Respiratory stimulation device and control methods therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to a respiratory stimulation device (10) comprising: - a belt (11) intended to be fitted around the abdomen of a user; - at least three motors (12, 13) fixed on the belt (11), a central motor (12) and two lateral motors (13), so as to position the central motor (12) opposite the umbilical region (14) and the lateral motors (13) opposite the two sides of the abdomen (15) of the user when the user is wearing the belt; and - a control unit (30) connected to the motors (12, 13) and configured to generate vibrations of variable amplitudes on each motor (12, 13) so as to induce two sensations of movement (P1) of the location of the vibrations which are felt by the user as an apparent double tactile movement.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: RESPIRATORY STIMULATION DEVICE AND CONTROL METHODS

[0003] ASSOCIATES

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to a respiratory stimulation device, i.e., a device for inducing inspiration and expiration phases. The invention also relates to methods for controlling the device to induce these inspiration and expiration phases.

[0006] The invention finds application in the medical field to assist a patient's breathing, increase heart rate variability and retrain abdominal breathing. The invention can also be used to enable users to improve their breathing. Typically, the invention can be used to induce slow and deep abdominal breathing. With such abdominal breathing, the user can thus experience relaxation, stress regulation or even improved cognitive performance.

[0007] For the purposes of the invention, "abdominal breathing" is characterized by the use of the diaphragm to inhale and exhale. During inspiration, the diaphragm descends while contracting, which has the effect of opening the lungs to let air in, and inflating the abdomen. During expiration, the diaphragm rises while relaxing, which has the effect of closing the lungs to let air out, and retracting the abdomen.

[0008] STATE OF THE ART

[0009] There are a significant number of people who suffer from stress, anxiety, a lack of psycho-emotional balance or even problems related to cognitive performance. These people experience significant tension and chronic diaphragmatic tension, which prevents effective abdominal breathing.

[0010] To help these people, it is often recommended to perform periods of slow and deep abdominal breathing. To do this, there are several solutions for suggesting to a user the optimal phases of inspiration and expiration in order to obtain this specific breathing. For example, document WO 2010 / 088895 or document US 6,561,987 describes a device for warning the user during the optimal moments of inspiration and expiration.

[0011] The signals transmitted to the user to indicate the optimal breathing phases can take the form of an electrical current, an audible signal, a visual signal, a variation in temperature or even vibrations.

[0012] The disadvantage of this solution is that the user must be focused to follow the signals allowing him to adapt his breathing, so this respiratory state is difficult to access over long periods or when carrying out another activity.

[0013] Furthermore, some people suffer from respiratory insufficiency, and there are also devices designed to control breathing. To do this, it is known to excite the body with vibrations to trigger the inspiration phase while letting the body generate the expiration phase itself, as described in document WO 2021 / 162555 to combat sleep apnea in infants.

[0014] Excitation can also directly target the diaphragm by applying localized vibrations to the abdomen. Such vibrations are, for example, described in document WO 2017 / 198283, which proposes using at least two motors mounted on a lap belt to generate these vibrations to stimulate the diaphragmatic muscle. Thus, in document WO 2017 / 198283, vibrations of constant amplitude are applied for a predetermined duration to mechanically stimulate the inspiration phases by activating the diaphragm.

[0015] Furthermore, constant amplitude vibrations applied to trigger inspiration phases can stimulate the parasympathetic nerve and decrease heart rate, so this periodic excitation can be used to try to induce a state of relaxation.

[0016] However, stimulation of the parasympathetic nerve is not always effective in reducing the heart rate because the user may also experience excitation of the sympathetic nerve which has the effect of increasing this heart rate. Thus, when the user wears the belt during the day and performs various activities, he only very rarely performs periods of slow and deep abdominal breathing with the belt of document WO 2017 / 198283. The technical problem of the invention is therefore to obtain a device which induces the inspiration phases but also the expiration phases, for example to obtain periods of slow and deep abdominal breathing.

[0017] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0018] To address this technical problem, the invention proposes using several vibratory motors juxtaposed on a belt facing the umbilical region and the flanks of the abdomen, and controlling these motors to generate variable amplitudes in order to obtain a sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations. In doing so, the user feels an apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen which induces the inspiration and expiration phases.

[0019] Indeed, the invention stems from a discovery according to which the application of a sensation of displacement of vibrations from the sides of the abdomen towards the umbilical region makes it possible to induce a phase of abdominal inspiration, by actively and progressively inflating the abdomen in time with the displacement of vibrations felt.

[0020] Furthermore, applying a sensation of vibration displacement from the umbilical region to the sides of the abdomen allows the induction of an abdominal expiration phase by actively and progressively retracting the abdomen in time with the displacement of vibrations felt.

[0021] Thus, the invention makes it possible to induce both the inspiration and expiration phases by activating the abdomen and it is now possible to vary these phases to lead a user to perform slow and deep abdominal breathing.

[0022] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a respiratory stimulation device comprising:

[0023] - a belt intended to be mounted around a user's abdomen;

[0024] - at least three motors fixed to the belt, one central motor and two lateral motors, so as to position the central motor opposite the umbilical region and the lateral motors opposite the two sides of the user's abdomen when wearing the belt; and

[0025] - a control unit connected to the motors and configured to generate vibrations of varying amplitudes on each motor so as to induce two sensations of displacement of the location of the vibrations:

[0026] - a first sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations from the sides of the abdomen towards the umbilical region obtained by progressively reducing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors while progressively increasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor so as to induce inspiration; and

[0027] - a second sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations from the umbilical region towards the sides of the abdomen obtained by progressively decreasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor while progressively increasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors so as to induce expiration.

[0028] For the purposes of the invention, the umbilical region is located below the epigastrium, above the hypogastrium and between the two lateral regions. The flanks of the abdomen are located on either side of this umbilical region; they can extend over the lumbar and inguinal regions, right and left.

[0029] Thus, the invention proposes an abdominal belt incorporating motors activated separately to induce inspiration and expiration phases. These motors are controlled by a control unit configured to generate the control signals of these motors so that the user feels an apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen which induces the inspiration and expiration phases.

[0030] It is possible to use several waveforms or distinct frequencies to differentiate the vibrations applied during the inspiration phase from those applied during the expiration phase. The preferred waveforms used can be waves called: "Sine wave" and "Ricker wavelet". A sine wave induces a continuous movement and sensation, while Ricker wavelets are spaced with delays to generate a tapping sensation.

[0031] It is possible to modify the shape of these different waves in order to induce a movement corresponding to the user's expectations. Concretely, the frequency of a sine wave can vary between 30 Hz and 200 Hz. For Ricker wavelets, it is possible to modify the delay between each tapping sensation, which can vary between Os and 1 s, and the duration of the pulses, which can vary between 10 ms and 200 ms. All these parameters, linked to the waves, can be controlled by the control unit and thus be recorded in advance. A differentiation in the signal shapes for the inspiration and expiration phases makes it possible to generate different tactile sensations on the abdomen. This differentiation allows the user to distinguish between vibrations that induce expirations and those that induce inspirations.

[0032] Preferably, to allow an adapted perception of the location of the vibrations, each motor has a contact area with the user's body of less than 15 cm 2 The distance between the central motor and the lateral motors is, for example, between 10 cm and 20 cm. This distance makes it possible to define a suitable stimulation zone.

[0033] At least three motors are required to induce this apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen. Of course, other motors can be used to enhance the sensation of moving the vibration location and promote breathing phases.

[0034] For example, the invention may comprise at least two intermediate motors arranged between the central motor and the lateral motors; the control unit being configured to induce:

[0035] - the first sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations from the sides of the abdomen towards the umbilical region by progressively decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors, while gradually increasing and then decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors, while progressively increasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor, so as to induce inspiration; and

[0036] - a second sensation of displacement of vibrations from the umbilical region towards the sides of the abdomen by progressively decreasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor, while increasing then progressively decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors, while progressively increasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors, so as to induce expiration.

[0037] Furthermore, the control unit preferably incorporates wired connection means but it can also incorporate wireless connection means so that the user can adjust the breathing rate induced by the control unit from a smartphone. Specifically, during the inspiration stimulation phase, the central motor located opposite the umbilical region generates a minimum vibration amplitude in the first moments of the stimulation to reach a maximum amplitude at the end of the stimulation.

[0038] On the contrary, the lateral motors located opposite the flanks of the abdomen behave in the opposite way by starting the stimulation with a maximum vibration amplitude and tending towards a minimum vibration amplitude at the end of the stimulation.

[0039] Thus, according to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device so as to induce an inspiration phase by generating a sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations, the method comprising the following steps:

[0040] - activation of the central motor vibration to achieve a minimum vibration amplitude;

[0041] - activation of the vibration of the side motors to achieve maximum vibration amplitude;

[0042] - increasing the vibration of the central motor to achieve said maximum vibration amplitude while decreasing the vibration of the side motors to achieve said minimum vibration amplitude;

[0043] - deactivation of the central motor vibration; and

[0044] - deactivation of the vibration of the side motors

[0045] Preferably, to obtain effective activation of the lateral motors, the step of activating the vibration of the lateral motors to achieve a maximum vibration amplitude is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the inspiration stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the lateral motors increases from the minimum vibration amplitude to the maximum vibration amplitude.

[0046] This embodiment makes it possible to limit the forces experienced by the lateral motors during activation to increase their lifespan and also to avoid a clicking sensation when the motors are activated.

[0047] In addition, the step of reducing the vibration of the lateral motors is preferably carried out with at least two speeds: a first reduction speed slower than a second reduction speed, and the step of increasing the vibration of the central motor is carried out with at least two speeds: a first increase speed faster than a second increase speed; the transition between the reduction speeds and the increase speeds can occur at distinct times during the inspiration stimulation phase.

[0048] This embodiment allows for a simple crossfade to be created between the two signals in order to improve the perception of the continuity of the apparent movement compared to using a single speed of decrease and increase of vibrations.

[0049] Preferably, the step of deactivating the vibration of the central motor is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the inspiration stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the lateral motors decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude to the minimum vibration amplitude. This embodiment makes it possible to limit the forces undergone by the central motor during the deactivation step to increase its lifespan.

[0050] During the expiration stimulation phase, the lateral motors located opposite the abdominal flanks generate a minimum vibration amplitude in the first moments of stimulation to reach a maximum amplitude at the end of stimulation. On the contrary, the central motor located opposite the umbilical region behaves in the opposite way by starting stimulation with a maximum vibration amplitude to tend towards a minimum vibration amplitude at the end of stimulation.

[0051] Thus, according to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device so as to induce an expiration phase by generating a sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations, the method comprising the following steps:

[0052] - activation of the central motor vibration to achieve maximum vibration amplitude;

[0053] - activation of the vibration of the side motors to achieve a minimum vibration amplitude;

[0054] - increasing the vibration of the side motors to achieve said maximum vibration amplitude while decreasing the vibration of the central motor to achieve said minimum vibration amplitude; - deactivating the vibration of the central motor; and

[0055] - deactivation of the vibration of the side motors.

[0056] Preferably, to achieve effective activation of the central motor, the step of activating the vibration of the central motor to achieve a maximum vibration amplitude is performed for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the expiration stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the central motor increases from the minimum vibration amplitude to the maximum vibration amplitude.

[0057] This embodiment makes it possible to limit the forces undergone by the central motor during the activation stage to increase its lifespan and also to avoid a clicking sensation when activating the motor.

[0058] Preferably, the step of decreasing the vibration of the central motor is carried out with at least two speeds: a first decrease speed slower than a second decrease speed, and the step of increasing the vibration of the lateral motors is carried out with at least two speeds: a first increase speed faster than a second increase speed; the transition between the decrease speeds and the increase speeds can occur at distinct times of the expiration stimulation phase.

[0059] This embodiment allows for a simple crossfade to be created between the two signals in order to improve the perception of the continuity of the apparent movement compared to using a single speed of decrease and increase of vibrations.

[0060] Preferably, the step of deactivating the vibration of the lateral motors is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the expiration stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the lateral motors decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude to the minimum vibration amplitude. This embodiment makes it possible to limit the forces undergone by the lateral motors during the deactivation step to increase their service life. Brief description of the figures

[0061] The manner in which the invention can be implemented and the advantages which result therefrom will become more apparent from the following examples of implementation, given for informational and non-limiting purposes, in support of the appended figures in which:

[0062] [Fig 1] is a schematic representation of the respiratory stimulation device according to a first embodiment of the invention during an inspiration stimulation phase;

[0063] [Fig 2] is a schematic representation of the device of Figure 1 during an expiration stimulation phase;

[0064] [Fig 3] is a graphical representation of the amplitude of the central motor and lateral motors of the device of Figure 1 during the inspiration and expiration stimulation phases;

[0065] [Fig 4] is a schematic representation of the respiratory stimulation device according to a second embodiment of the invention integrating intermediate motors; and [Fig 5] is a graphical representation of the amplitude of the central motor, the intermediate motors and the lateral motors of the device of figure 4 during the inspiration and expiration stimulation phases.

[0066] Detailed description of the invention

[0067] Figures 1, 2 and 4 show a respiratory stimulation device 10 integrated into a belt 11 mounted around the abdomen of a user. This belt 11 is preferably made of non-abrasive lycra for its extensibility, it can comprise several layers of fabric. In addition, the belt 11 can comprise holding means, for example two portions of Velcro arranged on the two ends, in order to hold the belt 11 around the abdomen of the user during use.

[0068] In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the belt 11 incorporates three motors 12-13. Two of these motors 13, called lateral motors, are arranged opposite the sides of the abdomen 15 and the last motor 12, called central motor, is arranged opposite the umbilical region 14. When the belt 11 is intended for an adult of average proportion, the lateral motors 13 are positioned at a distance DI of between 10 and 20 cm from the central motor 12.

[0069] Of course, if the belt 11 is intended for an infant or an overweight person, the size of the belt 11 and the distance DI between the motors 12-13 vary. Furthermore, Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the respiratory stimulation device 10 comprises two intermediate motors 16 positioned between the lateral motors 13 and the central motor 12. The distance D2 between the intermediate motors 16 and the lateral motors 13 is between 5 and 10 cm. Similarly, the distance D3 between the intermediate motors 16 and the central motor 12 is also between 5 and 10 cm. Each motor 12, 13, 16 preferably has a contact area with the user's body of less than 15 cm. 2 .

[0070] As before, if the belt 11 is intended for an infant or an overweight person, the size of the belt 11 and the distance D2 and D3 between the motors 12, 13, 16 varies.

[0071] All the motors 12, 13, 16 are connected to a control unit 30 by wired connectors integrated in the belt. This control unit 30 can be removable to facilitate recharging, for example by using magnetic electrical connectors on the control unit 30. Recharging can be carried out by induction or by a connector, for example a USB type connector.

[0072] In addition, the control unit 30 may incorporate wireless connection means so that the user can adjust the breathing rate induced by the control unit 30 from a smartphone. Thus, it is possible to modify the adjustment parameters of each motor 12, 13, 16 to adapt to the needs of the user.

[0073] Indeed, to induce the respiratory phases, the invention proposes to control the motors 12, 13, 16 to vary the amplitude of the vibrations and induce a double tactile movement felt by the user. To do this, the lateral motors 13 are controlled differently from the central motor 12, and from the possible intermediate motors 16. In the remainder of the description, the difference in control of the lateral motors 13 and the central motor 12 is first presented.

[0074] More precisely, during the inspiration stimulation phase PI, the amplitude A13 of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors 13 gradually decreases while gradually increasing the amplitude of the vibration A12 applied to the central motor 12. This difference in control of the motors 12 and 13 in the inspiration stimulation phase PI makes it possible to induce an apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen which propagates from the sides of the abdomen 15 to the umbilical region 14, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0075] On the contrary, during the expiration stimulation phase P2, the amplitude A13 of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors 13 gradually increases while gradually decreasing the amplitude of the vibration A12 applied to the central motor 12. This difference in control of the motors 12 and 13 in the expiration stimulation phase P2 makes it possible to induce another apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen which propagates from the umbilical region 14 to the flanks of the abdomen 15, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0076] Figure 3 is a graphical representation of the amplitude of the motors 12, 13 according to a mode of implementation of the different respiratory phases illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. More precisely, at the beginning of the PI inspiration stimulation phase, the amplitude A13 of the lateral motors 13 has the minimum amplitude value Amin. Then, the amplitude A13 undergoes a rapid increase VI to reach the maximum value Amax at time T1. Then, the amplitude A13 undergoes a first rate of decrease V2 and reaches an intermediate amplitude value Aint at time T2. Finally, the amplitude A13 undergoes a second rate of decrease V3 and reaches the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Ti of the PI inspiration stimulation phase.

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

[0078] Following this PI inspiration stimulation phase, a vibration-free S delay is programmed.

[0079] This time delay S, the instants T1 to T4, as well as the amplitude values ​​Amin, Aint and Amax, can be set and possibly modified by the control unit 30. After this time delay S, the expiration stimulation phase P2 begins. In this phase, the amplitude A13 of the lateral motors 13 begins at the minimum value Amin and undergoes a first increase rate V7 to reach the intermediate value Aint at the instant T3. Then, the amplitude A13 undergoes a second increase rate V8 to reach the maximum value Amax at the instant T4. Finally, the amplitude A13 undergoes a rapid decrease V9 to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Te of the expiration stimulation phase P2.

[0080] For the amplitude A12 of the central motor 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin. Then, the amplitude A12 undergoes a rapid increase VIO to reach the maximum value Amax at time Tl. Then, the amplitude A12 undergoes a first rate of decrease Vil and reaches an intermediate value Aint at time T2. Finally, the amplitude undergoes a second rate of decrease V12 until reaching the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Te of the expiration stimulation phase P2.

[0081] At the end of this P2 expiration stimulation phase, a new delay S is applied before starting a new PI inspiration stimulation phase. This new delay S between the P2 expiration stimulation phase and the PI inspiration stimulation phase may be different from the delay S applied between the PI inspiration stimulation phase and the P2 expiration stimulation phase.

[0082] This difference in vibration amplitude between the motors 12 and 13 is intended to provide a dynamic tactile sensation on the abdomen. This apparent tactile effect needs to be felt only on the surface of the abdomen in order to induce a movement of displacement of the vibrations from the umbilical area 14 to the flanks of the abdomen 15 and from the flanks of the abdomen 15 to the umbilical area 14 to allow the user to consciously synchronize his inspirations and his expirations.

[0083] Preferably, the amplitude value Amin is between 0% and 5% of the amplitude value Amax and the intermediate amplitude value Aint is between 70% and 90% of the amplitude value Amax. Similarly, the durations Ti and Te of the inspiration and expiration stimulation phases PI and P2 may be similar.

[0084] In this embodiment, T1 is preferably between 5% and 15% of the duration Ti of the inspiration stimulation phase P1. T2 is preferably between 55% and 65% of the duration Ti, T3 is preferably between 30% and 50% of the duration Ti and T4 is preferably between 85% and 95% of the duration Ti. Alternatively, the durations Ti and Te may be distinct as well as the instants T1 to T4 for the inspiration and expiration stimulation phases P1 and P2.

[0085] All these parameters can be pre-stored in the control unit 30 in order to create several stimulation modes that the user can select, for example to induce different types of breathing.

[0086] In the embodiment of Figure 4, the respiratory stimulation device 10 comprises two intermediate motors 16 positioned between the lateral motors 13 and the central motor 12. In this embodiment, the control unit 30 is programmed to generate vibrations of different amplitudes on each motor 12, 13, 16 in order to induce a sensation of movement and to allow the user to consciously synchronize his breathing.

[0087] More precisely, during the inspiration stimulation phase PI, the amplitude A12 of the vibrations applied to the central motor 12 increases progressively, while increasing then progressively decreasing the amplitude A16 of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors 16, while progressively decreasing the amplitude A13 of the vibration applied to the lateral motors 13.

[0088] During the expiration stimulation phase P2, the amplitude A13 of the vibration applied to the lateral motors 13 gradually increases, while gradually increasing then decreasing the amplitude A16 of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors 16, while gradually decreasing the amplitude A12 of the vibrations applied to the central motor 12.

[0089] The use of a large number of motors makes it possible to increase the sensation of movement and, thus, to allow the user to better consciously synchronize his breathing and to provide a dynamic tactile sensation on the abdomen in order to induce movements of displacement of the vibrations between the umbilical zone 14 and the flanks of the abdomen 15 and vice versa.

[0090] Figure 5 is a graphical representation of the amplitude of motors 12, 13 and 16 according to one implementation mode. During the PI inspiration stimulation phase, the amplitude A13 of the signal of the lateral motors 13 starts at a minimum Amin. Then, the amplitude A13 increases to reach the maximum value Amax at time T5. Then, the amplitude A13 decreases until reaching the minimum value Amin at the end of the PI inspiration stimulation phase.

[0091] For the A16 amplitude of the intermediate motors 16, it starts at the minimum value Amin. Then, the A16 amplitude increases to reach the maximum value Amax at time T7. Then, the A16 amplitude decreases until reaching the minimum value Amin at the end of the PI inspiration stimulation phase.

[0092] For the A12 amplitude of central motor 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum amplitude value Amax at time T6. Then, the A12 amplitude decreases to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the PI inspiration stimulation phase.

[0093] Following this PI inspiration stimulation phase, a delay S is applied.

[0094] After this delay S, an expiratory stimulation phase P2 begins. In this phase, the amplitude A13 of the lateral motors 13 starts at the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum value Amax at time T6. Then, the amplitude A13 decreases to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the expiratory stimulation phase P2.

[0095] As in the PI inspiration stimulation phase, in the P2 expiration stimulation phase, the A16 amplitude of the intermediate motors 16 starts at the minimum value Amin.

[0096] Then, the amplitude A16 increases to reach the maximum value Amax at time T7. Then, the amplitude A16 decreases until reaching the minimum value Amin at the end of the expiration stimulation phase P2.

[0097] For the A12 amplitude of the central motor 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum amplitude value Amax at time T5. Then, the A12 amplitude decreases to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the inspiration stimulation phase P2.

[0098] As described previously, these values ​​T5 to T7, Amin, Amax, Ti, Te and S can also be adjusted by the control unit 30. To conclude, the use of two signals of inverse amplitudes applied to the different motors 12, 13, 16 generates a double apparent synchronous tactile movement propagating back and forth between the sides of the abdomen 15 and the umbilical region 14. This double apparent tactile movement makes it possible to induce phases of slow and deep abdominal inspiration and expiration stimulation which allow:

[0099] - to overactivate the function of the sympathetic nervous system if the programmed inspiration time is greater than the expiration time;

[0100] - to overactivate the function of the parasympathetic nervous system if the programmed inspiration time is less than the expiration time; or

[0101] - to balance the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system if the programmed inspiration time is equal to the expiration time.

[0102] Activation of the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body to take action in response to stress. For example, activation of the sympathetic nervous system increases the heart rate, while activation of the parasympathetic nervous system slows down the body's functions to put it in a relaxed state.

[0103] Slow, deep breathing of the "cardiac coherence" type stimulates and activates both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. With this specific breathing, the user's heart rate variability is improved. This variability is an indicator of good physiological health.

[0104] Thus, the invention provides a device 10 that induces inspiration and expiration phases, for example to obtain periods of slow and deep abdominal breathing or to control the heart rate according to the configuration parameters of the induced breathing. Control of the breathing rate can even improve the physiological health of the user.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Respiratory stimulation device (10) comprising: - a belt (11) intended to be mounted around the abdomen of a user; - at least three motors (12, 13) fixed on the belt (11), a central motor (12) and two lateral motors (13), so as to position the central motor (12) opposite the umbilical region (14) and the lateral motors (13) opposite the two sides of the abdomen (15) of the user when he wears the belt; and - a control unit (30) connected to the motors (12, 13) and configured to generate vibrations of variable amplitudes on each motor (12, 13) so as to induce two sensations of displacement (P1, P2) of the location of the vibrations: - a first sensation of displacement (PI) of the location of the vibrations from the sides of the abdomen (15) towards the umbilical region (14) obtained by progressively decreasing the amplitude (A13) of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors (13) while progressively increasing the amplitude of the vibration (A12) applied to the central motor (12) so as to induce inspiration; and - a second sensation of displacement (P2) of the location of the vibrations from the umbilical region (14) towards the sides of the abdomen (15) obtained by progressively reducing the amplitude of the vibration (A12) applied to the central motor (12) while progressively increasing the amplitude (A13) of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors (13) so as to induce an expiration.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the vibrations (A12-A13) applied to the central motor (12) and to the lateral motors (13) have distinct waveforms and / or frequencies between the first sensation of movement (PI) and the second sensation of movement (P2).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, in which each motor has a contact area with the user's body of less than 15 cm 2 .

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the belt comprises at least two intermediate motors (16) arranged between the central motor (12) and the lateral motors (13); the control unit (30) being configured to induce: - the first sensation of displacement (PI) of the location of the vibrations from the sides of the abdomen (15) towards the umbilical region (14) by progressively decreasing the amplitude (A13) of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors (13), while progressively increasing then decreasing the amplitude (A16) of the vibrations applied on the intermediate motors (16), while gradually increasing the amplitude (A12) of the vibration applied to the central motor (12), so as to induce inspiration; and - a second sensation of displacement (P2) of vibrations from the umbilical region (14) towards the sides of the abdomen (15) by progressively decreasing the amplitude (A12) of the vibration applied to the central motor (12), while progressively increasing then decreasing the amplitude (A16) of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors (16), while progressively increasing the amplitude (A13) of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors (13), so as to induce an expiration.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the distance (Dl) between the central motor (12) and the lateral motors (13) is between 10 cm and 20 cm.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the control unit (30) incorporates wireless connection means so that the user can adjust the breathing rate induced by the control unit (30) from a smartphone.

7. Method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6 so as to induce an inspiration phase by generating a sensation of displacement (PI) of the location of the vibrations, the method comprising the following steps: - activation of the vibration of the side motors (13) to reach a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax); - activation of the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach a minimum vibration amplitude (Amin); - decreasing the vibration of the side motors (13) to reach said minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) while increasing the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach said maximum vibration amplitude (Amax); - deactivation of the vibration of the central motor (12); and - deactivation of the vibration of the side motors (13).

8. Method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 7, in which the step of activating the vibration of the lateral motors (13) to reach a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the inspiration stimulation phase (Ti), during which the vibration amplitude of the side motors (13) increases from the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) to the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax).

9. Method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 7 or 8, in which the step of reducing the vibration of the lateral motors (13) is carried out with at least two speeds (V2, V3): a first reduction speed (V2) slower than a second reduction speed (V3), and the step of increasing the vibration of the central motor (12) is carried out with at least two speeds (V4, V5): a first increase speed (V4) faster than a second increase speed (V5); the transition between the reduction speeds and the increase speeds can occur at distinct times of the inspiration stimulation phase.

10. Method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to one of claims 7 to 9, in which the step of deactivating the vibration of the central motor (12) is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the inspiration stimulation phase (Ti), during which the vibration amplitude of the central motor (12) decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) to the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin).

11. Method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6 so as to induce an expiration phase by generating a sensation of displacement (P2) of the location of the vibrations, the method comprising the following steps: - activation of the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax); - activation of the vibration of the side motors (13) to achieve a minimum vibration amplitude (Amin); - decreasing the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach said minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) while increasing the vibration of the lateral motors (13) to reach said maximum vibration amplitude (Amax); - deactivation of the vibration of the central motor (12); and - deactivation of the vibration of the side motors (13).

12. Method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 11, in which the step of activating the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) is carried out for a duration predetermined, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the expiration stimulation phase (Te), during which the vibration amplitude of the central motor (12) increases from the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) to the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax).

13. Method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 11 or 12, in which the step of reducing the vibration of the central motor (12) is carried out with at least two speeds (V11, V12): a first reduction speed (V11) slower than a second reduction speed (V12), and the step of increasing the vibration of the lateral motors (13) is carried out with at least two speeds (V7, V8): a first increase speed (V7) faster than a second increase speed (V8); the transition between the reduction speeds and the increase speeds can occur at distinct times of the expiration stimulation phase.

14. Method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to one of claims 11 to 13, in which the step of deactivating the vibration of the lateral motors (13) is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the expiration stimulation phase (Te), during which the vibration amplitude of the lateral motors (13) decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) to the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin).

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