KR20160026127A - Stimulation apparatus and method for controlling the same, and electrical stimulation device - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for controlling a stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a step for detecting control input of a user; a step for deciding an operation mode and operation strength based on the control input; a step for generating an electric stimulation signal corresponding to the operation mode and the operation strength; a step for deciding the status of the stimulator; a step for providing the electric stimulation to the user through an electrode, when the status of the stimulator is at a first condition; and a step for discharging the remaining electric charge of the stimulator according to a predetermined cycle when the status of the stimulator is at a second condition. Hereon, the status of the stimulator includes the first condition in which the electrode is electrically connected to the stimulator, and the second condition in which the electrode is electrically disconnected from the stimulator. According to the present invention, since the stimulator can be connected to the electrode without an additional connection cable, the separation of the stimulator can be facilitated after adjusting the operation mode of the stimulator.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a stimulator, a stimulator control method, and an electric stimulator,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a stimulator and an electric stimulation device, and more particularly, to a stimulator and an electric stimulation device capable of detaching an electrode.

Recently, electric stimulation devices such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) devices have been developed in various ways, which continuously give electrical stimulation to the tactile nerve to suppress the painful nerve and to lessen the pain.

However, the conventional electric stimulation device is a form in which the stimulating device and the electrode are integrally combined or constitutes a form in which the stimulating device and the electrode are connected by a wire cable. In such a conventional electric stimulation apparatus, it is difficult to control the electric stimulation apparatus when the electric stimulation apparatus is attached to a part of the body that is not reachable by the user, and inconvenience is caused due to the wired cable.

KR 10-1364598

Accordingly, the present specification is intended to provide a stimulator and an electric stimulation device capable of detaching and attaching an electrode in consideration of the convenience of the user.

The stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an input unit for detecting a user's control input; A signal generator for generating an electric stimulation signal; An output unit for outputting the electrical stimulation signal; And a controller for controlling the input unit, the signal generator, and the output unit. Here, the control unit determines an operation mode and an operation strength based on the control input, generates an electric stimulation signal corresponding to the operation mode and the operation intensity, and determines the state of the stimulator, A first state in which an electrode is electrically connected to the stimulator and a second state in which an electrode is not electrically connected to the stimulator; and when the state of the stimulator is the first state, And provides a corresponding electric stimulus to the user through the electrode, and when the state of the stimulator is the second state, the residual electric charge of the stimulator can be discharged according to a predetermined period.

A method of controlling a stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: detecting a user's control input; Determining an operation mode and an operation strength based on the control input; Generating an electric stimulation signal corresponding to the operation mode and the operation intensity; Determining a state of the stimulator, the state of the stimulator including a first state in which the electrode is electrically connected to the stimulator and a second state in which the electrode is not electrically connected to the stimulator; Providing an electrical stimulus corresponding to the electrical stimulation signal to the user through the electrode when the condition of the stimulator is the first state; And discharging the residual charge of the stimulator according to a predetermined period when the state of the stimulator is the second state.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electric stimulation apparatus includes a stimulator for generating an electric stimulation signal according to a user's control input; An electrode for providing a user with an electrical stimulus corresponding to the electrical stimulation signal; And connection means for connecting the stimulator and the electrode. Here, the stimulator includes a first state in which the state of the stimulator is electrically connected to the stimulator, and a second state in which the electrode is not electrically connected to the stimulator, And providing an electric stimulus corresponding to the electric stimulation signal to the user through the electrode when the state of the stimulator is in the first state and when the state of the stimulator is in the second state, The residual charge of the stimulator can be discharged.

According to the present specification, since the stimulator can be connected to the electrode without a separate connecting cable, reattachment can be facilitated after adjusting the operation mode of the stimulator and the operation mode of the removed stimulator.

Further, according to the present specification, the stimulator can be electrically connected to the electrode through the annular contact, so that it can be electrically connected to the electrode regardless of the direction of rotation of the stimulator.

Further, according to the present specification, a stimulator can prevent a large amount of unintentional electric charges from being conducted when a stimulus is applied to a user through a safety function, thereby providing a safe electric stimulus to the user.

1 shows an electrical stimulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an external view of a stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a configuration diagram of a stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows the stimulation waveforms for each mode of operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
5 is a state diagram showing an operation state of a stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling a stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and the accompanying drawings, but the scope of the claims is not limited or limited by the embodiments.

As used herein, terms used in the present specification are selected from the general terms that are currently widely used, while taking into consideration the functions, but these may vary depending on the intention or custom of the artisan or the emergence of new techniques. Also, in certain cases, there may be a term selected arbitrarily by the applicant, in which case the meaning will be described in the description part of the corresponding specification. Therefore, it is intended that the terminology used herein should be interpreted based on the meaning of the term rather than on the name of the term, and on the entire contents of the specification.

1 shows an electrical stimulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 1A shows an electric stimulation apparatus 1 with a stimulator 100 and an electrode 200 connected to each other. FIG. 1B shows an electric stimulation apparatus 1 with a stimulator 100 and an electrode 200 not connected to each other. (1). In this specification, the electric stimulation device refers to a device that provides an electric stimulus corresponding to the electric stimulation signal generated by the stimulator to the user through the electrode. For example, the electric stimulation device may be a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device, a low-frequency therapy device, an electric stimulation device, or a portable electric stimulation device that provides an electric stimulus to the body for treatment, pain relief and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an electric stimulation apparatus 1 may include a stimulator 100 and an electrode 200. Here, the stimulator 100 refers to a portion of the electric stimulation apparatus 1 that generates an electric stimulation signal. In one embodiment, the stimulator 100 may be a reusable portion. The stimulator 100 may also include a pair of outputs (e.g., output terminals) that output electrical stimulation signals. This stimulator 100 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

Here, the electrode 200 refers to a portion that provides the user with electrical stimulation corresponding to the electrical stimulation signal generated by the stimulator 100. In one embodiment, the electrode 200 may be a replaceable portion. In one embodiment, the electrode 200 may have various sizes and shapes.

In one embodiment, the electrode 200 may include a body, a circuit board, a conductive connection, and a pair of hydrogel pads. Here, the body may be composed of silicone rubber, polyurethane or the like. In this case, since the electrode 200 can be bent, the user can attach the electrode 200 to a portion having various bends. Here, the circuit board may include a pair of annular contacts electrically connected to each of a pair of output terminals of the stimulator. In one embodiment, the pair of welcome contacts may have different radii from each other. In this case, the stimulator 100 and the electrode 200 can be electrically connected to each other irrespective of the rotating direction of the stimulator 100. Thus, the user can easily reattach the electrode 200 after adjusting the operation mode of the stimulator 100 in the state of detachment and detachment of the stimulator 100. In one embodiment, the annular contact may be located at the center of the body, but is not limited thereto. Here, the conductive connection portion may be connected to a pair of annular contacts to transmit each electric stimulation signal to the pair of hydrogel pads. In one embodiment, the conductive connection may be a conductive sheet, a conductive fabric, a conductive ink print, or the like. Here, the conductive hydrogel pad is attached to the user's skin, and can provide the user with electrical stimulation corresponding to the electrical stimulation signal. That is, each electric stimulation signal transmitted through the pair of annular contacts can be transmitted to the pair of hydrogel pads through the conductive connection portion. Thus, an electric stimulus corresponding to the electric stimulation signal generated in the stimulator can be transmitted to the skin of the user.

In addition, the electrode 200 may include a frame to prevent the stimulator 100 from being easily separated from the electrode 200 when the stimulator 100 is connected to the electrode 200. In one embodiment, the frame may be in the form of a cradle. In one embodiment, the frame may surround the annular contact. For example, the frame of the above-mentioned form can be composed of fiber reinforced plastic, ceramic, silicon, sapphire glass, soda glass or the like.

The stimulator 100 and the electrode 200 may be connected to each other through connection means. Here, the connecting means may be made of a material capable of repeatedly attaching and detaching the electrode 200 to the stimulator 100. In one embodiment, the connecting means may be comprised of a magnetic material. For example, a magnet in the stimulator 100 and a magnet in the electrode 200, which are of mutually different polarities, can be used as connecting means. In this case, the stimulator 100 and the electrode 200 may be connected to each other by a magnetic force. As a result, the stimulator 100 can be connected to the electrode 200 without a separate connection cable. Therefore, after the user adjusts the operation mode of the stimulator 100 and the attachment / detachment of the stimulator 100, It is possible to facilitate attachment.

2 is an external view of a stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 2A shows a front view of the stimulator 100, and FIG. 2B shows a rear view of the stimulator 100. 3 is a configuration diagram of a stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 and 3, the stimulator 100 may include an input unit, a display unit, and an output unit outside the housing, and the signal generator and the control unit may be included inside the housing. Here, since the input unit and the display unit can provide the user's interaction with the stimulator 100, it may be referred to as a user interface.

The input unit 110 can detect the user's control input. As shown in FIG. 2A, the input unit 110 may include at least one control button. Here, the control button means a button for controlling the operation of the stimulator 100.

The control button may include a power / mode button 111 for controlling the power on / off of the stimulator 100 or the operation mode of the stimulator 100. Here, the operation mode may include at least one mode. For example, the operation mode may include at least one of a tapping mode, a kneading mode, a strong kneading mode, and a combining mode. Also, any one of the operation modes can be set to the basic mode. For example, the tap mode may be set to the default mode. This operation mode will be described in detail below with reference to Fig.

In one embodiment, when the power / mode button 111 is pressed for 3 seconds or more, the power of the stimulator 100 may be turned on or off. When the power is turned on, the stimulator 100 can operate in the basic mode. For example, when the power is turned on, the stimulator 100 can operate in the tap mode, which is the basic mode. In one embodiment, when the power / mode button 111 is briefly depressed while the power is on, the operation mode of the stimulator 100 may be changed in sequence, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the power / mode button 111 is briefly depressed in the tap mode, the operation mode of the stimulator 100 can be changed from the tap mode to the kneading mode. In another example, when the power / mode button 111 is briefly depressed in the kneading mode, the operation mode of the stimulator 100 may be changed from the kneading mode to the strong kneading mode. As another example, when the power / mode button 111 is briefly depressed in the strong kneading mode, the operation mode of the stimulator 100 may be changed from the strong kneading mode to the combining mode. As another example, when the power / mode button 111 is briefly depressed in the combination mode, the operation mode of the stimulator 100 may be changed from the combination mode to the kneading mode again.

In addition, the control button may further include an increase button 112 for increasing the intensity of the stimulation and a decrease button 113 for reducing the intensity of the stimulation.

The signal generator 120 may generate an electrical stimulation signal. The signal generating unit 120 may generate an electric stimulation signal corresponding to the operation mode and the operation intensity. More specifically, the signal generating unit 120 can generate an electric stimulation signal having a stimulation waveform corresponding to the operation mode and a stimulation intensity corresponding to the operation intensity. The stimulus waveform corresponding to each operation mode will be described in detail below with reference to Fig.

The output unit 130 may output an electrical stimulation signal. In one embodiment, the stimulator 100 may include a pair of output terminals for outputting electrical stimulation signals. For example, the output section 130 may include a pair of positive terminals and negative terminals for outputting electric stimulation signals. In this case, a pair of output terminals in the stimulator can be electrically connected to each of the pair of annular contacts in the electrode. Thereby, the stimulator 100 and the electrode can be electrically connected. In order for the pair of output terminals and the pair of annular contacts to be connected to each other, the distance from the center of each output terminal and the radius of each annular contact may be equal to each other.

The display unit 140 may display the status of the stimulator 100. FIG. The display unit 140 may be an optional configuration of the stimulator 100. In one embodiment, the display 140 may include at least one indicator light that indicates the condition of the stimulator 100. [ For example, the display unit 140 may include a first indicator light 141 and a second indicator light 142. Here, each indicator light may include at least one LED. For example, each indicator light may include at least one of yellow, green, light blue, and purple LEDs. In this case, the stimulator 100 may use the at least one indicator light to provide status information about the status of the stimulator 100 to the user. Here, the status information may include at least one of information on an operation state, an operation mode, and an operation strength. Here, the operating state may include at least one of a normal operating state, a sleep state, and a charging state. For example, the stimulator may provide information about the operating mode to the user using the first indicator light 141, and may provide information about the operating state to the user using the second indicator light 142. This operation state will be described below with reference to Fig.

The control unit 150 may control at least one configuration of the stimulator 100. More specifically, the control unit 150 controls the above-described units and can control data transmission and / or reception between the respective units. In this specification, the control unit 150, the stimulator 100, and the electric stimulation apparatus 1 can be equally described.

In this specification, the control unit 150 can detect the user's control input through the input unit 110. [ Further, the control unit 150 can determine the operation mode and the operation strength based on the detected control input. Also, the controller 150 may generate an electric stimulation signal corresponding to the determined operation mode and operation intensity.

Also, the control unit 150 can determine the state (operation state) of the stimulator 100. [ Here, the state of the stimulator 100 may include a first state in which the electrodes are electrically connected to the stimulator 100 and a second state in which the electrodes are not electrically connected to the stimulator 100. The control unit 150 may provide the user with an electrical stimulus corresponding to the electrical stimulation signal through the electrode when the stimulator 100 is in the first state. Through this, the user can be provided with stimulation therapy and the like. In addition, when the stimulator 100 is in the second state, the control unit 150 may discharge the residual charge of the stimulator 100 according to a predetermined period. As a result, when an electric stimulus is given to a user, it is possible to prevent an unintended large amount of electric charge from being conducted, thereby providing a safe electric stimulus to the user.

In addition, the control unit 150 can detect a change in the state of the stimulator 100. The control unit 150 may change the stimulus intensity of the electrical stimulation signal to a predetermined basic intensity when the state of the stimulator 100 changes from the second state to the first state. In one embodiment, the base intensity may be a stimulus intensity lower than the operating intensity. In addition, the controller 150 can increase the intensity of the stimulation step by step from the basic intensity to the operation intensity. In this specification, this can be referred to as a soft restart function, which is one of the safety functions, which will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

In addition, when the predetermined sleep condition is satisfied, the control unit 150 can discharge the residual charge of the stimulator 100 and keep the stimulator 100 in the sleep state. Here, when the sleep condition is satisfied, when the residual power of the stimulator 100 is equal to or less than the predetermined power, when the electric stimulation signal is not output for the first predetermined time and when the electric stimulation signal is outputted for the second predetermined time Or < / RTI > In addition, the controller 150 can inform the user of the status of the stimulator 100 through the display unit. This will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

The stimulator 100 may further include an external input terminal, a power source, a communication unit, and a storage unit, though not shown in the figure. Here, the communication unit and the storage unit may have an optional configuration.

The external input terminal means a terminal for receiving input from an external object. In one embodiment, the external input terminal may receive power for charging the power of the stimulator 100 from an external power source. In another embodiment, the external input terminal may receive setting information for the operation mode of the stimulator 100 from an external device.

In addition, the power supply unit can supply electric power to each configuration of the stimulator 100. In one embodiment, the power supply may include at least one rechargeable or replaceable battery. When the power supply unit includes a rechargeable battery, the stimulator 100 can charge the battery of the power supply unit using power input from the external power supply to the external input terminal.

Further, the communication unit can communicate with an external device. In one embodiment, the communication unit can communicate with an external device using at least one wire / wireless communication method. For example, the communication unit can communicate with an external device using a Bluetooth system, but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the external device may be a remote controller or mobile phone (e.g., a smart phone) that includes an application that controls the stimulator 100. In this case, the external apparatus can be paired with the electric stimulation apparatus 1 through the communication unit, and the stimulation apparatus 100 can be controlled through the communication signal. Here, the communication signal may be a Bluetooth signal, a radio signal, or any other type of signal.

The storage unit may store data. In one embodiment, the storage may store data on the mode of operation of the pre-established stimulator 100. In another embodiment, the storage may store data on the operating mode of the stimulator 100 input via the external input terminal. In this case, the user can update the information on the operation mode of the stimulator 100 newly.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein blocks that are separately displayed are logically distinguishable from the elements of the device. Therefore, the above-described elements of the device can be mounted as one chip or a plurality of chips depending on the design of the device.

Hereinafter, when each step or operation performed in the stimulator 100 or the electric stimulation apparatus 1 is initiated or progressed by the receipt of a user input (e.g., a touch input), a signal The process of generating and receiving is assumed to include description of the above-described process even if it is not described in duplicate. Hereinafter, the control unit 150 may be described as controlling at least one unit included in the stimulator 100 or the electric stimulation apparatus 1 according to an input, and the control unit 150 may be referred to as a stimulator 100 and an electric stimulation apparatus 1).

Figure 4 shows the stimulation waveforms for each mode of operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the stimulator may include, but is not limited to, a tap mode, a kneading mode, a strong kneading mode, and a combination mode. In one embodiment, the stimulator may set one of each of the operation modes to the default mode. For example, the stimulator can set the tap mode to the default mode.

4A shows a stimulation waveform in the tapping mode. The tapping mode refers to a mode of providing the user with electrical stimulation such as tapping the stimulation site. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 4A, the stimulus waveform in the tap mode may be a waveform that sequentially provides a rising pulse and a falling pulse having a preset frequency and magnitude. In this case, the interval between the rising pulse and the falling pulse may be 1s, but is not limited thereto. 4A, the pulse width of the rising pulse and the falling pulse may be 110 μs, but is not limited thereto.

4 (b) shows the stimulation waveform in the kneading mode. The kneading mode means a mode for providing the user with electrical stimulation such as rubbing the stimulation region. 4b, the stimulation waveform in the kneading mode continuously provides the rising pulse for a first predetermined duration, provides the first interval, and continues to provide the falling pulse for the first predetermined duration ≪ / RTI > In this case, the first duration may be 6.5s, and the first interval may be 1.5s, but is not limited thereto. 4B, the pulse width of the rising pulse and the falling pulse is 70 占 퐏, and the interval between the pulses may be 60ms, but is not limited thereto.

4C shows the stimulation waveform in the strong kneading mode. The strong kneading mode means a mode that provides the user with an electric stimulation that rubs the stimulation region stronger than the kneading mode. 4c, the stimulus waveform of the kneading mode continuously provides the rising pulse for the second predetermined duration, provides the second interval, and continues to provide the falling pulse for the predetermined second duration, ≪ / RTI > In this case, the second duration may be 4s and the second interval may be 2s, but is not limited thereto. 4C, the pulse width of the rising pulse and the falling pulse is 60 mu s, and the interval between the pulses may be 30 ms, but is not limited thereto.

4D shows the excitation waveform of the combination mode. The combination mode means a mode in which electric stimulation corresponding to the tapping mode, kneading mode and strong kneading mode is sequentially repeated and provided to the user. The description of each mode is described above with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

5 is a state diagram showing an operation state of a stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5, the stimulator may be in a normal operating state 10, a sleep state 20, and a charging state 30.

The normal operation state (10) means that the stimulator is operating normally. The stimulator may enter the normal operating state 10 if a predetermined sleep release condition is satisfied in the sleep state 20. [ In one embodiment, the stimulator that is in the sleep state 20 can determine whether the stimulator is in the normal operating state 10 by detecting whether it meets a preset sleep condition. Here, when the sleep release condition is satisfied, it may include a case where the power button is pressed for a predetermined time (for example, three seconds) or longer in the sleep state 20. [ In this case, the stimulator can operate in the basic mode during the operation mode. For example, the stimulator can operate in the kneading mode, which is the basic mode.

The normal operating state 10 may include a first state 11 in which the electrodes are electrically connected to the stimulator and a second state 12 in which the electrodes are not electrically connected to the stimulator. In this case, the stimulator can notify the user via the display that the stimulator is in the first state 11 or the second state 12 of the normal operating state 10. [ For example, the stimulator flashes the green LED of the second indicator light to indicate that the stimulator is in the first state 11 and the yellow LED of the second indicator light flashes to indicate that the stimulator is in the second state 12, .

In a normal operating state 10, the stimulator may determine whether the stimulator is in the first state 11 or the second state 12 by detecting whether the electrode is electrically connected to the stimulator. In the first state 11 and the second state 12, the stimulator may operate in each of the modes of operation described above in Fig. In this case, the stimulator can notify the user through the display unit that the stimulator is in one of the respective operation modes. For example, the stimulator flashes the yellow LED of the first indicator light to indicate that the stimulator is in the tapping mode, the green LED of the first indicator light flashes to indicate that the stimulator is in the kneading mode, the blue LED of the first indicator light The user can notify the user that the stimulator is in the combination mode by blinking the green LED of the first indicator light to indicate that the stimulator is in strong kneading mode.

When the condition of the stimulator is the first state 11, the stimulator may provide an electrical stimulus corresponding to the electrical stimulation signal to the user via the electrode. Through this, the user can be provided with stimulation therapy and the like. Further, when the operation mode is changed in the first state 11, the stimulator can discharge the residual charge of the stimulator. In addition, when the state of the stimulator is the second state 12, the stimulator can discharge the residual charge of the stimulator according to a predetermined period. As a result, when an electric stimulus is given to a user, it is possible to prevent an unintended large amount of electric charge from being conducted, thereby providing a safe electric stimulus to the user.

When the state of the stimulator is changed from the second state 12 to the first state 11, the stimulator can change the stimulus intensity of the electric stimulation signal to a predetermined basic intensity. In one embodiment, the base intensity may be a stimulus intensity lower than the operating intensity. When the stimulus intensity is changed to the basic intensity, the stimulator can increase the stimulus intensity step by step from the basic intensity to the operation intensity. In addition, when the control input is detected when the stimulation intensity is stepped up, the stimulator can maintain the stimulation intensity of the electrical stimulation signal at a stimulation intensity one level lower than the current stimulation intensity. In this case, when the user feels that the intensity of the stimulus is too large during the stepwise increase of the stimulus intensity, the user can keep the intensity of the stimulation one step lower than the current intensity by pressing one of the control buttons of the input section. This provides a safe electrical stimulation to the user.

When the state of the stimulator is changed from the first state 11 to the second state 12, the stimulator can discharge the residual charge. If the stimulus intensity is greater than 1 when the state of the stimulator changes from the first state 11 to the second state 12, the stimulator provides feedback to the user (e.g., audible feedback such as a buzzer) . This provides a safe electrical stimulation to the user.

The sleep state 20 represents a state in which the stimulator is in a sleep or standby state. The stimulator may enter the sleep state 20 when the sleep condition is satisfied in the normal operating state 10 or when the power cable connection is released in the charging state 30. [ In one embodiment, the stimulator that is in the normal operating state 10 may determine whether the stimulator is in the sleep state 20 by detecting whether it meets a preset sleep condition. If the preset slip condition is met, the stimulator can discharge the residual charge and keep the stimulator in the sleep state 20. [ Here, when the sleep condition is satisfied, when the power button is pressed for a predetermined time (for example, three seconds) or more in the normal operation state 10 and the residual power of the stimulator is less than a preset power, (E.g., 2 minutes), and the case where the electric stimulation signal is output for a predetermined second time (e.g., 20 minutes). In one embodiment, the first time may be less than the second time.

The charging state 30 means a state where the power of the stimulator is charged. When the power cable is connected in the normal operating state 10 or in the sleep state 20, the stimulator may enter the charging state 30. As described above, the power supply portion of the stimulator may include at least one rechargeable or replaceable battery. When the power source unit includes a rechargeable battery, the stimulator can charge the battery of the power source unit by using power input from the external power source to the external input terminal. In one embodiment, the stimulator in the state of charge 30 may interrupt power supply to the control. This can prevent excessive charge generated during charging from being transmitted to the user.

6 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling a stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart, the description of the contents overlapping with those described in the first to fifth embodiments will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 6, the stimulator may detect a user's control input (S10). In one embodiment, the stimulator may use an input to detect a user's control input. Here, the input unit may include at least one control button as described above with reference to FIGS.

Next, the stimulator can determine the operation mode and the operation intensity based on the control input (S20). Here, the operation mode may include at least one of a tapping mode, a kneading mode, a strong kneading mode, and a combining mode. Also, any one of the operation modes can be set to the basic mode. 4, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the stimulator can generate an electric stimulation signal corresponding to the operation mode and the operation intensity (S30). In one embodiment, the stimulator may generate an electrical stimulation signal corresponding to the operating mode and operating intensity using the signal generator. For example, the stimulator may generate an electrical stimulation signal having a stimulation waveform corresponding to the operation mode and a stimulation intensity corresponding to the operation intensity using the signal generator. 4, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the stimulator can determine the state of the stimulator (S40). Here, the state of the stimulator may include a first state in which the electrode is electrically connected to the stimulator, and a second state in which the electrode is not electrically connected to the stimulator. In this case, the stimulator may determine whether the stimulator is in the first state or the second state by detecting whether the electrode is electrically connected to the stimulator (S50). 5, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, when the state of the stimulator is the first state, the stimulator may provide the user with an electric stimulus corresponding to the electric stimulation signal through the electrode (S60). Through this, the user can be provided with stimulation therapy and the like. Further, when the operation mode is changed in the first state, the stimulator can discharge the residual charge of the stimulator. Next, when the state of the stimulator is the second state, the stimulator may discharge the residual charge of the stimulator according to a predetermined period (S70). As a result, when an electric stimulus is given to a user, it is possible to prevent an unintended large amount of electric charge from being conducted, thereby providing a safe electric stimulus to the user. 5, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, the stimulator can detect a change in state of the stimulator. When the state of the stimulator is changed from the second state to the first state, the stimulator can change the stimulation intensity of the electric stimulation signal to a predetermined basic intensity. In one embodiment, the base intensity may be a stimulus intensity lower than the operating intensity. When the stimulus intensity is changed to the basic intensity, the stimulator can increase the stimulus intensity step by step from the basic intensity to the operation intensity. Further, when the state of the stimulator is changed from the first state to the second state, the stimulator can discharge the residual electric charge. If the stimulus intensity is greater than or equal to one when the state of the stimulator changes from the first state to the second state, the stimulator may provide feedback to the user (e.g., audible feedback, such as a buzzer). 5, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the stimulator can determine whether or not a predetermined end condition is satisfied (S80). Here, the end condition refers to various conditions for terminating the operation of the stimulator. For example, the termination condition may be the same as the predetermined slip condition. If the termination condition is satisfied, the stimulator can terminate the operation of the stimulator. For example, if the termination condition is the same as the sleep condition and the termination condition is satisfied, the stimulator can terminate the operation of the stimulator and switch the state of the stimulator to the sleep state from the operating state. When the termination condition is not satisfied, the stimulator can determine the state of the stimulator again without terminating the operation of the stimulator. Through this, the stimulator can perform S40 to S80 repeatedly.

As such, the method of implementing the stimulator or electrical stimulation apparatus may be implemented in an application or may be implemented in the form of program instructions that may be executed through various computer components and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like, alone or in combination. Program instructions that are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium may be those that are specially designed and constructed for the present invention and are known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software.

Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tape, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, media, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include machine language code such as those generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like. A hardware device may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform processing in accordance with the present invention, and vice versa.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, It should be understood that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In this specification, both the invention and the method invention are explained, and the description of both inventions can be supplemented as necessary.

1: electrical stimulation device 100: stimulator
200: electrode

Claims (19)

An input unit for detecting a user's control input;
A signal generator for generating an electric stimulation signal;
An output unit for outputting the electrical stimulation signal; And
And a controller for controlling the input unit, the signal generator, and the output unit,
Wherein,
Determine an operation mode and an operation strength based on the control input,
Generates an electric stimulation signal corresponding to the operation mode and the operation intensity,
Wherein the state of the stimulator includes a first state in which the electrode is electrically connected to the stimulator and a second state in which the electrode is not electrically connected to the stimulator,
Providing an electric stimulus corresponding to the electric stimulation signal to the user through the electrode when the state of the stimulator is the first state,
And discharges the residual charge of the stimulator according to a predetermined period when the state of the stimulator is the second state. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
And to discharge the remaining charge of the stimulator when the operating mode is changed in the first state. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
And changes the stimulus intensity of the electrical stimulation signal to a predetermined basic intensity when the state of the stimulator is changed from the second state to the first state. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the basic intensity is a stimulation intensity lower than the operation intensity. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein,
And increases the stimulation intensity stepwise from the basic intensity to the operation intensity. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein,
And maintains the stimulus intensity of the electric stimulation signal at a stimulation intensity one level lower than the current stimulation intensity when the control input is detected when the stimulation intensity is increased stepwise. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
And discharges the remaining charge of the stimulator when the preset slip condition is satisfied, and maintains the stimulator in a sleep state. 8. The method of claim 7,
When the slip condition is satisfied,
Wherein the electric stimulation signal includes at least one of a case where the electric stimulation signal is not output for a first predetermined time and a case where the electric stimulation signal is output for a predetermined second time when the residual power of the stimulator is equal to or less than a predetermined power, . 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the first time is less than the second time. The method according to claim 1,
The operation mode includes:
A kneading mode, a kneading mode, a strong kneading mode, and a combination mode. Detecting a user's control input;
Determining an operation mode and an operation strength based on the control input;
Generating an electric stimulation signal corresponding to the operation mode and the operation intensity;
Determining a state of the stimulator, the state of the stimulator including a first state in which the electrode is electrically connected to the stimulator and a second state in which the electrode is not electrically connected to the stimulator;
Providing an electrical stimulus corresponding to the electrical stimulation signal to the user through the electrode when the condition of the stimulator is the first state; And
And discharging the residual charge of the stimulator in accordance with a predetermined period when the state of the stimulator is the second state. 12. The method of claim 11,
Further comprising the step of discharging residual charge of the stimulator when the operating mode is changed in the first state. 12. The method of claim 11,
Further comprising changing the stimulus intensity of the electrical stimulation signal to a predetermined basic intensity when the state of the stimulator is changed from the second state to the first state. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the basic intensity is a stimulation intensity lower than the operation intensity. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the step of changing the stimulus intensity to a predetermined basic intensity comprises:
Further comprising the step of increasing the stimulus intensity stepwise from the basic intensity to the operation intensity. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the step of changing the stimulus intensity to a predetermined basic intensity comprises:
Wherein when the control input is detected when the stimulation intensity is increased stepwise, the stimulation intensity of the electric stimulation signal is maintained at a stimulation intensity that is one level lower than the current stimulation intensity. A stimulator for generating an electric stimulation signal according to a user's control input;
An electrode for providing a user with an electrical stimulus corresponding to the electrical stimulation signal; And
And a connection means for connecting the stimulator and the electrode,
The stimulator,
Wherein the state of the stimulator includes a first state in which the electrode is electrically connected to the stimulator and a second state in which the electrode is not electrically connected to the stimulator,
Providing an electric stimulus corresponding to the electric stimulation signal to the user through the electrode when the state of the stimulator is the first state,
And discharges the remaining charge of the stimulator in accordance with a predetermined period when the state of the stimulator is the second state. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the connecting means comprises a magnetic material. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the stimulator includes a pair of output terminals for outputting the electric stimulation signal,
Wherein the electrode includes a pair of annular contacts electrically connected to each of the pair of output terminals.

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