WO2019058792A1

WO2019058792A1 - Electrical muscle stimulation device

Info

Publication number: WO2019058792A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/029533
Authority: WO
Inventors: 日野吉晴
Original assignee: マクセルホールディングス株式会社
Priority date: 2017-09-20
Filing date: 2018-08-07
Publication date: 2019-03-28
Also published as: JP7066360B2; JP2019054942A

Abstract

To provide an electrical muscle stimulation device that can provide a user with prescribed benefits that correspond to involuntary physiological (responsive) changes caused by electrical stimulation. The device comprises: an attachment means for attachment to a prescribed part of the user's body; a pulsed current application means for applying a low frequency pulsed current to the prescribed part of the user's body; a detection means for detecting changes in the prescribed body part caused by the application of low frequency pulsed current; a usage state information generation means for generating usage state information that includes data on changes obtained by the detection means and data on the conditions under which the low frequency pulsed current was applied; and an output means for notifying the user and/or controlling the pulsed current application means on the basis of the usage state information.

Description

Electrical muscle stimulation device

The present invention relates to electrical muscle stimulation devices.

Conventionally, there is known an electrical muscle stimulation apparatus which promotes muscle tension and relaxation by applying a low frequency pulse current from the body surface.

Such an electrical muscle stimulation apparatus is used, for example, for the purpose of eliminating shoulder stiffness, but in recent years, the use for muscle augmentation and slimming has also been increasing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, the electrical muscle stimulation device is also used as a device (muscle assist device) that assists in muscle tension by making use of the ability to control muscle tension and in accordance with the timing when the user applies power (For example, refer patent document 2).

JP, 2016-220848, A Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2015-164510

However, the above-described conventional electrical muscle stimulation apparatus merely applies a pulse current to the user, and the user's state is not taken into consideration when applying the pulse current.

Further, the above-described conventional muscle force assist device takes into account the user's condition in that it detects the timing when the user exerts a force on a muscle when performing a predetermined exercise when emitting a pulse current for promoting muscle contraction. However, it has not been convenient for the user in consideration of the state of the user relating to the biological reaction triggered in response to the emitted pulse current.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an electric muscle stimulation apparatus capable of providing a user with predetermined convenience in response to an involuntary biological change (bioreaction) to an electrical stimulation. I will provide a.

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, in the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus according to the present invention, (1) attaching means for attaching to a predetermined body part of a user, and applying a low frequency pulse current to the predetermined body part Pulse current applying means, detecting means for detecting a change in the predetermined body part with respect to the applied low frequency pulse current, data of a change obtained by the detecting means, and data of an applying condition of the low frequency pulse current And output means for executing at least one of notification to the user or control to the pulse current applying means based on the use state information. And

The electrical muscle stimulation apparatus according to the present invention is also characterized by the following points.
(2) The detection unit may include a pressure sensor that measures the pressure that the electrical muscle stimulation device receives from the predetermined body part according to body surface behavior accompanying the application of the low frequency pulse current.
(3) The control to the pulse current application means in the output means is previously set by the electric muscle stimulation apparatus to be received from the predetermined body part by the pressure information outputted from the pressure sensor and the appropriate body surface behavior. And the intensity adjustment of the low frequency pulse current performed based on the determined pressure value.
(4) The detection means includes a biological sensor for measuring a physiological change at the predetermined body part accompanying the application of the low frequency pulse current, and the use state information also includes biological information obtained from the biological sensor about.
(5) A communication unit is provided for transmitting the usage state information to an external connection device.

In the electrical muscle stimulation system according to the present invention, (6) the plurality of electrical muscle stimulation devices described in the above (5), and the use state information received from one or more of the electrical muscle stimulation devices. The information collection server includes: a plurality of Internet connection terminals that transmit information to the information collection server via the Internet; and an information collection server that accumulates usage state information received from the Internet connection terminal to construct a database. The database is used to generate information on the tendency of biological reaction to the application of low frequency pulse current, which can be significantly derived from the use state information collected from a plurality of users, and to connect the information on the same tendency to the Internet I decided to send to the terminal.

According to the present invention, the wearing means for wearing on a predetermined body part of the user, the pulse current giving means for giving a low frequency pulse current to the predetermined body part, and the predetermined body for the given low frequency pulse current Use condition information generation means for generating use condition information including data of change obtained by the detection means and data of application condition of the low frequency pulse current Since the output means is configured to execute at least one of notification to the user and / or control to the pulse current application means based on the information, the predetermined means is provided according to the involuntary biological change to the electrical stimulation. An electrical muscle stimulation device can be provided that can provide convenience to the user.

In addition, if the detection means includes a pressure sensor that measures the pressure received from the predetermined body part by the electrical muscle stimulation device according to the body surface behavior accompanying the application of the low frequency pulse current, it is relatively inexpensive and A simple configuration can provide convenience according to the behavior appearing on the body surface.

More specifically, although it is impossible to know the precise movement of the muscle unless the muscle potential sensor or the like is originally used, in the present invention, the physical movement appearing on the body surface is It is considered to be correlated with the data that will be obtained. Therefore, simply by looking at the change in the signal from the pressure sensor, it is possible to provide convenience according to the movement corresponding to the electrical stimulation at low cost without mounting the expensive myoelectric potential sensor etc. Can.

Furthermore, to mention a further effect, if using a myoelectric potential sensor, the myoelectric potential sensor is a sensor that detects a weak current of a muscle, so that the low-frequency pulse current generated from the electrical muscle stimulation device Although it is necessary to take some measures with regard to interference, the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus according to the present invention refers to physical movement (change) on the body surface, and is an intrinsic function of the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus. It is possible to obtain a change in muscle response due to the low frequency pulse current regardless of the generation of the low frequency pulse current. The myoelectric potential sensor is not necessarily excluded, and the myoelectric potential sensor may be provided together with the pressure sensor in the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus according to the present invention.

Further, the control to the pulse current applying means in the output means is set in advance by the pressure information output from the pressure sensor and the appropriate body surface behavior that the electric muscle stimulation apparatus should receive from the predetermined body part. The intensity adjustment of the low-frequency pulse current may be performed based on the pressure value. With such a configuration, appropriate low-frequency pulse current control and application can be performed not by the movement of muscles deep in the body but by the behavior actually appearing on the body surface, and the thickness of the physique and the fat layer can be controlled. Even if there is a factor that prevents the movement generated in the muscle from propagating to the body surface, feedback control can be appropriately performed so that sufficient body surface behavior appears in appearance.

Further, the detection means may include a biological sensor for measuring a physiological change at the predetermined body part accompanying the application of the low frequency pulse current, and the use state information may also include biological information obtained from the biological sensor. As well. By providing such a configuration, information obtained from the biological sensor, for example, the heart rate and the state of blood flow can be included in the use state information, and the user can be notified based on this, or pulse current applying means An operation such as control of can be performed by the output means.

Further, the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus according to the present invention may be provided with a communication means for transmitting use condition information to the external connection device. By providing transmission means, it is possible to transmit the use state information generated by the detection means to another device, and provide an analysis based on the use state information, advice to the user, etc. by the destination device. Is possible.

Further, in the electrical muscle stimulation system according to the present invention, a plurality of the above-mentioned electrical muscle stimulation devices provided with transmission means, and use condition information received from one or more of the electrical muscle stimulation devices to the information collection server And a data collection server for accumulating the usage state information received from the Internet connection terminal and constructing a database, wherein the information collection server uses the constructed database And generating information on a tendency which is a biological reaction to the application of the low frequency pulse current and can be significantly derived from the use state information collected from a plurality of users, and transmits the information on the same tendency to the Internet connection terminal. And

Therefore, with regard to the use of the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to provide the user with an opportunity to obtain potentially unknown and useful information not yet known based on the use status information of a plurality of users .

It is an explanatory view showing the appearance of the electric muscle stimulation device concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an electrical muscle stimulation apparatus. It is the flow which showed the processing performed in a control part. It is the flow which showed the processing performed in a control part. It is explanatory drawing which showed the change of the display content of a display part. It is an explanatory view showing composition of an electrical muscle stimulation device concerning other embodiments. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the sticking body. It is an explanatory view showing composition of an electrical muscle stimulation system. It is explanatory drawing which showed the display content in the display of a smart phone.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of an electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A has an appearance of a substantially rectangular shape (clover shape) in plan view in which the substantially central portions of four sides are recessed inward, and the electrical muscle stimulation device A is disposed substantially at the center The functional unit 10 and the four flexible pieces 11 extend from the functional unit 10 to the four corners.

The functional unit 10 includes the operation unit 12 and the display unit 13 on the surface side of the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A, and the user performs an operation input to the control unit 15 housed inside, and the control unit 15 Is configured to be able to display the information output from.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1B, when the electrical muscle stimulation device A is mounted on a predetermined part of the user's body, the functional unit 10 on the back side of the electrical muscle stimulation device A is the same as the one shown in FIG. A detection unit 18 configured of a sensor or the like for acquiring a change in movement or state of a part is disposed.

On the other hand, on each back surface side of the electrical muscle stimulation device A, each flexible piece 11 is an electrode 16 for applying an electrical stimulation to the user, specifically, the first electrode 16a to the fourth electrode. 16d is disposed.

In addition, a gel body 17 as mounting means made of sheet-like gel can be superimposed on the electrode 16 so that the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A can be attached to a predetermined part of the user's body. doing. For example, the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A shown in FIG. 1 can be attached to the abdomen of the user and used for the purpose of abdominal lean and abdominal muscle enhancement.

Next, the electrical configuration of the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 15 includes a CPU 20, a ROM 21, a RAM 22, an RTC 23 and the like as its configuration, and can execute a program necessary for the operation of the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A.

Specifically, the ROM 21 stores programs and the like necessary for the processing of the CPU 20, and the RAM 22 functions as a temporary storage area when the programs and the like are executed.

For example, in a predetermined area of the ROM 21, in addition to a program for realizing the processing, for example, in a pulse intensity automatic adjustment mode described later, power to such an extent that behavior appears appropriately on the body surface due to muscle contraction for applied pulse current. An appropriate pressure defining table is stored which is referred to for supplying the first to fourth electrodes 16a to 16d.

In the appropriate pressure defining table, for each of various pulse patterns applied at the time of treatment, an appropriate value that the pressure sensor 18a described later should receive from a predetermined body part (for example, the abdomen), that is, the behavior on the body surface of the user The value of the pressure to be received when just good muscle exercise is performed without excessive or under muscle exercise is set in advance.

Further, for example, in a predetermined area of the RAM 22, an automatic mode flag indicating whether or not the pulse intensity automatic adjustment mode is set, data output by each detection means 18, temporal change, and a value of pulse intensity to be output (in this embodiment , 15 levels of 1 to 15 can be set) and the like are stored.

An RTC (Real Time Clock) indicated by reference numeral 23 is for generating a clock pulse as a reference for executing an interrupt process described later. Even when the CPU 20 is in the process state, the CPU 20 interrupts the process according to the clock pulse generated from the RTC 23 every predetermined cycle (for example, 2 milliseconds) and executes the interrupt process.

Further, the operation unit 12 is connected to the input side of the control unit 15 and can receive an input from the user.

Further, similarly, a detection means 18 is connected to the input side of the control unit 15. In the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A according to the present embodiment, the detection means 18 includes a pressure sensor 18a as a physical change detection means in the body surface of the predetermined body part on which the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A is mounted, Physiological change detection means, that is, a temperature sensor 18b as a living body sensor, a pulse sensor 18c, a blood flow sensor 18d, and a myoelectric potential sensor 18e are provided, and are configured to be referred to according to the execution situation of the program in the control unit 15. doing. In addition, after the signals output from each of the sensors 18 are converted into numerical data in the control unit 15, the information obtained from the pressure sensor 18a is used as pressure information, and the information obtained from the biological sensor group is a living body. It is stored in a predetermined address of the RAM 22 as information.

Further, an internal battery 25 is connected to the control unit 15, and the internal battery 25 can receive power for generating electric stimulation to be applied to the user and power for operating the control unit 15.

Further, on the output side of the control unit 15, a pulse current application circuit 31 including the display unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the first electrode 16a to the fourth electrode 16d is connected. The display unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the pulse current application circuit 31 are controlled and driven in accordance with the execution status of the program in the control unit 15. For example, the display unit 13 displays an image based on notification information and usage state information described later. Further, the communication unit 14 is a portion for performing wireless communication with an externally connected device such as a smartphone or a server on the Internet according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). is there. Also, the pulse current application circuit 31 adjusts the strength of the low frequency pulse current intensity and the like according to the instruction of the control unit 15.

Next, processing executed by the control unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a flow showing a main process executed by the CPU 20 of the control unit 15, and FIG. 4 is a flow showing a process in a subroutine.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the main processing, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the user has pressed the power button disposed on the operation unit 12 (step S11). If it is determined that the power button is not pressed (step S11: No), the CPU 20 returns the process to step S11 again. On the other hand, when determining that the power button has been pressed (step S11: Yes), the CPU 20 shifts the processing to step S12.

In step S12, the CPU 20 performs an initial setting process. In this initial setting processing, reading of a predetermined program and initialization processing of various variables and flags are performed. For example, processing for setting the value of the pulse intensity to 1 which is the weakest value is performed.

Next, the CPU 20 performs user state confirmation processing for confirming the current body state of the user while referring to the information etc. output from the detection means 18 (step S13). In this user state confirmation process, for example, the body temperature of the user is measured with reference to the information output from the temperature sensor 18b, the heart rate is calculated with reference to the information from the pulse sensor 18c, the blood flow sensor 18d Refer to the information from to check the state of circulation.

In addition, when the information is confirmed, the information stored in the ROM 21 or the RAM 22 is referred to, for example, a table for recording the normal temperature and the normal heart rate input by the user in advance, etc. If the obtained user's body temperature exceeds the numerical range stored as normal body temperature on the table, or if the user's heart rate obtained from the pulse sensor 18c exceeds the normal heart rate, The notification information is generated as information for notifying the user before use.

Next, in step S14, the CPU 20 determines whether there is notification information. If it is determined that there is no notification information (step S20: No), the CPU 20 shifts the process to step S16. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is the notification information in step S14 (step S14: Yes), the CPU 20 shifts the process to step S15.

In step S15, the CPU 20 executes a notification process of notifying the user of the notification information. In this notification process, for example, when the notification information is generated as the body temperature is higher than normal in the previous user state confirmation process (step S13), the display unit 13 displays that effect, etc. Encourage awakening. Also, notification may be made by voice or the like using a speaker or the like (not shown). After completing step S15, the CPU 20 shifts the process to step S16.

In step S16, the CPU 20 executes a treatment mode selection process that causes the user to select a treatment mode. In the treatment mode selection process, the control unit 15 receives an input from the operation unit 12 by the user, and sets whether or not the treatment is performed in the automatic adjustment mode in which the pulse intensity is automatically adjusted. This setting is stored as a value of the automatic mode flag at a predetermined address of the RAM 22.

Next, the CPU 20 reads the pulse pattern stored at the predetermined address of the ROM 21 and reads the value of the pulse current intensity with reference to the RAM 22, and pulse current with a predetermined intensity to the pulse current application circuit 31. Are executed (step S17). Note that the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A according to the present embodiment can execute different muscle exercises in a series of flows, for example, by automatically switching over dozens of types of pulse patterns and executing them for a predetermined time (for example, The system is configured to stimulate the user's muscle continuously or intermittently for 20 minutes.

Next, the CPU 20 refers to the information from the detection means 18 and executes a sensor information reference process for detecting a biological response of the user to pulse current application (step S18). In step S18, the CPU 20 refers to, for example, the information from the pressure sensor 18a stored in the RAM 22 and determines how much the pressure corresponding to the pulse current is applied to the back side of the electrical muscle stimulation device A, ie Reference is made to how much muscle contraction with respect to applied pulse current appears on the body surface (herein also referred to as body surface behavior).

Further, in the sensor information reference process, information on the temperature sensor 18b, the pulse sensor 18c, the blood flow sensor 18d, and the myoelectric potential sensor 18e is also referred to. Specifically, the predetermined address of the RAM 22 is referred to for changes in body reaction such as the user's body temperature, heart rate, blood flow, and muscle potential with respect to the pulse current.

Next, the CPU 20 stores data of biological responses (changes) obtained from the detection means 18 stored on the RAM 22 (pressure information obtained from the pressure sensor 18a and biological information obtained from the biological sensor group), Usage state information including data of the pulse current intensity that is also stored on the RAM 22 is generated (step S19).

Next, based on the use state information generated in step S19, the CPU 20 performs an image display process of displaying an image on the display unit 13 and notifying the user of the detection result of the biological reaction responsive to the pulse current (step S20). Particularly, in the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A according to the present embodiment, the above-described body surface behavior is visually notified to the user by displaying on the display unit 13 an icon corresponding to the pressure received by the pressure sensor 18a. .

Generally, even with the same pulse current intensity, the strength with which muscles contract in response to the pulse current varies among individuals, and the behavior derived from muscle contraction necessarily propagates to the body surface to cause exercise. In addition, since the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A is attached to the predetermined body part to which the pulse current is applied, it is difficult to directly visually recognize the body surface behavior of the stimulation part.

In this respect, in the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A according to the present embodiment, for example, an icon as shown in FIG. 5A is displayed in synchronization with the pressure received by the pressure sensor 18a and displayed while changing it. The user is informed that the derived body surface behavior is small, or the icon as shown in FIG. 5 (b) is switched and displayed to notify that the body surface behavior is appropriate, or shown in FIG. 5 (c) An icon such as this is switched to notify that the body surface behavior is excessive.

Further, in this image display process, in addition to the information from the pressure sensor, the body temperature is displayed based on the information from the temperature sensor 18b, and the heart rate is displayed based on the information from the pulse sensor 18c. It is also possible to notify the user by, for example, displaying the blood flow state based on the information from the sensor 18d. After this step S20, the CPU 20 shifts the processing to step S21.

In step S21, the CPU 20 refers to a predetermined address of the RAM 22 and determines whether or not the automatic adjustment mode is set. Here, when it is determined that the automatic adjustment mode is not set (step S21: No), the CPU 20 shifts the processing to step S23. On the other hand, when it is determined that the mode is the automatic adjustment mode (step S21: Yes), the CPU 20 shifts the process to step S22.

In step S22, the CPU 20 performs pulse intensity adjustment processing. In this pulse intensity adjustment process, for example, body surface behavior is small with reference to use condition information including pressure information and pressure information output from the pressure sensor 18a and an appropriate pressure definition table stored at a predetermined address of the ROM 21. In the case of being excessive or excessive, the strength of the low frequency pulse current intensity is instructed to the pulse current application circuit 31 to perform feedback processing so that the body surface behavior becomes appropriate.

Next, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the treatment should be ended, for example, whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the treatment, or whether or not a series of flow (treatment sequence) by a combination of predetermined treatment patterns has ended. A determination is made (step S23). Here, when it is determined that the treatment should not be ended (step S23: No), the CPU 20 shifts the process to step S17 again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the treatment should be ended (step S23: Yes), the CPU 20 ends the process.

Next, interrupt processing will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 20 may interrupt the process and execute the interrupt process even if the process is being executed. The following interrupt processing is executed according to the clock pulse generated every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) from the RTC 23.

In the interrupt process, the CPU 20 determines whether the user has pressed the power button for a long time (for example, 2 seconds) (step S31). Here, if it is determined that the long press of the power button is detected (step S31: Yes), the CPU 20 instructs the pulse current application circuit 31 to stop application of the pulse current, etc. The process is performed (step S32), and the process ends. After the end, for example, the process may return to the loop of step S11 and wait until the power is turned on again.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S31 that the long press of the power button is not detected (step S31: No), the CPU 20 shifts the process to step S33.

In step S33, the CPU 20 performs an operation reception process. In the operation reception process, the user performs an operation such as a strong or weak button disposed on the operation unit 12 and performs, for example, a process of changing the intensity of the pulse current to be sent to the pulse current application circuit 31. After the step S33, the CPU 20 returns the process to the address before the branch.

Next, a series of operations in the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A having the above-described configuration will be described.

When the user adheres the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A with his / her abdomen as a predetermined body part and depresses the power button of the operation unit 12, the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A is activated to execute the user state confirmation process.

Here, when the user is in poor physical condition (for example, having a cold and having heat) or the like, notification information such as high body temperature is displayed on the display unit based on the information from the temperature sensor 18b, and notification is given to the user Is done.

Therefore, the user who has acquired the notification information can make a determination as to whether or not the physical condition is suitable for treatment before treatment with the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A.

Moreover, when there is no alerting | reporting information or it uses after acquiring alerting | reporting information, when the operation mode is selected next, the control part 15 (CPU20) will perform step S17, The pulse current provision circuit 31 or an electrode Together with 16, it functions as a pulse current applying means to apply a pulse current to the user.

Here, referring to the biological reaction change responsive to the pulse current applied to the user's muscle in step S18, the control unit 15 (CPU 20) functions as use condition information generation means in step S19 to generate use condition information. Then, image display processing is performed in step S20.

Specifically, based on the information from the pressure sensor 18a, the display is performed on the display unit 13 while changing the icon in synchronization with the actual body surface behavior. That is, by executing step S20, the control unit 15 (CPU 20) functions as an output unit together with the display unit 13.

Therefore, it is possible to recognize how much movement is transmitted to the abdominal surface in response to the involuntary biological change to the electrical stimulation, that is, the muscle contraction.

In addition, when displaying on the display unit 13 based on the information from the biological sensor group, involuntary biological change in response to the electrical stimulation to the user, that is, change in body temperature at a predetermined body part, heartbeat, The number, the change in the pulse, etc. can be notified and recognized.

In addition, when the automatic adjustment mode is set to be effective, execution of step S21 causes the control unit 15 (CPU 20) to function as an output unit, so that the pulse intensity at which appropriate body surface behavior appears appears automatically. Adjustments will be made.

This is also one of the conveniences provided in response to the involuntary muscle contraction to the electrical stimulation, and the control unit 15 (CPU 20) functions as an output unit by executing step S22, and a pulse current application unit By performing feedback control, it is possible to easily carry out treatment with appropriate body surface behavior.

In the present embodiment, the detection means 18 is provided at one place on the back surface side of the functional unit 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the back surface side of the functional unit 10 or You may comprise so that it may provide in the back surface side of one part or all part of each flexible piece part 11 with a back surface side. In particular, since the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A according to the present embodiment performs feedback control to the pulse current means based on the pressure sensor as a physical sensor that is not easily affected by the low frequency pulse current, the flexible piece Even in the case where the detection means 18 is disposed on the back surface of the portion 11, it is possible to capture and control the body surface behavior while suppressing the interference with the low frequency pulse current as much as possible.

Next, an electrical muscle stimulation apparatus B according to another embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus B. As shown in FIG. In addition, about the structure which has the same function in the following description, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus B has substantially the same configuration as the above-described electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A, but the stimulation apparatus main body 40 including the control unit 15 and the like, the user's predetermined It is a separate body from the sticking body 41 provided with the electrode 16 stuck to a body part, and the point which is connecting both by the cable 42 which performs electrical connection, and the point of the shape of the sticking body 41 The configuration is different.

The stimulation device main body 40 includes the operation unit 12 and the display unit 13, and allows the user to perform an operation input to the control unit 15 housed inside and can display the information output from the control unit 15. It is composed of Specifically, the operation unit 12 is provided with a power button 12a and a pulse intensity adjustment button 12b, and the user can start and stop the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus B, or via the electrode 16 of the adhesive body 41. The intensity of the pulse current applied to a predetermined body part can be adjusted to an arbitrary intensity.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the adhesive body 41 has a substantially rectangular horizontally long shape, and is constituted by two flexible piece portions 11 extending from the central portion to the left and right.

A first electrode 16a and a second electrode 16b are disposed on the back surface side of each flexible piece 11, and a gel body 17 as a conductive attachment means is provided on each electrode 16 to allow the user's body The adhesive body 41 is configured to be attachable to a predetermined portion of

Further, at approximately the center of the adhesive body 41, a detection means 18 composed of a pressure sensor 18a, a temperature sensor 18b, a pulse sensor 18c, a blood flow sensor 18d and a myoelectric potential sensor 18e is disposed. It is electrically connected to the control unit 15 in the main body 40 via the cable 42.

Then, similarly to the above-described electrical muscle stimulation apparatus A, the control unit 15 is implemented with a predetermined program or the like capable of executing the processing shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the data of the change obtained from the detection means Use state information generation means for generating use state information including data of the low frequency pulse current application conditions and at least one of notification to the user and control to the pulse current application means based on the use condition information Output means are realized.

Therefore, the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus B having such a configuration can also provide the user with predetermined convenience according to the involuntary living body (response) change to the electrical stimulation. Can be provided.

Next, an electrical muscle stimulation system D constructed by providing an electrical muscle stimulation device C and an electrical muscle stimulation device C according to still another embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of the electrical muscle stimulation system D. As shown in FIG.

The electrical muscle stimulation system D includes an electrical muscle stimulation device C, a smartphone 51, and an information collecting server 52.

The electrical muscle stimulation device C has an appearance configuration substantially similar to that of the above-described electrical muscle stimulation device A, and its features are as described above, but wireless communication with the smartphone 51 as an external connection device The configuration is different in that it incorporates possible communication means. Specifically, in the electrical configuration described in FIG. 2, the communication unit is electrically connected to the control unit 15, receives information from the smartphone 51, and adjusts the pulse current intensity, It is possible to transmit information and use state information obtained from the detection means 18 to the smartphone 51.

In the smartphone 51, a predetermined application for operating the electrical muscle stimulation device C and the like is installed by the user and is in an executable state.

In addition to wireless communication with the electrical muscle stimulation device C, the smartphone 51 has a function as a mobile communication terminal connectable to the Internet, and can access the information collection server 52 via the Internet. And

The information collection server 52 is a server connected to the Internet, and stores usage state information obtained by the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus C owned by each separate user via the smartphone 51 and the Internet to construct a database .

In addition, the information collecting server 52 uses the database of constructed use state information, and is information on a tendency which can be derived significantly from the use state information collected from a plurality of users, which is a biological response to the application of pulse current. ), And transmits it to the smartphone 51 via the Internet.

When the predetermined application is launched, the smartphone 51 displays potential knowledge information as “recommendation information” on the display 55, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, and notifies the user.

Therefore, even in the electrical muscle stimulation system D having such a configuration, there is provided an electrical muscle stimulation apparatus capable of providing the user with a predetermined convenience in response to an involuntary living body (response) change to the electrical stimulation. Can be provided.

As described above, according to the electrical muscle stimulation apparatus according to the present embodiment, the attachment means for attaching to the predetermined body part of the user, and the pulse current application means for applying the low frequency pulse current to the predetermined body part And a detecting means for detecting a change in the predetermined body part with respect to the applied low frequency pulse current, data of a change obtained by the detecting means, and data of an applying condition of the low frequency pulse current Since the use state information generation means for generating information, and the output means for performing at least one of notification to the user or control to the pulse current giving means based on the use state information It is possible to provide the user with predetermined convenience in response to an involuntary biological (response) change to a target stimulus.

Finally, the description of each of the above-described embodiments is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For this reason, even if it is a range which does not deviate from the technical idea concerning the present invention even if it is other than each embodiment mentioned above, it is needless to say that various change is possible according to a design etc.

13 display unit 15 control unit 16 electrode 18 detection means 31 pulse current application circuit AC electrical muscle stimulation apparatus

Claims

Mounting means for mounting on a predetermined body part of the user;
Pulse current applying means for applying a low frequency pulse current to the predetermined body part;
Detection means for detecting a change in the predetermined body part with respect to the applied low frequency pulse current;
Usage state information generation means for generating usage state information including data of change obtained by the detection means and data of application conditions of the low frequency pulse current;
An electric muscle stimulation apparatus comprising: output means for executing at least one of notification to the user and control of the pulse current application means based on the use state information.
The said detection means is provided with the pressure sensor which measures the pressure which the said electrical muscle stimulation apparatus receives from the said predetermined body part by the body surface behavior accompanying application of the said low frequency pulse current, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Electrical muscle stimulation device.
The control to the pulse current application means in the output means is a preset pressure that the electric muscle stimulation apparatus should receive from the predetermined body part by the pressure information outputted from the pressure sensor and the appropriate body surface behavior. The electric muscle stimulation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the low-frequency pulse current intensity adjustment is performed based on a value and a value.
The detection means includes a biological sensor for measuring a physiological change at the predetermined body part accompanying the application of the low frequency pulse current, and the use state information also includes biological information obtained from the biological sensor. The electrical muscle stimulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
The electrical muscle stimulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising communication means for transmitting the use state information to an external connection device.
A plurality of electrical muscle stimulation devices according to claim 5;
A plurality of Internet connection terminals for transmitting usage state information received from one or more of the electrical muscle stimulation devices to an information collection server via the Internet;
An information collecting server that accumulates usage state information received from the Internet connection terminal and constructs a database;
The same information collection server uses the database constructed above to generate information on a tendency toward a biological reaction to the application of low frequency pulse current, which can be significantly derived from use state information collected from a plurality of users, An electrical muscle stimulation system comprising transmitting information on a tendency to the Internet connection terminal.