Electrical treatment device and treatment system

Abstract

Electrical treatment device (20, 200) comprising: an impedance measurement unit (304) configured to measure the bioelectrical impedance of a site on a user's body by using multiple electrodes in contact with that site; a voltage control unit (308) configured to perform treatment of the site by controlling a treatment voltage applied to the multiple electrodes; and a time setting unit (306) configured to set a target time from the start of treatment of the site by the voltage control unit (308) until the voltage value of the applied treatment voltage reaches a target voltage value, based on the measured bioelectrical impedance, wherein the voltage control unit (308) increases the voltage value of the applied treatment voltage to the target voltage value based on the set target time, such that the time setting unit (306) sets the target time to be shorter the greater the measured bioelectrical impedance.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical treatment device and a treatment system. Background technology

[0002] Traditionally, an electrical treatment device is known in which several pads are glued to a surface of a body, such as a belly or a back, and a low-frequency pulse is emitted via the pad to a muscle inside the body in order to electrically stimulate the muscle.

[0003] For example, JP 2009-125510A (Patent Document 1) discloses a health-promoting device that is a low-frequency treatment device with a swelling-measuring function. This health-promoting device comprises: a swelling-measuring unit that measures the swelling of a part of a body by measuring the impedance at a time when a part of a user's body is positioned between two measuring current electrodes and current is applied; and a low-frequency treatment unit that has a low-frequency electrode that applies a low-frequency current to induce muscle contraction.

[0004] German patent DE 694 22 511 T2 discloses a device with a system for generating electrical impulses between at least two electrodes, which are suitably arranged on the body of a patient. The strength, voltage, shape, and frequency of the electrical impulses are adjustable. The device further comprises a system for measuring the impedance between the electrodes. The device is suitable for treating venous / lymphatic congestion and diseases of the vascular system. Reference list patent literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP 2009-125510A Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0006] When using an electrical treatment device, the intensity of electrical stimulation that feels comfortable usually varies from user to user, and therefore the user must begin treatment after setting the intensity according to their preferences. This setting task can be complicated for a user who frequently uses the electrical treatment device.

[0007] How the user perceives the electrical stimulation also depends on the user's physical condition (e.g., whether the skin is moist, dry, or similar). Therefore, if a current, based on the user-defined electrical stimulation level, is delivered rapidly at the start of treatment, there is a possibility that the user will experience discomfort, depending on the body's condition at that time (e.g., if the skin is moist and the electrical stimulation is easily felt). To avoid this, the user must perform a more complex task, such as gradually increasing the intensity of the electrical stimulation by manually adjusting the output setting.

[0008] Patent document 1 discloses that the swelling of a part of the body at a treatment time when an attempt is made to perform a low-frequency treatment is measured and an optimal low-frequency treatment is performed according to the state of the swelling at the treatment time, but patent document 1 does not disclose a method for solving the problem described above.

[0009] The present disclosure was achieved in view of the foregoing description, and one objective according to a certain aspect is to provide an electrical treatment device and a treatment system according to which it is possible to carry out optimal treatment according to the condition of a user's body without the user having to perform a complicated task. Solution to the problem

[0010] The invention is defined in the independent claims. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0011] An electrical treatment device according to a certain embodiment comprises: an impedance measurement unit configured to measure the bioelectrical impedance of a site on a user's body using multiple electrodes in contact with the site; a voltage control unit configured to perform the treatment of the site by controlling a voltage applied to the multiple electrodes; and a timer unit configured to set a target time from the start of treatment of the site by the voltage control unit until the voltage value of the applied voltage reaches a target voltage value, based on the measured bioelectrical impedance. The higher the measured bioelectrical impedance, the shorter the target time set by the timer unit. The voltage control unit increases the voltage value of the applied voltage to the target voltage value based on the set target time.

[0012] Preferably, the voltage control unit increases the voltage value of the applied voltage such that a second rate of increase of the voltage value in a time interval from the time at which the voltage value of the applied voltage reaches a predetermined reference value until the target voltage value is reached is smaller than a first rate of increase of the voltage value in a time interval from the start of the treatment of the area until the voltage value of the applied voltage reaches the predetermined reference value.

[0013] Preferably, the electrical treatment device has several treatment modes. The target voltage value is predetermined for each of the several treatment modes. The timing unit sets the target time based on the measured bioelectrical impedance and the target voltage value corresponding to a treatment mode selected by the user from among the several treatment modes.

[0014] Preferably, the target voltage value is a voltage value that corresponds to an intensity of electrical stimulation desired by the user.

[0015] Preferably, the electrical treatment device is a low-frequency treatment device.

[0016] A treatment system according to another embodiment comprises: a terminal device; and an electrical treatment device configured to be capable of wireless communication with the terminal device.The electrical treatment device comprises: an impedance measurement unit configured to measure the bioelectrical impedance of a site on a user's body using multiple electrodes in contact with the site; a voltage control unit configured to perform the treatment of the site by controlling a voltage applied to the multiple electrodes according to an instruction from the terminal device; and a timer configured to set a target time from the start of treatment of the site by the voltage control unit until the voltage value of the applied voltage reaches a target voltage value, based on the measured bioelectrical impedance. The higher the measured bioelectrical impedance, the shorter the target time set by the timer unit.The voltage control unit increases the voltage value of the applied voltage to the target voltage value based on the specified target time. Advantageous results of the invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the optimal treatment can be carried out according to the condition of the user's body without the user having to perform a complicated task. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of an electrical treatment device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an electrical treatment device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a way in which electrical stimulation is provided by an electrical treatment device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram showing another example of a way in which electrical stimulation is provided by the electrical treatment device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an electrical treatment device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing method for an electrical treatment device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a treatment system according to embodiment 2. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an electrical treatment device according to embodiment 2. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a main body section contained in an electrical treatment device according to embodiment 2 is separated from a holder and a pad 2. Fig. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an end-device device according to embodiment 2. Description of embodiments

[0018] An embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the drawings. Identical components are designated by identical reference numerals in the following description. Their names and functions are also the same. Consequently, their detailed description is not repeated. Design 1: External appearance

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of an electrical treatment device according to embodiment 1.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 1 comprises an electrical treatment device 200 according to embodiment 1, mainly: a main body section 205 of the treatment device; a pair of pads 270 for attachment to a treatment site; and a cable 280 for electrically connecting the main body section 205 and the pads 270. The electrical treatment device 200 is of a cable type and is a low-frequency treatment device that performs a treatment, such as relieving shoulder stiffness in a user, by supplying a low-frequency pulsed current. For example, the frequency of the low-frequency pulsed current is from 1 Hz to 1200 Hz. Note that the electrical treatment device 200 can also be configured to have a pulsed current in a different frequency band than this one.

[0021] The pads 270 are leaf-shaped and are attached to the user's body. One surface of the pad 270 (the surface that does not come into contact with the body) is equipped with a connector corresponding to an electrode formed on the other surface (the surface that comes into contact with the body). The electrode is formed, for example, from a conductive gel-like material or similar. A connector 282 of the cable 280 and a connector on the pad 270 are connected, and the cable 280 is inserted into a socket of the main body section 205, thereby connecting the main body section 205 and the pad 270. It should be noted that if the polarity of the electrode formed on one of the pads 270 is positive, the polarity of the electrode formed on the other pad 270 is negative.

[0022] The main body section 205 is equipped with an operating interface 230, formed by various buttons, and a display 260. The operating interface 230 includes: a power switch 232 for turning the power source on and off; an operating mode selection button 234 for selecting a treatment mode; a treatment start button 236; and an adjustment button 238 for adjusting the intensity of the electrical stimulation (referred to below as "electrical stimulation intensity"). Note that the operating interface 230 is not limited to the configuration described above and need only be a configuration capable of implementing various operations performed by a user as described later. For example, the operating interface 230 could also be formed by other buttons, a selector, a switch, or similar elements.

[0023] Display 260 shows the electrical stimulation intensity, the remaining treatment time, the treatment type, the attachment status of pad 270 and similar information, and displays various messages. Hardware configuration

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an electrical treatment device 200 according to embodiment 1. With reference to Fig. 2 comprises the electrical treatment device 200 as main component elements: a processor 210, a memory 220; an operator interface 230; a power source unit 240; a waveform generation / output device 250; and a display 260.

[0025] Processor 210 is typically an arithmetic processing unit, such as a CPU (central processing unit) or an MPU (multi-processing unit). Processor 210 acts as a control unit for controlling the operation of the units of the electrical treatment device 200 by reading and executing a program stored in memory 220. Processor 210 implements each process (step) of the electrical treatment device 200, described later, by executing the program.

[0026] Memory 220 is implemented using RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), flash memory, or similar. Memory 220 stores a program to be executed by processor 210, data to be used by processor 210, or similar information.

[0027] The operating interface 230 receives input from the operator at the electrical treatment device 200 and is formed by various buttons, such as those described above. When the user operates various buttons, signals resulting from the operation are fed into the processor 210.

[0028] The power source unit 240 supplies electrical power to the components of the electrical treatment device 200. For example, an alkaline battery is used as the power source, and the power source unit 240 stabilizes the battery voltage and generates a drive voltage to be supplied to the components.

[0029] The waveform generation / output device 250 outputs a current (hereinafter also referred to as the "treatment current"), which is to flow at the treatment site of the body, via the pads 270. The waveform generation / output device 250 comprises: an amplifier circuit; a voltage adjustment circuit; an output circuit; a current sensing circuit; and similar components.

[0030] The amplifier circuit amplifies the power source voltage to a predetermined voltage. The voltage adjustment circuit adjusts the voltage amplified by the amplifier circuit to a voltage corresponding to the electrical stimulation intensity set by the user. Specifically, the electrical stimulation setting can be set to a predetermined number of levels (e.g., 10 levels) using the electrical treatment device 200 and the adjustment knob 238. The processor 210 receives the input of an electrical stimulation intensity setting via the adjustment knob 238 and instructs the waveform generation / output device 250 (voltage adjustment circuit) to perform the adjustment corresponding to the received electrical stimulation intensity.

[0031] The output circuit generates a treatment waveform (pulse waveform) corresponding to the treatment type, based on the voltage set by the voltage adjustment circuit, and outputs this waveform to the pads 270 (their electrodes) via cable 280. Specifically, when the user performs an operation, such as switching the treatment type or changing the electrical stimulation intensity, via the user interface 230, the processor 210 inputs a control signal corresponding to the operation into the output circuit. The output circuit then outputs a treatment waveform according to this control signal.

[0032] In light of this, several treatment modes are pre-configured in the electric treatment device 200. Examples of treatment modes include "massage", "light impact", and "pressure" modes.

[0033] The output circuit can modify the electrical stimulation to suit different types such as "massage," "light tap," and "pressure" by changing the pulse waveform (which includes pulse width, pulse interval, and output polarity). Similarly, the electrical stimulation intensity can be adjusted by changing the pulse amplitude. Familiar waveforms can be used as the specific treatment waveforms. It should be noted that the treatment waveform can also be an alternating current waveform instead of a pulse waveform.

[0034] The current sensing circuit detects the value of a current flowing between the pair of pads 270 and outputs a signal indicating the detected value to the processor 210. Specifically, the processor 210 instructs the waveform generation / output device 250 (waveform adjustment circuit) to apply a tiny voltage between the pair of pads 270 to induce a tiny current at the treatment site of the user's body for bioelectrical impedance measurement. The voltage adjustment circuit applies the tiny voltage according to the instruction given by the processor 210. The processor 210 calculates (measures) the bioelectrical impedance of the treatment site based on the value of the current that flowed between the pair of pads 270 across the treatment site and the value of the tiny voltage input by the current sensing unit.It should be noted that the tiny current is one that does not stimulate the user's body (e.g., the current value is 2 mA or less).

[0035] The processor 210 can also use the current value input from the current sensing circuit to detect whether the pads 270 are attached to (sticked to) the user or not attached to (away from) the user. Specifically, if the current value is a predetermined value or greater, the processor 210 determines that the pads 270 are attached to the user, and if the current value is less than a predetermined value, the processor 210 determines that the pads 270 are not attached to the user. This exploits the principle that if at least one of the pair of pads 270 is not properly attached to the user, a current loop—in which current is output from one of the pads 270, passes through the body, and then returns to the other pad 270—is not formed, and therefore no current of a predetermined value or greater flows.

[0036] For example, display 260 is formed by an LCD (liquid crystal display) and displays different types of information according to instructions from processor 210. Way to provide electrical stimulation

[0037] Next, the manner in which the electrical treatment device 200 according to embodiment 1 provides electrical stimulation to the user is described.

[0038] As described above, for a user who frequently receives treatment, setting their preferred electrical stimulation intensity each time is a tedious task. Furthermore, depending on the user's physical condition, rapidly delivering a current based on a fixed electrical stimulation intensity may result in an unpleasant sensation.

[0039] In light of this, the electrical treatment device 200 according to embodiment 1 registers (stores) in advance in memory 220 the current value corresponding to the user's preferred electrical stimulation intensity (hereinafter also referred to as the "desired stimulation intensity"). The electrical stimulation device 200 then sets the time until the registered desired stimulation intensity is reached, according to the bioelectrical impedance of the user's treatment site at the beginning of the treatment.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of how electrical stimulation is provided by an electrical treatment device 200 according to embodiment 1. Here, a case is presented in which the electrical stimulation intensity can be set in 10 steps, where "9" is the highest intensity and "0" is the lowest intensity. The desired stimulation intensity is also recorded as "8" and this is set as the target intensity. Note that the voltage values ​​corresponding to the electrical stimulation intensities "0" to "9" are each expressed as "V0" to "V9", and the voltage value "V0" is assumed to be 0 V. The horizontal axes of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 indicate the time and the vertical axes indicate the stress value of the stress applied between the pair of pads 270 of the main body section 205 (in particular the amplitude value of the applied stress).

[0041] With reference to Fig. 3. The electrical treatment device 200 shortens the target time until the target voltage V8, corresponding to the target intensity "8", is reached from the voltage value V0 at the treatment start time, the greater the bioelectrical impedance of the treatment site. In particular, the target time is set short (here set to t1) when the bioelectrical impedance is high, and therefore the voltage value increases rapidly, as shown in curve 1010. Conversely, when the bioelectrical impedance is low, the target time is set long (here set to t2), and therefore the voltage value increases slowly, as shown in curve 1020.

[0042] Typically, the electrical treatment device 200 stores the bioelectrical impedance and the mean rate of voltage increase in conjunction with each other in memory 220. The electrical treatment device 200 refers to memory 220 to determine the target time for reaching the target intensity. For example, if the bioelectrical impedance is Z1, the mean rate is associated with S1, and if the bioelectrical impedance is Z2 (> Z1), the mean rate is associated with S2 (= 2S1). In this case, the target time corresponding to bioelectrical impedance Z2 is set to half the length of the target time corresponding to bioelectrical impedance Z1.

[0043] Consequently, if the user's skin is moist and the electrical stimulation is easily perceived (the bioelectrical impedance is low), the electrical stimulation intensity increases relatively slowly, and therefore the user experiences no discomfort. Conversely, if the user's skin is dry and the electrical stimulation is not easily perceived (the bioelectrical impedance is high), the electrical stimulation intensity increases relatively quickly, and therefore the desired electrical stimulation intensity can be reached rapidly. In this way, the user can receive a comfortable electrical stimulation appropriate to their physical condition without any strenuous effort.

[0044] In the Fig. The third example described an instance where the voltage value is increased at a certain rate over a period of time from the start of treatment until the target voltage is reached, but there is no limitation to this configuration. For example, as in the example shown in Fig. In the example shown, it is also possible to use a configuration in which the rate is changed during the time span from the start of treatment until the target voltage is reached. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram showing another example of a way in which electrical stimulation is provided by the electrical treatment device 200 according to embodiment 1.

[0045] With reference to Fig. In curve 1010, t2a is the time from the treatment start time until the applied voltage reaches the voltage value V5, while in curve 1030, the time is t1a (< t2a). On the other hand, in both curve 1010 and curve 1030, the total time from the treatment start time until the applied voltage reaches the target voltage value V8 is t1, which is the same. As shown in curve 1030, the electrical treatment device 200 can also control the system such that the rate of increase (rate at which the voltage value increases) Sb in the time interval from reaching the voltage value V5 to reaching the target voltage value V8 is lower than the rate of increase Sa in the time interval from the treatment start time until the applied voltage reaches a predetermined reference value (here, the voltage value V5).

[0046] Consequently, in the period immediately following the start of treatment, when the electrical stimulation intensity applied to the user is low (i.e., the voltage value is less than the reference value), the electrical stimulation intensity increases relatively rapidly. Conversely, when the electrical stimulation intensity becomes high (i.e., when the voltage value is greater than or equal to the reference value), the electrical stimulation intensity increases relatively slowly to allow the user to gradually become accustomed to the strong electrical stimulation. For this reason, it is possible to further reduce the likelihood of the user experiencing an unpleasant sensation. Furthermore, the time t1 until the desired stimulation intensity is reached is significantly reduced. Fig. 3 example shown and the one in Fig. The same applies to the 4 examples shown.

[0047] In Fig. 3 and Fig. In section 4, a case was described in which the user's desired stimulation intensity is "8". The electrical treatment device 200 has several treatment modes (e.g., three operating modes: "Massage", "Light Pulse", and "Pressure"). Even if it is set to the same electrical stimulation intensity, the electrical stimulation will feel different to the user depending on the treatment mode. For this reason, the electrical treatment device 200 can also pre-register the desired stimulation intensity (or the voltage value corresponding to the desired stimulation intensity) for each of the several treatment modes in memory 220. In this case, the electrical treatment device 200 sets the desired stimulation intensity as the target intensity according to the treatment mode selected by the user from among the several treatment modes.

[0048] As an example of a registration procedure, a procedure is conceivable in which the user experiences electrical stimulation in each type of treatment, the user selects his or her preferred electrical stimulation intensity for each of the several types of treatment, and these electrical stimulation intensities are registered. Functional configuration

[0049] Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an electrical treatment device 200 according to embodiment 1. Referring to Fig. 5 the electrical treatment device 200 comprises as a main configuration a state determination unit 302, an impedance measurement unit 304, a target time setting unit 306 and a voltage control unit 308.

[0050] The state determination unit 302 determines, based on the current flowing between the multiple electrodes (between the electrodes of the pair of pads 270) in contact with the treatment site on the user's body, whether the multiple electrodes are in contact with the user or not. Specifically, if the current value is a predefined value or higher, the state determination unit 302 determines that the multiple electrodes are in contact (i.e., that the pair of pads 270 is attached to the user), and if the current value is lower than a predefined value, the state determination unit 302 determines that at least one of the multiple electrodes is not in contact (i.e., that at least one of the pair of pads 270 is not attached to the user). In a sense, the state determination unit 302 also determines whether a treatment start instruction is being received from the user via the operator interface 230.Typically, the impedance measurement unit 304 is implemented by the processor 210 and the waveform generation / output device 250.

[0051] The impedance measurement unit 304 measures the bioelectrical impedance of the treatment site using multiple electrodes in contact with the treatment area of ​​the user's body. Specifically, when the pair of pads 270 is attached to the user, the impedance measurement unit 304 measures the bioelectrical impedance of the treatment site based on the value of the current flowing across the treatment site between the pair of pads 270 and the value of the voltage applied between the pair of pads 270.

[0052] In one respect, the impedance measurement unit 304 measures the bioelectrical impedance after the user has given the treatment start instruction and before the voltage control unit 308 begins treatment of the treatment site. In another respect, the impedance measurement unit 304 can also measure the bioelectrical impedance when the user receives an instruction to start the impedance measurement via the operator interface 230. Typically, the impedance measurement unit 304 is implemented by the processor 210 and the waveform generation / output device 250.

[0053] The voltage control unit 308 performs the treatment of the treatment site by controlling the voltage applied between the pair of pads 270, according to the instruction given by the user via the operating interface 230.

[0054] Based on the bioelectrical impedance measured by the impedance measurement unit 304, the target time setting unit 306 sets the target time from the start of treatment of the treatment site by the voltage control unit 308 until the voltage value of the applied voltage reaches the target voltage (i.e., the voltage value corresponding to the desired stimulation intensity). Specifically, the higher the measured bioelectrical impedance, the shorter the target time set by the target time setting unit 306. Even if the target voltage value is predetermined for each of the several treatment types, the target time setting unit 306 sets the target time based on the measured bioelectrical impedance and the target voltage value corresponding to the treatment type selected by the user from among the several treatment types. Typically, the target time setting unit 306 is implemented by the processor 210.

[0055] The voltage control unit 308 increases the applied voltage to the target voltage value based on the target time set by the target time setting unit 306. Specifically, the voltage control unit 308 increases the applied voltage value such that the rate of increase (e.g., the rate of increase Sb) of the voltage value during the time from when the applied voltage value reaches the reference value until the target value is reached is lower than the rate of increase (e.g., the rate of increase Sa) of the voltage value during the time from when treatment of the treatment area begins until the applied voltage value reaches the reference value (e.g., the voltage value V5). Typically, the voltage control unit 308 is implemented by the processor 210 and the waveform generation / output device 250. Processing procedures

[0056] Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for the electrical treatment device 200 according to embodiment 1. Typically, the steps in Fig. The 6 steps shown are performed by the processor 210 of the electrical treatment device 200.

[0057] With reference to Fig. 6. The electrical treatment device 200 receives input selecting a treatment type via the operator interface 230 (step S10). The electrical treatment device 200 assesses whether a treatment start instruction has been received via the operator interface 230 (step S12). If no instruction has been received (No in step S12), the electrical treatment device 200 repeats the processing of step S12. If an instruction has been received (Yes in step S12), the electrical treatment device 200 assesses whether the pair of pads 270 has been correctly applied by applying a tiny voltage to the pair of pads 270 (step S14).

[0058] If the pair of pads 270 is not correctly applied (No in step S14), the electrical treatment device 200 displays information on the display 260 prompting the user to apply the pair of pads 270 to the treatment site (step S16), and the electrical treatment device 200 performs the processing of step S12. If the pair of pads 270 is correctly applied (Yes in step S14), the electrical treatment device 200 measures the bioelectrical impedance by applying a tiny current to the treatment site via the pair of pads 270 (step S18).

[0059] The electrical treatment device 200 sets the target time until the voltage applied between the pair of pads 270 reaches the target voltage value, based on the measured bioelectrical impedance and the target voltage value, which corresponds to the desired stimulation intensity for the treatment type selected in step S10 (step S20). The electrical treatment device 200 increases the voltage value of the applied voltage based on the set target time (step S22). Then the processing ends. Advantage

[0060] According to embodiment 1, the user can receive a pleasant electrical stimulation suitable for the user's body condition without having to perform any arduous task. Design 2 System configuration

[0061] In embodiment 1, a configuration for performing the treatment of a user with a single electrical treatment device was described. In embodiment 2, a configuration is described in which a terminal device and an electrical treatment device are wirelessly connected, and the electrical treatment device performs a treatment according to an instruction from the terminal device. It should be noted that the terminal device mainly performs the roles of the user interface 230 and the display 260 of the electrical treatment device 200 in embodiment 1.

[0062] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a treatment system 1 according to embodiment 2. With reference to Fig. 7 comprises the electrical treatment system 1: a terminal device 10, which is a user device; electrical treatment devices 20A and 20B; and a network 30. When the following description refers to configurations and functions that are the same in the electrical treatment devices 20A and 20B, the collective name “electrical treatment device 20” is used.

[0063] The electric treatment device 20 is of the cordless type and includes a pad, a holder and a main body section which are integrated at the time of use, and these units are combined to perform the treatment. Fig. Figure 7 shows only the main body section of the electrical treatment device 20; the pad and holder are not shown. A specific configuration of the electrical treatment device 20 is described later.

[0064] The terminal device 10 is, for example, a smartphone that includes a touchscreen. The following description uses a smartphone as a representative example of a "terminal device." However, the terminal device could be any other terminal device, such as a flip phone, a tablet terminal device, a PC (personal computer), or a PDA (personal digital assistant).

[0065] The network 30 for connecting the terminal device 10 and the electrical treatment device 20 uses a wireless near-field communication method, typically BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). Therefore, the terminal device 10 and the electrical treatment device 20 are BLE devices capable of performing wireless communication using BLE. However, the network 30 is not limited to this, and another wireless communication method, such as Bluetooth or a wireless LAN (local area network), can also be used.

[0066] In the treatment system 1 according to the present embodiment, the terminal device 10 uses an installed application to execute various types of instructions to the electrical treatment devices 20A and 20B, which have been connected by pairing. The terminal device 10 also notifies the user of necessary information by displaying various types of information on the display 158. For example, the terminal device 10 can also display information received from the electrical treatment device 20 on the display 158. Configuration of the electrical treatment device 20

[0067] Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an electrical treatment device 20 according to embodiment 2. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a main body section 4, contained in an electrical treatment device 20 according to embodiment 2, is separated from the holder 3 and the pad 2.

[0068] With reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 the electrical treatment device 20 is a so-called low frequency treatment device of the wireless type and comprises the pad 2, the holder 3 and the main body 4.

[0069] The pad 2 is sheet-shaped and is attached to the user's body. A conductive layer 2a is provided on the outer surface of a body-facing section 21 of the pad 2. The pad 2 is adhered to the user's skin using a conductive gel or similar material, and a low-frequency pulsed current is delivered to the user through the conductive layer 2a.

[0070] With reference to Fig. Figure 9 shows that the pad 2 has a mounting section 2X and a treatment section 2Y. The mounting section 2X is held by the holder 3. The mounting section 2X is provided with a window section 23 and a through-hole 2H. A positioning projection 312 of the holder 3 is located inside the window section 23. A locking pin 33 of the holder 3 is inserted into the through-hole 2H. The treatment section 2Y is provided on both the left and right outer sides of the mounting section 2X, and the conductive layer 2a is exposed at the body-side section 21 of the treatment section 2Y.

[0071] The conductive layer 2a is also exposed on the surface of the mounting section 2X facing the main body section 4, and this exposed section forms a pad-side electrode section 22. The pad-side electrode section 22 is configured to electrically connect with the main body-side electrode section 43, with a conductive layer 2a corresponding to one electrode section (e.g., a cathode) being exposed at one end of the mounting section 2X, and a conductive layer 2a corresponding to another electrode section (e.g., an anode) being exposed at the other end of the mounting section 2X.

[0072] With reference to Fig. The holder 3 comprises: a pad-holding section 31, which has a plate shape; and a pair of wall sections 32, which extend upright from both ends of the pad-holding section 31. The mounting section 2X of the pad 2 is positioned on the upper surface of the pad-holding section 31. Double-sided adhesive tape, a paste, adhesive, or the like is applied between the upper surface 311 and the mounting section 2X as required.

[0073] The pad retaining section 31 is provided with a positioning projection 312. The pad 2 is positioned relative to the retainer 3 by aligning the inner edge of the window section 23 provided in the pad 2 with the positioning projection 312. A locking pin 33 is also provided in the center of the pad retaining section 31. When the pad 2 is attached to the retainer 3, the locking pin 33 is inserted into the through-hole 2H.

[0074] Since the pad 2 is a consumable item, it can be attached to and removed from the main body section 4 during replacement. In the present embodiment, both the holder 3 and the pad 2 are integral because the holder 3 holds the pad 2, and the main body 4 is configured to be attached to and removed from both the pad 2 and the holder 3. The pad 2 is replaced along with the holder 3, but it is not impossible to reuse the holder 3 as needed.

[0075] With reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 The main body section 4 comprises a housing 4a with an approximate cuboid shape as an outer cover. A guide engagement section 5 ( Fig. 8) is formed between the housing 4a and the holder 3, and the main body section 4 (housing 4a) is detachably attached to the holder 3. The guide engagement section 5 is formed by a projection 51 ( Fig. 9), which is formed on the side surface 41 of the housing 4a, and a groove section 52 ( Fig. 9), which is formed on the wall section 32 of the holder 3.

[0076] With reference to Fig. Figure 9 comprises the groove section 52, comprising a vertical groove section 521 and a horizontal groove section 522. The vertical groove section 521 is oriented vertically and is open at the top. The horizontal groove section 522 is oriented horizontally, and both ends are open. To attach the main body section 4 to the holder 3, the projection 51 and the groove section 52 are both moved in opposite directions close to each other and engaged. The engagement between the holder 3 and the main body section 4 is released by rotating the main body section 4 relative to the holder 3, and the main body 4 can then be removed from the holder 3.

[0077] When the main body section 4 is attached to the holder, a low-frequency pulse current is delivered to the conductive layer 2a of the pad 2. Specifically, the main body section comprises: a pair of main body-side electrodes 43, a substrate (not shown); an electrical circuit (not shown); and a locking mechanism (not shown). The electrical circuit includes various types of control devices and is mounted on the surface of a substrate.

[0078] The control devices include: a processor for executing various procedures; a memory for storing programs, data, and the like; a communication interface for wirelessly communicating various types of data with the terminal device 10; a waveform generation / output device for amplifying the power source voltage and performing the generation, output, and the like of the low-frequency pulse current (treatment current), and the like.

[0079] The substrate, electrical circuitry, and locking mechanism are provided inside the main body section 4 (housing 4a). A power source (not shown), such as a battery, is provided inside the main body section 4 (housing 4a). A switch 48S ( Fig. 2) A (not shown) display unit, such as an LED (light-emitting diode), a (not shown) button and similar items are provided outside the housing 4a.

[0080] In the state where the main body section 4 is attached to the holder 3, the leading end section of the main body section-side electrode unit 43 comes into contact with the pad-side electrode section 22. Consequently, the main body section-side electrode section 43 and the pad-side electrode section 22 are electrically connected, and the electrical circuit can supply the low-frequency pulse current to the pad-side electrode section 22. Terminal device configuration 10

[0081] Fig. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an end-device device 10 according to embodiment 2. With reference to Fig. 10 comprises the terminal device 10 as its main components: a processor 152; a memory 154; an input device 156; a display 158; a wireless communication unit 160; a memory interface (I / F) 164; a communication interface (I / F) 166; a loudspeaker 168; and a microphone 170.

[0082] The processor 152 is typically an arithmetic processing unit, such as a CPU (central processing unit) or an MPU (multi-processing unit). The memory 154 is implemented as RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), flash memory, or similar.

[0083] The input device 156 receives an input from an operator into the terminal device 10. Typically, the input device 156 is implemented by a touch field. The touch field is provided on the display 158, which functions as a display unit, and the touch field is, for example, of an electrostatic capacitive type. The touch field detects a touch operation performed on the touch field by an external object at each predefined time interval and inputs the touch coordinates into the processor 152. However, the input device 156 can also include buttons or similar elements.

[0084] The wireless communication unit 160 is connected to a mobile communication network via a communication antenna 162 and transmits and receives signals for wireless communication. Consequently, the terminal device 10 can communicate with another communication device via the mobile communication network, such as LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0085] Memory interface 164 reads data from an external storage medium 165. Processor 152 reads the data stored in memory medium 165 via memory interface 164 and stores the data in memory 154. Processor 152 reads the data from memory 154 and stores the data in external storage medium 165 via memory interface 164.

[0086] Storage medium 165 includes a medium that stores a program in a non-volatile manner, such as a CD (compact disk), a DVD (digital versatile disk), a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a USB (universal serial bus) storage device, or an SD (secure digital) memory card.

[0087] The communication interface (I / F) 166 is a communication interface for exchanging various types of data between the terminal device 10 and the electrical treatment device 20 and is implemented by an adapter, a connector, and the like. A wireless communication method, achieved, for example, through BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), a wireless LAN, or the like, is used as the communication method.

[0088] The loudspeaker 168 converts an audio signal provided by the processor 152 into audio and outputs the audio outside the terminal device 10. The microphone 170 receives audio input into the terminal device 10 and delivers an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the processor 152. Functional configuration

[0089] The electrical treatment device 20 has the same function as the electrical treatment device 200 described above. In particular, it has the same function as the one described in Fig. The electrical treatment device 200 shown in Figure 5 is controlled by a control device contained in the main body section 4 of the electrical treatment device 20. In embodiment 1, the user provided various types of information to the electrical treatment device 20 via the user interface 230. In embodiment 2, the user provides various instructions to the terminal device 10 via the input device 156 and indirectly provides the various instructions to the electrical treatment device 20 based on instructions transmitted from the terminal device 10 to the electrical treatment device 20.

[0090] In embodiment 1, a configuration was used in which the treatment current is applied to the treatment site by applying a voltage between the electrode of one pad 270 with a positive polarity and the electrode of another pad 270 with a negative polarity. In embodiment 2, a configuration is used in which two electrode sections, corresponding to a positive and a negative polarity, are formed on a pad 2, and the treatment current is applied to the treatment site by means of a voltage applied between the electrodes.

[0091] In embodiment 1, the various types of information stored in memory 220, enabling the electrical treatment device 200 to perform the processing described above, are typically stored in the memory of the electrical treatment device 200. However, a configuration can also be used in which some of the information (e.g., the desired stimulation intensity or similar) is stored in memory 154 of the terminal device 10.

[0092] It should be noted that a configuration can also be used in which the electrical treatment device 20 transmits information necessary to warn the user, information to be stored in the terminal device 10, or similar information to the terminal device 10. Other embodiments

[0093] (1) In the above described Fig. 3 and Fig.Section 4 describes a configuration in which the voltage value is increased proportionally with time, but there is no restriction to this configuration, and it is also possible to use a configuration in which the voltage value is increased in a curved manner.

[0094] (2) In the embodiment 1 described above, a configuration in which a pair of pads 270 was used has been described, but there is no restriction to this configuration, and it is also possible to use a configuration in which one electrode for a positive polarity and one electrode for a negative polarity are formed on one pad.

[0095] (3) In the embodiment described above, a program can also be provided to cause a computer to execute controls such as those described in the flowchart described above. This type of program can also be recorded on a non-temporary, computer-readable recording medium, such as a floppy disk belonging to a computer, a CD-ROM (read-only compact disk), a secondary storage device, a main storage device, and a memory card, and can be provided as a program product. Alternatively, a program can also be provided by recording it on a recording medium, such as a hard disk installed in a computer. A program can also be provided by downloading it over a network.

[0096] The program can cause a computer to perform the processing by calling a required module from program modules provided as part of the computer's operating system (OS) in a predetermined sequence and at a predetermined time. In this case, the module described above is not included in the program itself, and the processing is performed in conjunction with the OS. According to the present embodiment, this program, which does not include the module, can also be included within the program.

[0097] The program according to the present embodiment can also be provided as part of another program. In this case, the module contained in the other program is also not included in the program itself, and the processing is carried out in conjunction with the other program. This program incorporated into the other program can also be included in the program according to the present embodiment.

[0098] (4) The configuration described in the embodiment described above is an example of a configuration of the present invention and can also be combined with another known method, and it is also possible to make a modification, such as omitting a section, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is also possible to carry out the embodiment described above by using, where necessary, processing and configurations described in another embodiment.

[0099] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be regarded in every respect as exemplary and not limiting. The scope of protection of the present invention is not defined by the foregoing description, but by the claims, and meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of protection are to be included therein. Reference symbol list 1 Treatment system 2,270 pads 2H Through hole 2X Mounting section 2Y Treatment Section 2a Conductive layer 3 holders 4, 205 Main body section 4a Housing 5 Command / Intervention Section 10 Terminal device 20, 200 Electric treatment device 21 Body-side section 22 Pad-side electrode section 23 Window section 30 network 31 Pad holding section 32 Wall section 33 Locking pin 41 Side surface 43 Main body-side electrode section 48S switch 51 lead 52 Groove section 152, 210 processor 154, 220 storage 156 Input device 158, 260 display 160 Wireless Communication Section 162 Communication antenna 164 memory interface 165 Storage medium 168 speakers 170 microphone 230 operating interface 232 Power button 234 Operating mode selection knob 236 Treatment start button 238 Adjustment knob 240 power source units 250 Waveform generation / output device 280 cables 282 plugs 302 State determination unit 304 Impedance measurement unit 306 Target Time Setting Unit 308 Voltage control unit 311 Upper surface 312 Positioning advantage 521 Vertical groove section 522 Horizontal groove section

Claims

[1] Electrical treatment device (20, 200) comprising: an impedance measurement unit (304) configured to measure the bioelectrical impedance of a site on a user's body by using multiple electrodes in contact with that site; a voltage control unit (308) configured to perform treatment of the site by controlling a treatment voltage applied to the multiple electrodes; and a time setting unit (306) configured to set a target time from the start of treatment of the site by the voltage control unit (308) until the voltage value of the applied treatment voltage reaches a target voltage value, based on the measured bioelectrical impedance, wherein the voltage control unit (308) increases the voltage value of the applied treatment voltage to the target voltage value based on the set target time, such that the time setting unit (306) sets the target time to be shorter the greater the measured bioelectrical impedance. [2] Electrical treatment device (20, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the voltage control unit (308) increases the voltage value of the applied treatment voltage such that a second rate of increase of the voltage value in a time interval from the time at which the voltage value of the applied voltage reaches a predetermined reference value until the target voltage value is reached is smaller than a first rate of increase of the voltage value in a time interval from the start of the treatment of the area until the voltage value of the applied treatment voltage reaches the predetermined reference value. [3] Electrical treatment device (20, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical treatment device (20, 200) has several treatment types, where the target voltage value for each of the several treatment types is determined in advance, and wherein the time setting unit (306) sets the target time based on the measured bioelectrical impedance and the target voltage value corresponding to a treatment type selected by the user from the multiple treatment types. [4] Electrical treatment device (20, 200) of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the target voltage value is a voltage value that corresponds to an intensity of electrical stimulation desired by the user. [5] Electrical treatment device (20, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrical treatment device (20, 200) is a low-frequency treatment device. [6] Treatment system that features: a terminal device (10); and an electrical treatment device (20, 200) configured to be capable of wireless communication with the terminal device, the electrical treatment device (20, 200) comprises: an impedance measurement unit (304) configured to measure the bioelectrical impedance of a location on a user's body using multiple electrodes in contact with the location; a voltage control unit (308) configured to perform treatment of the site by controlling a treatment voltage applied to the multiple electrodes in accordance with an instruction from the terminal device; and a time setting unit (306) configured to set a target time from the start of treatment of the site by the voltage control unit (308) until the voltage value of the applied treatment voltage reaches a target voltage value, based on the measured bioelectrical impedance, wherein the voltage control unit (308) increases the voltage value of the applied treatment voltage to the target voltage value based on the set target time, such that the time setting unit (306) sets the target time to be shorter the greater the measured bioelectrical impedance.

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