Neurostimulator, system, neurostimulator control method and storage medium

Abstract

This application relates to a neurostimulator, a system, a neurostimulator control method, and a storage medium. The neurostimulator includes: a storage module storing historical usage data of the neurostimulator, including historical levels of stimulation signals output by the neurostimulator during past periods of operation; a control module for determining the target level of the neurostimulator upon current power-on based on the historical usage data; and an output module for outputting a stimulation signal corresponding to the target level. This application improves ease of use while ensuring safe operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of neurostimulators, and in particular to a neurostimulator, system, neurostimulator control method, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), as an innovative and relatively non-invasive treatment method, has gradually emerged in recent years in the treatment of diseases such as refractory epilepsy, depression, and Parkinson's disease. VNS includes implantable VNS and non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS).

[0003] An implantable VNS involves implanting a stimulator that connects to the vagus nerve on the left side of the neck via electrodes. This stimulator continuously releases weak electrical pulses to stimulate the vagus nerve. The aim of this process is to regulate the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly increasing the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters (such as GABA) and decreasing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters (such as glutamate), thereby reducing seizures and improving mood and motor function.

[0004] Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is divided into transauricular (taVNS) and transcervical (tcVNS). The effectiveness of transauricular (taVNS) is not yet fully understood; for transcervical (tcVNS) products, there is currently one device in the United States, the gammaCore® device, which was approved by the FDA in 2017 for the treatment of acute cluster headaches and by the FDA in 2018 for the treatment of acute migraines and adjunctive prevention of cluster headaches.

[0005] Conventional neurostimulators typically start with the lowest output level and then gradually increase to the user-specified level. This is done to prevent shock to different users and to ensure that the same user's tolerance can vary daily. However, this approach is inconvenient in daily use, especially for patients with mild symptoms whose tolerance remains relatively stable. Starting from the lowest level every time is cumbersome.

[0006] Currently, neurostimulators based on this technology suffer from inconvenience in use, and no effective solution has yet been provided. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a neurostimulator, system, neurostimulator control method, and storage medium that can improve ease of use in response to the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0008] In a first aspect, this application provides a neurostimulator, comprising:

[0009] A storage module stores historical usage data of the neurostimulator, including the historical levels of stimulation signals output by the neurostimulator during past periods of operation.

[0010] The control module is used to determine the target level of the neurostimulator after the current power-on, based on the historical usage data.

[0011] The output module is used to output a stimulation signal corresponding to the target gear level.

[0012] In some embodiments, the control module includes: a first target gear determination unit, configured to calculate the average value of the historical gears and determine the first target gear based on the average value.

[0013] In some embodiments, the control module includes: a second target level determination unit, used to acquire the historical level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator during its last startup and use the historical level as the second target level.

[0014] In some embodiments, the control module includes a third target gear determination unit, used to retrieve a historical gear associated with the target time period as the third target gear when the current time falls within the target time period.

[0015] In some embodiments, the control module includes: a fourth target level determination unit, used to retrieve the historical level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator during the most recent start-up and operation in the target usage scenario when the current usage scenario and the target usage scenario are successfully matched, and use it as the fourth target level.

[0016] In some embodiments, the neurostimulator further includes:

[0017] The instruction receiving unit is used to receive the first interactive instruction input by the user.

[0018] The control module is also used to adjust the target level of the stimulation signal according to the first interactive instruction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the neurostimulator further includes:

[0020] The identity acquisition unit is used to acquire the current user's identity information;

[0021] The control module is also used to adjust the target level of the stimulation signal when the current user's identity information indicates that the current user is using the neurostimulator for the first time.

[0022] In some embodiments, the neurostimulator further includes:

[0023] Physiological monitoring unit, used to collect users' physiological indicators;

[0024] The control module includes:

[0025] The first comparison unit is used to compare the current level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator with the level safety threshold.

[0026] The second comparison unit is used to compare the user's physiological indicators with the physiological indicator safety threshold.

[0027] An adjustment unit is used to adjust the target level of the stimulation signal based on the comparison results of the first comparison unit and / or the second comparison unit.

[0028] In some embodiments, the neurostimulator further includes:

[0029] The positioning unit is used to acquire the geographical location of the neurostimulator;

[0030] The control module determines the current usage scenario based on the geographical location of the neurostimulator.

[0031] In some embodiments, the neurostimulator further includes:

[0032] A communication unit is used to upload the usage data of the neurostimulator to a terminal and / or a server for storage; the usage data includes the target level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator after it is powered on;

[0033] When another neurostimulator is powered on and establishes a connection with the terminal and / or server, the other neurostimulator synchronizes the usage data of the neurostimulator from the terminal and / or server.

[0034] In some embodiments: the target gear includes at least one of the following: voltage, duty cycle, frequency; the output module includes: electrodes.

[0035] Secondly, this application also provides a neurostimulation system, comprising: a computing device and the neurostimulator described in the first aspect, wherein the neurostimulator is communicatively connected to the computing device; wherein...

[0036] The computing device is configured to store or synchronize historical usage data from the neurostimulator, and based on the historical usage data, analyze the trend of the intensity level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator during operation, and generate intensity level trend analysis results.

[0037] Thirdly, this application also provides a method for controlling a neurostimulator, comprising:

[0038] In response to the power-on command of the neurostimulator, historical usage data of the neurostimulator is acquired; the historical usage data includes the historical levels of stimulation signals output by the neurostimulator during past time periods.

[0039] Based on the historical usage data, the target setting of the neurostimulator after the current power-on is determined;

[0040] Output a stimulation signal corresponding to the target gear level.

[0041] In some embodiments, after responding to a power-on command from the neurostimulator, the method further includes:

[0042] Outputs the lowest default level of stimulation signal;

[0043] Determine whether the first instruction input by the user has been received;

[0044] If the first instruction is received, the stimulation signal is adjusted from the default lowest level to the target level.

[0045] In some embodiments, after responding to a power-on command from the neurostimulator, the method further includes:

[0046] Obtain the current user's identity information, and determine whether the current user is using the neurostimulator for the first time based on the current user's identity information;

[0047] If it is determined that the current user is using the neurostimulator for the first time, the default lowest level of stimulation signal will be output.

[0048] If it is determined that the current user is not using the neurostimulator for the first time, the stimulation signal will be adjusted from the default lowest level to the target level.

[0049] In some embodiments, determining the target level of the neurostimulator after the current power-on, based on the historical usage data, includes: calculating the average of the historical levels and determining the first target level based on the average.

[0050] In some embodiments, determining the target level of the neurostimulator after the current power-on, based on the historical usage data, includes: acquiring the historical level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator during the last startup and using the historical level as the second target level.

[0051] In some embodiments, determining the target level of the neurostimulator after the current power-on, based on the historical usage data, includes: if the current time falls within the target time period, retrieving the historical level associated with the target time period as the third target level.

[0052] In some embodiments, determining the target level of the neurostimulator after the current power-on, based on the historical usage data, includes: if the current usage scenario and the target usage scenario are successfully matched, retrieving the historical level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator during the most recent startup and operation in the target usage scenario, and using it as the fourth target level.

[0053] In some embodiments, after the neurostimulator outputs a stimulation signal, the method further includes:

[0054] Based on the current level of the output stimulation signal of the neurostimulator, the level of the output stimulation signal is increased at least once; wherein, the value of the stimulation parameter of the stimulation signal is changed each time the level is increased.

[0055] In some embodiments, after incrementing the level of the output stimulation signal at least once based on the level of the currently output stimulation signal from the neurostimulator, the method further includes:

[0056] When the current level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator is detected to exceed the safety threshold, or when the user's physiological indicators are detected to exceed the safety threshold, the current level is adjusted to a preset safety level.

[0057] In some embodiments, after outputting a stimulation signal corresponding to the target level, the method further includes:

[0058] The neurostimulator is controlled to upload its usage data to a terminal and / or server for storage; the usage data includes the target level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator after it is powered on;

[0059] When another neurostimulator is powered on and establishes a connection with the terminal and / or server, the other neurostimulator synchronizes the usage data of the neurostimulator from the terminal and / or server.

[0060] Fourthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in the first aspect above.

[0061] The aforementioned neurostimulator, system, neurostimulator control method, and storage medium, by reading stored historical usage data after the neurostimulator is powered on, determining the target level based on the historical usage data, using this target level as the current power-on level, and outputting the stimulation signal at the target level, improves the situation where it is necessary to readjust from the default lowest level every time the device is powered on. This reduces manual adjustment time and is especially suitable for frequent use scenarios. It enhances ease of use while ensuring safe operation. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a neurostimulator in one embodiment. Figure 1 ;

[0063] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a neurostimulator control method in one embodiment. Figure 1 ;

[0064] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a neurostimulator in one embodiment. Figure 2 ;

[0065] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a neurostimulator control method in one embodiment. Figure 2 ;

[0066] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a neurostimulator in one embodiment. Figure 3 ;

[0067] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a neurostimulator control method in one embodiment. Figure 3 ;

[0068] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a neurostimulator in one embodiment. Figure 4 ;

[0069] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a neurostimulator control method in one embodiment. Figure 4 ;

[0070] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a neurostimulator in one embodiment. Figure 5 ;

[0071] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a neurostimulator in one embodiment. Figure 6 ;

[0072] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a neurostimulator in one embodiment. Figure 7 ;

[0073] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a neural stimulation system in one embodiment.

[0074] Reference numerals: 1. Neurostimulator; 2. Terminal; 3. Server; 4. Data storage system; 100. Control module; 200. Storage module; 300. Output module; 400. Command receiving unit; 500. Identity acquisition unit; 600. Physiological monitoring unit; 700. Positioning unit; 800. Communication unit; 101. First target level determination unit; 102. Second target level determination unit; 103. Third target level determination unit; 104. Fourth target level determination unit; 105. First comparison unit; 106. Second comparison unit; 107. Adjustment unit. Detailed Implementation

[0075] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0076] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the general meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. Words such as “a,” “an,” “an,” “the,” “the,” and “these” used in this application do not indicate quantitative limitation and may be singular or plural. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and any variations thereof used in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that comprises a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or modules (units) but may include steps or modules (units) not listed, or may include other steps or modules (units) inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. Words such as “connected,” “linked,” and “coupled” used in this application are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. “Multiple” used in this application refers to two or more. “And / or” describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, “A and / or B” can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Normally, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in this application are merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific order of objects.

[0077] In one embodiment, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a neurostimulator is provided, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the neurostimulator includes a control module 100, a storage module 200, and an output module 300, with the control module 100 connected to the storage module 200 and the output module 300.

[0078] The storage module 200 stores historical usage data of the neurostimulator, including the historical levels of stimulation signals output by the neurostimulator during past operating periods. The storage module 200 includes non-volatile memory (NVM). Historical usage data is stored in NVM and is retained even after power failure, preventing data loss due to battery replacement or restart. The NVM can be electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or flash memory, etc.

[0079] The control module 100 is used to determine the target level of the neurostimulator after the current power-on, based on historical usage data. The control module 100 can be a microcontroller unit (MCU) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The target level includes at least one of the following: voltage, duty cycle, and frequency. When adjusting the stimulation signal level, at least one of the voltage, duty cycle, and frequency can be adjusted to form the target level.

[0080] The output module 300 is used to output a stimulation signal corresponding to the target gear level. The output module 300 may include electrodes that are capable of generating and outputting stimulation signals that conform to set parameters, such as electrical pulses or other forms of current / voltage waveform signals.

[0081] The above modules can be connected via a bus or dedicated interface to achieve data interaction and control coordination.

[0082] Accordingly, Figure 2 A flowchart of a neurostimulator control method is provided, which can be applied to... Figure 1 The nerve stimulator shown, such as Figure 2 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0083] Step S101: In response to the power-on command of the neurostimulator, acquire the historical usage data of the neurostimulator; the historical usage data includes the historical levels of stimulation signals output by the neurostimulator during past periods of operation.

[0084] Upon receiving the power-on command, the control module 100 retrieves historical usage data from the storage module 200. Historical usage data refers to data recorded during previous operation of the neurostimulator, primarily including the level of stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator each time it is powered on (i.e., power-on parameters). In some embodiments, historical usage data also includes the neurostimulator's usage time, usage duration, user identity information, etc.

[0085] Historical settings refer to the stimulation levels recorded by the device during actual use by the user after one or more previous power-ons.

[0086] Step S102: Based on historical usage data, determine the target level of the neurostimulator after the current power-on.

[0087] The control module 100 determines the target intensity level based on historical usage data. The target intensity level refers to the stimulation level automatically set by the device upon startup, determined based on historical usage data. The target intensity level is not lower than the neurostimulator's default minimum intensity level. The default minimum intensity level refers to the lowest stimulation level set at the factory or after a reset (e.g., level 0), used to ensure initial use or safe recovery.

[0088] In some embodiments, the target gear can be determined using the following optional methods.

[0089] In some embodiments, the average value of historical gears is calculated, and a first target gear is determined based on the average value.

[0090] In some embodiments, the historical level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator during its last startup is retrieved and used as the second target level.

[0091] In some embodiments, if the current time falls within the target time period, the historical time slot associated with the target time period is retrieved as the third target time slot.

[0092] In some embodiments, if the current usage scenario and the target usage scenario are successfully matched, the historical level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator during the most recent startup and operation in the target usage scenario is retrieved as the fourth target level.

[0093] Step S103: Output the stimulation signal corresponding to the target gear level.

[0094] The control module 100 controls the output module 300 to output a stimulation signal. The stimulation signal can be an electrical pulse or other forms of current / voltage waveform signal.

[0095] In steps S101 to S103 above, after the neurostimulator is powered on, stored historical usage data is read, a target level is determined based on the historical usage data, and this target level is used as the current power-on level. The stimulation signal for the target level is then output. This improves upon the previous situation where the system needed to readjust from the default lowest level each time it was powered on, reducing manual adjustment time, and is especially suitable for frequent use scenarios. It enhances ease of use while ensuring safe operation.

[0096] In one embodiment, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another neurostimulator is provided, such as Figure 3 As shown, the control module 100 includes one or more target gear determining units for determining the target gear. The working principle of each target gear determining unit will be described below.

[0097] In some embodiments, the control module 100 includes a first target gear determination unit 101, which is used to calculate the average value of historical gears and determine the first target gear based on the average value.

[0098] The average of historical gear levels can reflect the typical usage intensity of users. For example, the average of historical gear levels can be calculated and used as the first target gear level. Alternatively, the average of historical gear levels can be calculated and multiplied by a preset scaling factor (e.g., 70%) to obtain the first target gear level.

[0099] For example, when a user uses a neurostimulator, the device retrieves historical settings from a period prior to the current activation (e.g., within the past week), calculates the average setting or 70% of the average, and uses this as the setting for the current use. If the user's setting fluctuates significantly over the past week (e.g., due to changes in pain intensity), the device can fine-tune the setting to a more stable level based on the initial target setting, reducing the need for manual adjustments.

[0100] In some embodiments, the control module 100 includes a second target level determination unit 102, which is used to acquire the historical level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator during its last startup and use the historical level as the second target level.

[0101] The historical level of the stimulation signal output during the last startup, i.e., the level used after the most recent power-on.

[0102] In some embodiments, the control module 100 includes a third target gear determination unit 103, which is used to retrieve a historical gear associated with the target time period as the third target gear when the current time falls within the target time period.

[0103] The target time period can be a time range based on the user's usual usage patterns, such as morning or before bedtime. For example, if a user uses the high-level setting for several consecutive days during a specific time period (such as at night), the device can automatically preset the power-on setting for that time period to improve stimulation efficiency.

[0104] In some embodiments, the control module 100 includes a fourth target level determination unit 104, which is used to retrieve the historical level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator during the most recent start-up and operation in the target usage scenario when the current usage scenario and the target usage scenario are successfully matched, and use it as the fourth target level.

[0105] The target usage scenario can be home, office, or outdoor leisure. For example, if a user turns on the neurostimulator at home, and the device recognizes the current scenario and the user is bound to it, it can set the current power-on level according to the power-on level when the user last used the neurostimulator at home.

[0106] All of the above options can quickly reach the target gear that suits the user, reducing manual operation and improving user experience and stimulation efficiency.

[0107] It should be noted that the target gear determination units mentioned above can be implemented in software or hardware, such as microcontroller units (MCUs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0108] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0109] The following sections will further describe the neurostimulator and its control method provided in this application through various optional solutions.

[0110] In one embodiment, Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a neurostimulator control method is provided, which can be applied to... Figure 1 or Figure 3 The nerve stimulator shown, such as Figure 4 As shown, this method directly sets the stimulation signal level to the target level after the neurostimulator is turned on. The specific steps are as follows:

[0111] Step S201: In response to the power-on command of the neurostimulator, acquire the historical usage data of the neurostimulator.

[0112] Historical usage data includes the historical levels of stimulation signals output by the neurostimulator during past periods of operation, and this historical usage data is the historical usage data of the current user.

[0113] Step S202: Calculate the average value of historical gears based on historical usage data, and determine the first target gear based on the average value.

[0114] In this step, the first target gear can be determined by activating the first target gear determination unit 101.

[0115] Step S203: Output the stimulation signal corresponding to the first target level.

[0116] This embodiment sets the startup intensity by analyzing historical user data and taking the arithmetic mean, eliminating the tedious manual adjustment from the default lowest intensity each time the device is turned on. Furthermore, setting the startup intensity based on the arithmetic mean ensures that the stimulation intensity matches the user's long-term usage habits and tolerance level, guaranteeing safety.

[0117] In one embodiment, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another neurostimulator is provided, such as Figure 5 As shown, the neurostimulator also includes: an instruction receiving unit 400, used to receive a first interactive instruction input by the user; and a control module 100, used to adjust the target level of the stimulation signal according to the first interactive instruction.

[0118] The instruction receiving unit 400 can be implemented in software or hardware. For example, the instruction receiving unit 400 can be one or more buttons / touch controls. When the user presses a button or touches a touch control on the screen, a first interaction instruction is generated.

[0119] Accordingly, Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the control method for this neurostimulator is provided, such as... Figure 6 As shown, this method initially sets the stimulation signal level to the lowest default level after the neurostimulator is powered on, and then jumps to the target level after the user issues a command. The specific steps are as follows:

[0120] Step S301: In response to the power-on command of the neurostimulator, output the stimulation signal at the default lowest level.

[0121] Step S302: Determine whether the first instruction input by the user has been received. If yes, proceed to step S303; if no, end the process.

[0122] Step S303: Adjust the stimulation signal from the default lowest level to the second target level. The second target level is the historical level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator during the last startup.

[0123] In this step, the second target gear can be determined by activating the second target gear determination unit 102.

[0124] Step S304: Output the stimulation signal corresponding to the second target level.

[0125] For example, the default output is 0 upon startup. When the user triggers the first command, it will directly jump to the output level used during the last startup. The first command can be triggered by one or more buttons / touch controls. For example, pressing and holding the "+" and "-" buttons for 0.5 seconds; or pressing and holding the "+" button while simultaneously pressing the "-" button 5 times; or pressing the "+" button briefly, then pressing the "-" button briefly, and repeating this 3 times.

[0126] This embodiment starts at the lowest default setting upon power-on, and only reverts to the user's preferred setting after user confirmation. This setting provides a buffer protection against discomfort caused by excessively high historical settings, while also allowing users to quickly return to their preferred comfortable stimulation intensity with simple commands, reducing the risk of accidental operation.

[0127] In one embodiment, Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another neurostimulator is provided, such as Figure 7 As shown, the neurostimulator also includes: an identity acquisition unit 500, used to acquire the identity information of the current user; and a control module 100, used to adjust the target level of the stimulation signal when the identity information of the current user indicates that the current user is using the neurostimulator for the first time.

[0128] The identity acquisition unit 500 may include a fingerprint sensor, image sensor, or voiceprint sensor. It can collect a user's fingerprint, facial, or voice feature information, generate the user's identity information based on this feature information, and associate this identity information with the user's historical usage data. When a user uses the neurostimulator, the identity acquisition unit automatically identifies the user's identity information and retrieves the historical usage data associated with that identity information. Power-on parameters are then set based on this historical usage data. These power-on parameters include the intensity level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator after power-on.

[0129] Accordingly, Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating the control method for this neurostimulator is provided, such as... Figure 8 As shown, this method first identifies the user's identity after the neurostimulator is powered on. If it is a new user, it outputs the default lowest level of stimulation signal; if it is an existing user, it uses the method described above. Figure 4 or Figure 6 The solution is as follows: The specific steps are as follows:

[0130] Step S401: In response to the power-on command of the neurostimulator, obtain the historical usage data of the neurostimulator and obtain the identity information of the current user.

[0131] Historical usage data includes the historical levels of stimulation signals output by the neurostimulator during past periods of operation, and also includes user identification information.

[0132] Step S402: Based on historical usage data and the current user's identity information, determine whether the current user is using the neurostimulator for the first time. If it is determined that the current user is using the neurostimulator for the first time, proceed to step S403; if it is determined that the current user is not using the neurostimulator for the first time, proceed to step S404.

[0133] The system collects the current user's feature information and compares it with the user's identity information stored in the storage module. If the comparison fails, it is determined that the current user is using the neurostimulator for the first time. If the comparison succeeds, it is determined that the current user is not using the neurostimulator for the first time.

[0134] Step S403: Output the stimulation signal at the default lowest level.

[0135] If the current user is a new user, considering that this may be their first time using a neurostimulator, and for safety reasons, tolerance needs to be built up, the startup setting will be set to the default lowest setting.

[0136] Step S404: Adjust the stimulation signal from the default lowest level to the target level, and output the stimulation signal corresponding to the target level.

[0137] If the current user is a test user, considering they may have already built up tolerance and don't need to start from the default lowest setting, then jump directly to the target setting. This target setting can be determined using the methods described above. Figure 4 or Figure 6 The method was determined.

[0138] This embodiment achieves a personalized secure startup strategy by automatically identifying user identity and distinguishing between new and existing users. For new users, the device starts from the default lowest setting to ensure safety during initial use and help build tolerance. For existing users, the manual adjustment process is intelligently skipped, directly restoring to their historical preferred setting, improving ease of use.

[0139] In some embodiments, after the neurostimulator outputs a stimulation signal, the method further includes: increasing the level of the output stimulation signal at least once, based on the level of the currently output stimulation signal. Each increase in level changes the value of a stimulation parameter of the stimulation signal. The stimulation parameter includes at least one of the following: voltage, duty cycle, and frequency.

[0140] For example, the stimulation levels can be set from 1 to 30. Each level can have only one stimulation parameter changing, such as increasing the stimulation voltage by 1V per level. Alternatively, each level can have multiple stimulation parameters changing, such as increasing the stimulation voltage by 1V per level or increasing the duty cycle by 1% per level.

[0141] In some embodiments, Figure 9 A schematic diagram of another neurostimulator is provided, such as Figure 9 As shown, the neurostimulator also includes: a physiological monitoring unit 600 for collecting the user's physiological indicators. The control module 100 includes: a first comparison unit 105 for comparing the current level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator with a level safety threshold; a second comparison unit 106 for comparing the user's physiological indicators with a physiological indicator safety threshold; and an adjustment unit 107 for adjusting the target level of the stimulation signal according to the comparison results of the first comparison unit and / or the second comparison unit.

[0142] The first comparison unit 105 and the second comparison unit 106 can be implemented in software or hardware. For example, a comparator can be used.

[0143] The physiological monitoring unit 600 may include a heart rate sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, or a skin conductance sensor. Physiological indicators may include heart rate, muscle activity, skin conductance, etc.

[0144] After incrementing the output stimulation signal level at least once based on the current level of the neurostimulator's output stimulation signal, the control module 100 will adjust the current level to a preset safe level when it detects that the current level of the neurostimulator's output stimulation signal exceeds a safe threshold, or when it detects that the user's physiological indicators exceed a safe threshold. In some embodiments, the control module 100 will also issue a prompt sound to remind the user that there is overstimulation.

[0145] This embodiment sets a preset safety level and monitors physiological indicators and stimulation signal levels to dynamically adjust the level to match the user's current state, thereby preventing overstimulation caused by user misoperation.

[0146] In some embodiments, Figure 10 A schematic diagram of another neurostimulator is provided, such as Figure 10As shown, the neurostimulator also includes: a positioning unit 700 for acquiring the geographical location of the neurostimulator; and a control module 100 for determining the current usage scenario based on the geographical location of the neurostimulator.

[0147] The positioning unit 700 may include a Global Positioning System (GPS) or a geomagnetic positioning device. After identifying the current usage scenario using the positioning unit 700, power-on parameters can be set based on the current usage scenario, or based on the current usage scenario and the current user. In this embodiment, the fourth target gear can be determined by activating the fourth target gear determination unit 104.

[0148] In some embodiments, Figure 11 A schematic diagram of another neurostimulator is provided, such as Figure 11 As shown, the neurostimulator also includes: a communication unit 800, used to upload the usage data of the neurostimulator to a terminal and / or server for storage; the usage data includes the target level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator after power-on, i.e., the power-on parameters; when another neurostimulator is powered on and establishes a connection with the terminal and / or server, the other neurostimulator synchronizes the usage data of the neurostimulator from the terminal and / or server.

[0149] The communication unit 800 can be a network interface controller (NIC), which can be connected to other network devices via a base station to communicate with the Internet.

[0150] For example, a user may have two devices: a first neurostimulator and a second neurostimulator. The first neurostimulator is typically used at home, while the second is typically used in the office. If the user wants to continue using the first neurostimulator's startup parameters when switching to the second neurostimulator at the office, they can synchronize the first neurostimulator's startup parameters via the cloud and / or a mobile app, avoiding duplicate settings. This setup supports synchronization of settings data with the terminal and / or server, enabling cross-device memory.

[0151] The sensors (identity acquisition unit 500, physiological monitoring unit 600, and positioning unit 700) mentioned in the above embodiments can be used individually or in combination to enable intelligent decision-making by combining the environment and user status.

[0152] In one embodiment, Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a neural stimulation system is also provided, such as Figure 12As shown, the system includes: a neurostimulator 1 according to any of the above embodiments and a computing device, wherein the neurostimulator and the computing device are communicatively connected. The computing device may be a terminal 2 and / or a server 3. The neurostimulator 1 communicates with the terminal 2 and the server 3 via a network. The neurostimulation system may include a data storage system 4, which can store data that the server 3 needs to process. The data storage system 4 may be integrated on the server 3 or placed on the cloud or other network servers. The terminal 2 may be, but is not limited to, various personal computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, and portable wearable devices. IoT devices may be smart speakers, smart in-vehicle devices, etc. Portable wearable devices may be smartwatches, smart bracelets, head-mounted devices, etc. The server 3 may be implemented using a standalone server or a server cluster consisting of multiple servers.

[0153] The computing device is configured to store or synchronize historical usage data from the neurostimulator, and based on this historical data, analyze the trend of the stimulation signal intensity levels output by the neurostimulator during operation, generating intensity level trend analysis results. Users, their families, or doctors can view the historical usage data of the neurostimulator through the computing device, which also facilitates providing treatment references for doctors. In some embodiments, the computing device can also incorporate a machine learning model to optimize intensity level recommendations based on user feedback such as the degree of pain relief.

[0154] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method of any of the above embodiments.

[0155] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties.

[0156] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the computer program can include the processes of the embodiments described above. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0157] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0158] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A neurostimulator, comprising: The neural stimulator comprises: a storage module in which historical use data of the neural stimulator is stored, the historical use data comprising historical gears of stimulation signals output by the neural stimulator when the neural stimulator is started up in a past time period; a control module configured to determine a target gear of the neural stimulator after the neural stimulator is started up currently based on the historical use data; an output module configured to output a stimulation signal corresponding to the target gear.

2. The neurostimulator of claim 1, wherein, The control module comprises: a first target gear determination unit configured to calculate an average value of the historical gears, and determine a first target gear according to the average value.

3. The nerve stimulator of claim 1, wherein, The control module comprises: a second target gear determination unit configured to obtain a historical gear of a stimulation signal output by the neural stimulator when the neural stimulator is started up last time, and take the historical gear as a second target gear.

4. The nerve stimulator of claim 1, wherein, The control module comprises: a third target gear determination unit configured to, in a case where a current time falls within a target time period, retrieve a historical gear associated with the target time period as a third target gear.

5. The nerve stimulator of claim 1, wherein, The control module comprises: a fourth target gear determination unit configured to, in a case where a current use scenario matches a target use scenario successfully, retrieve a historical gear of a stimulation signal output by the neural stimulator when the neural stimulator is started up last time in the target use scenario as a fourth target gear.

6. The nerve stimulator of claim 1, wherein, The neural stimulator further comprises: an instruction receiving unit configured to receive a first interaction instruction input by a user; The control module is further configured to adjust the target gear of the stimulation signal according to the first interaction instruction.

7. The nerve stimulator of claim 1, wherein, The neural stimulator further comprises: an identity obtaining unit configured to obtain identity information of a current user; The control module is further configured to adjust the target gear of the stimulation signal when the identity information of the current user indicates that the current user uses the neural stimulator for the first time.

8. The neurostimulator of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The neural stimulator further comprises: a physiological monitoring unit configured to collect a physiological index of a user; The control module comprises: a first comparison unit configured to compare a current gear of a stimulation signal output by the neural stimulator with a gear safety threshold; a second comparison unit configured to compare the physiological index of the user with a physiological index safety threshold; an adjustment unit configured to adjust the target gear of the stimulation signal according to a comparison result of the first comparison unit and / or the second comparison unit.

9. The neurostimulator of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The neural stimulator further comprises: a positioning unit configured to collect a geographic position of the neural stimulator; The control module is configured to determine a current use scenario according to the geographic position of the neural stimulator.

10. The neurostimulator of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The neural stimulator further comprises: a communication unit configured to upload use data of the neural stimulator to a terminal and / or a server for storage, the use data comprising a target gear of a stimulation signal output by the neural stimulator after the neural stimulator is started up; When another neural stimulator is started up and establishes a connection with the terminal and / or the server, the other neural stimulator synchronizes the use data of the neural stimulator from the terminal and / or the server.

11. The neurostimulator of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The target gear comprises at least one of the following: voltage, duty cycle, and frequency.

12. The neurostimulator of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The output module comprises an electrode.

13. A neural stimulation system, comprising: The neural stimulator comprises: The operation device and the neural stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 12 are connected in communication; wherein The operation device is configured to store or synchronize the historical usage data from the neural stimulator, and analyze the trend of the gear of the stimulation signal output by the neural stimulator in operation based on the historical usage data, to generate a gear trend analysis result.

14. A method of controlling a neurostimulator, the method comprising: Comprise: In response to the start-up instruction of the neural stimulator, the historical usage data of the neural stimulator is obtained; the historical usage data includes the historical gear of the stimulation signal output by the neural stimulator when starting to operate in the past time period; Based on the historical usage data, the target gear of the neural stimulator after the current start-up is determined; Output the stimulation signal corresponding to the target gear.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein: After responding to the start-up instruction of the neural stimulator, the method further comprises: Output the stimulation signal of the default lowest gear; Determine whether a first instruction input by a user is received; If the first instruction is received, the stimulation signal is adjusted from the default lowest gear to the target gear.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein: After responding to the start-up instruction of the neural stimulator, the method further comprises: Obtain the identity information of the current user, and determine whether the current user is using the neural stimulator for the first time according to the identity information of the current user; If it is determined that the current user uses the neural stimulator for the first time, the stimulation signal of the default lowest gear is output; If it is determined that the current user does not use the neural stimulator for the first time, the stimulation signal is adjusted from the default lowest gear to the target gear.

17. The method of claim 14 to 16, wherein, Based on the historical usage data, the target gear of the neural stimulator after the current start-up is determined, comprising: Calculate the average value of the historical gear, and determine a first target gear according to the average value.

18. The method of claim 14 to 16, wherein, Based on the historical usage data, the target gear of the neural stimulator after the current start-up is determined, comprising: Obtain the historical gear of the stimulation signal output by the neural stimulator when starting to operate last time, and take the historical gear as a second target gear.

19. The method of claim 14-16, wherein, Based on the historical usage data, the target gear of the neural stimulator after the current start-up is determined, comprising: In the case that the current time falls within a target time period, the historical gear associated with the target time period is called as a third target gear.

20. The method of claim 14-16, wherein, Based on the historical usage data, the target gear of the neural stimulator after the current start-up is determined, comprising: In the case that the current use scenario matches the target use scenario successfully, the historical gear of the stimulation signal output by the neural stimulator when starting to operate last time in the target use scenario is called as a fourth target gear.

21. The method of claim 14-16, wherein, After the neural stimulator outputs the stimulation signal, the method further comprises: Taking the gear of the stimulation signal currently output by the neural stimulator as a reference, the gear of the output stimulation signal is increased at least once; wherein, when each gear is increased by one level, the value of the stimulation parameter of the stimulation signal is changed.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein: After taking the gear of the stimulation signal currently output by the neural stimulator as a reference, the gear of the output stimulation signal is increased at least once, the method further comprises: When the current level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator is detected to exceed the safety threshold, or when the user's physiological indicators are detected to exceed the safety threshold, the current level is adjusted to a preset safety level.

23. The method of claim 14-16, wherein the method further comprises: After outputting the stimulation signal corresponding to the target gear level, the method further includes: The neurostimulator is controlled to upload its usage data to a terminal and / or server for storage; the usage data includes the target level of the stimulation signal output by the neurostimulator after it is powered on; When another neurostimulator is powered on and establishes a connection with the terminal and / or server, the other neurostimulator synchronizes the usage data of the neurostimulator from the terminal and / or server.

24. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 14 to 23.

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