Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation System Based on Resonant Breathing

Abstract

This application is applicable to the field of medical technology and provides a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing for improving the stimulation effect on the activity of the human vagus nerve. The non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing in this application mainly includes: a determination unit for determining the resonant breathing frequency of the user, where the resonant breathing frequency is the breathing frequency corresponding to the state when the user is in resonant breathing; an output unit for outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation conforming to the resonant breathing frequency to the user at the resonant breathing frequency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of medical technology, and particularly relates to a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing. Background Art

[0002] The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve in the human body and is also the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system. The vagus nerve originates from the brainstem and is distributed to internal organs such as the outer ear, heart, lungs, stomach, and intestines, playing an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the internal environment of the body. From the perspective of fiber components, the vagus nerve belongs to a mixed nerve. On the one hand, the vagus nerve carries a large amount of visceral information into the central nervous system through afferent fibers, and affects the central autonomic neural network and neural circuits such as emotion and cognition through the ascending afferent pathway, producing effects such as relieving tension and anxiety emotions and improving cognitive function; on the other hand, the vagus nerve affects the organ functions of internal organs such as the heart, lungs, stomach, and intestines through efferent fibers, producing effects such as reducing heart rate and improving gastrointestinal digestion function. Therefore, high vagal nerve activity is considered a sign of health.

[0003] Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a neuromodulation technique used to enhance vagal nerve activity. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation applies electrical pulses to the vagus nerve through skin electrodes. Through the electrical pulses, the vagal nerve activity can be enhanced, and it can be achieved safely and non-invasively, which is widely applicable to sub-healthy people and disease populations.

[0004] Resonant breathing refers to the phenomenon of resonance in which the heart rate oscillation caused by breathing is consistent with the heart rate oscillation caused by vasoconstriction (or blood pressure change). Experiments show that it is possible to determine whether the current breathing frequency of the user is the resonant breathing frequency by monitoring the degree of change in heart rate variability. The resonant breathing frequency refers to the breathing frequency of the user when resonant breathing occurs; heart rate variability (HRV) refers to the variation between heartbeats. The blood pressure contraction frequency of vasoconstriction is consistent with the heart rate oscillation frequency it causes, which is approximately 4 to 7 times per minute. However, in the case of natural breathing of the user, the heart rate oscillation frequency caused by vasoconstriction (or blood pressure change) is different from the heart rate oscillation frequency and phase caused by breathing, showing a small and irregular heart rate oscillation amplitude. At this time, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation of the human body has relatively limited effects on improving vagal nerve activity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method and related device based on resonant breathing, aiming to improve the stimulation effect of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method on human vagal nerve activity in the prior art.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method based on resonant breathing, including:

[0007] Determine the resonant breathing frequency of the user, where the resonant breathing frequency is the breathing frequency corresponding to the user being in a resonant breathing state;

[0008] Output non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user at the resonant breathing frequency.

[0009] Optionally, determining the resonant breathing frequency of the user includes:

[0010] Monitor the user's current heart rate variability and current breathing frequency;

[0011] Guide the user to adjust the current breathing frequency;

[0012] When the current breathing frequency causes a change in the user's heart rate variability that exceeds a preset threshold, determine the current breathing frequency as the resonant breathing frequency of the user.

[0013] Optionally, guiding the user to adjust the current breathing frequency includes:

[0014] Guide the user to adjust the current breathing frequency in a perceptible manner, where the perceptible manner includes one or more of visual guidance, auditory guidance, and tactile guidance.

[0015] Optionally, the resonant breathing frequency includes: a general resonant breathing frequency or an individual resonant breathing frequency;

[0016] The general resonant breathing frequency is the breathing frequency corresponding to the user showing a heart rate oscillation of 6 times per minute;

[0017] The individual resonant breathing frequency is the individualized breathing frequency corresponding to the user entering resonant breathing.

[0018] Optionally, monitoring the user's current heart rate variability includes:

[0019] Collect the user's current electrocardiogram signal or photoplethysmogram signal;

[0020] Calculate the user's current heart rate variability based on the electrocardiogram signal or the photoplethysmogram signal.

[0021] Optionally, collecting the user's current electrocardiogram signal or photoplethysmogram signal includes:

[0022] Collect the user's current physiological signal through a physiological signal acquisition electrode, where the physiological signal includes the electrocardiogram signal or the photoplethysmogram signal;

[0023] Detect the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user;

[0024] When the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user is good contact, send a signal prompt indicating good contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user;

[0025] When the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user is poor contact, send a signal prompt indicating poor contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user.

[0026] Optionally, detecting the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user includes:

[0027] Detect the body impedance value of the user through the physiological signal acquisition electrode;

[0028] Judge whether the body impedance value exceeds a preset threshold;

[0029] If the body impedance value exceeds the preset threshold, it is determined that the contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user is poor;

[0030] If the body impedance value is equal to or lower than the preset threshold, it is determined that the contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user is good.

[0031] Optionally, after determining that the contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user is poor, the method includes:

[0032] When outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user, stop executing the step of outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user, and issue a warning.

[0033] In a second aspect, the present application provides a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing, including:

[0034] A determination unit for determining the resonant breathing frequency of the user, where the resonant breathing frequency is the breathing frequency corresponding to when the user is in a resonant breathing state;

[0035] An output unit for outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user in the resonant breathing frequency.

[0036] Optionally, when the determination unit determines the resonant breathing frequency of the user, it is specifically used for:

[0037] Monitor the user's current heart rate variability and current breathing frequency;

[0038] Guide the user to adjust the current breathing rate;

[0039] When the change in the user's heart rate variability caused by the current breathing rate exceeds a preset threshold, determine the current breathing rate as the user's resonant breathing rate.

[0040] Optionally, when the determining unit guides the user to adjust the current breathing rate, it is specifically configured to:

[0041] Guide the user to adjust the current breathing rate in a perceivable manner, and the perceivable manner includes one or more of visual guidance, auditory guidance, and tactile guidance.

[0042] Optionally, the resonant breathing rate includes: a general resonant breathing rate or a personal resonant breathing rate;

[0043] The general resonant breathing rate is the breathing rate corresponding to the user showing a heart rate oscillation of 6 times per minute;

[0044] The personal resonant breathing rate is the individualized breathing rate corresponding to the user entering resonant breathing.

[0045] Optionally, when the determining unit monitors the user's current heart rate variability, it is specifically configured to:

[0046] Collect the user's current electrocardiogram signal or photoplethysmogram signal;

[0047] Calculate the user's current heart rate variability based on the electrocardiogram signal or the photoplethysmogram signal.

[0048] Optionally, when the determining unit collects the user's current electrocardiogram signal or photoplethysmogram signal, it is specifically configured to:

[0049] Collect the user's current physiological signal through a physiological signal acquisition electrode, and the physiological signal includes the electrocardiogram signal or the photoplethysmogram signal;

[0050] A detection unit for detecting the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin;

[0051] A prompting unit for sending a signal prompt indicating that the contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin is good when the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin is good;

[0052] The prompting unit is further configured to, when the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin is poor contact, issue a signal prompt indicating poor contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin.

[0053] Optionally, when the detection unit detects the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin, it is specifically configured to:

[0054] Detect the body impedance value of the user through the physiological signal acquisition electrode;

[0055] The judgment unit is configured to judge whether the body impedance value exceeds a preset threshold;

[0056] The determination unit is further configured to, if the body impedance value exceeds the preset threshold, determine that the contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin is poor;

[0057] The determination unit is further configured to, if the body impedance value is equal to or lower than the preset threshold, determine that the contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin is good.

[0058] Optionally, the system includes:

[0059] The stopping unit is configured to, when outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonance breathing frequency to the user, stop executing the step of outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonance breathing frequency to the user and issue a warning.

[0060] In a third aspect, the present application provides a computer device, including:

[0061] A processor, a memory, a bus, an input / output interface, and a network interface;

[0062] The processor is connected to the memory, the input / output interface, and the network interface through the bus;

[0063] The memory stores a program;

[0064] When the processor executes the program stored in the memory, it implements the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method according to any one of the foregoing first aspects.

[0065] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which instructions are stored, and when the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method according to any one of the foregoing first aspects.

[0066] Fifth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which when executed on a computer causes the computer to execute the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method as described in any one of the foregoing first aspects.

[0067] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the embodiments of the present application have the following advantages:

[0068] Based on the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method of resonant breathing, the resonant breathing frequency of the user is first determined so that the subsequent steps can perform corresponding non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation according to this resonant breathing frequency, where the resonant breathing frequency is the breathing frequency corresponding to the user being in the state of resonant breathing; then, a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency is output to the user, so that the frequency of the heart rate oscillation caused by breathing of the user in the state of resonant breathing is the same as the frequency of the heart rate oscillation caused by vasoconstriction (or blood pressure change), resulting in a resonance phenomenon. At this time, outputting a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to this resonant breathing frequency to the user can effectively improve the stimulation effect of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method on the human vagus nerve activity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] Figure 1 It is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method based on resonant breathing of the present application;

[0070] Figure 2 It is a schematic flowchart of another embodiment of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method based on resonant breathing of the present application;

[0071] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing of the present application;

[0072] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of another embodiment of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing of the present application;

[0073] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the computer device of the present application;

[0074] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the network framework of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method based on resonant breathing of the present application;

[0075] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the division of functional modules of an embodiment of the hardware device for implementing the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method based on resonant breathing of the present application;

[0076] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the display effect of an embodiment interface of the target mobile terminal of the present application;

[0077] Figure 9 This is a physiological parameter curve graph for monitoring a certain user before entering the resonance breathing state, when entering the resonance breathing state, and after leaving the resonance breathing state in this application. Detailed implementation mode

[0078] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of this application clearer, the following further details this application in combination with the attached drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described here are only used to explain this application and are not used to limit this application.

[0079] Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a neuromodulation technique used to enhance vagus nerve activity. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation applies electrical pulses to the vagus nerve through skin electrodes, effectively enhancing vagus nerve activity, being safe and non-invasive, and widely applicable to sub-healthy people and diseased people. Recent studies have found that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation can regulate heart rate variability and produce the effects of reducing heart rate and enhancing HRV. Resonance breathing refers to the resonance phenomenon in which the heart rate oscillation caused by breathing is consistent with the heart rate oscillation caused by vasoconstriction (or blood pressure change). It is possible to determine whether the user's current breathing frequency is the resonance breathing frequency by monitoring the degree of change in heart rate variability. The resonance breathing frequency refers to the breathing frequency when the user is in the resonance breathing state. Heart rate variability (HRV) refers to the variation between heartbeats and can represent the degree of variation between adjacent heartbeats. It is a non-invasive detection method for quantitatively evaluating the regulation function of the cardiac autonomic nerve.

[0080] The following briefly introduces how to determine the user's resonance breathing frequency through heart rate variability in the prior art. Please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 The relevant physiological parameter curve graph obtained by monitoring various physiological indicators of the user through a monitoring device, Figure 9 The relevant data of refer to the literature titled "Characteristics of resonance in heart rate variability stimulated by biofeedback". The citation format of the above reference is: ( V asc hill oFor reference. For example, connect the physiological signal acquisition electrodes to the corresponding positions on the user's skin. By guiding the user to perform slow breathing, during which there should be no large movements as much as possible. Usually, the slow breathing test time is about 2 minutes. Then, calculate data information such as the user's heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and heart rate by feeding back the user's physiological signals through the physiological signal acquisition electrodes. When the current respiratory rate of the user causes a change in heart rate variability that exceeds the preset threshold, determine the current respiratory rate as the user's resonant breathing rate. Through multiple tests, the user can more accurately find their own resonant breathing rate. Figure 9 The first row and first column graph in the three-column and three-row curve graph shows: the curve of the change in respiratory volume over time under the condition of a heart rate oscillation of 6 times per minute for a certain user; Figure 9 The first row and second column graph in the three-column and three-row curve graph shows: the curve of the change in heart rate over time under the condition of a heart rate oscillation of 6 times per minute for this user; Figure 9 The first row and third column graph in the three-column and three-row curve graph shows: the curve of the degree of frequency change in heart rate variability under the condition of a heart rate oscillation of 6 times per minute for this user; Figure 9 The second row and first column graph in the three-column and three-row curve graph shows: the curve of the change in respiratory volume over time under the condition of a heart rate oscillation of 5.5 times per minute for a certain user; Figure 9 The second row and second column graph in the three-column and three-row curve graph shows: the curve of the change in heart rate over time under the condition of a heart rate oscillation of 5.5 times per minute for this user; Figure 9 The second row and third column graph in the three-column and three-row curve graph shows: the curve of the degree of frequency change in heart rate variability under the condition of a heart rate oscillation of 5.5 times per minute for this user; Figure 9 The second row and third column graph in the three-column and three-row curve graph shows: the curve of the degree of frequency change in heart rate variability under the condition of a heart rate oscillation of 5.5 times per minute for this user; Figure 9 The third row and first column graph in the three-column and three-row curve graph shows: the curve of the change in respiratory volume over time under the condition of a heart rate oscillation of 5 times per minute for a certain user; Figure 9 The third row and second column graph in the three-column and three-row curve graph shows: the curve of the change in heart rate over time under the condition of a heart rate oscillation of 5 times per minute for this user; Figure 9The graph in the third row and third column of the three-column and three-row graph shows the frequency change degree curve of the user's heart rate variability under the condition of a heart rate oscillation of 5 times per minute. From Figure 9 it can be seen that: when the user's heart rate oscillation is 5.5 times per minute, the frequency of the user's heart rate variability changes significantly. Then it can be considered that the user enters the state of resonant breathing at this time, and the corresponding breathing frequency of the user at this time is the resonant breathing frequency. Relevant research shows that the breathing frequency of most people is 12 to 20 times per minute, the heart rate oscillation frequency caused by the breathing frequency is about 4 to 7 times per minute, and the heart rate oscillation frequency corresponding to most people when entering the state of resonant breathing is about 6 times per minute.

[0081] Heart rate variability can be used as an objective indicator to evaluate the activity of the vagus nerve. An increase in heart rate variability means an enhancement of the function of the vagus nerve. Neuroscience research has confirmed that the activity of the vagus nerve is closely related to respiratory activity, and its response fluctuates periodically under the influence of the individual's own respiratory rhythm. The close relationship between the activity of the vagus nerve and respiratory activity is externally manifested as: during inhalation, the activity of the vagus nerve is inhibited, the heart rate increases, and the heart rate variability decreases; during exhalation, the inhibition of the vagus nerve is released, the activity of the vagus nerve is restored, the heart rate slows down, and the heart rate variability increases. Therefore, applying vagus nerve stimulation at a specific phase of the respiratory cycle, such as applying electrical pulse stimulation during the exhalation phase, can enhance the effect of vagus nerve stimulation. The breathing frequency usually describes the number of breaths per minute of a normal person, that is, one breath includes one inhalation and one exhalation. The heart rate refers to the number of heartbeats per minute of a normal person at rest. Applying non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that matches the resonant breathing frequency to the user in the state of resonant breathing can effectively improve the stimulation effect of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method on the activity of the human vagus nerve. In addition, please refer to Figure 6, the network framework of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method based on resonant breathing in this application includes: a hardware device 610 for implementing non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, a target mobile terminal 620, a local server 630, and a cloud server 640. The hardware device 610 is generally connected to the local server 630 through a wired network. The hardware device 610 is generally connected to the target mobile terminal 620 and the cloud server 640 through a wireless network. The target mobile terminal 620 is generally connected to the local server 630 and the cloud server 640 through a wireless network. The local server 630 and the cloud server 640 can generally be connected through a wired network or a wireless network. For example: the wireless communication method is one or more of communication methods such as a Bluetooth network, a WiFi network, a 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G network, etc. The wired network connection can be one or more of standard interface communication methods such as optical fiber, USB, etc. It should be noted that the number of the above-mentioned hardware device 610, target mobile terminal 620, local server 630, and cloud server 640 for implementing non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation can be multiple respectively. Here, only one of each is taken as an example for illustration, and in actual applications, several combinations and selections can be made according to needs.

[0082] Specifically, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 is a functional module division embodiment of the hardware device 610 for implementing the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method based on resonant breathing in this application. The hardware device includes: a physiological signal acquisition module 611, a physiological signal processing module 612, a processor 613, a vagus nerve stimulation module 614, a breathing guidance module 615, an interaction module 616, a human body impedance detection module 617, and a warning module 618. Among them, the physiological signal acquisition module 611 obtains physiological signals such as the electrocardiogram signal, respiratory signal, photoplethysmogram signal, and electroencephalogram signal of the user 700 through the acquisition electrodes arranged on the user 700; the physiological signal acquisition module 611 transmits the physiological signals obtained from the user 700 to the physiological signal processing module 612. The physiological signal processing module 612 converts the physiological signals obtained from the physiological signal acquisition module 611 from analog signals into digital signals and performs real-time analysis on the digital physiological signals. For example, the physiological signal processing module 612 can analyze the respiratory phase of the user 700 from the respiratory signal and analyze the heartbeat R peak of the user 700 from the electrocardiogram signal. At the same time, the physiological signal processing module 612 can also calculate a series of physiological parameters such as the heart rate, heart rate variability, and electrocardiogram-electroencephalogram coupling of the user 700 according to the physiological signals fed back by the physiological signal acquisition module 611;

[0083] The processor 613 is generally a microcontroller unit (MCU), also known as a single-chip microcomputer or a microcontroller. The processor 613 is used to receive a series of physiological parameters reported by the physiological information processing module 612 and forward this series of physiological parameters to the breathing guidance module 615; the processor 613 is also used to receive the confirmation signal reported by the interaction module 616 that the user has entered the resonant breathing state, and then the processor 613 controls the vagus nerve stimulation module 614 to output an appropriate electrical pulse to the user; the processor 613 is also used to receive the human impedance value of the user 700 collected by the human impedance detection module 617. Usually, the acquisition electrodes of the human impedance detection module 617 and the acquisition electrodes of the physiological signal acquisition module are integrated together, and the proper connection of the acquisition electrodes during use is ensured by detecting the human impedance value of the user, which to a certain extent guarantees the signal quality; the warning module 618 is used to issue a warning in a timely manner when a failure occurs in the hardware device 610 (for example, the processor 613 confirms that the human impedance detection module 617 detects a sudden large fluctuation in the human impedance value, which may be due to poor contact between the acquisition electrode and the human body, etc.), playing a reminder role; the breathing guidance module 615 can guide the user to breathe at a specific frequency according to pre-set parameters (such as breathing frequency, inhalation / exhalation ratio, inhalation / exhalation end breath-holding time, etc.), and outputs various forms of guidance through the interaction module 616, such as visual guidance, auditory guidance or tactile guidance, etc.; the interaction module 616 in this case is integrated with a communication sub-module (Bluetooth, WiFi, RJ-45, etc.), a display screen, buttons (touchpad), a speaker, a vibration motor, etc. The communication sub-module is used to establish communication connections with the target mobile terminal 620, the local server 630, the cloud server 640, etc. The display screen, buttons, speaker and vibration motor, etc. are used to provide visual guidance, auditory guidance or tactile guidance to the user on-site. The interaction module 616 realizes the interaction between the user and the hardware device 610; the vagus nerve stimulation module 614 can output electrical pulses and adjust the stimulation parameters according to the user's settings. For example: adjust the stimulation mode (Burst / Tonic), frequency (Hz), pulse width (us), single / double phase, stimulation duration, output current intensity and other parameters. The output current intensity of the hardware device used to implement the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method based on resonant breathing in this case can be adjusted between 0 and 6 mA.

[0084] It should be noted that when the user communicates and connects the target mobile terminal 620 (usually intelligent terminals such as mobile phones and tablets) with the hardware device 610 for implementing the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method based on resonant breathing in this application, it usually interacts with the user on the target mobile terminal 620 in the form of a software application (APP). The user can perform a series of functions such as setting parameters, controlling the hardware device 610, and networking and analyzing the collected physiological signals through the corresponding software application on the target mobile terminal 620. In terms of guiding the user into the resonant breathing state, the software application of the target mobile terminal 620 can also output one or more of visual guidance, auditory guidance, and tactile guidance. For example, diverse breathing guidance forms include forms such as light music and small games to meet the needs of users in different scenarios. In addition, the software application of the target mobile terminal 620 can receive in real time the physiological signals sent by the hardware device 610 through the interaction module 616, calculate a series of indicators that can indicate vagus nerve activity such as heart rate, heart rate variability, and electrocardiogram-electroencephalogram coupling through the target mobile terminal 620, and reduce the computing power expenditure of the hardware device 610. Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 which shows an embodiment of the interface display effect of the target mobile terminal 620. The upper half area 621 shows the electrocardiogram waveform and heart rate, and the lower half area 622 shows the breathing guidance waveform (solid line) and the actual breathing waveform (dashed line), as well as the phase coupling degree between the two. When the coupling degree is increased to more than 90%, it can be considered that the user has entered the resonant breathing state. Then, when the button 623 for starting stimulation is clicked, a confirmation signal is generated. The target mobile terminal 620 sends the confirmation signal to the hardware device 610, and the hardware device 610 receives the confirmation signal through the interaction module 616. The processor 613 controls the vagus nerve stimulation module 614 to apply an electrical pulse to the user's body during the exhalation phase. In addition, the software application of the target mobile terminal 620 can synchronize the usage records of the hardware device 610 and connect to the local server 630 and the cloud server 640 for synchronous storage, management, and calculation of data, providing a better user experience for the user.

[0085] Based on the above understanding, please refer to Figure 1 , an embodiment of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method based on resonant breathing in this application includes:

[0086] 101. Determine the resonant breathing frequency of the user, where the resonant breathing frequency is the breathing frequency corresponding to when the user is in the resonant breathing state.

[0087] This step is required to determine the resonant breathing frequency of the user undergoing non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, so as to determine the breathing frequency that can enable the user to enter the working breathing state, and the subsequent steps can perform corresponding non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation according to this resonant breathing frequency. For example, the working breathing frequency can adopt the general resonant breathing frequency or the individual resonant breathing frequency. The general resonant breathing frequency is the breathing frequency when most users exhibit the resonant breathing state. For example, the breathing frequency corresponding to the heart rate oscillation of 6 times per minute (i.e., 6 bpm or 0.1 Hz) exhibited by the user. The general resonant breathing frequency has universality and is suitable for most users; the individual resonant breathing frequency is the individualized breathing frequency corresponding to when the user enters the resonant breathing state. The individual resonant breathing frequency varies from person to person and requires the user to perform the detection similar to the above Figure 9 embodiments to obtain, which is personalized and has a better effect during subsequent non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation.

[0088] 102. Output non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user.

[0089] After step 101 determines the resonant breathing frequency of the user, this step outputs non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user through electrodes. For example, during the exhalation phase of the user, an electrical pulse stimulation with a preset current intensity is applied to the electrode attached to the skin of the user's vagus nerve, which can further improve the effect of vagus nerve stimulation.

[0090] It can be seen that the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method based on resonant breathing in this application determines the resonant breathing frequency of the user, where the resonant breathing frequency is the breathing frequency corresponding to when the user is in the resonant breathing state, so that the subsequent steps can perform corresponding non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation according to this resonant breathing frequency; then output non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user, so that the frequency of the heart rate oscillation caused by breathing of the user in the resonant breathing state is consistent with the frequency of the heart rate oscillation caused by vasoconstriction (or blood pressure change), resulting in a resonance phenomenon. At this time, outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to this resonant breathing frequency to the user can effectively improve the stimulation effect of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method on the human vagus nerve activity.

[0091] Please refer to Figure 2 , another embodiment of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method based on resonant breathing in this application, includes:

[0092] 201. Monitor the user's current heart rate variability and current breathing frequency.

[0093] In this step, the current physiological signals of the user can be collected by physiological signal acquisition electrodes. The physiological signals can include electrocardiogram (ECG) signals or photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals. Then, the current heart rate variability of the user can be calculated based on the ECG signals or PPG signals. Calculating the user's heart rate variability through ECG signals or PPG signals is a prior art, so it will not be described in detail here. For example, by attaching the acquisition electrodes of the above-introduced hardware device 610 to the skin surface at a specific position of the user's vagus nerve and starting the hardware device 610, various physiological signals of the user can be collected by the physiological signal acquisition module 611. In practical applications, a chest strap or other means can be used to collect physiological signals such as the user's respiratory signal, and then the current respiratory rate of the user can be calculated based on the respiratory signal. Calculating the user's current respiratory rate based on the respiratory signal is a relatively mature prior art and will not be elaborated here. It should be noted that in this step, the method of collecting physiological signals is not limited.

[0094] 202. Guide the user to adjust the current respiratory rate in a perceivable way.

[0095] To effectively guide the user to adjust the current respiratory rate, this step can use one or more perceivable ways including visual guidance, auditory guidance, and tactile guidance to guide the user to adjust the current respiratory rate. The process of guiding the user to adjust the respiratory rate in a perceivable way in this step can be carried out by the interaction module of the hardware device for non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, or by the target mobile terminal. When this step is executed by the target mobile terminal, the hardware device needs to send the heart rate, respiratory rate, etc. to the target mobile terminal, and then the target mobile terminal guides the user to adjust the respiratory rate in a perceivable way.

[0096] 203. When the current respiratory rate causes a change in the user's heart rate variability that exceeds a preset threshold, determine the current respiratory rate as the user's resonant respiratory rate.

[0097] It can be understood that the resonant respiratory rates of different users are usually different. When the current respiratory rate of a certain user is closer to the resonant respiratory rate, a significant change in their heart rate variability will occur. In this step, a preset threshold can be set for the change value of the heart rate variability. As long as the current respiratory rate causes a change in the user's heart rate variability that exceeds the preset threshold, the current respiratory rate is considered the user's resonant respiratory rate. That is, the resonant respiratory rate can be considered a range value, which is conducive to quickly determining the user's resonant respiratory rate.

[0098] 204. Output non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant respiratory rate to the user.

[0099] After step 203 determines the user's resonant breathing frequency, this step can output non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user through electrodes. For example, during the exhalation phase of the user, an electrical pulse stimulation with a preset current intensity is applied to the electrode attached to the skin at the user's vagus nerve, which can further improve the effect of vagus nerve stimulation.

[0100] In another embodiment, this step can also receive a confirmation signal that the user has entered the resonant breathing state to avoid misoperations of the hardware device automation and effectively control the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation of the user. For example, this step can first receive a confirmation signal that the user has entered the resonant breathing state from the target mobile terminal or the interaction module of the hardware device, and then output non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user.

[0101] 205. Determine whether the human body impedance value exceeds a preset threshold. If it is determined that the human body impedance value exceeds the preset threshold, execute step 207; if it is determined that the human body impedance value does not exceed the preset threshold, execute step 206.

[0102] When collecting the user's current physiological signals through the physiological signal acquisition electrodes in step 201, the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrodes and the user's skin can also be detected. For example, the human body impedance value of the user is detected through the physiological signal acquisition electrodes. When the physiological signal acquisition electrodes detect that the human body impedance value exceeds the preset threshold, it indicates that the physiological signal acquisition electrodes may be in poor contact with the user's skin; when the physiological signal acquisition electrodes detect that the human body impedance value does not exceed the preset threshold, it indicates that the physiological signal acquisition electrodes are in good contact with the user's skin, and the physiological signal acquisition electrodes in good contact can be used to ensure the quality of physiological signal acquisition. Similarly, the human body impedance value of the user can also be detected by using the electrical pulse stimulation electrodes of the vagus nerve stimulation module. When the electrical pulse stimulation electrodes detect that the human body impedance value exceeds the preset threshold, it indicates that the electrical pulse stimulation electrodes may be in poor contact with the user's skin; when the electrical pulse stimulation electrodes detect that the human body impedance value does not exceed the preset threshold, it indicates that the electrical pulse stimulation electrodes are in good contact with the user's skin, and the electrical pulse stimulation electrodes in good contact can be used to ensure the quality of electrical pulse stimulation.

[0103] 206. Send a signal prompt indicating good contact.

[0104] When it is determined in step 205 that the human body impedance value does not exceed the preset threshold, it indicates that the physiological signal acquisition electrodes and the electrical pulse stimulation electrodes are in good contact with the user's skin. This step can send a signal prompt indicating that the physiological signal acquisition electrodes and the electrical pulse stimulation electrodes are in good contact with the user's skin. For example, visual prompts are given through the green prompt text on the screen of the target mobile terminal, and voice prompts are played through the speaker to indicate that the electrodes are connected normally.

[0105] 207. Send a signal prompt indicating poor contact.

[0106] When it is determined in step 205 that the human body impedance value exceeds the preset threshold, it indicates that the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the electrical pulse stimulation electrode are not in good contact with the user's skin. In this step, a signal prompt indicating that the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the electrical pulse stimulation electrode are not in good contact with the user's skin can be issued. For example, visual prompts can be given through the red prompt text on the screen of the target mobile terminal, and voice prompts can be played through the speaker to indicate abnormal electrode connection, etc.

[0107] 208. Stop executing the step of outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user, and issue a warning.

[0108] When it is determined in step 207 that the human body impedance value exceeds the preset threshold, the stimulation current for vagus nerve stimulation in step 204 may mainly flow to the surface layer of the user's skin rather than into the vagus nerve. Therefore, stopping the electrical pulse stimulation when the human body impedance value is too large can ensure safety in use and improve the effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation. At the same time, in this step, a warning will be issued, and the form of the warning can be presented through the red warning color and text reminder on the screen of the target mobile terminal, voice reminder through the speaker, etc. The form of the warning is not limited here.

[0109] It can be seen that this method guides the user into the resonant breathing state, making the frequency of the heart rate oscillation caused by breathing of the user in the resonant breathing state consistent with the frequency of the heart rate oscillation caused by vasoconstriction (or blood pressure change), resulting in a resonance phenomenon. At this time, outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to this resonant breathing frequency to the user can effectively improve the stimulation effect of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method on the human vagus nerve activity.

[0110] When outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the phase of the target breathing frequency to the user, relevant parameters of the hardware device can be set. If the current parameters are different from the previous ones, the following parameters need to be reset: breathing-related parameters (breathing frequency, inhalation / exhalation ratio, inhalation / exhalation end breath-holding time), vagus nerve stimulation-related parameters (stimulation mode, frequency, pulse width, single / double phase, stimulation duration), and associated parameters such as the phase of the stimulation output relative to breathing and the stimulation time within each breathing cycle. For the phase of the stimulation relative to breathing, it is generally recommended to be the exhalation phase to improve the vagus nerve stimulation effect. The stimulation intensity can also be adjusted according to the user's own feelings to find an appropriate stimulation intensity for adjustment.

[0111] The above embodiments have described the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method based on resonant breathing of the present application. Next, the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing of the present application will be described. Please refer to Figure 3 , an embodiment of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing includes:

[0112] Determination unit 301, configured to determine the resonant breathing frequency of a user, where the resonant breathing frequency is the breathing frequency corresponding to the user being in a resonant breathing state;

[0113] Output unit 302, configured to output non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user at the resonant breathing frequency.

[0114] The non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing in the embodiments of the present application performs operations similar to those performed in the foregoing Figure 1 embodiments, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0115] Please refer to Figure 4 , another embodiment of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing includes:

[0116] Determination unit 401, configured to determine the resonant breathing frequency of a user, where the resonant breathing frequency is the breathing frequency corresponding to the user being in a resonant breathing state;

[0117] Output unit 402, configured to output non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user at the resonant breathing frequency.

[0118] Optionally, when determining the resonant breathing frequency of the user, the determination unit 401 is specifically configured to:

[0119] Monitor the user's current heart rate variability and current breathing frequency;

[0120] Guide the user to adjust the current breathing frequency;

[0121] When the change in the user's heart rate variability caused by the current breathing frequency exceeds a preset threshold, determine the current breathing frequency as the resonant breathing frequency of the user.

[0122] Optionally, when guiding the user to adjust the current breathing frequency, the determination unit 401 is specifically configured to:

[0123] Guide the user to adjust the current breathing frequency in a perceivable manner, where the perceivable manner includes one or more of visual guidance, auditory guidance, and tactile guidance.

[0124] Optionally, the resonant breathing frequency includes: a general resonant breathing frequency or a personal resonant breathing frequency;

[0125] The general resonant breathing frequency is the breathing frequency corresponding to the user showing a heart rate oscillation of 6 times per minute;

[0126] The personal resonant breathing frequency is the individualized breathing frequency corresponding to the user entering resonant breathing.

[0127] Optionally, when the determining unit 401 monitors the current heart rate variability of the user, it is specifically configured to:

[0128] Collect the current electrocardiogram signal or photoplethysmogram signal of the user;

[0129] Calculate the current heart rate variability of the user based on the electrocardiogram signal or the photoplethysmogram signal.

[0130] Optionally, when the determining unit 401 collects the current electrocardiogram signal or photoplethysmogram signal of the user, it is specifically configured to:

[0131] Collect the current physiological signal of the user through a physiological signal acquisition electrode, where the physiological signal includes the electrocardiogram signal or the photoplethysmogram signal;

[0132] The detection unit 403 is configured to detect the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user;

[0133] The prompting unit 404 is configured to send a signal prompt indicating that the contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user is good when the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user is good;

[0134] The prompting unit 404 is further configured to send a signal prompt indicating that the contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user is poor when the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user is poor.

[0135] Optionally, when the detection unit 403 detects the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user, it is specifically configured to:

[0136] Detect the body impedance value of the user through the physiological signal acquisition electrode;

[0137] The judgment unit 405 is configured to judge whether the body impedance value exceeds a preset threshold;

[0138] The determining unit 401 is further configured to determine that the contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user is poor if the body impedance value exceeds the preset threshold;

[0139] The determining unit 401 is further configured to determine that the contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the skin of the user is good if the body impedance value is equal to or lower than the preset threshold.

[0140] Optionally, the system includes:

[0141] A stop unit 406, configured to stop performing the step of outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user and issue a warning when outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user.

[0142] The non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing in the embodiments of the present application performs operations similar to those performed in the foregoing Figure 2 embodiments, and will not be elaborated herein.

[0143] The non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing in the present application determines the resonant breathing frequency of the user, where the resonant breathing frequency is the breathing frequency corresponding to the user being in a resonant breathing state, so that subsequent steps can perform corresponding non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation according to the resonant breathing frequency; then output non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user, so that the frequency of the heart rate oscillation caused by breathing of the user in the resonant breathing state is consistent with the frequency of the heart rate oscillation caused by vasoconstriction (or blood pressure change), resulting in a resonance phenomenon. At this time, outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user can effectively improve the stimulation effect of the non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation method on the human vagus nerve activity.

[0144] The computer device in the embodiments of the present application will be described below. Please refer to Figure 5 , an embodiment of the computer device in the embodiments of the present application includes:

[0145] The computer device 500 may include one or more processors (central processing units, CPUs) 501 and a memory 502, and one or more application programs or data are stored in the memory 502. Among them, the memory 502 is volatile storage or persistent storage. The program stored in the memory 502 may include one or more modules, and each module may include a series of instruction operations on the computer device. Further, the processor 501 may be configured to communicate with the memory 502 and execute a series of instruction operations in the memory 502 on the computer device 500. The computer device 500 may also include one or more network interfaces 503, one or more input / output interfaces 504, and / or one or more operating systems, such as Windows Server, Mac OS, Unix, Linux, FreeBSD, etc. The processor 501 may perform the operations performed in the foregoing Figures 1 to 2 illustrated embodiments, and will not be elaborated herein specifically.

[0146] In several embodiments provided by the embodiments of the present application, those skilled in the art should understand that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the unit is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the displayed or discussed coupling or direct coupling or communication connection to each other can be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of the device or unit can be in an electrical, mechanical, or other form.

[0147] In addition, each functional unit in various embodiments of the present application can be integrated in a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the present application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), magnetic disks, or optical discs, and other various media that can store program codes.

[0148] The foregoing is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, or improvement made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing, characterized in that, Comprising: A determination unit, configured to determine the resonance breathing frequency of a user, where the resonance breathing frequency is the breathing frequency corresponding to the user being in a resonance breathing state; An output unit, configured to output non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation conforming to the resonance breathing frequency to the user at the resonance breathing frequency.

2. The non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the determination unit determines the resonance breathing frequency of the user, it is specifically configured to: Monitor the user's current heart rate variability and current breathing frequency; Guide the user to adjust the current breathing frequency; When the change in the user's heart rate variability caused by the current breathing frequency exceeds a preset threshold, determine the current breathing frequency as the resonance breathing frequency of the user.

3. The non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the determination unit guides the user to adjust the current breathing frequency, it is specifically configured to: Guide the user to adjust the current breathing frequency in a perceivable manner, where the perceivable manner includes one or more of visual guidance, auditory guidance, and tactile guidance.

4. The non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The resonance breathing frequency includes: a general resonance breathing frequency or an individual resonance breathing frequency; The general resonance breathing frequency is the breathing frequency corresponding to the user showing a heart rate oscillation of 6 times per minute; The individual resonance breathing frequency is the individualized breathing frequency corresponding to the user entering a resonance breathing state.

5. The non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the determination unit monitors the user's current heart rate variability, it is specifically configured to: Collect the user's current electrocardiogram signal or photoplethysmogram signal; Calculate the user's current heart rate variability based on the electrocardiogram signal or the photoplethysmogram signal.

6. The non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the determination unit collects the user's current electrocardiogram signal or photoplethysmogram signal, it is specifically configured to: Collect the user's current physiological signal through a physiological signal acquisition electrode, where the physiological signal includes the electrocardiogram signal or the photoplethysmogram signal; A detection unit, configured to detect the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin; A prompt unit, configured to emit a signal prompt indicating that the contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin is good when the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin is good; The prompt unit is further configured to emit a signal prompt indicating that the contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin is poor when the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin is poor.

7. The non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the detection unit detects the contact state between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin, it is specifically configured to: Detect the user's body impedance value through the physiological signal acquisition electrode; A judgment unit, configured to judge whether the body impedance value exceeds a preset threshold; The determination unit is further configured to determine that the contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin is poor if the body impedance value exceeds the preset threshold; The determination unit is further configured to determine that the contact between the physiological signal acquisition electrode and the user's skin is good if the body impedance value is equal to or lower than the preset threshold.

8. The non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system based on resonant breathing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The system includes: A stop unit, configured to stop performing the step of outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user and issue a warning when outputting non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation that conforms to the resonant breathing frequency to the user.

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