KR100624646B1 - Electrical stimulation device for wireless communication control to restore nerve function - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is to operate the system by a variety of game programs to induce interest and active participation of the patient, the electromyography-induced electrical stimulation pattern in the wireless stimulator through the electrode attached to the resin part or the lower part of the patient The present invention relates to an electric stimulator which can be treated in parallel with a game program, a main body, and a wireless stimulator.

Accordingly, the present invention, in the configuration of an electrical stimulation device for wireless communication control to perform muscle strengthening and treatment of upper or lower limb paralysis patients,

A computer inputted with a recycling game program for inducing active muscle strength in patients with impaired central nervous system;

A data transmission unit capable of communicating with the computer, an LCD display unit for displaying a state value of the stimulus pattern, an stimulus pattern information display, a power remaining display, a stimulus time, an alarm, and an LCD display unit, A main body for controlling a wireless stimulator including a microprocessor for encoding a time point of a stimulus into a command signal according to an advanced order, and a wireless data transmitter for transmitting the coded data to a plurality of channels to the following wireless electric stimulator;

A wireless data transmitter capable of transmitting and receiving data with the main body for controlling the wireless stimulator, an electromyography detector for quantitatively measuring and amplifying the force of the paralyzed muscles of a patient and outputting the same to a microprocessor to be described later; When detected, a microprocessor for storing the stimulus pattern command signal code received from the main body for controlling the wireless stimulator and controlling the output of the electrical stimulation pattern according to the code, an LED display for displaying the stimulus output state, and a predetermined level of input power. The output circuit unit for converting the DC high voltage to the above and switching the DC high voltage according to the switching control signal output from the microprocessor to output the electric stimulation waveform of the corresponding pattern, and the electric stimulation output from the output circuit unit to the muscle part of the patient. Wireless with electrode part to transmit Electric stimulator; configured to include.

Nerve, EMG, Wireless Communication, Electrical Stimulation, Microprocessor

Description

Electrical impulsion device for wireless communication to restore nerve function

1 is a system diagram showing the overall configuration of an electrical stimulation device for wireless communication control for restoring nerve function according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main body for controlling the wireless stimulator in the present invention.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wireless electric stimulator in the present invention.

Figure 4 (a) (b) (c) is a front, back, top view showing a specific embodiment of the wireless electric stimulator.

5 is a state diagram used in the wireless electric stimulator of the present invention.

6 is a table showing an embodiment of a stimulation pattern code applied in the control unit of the present invention.

7 is a graph of gait stimulation patterns for each channel.

8 is a graph of EMG-induced electrical stimulation pattern.

*** Explanation of symbols for main parts of drawing ***

10: computer, 20: main body for wireless stimulator control,

21: data transmission unit, 22: LCD display unit,

23: microprocessor, 24: wireless data transmission unit,

25: reset section, 26: mode selection section,

30: wireless electric stimulator, 31: wireless data transmission unit,

32: EMG detector, 33: microprocessor,

35: output circuit portion, 36: electrode portion,

37: case, 37a: arc face,

38: string, 39: mainspring,

The present invention relates to a wireless communication control battery stimulator device for restoring the nerve function of the central nervous system injury patients, more specifically, the system is operated by various game programs to induce interest and active participation of the patient, It is a stimulator that can treat a game program, a main body, and a wireless stimulator in parallel by applying an electric stimulation in a wireless stimulator through an electrode attached to a resin part or a lower part of a patient. When the game program transmits the stimulus point of view to the main body according to the progress of the game by serial communication with the main body, the main body transmits the stimulus pattern to the wireless stimulator module wirelessly between the stimulus part and the main body without a connection line, thereby controlling the game program. The present invention relates to an electric stimulator for maximizing the treatment efficiency by controlling the electric stimulation to be applied to the paralyzed area by the data sequence of the main body and the wireless stimulator.

In medicine, damage to the nervous system leads to impairment of motor and sensory function, muscular dystrophy, muscle stiffness, and avascular necrosis. However, for the nervous system diseases are mainly used to remove the cause, the treatment of the paralysis of the motor function due to nerve damage or recovery of the sensory function is not much. Sensory and motor function loss due to nerve damage is somewhat different depending on the degree of nerve damage, but it is almost impossible to expect a complete recovery in the case of amputation or damage of the central nerve caused by various accidents. Nerve damage also results in partial recovery or long term dysfunction. This loss of motor function and sensory function is limited to even the most basic movement in daily life, resulting in skin necrosis due to muscle atrophy, muscle stiffness and blood circulation disorder due to the long-term use of muscle.

For this reason, in recent years, various electric stimulators have been developed to restore the motor function of upper and lower extremity paralyzed patients due to damage of the central nervous system and to improve the walking ability of one side paralyzed patients.

However, since the conventional electric stimulator is a passive therapy that only applies electric stimulation to muscles according to the pattern embedded in the electric stimulator, the patient not only relies on the power of the electric stimulator and there is no element that can cause interest. The problem has been raised that effective treatment cannot be provided because it does not provide more willing rehabilitation.

In addition, the conventional electric stimulator is limited to the treatment because it is limited to the one-to-one treatment with the patient because the means for the electrical stimulation is connected to the wire from the stimulator body. Of course, it is possible to expand the means for the electrical stimulation by increasing the wire port, but in this case, the wires for the electrical stimulation are entangled and entangled or twisted in use and maintenance and storage problems have also been raised.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, the object of which is to attach a plurality of individual electrical stimulator for applying electrical stimulation by attaching an electrode to the resin part or the lower part of the patient, and a plurality of individual electrical is connected to this wirelessly The electric stimulator for wireless communication control to restore the nerve function to not only treat a large number of patients in real time using the main body for controlling the stimulator, but also enjoy the convenience of use and maintenance and storage according to the wireless. In providing a device.

In addition, another object of the present invention for solving the above problems, further connected to the main body for controlling the electric stimulator is provided with a computer input game program that can induce the active rehabilitation of the patient further gives interest to the patient's rehabilitation will The present invention provides an electrical stimulation device for controlling a wireless communication to restore a neural function.

The present invention for achieving the above object, in configuring an electrical stimulation device for wireless communication control to perform muscle strengthening and treatment of upper or lower limb paralysis patients,

A computer inputted with a recycling game program for inducing active muscle strength in patients with impaired central nervous system;

A data transmission unit capable of communicating with the computer, an LCD display unit for displaying a state value of the stimulus pattern, an stimulus pattern information display, a power remaining display, a stimulus time, an alarm, and an LCD display unit, A main body for controlling a wireless stimulator including a microcomputer for encoding a time point of the stimulus into a command signal according to the order of progression, and a wireless data transmitter for transmitting the coded data to a plurality of channels to the following wireless stimulators;

A wireless data transmission unit capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the wireless stimulator control body, an EMG detector for quantitatively measuring and amplifying the force of a paralyzed muscle of a patient and outputting the same to a microprocessor, which is described later, and EMG in the EMG detector. When detected, a microprocessor for storing the stimulus pattern command signal code received from the main body for controlling the wireless stimulator and controlling the output of the electrical stimulation pattern according to the code, an LED display for displaying the stimulus output state, and a predetermined level of input power. The output circuit unit for converting the DC high voltage above and switching the DC high voltage according to the switching control signal output from the microprocessor to output the electric stimulation waveform of the corresponding pattern, and the electrical stimulation output from the output circuit unit to the muscle part of the patient. Wireless with electrode part to transmit It has a feature configured to include a press denial.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a system diagram showing the overall configuration of an electrical stimulation apparatus for controlling wireless communication for restoring neural function according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main body for controlling a wireless stimulator in the present invention, Figure 3 Is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wireless electric stimulator in the present invention, Figure 4 (a) (b) (c) is a front, rear, top view showing a specific embodiment of the wireless electric stimulator, Figure 5 6 is a table showing an embodiment of a stimulation pattern code applied in the controller of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a graph of walking stimulation patterns for each channel, and FIG. 8 is an EMG induction. It is a graph of the electrical stimulation pattern.

The overall system of the present invention is as shown in FIG.

The computer 10 is provided with a recycling game program for inducing active muscle strength for patients with impaired central nervous system. The game program for rehabilitation (for example, hitting blocks, picking apples, walking practice games, etc.) is provided. Will be described later.

In addition, the present invention provides a data transmission unit that is capable of communicating with the computer 10, the LCD display unit 22 for displaying the status value of the stimulus pattern, stimulus pattern information display, power remaining indicator, stimulation time, alarm, A plurality of channels are controlled by the microprocessor 23 which controls the LCD display unit 22 and codes the timing of the stimulus into a command signal according to the progress of the game program, and the wireless electric stimulator 30 which describes the coded data. A wireless stimulator control main body 20 including a wireless data transmission unit 24 for transmitting stars is provided. In addition, the reset unit 25 for automatically initializing the microprocessor 23 when power is turned on. And a mode selector 26 for selecting whether to connect to the game program of the computer 10, start / stop, stimulus intensity, etc. in the mode for stimulation.

The wireless data transmission unit 24 is a means for performing two-way communication wirelessly to control the microprocessor 33 of each of the wireless electric stimulator 30 to be described later, the main body for controlling the wireless stimulator in the serial communication method (20) It is a transmission / reception module for transmitting electrical stimulation data up to 30m without obstacles using a Bluetooth chip installed inside.

In addition, the wireless stimulator control main body 20 and the wireless data transmission unit 31 capable of transmitting and receiving data, and quantitatively measure and amplify the force of the paralyzed muscles of the patient to output to the microprocessor 33 to be described later When the EMG is detected by the EMG detector 32 and the EMG detector 32, the stimulus pattern command signal code received from the main body 20 for controlling the wireless stimulator is stored and the output of the electric stimulation pattern is controlled according to the code. An output circuit unit for converting an input power into a DC high voltage of a predetermined level or more and switching the DC high voltage according to a switching control signal output from the microprocessor 33 to output an electric stimulation waveform of a corresponding pattern ( 35) and a wireless electricity having an electrode portion 36 for transmitting the electrical stimulation output from the output circuit unit 35 to the muscle part of the patient It consists of a stimulator 30.

The output circuit section 35 includes a booster section 35a for boosting the output voltage to an AC voltage at a level capable of electrical stimulation, a constant current section 35b for supplying a constant pulse current to the skin regardless of the load resistance, and micro And a switching unit 35c which switches according to the switching control signal of the processor 33 to generate an electric stimulation pulse of a type suitable for treating the boosted DC high voltage.

In addition, as an internal component of the microprocessor 33, an A / D converter 33a for converting an analog detection signal through the EMG detector 32 into digital, and a connection to the wireless data transmitter 31 A serial communication port, an oscillator 33c for generating a reference frequency for boosting a low voltage using the internal timer 33b, a PWM generator 33d for regulating a high-voltage output current, and an allowable range And a frequency generator and a pulse width generator 33e for generating a frequency and a pulse and outputting the same through the switching unit 35c.

The frequency range of the frequency generating and pulse width generating unit 33e uses an electrical stimulation pattern of 20 Hz, 30 Hz, and 40 Hz at 1 Hz to 100 Hz and a pulse width of 200 Hz in the frequency range of 50 to 500 Hz.

In addition, the wireless electric stimulator 30 has a belt-type fastening strap 38 so as to be attached to the upper or lower limbs, and has an arc-shaped surface 37a at the contact portion of the case 37 which contacts the skin to improve contactability. In particular, in order to improve the access state of the cable of the electrode 36, the cable pull spring 39 is installed, and the electrode 36 is composed of three terminals (+), (-), and ground. The length of the cable must be adjusted. The cable traction spring 39 is always wound around the wireless electric stimulator using the tension of the leaf spring is elastically applied so that the length of the cable can be automatically adjusted, and the cable is wound by the force of the spring As the cable is extended, the cable is lengthened, and at this time, the magnetic pole cable of the electrode part 36 attached to the human body by the adhesive pad is balanced with the elastic force of the mainspring and the adhesive force of the adhesive pad, thereby maintaining a constant tension at all times. The optimum position of the cable is secured to provide convenience in use.

For reference, the game program for rehabilitation can be produced and manipulated based on the matter described below as an embodiment.

① Since most patients with brain injury have poor cognitive function, the graphics should not be too colorful, the contents of the game should not be complicated and difficult, and the patient will be able to easily know how to play the game.

② The contents of the game should include activities of daily living.

③ The method of game should include arm movement, hand holding and releasing as much as possible.

④ You can select a game with different difficulty levels according to the patient's condition.

⑤ When the improvement of cognitive function is needed, the game method is changed to improve memory, spatial perception ability, calculation ability, work comprehension and execution ability, and problem solving ability.

⑥ Make it possible to deform while maintaining the basic framework so that too complicated control is not necessary.

⑦ Program the therapist for easy operation and access.

The following is an example of arm and hand movement that serves the purpose mentioned above (example: picking an apple).

Purpose: The object of the game is to pick a lot of apples and place them in a bowl.

Settings: The computer screen shows a mouse cursor that resembles a patient's hand, and a bowl for holding an apple tree with an open apple. Attach the electrode part of the wireless electric stimulator to the patient's hand. Train the movements by looking at the cursor that resembles the patient's hand.

Program Behavior: The patient's arm is active and the hand is in passive motion. The patient actively moves the mouse while looking at the hand cursor to the open apple on the apple tree. When the apple-shaped cursor reaches the apple, the apple is picked up by active movement. The cursor changes to an apple-shaped hand. The patient again moves the hand-shaped cursor with the apple to the bowl by active movement of the upper limb.

In the present invention, the system is controlled by a game program for rehabilitation, and the game program is divided into active and passive according to the patient's own strength generation. For example, in the level 1 block matching game of FIG. The patient's extensor muscles are automatically moved to the block position specified in the game program and the patient's extremity is released when the block is held in accordance with the operation sequence of the game program without checking the strength of the paralyzed area when there is no muscle strength at all. By applying electrical stimulation to the block to drop or catch the virtual rehabilitation training is done.

On the other hand, in the active mode, when the patient's own muscle strength is measured by the EMG detector 32, the patient's will is reflected and the wireless communication control of the game program, wireless stimulator control main body 20, individual wireless electric stimulator 30 6 and 8 by the stimulation pattern is output according to the transmission code for the various operation command is a rehabilitation training mode that can be treated.

For example, the function of holding and releasing a block is performed by a game program, and when the block is released, it is the same as the movement of the wrist. Therefore, the EMG signal generated when the patient exerts force on the intestinal lateral extensor and short lateral extensor extensor If a force above the reference value is applied, electrical stimulation is applied.

The present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. It will be clear to those of ordinary knowledge.

As described above, the present invention can receive the electrical stimulation treatment through the game, thereby inducing the interests of the patients, and the active rehabilitation training can be made as well as the wireless (wireless) method, so that both the therapist and the patient provide convenience for use. In addition, since the electrode cable of the wireless electric stimulator is configured to be free to enter, there is a great advantage in terms of maintenance and aesthetics of the equipment.

Claims (2)

A computer inputted with a recycling game program for inducing active muscle strength in patients with impaired central nervous system; A wireless data transmission unit capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the wireless stimulator control body, an EMG detector for quantitatively measuring and amplifying the force of a paralyzed muscle of a patient and outputting the same to a microprocessor, which is described later, and EMG in the EMG detector. When detected, a microprocessor for storing the stimulus pattern command signal code received from the main body for controlling the wireless stimulator and controlling the output of the electrical stimulation pattern according to the code, an LED display for displaying the stimulus output state, and a predetermined level of input power. The output circuit unit for converting the DC high voltage above and switching the DC high voltage according to the switching control signal output from the microprocessor to output the electric stimulation waveform of the corresponding pattern, and the electrical stimulation output from the output circuit unit to the muscle part of the patient. Wireless with electrode part to transmit Including journalists self-denial, In constructing an electrical stimulation device for wireless communication control to perform muscle strengthening and treatment of upper or lower limb paralysis patients, A data transmission unit capable of communicating with the computer, an LCD display unit for displaying a state value of the stimulus pattern, an stimulus pattern information display, a power remaining display, a stimulus time, an alarm, and an LCD display unit, A main body for controlling a wireless stimulator including a microprocessor for encoding a time point of a stimulus into a command signal according to an advanced order, and a wireless data transmitter for transmitting the coded data to a plurality of channels to a wireless electric stimulator below; The wireless electric stimulator is the microprocessor And a stimulation pattern command signal code received from the main body for controlling the radio stimulator. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless electric stimulator has a belt-type fastening strap to be attached to the upper or lower limbs, and to form an arc-shaped surface in the case contact portion contacting the skin for good contact, the state of the electrode cable Electrical stimulation device for wireless communication control for restoring nerve function, characterized in that the cable traction spring is intrinsic to improve.

Images