Intelligent meridian therapy instrument

Abstract

The application provides a smart meridian therapy instrument, compared with the prior art, the smart meridian therapy instrument comprises an acupuncture module which is in contact with the skin of a patient to perform acupuncture, a data storage module which pre-stores relevant operation information of the acupuncture module, and an instruction generation module which drives the acupuncture module to automatically perform acupuncture treatment on the patient. The smart meridian therapy instrument of the application provides more efficient, safe and comfortable acupuncture treatment experience for the patient through its comprehensive, accurate and automatic design.

Description

A smart meridian flow therapy device Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an intelligent meridian flow therapy device. Background Technology

[0002] The Meridian Flow Theory, also known as Meridian Acupuncture, is a type of acupuncture therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine that treats diseases by applying acupuncture at specific times of day. This method posits that the body's Qi and blood circulation reaches peaks at different times of day, and therefore, stimulating specific acupoints during these peak times yields better therapeutic effects. The Meridian Flow Theory divides the day into 12 two-hour periods, each corresponding to specific meridians and internal organs; thus, selecting different acupuncture methods at different times allows for targeted treatment of related diseases.

[0003] This research team has conducted extensive research and review of relevant records on acupuncture therapy devices, utilizing relevant resources and conducting numerous experiments. Through extensive searches, they discovered existing technologies such as those disclosed in CN105213174B, CN101172186A, CN105816958B, and CN101947190B, including a prior art disclosure of a Meridian Flow Low-Frequency Diagnostic Therapy Device and its method for querying acupoints. This Meridian Flow Diagnostic Low-Frequency Therapy Device includes a display terminal module, a control module, and an output module. Its key feature is that the storage device in the control module stores an acupoint data database and a disease data database. A computer model is established between these two databases based on the "Meridian Flow" and "Linggui Bafa" time-based acupuncture principles. The software interface prompts the user to find treatment items corresponding to their symptoms and then suggests the appropriate time and method for treatment or health maintenance based on the user's selection. Essentially, this invention provides users with treatment plans and optimal treatment times for intelligent acupuncture systems.

[0004] This invention was made to address the common problems in the field of acupuncture treatment, such as poor acupuncture point fit and poor acupuncture effect during automatic acupuncture treatment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings existing in the field by proposing an intelligent meridian flow therapy device.

[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A smart meridian flow therapy device includes an acupuncture module that comes into contact with the patient's skin to perform acupuncture, a data storage module that pre-stores relevant operational information of the acupuncture module, and an instruction generation module that drives the acupuncture module to perform automatic acupuncture treatment on the patient.

[0008] The data storage module includes: a body region segmentation algorithm for dividing human images into several adjacent body regions based on image edges and area ratios; time-based body region matching data for body regions requiring acupuncture treatment at different times of the day; and intensity matching data for different body regions at different times with varying acupuncture intensities.

[0009] The acupuncture intensity includes parameters such as the frequency of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generator within the acupuncture unit and the extension length of the miniature telescopic drive rod.

[0010] The acupuncture module includes a bed for the patient to lie on, a physiotherapy board horizontally positioned above the bed, a lifting drive for moving the physiotherapy board upwards and downwards relative to the bed, several pressure sensors arranged in a matrix on the bed, several acupuncture units arranged in a matrix on the physiotherapy board, and a heating unit for heating the acupuncture units, wherein the acupuncture units and pressure sensors are arranged sequentially opposite each other.

[0011] The instruction generation module generates acupuncture operation instructions for the physiotherapy board based on the detection information from the pressure sensor and the corresponding matching from the data storage module.

[0012] Furthermore, each acupuncture unit includes a recessed groove recessed on the bottom wall of the physiotherapy board and facing the top wall of the board, a telescopic drive rod fixed to the top wall of the recessed groove, a fixing block fixed to the bottom of the telescopic drive rod, two extension pieces horizontally arranged and fixed to the side walls of the fixing block, an ultrasonic generator embedded in the fixing block, an acupuncture needle vertically fixed to the bottom of the fixing block, a limiting unit configured in the recessed groove to limit the range of motion of the extension pieces, and a buffer unit configured in the recessed groove to buffer the lifting and lowering movement of the extension pieces.

[0013] The lifting drive mechanism lowers the physiotherapy board to the preset height of the bed, and then the acupuncture module drives the acupuncture needles out of the recessed groove to perform acupuncture treatment on the patient lying on the bed.

[0014] Furthermore, the limiting unit includes at least two symmetrical and vertically arranged linear slide rails on the side wall of the recessed groove, at least two limiting blocks that are respectively movably fitted in each linear slide rail, and at least two miniature telescopic drive rods whose tops are respectively fixed to the top wall of the recessed groove and whose bottoms are respectively fixed to the top wall of each limiting block. The height of the limiting block in the side wall is further determined by the telescopic movement of the miniature telescopic drive rods. At least a portion of the limiting block is limited within the linear slide rail, and at least a portion of the limiting block extends horizontally out of the linear slide rail.

[0015] Furthermore, the buffer unit includes a buffer spring with one end fixed to the bottom wall of the extension piece and the other end extending towards the bottom of the extension piece, and an abutment piece horizontally fixed to the bottom of the buffer spring, wherein at least one buffer unit is fixedly fitted on each extension piece.

[0016] The abutting piece is eventually abutted against the top wall of the limiting block during its downward movement to stop its movement, and the buffer unit further limits the length of the acupuncture needle extending out of the recessed groove.

[0017] Furthermore, the heating unit includes an airflow channel disposed inside the physiotherapy plate, a temperature sensor disposed on the inner wall of each recessed groove, a connecting channel connecting the recessed groove and the airflow channel, and an air supply device connected to the airflow channel for supplying airflow at a preset temperature to the airflow channel.

[0018] The beneficial effects achieved by this invention are:

[0019] 1. The therapeutic device of this invention has a built-in data storage module, which can select appropriate acupuncture points, acupuncture intensity and duration according to different times, making the treatment more personalized and precise. Patients can lie on a specially designed bed, providing a more comfortable experience. The acupuncture units and pressure sensors on the physiotherapy board are arranged in a matrix, which can more comprehensively cover the patient's body and ensure the treatment effect. The built-in ultrasonic generator may provide additional effects for the treatment, enhancing the depth and effect of the treatment. The lifting drive design of the physiotherapy board ensures that the physiotherapy board can be adjusted to a height suitable for different patients, increasing the applicability of the therapeutic device.

[0020] 2. The acupuncture intensity includes not only the ultrasonic frequency emitted by the ultrasonic generator, but also the extension length of the micro telescopic drive rod, which provides multifunctional acupuncture intensity adjustment for treatment. The intelligent meridian flow therapy instrument of the present invention provides patients with a more efficient, safe and comfortable acupuncture treatment experience through its comprehensive, precise and automated design.

[0021] 3. The present invention uses real-time data acquired by pressure sensors to ensure accurate detection of the patient's position, thus ensuring the accuracy of acupuncture treatment. Furthermore, it operates according to the specific pressure distribution of each patient, ensuring personalized treatment. The automated acupuncture treatment process reduces the time spent on manual operations and decision-making, accelerating the entire treatment process. Through this instruction generation module, the present invention not only improves the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment but also provides patients with a more comfortable and efficient treatment experience. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The invention will be further understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather the emphasis is on illustrating the principles of the embodiments. In different views, the same reference numerals designate corresponding parts.

[0023] Figure 1 is a modular schematic diagram of the intelligent meridian flow therapy device of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the acupuncture module of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of Figure 2A of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 is a modular schematic diagram of the acupuncture module of the present invention.

[0027] Explanation of the reference numerals: 1-Therapeutic plate; 2-Recessed groove; 3-Telescopic drive rod; 4-Miniature telescopic drive rod; 5-Linear slide rail; 6-Buffer spring; 7-Limiting block; 8-Abutment piece; 9-Acupuncture needle; 10-Extension piece; 11-Fixing block. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to its embodiments. It should be noted that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention. Other systems, methods, and / or features of this embodiment will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description. Furthermore, the terminology used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting this patent. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] Example 1: Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, this example constructs an intelligent meridian flow therapy device. The intelligent meridian flow therapy device includes an acupuncture module that contacts the patient's skin for acupuncture treatment, a data storage module that pre-stores relevant operational information of the acupuncture module, and an instruction generation module that drives the acupuncture module to automatically perform acupuncture treatment on the patient.

[0030] The data storage module includes: a body region segmentation algorithm for dividing human images into several adjacent body regions based on image edges and area ratios; time-based body region matching data for body regions requiring acupuncture treatment at different times of the day; and intensity matching data for different body regions at different times with varying acupuncture intensities.

[0031] The acupuncture intensity includes parameters such as the frequency of the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generator within the acupuncture unit and the extension length of the miniature telescopic drive rod.

[0032] The acupuncture module includes a bed for the patient to lie on, a physiotherapy board horizontally positioned above the bed, a lifting drive for moving the physiotherapy board upwards and downwards relative to the bed, several pressure sensors arranged in a matrix on the bed, several acupuncture units arranged in a matrix on the physiotherapy board, and a heating unit for heating the acupuncture units, wherein the acupuncture units and pressure sensors are arranged sequentially opposite each other.

[0033] The instruction generation module generates acupuncture operation instructions for the physiotherapy board based on the detection information from the pressure sensor and the corresponding matching from the data storage module.

[0034] Each acupuncture unit includes a recessed groove on the bottom wall of the physiotherapy board, recessed towards the top wall of the board; a telescopic drive rod fixed to the top wall of the recessed groove; a fixing block fixed to the bottom of the telescopic drive rod; two extension pieces horizontally arranged and fixed to the side walls of the fixing block; an ultrasonic generator embedded in the fixing block; an acupuncture needle vertically fixed to the bottom of the fixing block; a limiting unit configured in the recessed groove to limit the range of motion of the extension pieces; and a buffer unit configured in the recessed groove to buffer the lifting and lowering movement of the extension pieces.

[0035] The lifting drive mechanism lowers the physiotherapy board to the preset height of the bed, and then the acupuncture module pushes the acupuncture needles out of the recessed groove to perform acupuncture treatment on the patient lying on the bed.

[0036] The therapeutic device of this invention has a built-in data storage module, which can select appropriate acupuncture points, acupuncture intensity, and duration according to different times, making the treatment more personalized and precise. Patients can lie on a specially designed bed, providing a more comfortable experience. The acupuncture units and pressure sensors on the physiotherapy board are arranged in a matrix, which can more comprehensively cover the patient's body and ensure the treatment effect. The built-in ultrasonic generator may provide additional effects for the treatment, enhancing the depth and effect of the treatment. The lifting drive design of the physiotherapy board ensures that the physiotherapy board can be adjusted to a height suitable for different patients, increasing the applicability of the therapeutic device.

[0037] Example 2: Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, in addition to the content of the above embodiments, the limiting unit includes at least two symmetrical and vertically arranged linear slide rails on the side wall of the recessed groove, at least two limiting blocks respectively movably fitted within each linear slide rail, and at least two miniature telescopic drive rods whose tops are respectively fixed to the top wall of the recessed groove and whose bottoms are respectively fixed to the top wall of each limiting block. The height of the limiting block within the side wall is further determined by the telescopic movement of the miniature telescopic drive rods. At least a portion of the limiting block is confined within the linear slide rail, and at least a portion of the limiting block extends horizontally beyond the linear slide rail.

[0038] The buffer unit includes a buffer spring with one end fixed to the bottom wall of the extension piece and the other end extending toward the bottom of the extension piece, and an abutment piece horizontally fixed to the bottom of the buffer spring. Each extension piece has at least one buffer unit fixedly fitted onto it.

[0039] The abutment piece is eventually abutted against the top wall of the limiting block during its downward movement to stop its movement. The buffer unit further limits the length of the acupuncture needle extending out of the recessed groove, thereby improving the safety of acupuncture treatment.

[0040] The heating unit includes an airflow channel disposed inside the physiotherapy plate, a temperature sensor installed on the inner wall of each recessed groove, a connecting channel connecting the recessed groove and the airflow channel, and an air supply device connected to the airflow channel for supplying airflow at a preset temperature to the airflow channel. One end of the connecting channel extends through and connects to the airflow channel, and the other end of the connecting channel extends through and connects to the recessed groove, wherein the opening connecting to the recessed groove is the through opening.

[0041] The data storage module includes an algorithm for dividing a human body image into several adjacent body regions based on image edges and area ratios; body regions requiring acupuncture treatment at different times of the day; and the corresponding acupuncture intensities for the body regions requiring acupuncture treatment at different times of the day. The acupuncture intensity includes the ultrasonic frequency emitted by the ultrasonic generator within the acupuncture unit, the extension length of the micro telescopic drive rod, and the extension length of the telescopic drive rod.

[0042] The buffer unit utilizes a buffer spring and abutment plate design to ensure that the acupuncture needles are cushioned during extension, preventing injury to the patient. The heating unit, particularly the airflow channel, temperature sensor, and air delivery device, provides heating therapy, increasing comfort and effectiveness. Temperature sensors placed in each recessed groove provide real-time temperature feedback, ensuring constant and safe temperature during treatment. A limiting unit using a miniature telescopic drive rod and linear guide rail precisely controls the height of the limiting block within the side groove wall, ensuring appropriate and consistent needle insertion depth.

[0043] The acupuncture intensity includes not only the ultrasonic frequency emitted by the ultrasonic generator, but also the extension length of the micro telescopic drive rod, which provides multifunctional acupuncture intensity adjustment for treatment. The intelligent meridian flow therapy device of the present invention provides patients with a more efficient, safe and comfortable acupuncture treatment experience through its comprehensive, precise and automated design.

[0044] Example 3: Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, in addition to including the content of the above embodiments, the instruction generation module is implemented through the following steps:

[0045] S101: Obtain the monitoring values ​​of each pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor located in the x-th row and y-th column of the bed is denoted as P. x，y P x，y The monitored value is expressed as PV x，y The acupuncture unit located in the x-th row and y-th column of the physiotherapy board is labeled AC. x，y P x，y and AC x，y Relative settings and mutual matching,

[0046] S102: The average pressure value of all pressure sensors is identified as AP. When the patient is lying on the bed, AP is received and recorded at a preset frequency, and the average pressure value measured on the nth time is AP. n Acquire continuously obtained monitoring values ​​AP n-2 AP n-1 AP n When the average pressure changes for the nth time, the current average change value TRP is obtained.

[0047]

[0048] S103: In When the patient is judged to be lying still on the bed, Pmin is a preset change threshold.

[0049] S104: After determining that the patient is lying still on the bed, a generated image of preset specifications is generated. This generated image is divided into several unit regions that match the number and matrix distribution of the pressure sensors. Each unit region includes m×m unit pixels, and the number of rows and columns in the unit region is consistent with the number of rows and columns of the pressure sensors.

[0050] S105: Perform binarization processing on the generated image to obtain a binary image, where F(x,y) represents the gray level of the cell region in the x-th column and y-th row of the binary image.

[0051]

[0052] Where Thva is the preset pressure threshold.

[0053] S106: Extract the image with a gray level of 0 from the binarized image into a patient body shape image.

[0054] S107: Based on the preset body region division algorithm stored in the data storage module, the patient's body shape diagram is divided into several body regions.

[0055] Simultaneously, the system obtains the current time based on its internal clock and / or external input, and determines the body areas requiring acupuncture treatment based on body area matching data, designating these areas as the treatment zones.

[0056] S108: Obtain the acupuncture unit that matches the unit area within the working body region as the target acupuncture unit, and generate the acupuncture intensity for the target acupuncture unit to perform the operation based on the intensity matching data.

[0057] S109: Generate work instructions to drive each target acupuncture unit to perform acupuncture treatment on the patient with the appropriate acupuncture intensity.

[0058] This invention uses real-time data acquired by a pressure sensor to ensure accurate detection of the patient's position, thus ensuring the accuracy of acupuncture treatment. Furthermore, it operates according to each patient's specific pressure distribution, ensuring personalized treatment. The automated acupuncture treatment process reduces the time spent on manual operations and decision-making, accelerating the entire treatment process. This invention, through its instruction generation module, not only improves the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment but also provides patients with a more comfortable and efficient treatment experience.

[0059] While the invention has been described above with reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that many changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. That is, the methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations can be appropriately omitted, substituted, or added to various processes or components. For example, in alternative configurations, methods can be performed in a different order than described, and / or various components can be added, omitted, and / or combined. Moreover, features described with respect to certain configurations can be combined in various other configurations, such as different aspects and elements of the configuration can be combined in a similar manner. Furthermore, the elements therein can be updated as the technology develops; many elements are examples and do not limit the scope of this disclosure or the claims. It should also be understood that after reading the description of this invention, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to the invention, and these equivalent changes and modifications also fall within the scope defined by the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. An intelligent meridian flow therapy device, characterized in that, The intelligent meridian flow therapy device includes an acupuncture module that contacts the patient's skin for acupuncture, a data storage module that pre-stores relevant operational information of the acupuncture module, and an instruction generation module that drives the acupuncture module to automatically perform acupuncture treatment on the patient. The data storage module stores: a body region segmentation algorithm for dividing a human image into several adjacent body regions based on image edges and area ratios; time-based body region matching data for body regions requiring acupuncture treatment at different times of the day; and intensity matching data for different acupuncture intensities at different times for different body regions. The acupuncture intensity includes the ultrasonic frequency emitted by the ultrasonic generator within the acupuncture unit, micro-frequency, and other parameters. The parameters of the extension length of the telescopic drive rod are specified. The acupuncture module includes a bed for the patient to lie down, a physiotherapy board horizontally positioned above the bed, a lifting drive motor for driving the physiotherapy board to move vertically relative to the bed, several pressure sensors arranged in a matrix on the bed, several acupuncture units arranged in a matrix on the physiotherapy board, and a heating unit for heating the acupuncture units. The acupuncture units and pressure sensors are arranged sequentially opposite each other. The instruction generation module generates acupuncture operation instructions for the physiotherapy board based on the detection information from the pressure sensors and the corresponding matching from the data storage module. Each acupuncture unit includes a recessed groove on the bottom wall of the physiotherapy board, recessed towards the top wall. The system comprises: a telescopic drive rod fixed to the top wall of the recessed groove; a fixing block fixed to the bottom of the telescopic drive rod; two extension pieces horizontally arranged and simultaneously fixed to the side walls of the fixing block; an ultrasonic generator embedded in the fixing block; an acupuncture needle vertically fixed to the bottom of the fixing block; a limiting unit configured within the recessed groove to limit the range of motion of the extension pieces; and a buffer unit configured within the recessed groove to buffer the lifting and lowering movement of the extension pieces. A lifting drive mechanism lowers the therapy board to a preset height on the bed, and the acupuncture module further extends the acupuncture needles out of the recessed groove to provide acupuncture treatment for a patient lying on the bed. The limiting unit includes at least two symmetrically and vertically arranged within the recessed groove. The system includes a linear slide rail on the side groove wall, at least two limiting blocks that are respectively movable and fitted within each linear slide rail, and at least two miniature telescopic drive rods whose tops are respectively fixed to the top wall of the recessed groove and whose bottoms are respectively fixed to the top wall of each limiting block. The height of the limiting block within the side groove wall is further determined by the telescopic movement of the miniature telescopic drive rods. At least a portion of the limiting block is confined within the linear slide rail, and at least a portion of the limiting block extends horizontally beyond the linear slide rail. The heating unit includes an airflow channel disposed inside the physiotherapy plate, a temperature sensor disposed on the inner wall of each recessed groove, a connecting channel connecting the recessed groove and the airflow channel, and an air supply device connected to the airflow channel for supplying airflow at a preset temperature to the airflow channel.The instruction generation module achieves this through the following steps: S101: Obtain the monitoring values ​​of each pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor located in the x-th row and y-th column of the bed is denoted as P; x，y P x，y The monitored value is expressed as PV x，y The acupuncture unit located in the x-th row and y-th column of the physiotherapy board is labeled AC. x，y P x，y and AC x，y Relative settings and mutual matching; S102: The average pressure value of all pressure sensors is identified as AP. When the patient is lying on the bed, AP is received and recorded at a preset frequency, and the average pressure value measured on the nth time is... To obtain continuously acquired monitoring values When the average pressure value changes for the nth time, obtain the current average change value. ， S103: In When the patient is determined to be lying still on the bed, Pmin is a preset change threshold; S104: After determining that the patient is lying still on the bed, a generated image of preset specifications is generated, wherein the generated image is divided into several unit regions that match the number and matrix distribution of pressure sensors, and each unit region includes m×m unit pixels, and the number of rows and columns of the unit region is consistent with the number of rows and columns of the pressure sensors; S105: The generated image is binarized to obtain a binarized image, and F(x,y) represents the gray level of the unit region in the x-th column and y-th row of the binarized image: S106: Extract the image with a gray level of 0 from the binarized image into a patient body image; S107: Divide the patient body image into several body regions according to the preset body region division algorithm stored in the data storage module; at the same time, obtain the current time according to the system's internal clock and / or external input, and determine the body regions of the patient that need acupuncture treatment according to the body region matching data, and take the body regions that need acupuncture treatment as the working body regions; S108: Obtain the acupuncture units that match the unit regions in the working body regions as target acupuncture units, and generate the acupuncture intensity for the target acupuncture units to perform the operation according to the intensity matching data; S109: Generate operation instructions to drive each target acupuncture unit to perform acupuncture treatment on the patient at the corresponding acupuncture intensity.

2. The intelligent meridian flow therapy device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer unit includes a buffer spring with one end fixed to the bottom wall of the extension piece and the other end extending toward the bottom of the extension piece, and an abutment piece horizontally fixed to the bottom of the buffer spring. Each extension piece has at least one buffer unit fixedly fitted on it. The abutment piece is eventually abutted against the top wall of the limiting block to stop moving during downward movement. The buffer unit further limits the length of the acupuncture needle extending out of the recessed groove.

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