JP7137812B2 - Device and measurement system capable of applying electrical stimulation and detecting muscle contraction - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law 1.発行日：平成２９年１２月１１日 刊行物：国際学会Ｂｉｏ４Ａｐｐｓ（Ｉｎｔｅｒｎａｔｉｏｎａｌ ｃｏｎｆｅｒｅｎｃｅ ｏｎ ＢｉｏＳｅｎｓｏｒｓ， ＢｉｏＥｌｅｃｔｒｏｎｉｃｓ， ＢｉｏＭｅｄｉｃａｌ Ｄｅｖｉｃｅｓ，ＢｉｏＭＥＭＳ／ＮＥＭＳ＆Ａｐｐｌｉｃａｔｉｏｎｓ）２０１７ Ｂｉｏ４Ａｐｐｓ Ｐｒｏｇａｒａｍ Ｃｏｍｍｉｔｔｅｅ 公開者：竹下俊弘、吉田学、大内篤、檜顕Nari, Hiroo Uchida, Takeshi Kobayashi Contents: Wear containing brushed electrodes for detecting biosignals 2. Date of presentation: December 12, 2017 (Holding period: December 11-13, 2017) Conference name: International conference on BioSensors, BioElectronics, BioMedical Devices, BioMEMS/NEMS&Applications 2017 (Bio4Apps 2017) Venue: University of Tokyo Yayoi Auditorium (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo) Contents: Lecture No. Oral Session TA2 Oral presentation material for "Multi-lead ECG measuring wear fabricated by printed electronics and electrostatic flocking technology" 3.発行日：平成２９年１２月１１日 刊行物：国際学会Ｂｉｏ４Ａｐｐｓ（Ｉｎｔｅｒｎａｔｉｏｎａｌ ｃｏｎｆｅｒｅｎｃｅ ｏｎ ＢｉｏＳｅｎｓｏｒｓ， ＢｉｏＥｌｅｃｔｒｏｎｉｃｓ，ＢｉｏＭｅｄｉｃａｌ Ｄｅｖｉｃｅｓ，ＢｉｏＭＥＭＳ／ＮＥＭＳ＆Ａｐｐｌｉｃａｔｉｏｎｓ）２０１７ Ｂｉｏ４Ａｐｐｓ Ｐｒｏｇａｒａｍ Ｃｏｍｍｉｔｔｅｅ 公開者：竹井裕介、後藤慎太郎、高松誠一、小林健 内容: Flexible pressure sensor using ultra-thin silicon piezoresistive element

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law 4. Date of presentation: December 11, 2017 (held from December 11 to 13, 2017) Conference name: International conference on BioSensors, BioElectronics, BioMedical Devices, BioMEMS/NEMS&Applications 2017 (Bio4Apps 2017, University of Tokyo) Yayoi Auditorium (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo) Contents: Lecture number Oral Session MM1 Oral presentation material for "Flexible pressure sensor based on ultra-thin Si piezo-resistive membrane" 5. Date of publication: October 24, 2017 Publication: Proceedings of the 34th Symposium on Sensors, Micromachines and Applied Systems, The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, Sensor and Micromachine Division Convention in 2017 The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan Executive Director Yuji Sakai Publisher: Takei Yusuke, Shintaro Goto, Seiichi Takamatsu, Toshihiro Ito, Takeshi Kobayashi Contents: Flexible pressure sensor using ultra-thin silicon piezoresistive film element 6. Presentation date: October 31, 2017 (held from October 31, 2017 to November 02, 2017) Name of the meeting: Poster presentation at the 34th Symposium on Sensors, Micromachines and Applied Systems Venue: Hiroshima International Conference Center (Hiroshima City) Contents: Lecture No. 02pm1-PS-223 Oral presentation material of "Flexible pressure sensor using ultra-thin silicon piezoresistive element"

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law 7. Publication date: November 18, 2017 Publication location: Email media delivered to the presenters from the conference secretariat Mr. Shirley Galloway Publishers: Yusuke Takei, Manabu Yoshida, Toshiyuki Takeshita, Ken Kobayashi Contents: International Conference MEMS 2018 (The 31st 7. Abstracts (for presenters' review) in the Preliminary Technical Program of the IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems. Date downloaded from the website: November 29, 2017 Posting address: http://www. mems2018. org/program/MEMS2018_PreliminaryProgram. pdf Publisher: Society Secretariat Contents: Abstract in Preliminary Technical Program of International Conference MEMS2018 (The 31st IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems)

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law 1. Web publication date: January 11, 2018 Publication address: http://www. mems2018. org/program/MEMS2018_FinalProgram. pdf Published by: Yusuke Takei, Manabu Yoshida, Toshiyuki Takeshita, Ken Kobayashi Contents: Abstract in the Final Technical Program of the international conference MEMS2018 (The 31st IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems)

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a device and a measurement system that can be worn on a living body, and more specifically, to a device and a measurement system that can apply electrical stimulation to a living body and detect muscle contraction in response thereto.

In recent years, devices that electrically stimulate muscles have been used for muscle training (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By bringing the electrodes into contact with the skin and applying a voltage pulse across multiple electrodes, the muscles are stimulated and contract, producing the same effect as exercise.

Muscles are activated in response to electrical stimulation, and so far, as a method of detecting this activity state, it has been common to detect electrical signals generated by muscle contraction, so-called myoelectricity.

However, myoelectricity requires several hundred volts (volts) of electrical stimulation to contract a muscle against an electrical signal of several millivolts (millivolts). Since it is necessary to measure the electric potential of the skin surface for both, it was very difficult to measure simultaneously.

Under such circumstances, pressure waves generated when the muscles contract are attracting attention in order to know the activity status of the muscles. This pressure wave is called a mechanogram (MMG) (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

WO2016/135996

R. Aoki, Y. Takei, N. Minh-Dung, T. Takahata, K. Matsumoto, I. Shimoyama, Proc. MEMS2016, pp.356-358

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel and useful device and measurement system capable of simultaneously performing electrical stimulation of muscles and detection of activity status of muscles by the stimulation.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device capable of detecting muscle contraction due to electrical stimulation, comprising: a stretchable sheet body; and at least two electrodes provided on the sheet body. a strain sensing element provided on the sheet body and arranged between the at least two electrodes; and, by bringing the at least two electrodes and the strain sensing element into contact with the measurement section of the subject, and supplying an electrical signal between the at least two electrodes to stimulate the measurement section, The device is provided, wherein the strain sensing element is capable of detecting the strain of the measuring portion in response to the stimulus.

According to the above aspect, the muscles of the measurement section are electrically stimulated by the electrical signals supplied to at least two electrodes, and the distortion caused in the measurement section by the stimulation is detected by the strain detection element, thereby estimating the state of activity of the muscles. A device capable of detecting can be provided. In the device of the above aspect, since the strain detection element is arranged between at least two electrodes, the strain detection element detects the strain (including changes in strain) of the measuring section contracted by the electrical stimulation, and the muscle is detected by the strain detection element. muscle sound can be detected efficiently.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the device according to the aspect described above, an electrical signal supply unit capable of supplying an electrical signal to the electrodes and stimulating the measurement unit of the subject, and the strain detection element. A measurement system is provided that includes a detection unit that detects strain, a control unit that controls the electrical signal supply unit, and an analysis unit that analyzes a signal representing the strain from the detection unit.

According to the above aspect, the electrical signal supply section supplies electrical signals to at least two electrodes of the device to the measurement section to apply electrical stimulation to the muscles, and the strain detection element responds to the strain generated in the measurement section due to the stimulation. It is possible to provide a measurement system capable of detecting muscle activity by detecting strain (including changes in strain) by the detector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is sectional drawing which shows (a) top view of the device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and (b) use condition. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode of a device according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2A is a plan view of the strain sensing element of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a modification of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention; It is the (a) top view of the other modification of the device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (b) schematic drawing which shows a usage state, and (c) sectional drawing. It is (a) a top view of the other modification of the device based on one Embodiment of this invention, and (b) sectional drawing which shows the use condition. Fig. 10 is a plan view of another variation of a device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 10 is a plan view of another variation of a device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 10 is a plan view of another variation of a device according to an embodiment of the invention; It is (a) a top view of the other modification of the device based on one Embodiment of this invention, and (b) sectional drawing which shows the use condition. FIG. 2 is a manufacturing process diagram of an electrode of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a manufacturing process diagram of a strain sensing element of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a figure showing the outline composition of the modification of the measuring system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of measurement of contact resistance of electrodes of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows an example of a device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 shows an example using a device according to an embodiment of the invention;

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. Elements that are common among a plurality of drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated detailed description of the elements is omitted.

FIG. 1 is (a) a plan view and (b) a sectional view showing a state of use of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the device 10 includes an elastic sheet body 11, and two electrodes 12 and a strain sensing element 13 provided on the surface of the sheet body 11. FIG. The two electrodes 12 each have a plurality of conductive fibers 15 on their surfaces. A strain sensing element 13 is arranged between the two electrodes 12 . In the device 10, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the conductive fibers 15 of the two electrodes 12 and the strain sensing element 13 are brought into contact with the skin of the measurement unit MO of the subject, and an electric signal is generated between the two electrodes 12. For example, a pulsed voltage is applied to give electrical stimulation to the measurement unit MO. This electrical stimulation causes movement of the entire muscle of the measurement unit MO, vibration of the muscle fiber, expansion and contraction of the muscle fiber itself, and the like. is detected as distortion. It is also called skin distortion because the skin is deformed by pressure waves. Note that the wiring portions of the electrode 12 and the strain detecting element 13 are omitted from the drawing.

The sheet body 11 is not particularly limited as long as it is made of a stretchable and electrically insulating material. A sheet made of synthetic rubber such as silicone, a sheet made of a synthetic polymer compound such as silicone, or the like can be used.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode of a device according to one embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 2 together with FIG. 1, the electrode 12 is held by a resin layer 14 on the surface of the sheet body 11, one tip is inserted into the resin layer 14 and held, and the other portion is inserted from the resin layer 14. It consists of a plurality of conductive fibers 15 exposed to the outside and in contact with each other.

The resin layer 14 is a layer made of an adhesive that forms the above-described form of the conductive fibers 15 on the surface of the sheet body 11, and has flexibility. can be used. The resin layer 14 may be a conductive material or an insulating material. The resin layer 14 is preferably made of a material having high adhesion to the sheet body 11, and an insulating material is more preferable than a conductive material because of the wide range of material selection.

As the conductive fibers 15, for example, carbon nanofibers, metal fibers, chemical fibers coated with a conductive polymer, metal fibers or chemical fibers coated with a metal plating film can be used. As the metal material for the metal plating film, metals with high conductivity such as copper, silver and gold can be used. The wire diameter and fiber length of the conductive fibers 15 can be appropriately selected. The conductive fiber 15 is determined by considering the conductivity of the electrode 12, the ability to follow the deformation of the electrode 12, and the flexibility and comfort when the electrode 12 is brought into contact with the body. It is preferable that the needle-shaped short fibers have a diameter of 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The number of conductive fibers 15 per unit area and the angle with respect to the surface of the resin layer 14 are adjusted according to the wire diameter and fiber length so that the conductive fibers 15 can stably function as an electrode against expansion and contraction and deformation required for the electrode 12 . is set, and the direction in which the conductive fibers 15 extend is set so that the in-plane direction component of the surface of the electrode 12 has isotropy or a predetermined anisotropy.

Since the conductive fibers 15 on the surface of the electrode 12 extend outward from the surface, the electrode 12 has good contact with the measurement part of the subject, and the contact resistance is sufficiently small even if the pressure pressing the electrode 12 against the measurement part is reduced. can be realized. Furthermore, since the resin layer 14 of the electrode 12 has flexibility, the electrode 12 can follow the shape even if the subject's measurement part is depressed or dented. can be reduced. In addition, the electrodes 12 can ensure a good contact state even when the position of the measurement portion with which the electrodes 12 are in contact shifts when the subject moves. In addition, since the electrode 12 does not use an adhesive sheet for ensuring adhesion to the measurement section, there is no deterioration in adhesiveness, and no adhesive component adheres to the measurement section.

FIG. 3 is (a) a plan view and (b) a cross-sectional view showing a state of use of a strain sensing element of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3A and 3B, the strain sensing element 13 includes a flexible substrate 18, a strain sensing film 19 thereon, electrodes 20 formed on both ends of the strain sensing film 19, It includes a conductive paste 21 and an electrode 22 for electrically connecting with the electrode 20, and a protective layer 23 covering these.

For the strain detection film 19, for example, a material exhibiting a piezoresistive effect in which the resistance value changes due to strain can be used. The material exhibiting the piezoresistive effect is preferably a semiconductor material. For example, it is preferable to use a silicon piezoresistive film obtained by ion-implanting P (phosphorus) or As (arsenic), which is an n-type dopant, into a p-type silicon layer. . In semiconductor materials that exhibit such a piezoresistive effect, the rate of change in electrical resistance with respect to strain, the so-called gauge factor, is several tens of times higher than that of strain gauges made of metal materials. It can detect strain changes at higher frequencies than the formed strain gauge. In addition, since the silicon piezoresistive film is a thin film, for example, 5 μm thick, it has excellent flexibility and can ensure good contact according to the shape of the subject's measuring portion and its change.

When a doped silicon layer, which is a p-type silicon layer into which an n-type dopant is implanted, is used as the strain detection film 19, a silicon layer 25 can be used as the underlying layer as shown in FIG. 3(b). . When a material exhibiting a piezoresistive effect is used for the strain sensing film 19, a Wheatstone bridge (not shown) is connected to the strain sensing element 13 to detect a resistance change due to strain.

A material that exhibits a piezoelectric effect, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or aluminum nitride (AlN), may be used as the strain detection film 19 . A material that exhibits a piezoelectric effect generates an electromotive force due to stress from the outside, and as a result, strain can be detected from the electromotive force.

The flexible substrate 18 is made of a flexible material. For the flexible substrate 18, for example, a plastic substrate, paper, cloth, glass, silicon thin film, or the like can be used. Examples of plastic substrates include polar group-attached polynorbornene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethersulfone (PES), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), nylon, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polysulfone (PSF), polyetherimide (PEI), polyarylate (PAR), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyimide, and the like can be used. It is preferable that the glass and silicon thin films have a thickness of 50 μm or less from the viewpoint of good flexibility.

The electrodes 20 and 22 are made of a conductive material. For example, metals or alloys such as Au (gold), Ag (silver), Cu (copper), and Al (aluminum), or applied conductive paste can be used.

The conductive paste 21 is a paste containing the metal powder described above, and may be a material having elasticity (stretchability) after curing or drying, such as a stretchable conductive adhesive.

The protective layer 23 is preferably made of an insulating material and has flexibility. For the protective layer 23, for example, a thermosetting resin-based elastomer such as urethane, a synthetic rubber such as butyl rubber, or a synthetic polymer compound such as silicone can be used.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a stretchable sheet body 11 and a flexible resin layer 14 provided thereon. and a strain sensing element 13 having a thin strain sensing film 19 formed on a flexible substrate 18 . Since the device 10 is made of a flexible material in this manner, it can be attached to clothes, patches, or the like, and can be used as a wearable device. In addition, the device 10 applies electrical stimulation to the muscles of the measurement part MO by means of the electrical signals supplied to the two electrodes 12, and detects the strain generated in the measurement part MO due to the stimulation by the strain detection element 13, whereby the muscles are distorted. Activity detection can be performed. In addition, since the strain detection element 13 is arranged between the two electrodes 12 in the device 10, the strain detection element 13 detects the strain of the measurement part MO contracted by the electrical stimulation, thereby effectively detecting the muscle sound. well detectable.

An electric signal wiring portion (not shown) for supplying an electric signal to the electrode 12 and its input end can be provided on the sheet body 11 . The electrical signal wiring portion has a wiring film that repeatedly meanders on the surface of the sheet body 11 in the lateral direction with respect to the direction connecting the electrode 12 and the input end. Even if a tensile stress is applied to the electrical signal wiring portion when the device 10 is attached to the measurement portion of the subject, it can be structurally elongated.

Further, a strain detection wiring portion (not shown) for outputting a signal corresponding to strain from the strain detection element 13 and its output end can be provided on the sheet body 11 . The strain detection wiring section has a wiring film that repeatedly meanders on the surface of the sheet body 11 in a direction that connects the electrode 22 of the strain detection element 13 and the output end in the lateral direction. Even if a tensile stress is applied to the strain detection wiring portion when the device 10 is attached to the measurement portion of the subject, it can be structurally elongated.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a variant of the device according to one embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c), devices 40, 41, and 42 are arranged between sheet body 11, two electrodes 12 provided on the surface of sheet body 11, and two electrodes 12. and a plurality of strain sensing elements 13.

A device 40 shown in FIG. 4A has three strain sensing elements 13 arranged perpendicularly to the direction in which the two electrodes 12 are arranged. Accordingly, by mounting the device 40 so that the three strain detection elements 13 are arranged perpendicular to many muscle fibers, the movement of the entire muscle can be detected. The number of strain detection elements 13 may be two, or four or more.

A device 41 shown in FIG. 4B has three strain sensing elements 13 arranged along the direction in which the two electrodes 12 are arranged. Accordingly, by mounting the device 41 so that the three strain detection elements 13 are arranged along the length direction of the muscle fiber, partial expansion/contraction of the muscle fiber can be detected. The number of strain detection elements 13 may be two, or four or more.

The device 42 shown in FIG. 4(c) has nine strain sensing elements 13, and the strain sensing elements 13 are arranged along the direction in which the two electrodes 12 are arranged and in a direction perpendicular thereto. are also arranged, that is, arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and 3 columns. Thereby, the actions and effects of the device 40 and the device 41 can be obtained at the same time. The number of rows and columns of the strain sensing elements 13 may be two, four or more, or may be different from each other.

FIG. 5 is (a) a plan view, (b) a schematic view showing a state of use, and (c) a cross-sectional view of another modification of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5(a), the device 50 includes a sheet body 11, two electrodes 52 provided on the surface of the sheet body 11, and a strain sensing element 13 arranged between the two electrodes 52. include. Each of the two electrodes 52 is strip-shaped, and its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the electrodes 52 . A plurality of strain sensing elements 13 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrode 52 . The electrode 52 has the same configuration as the electrode 12 shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 5(b), the device 50 is worn so as to surround the upper arm UA of the subject so that the two electrodes 52 and the strain sensing element 13 are in contact with the skin of the upper arm UA. At this time, each of the two electrodes 52 of the device 50 is attached perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the muscle of the upper arm UA. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the muscles MS around the humerus HU of the upper arm UA, for example, a plurality of muscles such as the brachial muscle, the biceps brachii, and the triceps brachii, are connected to the belt-shaped electrodes 52. The contraction of these muscles MS, muscle sounds, etc. can be detected by a large number of strain detection elements 13 arranged so as to surround the upper arm UA. The device 50 may be attached by fixing the ends of the sheet body 11 to each other, or may be pressurized using a supporter (not shown) or the like that covers the device 50 .

It should be noted that the device 50 may be worn so as to surround the forearm or leg, in addition to the upper arm UA. Thus, the partial contraction of a wide muscle bundle can be individually measured by the strain sensing elements 13 arranged along the strip-shaped electrodes 52 .

FIG. 6 is (a) a plan view and (b) a cross-sectional view showing another modification of the device according to the embodiment of the present invention in use. 6(a) and 6(b), the device 60 includes a sheet body 11 and three electrodes 62-64 provided on the surface of the sheet body 11. FIG. Each of the electrodes 62 to 64 has a strain sensing element 13 and a plurality of conductive fibers 15 surrounding the strain sensing element 13 . The conductive fibers 15 of the electrodes 62 to 64 and the strain detecting element 13 are brought into contact with the measuring portion MO of the subject. Three electrodes 62 to 64 are arranged in one direction, and electric signals are supplied to the conductive fibers 15 of the two electrodes 62 and 64 on both sides of the three electrodes 62 to 64 to stimulate the measurement unit MO. The distortion detection element 13 of the electrode 63 can detect the distortion of the measuring part MO with respect to the stimulus and the change in the distortion.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of another variation of a device according to an embodiment of the invention; Referring to FIG. 7, the device 70 includes a sheet body 11 and electrodes 72i _,j (where i and j are subscripts indicating rows and columns, respectively) arranged in a matrix on the surface of the sheet body 11. (a natural number) with i=1-3 and j=1-4). Electrodes 72i _,j each have a structure similar to electrodes 62-64 shown in FIG.

The device 70 provides pulsed electrical signals between electrodes 72 _i,1 and 72 _i,4 (i=1 to 3) on both left and right sides, so that electrodes 72 _i,2 and 72 _{i , 3} (i=1 to 3) can detect expansion/contraction of the muscle fibers mainly along the row direction. In addition, the device 70 supplies a pulsed electrical signal between the electrodes 72 _1,j and 72 _3,j (j=1 to 4) located above and below the electrodes 72 _2,j (j = 1 to 4) can detect strain due to enlargement/reduction of muscle fibers mainly along the row direction. Furthermore, by alternately switching between the two directions of the electrodes 72 _{i and j that supply pulsed electrical signals, or by supplying the electrodes 72 i and j} in oblique directions to each other, more complex muscle fiber enlargement can be achieved.・The strain detection element 13 can detect contraction and movement of the entire muscle.

Figure 8 is a plan view of another variation of a device according to an embodiment of the invention; Referring to FIG. 8(a), the device 80 includes a sheet body 11, two electrodes 82 provided on the surface of the sheet body 11, and a strain sensing element 13 arranged between the two electrodes 82. include. The two electrodes 82 are arranged so as to surround the strain sensing element 13 . By arranging the electrodes 82 in this way, a pulse-like electric signal is supplied between the electrodes 82, and the strain detecting element 13 can detect the movement of the muscle portion of the measuring portion in the spot-like range.

Referring to FIG. 8B, device 81 is surrounded by sheet body 11, four electrodes 82 ₁ to 82 ₄ provided on the surface of sheet body 11, and four electrodes 82 ₁ to 82 ₄ and the strain sensing element 13 . The strain sensing element 13 is rectangular in plan view, and the electrodes 82 ₁ to 82 ₄ are adjacent to the four corners of the strain sensing element 13 and have hook-shaped sides along the shape of the corners. The device 81 supplies pulsed electrical signals to at least two of the four electrodes 82 ₁ to 82 ₄ so that the strain detection element 13 can microscopically detect the movement of the muscle portion of the measuring section.

Figure 9 is a plan view of another variation of a device according to an embodiment of the invention; Referring to FIG. 9 , device 90 includes sheet body 11 , a plurality of electrodes 92 provided on the surface of sheet body 11 , and strain sensing element 13 . In plan view, the electrodes 92 are cross-shaped, and the strain sensing element 13 is square. A plurality of strain sensing elements 13 are arranged in a matrix, and an electrode 92 is arranged between or in the center of four strain sensing elements 13 adjacent to each other. As a result, the device 90 can densely arrange the electrodes 92 and the strain detection elements 13, and localize the sound source of the muscle sound, that is, detect contracted muscles in a living body part where a plurality of muscle tissues are bundled. It can be identified by sound.

FIG. 10 is (a) a plan view and (b) a cross-sectional view showing another modification of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention in use. 10(a) and (b), the device 100 includes a sheet body 11 and three electrodes 102-104 provided on the surface of the sheet body 11. FIG. The electrodes 102 to 104 have a strain sensing element 13 and a plurality of conductive fibers 15 covering the strain sensing element 13 . The strain sensing element 13 is covered with the resin layer 14 shown in FIG. 2 and the conductive fibers 15 thereon. Since the elastic fiber 15 can follow changes in the strain of the skin of the measurement site of the subject, the strain of the subject's measurement site and changes in strain are reflected in the strain detection element 13 via the resin layer 14 and the conductive fibers 15. be. Thereby, the strain detection element 13 can detect the strain change of the measurement part MO of the subject.

The device 100 has three electrodes 102 to 104 arranged in one direction, and a plurality of conductive fibers 15 are brought into contact with the subject's measuring part MO. Electric signals are supplied to the conductive fibers 15 of the two electrodes 102 and 104 on both sides of the three electrodes 102 to 104 to stimulate the measuring part MO. The distortion detection element 13 of the electrode 103 can detect the distortion change of the measuring part MO with respect to the stimulus.

FIG. 11 is a manufacturing process diagram of an electrode of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention. A method for fabricating the electrodes will be described below with reference to the process diagrams of FIGS.

In the step of FIG. 11A, in order to form the resin layer 14 on the sheet body 11, an adhesive 14a is applied to the regions where the electrodes 12 are to be formed. For example, using a mask 110 having electrode-shaped openings 110a, a squeegee 111 is used to apply the adhesive 14a to the openings 110a. In patterning the adhesive 14a, a screen printing method, a stencil printing method, a dispensing method, a spray coating method, an inkjet method, or the like can be used. The thickness of the resin layer 14 is preferably a thickness that allows the conductive fibers 15 to be implanted, for example, 10 to 1000 μm.

Next, in the step of FIG. 11(b), the mask 110 is removed, and the conductive fibers 15 are sprayed onto the surface on which the adhesive 14a is formed by an electrostatic spray method. Specifically, the sheet body 11 is placed on a grounded electrode 112, and a voltage is applied to the electrostatic spray gun 113. Then, the electrically charged conductive fibers 15 are applied from the electrostatic spray gun 113 to the sheet body 11 and the adhesive 14a. spray on top. The conductive fibers 15 are incident on the layer of the adhesive 14a along the electric lines of force FL. At this time, one end of the conductive fiber 15 is planted in the layer of the adhesive 14a by the kinetic energy generated by the spraying of the electrostatic spray gun 113 and the electrostatic force due to the potential difference between the electrostatic spray gun 113 and the electrode 112. . Other than the electrostatic spray method, a known method such as a spray coating method or an electrostatic flocking method may be used.

11(c), the resin layer 14 is formed by curing the adhesive 14a. A vacuum cleaner 114 sucks and removes the conductive fibers 15 directly sprayed onto the surface of the sheet body 11 . It may be removed using a weak adhesive roller or the like. An electrode 12 having a plurality of conductive fibers 15 is thereby formed.

A wiring portion (not shown) from the electrode 12 is formed on the surface of the sheet body 11 in the same manner as the electrode 12 in the previous step of FIG. 11B, and an insulating film (not shown) covering the wiring portion is formed. You may An insulating sheet or an insulating paste can be used for the insulating film.

FIG. 12 is a manufacturing process diagram of the strain sensing element of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 12A to 12E are plan views on the left and cross-sectional views on the right. A method of manufacturing the strain sensing element will be described below with reference to the process diagrams of FIGS.

12A, a silicon oxide film 122 is formed on a silicon substrate 121, and a silicon layer 25a is formed thereon. For example, the thickness of the silicon substrate 121 is 500 μm, the thickness of the silicon oxide film 122 is 2 μm, and the thickness of the silicon layer 25a is 5 μm. Silicon oxide film 122 and silicon layer 25a can be formed using a known method. Further, a doped silicon layer 123a is formed on the surface of the silicon layer 25a. The doped silicon layer 123a is formed by, for example, implanting an n-type dopant such as P (phosphorus) into a p-type silicon layer by ion implantation. Furthermore, the doped silicon layer 123a is etched until it reaches the surface of the silicon oxide film 122 around the portion that will become the silicon piezoresistive film. Thus, a silicon piezoresistive film 123 is formed, and electrodes 20 are formed at both ends of the silicon piezoresistive film 123 . Thereby, a silicon piezoresistive film 123 having electrodes 20 is formed. This corresponds to the strain sensing film 19 and the electrode 20 formed thereon shown in FIG. The silicon piezoresistive film 123 has, for example, a length of 5 mm in the direction connecting the two electrodes 20, a width of 1 mm, and a thickness of 5 μm.

12B, the bottom surface of the silicon substrate 121 to the silicon oxide film 122 are removed by pattern etching. This leaves the silicon piezoresistive film 123 and the portion supporting it.

Next, in the process of FIG. 12(c), the silicon piezoresistive film 123 is sucked and held by the collet 124, and further separated from the supporting portion.

Next, in the process of FIG. 12(d), the silicon piezoresistive film 123 is adhered with an adhesive 26 to the flexible substrate 18, for example, a polyimide plate, on which the electrodes 22 are formed.

Next, in the step of FIG. 12(e), a conductive paste (or a conductive adhesive) 21 is used to connect the electrodes 20 of the silicon piezoresistive film 123 and the electrodes 22 of the flexible substrate 18 together. Furthermore, a protective layer 23 is formed so as to partially or wholly cover the silicon piezoresistive film 123 , the conductive paste 21 , and the electrodes 22 of the flexible substrate 18 . Through the above steps, the strain sensing element 13 of the silicon piezoresistive film is produced. The left side of FIG. 12(e) is shown with the protective layer 23 omitted.

When manufacturing a strain sensing element having a strain sensing film made of a material exhibiting piezoelectric properties, a PZT layer may be formed on the silicon layer by, for example, a sol-gel method in the step of FIG. 12(a). The AlN layer may be formed by vapor deposition.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13, the measurement system 130 includes the device 10 and an electrical signal supply unit 131 connected to the electrodes 12 of the device 10 and supplying electrical signals to the electrodes 12 to stimulate the measurement unit MO of the subject. , a strain signal detection unit 132 connected to the strain detection element 13 to detect the strain of the strain detection element 13; and a signal analysis unit 134 connected to the electrical signal supply unit 131 and the distortion signal detection unit 132 .

The electrical signal supply unit 131 can supply electrical signals of various waveforms, voltages, signal widths, and frequencies, for example, single-shot or repetitive pulse waves with a voltage of several hundred volts and a pulse time width of several hundred microseconds (microseconds). It is possible and the pulse is applied between two electrodes 12 . The pulse wave may be a signal with only positive polarity, a signal with only negative polarity, or a signal with both positive and negative polarities. The electrical signal may be a square wave, a sine wave, or a spike. The electrical signal supply unit 131 can use, for example, an electrical signal generator such as a function generator or a pulse generator. The electrical signal supply section 131 outputs a signal for monitoring the electrical signal to the signal analysis section 134 .

The distortion signal detector 132 detects a signal corresponding to distortion from the distortion detection element 13 . When the strain sensing element 13 uses the strain sensing film 19 exhibiting the piezoresistive effect, the strain signal sensing section 132 includes a Wheatstone bridge (not shown), and one of the four resistance elements of the Wheatstone bridge is As the strain detection film 19 , strain is detected from the resistance change of the strain detection film 19 . When the strain sensing element 13 uses the strain sensing film 19 exhibiting piezoelectric characteristics, the strain signal detector 132 detects strain from the electromotive force generated by the strain sensing film 19 . The distortion signal detection unit 132 outputs the detected distortion to the signal analysis unit 134 as a distortion signal (electrical signal). Note that the distorted signal detection section 132 may include an amplifier that amplifies the distorted signal. 13, the signal line from the strain sensing element 13 to the strain signal detecting section 132 is omitted to be one, but as shown in FIG. 3, the strain sensing element 13 has two electrodes. Therefore, there are two signal lines.

The control unit 133 outputs a control signal to the electric signal supply unit 131, such as the voltage, pulse width, output timing, etc. of the electric signal for stimulation. The control section 133 may control the timing at which the distortion signal detection section 132 detects a signal corresponding to distortion from the distortion detection element 13 . The controller 133 can use, for example, a personal computer (PC).

The signal analysis unit 134 can receive the distortion signal from the distortion signal detection unit 132 and analyze changes in distortion. The signal analysis unit 134 can use, for example, a personal computer (PC), an oscilloscope, a spectrum analyzer, and the like. The PC of the control unit 133 may be used as the PC. Furthermore, the signal analysis unit 134 and the control unit 133 are connected, and the signal analysis unit 134, according to the analysis result, increases the training effect or treatment effect of the measurement unit MO, or further analyzes the measurement unit MO. In order to proceed, change/update information such as the voltage, pulse width, and output timing of the electrical signal for stimulation may be transmitted to the control unit 133 . The controller 133 can control the electric signal for stimulation accordingly.

The device 10 is the device 10 shown in FIG. 1 above. Any of the modified devices 41 to 42, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 shown above can be used in place of the device 10. FIG. Furthermore, these devices may be used in combination.

According to the present embodiment, the measurement system 130 supplies an electrical signal for stimulation to the electrodes 12 of the device 10 by the electrical signal supply unit 131, and converts the strain (muscle sound) detected by the strain detection element 13 into a strain signal. The detection unit 132 sends a strain signal to the signal analysis unit 134, and the signal analysis unit 134 generates an electrical signal for stimulation and the corresponding movement of the entire muscle of the measurement unit MO, vibration of the muscle fiber, and expansion and contraction of the muscle fiber itself. etc. can be analyzed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a modified example of the measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14, a measurement system 140 in which device 145 includes multiple electrodes and strain sensing elements such as device 70 of FIG. 7 above or device 90 of FIG. An example in which one row of electrodes _72i,j is six will be described. The electrodes 142 ₁ to 142 ₆ have strain sensing elements 13 ₁ to 13 ₆ respectively.

The measurement system 140 includes an electrode switching unit 141 between the electrical signal supply unit 131 and the electrodes 142 ₁ to 142 ₆ for switching the supply destination of the electrical signal for stimulation supplied from the electrical signal supply unit 131. . The electrode switching unit 141 is connected to the control unit 133, receives a switching control signal for the electrodes 142 ₁ to 142 ₆ from the control unit 133, and selectively connects two or more electrodes 142 ₁ to 142 ₆ . do.

The measurement system 140 includes a strain detection element switching device between the strain detection elements 13 ₁ to 13 ₆ and the strain signal detection unit 132 for switching the supply destination of the signal corresponding to the strain from the strain detection elements 13 ₁ to 13 ₆ . A portion 143 is included. The strain sensing element switching section 143 is connected to the control section 133, receives a switching control signal for the strain sensing elements 13 ₁ to 13 ₆ from the control section 133, and switches one or more of the strain sensing elements 13 ₁ to 13 1 to 13 6 . Selectively connect ₆ .

The control section 133 generates switching control signals for the electrodes 142 ₁ to 142 ₆ and switching control signals for the strain detection elements 13 ₁ to 13 ₆ . As a result, the measurement system 140 can detect the strain change of the measurement part MO in response to stimulation by the electrical signal while selectively or scanning the position of the measurement part MO of the subject. It should be noted that measurement can be performed in the same manner when the measurement system 140 includes the device 90 shown in FIG. 9, and can also be applied to other devices described herein.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of measurement of contact resistance of electrodes of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15(a), the device 150 has a polyester cloth as a sheet body 11 and an electrode 12 formed on the surface thereof, and measures the contact resistance between the conductive fibers on the surface of the electrode 12 and the skin. For this purpose, the strain detecting element 13 in FIG. 1 is omitted.

Electrodes 12 are conductive fibers that are cut from chemical fibers with silver plating formed on their surfaces and cut into lengths of 0.5 mm to 3 mm. Each of the electrodes 12 has a length (in the direction connecting the two electrodes) of 70 mm and a width of 70 mm, and the two electrodes are separated by 25 mm.

Referring to FIG. 15(b), the electrodes of the device 150 are brought into contact with the skin phantom at various pressures, and the electrical resistance between the two electrodes at that time, that is, the electrical resistance between the electrode-skin-electrode is changed to the pressure. Measured graphs are shown. With no pressure, the resistance decreased with increasing pressure to 4.8 MΩ. It can be seen from this that the contact resistance between the electrode 12 and the skin is reduced. As a comparative example, the electrical resistance value measured by adhering the electrode 12 to the skin phantom with a conductive gel is 1 MΩ, which corresponds to the case where the pressure of 20 hPa is applied to the device 150 . A pressure of 20 hPa is a normal pressure for sportswear that moderately presses the entire body and legs to improve form and posture. From these, it is clear that the electrodes 12 of the device 150 are practically suitable for applying stimulating electrical signals.

Figure 16 shows an example of a device according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 16 , device 160 includes sheet body 11 and two electrodes 12 and strain sensing element 13 provided on the surface of sheet body 11 . The sheet body 11 is a stretchable polyester cloth, and has a length (direction connecting two electrodes) of 120 mm and a width of 60 mm. The electrode 12 is the same electrode as in the measurement example of FIG. 15, and has a length and a width of 50 mm. A silicon piezoresistive film having a length of 5 mm, a width of 1 mm, and a thickness of 5 μm was used as the strain detection element 13 . Further, an electrode 22 for taking out a signal corresponding to the strain of the strain sensing element 13 was provided at a distance of about 10 mm from the electrode of the strain sensing element.

FIG. 17 shows an example using a device according to an embodiment of the invention. In this example, the device 160 shown in FIG. 16 was used to supply an electrical signal to the electrodes using a commercially available electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) device (Toray International Inc. Trelito (registered trademark) EM300), and strain was applied. The distortion of the detection element 13 was detected using a Wheatstone bridge, amplified by an amplifier, and an electrical signal waveform for stimulation and a distorted waveform were acquired by an oscilloscope. 17(a) to (c) respectively show the electric signal waveform for stimulation on the left side, and the electric signal waveform for stimulation and the skin strain (ΔL/L) from the strain detection element on the right side. Waveforms representing the changes are shown exactly for both timings. Note that L is the distance between the electrodes of the silicon piezoresistive film. The device 160 had electrodes spaced apart longitudinally on the upper arm of the subject's right arm, and the strain sensing element was placed in contact with the skin over the biceps brachii muscle. A supporter was attached from above the device 160 to set pressure on the skin.

Referring to FIG. 17( a ), when an electrical signal (frequency 5 Hz) with a time width of 0.1 ms on the positive side 337 V and the negative side 316 V is applied to the electrode, muscle contraction starts 40 ms later. It can be seen that the amount of change in skin strain (ΔL/L) caused by 1.33×10 ⁻³ occurs.

Referring to FIG. 17(b), when an electrical signal (frequency of 5 Hz) with a width of 0.1 ms on each of the positive side 415 V and the negative side 378 V is applied to the electrodes, muscle contraction starts after 33 ms. It can be seen that the amount of change in skin distortion (ΔL/L) is 3.64×10 ⁻³ . From this and the results of FIG. 17(a), when the voltage of the applied electrical signal is increased, muscle contraction starts earlier and the skin strain (ΔL/L) increases, so the amount of muscle contraction increases. It is understood that

Referring to FIG. 17(c), when an electrical signal for stimulation with the same voltage and time width as in FIG. It can be seen that it becomes almost constant around ⁻³ and the amount of change is 0.3×10 ⁻³ and decreases considerably. Also, it can be seen that the frequency of change in skin strain (ΔL/L) is 60 Hz and does not follow the 80 Hz of the electrical signal. From these, it can be seen that the 80 Hz electric signal keeps the biceps brachii contracted.

From the above examples, it was found that the device 160 shown in FIG. 16 can simultaneously apply electrical signals for stimulation by the electrodes 12 to the measuring section and detect distortion of the measuring section. In addition, it was found that the electrode 12 can be sufficiently contacted with the measurement part by the pressure of the supporter, and the electric signal can be applied, and the distortion of the three-dimensional measurement part such as the upper arm can be detected. From this, it was found that the device 160 is wearable and can be measured even if it is attached to clothes, patches, or the like.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the present invention described in the claims. It is possible.

In addition, the following notes are further disclosed with respect to the above description.
(Appendix 1) A device capable of detecting muscle contraction by electrical stimulation,
a stretchable sheet body;
at least two electrodes provided on the sheet body, the at least two electrodes having a flexible resin layer and a plurality of conductive fibers extending at least outward on the surface thereof;
a strain sensing element provided on the sheet body and arranged between the at least two electrodes;
By bringing the at least two electrodes and the strain sensing element into contact with the measuring section of the subject and supplying an electric signal between the at least two electrodes to stimulate the measuring section, the strain sensing element Said device is capable of detecting distortion of the measuring portion to said stimulus.
(Appendix 2) The device according to Appendix 1, wherein the strain detection element has a strain detection film that detects the strain, and the strain detection film is a piezoresistive film whose electric resistance value changes according to the strain. .
(Appendix 3) The device according to appendix 1, wherein the strain detection element has a strain detection film that detects the strain, and the strain detection film generates an electromotive force by a piezoelectric effect according to the strain.
(Appendix 4) The device according to appendix 2 or 3, wherein a plurality of the strain sensing elements are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the at least two electrodes.
(Appendix 5) The device according to Appendix 2 or 3, wherein a plurality of the strain sensing elements are arranged along the arrangement direction of the at least two electrodes.
(Appendix 6) The at least two electrodes are strip-shaped, and the longitudinal direction thereof is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the at least two electrodes,
a plurality of the strain sensing elements arranged along the longitudinal direction of the at least two electrodes;
6. A device according to any one of clauses 2 to 5, whereby the electrodes can be worn around the arms or legs of the subject, or perpendicular to the muscle bundles of the abdominal or back muscles.
(Appendix 7) The electrode comprises the strain sensing element and a plurality of conductive fibers surrounding it,
At least three of the electrodes are arranged in one direction, and an electrical signal is supplied to the plurality of conductive fibers of two of the at least three electrodes to stimulate the measurement unit, and the two electrodes are 6. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the strain of the measurement portion to the stimulus can be detected by strain sensing elements of other electrodes between.
(Appendix 8) The device according to appendix 7, further comprising the electrodes arranged in a direction perpendicular to the one direction.
(Appendix 9) The device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8, wherein the at least two electrodes are arranged to surround the strain sensing element.
(Appendix 10) The strain sensing element is rectangular in plan view, and the two electrodes are U-shaped in plan view,
10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the two electrodes have U-shaped openings facing each other and the strain sensing element is disposed in the openings.
(Appendix 11) The strain detection element is rectangular in plan view,
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the four electrodes are arranged adjacent to each of the four corners of the strain sensing element and having hook-shaped sides that follow the shape of the corners.
(Appendix 12) In plan view, the electrodes are cross-shaped, and the strain sensing element is square,
9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a plurality of said strain sensing elements are arranged in a matrix, and said electrodes are arranged between four said strain sensing elements adjacent to each other.
(Appendix 13) The electrode comprises the strain sensing element and a plurality of conductive fibers covering it,
at least three of the electrodes are arranged in one direction, and an electric signal is supplied to the plurality of conductive fibers of two of the at least three electrodes to stimulate the measurement unit; 6. The device according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the strain of the measurement portion to the stimulus can be detected by strain sensing elements of other electrodes between.
(Appendix 14) further comprising a first wiring portion for supplying an electric signal to the electrode and an input end thereof provided on the sheet body,
14. Any one of Appendices 1 to 13, wherein the first wiring portion has a first wiring film that repeatedly meanders on the surface of the sheet body in a lateral direction with respect to a direction connecting the electrodes and the input ends. or a device according to paragraph 1.
(Appendix 15) further comprising a second wiring portion for transmitting a signal of the strain sensing element provided on the sheet body and an output end thereof,
15, wherein the second wiring portion has a second wiring film that repeatedly meanders on the surface of the sheet body in a direction that connects the strain sensing element and the output end in a lateral direction thereof. Devices listed out.
(Appendix 16) The device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 15;
an electrical signal supply unit capable of supplying an electrical signal to the electrode and stimulating a measurement unit of the subject;
a detection unit that detects the strain of the strain detection element;
a control unit that controls the electrical signal supply unit;
an analysis unit that analyzes a signal representing distortion from the detection unit;
A measurement system comprising:
(Appendix 17) first switching means for switching connection between the electrical signal supply unit and the electrode by a first switching signal from the control unit;
a second switching means, located between the strain sensing element and the detecting section, for switching connection between the strain sensing element and the sensing section according to a second switching signal from the control section;
17. The measurement system according to claim 16, wherein the controller controls the first switching means and the second switching means to selectively switch the plurality of electrodes and strain sensing elements used for measurement.

10, 30, 40-42, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100,
130, 145 Device 11 Sheet members 12, 52, 62 to 64, 72 _i,j , 82, 82 ₁ to 82 ₄ , 92,
102 to 104, 142 ₁ to 142 ₆ electrodes 13, 13 ₁ to 13 ₆ strain detection element 15 conductive fiber 18 flexible substrate 19 strain detection films 20, 22 electrode 21 conductive paste 130, 140 measurement system 131 electrical signal supply unit 132 Distortion signal detection unit 133 Control unit 134 Signal analysis unit 141 Electrode switching unit 143 Strain detection element switching unit

Claims (13)

A device capable of detecting muscle contraction due to electrical stimulation,
a stretchable sheet body;
at least two electrodes provided on the sheet body, the at least two electrodes having a flexible resin layer and a plurality of conductive fibers extending at least outward on the surface thereof;
A strain sensing element provided on the sheet body and arranged between the at least two electrodes, wherein a plurality of strain sensing elements are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the at least two electrodes. a detection element ;
an electrical signal wiring portion provided on the sheet body and having a wiring film electrically connecting the electrode and the input end;
a strain detection wiring portion provided on the sheet body, having another wiring film electrically connecting the plurality of strain detection elements and an output end, and outputting a signal corresponding to the strain;
with
At least one of the wiring film and the other wiring film is formed meandering on the sheet body,
By bringing the at least two electrodes and the plurality of strain sensing elements into contact with the measurement section of the subject and supplying an electrical signal between the at least two electrodes to stimulate the measurement section, the plurality of The device, wherein a strain sensing element is capable of detecting strain of the measuring portion in response to the stimulus. 2. The strain sensing element according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of strain sensing elements has a strain sensing film for sensing said strain, said strain sensing film being a piezoresistive film whose electric resistance value changes according to said strain. device. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of strain sensing elements has a strain sensing film for sensing said strain, and said strain sensing film generates an electromotive force by a piezoelectric effect according to said strain. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said strain sensing elements are arranged along the direction in which said at least two electrodes are arranged. each of the at least two electrodes is strip-shaped, and the longitudinal direction thereof is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the at least two electrodes;
the plurality of strain sensing elements are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the at least two electrodes;
Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, whereby the electrodes can be worn around the arm or leg of the subject, or perpendicular to the muscle bundles of the abdominal or back muscles.. A device capable of detecting muscle contraction due to electrical stimulation,
a stretchable sheet body;
at least two electrodes provided on the sheet body, the at least two electrodes having a flexible resin layer and a plurality of conductive fibers extending at least outward on the surface thereof;
a strain sensing element provided on the sheet body and arranged between the at least two electrodes, wherein a plurality of the strain sensing elements are arranged along the arrangement direction of the at least two electrodes;
an electrical signal wiring portion provided on the sheet body and having a wiring film electrically connecting the electrode and the input end;
a strain detection wiring portion provided on the sheet body, having another wiring film electrically connecting the plurality of strain detection elements and an output end, and outputting a signal corresponding to the strain;
with
At least one of the wiring film and the other wiring film is formed meandering on the sheet body,
By bringing the at least two electrodes and the plurality of strain sensing elements into contact with the measurement section of the subject and supplying an electrical signal between the at least two electrodes to stimulate the measurement section, the plurality of The device, wherein a strain sensing element is capable of detecting strain of the measuring portion in response to the stimulus. 7. The strain sensing element according to claim 6, wherein each of said plurality of strain sensing elements has a strain sensing film for sensing said strain, and said strain sensing film is a piezoresistive film whose electric resistance value changes according to said strain. device. 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein each of said plurality of strain sensing elements has a strain sensing film that senses said strain, and said strain sensing film generates an electromotive force by a piezoelectric effect according to said strain. A device capable of detecting muscle contraction due to electrical stimulation,
a stretchable sheet body;
At least two electrodes provided on the sheet body, the at least two electrodes having a flexible resin layer and a plurality of conductive fibers extending at least outward on the surface thereof, and having a cross shape in plan view. two electrodes;
a strain sensing element provided on the sheet body, disposed between the at least two electrodes, and having a square shape in plan view;
an electrical signal wiring portion provided on the sheet body and having a wiring film electrically connecting the electrode and the input end;
a strain detection wiring portion provided on the sheet body, having another wiring film electrically connecting the strain detection element and an output end, and outputting a signal corresponding to the strain;
with
a plurality of the strain sensing elements are arranged in a matrix, and the electrodes are arranged between four of the strain sensing elements adjacent to each other;
At least one of the wiring film and the other wiring film is formed meandering on the sheet body,
By bringing the at least two electrodes and the plurality of strain sensing elements into contact with the measurement section of the subject and supplying an electrical signal between the at least two electrodes to stimulate the measurement section, the plurality of The device, wherein a strain sensing element is capable of detecting strain of the measuring portion in response to the stimulus. 10. The strain sensing element according to claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of strain sensing elements has a strain sensing film for sensing said strain, and said strain sensing film is a piezoresistive film whose electric resistance value changes according to said strain. device. 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein each of said plurality of strain sensing elements has a strain sensing film that senses said strain, and said strain sensing film generates an electromotive force by a piezoelectric effect according to said strain. a device according to any one of claims 1 to 11;
an electrical signal supply unit capable of supplying an electrical signal to the at least two electrodes and stimulating a measurement unit of a subject;
a detection unit that detects strain in the plurality of strain detection elements;
a control unit that controls the electrical signal supply unit;
an analysis unit that analyzes a signal representing distortion from the detection unit;
A measurement system comprising: first switching means between the electrical signal supply unit and the at least two electrodes for switching connection between the electrical signal supply unit and the electrodes by a first switching signal from the control unit;
a second switching means, located between the plurality of strain sensing elements and the detecting section, for switching connection between the strain sensing elements and the detecting section according to a second switching signal from the control section;
13. The measurement system according to claim 12, wherein said controller controls said first switching means and said second switching means to selectively switch said plurality of electrodes and strain sensing elements used for measurement.

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