JPH0852230A - Electric stimulus device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an electric stimulus device capable of flexibly and rapidly forming and executing the rebuilt algorithms optimum for individual patients. CONSTITUTION:A control section 6 reads out various kinds of the parameters previously stored in a memory 5 and forms a fresh program list by changing the standard program lists previously prepd. in this memory 5 in accordance with these various kinds of the parameters. The control section executes compilation processing in accordance with this program list, thereby forming the rebuilt algorithms executable by the control section 6. These rebuilt algorithms are stored into the memory 5. The control signal outputted from a signal processing section 12 of a control input device 10 is thereafter detected via a signal input section 2 according to the stimulus start instruction from the patient. The rebuilt algorithm corresponding thereto is read out of the memory 5 and is executed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an electric stimulator,
In particular, the present invention relates to an electrical stimulation device that electrically stimulates a paralyzed part of a living body of a patient by executing a predetermined reconstruction algorithm and outputs an electrical stimulation signal for rebuilding a biological function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an operation command signal source, an electromyographic signal of a patient with motor palsy who has severely paralyzed limbs, electroencephalogram, mechanical displacement of jaw, shoulder, neck, etc., and voluntary biological signals such as voice are used.
Signals from the detection means (sensors) attached to each of these parts are converted to functional electrical stimulation (Functional electrical stimulation).
n: hereafter referred to as FES)
A stimulator that applies electrical stimulation to electrodes embedded in the vicinity of nerves or muscles based on a predetermined stimulation pattern programmed by an FES computer, and causes the patient's limbs to operate as intended by the muscle contraction caused by the stimulation. Have been proposed (for example, JP-A-59-16045).
No. 5, etc.).

Further, a stimulation pattern generating device is provided, and each muscle of the patient is stimulated by the above-mentioned stimulation device, and the threshold level of each muscle of the patient is detected and detected by changing the stimulation level. The standard stimulation pattern in the stimulation pattern generator is modified according to the threshold level generated, and the stimulation pattern suitable for the patient is generated, so that the stimulation pattern that is optimal for the individual patient with different symptoms is electrically controlled. Those which are designed to give stimulation have been proposed (for example, Japanese Utility Model Application No. 62-182745).

[0004]

Therefore, in such a conventional electric stimulator, although a stimulation pattern corresponding to various motions adapted to the symptom of an individual patient is generated, the patient actually uses his own mechanical stimulation. Reconstruction algorithm that defines the control input method when selecting and executing these stimulation patterns by voluntary biological signals such as displacement or voice, or the output control method of electrical stimulation signals such as output speed and timing of stimulation patterns Requires that individual programs be written and created for each patient according to the patient's symptoms and preferences, and enormous effort and time are required to generate the optimal reconstruction algorithm for each patient. , Quick response was difficult. The present invention is intended to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electric stimulator capable of flexibly and quickly generating an optimal reconstruction algorithm for an individual patient.

[0005]

In order to achieve such an object, the electrostimulator according to the present invention sets various parameters as output control information of an electrostimulation signal according to the symptom or preference of an individual patient. It consists of parameter setting means and multiple phases showing individual operations,
Reconstruction is performed based on each parameter and stimulation pattern set by the parameter setting means according to a stimulation pattern in which the stimulation intensity is stored in each address with the address as a time axis of operation and a predetermined control signal from the control input device. And a control means for executing the algorithm. Further, as parameters, the number of times the switch is operated corresponding to the instruction operation indicating the start / stop of the stimulation, the response time of the switch, the division address when the stimulation pattern is divided into a plurality of phases, the number of times each phase is selected, and each phase Includes any one of the time lag time when starting, the scanning control method of each phase, the scanning speed of each phase, the processing at the final address of each phase, and the start / stop control of stimulation by plural kinds of instruction actions It was done like this.

[0006]

Therefore, the parameter setting means sets various parameters as the output control information of the electrical stimulation signal according to the symptoms and preferences of the individual patient, and the control means
A reconstruction algorithm is executed based on each parameter and stimulation pattern set by the parameter setting means in response to a predetermined control signal from the control input device.

[0007]

Next, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electric stimulator which is an embodiment of the present invention, in which 1 is an electric stimulator that outputs an electric stimulus signal based on a predetermined reconstruction algorithm,
Reference numeral 10 is a control input device that detects a mechanical displacement of the remaining function of the patient and an optional biological signal and outputs a predetermined control signal to the electrical stimulation device. In the control input device 10, 11
Is a plurality of sensors for detecting a patient's electromyogram, electroencephalogram, mechanical displacement of jaw, shoulder, neck, etc., and voluntary biological signals such as voice, and 12 is a detection signal from each sensor 11 having a switch inside. It is a signal processing unit that operates a switch in accordance with the number of times and outputs a predetermined control signal in accordance with the number of times of operation.

In the electrostimulator 1, 2 is a signal input section for receiving a control signal from the control input apparatus 10, 3 is a display section for displaying various information, and 4 is a key for inputting a control instruction of the electrostimulator 1. An input unit, 9 is a parameter setting unit that sets various parameters related to the reconstruction algorithm, 5 is a memory that stores various parameters set by the parameter setting unit 9 and a plurality of reconstruction algorithms, and 6 is a parameter that is set by the parameter setting unit 9. Is stored in the memory or executes a predetermined reconstruction algorithm in response to a control signal received via the signal input unit 2, and 7 is a nerve or muscle vicinity of a patient's limb in response to an instruction from the control unit 6. It is a signal output unit that outputs a predetermined electrical stimulation signal to the electrode 8 embedded in the.

The reconstruction algorithm will be described with reference to FIG. 2A and 2B are explanatory views showing a reconstruction algorithm corresponding to the standing / seating motion. FIG. 2A is a stimulation pattern corresponding to a predetermined electrode, and FIG. 2B is a reconstruction pattern based on the stimulation pattern and various parameters shown in FIG. The electrical stimulation signals actually output to the predetermined electrodes 8 by the algorithm are shown. In FIG. 2 (a), 21 is a stimulation pattern, which is standard or adapted to some extent to the patient's symptoms. The vertical axis represents the strength of the stimulus (0 to 250), and the horizontal axis represents the time axis address. The portion corresponding to the standing motion, that is, phase 1 is composed of the addresses 1 to 124, and corresponds to the sitting motion. The part or phase 2 consists of addresses 125-249. In FIG. 2B, 22 is an electrical stimulation signal actually output to a predetermined electrode 8 based on the reconstruction algorithm.

Actually, when the patient outputs an electric stimulation signal corresponding to the standing / seating motion using his / her remaining function, not only the stimulation pattern corresponding to the standing / seating motion but also the symptom and preference of the patient are taken into consideration. It is necessary to generate a reconstruction algorithm accordingly. For example, when the patient outputs an instruction to control the standing / seating motions at times T0 and T3, the operation by the residual function of the patient, for example, how many times the shoulder is moved up and down to start the stimulation corresponding to the standing / seating motion. ,
Alternatively, the standing motion at time T1 to T2, time T4 to
It is necessary to make detailed settings according to the patient, such as how long it takes to sit down at T5.
The present invention generates and executes a reconstruction algorithm most suitable for each patient by inputting output control information of different electrical stimulation signals as various parameters according to the patient's symptoms and preferences.

Next, the operation of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 6 of the electrical stimulation apparatus 1, and particularly shows a case where a reconstruction algorithm is generated in advance based on various parameters. First, by operating the parameter setting unit 9 of the electric stimulator 1, various parameters are set according to the symptoms and preferences of each patient (step 31).

As the parameters, values of the types described below are prepared. First, the patient operates a switch in the control input device 10 by an instruction operation based on his / her remaining function, for example, by moving the shoulder up and down, thereby starting / starting stimulation.
When controlling the stop, the number of times the switch is operated and the response time of the switch are set. In addition, the division address when dividing the stimulus pattern into a plurality of phases, the number of times that each phase is selected and executed, and the time lag (delay) time when starting each phase are set, and the scanning control of each phase is set. As a method, either an automatic address increase in which the address is automatically increased or a control input proportional increase / decrease in which the address is increased / decreased in proportion to a control signal from the control input device 10 such as the strength of a patient's breath is set.

Further, the operation time from the start to the end is set as the scanning speed of each phase, and the process at the final address of each phase is set to either hold the stimulus, move to the next phase or stop the stimulus. Whether or not to control the start / stop of stimulation by a plurality of types of instruction operations by the patient, that is, a plurality of types of control signals is selectively set. Note that only one of these parameters can be
Alternatively, they may be set in combination, or parameters other than these may be set.

In the case of the reconstruction algorithm (see FIG. 2) corresponding to the above-mentioned standing and sitting motions, the number of switch operations is "1" and the phase division address is "12".
4 ", the number of times of phase selection is" 1 time each ", the time lag at the start of each phase is" 2 seconds "for phase 1," 3 seconds "for phase 2," address automatic increase "as the scanning control method of each phase, The scanning speed is “3 seconds” for phase 1, “2 seconds” for phase 2, and “stimulus retention” is for phase 1 as the end address processing of each phase.
In phase 2, "stimulation stop" is set.

The control unit 6 sequentially reads various parameters set by the parameter setting unit 9 and stores them in the memory 5. Next, the control unit 6 reads out various parameters stored in the memory 5 (step 32) and corrects a standard program list prepared in advance in the memory 5 on the basis of these various parameters.
A new program list corresponding to the patient is generated (step 33), and a compile process is performed based on this program list to generate a reconstruction algorithm that can be actually executed by the control unit 6 and store it in the memory 5. (Step 34), by repeatedly performing such a series of reconstruction algorithm generation processing as necessary,
Generate multiple types of reconstruction algorithms corresponding to various operations.

When the reconstruction algorithm is actually executed after the reconstruction algorithm is generated, the control unit 6 detects the control signal from the control input device 10 via the signal input unit 2 (step 35: YES), and The reconstruction algorithm corresponding to the control signal is read from the memory 5 (step 3
6) and execute (step 37). As a result, the electrical stimulation signal 22 as shown in FIG. 2B is output from the arbitrary electrode 8 via the signal output unit 7. now,
When the patient performs one up / down movement of the shoulder, this is detected by the sensor 1 of the control input device 10 and the signal processing unit 12
Outputs a control signal indicating the number of switch operations (ON / OFF) "once".

The control unit 6 of the electrical stimulator 1 detects this control signal via the signal input unit 2 and, in response to this, raises the control signal.
The reconstruction algorithm relating to the seating operation is read from the memory 5, and the execution of the reconstruction algorithm is started by using this control signal as a start instruction. First, as a time lag of phase 1, the apparatus waits for 2 seconds from the start instruction at time T0, and then starts outputting electric stimulation signal 22 corresponding to phase 1 or standing motion from time T1. In this case, as the phase 1, the addresses 1 to 124 of the stimulation pattern 21 are scanned, this is executed for 3 seconds, and the output of the electrical stimulation signal 22 at the time when the execution of the phase 1 is completed at time T2 is held. .

Thereafter, at time T3, when the patient performs one up / down movement of the shoulder, this is detected by the sensor 1 of the control input device 10 and the signal processing unit 12 switches the number of times (ON / OFF) "once". Is output by the control unit 6 through the signal input unit 2 of the electrostimulator 1 and is determined to be a start instruction for phase 2. As a result, as a phase 2 time lag, it waits for 3 seconds from the start instruction at time T3, and then waits for time T3.
From 4, the output of the electrical stimulation signal 22 corresponding to the phase 2, that is, the sitting motion is started.

In this case, as the phase 2, the address 125 to the address 249 of the stimulus pattern 21 is scanned, this is executed for 2 seconds, and at time T5, the execution of this reconstruction algorithm is stopped and terminated. The process of the control unit 6 returns to step 35 and detects the stimulation start instruction from the control input device 10. Here, if there is an instruction to change the parameter from the key input unit 4 (step 3
8: YES), returning to step 31, the parameter is set again, and a reconstruction algorithm based on this is generated. In addition, in response to the end instruction from the key input unit 4 (step 39: YES), the series of processing ends.

As described above, by providing the parameter setting unit 4 for inputting and setting various control variables constituting the reconstruction algorithm as various parameters, various parameters as output control information of different electrical stimulation signals corresponding to the symptoms and preferences of the patient. Since the reconstruction algorithm is executed based on these various parameters, it is possible to flexibly respond to the symptoms and preferences of individual patients, and in a shorter time than before, it is ideal for individual patients. It becomes possible to carry out electrical stimulation output.

As parameters, the number of times the switch is operated corresponding to the instruction operation indicating the start / stop of the stimulus, the response time of the switch, the division address when the stimulus pattern is divided into a plurality of phases, the number of selections in each phase, Any of the time lag time when starting each phase, the scanning control method of each phase, the scanning speed of each phase, the processing at the final address of each phase, and the selection of the start / stop control of the stimulus by plural kinds of instruction actions Since it is included, it is possible to set parameters in more detail, and it is possible to generate an optimal reconstruction algorithm according to the patient's symptoms and preferences. Furthermore, the reconstruction algorithm is generated based on the various parameters that have been set, and the reconstruction algorithm is read and executed according to the start instruction from the patient, so when the patient actually uses multiple reconstruction algorithms, stimulation by the patient It is possible to immediately execute an arbitrary reconstruction algorithm in response to a start instruction, and it is possible to realize an electrostimulator with good response performance during operation.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the above description (FIG. 3), the reconstruction algorithm is generated in advance based on various parameters and is executed according to the instruction from the patient. However, according to the execution of the reconstruction algorithm. You may make it read a required parameter and output an electrical stimulation signal based on the parameter. FIG. 4 is another flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 6 of the electrostimulator 1, particularly showing the case where the parameters are read out in accordance with the execution of the reconstruction algorithm and the electrostimulation signal is output based on this. ing.

First, by operating the parameter setting unit 9, various parameters are set according to the patient's symptoms and preferences, and stored in the memory 5 by the control unit 6 (step 4).
1). Similar to the above, one of these parameters may be set, or a combination thereof may be set as necessary, or a parameter other than these may be set. Next, the control unit 6 of the electrostimulator 1 detects the control signal from the control input device 10 via the signal input unit 2 (step 42: YES), and executes the standard reconstruction algorithm corresponding to the control signal. While reading from the memory 5 (step 43), the parameters necessary for the read reconstruction algorithm are read from the memory 5 (step 44), and the reconstruction algorithm is executed based on these parameters (step 45).

In the reconstruction algorithm in this case, for the part that changes the output of the electrical stimulation signal 22 according to the parameter, the electrical stimulation signal 22 is controlled based on the set value by sequentially referring to the parameter as needed. Become.
Therefore, in FIG. 2B described above, for example, referring to the parameter indicating the time lag at the start of phase 1 at time T0, after waiting for 2 seconds based on the set value “2 seconds”, the phase 1 from time T1 is changed. It will start execution.

When the execution of the reconstruction algorithm is completed,
The process of the control unit 6 returns to step 42 and detects the next stimulation start instruction from the control input device 10. Here, if there is an instruction to change the parameter from the key input unit 4 (step 46: YES), the process returns to step 41 and the parameter is set again. In addition, in response to the end instruction from the key input unit 4 (step 47: YES), the series of processes ends.

As described above, various parameters are preliminarily input as output control information of the electrical stimulation signal 22 which differs depending on the symptom and preference of the patient, and the corresponding reconstruction algorithm is read according to the start of stimulation from the patient. With
For the part that reads and executes the necessary parameters and changes the output of the electrical stimulation signal 22 according to the parameters,
Since the electrical stimulus signal 22 is controlled based on the set value by sequentially referring to the parameter as necessary, it is not necessary to generate and store the reconstruction algorithm in advance, and immediately after setting the various parameters. In addition, it is possible to output the optimal electrical stimulation for each patient's symptoms and preferences.

In the above description, a parameter setting section 9 having a switch is provided as means for setting various parameters, and the parameter setting section 9 sets parameters according to the symptoms and preferences of each patient. Although the case has been described, various parameters may be set using the key input unit 4 and the display unit 3 instead of the parameter setting unit 9.

[0028]

As described above, according to the present invention, the parameter setting means for setting various parameters as the output control information of the electrical stimulation signal according to the symptom or preference of the individual patient is provided, and the control means controls each parameter. Since the reconstruction algorithm is executed based on the parameters and stimulation patterns, it is possible to flexibly respond to each patient's symptoms and preferences and output the optimal electrical stimulation to each patient in a shorter time than before. It becomes possible to do.

As parameters, the number of times the switch is operated corresponding to the instruction operation indicating the start / stop of the stimulus, the response time of the switch, the division address when the stimulus pattern is divided into a plurality of phases, the number of times each phase is selected, Any of the time lag time when starting each phase, the scanning control method of each phase, the scanning speed of each phase, the processing at the final address of each phase, and the selection of the start / stop control of the stimulus by plural kinds of instruction actions Since it is included, it is possible to set parameters in more detail, and it is possible to execute an optimal reconstruction algorithm according to the patient's symptoms and preferences.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electrical stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a reconstruction algorithm showing a standing / seating operation.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing operation in a control unit.

FIG. 4 is another flowchart showing a processing operation in the control unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electrical stimulator, 2 ... Signal input part, 3 ... Display part, 4 ...
Key input section, 5 ... Memory, 6 ... Control section, 7 ... Signal output section, 8 ... Electrode, 9 ... Parameter setting section, 10 ... Control input device, 11 ... Sensor, 12 ... Signal processing section.

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] October 27, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0020

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

As described above, the parameter setting unit 9 for inputting and setting various control variables constituting the reconstruction algorithm as various parameters is provided, and various parameters are provided as output control information of different electrical stimulation signals according to the symptoms and preferences of the patient. Since the reconstruction algorithm is executed based on these various parameters, it is possible to flexibly respond to the symptoms and preferences of individual patients, and in a shorter time than before, it is ideal for individual patients. It becomes possible to carry out electrical stimulation output.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0026

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

As described above, various parameters are preliminarily input as output control information of the electrical stimulation signal 22 which differs depending on the symptom and preference of the patient, and the corresponding reconstruction algorithm is read according to the start of stimulation from the patient. With
For the part that reads and executes the necessary parameters and changes the output of the electrical stimulation signal 22 according to the parameters,
It refers to the sequential parameters as required, and to control the electrical stimulation signal 22 based on the set value Monodea
It

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0027

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Therefore, a reconstruction algorithm is generated in advance.
Setting various parameters without having to remember
Immediately afterwards, optimal electrical stimulation that suits the individual patient's symptoms and preferences is given.
It becomes possible to output.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A control input device for operating a switch based on an instruction operation by a remaining function of a patient and outputting a control signal according to the operation of the switch. The control signal from the control input device. By executing a predetermined reconstruction algorithm according to, in the electrical stimulation device for electrically stimulating the paralyzed part of the patient's living body to output an electrical stimulation signal for rebuilding the biological function, the output of the electrical stimulation signal It consists of parameter setting means for setting various parameters as control information according to the symptoms and preferences of each patient, and multiple phases showing each operation, and the stimulation intensity is assigned to each address with the address as the time axis of the operation. Set by the parameter setting means according to the stored stimulation pattern and a predetermined control signal from the control input device. And a control means for executing a reconstruction algorithm based on the stimulation parameters and the stimulation pattern. 2. The electrical stimulator according to claim 1, wherein the parameter is the number of times the switch is operated corresponding to an instruction operation indicating the start / stop of stimulation, the response time of the switch, and the stimulation pattern in a plurality of phases. Division address when dividing into, the number of selections of each phase, time lag time when starting each phase, scanning control method of each phase, scanning speed of each phase, processing at the final address of each phase, And an electrostimulation apparatus including any one of selection of start / stop control of stimulation by a plurality of types of instruction operations.