Breathing stimulation device and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a respiratory stimulation device (10) comprising:-a belt (11) intended to be fitted around the abdomen of a user; -at least three motors (12, 13), a central motor (12) and two side motors (13) fixed to the strap (11) so as to position the central motor (12) opposite the umbilical region (14) and the side motors (13) opposite the two sides (15) of the abdomen of the user when the user wears the strap; and-a control unit (30) connected to the motors (12, 13) and configured to generate a vibration of variable amplitude on each motor (12, 13) to induce two motion senses (P1) of a vibration position as a distinct double tactile motion as felt by the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a respiratory stimulation device, i.e. a device for inducing inspiration and expiration phases. The invention also relates to a method of controlling the device to induce these inspiration and expiration phases.

[0002] The present invention is applicable to the medical field to assist the patient's breathing, increase heart rate variability and retrain abdominal breathing. The present invention can also be used to help users improve their breathing. Generally, the present invention can be used to induce slow and deep abdominal breathing. Through this abdominal breathing, the user can feel relaxed, stress regulated and even cognitive ability improved.

[0003] In the context of the present invention, "abdominal breathing" is characterized by the use of the diaphragm for inhalation and exhalation. During inhalation, the diaphragm descends by contraction, thereby opening the lungs to allow air to enter and expanding the abdomen. During exhalation, the diaphragm rises by relaxation, thereby closing the lungs to allow air to exit and contracting the abdomen. Background Art

[0004] Many people who suffer from stress, anxiety, psycho-emotional imbalances or cognitive problems have significant tension and chronic tightening of the diaphragm, which prevents effective abdominal breathing.

[0005] To help these people, slow and deep abdominal breathing is often recommended. To this end, there are several solutions that can suggest to the user the optimal inhalation and exhalation phases to obtain this specific breathing. For example, document WO 2010 / 088895 or document US 6,561,987 describe a device that reminds the user at the optimal inhalation and exhalation moments.

[0006] The signal delivered to the user to indicate the optimal breathing phase may take the form of an electrical current, an acoustic signal, a visual signal, a temperature change or a vibration.

[0007] The disadvantage of this solution is that the user must concentrate to follow the signal to regulate breathing, so this breathing state is difficult to maintain for a long time or when performing other activities.

[0008] In addition, some people suffer from respiratory insufficiency and there are also devices for controlling breathing. For this purpose, it is known to activate the body by vibration to trigger the inspiration phase while allowing the body to generate the exhalation phase itself, as described in document WO 2021 / 162555 for combating sleep apnea in infants.

[0009] The activation can also be directed to the diaphragm, by applying local vibrations in the abdomen. Such vibrations are described, for example, in document WO2017 / 198283, which proposes the use of at least two motors mounted on a belt to generate these vibrations, in order to stimulate the diaphragm muscle. Thus, in document WO2017 / 198283, vibrations of constant amplitude are applied for a predetermined duration, in order to mechanically stimulate the inspiration phase by activating the diaphragm.

[0010] Additionally, applying vibrations of constant amplitude to trigger the inhalation phase can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce heart rate, so this periodic activation can be used to try to induce a state of relaxation.

[0011] However, stimulation of the parasympathetic nerves is not always effective in lowering the heart rate, because the user may also experience sympathetic excitation which has the effect of increasing the heart rate. Therefore, when the user wears the band during the day and performs various activities, he rarely uses the band in document WO2017 / 198283 to perform slow and deep abdominal breathing.

[0012] The technical problem underlying the present invention is therefore to obtain a device capable of inducing both an inhalation phase and an exhalation phase, for example in order to obtain slow and deep abdominal breathing. Summary of the invention

[0013] In order to solve this technical problem, the present invention proposes to use multiple vibration motors in parallel on the belt opposite to the navel area and the two sides of the abdomen, and control these motors to produce different amplitudes to obtain a sense of movement at the vibration position. In this way, the user can feel a clear double tactile movement of the abdomen, thereby inducing the inhalation and exhalation phases.

[0014] In fact, the invention stems from the discovery according to which applying the sensation of vibrating movements from both sides of the abdomen to the umbilical region allows inducing an abdominal inspiration phase by actively and progressively expanding the abdomen in the rhythm of the felt vibrating movements.

[0015] Furthermore, the sensation of applying a vibrating movement from the umbilical region to the sides of the abdomen allows inducing an abdominal exhalation phase by actively and progressively retracting the abdomen in the rhythm of the felt vibrating movement.

[0016] Thus, the present invention allows inducing inhalation and exhalation phases by activating the abdomen, and these phases can now be changed to guide the user to slow and deep abdominal breathing.

[0017] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a respiratory stimulation device comprising:

[0018] - a belt, which is intended to fit around the abdomen of the user;

[0019] at least three motors, a central motor and two side motors, secured to the band so that the central motor is positioned opposite the umbilical region and the side motors are positioned opposite the sides of the user's abdomen when the band is worn; and

[0020] A control unit connected to the motors and configured to generate vibrations of variable amplitude on each motor to induce a sense of motion in two vibration positions:

[0021] a sense of movement in the first vibration position, from the sides of the abdomen toward the umbilical region, obtained by gradually decreasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the side motors while gradually increasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor, to induce inspiration; and

[0022] The sense of movement in the second vibration position, from the umbilical region toward the sides of the abdomen, was obtained by gradually decreasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor while gradually increasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the side motors to induce exhalation.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, the umbilical region is located below the upper abdomen, above the lower abdomen and between the two side regions. The sides of the abdomen are located on both sides of the umbilical region, which can extend to the left and right sides of the waist and groin regions.

[0024] Therefore, the present invention proposes a belly belt integrating separately activated motors to induce inhalation and exhalation phases. These motors are controlled by a control unit configured to generate control signals for these motors so that the user feels a distinct dual tactile movement on the abdomen, thereby inducing inhalation and exhalation phases.

[0025] Several waveforms or different frequencies can be used to distinguish between the vibrations applied during the inspiration phase and the vibrations applied during the expiration phase. The waveforms preferably used may be the waves called "sine waves" and "Ricker wavelets". Sine waves induce continuous movements and sensations, while Ricker wavelets generate a tapping sensation by being spaced apart by delays.

[0026] The form of these different waveforms can be modified to induce a movement that matches the user's expectations. Specifically, the frequency of the sine wave can be varied between 30 Hz and 200 Hz. For the Ricker wavelet, the delay between each tapping sensation can be modified, the delay can be varied between 0 seconds and 1 second, and the duration of the pulse can be varied between 10 milliseconds and 200 milliseconds. All of these waveform-related parameters can be controlled by the control unit and can be pre-recorded.

[0027] The differentiation of the signal forms during the inhalation phase and the exhalation phase allows the generation of different tactile sensations on the abdomen. This differentiation enables the user to distinguish between vibrations that induce exhalation and those that induce inhalation.

[0028] Preferably, to allow for proper perception of the location of the vibration, the contact area of ​​each motor with the user's body is less than 15 cm 2 The distance between the central motor and the lateral motors is, for example, between 10 cm and 20 cm. This distance allows a suitable stimulation zone to be defined.

[0029] At least three motors are required to induce this pronounced dual tactile movement on the abdomen. Of course, additional motors can be used to improve the sense of movement at the vibrating site and to facilitate the breathing phase.

[0030] For example, the present invention may include at least two intermediate motors arranged between the central motor and the side motors; the control unit is configured to induce:

[0031] a sense of movement in the first vibration position, from both sides of the abdomen toward the umbilical region, by gradually decreasing the amplitude of vibration applied to the side motors while gradually increasing and then decreasing the amplitude of vibration applied to the middle motor while gradually increasing the amplitude of vibration applied to the central motor to induce inspiration; and

[0032] The sense of movement in the second vibration position, from the umbilical area to the sides of the abdomen, is induced by gradually decreasing the amplitude of vibration applied to the central motor while gradually increasing and then decreasing the amplitude of vibration applied to the middle motor while gradually increasing the amplitude of vibration applied to the side motors to induce exhalation.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit preferably incorporates a wired connection, but may also integrate a wireless connection, so that the user can adjust the breathing rate induced by the control unit via a smartphone.

[0034] Specifically, during the duration of the inspiratory stimulation phase, the central motor located opposite the umbilical region generated a minimum vibration amplitude at the initial moments of stimulation to reach a maximum amplitude at the end of stimulation.

[0035] In contrast, the lateral motors located opposite to the sides of the abdomen behaved in the opposite way, starting stimulation with the maximum vibration amplitude and moving toward the minimum vibration amplitude at the end of stimulation.

[0036] Therefore, according to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of controlling a respiratory stimulation device to induce an inspiration phase by generating a sense of movement of vibrating positions, the method comprising the following steps:

[0037] - activate the vibration of the central motor to achieve the minimum vibration amplitude;

[0038] - Activate the vibration of the side motors to achieve maximum vibration amplitude;

[0039] - increasing the vibration of the central motor to achieve said maximum vibration amplitude, while reducing the vibration of the side motors to achieve said minimum vibration amplitude;

[0040] - stop the vibration of the central motor; and

[0041] -Stop the vibration of the side motor.

[0042] Preferably, in order to obtain effective activation of the side motor, the step of activating the vibration of the side motor to reach the maximum vibration amplitude is performed within a predetermined duration, for example within a duration of 5% to 15% of the duration of the inspiratory stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the side motor increases from the minimum vibration amplitude to the maximum vibration amplitude.

[0043] This embodiment allows limiting the strain experienced by the side motor during the duration of activation, in order to prolong its life and avoid a clicking sensation when the motor is activated.

[0044] In addition, the step of reducing the vibration of the side motor is preferably performed at at least two speeds: the first reduction speed is slower than the second reduction speed, and the step of increasing the vibration of the central motor is performed at at least two speeds: the first increase speed is faster than the second increase speed; the switching between the reduction speed and the increase speed can occur at different times during the inspiratory stimulation phase.

[0045] This embodiment allows a simple cross-fade to be created between the two signals to improve the perception of apparent motion continuity compared to using a single speed of decrease and increase of the vibration.

[0046] Preferably, the step of stopping the vibration of the central motor is performed for a predetermined duration, for example a duration between 5% and 15% of the duration of the inspiration stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the central motor decreases from a maximum vibration amplitude to a minimum vibration amplitude. This embodiment allows limiting the strains to which the central motor is subjected during the duration of the deactivation step in order to increase its lifespan.

[0047] During the duration of the exhalation stimulation phase, the lateral motors located opposite the sides of the abdomen generated the minimum vibration amplitude at the beginning of the stimulation and reached the maximum amplitude at the end of the stimulation. In contrast, the central motors located opposite the umbilical region did the opposite, starting with the maximum vibration amplitude and moving towards the minimum vibration amplitude at the end of the stimulation.

[0048] Therefore, according to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for controlling a respiratory stimulation device to induce an exhalation phase by generating a sense of movement of vibrating positions, the method comprising the following steps:

[0049] - activate the vibration of the central motor to achieve maximum vibration amplitude;

[0050] -activate the vibration of the side motors to achieve minimum vibration amplitude;

[0051] - increasing the vibration of the side motors to achieve said maximum vibration amplitude, while reducing the vibration of the central motor to achieve said minimum vibration amplitude;

[0052] - stop the vibration of the central motor; and

[0053] -Stop the vibration of the side motor.

[0054] Preferably, in order to obtain effective activation of the central motor, the step of activating the vibration of the central motor to reach a maximum vibration amplitude is performed within a predetermined duration, for example a duration between 5% and 15% of the duration of the exhalation stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the central motor increases from a minimum vibration amplitude to a maximum vibration amplitude.

[0055] This embodiment allows limiting the strain experienced by the central motor during the activation step, in order to prolong its life and avoid the sensation of a click when activating the motor.

[0056] Preferably, the step of reducing the vibration of the central motor is performed at at least two speeds: the first reduction speed is slower than the second reduction speed, and the step of increasing the vibration of the side motor is performed at at least two speeds: the first increase speed is faster than the second increase speed; the transition between the reduction speed and the increase speed can occur at different times during the exhalation stimulation phase.

[0057] This embodiment allows a simple cross-fade to be created between the two signals to improve the perception of apparent motion continuity compared to using a single speed of decrease and increase of the vibration.

[0058] Preferably, the step of stopping the vibration of the side motor is performed for a predetermined duration, for example a duration between 5% and 15% of the duration of the exhalation stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the side motor decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude to the minimum vibration amplitude. This embodiment allows limiting the strain experienced by the side motor during the stopping step to extend its life. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The embodiments of the invention and the advantages resulting therefrom can be seen more clearly from the following examples of implementation, which are given by way of non-limiting illustration and with the support of the accompanying drawings:

[0060] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the duration of the inspiratory stimulation phase of the respiratory stimulation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the duration of the device during the exhalation stimulation phase;

[0062] Figure 3 yes Figure 1Graphical representation of the amplitude of the central and lateral motors of the device during the duration of the inspiration and expiration stimulation phases;

[0063] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a respiratory stimulation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the device incorporating an intermediate motor; and

[0064] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Graphical representation of the amplitude of the central, middle and lateral motors of the device during the duration of the inspiration and expiration stimulation phases. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 A respiratory stimulation device 10 is shown integrated into a belt 11 that fits around the abdomen of a user. Due to its ductility, the belt 11 is preferably made of a lycra material that is not easily worn, and it may include several layers of fabric. In addition, the belt 11 may include retaining means, such as two Velcro parts arranged on both ends, in order to keep the belt 11 around the abdomen of the user for the duration of use.

[0066] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , the belt 11 integrates three motors 12-13. Two of the motors 13, called lateral motors, are arranged opposite to the sides of the abdomen 15, and the last motor 12, called the central motor, is arranged opposite to the umbilical region 14. When the belt 11 is used for an adult of average size, the lateral motors 13 are positioned at a distance D1 between 10 cm and 20 cm from the central motor 12.

[0067] Of course, if the belt 11 is used for infants or overweight persons, the size of the belt 11 and the distance D1 between the motors 12-13 will be different.

[0068] in addition, Figure 4 An embodiment is shown in which the respiratory stimulation device 10 includes two intermediate motors 16 positioned between the side motors 13 and the central motor 12. The distance D2 between the intermediate motors 16 and the side motors 13 is between 5 cm and 10 cm. Similarly, the distance D3 between the intermediate motors 16 and the central motor 12 is also between 5 cm and 10 cm. Each motor 12, 13, 16 preferably has a spacing of less than 15 cm. 2 The contact area with the user's body.

[0069] As mentioned above, if the belt 11 is used for infants or overweight people, the size of the belt 11 and the distances D2 and D3 between the motors 12, 13, 16 will be different.

[0070] All motors 12, 13, 16 are connected to a control unit 30 via wired connectors integrated in the belt. The control unit 30 may be detachable to facilitate charging, for example by using a magnetic electrical connector on the control unit 30. Charging may be by induction or by a connector, for example a USB type connector.

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 30 may integrate a wireless connection device, so that the user can adjust the breathing rate induced by the control unit 30 via a smartphone. Thus, the adjustment parameters of each motor 12, 13, 16 can be modified to suit the needs of the user.

[0072] In fact, in order to induce the breathing phase, the present invention proposes to control the motors 12, 13, 16 to change the vibration amplitude and induce a double tactile movement felt by the user. To this end, the side motor 13 is controlled differently from the central motor 12 and any intermediate motors 16. In the following description, the control differences between the side motor 13 and the central motor 12 are first introduced.

[0073] More specifically, during the inhalation stimulation phase P1, the vibration amplitude A13 applied to the side motor 13 is gradually reduced, while the vibration amplitude A12 applied to the central motor 12 is gradually increased.

[0074] During the inspiration stimulation phase P1, this difference in control of motors 12 and 13 allows inducing a distinct double tactile movement on the abdomen that spreads from both sides of the abdomen 15 to the umbilical region 14, as Figure 1 shown.

[0075] In contrast, during the exhalation stimulation phase P2, the vibration amplitude A13 applied to the side motor 13 is gradually increased, while the vibration amplitude A12 applied to the central motor 12 is gradually reduced. During the exhalation stimulation phase P2, this difference in control of the motors 12 and 13 allows another distinct double tactile movement to be induced on the abdomen, which spreads from the umbilical region 14 to both sides of the abdomen 15, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 shown.

[0076] Figure 3 is based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 Graphical representation of the amplitudes of the motors 12, 13 of the embodiment mode of the different breathing phases shown. More precisely, at the beginning of the inspiration stimulation phase P1, the amplitude A13 of the lateral motor 13 has a minimum amplitude value Amin. Then, the amplitude A13 undergoes a sharp increase V1 to reach a maximum value Amax at the moment T1. Then, the amplitude A13 undergoes a first reduction rate V2 and reaches an intermediate amplitude value Aint at the moment T2. Finally, the amplitude A13 undergoes a second reduction rate V3 and reaches a minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Ti of the inspiration stimulation phase P1.

[0077] As for the amplitude A12 of the central motor 12, it starts from a minimum value Amin and undergoes a first increase rate V4 to reach an intermediate amplitude value Aint at a time T3. Then, the amplitude A12 undergoes a second increase rate V5 to reach a maximum value Amax at a time T4. Finally, the amplitude A12 undergoes a rapid decrease V6 to reach a minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Ti of the inspiratory stimulation phase P1.

[0078] After the inspiration stimulation phase P1, a vibration-free delay S is set.

[0079] The delay S, the times T1 to T4 and the amplitude values ​​Amin, Aint and Amax can be parameterized and possibly modified by the control unit 30 .

[0080] After a delay S, the exhalation stimulation phase P2 begins. In this phase, the amplitude A13 of the side motor 13 starts from the minimum value Amin and undergoes a first increase rate V7 to reach the intermediate value Aint at time T3. Then, the amplitude A13 undergoes a second increase rate V8 to reach the maximum value Amax at time T4. Finally, the amplitude A13 undergoes a rapid decrease V9 to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Te of the exhalation stimulation phase P2.

[0081] As for the amplitude A12 of the central motor 12, it starts from a minimum value Amin. Then, the amplitude A12 undergoes a rapid increase V10 to reach a maximum value Amax at a time T1. Next, the amplitude A12 undergoes a first reduction rate V11 and reaches an intermediate value Aint at a time T2. Finally, the amplitude undergoes a second reduction rate V12 until it reaches a minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Te of the exhalation stimulation phase P2.

[0082] At the end of the expiratory stimulation phase P2, a new delay S is applied before restarting a new inspiratory stimulation phase P1. This new delay S between the expiratory stimulation phase P2 and the inspiratory stimulation phase P1 may be different from the delay S applied between the inspiratory stimulation phase P1 and the expiratory stimulation phase P2.

[0083] The difference in vibration amplitude between motors 12 and 13 is intended to provide a dynamic tactile sensation on the abdomen. This noticeable tactile effect only needs to be felt on the surface of the abdomen to induce a vibratory motion from the umbilical region 14 to the sides of the abdomen 15 and vice versa, thereby allowing the user to consciously synchronize their inhalation and exhalation.

[0084] Preferably, the amplitude value Amin is between 0% and 5% of the amplitude value Amax, and the intermediate amplitude value Aint is between 70% and 90% of the amplitude value Amax. Similarly, the durations Ti and Te of the inspiration stimulation phase P1 and the expiration stimulation phase P2 may be similar.

[0085] In this embodiment, T1 is preferably 5% to 15% of the duration Ti of the inspiratory stimulation phase P1, T2 is preferably 55% to 65% of the duration Ti, T3 is preferably 30% to 50% of the duration Ti, and T4 is preferably 85% to 95% of the duration Ti.

[0086] In a modified example, the durations Ti and Te may be different, and the times T1 to T4 of the inhalation stimulation phase P1 and the exhalation stimulation phase P2 may also be different.

[0087] All these parameters may be pre-stored in the control unit 30 to create a variety of stimulation patterns that the user may select, for example, to induce different types of breathing.

[0088] exist Figure 4 In an embodiment of the present invention, the respiratory stimulation device 10 comprises two intermediate motors 16 positioned between the side motors 13 and the central motor 12. In this embodiment, the control unit 30 is configured to generate vibrations of different amplitudes on each motor 12, 13, 16 to induce a sense of movement and allow the user to consciously synchronize their breathing.

[0089] More specifically, during the inhalation stimulation phase P1, the vibration amplitude A12 applied to the central motor 12 gradually increases, while the vibration amplitude A16 applied to the middle motor 16 gradually increases and then decreases, while the vibration amplitude A13 applied to the side motor 13 gradually decreases.

[0090] During the exhalation stimulation phase P2, the vibration amplitude A13 applied to the side motor 13 gradually increases, while the vibration amplitude A16 applied to the middle motor 16 gradually increases and then decreases, while the vibration amplitude A12 applied to the central motor 12 gradually decreases.

[0091] The use of a large number of motors can increase the sense of movement, allowing the user to better consciously synchronize their breathing, and provide a dynamic tactile sensation on the abdomen to induce vibratory movement from the umbilical area 14 to the sides of the abdomen 15 and vice versa.

[0092] Figure 5 is a graphical representation of the amplitudes of the motors 12, 13, and 16 according to one embodiment. During the inspiratory stimulation phase P1, the signal amplitude A13 from the side motor 13 starts from a minimum value Amin. Then, the amplitude A13 increases to reach a maximum value Amax at time T5. Then, the amplitude A13 decreases until reaching a minimum value Amin at the end of the inspiratory stimulation phase P1.

[0093] As for the amplitude A16 of the intermediate motor 16, it starts from the minimum value Amin. Then, the amplitude A16 increases until it reaches the maximum value Amax at the time T7. Then, the amplitude A16 decreases until it reaches the minimum value Amin at the end of the inspiration stimulation phase P1.

[0094] As for the amplitude A12 of the central motor 12, it starts from the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum amplitude value Amax at time T6. Then, the amplitude A12 decreases until it reaches the minimum value Amin at the end of the inspiration stimulation phase P1.

[0095] After the inspiratory stimulation phase P1, a delay S is applied.

[0096] After a delay S, the exhalation stimulation phase P2 begins. In this phase, the amplitude A13 of the side motor 13 starts from the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum value Amax at time T6. Then, the amplitude A13 decreases until it reaches the minimum value Amin at the end of the exhalation stimulation phase P2.

[0097] As in the inhalation stimulation phase P1 , in the exhalation stimulation phase P2 , the amplitude A16 of the intermediate motor 16 starts from the minimum value Amin.

[0098] Then, the amplitude A16 increases until it reaches a maximum value Amax at time T7. Then, the amplitude A16 decreases until it reaches a minimum value Amin at the end of the exhalation stimulation phase P2.

[0099] As for the amplitude A12 of the central motor 12, it starts from the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum amplitude value Amax at time T5. Then, the amplitude A12 decreases until it reaches the minimum value Amin at the end of the inspiration stimulation phase P2.

[0100] As described above, these values ​​T5 to T7 , Amin, Amax, Ti, Te and S can also be adjusted by the control unit 30 .

[0101] In summary, the use of two signals of opposite amplitude applied to different motors 12, 13, 16 generates a synchronized pronounced double tactile movement that propagates back and forth between the sides of the abdomen 15 and the umbilical region 14. This pronounced double tactile movement allows inducing slow and deep abdominal inspiration and expiration stimulation phases, which allows:

[0102] - If the inhalation time is set to be greater than the exhalation time, the sympathetic nervous system function is overactivated;

[0103] - If the inhalation time is set shorter than the exhalation time, the parasympathetic nervous system functions are overactivated; or

[0104] - If the set inhalation time is equal to the exhalation time, the function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is balanced.

[0105] Activation of the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body to respond to stress. For example, activation of the sympathetic nervous system speeds up the heart rate, while activation of the parasympathetic nervous system slows down body functions, putting them in a state of relaxation.

[0106] Slow and deep breathing of the "heart coordination" type allows stimulation and activation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. With this specific breathing, the user's heart rate variability improves. This variability is an indicator of good physiological health.

[0107] Thus, the present invention proposes a device 10 that can induce inhalation and exhalation phases, for example to obtain slow and deep abdominal breathing or to control the heart rate according to the configured parameters of the induced breathing. The control of the breathing rate can even improve the physiological health of the user.

Claims

1. A respiratory stimulation device (10), comprising: - a belt (11) intended to be fitted around the abdomen of a user; - at least three motors (12, 13) fixed to the belt (11), a central motor (12) and two side motors (13) so that when the belt is worn, the central motor (12) is positioned opposite the umbilical area (14) and the side motors (13) are positioned opposite the sides (15) of the user's abdomen; and - a control unit (30) connected to the motors (12, 13) and configured to generate vibrations of variable amplitude on each motor (12, 13) in order to induce a sense of movement (P1, P2) in two vibration positions: - a sense of movement (P1) of a first vibration position, from the sides of the abdomen (15) towards the umbilical region (14), obtained by gradually reducing the vibration amplitude (A13) applied to the side motors (13) while gradually increasing the vibration amplitude (A12) applied to the central motor (12), in order to induce inspiration; and - A second vibration position of movement (P2), from the umbilical region (14) towards the sides (15) of the abdomen, obtained by gradually reducing the vibration amplitude (A12) applied to the central motor (12) while gradually increasing the vibration amplitude (A13) applied to the side motors (13), in order to induce exhalation.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The vibrations (A12-A13) applied to the central motor (12) and the side motors (13) have different waveforms and / or frequencies between the first sense of motion (P1) and the second sense of motion (P2).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The contact area between each motor and the user's body is less than 15cm 2 .

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The belt comprises at least two intermediate motors (16) arranged between the central motor (12) and the side motors (13); the control unit (30) is configured to induce: The sense of movement (P1) of the first vibration position, from the sides of the abdomen (15) toward the umbilical region (14), is induced by gradually decreasing the vibration amplitude (A13) applied to the side motors (13), while gradually increasing and then decreasing the vibration amplitude (A16) applied to the middle motor (16), while gradually increasing the vibration amplitude (A12) applied to the central motor (12), to induce inhalation; and The sense of movement (P2) of the second vibration position, from the umbilical area (14) to the sides (15) of the abdomen, is induced to exhale by gradually decreasing the vibration amplitude (A12) applied to the central motor (12), while gradually increasing and then decreasing the vibration amplitude (A16) applied to the middle motor (16), while gradually increasing the vibration amplitude (A13) applied to the side motors (13).

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The distance (D1) between the central motor (12) and the side motor (13) is between 10 cm and 20 cm.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The control unit (30) is combined with a wireless connection device, so that the user can adjust the breathing rate induced by the control unit (30) through a smart phone.

7. A method for controlling a respiratory stimulation device, the method being used to control a respiratory stimulation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in order to induce an inspiration phase by generating a sense of movement (P1) of a vibrating position, the method comprising the following steps: - activating the vibration of the side motor (13) to achieve a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax); - activating the vibration of the central motor (12) to achieve a minimum vibration amplitude (Amin); - reducing the vibration of the side motor (13) to achieve the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) and increasing the vibration of the central motor (12) to achieve the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax); - stopping the vibration of the central motor (12); as well as - Stop the vibration of the side motor (13).

8. The method of controlling a respiratory stimulation device according to claim 7, wherein: The step of activating the vibration of the side motor (13) to achieve a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) is performed within a predetermined duration, for example, a duration between 5% and 15% of the duration (Ti) of the inspiratory stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the side motor (13) increases from the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) to the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax).

9. The method for controlling a respiratory stimulation device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The step of reducing the vibration of the side motor (13) is performed at at least two speeds (V2, V3): the first reduction speed (V2) is slower than the second reduction speed (V3), and the step of increasing the vibration of the central motor (12) is performed at at least two speeds (V4, V5): the first increase speed (V4) is faster than the second increase speed (V5); the switching between the reduction speed and the increase speed can occur at different times during the inspiration stimulation phase.

10. A method for controlling a respiratory stimulation device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the step of stopping the vibration of the central motor (12) is performed within a predetermined duration, for example, within a duration between 5% and 15% of the duration (Ti) of the inspiratory stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the central motor (12) decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) to the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin).

11. A method for controlling a respiratory stimulation device, the method controlling a respiratory stimulation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 to induce an exhalation phase by generating a sense of movement (P2) of a vibrating position, the method comprising the following steps: - activating the vibration of the central motor (12) to achieve a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax); - activating the vibration of the side motor (13) to achieve a minimum vibration amplitude (Amin); - reducing the vibration of the central motor (12) to achieve the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) and increasing the vibration of the side motors (13) to achieve the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax); - stopping the vibration of the central motor (12); as well as - Stop the vibration of the side motor (13).

12. The method of controlling a respiratory stimulation device according to claim 11, wherein: The step of activating the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) is performed within a predetermined duration, for example a duration between 5% and 15% of the duration (Te) of the exhalation stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the central motor (12) increases from the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) to the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax).

13. A method for controlling a respiratory stimulation device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The step of reducing the vibration of the central motor (12) is performed at at least two speeds (V11, V12): the first reduction speed (V11) is slower than the second reduction speed (V12), and the step of increasing the vibration of the side motor (13) is performed at at least two speeds (V7, V8): the first increase speed (V7) is faster than the second increase speed (V8); the switching between the reduction speed and the increase speed can occur at different times in the exhalation stimulation stage.

14. A method for controlling a respiratory stimulation device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: The step of stopping the vibration of the side motor (13) is performed within a predetermined duration, for example, within a duration between 5% and 15% of the duration (Te) of the exhalation stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the side motor (13) decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) to the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin).

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