JP6215014B2 - Multi-channel electrical stimulator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to output adjustment of a multi-channel electrical stimulation device.

An example of a multi-channel electrical stimulation device is shown in FIG. The apparatus includes output units a and b that output biostimulation currents, output control units 5a and 5b that control outputs of the output units a and b, control units 4, and outputs of the output units a and b that are supplied to the living body. 3a1, 3a2, 3b1, 3b2.
The output units a and b include stimulation signal generation units 1a and 1b that generate biological stimulation signals, and amplification units 2a and 2b that amplify the stimulation signals generated by the stimulation signal generation units 1a and 1b to desired values.
Although not shown in the figure, the apparatus is provided with an operation panel, and an operation unit provided on the operation panel is operated to input stimulation conditions such as a waveform of a stimulation current, a pulse width, a cycle, and a treatment time. The output adjusters 5a and 5b are provided on the operation panel.

Prior to treatment, stimulation conditions are input from the operation unit of the operation panel, and the electrodes 3a1, 3a2, 3b1, 3b2 are attached to desired sites to be stimulated.
When the output adjustment unit 5a is operated after preparation for treatment is completed, the control unit 4 reads the operation amount of the output adjustment unit 5a and adjusts the amplification factor of the amplification unit 2a according to the operation amount of the output adjustment unit 5a. The output of the amplifying unit 2a is supplied to the living body through the electrodes 3a1 and 3a2 as a biological stimulation current.
Similarly, by operating the output adjusting unit 5b, the output of the output unit b is adjusted to an appropriate value and supplied to the living body via the electrodes 3b1 and 3b2.
Figure 2 shows an example of 2-channel output, but in reality, 3-channel, 4-channel, and more are also used. In such a case, the above operation is repeated for each channel.
As the appropriate stimulation intensity, for example, a muscle contraction threshold value or a stimulation intensity that is a little lower than the intensity at which pain is felt and is the intensity that causes the best muscle contraction is selected. In this way, the treatment is started by adjusting the output, and stimulation is performed until the treatment time ends.

In order to perform an effective treatment with electrical stimulation, it is necessary to have an appropriate stimulation intensity. However, the appropriate stimulation intensity varies from person to person, from site to site, and from the same person to the same site on the day of treatment. For this reason, the stimulus intensity is carefully set for each output channel. Although FIG. 2 shows an example of 2-channel output, in practice, more outputs such as 4 channels may be used.
For this reason, the output adjustment of the conventional multi-channel electrical stimulation apparatus has a problem that it is troublesome and requires a lot of labor.

  To solve this problem, group multiple channels into one group and adjust the output of the output unit (main output unit) corresponding to the main controller with one output adjustment unit (main controller) in the group. A technique is disclosed in which outputs of output units (subordinate output units) other than the main output unit are interlocked (interlocking mode) to set the output of the entire apparatus (for example, Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 describes an interlock mode, an independent mode in which each output adjustment unit is individually operated to individually set the output of each amplification unit, a mode switching means for switching between the two modes, and a treatment in the interlock mode. A return means for automatically returning to the independent mode later is provided. Before starting treatment, first switch to the interlock mode with the mode switching means, operate one dial of the output adjustment dial to make the output of that channel appropriate strength, the output of all other channels are also interlocked And adjusted to the same value. When the predetermined time elapses, the mode is shifted from the interlock mode to the independent mode, stimulation is performed for the set treatment time, and the stimulation is terminated when the treatment time ends.

Japanese Patent No.368970

Patent Document 1 has the feature that, when in the interlock mode, when one dial is operated, all other outputs can be adjusted to the same output at the same time. However, it is necessary to separately provide a mode switching means (switch), which increases the cost. There was a problem of becoming. In addition, since it is necessary to operate the mode switching means each time the mode is switched, there is a problem that it takes time and effort.
An object of the present invention is to solve this problem and provide an apparatus that is easier to operate.

In order to solve this problem, in the invention described in claim 1,
In a multi-channel electrical stimulation apparatus comprising a plurality of output systems having an output unit that outputs a biostimulation current and an output adjustment unit that adjusts the output of the output unit,
The output adjustment unit is divided into one main output adjustment unit and a sub output adjustment unit other than the main output adjustment unit,
With adjusting the output of the main output section corresponding to the main power control unit by operating the main power controlling unit, all the secondary output of the output other than the main output section so that the output of the main output section Linked mode to control
An independent mode in which each of the output adjustment units is operated to independently adjust the output of each of the output units;
Provided,
When the main output adjustment unit is operated, the interlock mode is set.
When the output adjustment unit in the slave output adjustment unit is operated within a predetermined time t1 after the interlock mode is set, the independent mode is set.

In the invention according to claim 2, in the multi-channel electrical stimulation device according to claim 1,
When the predetermined time t1 is exceeded, the interlock mode cannot be changed to the independent mode.

In the invention according to claim 3, in the multi-channel electrical stimulation device according to claim 1 or claim 2,
After setting the output of the output unit, there is provided a means for locking the output so that the output cannot be increased after a predetermined time t2.

In the invention according to claim 4, in the multi-channel electrical stimulation device according to claim 3,
Sometimes the output lock, when operating the output adjusting unit, which make it possible to adjust the output within a predetermined range.

In the invention according to claim 5, in the multi-channel electrical stimulation device according to claim 3 or claim 4,
When the output is locked, the output lock is released when the output adjustment unit is operated to set the output to zero.

In the first aspect of the invention, adjusting the main output adjuster at the start of stimulation not only allows the output of the main output unit to be adjusted to a desired value, but also enables the interlock mode to operate the sub output adjustment unit. In addition, the outputs of all the sub output units can be matched with the output values of the main output unit.
For this reason, the work of the output adjustment can easily it a clear screen, can be labor-saving. Further, since no mode switching means (switch) is required, the cost is reduced.
In addition, if any one of the output adjustment units in the slave output adjustment unit is operated within a predetermined time t1 after entering the interlock mode, the independent mode is set and each output is adjusted independently. Can do.

When electrodes are installed at multiple locations and the output is adjusted by operating the main output adjuster, the output of the slave output section that is adjusted by the slave output controller is automatically linked to this output. Adjusted to be the same.
At this time, if all the outputs are appropriate values, the treatment may be continued until the treatment time is completed.
However, normally, when electrodes are attached to a plurality of locations, the impedance differs depending on the site. Therefore, even if all outputs are the same in the interlock mode, the current is different for each output and the intensity of stimulation is also different. For this reason, in order to obtain a desired therapeutic effect, it is necessary to adjust each output again.
In the invention described in this claim, after switching to the interlock mode, operating the main output adjustment unit to adjust the output of the main output unit, and automatically adjusting the output of the sub output unit to the same value as the output of the main output unit If it is within the predetermined time t1, if there is an excess or deficiency of output at each output unit, the outputs of all the output units can be adjusted to appropriate values by operating each output adjustment unit.
As described above, the multi-channel electrical stimulation device according to the present invention can easily set all the outputs by the interlock mode, and immediately switches to the independent mode, and the stimulation intensity depends on the stimulation site. Since all outputs with excess and deficiency can be individually operated immediately at different times, all outputs can be adjusted easily and appropriately finely, and more effective treatment can be performed.

The invention according to claim 2 is the multi-channel electrical stimulation device according to claim 1,
When the predetermined time t1 is exceeded, the interlock mode cannot be changed to the independent mode.
For this reason, after the time t1, the treatment condition is not changed even if the output adjusting unit is manipulated randomly or randomly, so that the risk due to the change of the treatment condition can be prevented.

In the invention of claim 3, after setting the output according to claim 1 or 2, when a predetermined time elapses, all the outputs are automatically locked to the set value, and the output regulator is operated. Will not change the output.
For this reason, even if the output adjustment unit is erroneously operated for some reason during stimulation, the output is not changed, and a sudden shock is not applied, and safety can be maintained.

In the invention of claim 4, wherein, at said output lock, when operating the output regulator, it is possible to adjust the output within a predetermined narrow range. Since the output is locked, the output cannot be changed basically, but the output can be changed in a narrow range of, for example, several to several tens%. As the treatment progresses, the user gets used to the stimulation, the impedance changes, the stimulation intensity decreases, and the therapeutic effect may decrease, but this problem can be solved by the invention described in the claims.

In the invention of claim 5, wherein, at the output lock, when the zero output by operating the output regulator can release the said output lock.
When the output is locked , you may want to release the lock if you want to change the output significantly. According to the invention described in this claim, the output lock can be released and the output can be greatly changed.

It is a block diagram of the Example of the 2 system | strain output of this invention. It is a flowchart of the output setting for the treatment of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a dual output system according to the present invention. As in the conventional apparatus, the apparatus outputs the outputs of the biostimulation currents a and b, the output adjustment parts 5a and 5b for adjusting the outputs of the output parts a and b, the control part 4, and the outputs of the output parts a and b. The electrodes 3a1, 3a2, 3b1, and 3b2 are supplied to the living body.
The output units a and b are composed of stimulation signal generation units 1a and 1b that generate biological stimulation signals, and amplification units 2a and 2b that amplify the stimulation signals generated by the stimulation signal generation units 1a and 1b to desired values. The
Although not shown in the figure, the operation panel of the apparatus is provided with an operation unit for inputting stimulation conditions such as a waveform of a stimulation current, a pulse width, a period, and a treatment time, and the output adjustment units 5a and 5b are also operated. It is provided on the panel.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of output setting for the treatment of the present invention.
For example, the output adjusting unit 5a is a main output adjusting unit, the output unit adjusted by the main output adjusting unit is the main output unit, the output adjusting unit 5b is the sub output adjusting unit, and the output unit adjusted by the sub output adjusting unit is the sub output unit. And Actually, these main output adjusting units and the like are determined at the time of designing and manufacturing the apparatus.
Prior to treatment, stimulation conditions are input from the operation unit, and the electrodes 3a1, 3a2, 3b1, 3b2 are affixed to desired sites to be stimulated.
When the main output adjustment unit 5a is operated after preparation for treatment is completed, the interlock mode is set, and the amplification signal of the amplification unit 2a is adjusted according to the invention of claim 1, and the stimulation signal generated by the stimulation signal generation unit 1a Is amplified and supplied to the living body through the electrodes 3a1 and 3a2 as a biological stimulation current. With reference to the output of the main output part a, the output of the slave output part b is also set to the same value and supplied to the living body via the electrodes 3b1 and 3b2. That is, the output part b is also interlocked with the output part a.

When the main output adjusting unit 5a is operated, the output of the sub output unit b is set in conjunction with the main output unit a, the treatment time starts, and the time t1 is set in the mode switching timer.
Until the time t1 elapses, it is checked whether or not the slave output adjuster is operated. If the slave output adjuster is not operated, the interlock mode is maintained. When the secondary output adjustment unit is operated before the time t1 has elapsed, the interlock mode is switched to the independent mode, and the individual output adjustment units can be operated independently.
According to claim 1, it is possible to easily perform the output adjustment work and to save labor. Further, since no mode switching means (switch) is required, the cost is reduced. In addition, it is possible to immediately switch to the independent mode, and when the stimulation intensity varies depending on the stimulation site, it is possible to immediately operate all the outputs that are excessive or insufficient, so that all the outputs can be easily and appropriately fine-tuned. It can be adjusted to provide more effective treatment.

When switching to the independent mode while operating in the interlock mode, the output can be adjusted by operating all the output adjustment units. May significantly change the output of the patient and cause shock, discomfort, and pain to the patient. For this reason, in the invention described in claim 2, after the mode switching timer is activated and the time t1 has elapsed, the interlock mode cannot be switched to the independent mode.
For this reason, after the mode switching timer expires, the interlock mode cannot be switched to the independent mode, and the output does not change even if the output adjuster is operated intentionally or randomly. It does not give a sense of incongruity or pain. That is, the invention according to claim 2 can improve safety.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when treatment is started, time t2 is set in the output lock timer. In the interlocking mode, while the output lock timer is operating, it is monitored whether or not the main output adjustment unit 5a has been operated. If the time t2 has not elapsed, the main output adjustment unit 5a can be adjusted, and the output lock timer ends. Then, the output of the main output is locked to the set value at that time, and thereafter, the output of the main output cannot be changed even if the main output adjustment unit 5a is operated.
In the independent mode, the time t2 is set in the output lock timer, and it is monitored whether or not the output adjustment unit 5b is operated while the output lock timer is operating, and this output lock timer is terminated without operating the output adjustment unit 5b. Then, the output adjustment is finished, the output is locked, and the treatment is continued.
When the output lock timer expires and the output is locked, the output cannot be changed, so even if the output adjuster is manipulated intentionally or randomly, the output does not change, and the patient experiences shock, pain, There is no sense of incongruity and safe treatment can be performed.

According to the invention of claim 4 , when the output adjuster is operated when the output is locked, the output can be adjusted within a predetermined range. While the treatment is continued, the impedance of the living body changes due to sweating, a change in blood flow, or the like, and when getting used to stimulation, the stimulation amount may be unsatisfactory. In such a case, the invention according to the claims can readjust the amount of stimulation and perform more effective treatment. If the stimulus is too strong, the output can be reduced and appropriate treatment can be performed.

When the output is locked and treatment is performed, the invention according to claims 1 to 4 cannot cope with a case where it is desired to greatly increase the output.
In order to cope with this, in the invention according to claim 5 , when the output is locked, the output lock can be released by operating the output regulator to zero the output.
When the output is locked , you may want to release the lock if you want to change the output significantly. According to the invention described in this claim, the output lock can be released and the output can be greatly changed.

In linked mode, only the main output adjustment unit is operated to adjust the output of the main output unit, the slave output adjustment unit is not moved and the output of the slave output unit is adjusted by software, and the operation amount of the main output adjustment unit There is a method of operating the slave output adjustment unit by the same amount. Taking the volume as an example, when the volume of the main output adjustment unit is operated to a predetermined value, the sub output adjustment unit volume is also moved by the same amount, or the sub output adjustment unit volume is kept at zero and is not moved. there are two ways that modulates only the output by software. To cancel the output lock in interlocking mode, when the main power controlling in conjunction with the volume also alter secondary output regulation unit volume, unlock the output for each output, it is possible to perform the output readjustment When adjusting the output by software without changing the volume of the slave output adjuster, only the master output adjuster can be unlocked, and the slave output adjuster is also interlocked.
In the independent mode, the output lock can be released by operating the output adjustment unit in all the output adjustment units and setting the output of the output unit to zero.

In the above description, an example of 2-channel output is shown, but actually, 3-channel or 4-channel or more is also used. The present invention can be applied to such a multi-channel electrical stimulation device.
Since the conventional apparatus adjusts the output of a plurality of channels in order, it takes a lot of time and effort.
Further, in the apparatus of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a switching means and operate it, but the present invention omits this and automates the identification of the interlocking mode and the independent mode, so that it can be configured at a lower cost. It was possible to improve the operability.

a: Channel 1 output system b: Channel 2 output system 1a, 1b: Stimulus waveform generator 2a, 2b: Amplifier
3a1, 3a2, 3b1, 3b2: Electrodes
4: Control unit
5a, 5b: Output adjuster

Claims (5)

In a multi-channel electrical stimulation apparatus comprising a plurality of output systems having an output unit that outputs a biostimulation current and an output adjustment unit that adjusts the output of the output unit,
The output adjustment unit is divided into one main output adjustment unit and a sub output adjustment unit other than the main output adjustment unit,
With adjusting the output of the main output section corresponding to the main power control unit by operating the main power controlling unit, all the secondary output of the output other than the main output section so that the output of the main output section Linked mode to control
An independent mode in which each of the output adjustment units is operated to independently adjust the output of each of the output units;
Provided,
When the main output adjustment unit is operated, the interlock mode is set.
The multi-channel electric system is characterized in that the independent mode is set by operating any one of the slave output regulators within a predetermined time t1 after entering the interlock mode. Stimulator. 2. The multi-channel electrical stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the independent mode cannot be changed from the interlocking mode when a predetermined time t1 is exceeded. After setting the output of the output unit, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, characterized in that a means for outputting locked so that it is impossible to increase the output, multi-channel according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein Electric stimulator. Sometimes the output lock, when operating the output adjusting unit, is characterized in that to be able to adjust the output within a predetermined range, multi-channel electric stimulation device of claim 3, wherein. Sometimes the output lock, when the zero output by operating the output adjusting unit, characterized in that so as to release the output lock, according to claim 3 or claim 4 multichannel electric stimulation apparatus according .

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