JPWO2019151136A1 - Muscle electrical stimulator - Google Patents

Abstract

In the muscle electrical stimulator 10 that applies electrical stimulation to the muscle, the sensor detects information about the user's body. The control unit controls the voltage applied between the electrodes and processes the information detected by the sensor. The sensor detects information for estimating the muscle mass of each of the plurality of body parts that give electrical stimulation. The control unit estimates the muscle balance of a plurality of body parts based on the detected information, and controls the voltage according to the muscle balance.

Description

The present invention relates to a muscle electrical stimulator.

As an exercise device used for human physical exercise, for example, there is a muscle electrical stimulator. The muscle electrical stimulator can be expected to exercise the muscle and increase the muscle strength by passing a weak electric current through the muscle to tension and relax the muscle. Conventionally, for example, a muscle electrical stimulator as described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed.

JP-A-2017-6644

Since the muscular electrical stimulator is worn on the user's body, the present inventor has come up with various methods for enhancing the convenience of the muscular electrical stimulator itself, as well as various secondary utilization methods related to the body. I arrived.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a muscle electrical stimulator with enhanced convenience.

In order to solve the above problems, the muscle electrical stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention is a muscle electrical stimulator that applies electrical stimulation to muscles, and applies it between a sensor that detects information about the user's body and electrodes. It includes a control unit that controls the voltage and processes the information detected by the sensor.

It should be noted that any combination of the above components and those in which the components and expressions of the present invention are mutually replaced between methods, devices, programs, recording media on which programs are recorded, systems, etc. are also aspects of the present invention. It is effective as.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a muscle electrical stimulator with enhanced convenience.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the exercise equipment control system which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the exercise equipment control system which concerns on another aspect. It is a figure which shows the appearance example of the muscle electric stimulator which is an example of exercise equipment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the muscle electrical stimulator. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of the exercise equipment control device. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of an information management server. It is a side view which shows the use state of the muscle electric stimulator. An example of a screen on which an avatar is displayed is shown.

Since the muscle electrical stimulator is worn on the user's body, it can detect various biological information and operating states related to the user's physical condition. The muscle electrical stimulator can be considered to have various secondary utilization methods related to the body by detecting various biological information and operating states, and various methods to enhance the convenience of the muscle electrical stimulator itself.

The muscle electrical stimulator according to the present embodiment is a muscle electrical stimulator that applies electrical stimulation to muscles, and controls a sensor that detects information about the user's body and a voltage applied between electrodes, and detects the voltage with the sensor. It is provided with a control unit for processing the generated information.

"Muscle electrical stimulator" is an example of "exercise equipment" and is applied to various sports and beauty exercise equipment as well as muscle electrical stimulator that supports physical exercise of living organisms including humans. You may. "Biological information" is information about the body such as vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, body temperature, etc.), fat and muscle thickness, water content and blood flow, and skin gas (ammonia, acetone, nitrogen dioxide, acetic acid, etc.). In addition to the above, information indicating the state of movement of the body and the amount of activity may be widely included. The information indicating the motion state and the amount of activity of the body may include a value that directly indicates the motion state and the amount of activity, as well as information that is a basis for indirectly estimating. For example, a value indicating the state of each muscle for estimating the user's body shape and posture, a value indicating the movement of muscles and organs for estimating the user's heart rate, and a current flowing through the body for estimating the user's movement. Values, electrical resistance values, potential changes, capacitances, accelerations of predetermined body parts, biomagnetism, etc.

The sensor detects information for estimating the muscle mass of each of the plurality of body parts that give electrical stimulation, and the control unit estimates the muscle balance of the plurality of body parts based on the detected information, and the muscle balance. The voltage may be controlled according to the above.

According to this aspect, based on the information about the user's body, the operation mode of the muscle electrical stimulator can be adjusted to a more appropriate value, feedback can be provided for a more effective program, and useful information for the user can be provided. It can be provided and convenience can be enhanced.

Hereinafter, the same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the drawings shall be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the dimensions of the members in each drawing are shown enlarged or reduced as appropriate for easy understanding. In addition, some of the members that are not important for explaining the embodiment in each drawing are omitted and displayed.

<Exercise equipment control system>
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an exercise equipment control system 100 according to an embodiment. The exercise equipment control system 100 includes muscle electrical stimulators 10a to 10g as exercise equipment, an information terminal as the exercise equipment control device 12, and an information management server 14 for managing information. The muscle electrical stimulator 10 is a type that is attached to each body part such as the user's abdominal muscles, flanks, arms, and legs (muscle electrical stimulators 10a to f) and a type that the user rests both feet (muscle electrical stimulator 10g). There is. The muscle electrical stimulator 10 applies electrical stimulation to the user's muscle by a weak electric current. The muscle electrical stimulators 10a to 10g communicate with the exercise equipment control device 12 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) to transmit and receive information. The exercise equipment control program executed in the exercise equipment control device 12 communicates with the muscle electrical stimulators 10a to 10a to control the respective settings and operations of the muscle electrical stimulators 10a to g. The exercise equipment control device 12 connects to the network 15 via wireless communication such as wireless LAN or mobile phone communication, and transmits / receives information to / from the information management server 14. The information management server 14 manages updates of the exercise equipment control program executed by the exercise equipment control device 12, and also receives and manages exercise setting information and result information from the exercise equipment control device 12. As a modification, each muscle electrical stimulator may be connected to the network 15 and communicate with the information management server 14 or the like without going through the exercise equipment control device 12.

The exercise equipment control device 12 is various information terminals operated by the user, such as a mobile phone terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a personal computer. The exercise equipment control device 12 sets the correspondence between the muscle electrical stimulators 10a to 10a and the body part using the muscle electrical stimulator 10, and controls the strength setting and operation of each muscle electrical stimulator 10. The muscle electrical stimulator 10 can be set and operated as a single unit, and the user may directly operate the muscle electrical stimulator 10 or may operate the muscle electrical stimulator 10 via the exercise equipment control device 12. Since the exercise device control device 12 functions as a hub of the plurality of muscle electrical stimulators 10a to g, the user operates the exercise device control device 12 rather than individually setting and operating the plurality of muscle electrical stimulators 10a to g. It is more efficient to operate and collectively control a plurality of muscle electrical stimulators 10a to g.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an exercise equipment control system 100 according to another aspect. In this embodiment, a plurality of users are simultaneously subjected to electrical stimulation by a plurality of muscle electrical stimulators, and move their bodies according to instructions according to the pattern of the electrical stimulation, whereby it is more efficient in a shorter time. It is premised on the execution of an exercise program to strengthen muscles. The exercise equipment control system 100 includes a plurality of fitness wears 102 equipped with a plurality of electrical stimulation modules, an exercise equipment control device 12, a display control device 104, and a display device 106. As a set of exercise equipment control device 12, display control device 104, and display device 106, one set or multiple sets are installed in a fitness gym studio, and one set of fitness is provided for each of a plurality of users, for example, up to seven people. Wear 102 and a set of upper and lower inner wear (not shown) are prepared. The electrical stimulation module is attached to each part of the fitness wear 102 so that electrical stimulation can be applied to each body part such as the user's abdominal muscles, flanks, pectoral muscles, back muscles, arms, legs, and buttocks. A plurality of electrical stimulation modules are attached to each of the fitness wear 102 for a plurality of users. An exercise control program instructed to start execution by communicating with the exercise equipment control device 12 controls voltage setting and operation in each of a plurality of electrical stimulation modules of a plurality of users. The exercise equipment control device 12 transmits / receives information to / from the display control device 104 via a local area network via a network cable 108. The display control device 104 is a computer that displays a motion image on the display device 106 according to an instruction of a motion control program executed by the exercise device control device 12.

The exercise equipment control device 12 is an information terminal operated by a trainer or a user of a fitness gym. The exercise equipment control device 12 controls the intensity setting and operation for each user and each electrical stimulation module. Since the exercise equipment control device 12 functions as a hub for a plurality of electrical stimulation modules for a plurality of users, the trainer or the user operates the exercise equipment control device 12 rather than individually setting and operating the plurality of electrical stimulation modules. It is more efficient to collectively control multiple electrical stimulation modules. In addition, the operations of a plurality of users can be synchronized and controlled by the same program all at once.

The exercise equipment control device 12 causes the display device 106 to display the explanation of the exercise program and the image serving as a model of the movement in the form of synchronizing with the control of the plurality of electrical stimulation modules via the display control device 104. However, in consideration of the delay of wireless communication with each electrical stimulation module, the motion image is not displayed at the timing completely synchronized with the control pulse of the electrical stimulation module, but the image is displayed at the timing delayed by a predetermined cycle. It may be displayed. The display control device 104 may have a built-in camera capable of capturing the movement of the user, captures an image of the user performing the exercise according to the exercise program, and has a skeleton based on the analysis of the image or the movement of the user. An image that reproduces the movement may be displayed on the display device 106.

As described above, in the exercise program of the present embodiment, the exercise control program for controlling the voltage by the electrical stimulation module and the control signal such as the start signal for the plurality of electrical stimulation modules of the plurality of users are transmitted by the exercise equipment control device 12. This is realized in conjunction with a motion control program that displays images synchronized with the display device 106 while transmitting. In addition, each user executes an exercise program by moving his / her body using the image displayed on the display device 106 as a model.

<Exercise equipment>
FIG. 3 shows an external example of the muscle electrical stimulator 10 which is an example of the exercise equipment. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the muscle electrical stimulator 10a, FIG. 3B is an enlarged plan view of an enlarged housing portion, and FIG. 3C is a muscle electrical stimulator 10a from the back side. It is an external view of the intermediate member seen, and FIG. 2D is a rear view of the muscle electrical stimulator 10a. The muscle electrical stimulator 10a includes a housing 20, a cover 24, a first base material 26, a second base material 27, a first electrode group 31, a second electrode group 32, a third electrode group 33, and a fourth electrode group 34. Be prepared. The main body of the muscle electrical stimulator 10a mainly composed of the cover 24, the first base material 26 and the second base material 27 is attached to the abdominal muscle portion 21a, which is a portion attached to the human abdominal muscle, and the right flank. The right flank 21b, which is a portion, and the left flank 21c, which is a portion attached to the left flank, are included.

The housing 20 is provided in the center of the muscle electrical stimulator 10a. As shown in FIG. 3B, the housing 20 is made of resin and has a substantially elliptical shape in a plan view. The housing 20 houses a power supply unit and a control unit (both described later in FIG. 4) such as a lithium ion battery. On the flat side of the housing 20, a plus button 20a, a minus button 20b, an abdominal muscle designation button 20c, and a flank designation button 20d are provided as operation units. The plus button 20a, the minus button 20b, the abdominal muscle designation button 20c, and the flank designation button 20d are formed in the state of a cantilever by hollowing out a part of the housing 20.

The first base material 26 and the second base material 27 are superposed to form one base material. The cover 24 is made of an elastomer such as silicon. The cover 24 covers the first base material 26 and the flat surface side of the housing. That is, the cover 24, the first base material 26, and the second base material 27 are superimposed in this order from the flat side. The cover 24, the first base material 26, the second base material 27, and the housing 20 are joined by an adhesive tape or an adhesive. The symbol "+" is projected on the portion of the cover 24 that covers the plus button 20a, and the symbol "-" is projected on the portion of the cover 24 that covers the minus button 20b. The character string "FRONT" is projected from the portion of the cover 24 that covers the abdominal muscle designation button 20c, and the character string "SIDE" is projected from the portion of the cover 24 that covers the abdominal muscle designation button 20d. The first base material 26 and the second base material 27 are thin sheet-like members, and are formed of a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate.

The muscle electrical stimulator 10 includes one or more pairs of positive and negative electrodes. In the case of the muscle electrical stimulator 10a, the first electrode group 31 contains electrodes 31a to c, the second electrode group 32 contains electrodes 32a to c, and the third electrode group 33 contains electrodes 33a and b. The fourth electrode group 34 includes electrodes 34a and 34b. Each electrode is arranged on the back surface of the first base material 26, that is, the surface in contact with the abdominal muscles and flanks, and is exposed from each opening provided at each electrode position on the second base material 27. Each electrode is composed of conductive ink and is printed on the back surface of the first base material 26. Energization is performed between the electrodes 31a and 32a, between the electrodes 31b and 32b, between the electrodes 31c and 32c, between the electrodes 33a and 34a, and between the electrodes 33b and 34b, respectively. In the second base material 27, the openings 35a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j have electrodes 34a, 33a, 31a, 31b, 31c, 32a, 32b, 32c, 33b, respectively. It is provided at a position corresponding to each of 34b.

In the case of the electrode arrangement as shown in FIG. 3C, the left and right rectus abdominis muscles are energized in the lateral direction between the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32. The electrode arrangement may be such that the left and right rectus abdominis muscles are independently energized in the vertical direction (height direction). In that case, for example, the left rectus abdominis muscle is independently electrically stimulated only by the first electrode group 31, and the right rectus abdominis muscle is independently electrically stimulated only by the second electrode group 32. Add. This makes it possible to apply electrical stimulation with different voltage values to the left and right rectus abdominis muscles.

A gel-like adhesive pad (not shown) is attached to the peripheral edge of each opening and each electrode, and the muscle electrical stimulator 10 is attached to each body part due to the adhesiveness of the adhesive pad. A long hook-and-loop fastener band (not shown) is attached to the end of the right flank 21b and the end of the left flank 21c, respectively. The muscle electrical stimulator 10 is fixed by wrapping the hook-and-loop fastener band around the human waist and tightening it to an appropriate length. The sticky pad has conductivity, and the user's body part is energized from each electrode through the sticky pad. The adhesive pad is replaced when, for example, the adhesive strength decreases due to the decrease in the amount of water or the electric resistance increases with use, the adhesive pad is damaged, or the dirt becomes conspicuous.

Information about the user's body can be stored in any of the housing 20, the first base material 26, the second base material 27, the first electrode group 31, the second electrode group 32, the third electrode group 33, and the fourth electrode group 34. A sensor to detect is provided. The sensor will be described later.

Although FIG. 3 illustrates the type of muscle electrical stimulator 10a worn on the abdominal muscles and flanks, the muscle electrical stimulator 10 of the type worn on other body parts also has a shape suitable for wearing the body part. A base material is formed, and a number of electrodes suitable for energizing the body part are provided. Similarly, the electrical stimulation module mounted on the fitness wear 102 of FIG. 2 is also configured to include one or more pairs of positive and negative electrodes, a housing, and a base material.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the muscle electrical stimulator 10. The muscle electrical stimulator 10 includes a power supply unit 22, a first base material 26, and a control unit 28. The control unit 28 includes a power supply control unit 50, a skin detection unit 52, an electrical stimulation control unit 54, a setting unit 56, and a communication unit 58. The power supply unit 22 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, but may be a replaceable primary battery. The power supply unit 22 is electrically connected to the control unit 28 to supply electric power.

The first base material 26 includes a sensor 40 in addition to the first electrode group 31, the second electrode group 32, the third electrode group 33, and the fourth electrode group 34. In this figure, an example in which the sensor 40 is included in the first base material 26 will be described, but any one or each of the first electrode group 31, the second electrode group 32, the third electrode group 33, and the fourth electrode group 34 will be described. The specifications may include the sensor 40. Alternatively, the specifications may be such that the sensor 40 is not included in the first base material 26 or each electrode group, and the sensor 40 is included in the power supply unit 22.

Each block of the control unit 28 can be realized by an element such as a CPU (central processing unit) of a computer or a mechanical device in terms of hardware, and can be realized by a computer program or the like in terms of software. It depicts a functional block realized by their cooperation. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art who have referred to this specification that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by combining hardware and software. The same applies to each block of FIGS. 5 and 6.

The power supply control unit 50 controls the charging of the power supply unit 22, and transmits information indicating the charging state to the exercise equipment control device 12 via the communication unit 58.

The skin detection unit 52 detects whether or not the electrodes are in contact with the skin based on the electric resistance value received from the sensor 40. The sensor 40 in this case is, for example, a bioimpedance measuring device. The skin detection unit 52 acquires the electric resistance value between the first electrode group 31 and the second electrode group 32, and between the third electrode group 33 and the fourth electrode group 34. The skin detection unit 52 detects that the electrode is in contact with the skin when the detected electric resistance value is less than the threshold value, and detects that the electrode is not in contact with the skin when the detected electric resistance value is equal to or more than the threshold value. To do.

When the electrical stimulation control unit 54 detects that the electrodes are in contact with the skin by the skin detection unit 52, the electrical stimulation control unit 54 has a predetermined operation time (for example, 23 minutes) and a predetermined cycle (for example, a cycle in which the frequency becomes 20 Hz). , Apply a set voltage between the electrodes. That is, for example, electrical stimulation is applied to the user's abdominal muscles and flanks. The setting unit 56 receives the operation inputs of the plus buttons 20a and the minus buttons 20b arranged above and below, and increases or decreases the set voltage value applied by the electrical stimulation control unit 54. That is, the setting unit 56 increases the set voltage value each time the user presses the plus button 20a, and decreases the set voltage value each time the minus button 20b is pressed. As the set voltage value, any value can be set as, for example, 20 levels of intensity. The setting unit 56 further accepts the operation inputs of the abdominal muscle designation button 20c and the abdominal muscle designation button 20d arranged on the left and right, and determines which of the abdominal muscle portion 21a and the left and right abdominal muscles 21b and c to operate. .. When the user wants to operate the set voltage value of the abdominal muscle, the user presses the abdominal muscle designation button 20c and then adjusts the set voltage value with the plus button 20a and the minus button 20b. If you want to operate the set voltage value of the flank, press the flank designation button 20d and then adjust the set voltage value with the plus button 20a and the minus button 20b. The electrical stimulation control unit 54 increases or decreases the operating time, period, set voltage value, and the like based on the value detected by the sensor 40. The control method according to the type of the sensor 40 will be described later.

The communication unit 58 receives the set voltage information from the exercise equipment control device 12 via short-range wireless communication and sends it to the setting unit 56. When the communication unit 58 receives the information of the set voltage value or the information instructing the increase or decrease of the set voltage value from the exercise equipment control device 12, the setting unit 56 increases or decreases the set voltage value based on the received information. .. Each time the set voltage value is increased or decreased, the electrical stimulation control unit 54 applies a voltage between the electrodes at a new set voltage value so that the user can experience and confirm the new set voltage value, that is, exercise intensity. Let me. The communication unit 58 increases or decreases the set voltage value when receiving an instruction for increasing or decreasing the exercise intensity from the exercise equipment control device 12 even during exercise, that is, while applying a voltage. However, even if an exercise intensity increase / decrease instruction is received from other than the connected exercise device control device 12, it is ignored and does not follow the exercise intensity increase / decrease instruction from other devices. This is to prevent the voltage value from being increased or decreased by someone other than the user. The communication unit 58 transmits information indicating the voltage applied state by the electrical stimulation control unit 54, that is, the exercise execution state, to the exercise equipment control device 12. The communication unit 58 transmits the information detected by the sensor 40 to the exercise equipment control device 12.

<Exercise equipment control device>
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the exercise equipment control device 12. The exercise equipment control device 12 includes a control unit 70, a communication unit 71, and a display unit 72. The control unit 70 includes a communication processing unit 60, a type determination unit 61, a correspondence determination unit 62, a setting processing unit 63, an instrument control unit 64, a display control unit 65, and an information management unit 66.

The communication unit 71 transmits and receives information to and from the muscle electrical stimulator 10 by short-range wireless communication, and also transmits and receives information to and from the information management server 14 via a communication means such as a mobile phone communication network or wireless LAN. To do. The control unit 70 transmits / receives information to / from the muscle electrical stimulator 10 and the information management server 14 via the communication unit 71. The display unit 72 is a touch panel type display device such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, which displays information on a screen and accepts user's operation input.

The communication processing unit 60 transmits / receives information to / from the muscle electrical stimulator 10 via the communication unit 71. The information received by the communication processing unit 60 from each of the plurality of types of exercise equipment differs depending on the type of exercise equipment. For example, the information received from each exercise device includes identification information indicating the type of the exercise device and the type of exercise. The information received from each exercise device may include individual identification information used for user registration and individual management, and a unique network address (MAC address).

The type determination unit 61 identifies the type of exercise using the exercise equipment from a plurality of types based on the received information. The type determination unit 61 stores in advance the types of exercise possible with each type of exercise equipment. The type determination unit 61 stores, for example, an exercise equipment name or exercise type such as “Abs + Wait”, “Abs”, “Arm”, “Leg”, and “Body” in advance. The type determination unit 61 specifies the type of exercise by specifying the type of exercise equipment based on the received information. Here, if the exercise device or exercise type is specified, such as "Abs + Wait" and "Abs", the body part that uses the device such as "abdominal muscle + flank" and "abdominal muscle" may be uniquely determined. , The body part to be used with other exercise equipment is not always uniquely determined. For example, whether "Arm" is used for the right arm or the left arm, and whether it is used for the front or the back of the arm cannot be determined unless specified by the user. Similarly, whether the "Leg" is used for the right leg or the left leg, and whether it is used for the front or the back of the leg cannot be determined unless specified by the user. Since "Body" can be used on the flanks, arms, and legs, the body part to be used cannot be determined unless specified by the user. Therefore, the body part to be used is specified as follows according to the type of exercise equipment or the type of exercise.

The response determination unit 62 identifies the correspondence between the plurality of body parts and the separate exercise devices based on the respective exercise types specified for the one or more exercise devices. The response determination unit 62 stores in advance one or more body parts that can be exercised according to the type of exercise. The response determination unit 62 is one of the cases based on the operation input of the display unit 72 by the user when there are a plurality of body parts that can be exercised depending on the type of exercise, that is, when an exercise device that requires identification of the body part is attached. Identify the correspondence between body parts and exercise equipment.

The setting processing unit 63 sets the operation content of the exercise equipment based on the operation input to the display unit 72 by the user. The setting processing unit 63 can set different operation contents for each of a plurality of body parts. The setting processing unit 63 sets the intensity of the electrical stimulation by the muscle electrical stimulator as the operation content, that is, the voltage value of any level of the 20 steps. The setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation content of the muscle electrical stimulator 10 based on the detection value of the sensor 40 acquired from the muscle electrical stimulator 10. The adjustment of the operation content based on the value detected from the sensor 40 will be described later. In this embodiment, specifications have been described in which both the electrical stimulation control unit 54 and the setting processing unit 63 adjust the operation content or the set voltage value of the muscle electrical stimulation device 10 based on the detection value from the sensor 40. In the modified example, only one of the electrical stimulation control unit 54 and the setting processing unit 63 may be specified to adjust the operation content or the set voltage value of the muscle electrical stimulation device 10.

The instrument control unit 64 exercises by the exercise device by transmitting information indicating the operation content for each exercise device via the communication unit 71 based on the correspondence between the specified body part and the exercise device and the set operation content. To control. For example, the instrument control unit 64 controls the muscle electrical stimulator 10 by transmitting an exercise start signal, a pause signal, an end signal, a voltage value signal, and the like to the muscle electrical stimulator 10. On the other hand, in order to suppress battery consumption due to communication in the muscle electrical stimulator 10, it is preferable in design to keep communication to a minimum. For example, the voltage value set in the muscle electrical stimulator 10 is stored in the information management unit 66, and the voltage value information is not acquired from the muscle electrical stimulator 10. Further, it may be determined that the exercise program has ended after a predetermined time has elapsed without transmitting and receiving the exercise end signal.

The display control unit 65 controls the screen display regarding the correspondence between the body part and the exercise equipment, the operation content, and the exercise status. The display control unit 65 displays an image of the human body model and displays an image on the screen that dynamically shows the movement of the muscles during exercise according to the control state of the exercise equipment. The display control unit 65 displays the contents visualized on the screen based on the value detected by the sensor 40.

The information management unit 66 stores user registration information, attribute information, exercise result information, values detected by the sensor 40, and the like. As the user registration information and attribute information, for example, information such as an e-mail address, password, nickname, date of birth, height, weight, and gender is stored. The information management unit 66 determines the amount of exercise based on the movement content set and executed for each body part as a result of the exercise for each body part using the coefficient for each body part, and records the cumulative amount of exercise. For example, the information management unit 66 may store in advance a coefficient corresponding to the average muscle area or electrode area for each body part, and calculate the product of the voltage value, application time, and coefficient as one momentum. The momentum may be displayed using a unique unit such as "mp". The information management unit 66 accumulates the calculated momentum and stores it as the cumulative momentum.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information management server 14. The information management server 14 includes a control unit 80 and a communication unit 81. The control unit 80 accumulates and manages information received from each of the plurality of exercise equipment control devices 12. The communication unit 81 transmits / receives information to / from each of the plurality of exercise equipment control devices 12 via a communication means such as a mobile phone communication network or a wireless LAN.

The control unit 80 includes a communication processing unit 85 and an information management unit 86. The communication processing unit 85 transmits / receives information to / from the plurality of exercise equipment control devices 12 via the communication unit 81. The information management unit 86 accumulates and manages information received from the plurality of exercise equipment control devices 12. The information received from the exercise equipment control device 12 is, for example, the setting information of the muscle electrical stimulation device 10 for each exercise equipment control device 12, the data of the exercise result, and the detection value by the sensor 40. The information management unit 86 stores the exercise control program, and when the exercise control program is updated, distributes a new version of the program to the exercise equipment control device 12 via the communication unit 81.

The exercise equipment control system 100 in the present embodiment will be described as a configuration including the information management server 14, but as another embodiment, the exercise equipment control system 100 not including the information management server 14 can be realized. In that case, the setting information and the exercise result information for each exercise equipment control device 12 are mainly stored in the storage means on the exercise equipment control device 12.

<Sensor>
As described above, the user can use any of the housing 20, the first base material 26, the second base material 27, the first electrode group 31, the second electrode group 32, the third electrode group 33, and the fourth electrode group 34. A sensor 40 for detecting information about the body is provided. By providing some kind of sensor in the muscle electrical stimulator 10, it is possible to acquire the biometric information of the user and detect the operation state and the operation state by the user. The acquired or detected information is recorded as a usage history by the user or fed back to the control of the muscle electrical stimulator 10. Hereinafter, examples of sensors provided in the muscle electrical stimulator 10 will be listed.

Sensors for detecting the biometric information of the user include a Doppler sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a bioimpedance measuring device, a near infrared sensor, a far infrared sensor, a skin gas sensor, a thermometer, a magnetic sensor and the like. Sensors that detect the user's operating state and activity include Doppler sensors, myoelectric potential sensors, pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, cameras, and the like.

(1) Doppler sensor The Doppler sensor emits radio waves (microwaves) and detects the movement of the object by comparing the frequency of the reflected wave from the object with the frequency of the emitted wave. The Doppler sensor needs to be installed at a remote position so as not to come into contact with the user's body, which is the object. When the user's body is moving, the frequency of the reflected wave changes due to the Doppler effect, which makes it possible to determine whether the body is moving or stationary. For example, vital signs such as heart rate and respiratory rate can be obtained by detecting body movement due to heart rate and respiration.

(2) Ultrasonic sensor An ultrasonic sensor is a sensor that emits ultrasonic waves and detects a distance based on the time it takes for a reflected wave to return from an object. Based on the distance information detected by the ultrasonic sensor, the display control unit 65 of the exercise equipment control device 12 displays a cross-sectional image that visualizes the cross-section of the user's body on the display unit 72. By visualizing the cross section of the user's body, it is possible to measure the thickness of fat and muscle. In addition, the effect of the muscle electrical stimulator 10 can be measured based on the history of fat thickness and muscle thickness stored in the information management unit 66 and the information management unit 86. Unlike the Doppler sensor, the ultrasonic sensor needs to be provided at a position where it comes into contact with the user's body, which is an object. For example, it is provided at a position on the rectus abdominis muscle where the size and contraction of the muscle can be measured. Further, the ultrasonic sensor may be provided in the form of an ultrasonic probe that connects to the exercise equipment control device 12 of FIG. In this way, it is possible to display a cross-sectional image of fat or muscle visualized using the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor on the screen. In addition, by measuring the thickness of fat and muscle and recording this as a history, changes in fat loss and muscle gain can be measured. The setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, the cycle, the waveform, and the like as the content of the training by the muscle electrical stimulator 10 based on the thickness of fat and muscle, or according to the change of fat loss and muscle gain. In addition, the recommended frequency of training may be determined. The ultrasonic sensor may be provided on the first base material 26 or the second base material 27 in a layer similar to the electrodes. In that case, the gel-like adhesive pad attached to the electrode can also be used as the gel-like member of the acoustic matching layer.

(3) Bioimpedance measuring device The bioimpedance measuring device applies a weak electric current to the user's body and measures the electrical resistance of the user's body. The value of body composition such as fat mass, muscle mass, and water content can be estimated from the relationship between the measured electrical resistance value and the physical information such as height, weight, age, and gender of the user stored in advance. The bioimpedance measuring device needs to be provided at a position where it comes into contact with the user's body in order to pass a weak current through the body, but instead of being provided as an independent sensor, the first electrode group 31, the second electrode group 32, and the third electrode group 3 The electrode group 33 and the fourth electrode group 34 may be substituted, and a weak current may be passed through these electrodes to measure the electrical resistance. Based on the electrical resistance value measured by the bioimpedance measuring device, the electrical stimulation control unit 54 or the setting processing unit 63 adjusts the set voltage value of the muscle electrical stimulation device 10 and analyzes whether the electrode position is appropriate. You can give feedback. Further, based on the result of the body composition analysis, the setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, the cycle, the waveform, and the like as the content of the training by the muscle electrical stimulator 10. In addition, the recommended frequency of training may be determined.

(4) Near-infrared sensor The near-infrared sensor is, for example, the moisture in the user's body due to the difference in the amount of reflection, absorption, and transmission when the near-infrared ray, which is an electromagnetic wave close to visible light, is applied to the user's body as an object. Detect volume and blood flow. This makes it possible to measure the effects of training and vital signs such as the user's heart rate or pulse. For example, the setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, cycle, waveform, and the like according to changes in the amount of water and the amount of blood flow. For example, the presence or absence of swelling may be determined, and blood flow may be promoted by muscle movement (single contraction) by electrical stimulation of less than about 15 Hz according to the determination result.

(5) Far-infrared sensor The far-infrared sensor detects a minute temperature difference by detecting far-infrared rays radiated from an object. For example, the display control unit 65 of the exercise equipment control device 12 detects the change in the user's body temperature and the body temperature distribution and displays this on the display unit 72. In addition, sensors may be provided at a plurality of locations so as to detect body temperature from each of the plurality of body parts to which electrical stimulation is applied, and the difference in exercise effect and the balance of exercise for each body part may be estimated. For example, the setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, the cycle, the waveform, and the like according to these estimation results.

(6) Myoelectric potential sensor The myoelectric potential sensor measures the myoelectric potential generated by muscle contraction and detects the potential change during muscle movement. Sensors may be provided at a plurality of locations so as to detect myoelectric potentials from each of a plurality of body parts to which electrical stimulation is applied, and the difference in muscle movement, the difference in muscle fatigue, and the balance of muscle movement may be estimated for each body part. For example, the setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, the cycle, the waveform, and the like according to these estimation results.

(7) Skin gas sensor The skin gas sensor is a sensor that detects gas released from the skin surface, and can detect skin gas such as ammonia (NH ₃ ), acetone, nitrogen dioxide (NO ₂ ), and acetic acid. For example, when ammonia is detected by a skin gas sensor, user fatigue can be measured. When acetone is detected by a skin gas sensor, the amount of fat burned by the user can be measured. When nitrogen dioxide is detected by a skin gas sensor, the user's blood flow can be measured. When acetic acid is detected by a skin gas sensor, user fatigue can be measured. The setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, the cycle, the waveform, and the like according to these measured values and their changes.

(8) Pressure sensor The pressure sensor detects changes in capacitance and changes in electrical resistance of the strain gauge caused by deformation due to pressure. For example, vital signs such as heart rate and respiratory rate can be obtained by detecting body movement due to heart rate and respiration. Further, for example, the pressure of the belt when the muscle electrical stimulator 10 is wrapped around the body may be detected by a pressure sensor to detect overtightening of the belt. The pressure sensor may detect the pressure when the user is seated. By providing a pressure sensor on the bottom surface of a type (muscle electrical stimulator 10 g) on which the user rests both feet, the swing of the muscle electrical stimulator 10 g described later may be detected. The setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, the cycle, the waveform, and the like according to these measured values and their changes.

(9) Accelerometer The acceleration sensor detects the speed of movement of the user's muscles by detecting the acceleration of the object. In addition, the magnitude of muscle contraction may be measured based on the amount of exercise of the object. By providing an acceleration sensor in a type (muscle electrical stimulator 10 g) on which the user rests both feet, the swing of the muscle electrical stimulator 10 g described later may be detected. The setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, the cycle, the waveform, and the like according to these measured values and their changes, or the difference in the speed of movement for each body part.

(10) Thermometer The thermometer detects the temperature of the object. For example, it detects the user's body temperature and the temperature of the environment. In addition, a hygrometer may be provided to further detect the humidity of the environment. The setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, period, waveform, and the like according to changes in the user's body temperature and the temperature of the environment.

(11) Image sensor An image sensor is an image sensor that acquires an image of a subject. The image sensor detects the user's body shape and movement to identify the distortion and movement of the user's body. As the image sensor, a camera built in the exercise equipment control device 12 may be used. The setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, cycle, waveform, and the like according to the distortion and movement of the user's body.

(12) Biomagnetic sensor The biomagnetic sensor can obtain vital signs such as heart rate by detecting the biomagnetism of the user. The setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, the cycle, the waveform, and the like according to these measured values and their changes.

(13) Abdominal circumference measuring device In the case of the muscle electrical stimulator 10 of the type wrapped around the abdominal circumference as shown in FIG. 3, a belt for measuring the abdominal circumference is provided to measure the abdominal circumference. Further, in the muscle electrical stimulator 10 of the type that is wrapped around a body part such as an arm or a leg other than the abdomen, a belt for measuring the peripheral length of the arm or the leg may be provided and the peripheral length thereof may be measured. The user's body shape and body balance are estimated based on those measured values and other measured values, and the setting processing unit 63 adjusts the operation time, cycle, waveform, and the like according to the estimated results.

By using the values detected by various sensors, for example, the following functions can be realized.
(1) The muscle balance setting processing unit 63 uses various sensors such as a myoelectric potential sensor or an infrared sensor to balance the muscle mass of each body part measured by using a sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor or a bioimpression measuring device. The operation time, cycle, and waveform are adjusted according to the balance of muscle movement and muscle fatigue of each body part measured. That is, the setting processing unit 63 adjusts the training so as to eliminate the imbalance between the left and right muscles and the upper and lower muscles. When the setting processing unit 63 measures that the muscle masses of the left and right rectus abdominis muscles and the abdominal oblique muscles are unbalanced, the setting processing unit 63 sets the set voltage value according to the difference between the left and right muscles, and the rectus abdominis muscle having less muscle mass Larger voltage values may be set for the muscles and oblique muscles. When it is measured that the muscle masses of the left and right arms are unbalanced, the setting processing unit 63 sets a voltage value corresponding to the difference between the left and right arms, which is a larger voltage value for the arm having less muscle mass. May be set. When it is measured that the muscle masses of the left and right legs are unbalanced, the setting processing unit 63 sets a higher voltage value for the leg having less muscle mass as a set voltage value according to the difference between the left and right legs. May be set. When it is measured that the muscle mass of the upper body and the lower body, the upper and lower muscle mass, the front and rear muscle mass, and the like are imbalanced, the setting processing unit 63 has a small muscle mass as a set voltage value according to the difference. Larger voltage values may be set for one muscle. The setting processing unit 63 is an electrical stimulus suitable for the user in relation to the fat mass and the muscle mass, their ratio, the physical information such as the user's height, weight, age, and gender to be stored in advance, and the body shape and the amount of exercise desired by the user. And the voltage value may be set so as to have momentum. As described above, it is possible to apply more appropriate electrical stimulation according to the body shape and muscle mass that differ depending on the user.

(2) Electrical stimulation according to heart rate When a vital sign such as the user's heart rate is obtained by a sensor such as a Doppler sensor, a near infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, or a biomagnetic sensor, the setting processing unit 63 sets according to the heart rate. , Adjust the set voltage value of the muscle electrical stimulator 10. When the setting processing unit 63 monitors the user's heartbeat with these sensors, the setting processing unit 63 may promote blood flow in a simple contraction by applying an electrical stimulus with a waveform at a timing matching the heartbeat. The setting processing unit 63 suppresses training by lowering the set voltage value when the heart rate rises too much beyond the predetermined value, and conversely, when the heart rate is low enough to fall below the predetermined value, the set voltage value To increase the strength. As described above, the muscle electrical stimulator 10 can be used more effectively.

(3) Alert for replacement of adhesive pad The sensor detects whether or not the gel-like adhesive pad attached to the electrode of the muscle electrical stimulator 10 is in a state to be replaced due to wear or the like. For example, the composition of the adhesive pad (particularly the water content) may be detected by a sensor such as a Doppler sensor, a bioimpedance measuring device, or a near infrared sensor. The sensor may be arranged so that the sensor sandwiches a part of the sticky pad in order to detect the water content of the sticky pad. In addition to the specification that the bioimpedance measuring device measures the electrical resistance value of the adhesive pad while the electrode is energized with the user's body, a dedicated impedance measurement for measuring the electrical resistance value of the adhesive pad is also available. The specification may be such that the vessel is provided near the electrode. When the wear of the adhesive pad is detected and the setting processing unit 63 determines that the adhesive pad should be replaced, the display control unit 65 displays on the display unit 72 the content prompting the user to replace the adhesive pad. In addition, information indicating that the adhesive pad should be replaced is transmitted to the information management server 14 via the communication unit 71, and the communication processing unit 85 of the information management server 14 that receives the information places a new purchase order for the adhesive pad. It may be issued automatically for the user. As described above, the convenience of the user regarding the replacement of the adhesive pad is enhanced, and the user can be promoted to appropriately use the adhesive pad or the muscle electrical stimulator 10.

(4) Waveform adjustment Since it is difficult to energize when the fat thickness and fat amount are large, the setting processing unit 63 adjusts the waveform according to the fat amount in order to increase the frequency of electrical stimulation and increase the energization. Specifically, the frequency of the pulse constituting the energized burst wave is adjusted to an appropriate depth and stimulation amount according to the amount of fat measured using an ultrasonic sensor or a bioimpedance measuring device. For example, when the amount of fat exceeds a predetermined value, the frequency of the waveform is increased. In particular, the interference wave type muscular electrical stimulator 10 makes it possible to adjust the waveform so as to reach the target portion. As described above, more effective electrical stimulation can be provided to the user.

(5) Output adjustment In the type in which the user puts both feet (muscle electrical stimulator 10g), when the electrical stimulation from the sole of the foot becomes strong, the ankle operates by the electrical stimulation, so the muscle electrical stimulator 10g fits the ankle and the seesaw Swing like. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a usage state of the muscle electrical stimulator 10 g. When the muscle electrical stimulator 10 g is used, the user places both feet on the pair of foot rests 92L and 92R of the muscle electrical stimulator 10 g in a sitting position. The stool sitting position refers to a posture in which both feet FL and FR are lowered while sitting on a chair or the like or sitting on the floor. A stimulating current for applying electrical stimulation flows through a pair of electrode portions on both legs. This stimulation current uses the user's left leg, right leg, and muscle electrical stimulator 10g as an energization path. When a stimulating current flows through both legs, electrical stimulation is applied to muscles such as the anterior shin, calf, and sole of the foot, and these contraction and relaxation movements are promoted. In other words, the movement of the muscles under the knees and legs is promoted. When the muscles under the knee and the foot contract due to electrical stimulation, the foot FL and FR move in the direction Pa1 so that the ankle joint bends. On the other hand, when the muscle in the contracted state relaxes due to the release of the electrical stimulation, the foot FL and FR move in the direction Pa2 so that the ankle joint extends. By repeating the electrical stimulation to the muscles below the knee and the foot, the swinging motion of the user's foot FL and FR reciprocating in these directions Pa1 and Pa2 is promoted. The main body 16 of the muscle electrical stimulator 10 g is provided so as to be swingable back and forth with vertical movement of both front and rear ends in a state where a part of the main body 16 is in contact with the ground. As a result, when the foot FL and FR are placed on the muscle electrical stimulator 10 g and the foot FL and FR are urged to swing by electrical stimulation, the muscle electrical stimulator 10 g is swung following the swing. Be done. Along with this, even when the foot FL and FR swing, the state in which the foot FL and FR are in contact with the electrode portion of the muscle electrical stimulator 10 g can be maintained, and the muscle electrical stimulator 10 g can continuously apply electrical stimulation. .. As a result, the muscle electrical stimulator 10 g continuously promotes the swinging motion of the foot FL and FR, and the training effect of strengthening the muscle by the electrical stimulation can be obtained.

However, in the case of a user who is not accustomed to using the muscle electrical stimulator 10g, it is possible that some users hesitate to raise the voltage value and do not raise the voltage value appropriately until the muscle electrical stimulator 10g swings. Therefore, a pressure sensor or an acceleration sensor is provided on the muscle electric stimulator 10 g to detect the swing of the muscle electric stimulator 10 g. If it is determined that the vibration of the detected muscle electrical stimulator 10g is insufficient, such as when the value indicating the fluctuation is less than a predetermined value, the user may be notified that the voltage value is insufficient or that the voltage value should be increased to an appropriate value. Alternatively, control for automatically raising the voltage value to an appropriate value may be executed.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. This embodiment is an example, and it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each of these components and combinations of each processing process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. is there. A modified example is shown below.

In the above-described embodiment, an example of using a muscle electrical stimulator 10 for exercising muscles by utilizing reflex motion by electrical stimulation as an exercise device has been described. In the modified example, it may be applied to the muscle electric stimulator 10 for hybrid training in which the reflex movement by electric stimulation is added to the voluntary movement.

In the above embodiment, the specification that the exercise equipment control device 12 connects to the information management server 14 and transmits the exercise result for each user and the user registration information to the information management server 14 for management has been described. In the modified example, the exercise equipment control system may be configured only by the plurality of muscle electrical stimulators 10 and the exercise equipment control device 12 without using the information management server 14. By providing the muscle electrical stimulator 10 with a display function, a control function, and a communication function of the exercise device control device 12, the muscle electrical stimulator 10 and the exercise device control device 12 may be integrally configured as one device. .. In this case, the user does not need to have the exercise equipment control device 12 separately, and as shown in FIG. 4, the communication unit 58 of the muscle electrical stimulation device 10 directly communicates with the information management server 14. Further, since the muscle electrical stimulators 10 can directly communicate with each other, it becomes easy to synchronize the movements between the muscle electrical stimulators 10.

In the above-described embodiment, the specifications in which the exercise time for applying the voltage and the like are defined as the exercise program have been described. In the modified example, the exercise program is designed so that not only the exercise time but also the body part to be used, the exercise frequency and schedule, the set intensity, etc. are optimized according to the exercise purpose, the user's attributes, the exercise history, etc. Specifications may be used. In that case, a notification urging exercise execution may be carried out according to an appropriate schedule. Further, the specifications may be such that automatic adjustment is performed such as gradually increasing the strength based on the history or decreasing the strength according to the degree of fatigue.

As described above, the first base material 26 and the second base material 27 are composed of thin sheet-like members and are formed in a shape suitable for the body part to be worn, but the shape of the base material is a thin sheet. It is not limited to the shape. For example, the electrical stimulation module attached to the fitness wear 102 uses a base material suitable for attachment to the fitness wear 102. The base material may be formed in a rectangular shape such as a substantially rectangular shape on which each configuration of the electrical stimulation module is placed, or may be formed of a fiber material having shape stability and light weight. For example, a base material having a material and shape suitable for footrest may be used for 10 g of the muscle electrical stimulator.

In the modified example, the muscle electrical stimulator 10 may be lent to the user for a fee, and the muscle electrical stimulator 10 may be operated only while the consideration is paid. For example, only when the communication unit 58 or the communication unit 71 inquires of the information management server 14 whether or not the user has paid, and receives information from the information management server 14 that the user has paid and has the right to use it properly, the setting unit 56 May be controlled to enable the operation of the muscle electrical stimulator 10.

In the modified example, the display control unit 65 of the exercise equipment control device 12 may display the avatar displayed as the incarnation of the user in the virtual reality space on the screen of the display unit 72 as shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen on which an avatar is displayed. On the screen, an avatar 110 whose muscle size can change according to the usage history is displayed. The display mode of the avatar 110 may be changed based on the usage history of the user's muscle electrical stimulator 10. For example, changes such that the muscles of the avatar 110 may grow before and after the use of the muscle electrical stimulator 10 may be displayed. Further, for example, the muscle growth may be simulated and displayed on the screen according to the usage history such as the frequency of use, the number of times of use, the usage time, and the usage voltage value of the muscle electrical stimulator 10. In that case, the user can use the muscle electrical stimulator 10 as if he / she enjoys the game of raising the avatar 110.

Any combination of the above-described embodiments and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. The new embodiments resulting from the combination have the effects of the combined embodiments and variants.

10 Muscle electrical stimulator, 12 Exercise equipment control unit, 28 Control unit, 40 Sensor, 60 Communication processing unit, 63 Setting processing unit, 64 Instrument control unit, 65 Display control unit, 66 Information management unit, 70 Control unit, 80 Control Department, 85 Communication Processing Department, 86 Information Management Department.

The present invention relates to a muscle electrical stimulator.

Claims (2)

It is a muscle electrical stimulator that gives electrical stimulation to muscles.
Sensors that detect information about the user's body and
A control unit that controls the voltage applied between the electrodes and processes the information detected by the sensor.
A muscle electrical stimulator characterized by comprising. The sensor detects information for estimating the muscle mass of each of a plurality of body parts to be electrically stimulated.
The muscle electrical stimulation according to claim 1, wherein the control unit estimates the muscle balance of the plurality of body parts based on the detected information, and controls the voltage according to the muscle balance. apparatus.

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