes the variable output signal every time a variable output signal is output from the output variable circuit 11. During the output period of the output signal, a plurality of on-pulses having higher frequency components are alternately output to the FET 9 or FET 10. At this time, the density of each on-pulse having the same on-time is variably controlled for each rectangular wave pulse group S having a time width t1 within a predetermined time width T0 with a plurality of rectangular wave pulse groups S as a unit. The Therefore, in this embodiment, it should be noted that in one rectangular wave pulse group S, the on-time of the rectangular wave pulses is constant regardless of the density of the rectangular wave pulses. Again, if an on-pulse is supplied from the CPU 2 to the gate of the FET 9 during the period in which the variable output signal is output, the positive polarity stimulation signal is output in a pulse form, and during the period in which the rectangular wave pulse is output from the CPU 2. When an ON pulse is supplied to the gate of the FET 10, a negative polarity stimulation signal is output in a pulse shape.

  As a result, when such a stimulus signal is given to a living body, an alternating waveform having a vibration property in which high-frequency components are superimposed is obtained. In other words, when the density of rectangular wave pulses is low, the amount of charge with respect to the equivalent electrostatic capacity of the human body is small and the amount of discharge is large, so the amplitude of the voltage waveform between the output terminals 24 is small and the change is slow. As the density increases, the amount of charge with respect to the equivalent electrostatic capacity of the human body is large and the amount of discharge is small. As a result, the stimulus signal becomes an alternating waveform having a vibration property that repeats positive and negative, and a waveform in which a high-frequency rectangular wave signal is placed on the low-frequency signal is formed. As described above, the AC waveform having such a vibration property becomes a very natural muscular movement, and can be felt soft and comfortable. In addition, since the high-frequency rectangular wave signal obtained by switching the FETs 9 and 10 is included in the stimulus signal, the therapeutic effect of the component can be expected.

  Further, in this modified example, since the on-time of each rectangular wave pulse constituting the rectangular wave pulse group S is constant, there is no on-pulse wider than that disclosed in Patent Document 2. Therefore, the charging current is supplied in small increments with respect to the equivalent capacitance of the human body, and the amount of charge (energization amount) rises gradually. Therefore, even in a high-frequency on-pulse component, it is possible to obtain a softer sense of stimulation.

As described above, in this modification , the stimulus generation means 8 is output as a stimulus signal from between the output terminals 24, and the stimulus generation means 8 is constituted by a plurality of rectangular wave pulses having the same on-time within the same group. The rectangular wave pulse group S is output as the stimulation signal, and the rectangular wave pulse group S is periodically and alternately output positively and negatively, and a predetermined time width composed of a plurality of rectangular wave pulse groups S is output. At T0, until the half of the time width T0 has passed, the density of the rectangular wave pulses is gradually increased every time a set of positive and negative rectangular wave pulses S is output, and then the end of the time width T0 is approached. Each time a set of positive and negative rectangular wave pulse groups S is output, the density of the rectangular wave pulses is gradually reduced .

In this way, in one rectangular wave pulse group S, the on-time of each rectangular wave pulse constituting the rectangular wave pulse group S is constant regardless of the number (density) of rectangular wave pulses. The amount of charge with respect to the equivalent electrostatic capacity becomes gentle without rapidly increasing, and a softer stimulation can be obtained. Further, the on-time of each rectangular wave pulse is constant, and can be easily realized by a simple control sequence because the number of the on-time is changed. Further, since the stimulation signal flowing in the living body has a waveform in which a high frequency component is superimposed on a smooth waveform such as a sine wave, the effect of the high frequency treatment by the high frequency component can be obtained simultaneously with the low frequency treatment. A wide range of treatment and treatment effects that cannot be achieved by the use of alone can be obtained. Further, the on-time of the rectangular wave pulse is constant within the time width of the rectangular wave pulse group S, and gradually changes every period T of the rectangular wave pulse group S. Less. Therefore, the charge amount with respect to the equivalent capacitance of the human body becomes more gradual, and a further soft feeling of stimulation can be obtained. Further, the stimulation signal here is an alternating current waveform having a vibration property in which the density of the rectangular wave pulses increases or decreases in the entire rectangular wave pulse group S with a predetermined time width T0 as one cycle. Therefore, it does not become a monotonous and regular stimulus, but becomes a stimulus that shows a moderately regular change, so that the effect of treatment continues even after a long period of use. Moreover, since it is an alternating current waveform having vibration such as a myoelectric potential signal that is originally generated in the living body, it becomes a natural movement of the muscle without any difficulty, and it feels soft and comfortable. From the above, it is possible to easily obtain a more natural and soft sense of stimulation with simple control and to continuously obtain a wide range of treatment and treatment effects over a longer period.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various deformation | transformation implementation is possible. The repetition frequency of the rectangular wave pulse group S in the present invention, the period T and time width t1 of each rectangular wave on-pulse group S, the period t2 of each rectangular wave pulse, and the like can be changed relatively freely as necessary. It is.

1 is a circuit diagram of a biostimulator in a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a wave form diagram of each part same as the above. FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram of a stimulation signal when a dummy resistor is connected between output terminals. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the waveform diagram in FIG. It is a wave form diagram of a stimulus signal at the time of applying the belly of a human body between output terminals same as the above. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the waveform diagram in FIG. FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram inside the human body. It is a block diagram which shows the modification of an apparatus structure same as the above. FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram of a stimulus signal showing another modified example. It is a circuit diagram of the principal part of a living body stimulating device in a conventional example.

Explanation of symbols

8 Stimulation means 24 Output terminal (conductor)

Claims (2)

In a biological stimulation device that applies a conductor to a living body and applies a current to the living body from the conductor to give a stimulus, the apparatus includes a stimulus generation unit that outputs a stimulation signal to the conductor,
The stimulus generation means outputs a repetition of a rectangular wave pulse group composed of a plurality of rectangular wave pulses having the same period within the same group as the stimulation signal,
Further, the rectangular wave pulse group is output alternately and positively and periodically, and in a predetermined time width composed of a plurality of the rectangular wave pulse groups, a set of the positive and negative rectangular waves until half of the time width elapses. Each time a pulse group is output, the duty of the rectangular wave pulse is gradually increased, and thereafter, as the end of this time width is approached, the duty of the rectangular wave pulse is increased every time a set of positive and negative rectangular wave pulses is output. A biological stimulation device characterized by being configured to be gradually reduced. In a biological stimulation device that applies a conductor to a living body and applies a current to the living body from the conductor to give a stimulus, the apparatus includes a stimulus generation unit that outputs a stimulation signal to the conductor,
The stimulus generating means outputs a repetition of a rectangular wave pulse group composed of a plurality of rectangular wave pulses having the same on-time within the same group as the stimulation signal,
Further, the rectangular wave pulse group is output alternately and positively and periodically, and in a predetermined time width composed of a plurality of the rectangular wave pulse groups, a set of the positive and negative rectangular waves until half of the time width elapses. Each time a pulse group is output, the density of the rectangular wave pulse is gradually increased, and then the density of the rectangular wave pulse is increased each time a set of positive and negative rectangular wave pulses is output as the end of this time width is approached. A biostimulation apparatus characterized by being configured to be gradually lowered.

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