Vision recovery device, electrical device, and vision recovery method

Abstract

To provide a vision recovery device, an electrical device, and a vision recovery method that enable more efficient vision recovery through electrical signals.SOLUTION: A vision recovery device according to the present embodiment includes: a generation part which generates an electrical signal of a direct current; a first electrode part in which multiple electrodes are arranged, which is arranged on the skin surface of a subject, and non-invasively conducts electrical signals to the subject; a second electrode part which is different from the first electrode part in which the multiple electrodes that conduct the electrical signals are arranged, which is arranged on the skin surface of the subject, and non-invasively conducts the electrical signals to the subject; a control part which performs control of conducting the electrical signals to the multiple electrodes of the first electrode part and the multiple electrodes of the second electrode part corresponding to the multiple electrodes of the first electrode part; and an arrangement part which arranges the first electrode part on one side of an eye part around the eye part and arranges the second electrode part on the other side opposed to the first electrode part around the eye part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present embodiments relate to a vision restoration device, an electrical device, and a vision restoration method. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrotherapy devices are known as devices that apply electrical stimulation to localized pain generating areas of the human body to eliminate or reduce pain caused by chronic soft tissue damage or fatigue-related inflammation of the musculoskeletal system (see Patent Documents 1-4). In such electrotherapy devices, positive and negative electrodes are attached to the surface of the human body (generally the skin), and a low-frequency current is supplied between them from a controller to apply electrical stimulation to the human body percutaneously for treatment. A weak low-frequency current flows between the electrodes, and an electrical anesthetic effect occurs in the body due to electrical tension that receives the electrical stimulation, which relaxes the muscles between the electrodes, improving blood circulation and activating metabolism, relieving stiffness and pain in the affected area.

[0003] On the other hand, eye fatigue and impaired eyesight have become a social problem due to the increase in close-up work using personal computers, mobile phones, portable game consoles, etc. Long hours of close-up work strains the eye muscles and causes fatigue. It is generally said that accumulation of fatigue in the eye muscles leads to stiffness and the progression of myopia. Therefore, in order to relax the eye muscles and improve blood circulation, people warm their eyes with steamed towels, etc., to relieve eye fatigue, and wear eye masks to relieve stress and achieve a relaxing effect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4908163 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6525245 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6495516 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 7236731 [Patent Document 5] JP 2002-253631 A [Patent Document 6] Patent No. 6820046 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, conventional vision recovery devices mainly use physical force action such as massaging the eye by vibrating the eyelid or applying pressure to the periphery of the eye. This may make it difficult to efficiently relax the superior rectus muscle, inferior rectus muscle, lateral rectus muscle, superior oblique muscle, medial rectus muscle, pulley that suspends the superior oblique muscle, ciliary muscle, etc. In addition, these vision recovery devices require the user to hold them in their own hands, making it difficult to achieve a relaxing effect such as entering a sleep state.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a vision restoration device, an electrical device, and a vision restoration method that enable more efficient vision restoration using electrical signals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The vision recovery device according to this embodiment is A vision recovery device that transmits a direct current electrical signal from a periphery of an eye of a subject to at least one of an extraocular muscle and a ciliary muscle, A generator that generates a DC electrical signal; a first electrode unit having a plurality of electrodes arranged on a skin surface of a subject and non-invasively conducting an electrical signal to the subject; a second electrode unit different from the first electrode unit in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged, each of the plurality of electrodes being a target for conducting an electrical signal, the second electrode unit being arranged on a skin surface of the subject and non-invasively conducting an electrical signal to the subject; a control unit that controls the conduction of electrical signals to a plurality of electrodes of the first electrode unit and a plurality of electrodes of the second electrode unit corresponding to the plurality of electrodes of the first electrode unit; A placement unit that places the first electrode unit on one end side of the eye portion around the eye portion and places the second electrode unit on the other end side facing the first electrode unit around the eye portion; Equipped with.

[0008] The electrical device according to this embodiment is An electrical device that transmits a direct current electrical signal from a periphery of an eye of a subject to at least one of an extraocular muscle and a ciliary muscle, A generator that generates a DC electrical signal; a first electrode unit having a plurality of electrodes arranged on a skin surface of a subject and non-invasively conducting an electrical signal to the subject; a second electrode unit different from the first electrode unit in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged, each of the plurality of electrodes being a target for conducting an electrical signal, the second electrode unit being arranged on a skin surface of the subject and non-invasively conducting an electrical signal to the subject; A heater sheet for heating the eye area; a control unit that controls the conduction of electrical signals to a plurality of electrodes of the first electrode unit and a plurality of electrodes of the second electrode unit corresponding to the plurality of electrodes of the first electrode unit; an eye mask-shaped arrangement section in which the first electrode section is arranged on one end side of the eye section around the eye section, the second electrode section is arranged on the other end side facing the first electrode section around the eye section, and a heater sheet is further arranged; Equipped with.

[0009] The eyesight recovery method according to the present embodiment includes the following steps: a first electrode unit having a plurality of electrodes arranged thereon, the first electrode unit being arranged on a skin surface of the subject and non-invasively conducting an electrical signal to at least one of an extraocular muscle and a ciliary muscle of the subject's eye; A method for restoring vision of a subject by conducting an electrical signal to a second electrode unit, the second electrode unit being different from a first electrode unit having a plurality of electrodes arranged thereon to be targets for conducting an electrical signal, the second electrode unit being arranged on a skin surface of the subject and non-invasively conducting the electrical signal to at least one of an extraocular muscle and a ciliary muscle of the subject's eye, the method comprising: A generating unit generating an electrical signal; a step of controlling the control unit to conduct electrical signals in a predetermined order to a plurality of electrodes of the first electrode unit and a plurality of electrodes of the second electrode unit corresponding to the plurality of electrodes of the first electrode unit; Equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to this embodiment, vision can be restored more efficiently using electrical signals. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an electric device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an amplification modulation circuit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of signal waveforms generated by the first to n-th modulation circuits. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electrode unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the polarity of electrodes in the electrode portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of the arrangement of electrodes. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of an electrode. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electrode portion in a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electrode portion in a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the ciliary muscle and muscles involved in eye movement. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of intensity values ​​used in the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of selection buttons displayed on a touch panel. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a pulse signal supplied to a switching element. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an operation unit displayed on a touch panel. [Figure 15] Table showing example results of vision restoration treatment. [Figure 16] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process of a control circuit. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electric device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a placement unit. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation unit. [Figure 20] 13 is a diagram showing an example in which an electrical signal generating unit, a power storage unit, and an operation unit are arranged in the arrangement unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the vision recovery device, the electrical device, and the vision recovery method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment shown below is an example of the embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In addition, in the drawings referred to in this embodiment, the same parts or parts having similar functions are given the same or similar symbols, and repeated explanations may be omitted. In addition, the dimensional ratios of the drawings may differ from the actual ratios for the convenience of explanation, and some of the configurations may be omitted from the drawings.

[0013] (First embodiment) First, the overall configuration of an electric device 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the electric device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the electric device 10 is, for example, a vision recovery device, and is a treatment device for vision recovery that non-invasively conducts an electric signal to a subject by electrodes. That is, the electric device (vision recovery device) 10 includes an electric signal generating circuit 20 and a placement section 30.

[0014] The electric signal generating circuit 20 is a circuit that generates an electric signal to be supplied to the electrodes arranged in the arrangement section 30. That is, the electric signal generating circuit 20 is configured to include a generating circuit 100, a switching circuit 150, a first electrode section 200a, a second electrode section 200b, an ON / OFF circuit 300, a timer 400, a memory circuit 500, an input circuit 600, a touch panel 650, a control circuit 700, and the arrangement section 30. In addition, each of the circuits 100, 150, 400, 500, 600, 650, 700 inputs and outputs a control signal via a bus 1a.

[0015] The placement unit 30 places the electrode units 200a and 200b and brings them into contact with the surface of the subject. For example, the placement unit 30 is an eye mask. That is, the eye mask can cover the eye area. The placement unit 30 is made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric on the skin side that contacts the subject, and the material is polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like. The placement unit 30 is also configured to have, for example, a light-shielding cloth, and can block light to allow the eyes to rest. This makes it possible for the placement unit 30 to obtain a relaxing effect even when the current supply to the electrode units 200a and 200b is stopped. The placement unit 30 according to this embodiment is an eye mask, but is not limited thereto. For example, the placement unit 30 may be configured with an opening for the eye area, and the electrode units 200a and 200b, etc., may be placed therein.

[0016] When the subject is in a sitting position, the placement unit 30 can be attached to the subject with an ear-hook strap. The ear-hook strap is, for example, a flat rubber band. When the subject is in a supine position, the placement unit 30 can be attached to the subject by covering the subject's eyes with the placement unit 30 and further pressing it down with a pressing cloth.

[0017] The generating circuit 100 is a circuit that generates an electrical signal composed of a plurality of signals with different frequencies. The generating circuit 100 will be described in detail later. The generating circuit 100 according to this embodiment corresponds to a generating unit.

[0018] The switching circuit 150 has a plurality of switching elements 150a on the positive side and a plurality of switching elements 150b on the negative side. The switching elements 150a and 150b are, for example, semiconductor switching elements, such as IGBTs and MOSFETs using silicon (Si) or silicon carbide (SiC). The plurality of switching elements 150a on the positive side of the switching circuit 150 are connected to a positive terminal 108 of the amplification modulation circuit 106, and the plurality of switching elements 150b on the negative side are connected to a negative terminal 110 of the amplification modulation circuit 106. The switching circuit 150 switches the combination of the switching elements 150a and 150b to be in a conductive state from among the plurality of switching elements 150a and 150b in accordance with a switching signal input from the control circuit 700. The switching circuit 150 according to this embodiment corresponds to a switching unit. Depending on the arrangement of the electrodes, there may be cases in which interference of electrical signals between the electrodes does not occur, and in such cases, it is not necessary to switch the combination of the switching elements 150a and 150b.

[0019] For example, when the switching signal is at a high level, the control circuit 700 sets the target switching elements 150a and 150b among the multiple switching elements 150a and 150b in a conductive state, and when the switching signal is at a low level, sets the target switching elements 150a and 150b in a non-conductive state. In this way, the control circuit 700 can periodically repeat the conductive state and the non-conductive state of the target switching elements 150a and 150b among the multiple switching elements 150a and 150b.

[0020] The control circuit 700 can also invert the periods of high level signals and low level signals for the switching elements 150a and 150b of a target group A among the multiple switching elements 150a and 150b, and the switching elements 150a and 150b of a group B different from group A. In other words, it is possible to execute control to make the switching elements 150a and 150b of group B non-conductive during the period when the switching elements 150a and 150b of group A are conductive.

[0021] The first electrode section 200a is an electrode section in which, for example, a plurality of positive electrodes 202a with protruding tips and a plurality of negative electrodes 204a with protruding tips are arranged, for example, two-dimensionally. The first electrode section 200a is arranged on the skin surface of the subject and non-invasively conducts an electrical signal to the subject. The plurality of electrodes 202a, 204a are arranged, for example, with the positive electrodes 202a and the negative electrodes 204a alternately arranged. Note that, although the positive electrodes 202a and the negative electrodes 204a according to this embodiment are arranged alternately, this is not limiting, and for example, an arrangement in which three positive electrodes 202a are arranged in succession, followed by three negative electrodes 204a, may be used. Alternatively, an arrangement in which five positive electrodes 202a are arranged in succession, followed by two negative electrodes 204a may be used. In addition, although the electrodes 202a, 202b, 204a, 202b according to this embodiment have protruding tips, the present invention is not limited to this. The electrodes 202a, 202b, 204a, 202b may be of any shape that non-invasively conducts an electrical signal to the subject.

[0022] The second electrode section 200b has the same configuration as the first electrode section 200a, and is, for example, an electrode section in which a plurality of negative electrodes 202b with protruding tips and a plurality of positive electrodes 204b with protruding tips are arranged in a two-dimensional manner. The second electrode section 200b is arranged on the skin surface of the subject and non-invasively conducts an electrical signal to the subject. The plurality of electrodes of the second electrode section 200b are arranged alternately, with the negative electrode 202b paired with the positive electrode 202a of the first electrode section 200a and the positive electrode 204b paired with the negative electrode 204a of the first electrode section 200a. The detailed configuration of the electrodes 202a, 202b, 204a, and 204b will be described later.

[0023] In FIG. 1, for the sake of simplicity, the first electrode section 200a and the second electrode section 200b are two in number, but are not limited thereto. For example, as described later, the number of electrode sections may be four, or six or more. That is, the number of electrode sections is determined according to the intended electrical treatment. Similarly, the number of electrode sections and the number of electrodes 202a, 202b can be changed according to the intended electrical treatment.

[0024] The ON / OFF circuit 300 turns ON / OFF the power supply circuit 102 of the generation circuit 100. For example, the ON / OFF of the power supply circuit 102 is performed by a push-button type ON / OFF switch (see FIG. 14 described later), and when the button is pressed down (pressure is applied), the power supply circuit 102 turns ON. On the other hand, when the button is pressed again (pressure is applied) and then pushed up, the power supply circuit 102 turns OFF.

[0025] The timer 400 sets the energization time of the electric signal. The timer 400 has a timer button (see FIG. 14 described later), and the energization time of the timer 400 is set by the timer button. The energization time of the electric signal is controlled by the control circuit 700 in accordance with the time set by the timer button. For example, if 30 minutes is set by the timer button, the control circuit 700 cuts off the electric signal when the energization time reaches 30 minutes.

[0026] The storage circuit 500 includes a readable storage medium such as a magnetic or optical storage medium or a semiconductor memory. The storage circuit 500 stores signal parameters for generating an electric signal corresponding to the identification information, parameters of the electric signal conducted by the first electrode portion 200a and the second electrode portion 200b, and an electrode type parameter indicating the type of electrode. The storage circuit 500 also stores each processing function performed by the control circuit 700 in the form of a program executable by a computer. Details of the information stored in the storage circuit 500 will be described later.

[0027] The input circuit 600 is a circuit for inputting information for operating the electrical device 10. The input circuit 600 includes a signal selection circuit 602, an adjustment circuit 604, a position selection circuit 606, and a start circuit 608.

[0028] The signal selection circuit 602 selects the signal parameters to be used from among a plurality of types of signal parameters prepared in advance. In other words, the signal selection circuit 602 selects the characteristics of the electrical signal. As will be described later, identification information for identifying the signal parameters is associated with each of a plurality of treatment methods (such as vision recovery (1) and vision recovery (2)). In this way, by selecting a target treatment method from among the treatment methods, the setting of the electrical signal to be used for treatment is selected from a plurality of types of electrical signals, which simplifies the operation for the operator.

[0029] The adjustment circuit 604 is a circuit that adjusts the amplitude of each of a plurality of signals with different frequencies generated by the amplification modulation circuit 106 according to the operation of the operator. This allows the operator to adjust the characteristics of the electrical signal generated by the amplification modulation circuit 106 using the adjustment circuit 604. The position selection circuit 606 selects the electrode unit to be used according to a plurality of types of signal parameters prepared in advance. The start circuit 608 starts the application of electrical signals. The start circuit 608 has a start button (see FIG. 14 described later), and the application of electricity to the first electrode unit 200a and the second electrode unit 200b is started by pressing the start button.

[0030] The touch panel 650 displays an image showing the electrode part selected by the position selection circuit 606. In addition, the operator can perform a touch operation, and control information corresponding to the touch operation is output to the control circuit 700. Note that the treatment method in this embodiment is a treatment method that improves blood circulation in the eye and reduces muscle fatigue and muscle stiffness, but is not limited thereto. For example, as a treatment device, by changing the arrangement and configuration of the electrode part, the target site is not particularly limited, but it can also be used to treat the heart, kidneys, pancreas, bronchi, legs, head, general sites, etc.

[0031] The control circuit 700 includes a processor and controls each circuit in the electric device 10. More specifically, the signal parameters indicated by the identification number (see FIG. 11 below) corresponding to the selected treatment method are selected from the storage circuit 500 by the signal selection circuit 602, and output to the control circuit 700. Similarly, the electrode parameters, intensity parameters, and signal frequency parameters indicated by the identification number corresponding to the selected treatment method (see FIG. 11 below) are selected from the storage circuit 500 by the position selection circuit 606, and output to the control circuit 700. Next, the control circuit 700 controls the amplification and modulation circuit 106 to generate an electric signal based on these parameters, and controls the electrodes 202a, 202b, 204a, and 204b of the first electrode unit 200a and the second electrode unit 200b to be in a conductive state in sequence. That is, the control circuit 700 changes the electrodes 202a, 202b, 204a, 204b that conduct electrical signals by controlling the switching circuit 150. The control circuit 700 also controls the amplification modulation circuit 106 in response to a signal input from the adjustment circuit 604.

[0032] Here, a detailed configuration of the generating circuit 100 will be described. The generating circuit 100 is configured to include a power supply circuit 102, an oscillation circuit 104, and an amplification modulation circuit 106. The generating circuit 100 according to this embodiment corresponds to a generating unit.

[0033] The power supply circuit 102 is a circuit that supplies power input from an external power supply to the oscillation circuit 104, the amplification and modulation circuit 106, the switching circuit 150, the timer 400, the memory circuit 500, the input circuit 600, and the control circuit 700. The power supply circuit 102 is, for example, an AC-DC converter, and converts commercial AC power into DC power.

[0034] The oscillator circuit 104 is a circuit that generates, for example, a sine wave carrier wave. The oscillator circuit 104 is connected to the amplifier / modulator circuit 106, and supplies the generated carrier wave to the amplifier / modulator circuit 106.

[0035] The amplification and modulation circuit 106 is a circuit that modulates the carrier wave input from the oscillation circuit 104 according to a signal indicating an intensity value input from the control circuit 700, generates a plurality of signals with different frequencies, and amplifies and adds the plurality of signals. In this embodiment, the signal generated by the amplification and modulation circuit 106 is, for example, a trapezoidal pulse wave whose signal value fluctuates periodically in a positive range. Note that the signal generated by the amplification and modulation circuit 106 is not limited to a trapezoidal pulse wave, and may be any signal whose signal value fluctuates periodically in a positive range. The signal generated by the amplification and modulation circuit 106 may be, for example, a triangular wave, a sawtooth wave, a rectangular wave, a circular wave, a sine wave, or the like whose amplitude fluctuates at a predetermined period. The electric signal generated by this amplification and modulation circuit 106 is supplied to terminals 108 and 110.

[0036] The intensity value used in this embodiment means the square of the amplitude of the signal generated by the amplification modulation circuit 106, and is used as a parameter for generating an electrical signal. As described above, the value of this parameter is input from the control circuit 700 to the amplification modulation circuit 106 as a signal indicating the intensity value. For example, if the parameter value for a signal with a frequency of 13 Hz is 1.5, the parameter value for a signal with a frequency of 16 Hz is 2.5, the parameter value for a signal with a frequency of 18 Hz is 1.5, and the parameter value for signals with other frequencies is 0, the amplification modulation circuit 106 generates a signal with a frequency of 13 Hz and an amplitude of SQURT(1.5), a signal with a frequency of 16 Hz and an amplitude of SQURT(2.5), and a signal with a frequency of 18 Hz and an amplitude of SQURT(1.5), and adds these generated signals together.

[0037] In this way, the amplification and modulation circuit 106 generates an electrical signal according to the parameter values ​​input from the control circuit 700. As can be seen from this, the control circuit 700 changes the characteristics of the electrical signal generated by the amplification and modulation circuit 106 by changing the parameter values ​​input to the amplification and modulation circuit 106. Note that, although an electrical signal made up of a plurality of signals with discretely different frequencies will be described in this embodiment, an electrical signal made up of a plurality of signals with continuously different frequencies may also be used.

[0038] Next, a configuration example of the amplification modulation circuit 106 in this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the amplification modulation circuit 106. As shown in FIG. 2, the amplification modulation circuit 106 is configured to include first to n-th amplification modulation circuits 1061 to 106n and an adder circuit 107. The first to n-th amplification modulation circuits 1061 to 106n are each connected in parallel to the oscillation circuit 104, and each modulates the input carrier wave to generate a pulse wave. Here, for example, n=11, and the first to n-th amplification modulation circuits 1061 to 106n correspond to 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, and 19 Hz, respectively. As a result, for example, the first amplification modulation circuit 1061 generates a 1 Hz signal according to the intensity value corresponding to 1 Hz input from the control circuit 700. Similarly, for example, the second amplification modulation circuit 1062 generates a 3 Hz signal in response to an intensity value corresponding to 3 Hz input from the control circuit 700. Similarly, for example, the third amplification modulation circuit 1063 generates a 5 Hz signal in response to an intensity value corresponding to 5 Hz input from the control circuit 700. Similarly, for example, the eleventh amplification modulation circuit 10611 generates a 19 Hz signal in response to an intensity value corresponding to 19 Hz input from the control circuit 700.

[0039] The adder circuit 107 adds the signals generated by the first to n-th amplification modulation circuits 1061 to 106n, and supplies the added signal to terminals 108 and 110 (FIG. 1).

[0040] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a signal waveform generated by the first to n-th amplification modulation circuits 1061 to 106n. As shown in FIG. 3, an example of a signal generated by the first to n-th amplification modulation circuits 1061 to 106n is a trapezoidal pulse wave. The pulse wave here has a short OFF time of, for example, 50 to 70 microseconds (μSEC), and the OFF time is about 1 / 10 to 1 / 7 of the ON time. The amplitude is, for example, in the range of 0 to 70 V, and is changed according to the intensity value input from the control circuit 700. As described above, the square of the amplitude is the intensity value. Note that the ON / OFF ratio changes depending on the frequency, but the OFF time is set as short as possible and generally within the above range. In addition, an offset voltage may be added to the signal generated by the first to n-th amplification modulation circuits 1061 to 106n.

[0041] Here, a detailed configuration example of the first electrode section 200a, the second electrode section 200b, the third electrode section 200c, and the fourth electrode section 200d will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. The third electrode section 200c has the same configuration as the first electrode section 200a, and the fourth electrode section 200d has the same configuration as the second electrode section 200b. For this reason, the first electrode section 200a and the second electrode section 200b will be described, and the description of the third electrode section 200c and the fourth electrode section 200d may be omitted. For example, the switching circuit 150 also includes switching elements 150a and 150b (see Fig. 1) for the third electrode section 200c and the fourth electrode section 200d. Similarly, when the electrode units 200a, b, c, and d for the right eye are provided, the switching circuit 150 is also configured with switching elements 150a and 150b (see FIG. 1) to which the electrode units 200a, b, c, and d for the right eye are connected. Similarly, when the electrode units 200a, b, c, and d for the left eye are provided, the switching circuit 150 is also configured with switching elements 150a and 150b (see FIG. 1) to which the electrode units 200a, b, c, and d for the left eye are connected.

[0042] 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the electrode unit. The arrangement unit 30 has an electrode arrangement sheet 800. When treating the left and right eyes, for example, eight electrode units 200a, b, c, d are arranged on the electrode arrangement sheet 800. The four electrode units 200a, b, c, d for the right eye and the four electrode units 200a, b, c, d for the left eye are arranged, for example, line-symmetrically with respect to the center line L100 of the arrangement unit 30.

[0043] For example, the skin side of the electrode arrangement sheet 800 is made of nonwoven fabric, and the material is polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like. The first electrode section 200a and the second electrode section 200b each have a plurality of electrodes and transmit and receive electrical signals. The first electrode section 200a is arranged on the center side of the face f100, that is, on the inner corner side of the eye. On the other hand, the second electrode section 200b is arranged on the outer side of the face f100, that is, on the outer corner side of the eye. In this embodiment, the electrode section 200a, the electrode section 200b, the electrode section 200c, and the electrode section 200d are examples having a plurality of electrodes, but are not limited to this. For example, the electrode section 200a, the electrode section 200b, the electrode section 200c, and the electrode section 200d may be configured to have a single electrode.

[0044] The third electrode unit 200c and the fourth electrode unit 200d have the same configuration as the first electrode unit 200a and the second electrode unit 200b. The third electrode unit 200c and the fourth electrode unit 200d arranged on the right eye side are arranged, for example, rotated 90 degrees to the right around the center point of the first electrode unit 200a and the second electrode unit 200b. That is, the third electrode unit 200c corresponds to the first electrode unit 200a, and the fourth electrode unit 200d corresponds to the second electrode unit 200b. The third electrode unit 200c and the fourth electrode unit 200d arranged on the left eye side are arranged, for example, rotated 90 degrees to the left around the center point of the first electrode unit 200a and the second electrode unit 200b. That is, the third electrode unit 200c corresponds to the first electrode unit 200a, and the fourth electrode unit 200d corresponds to the second electrode unit 200b. Note that these arrangements are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these arrangements. For example, the electrode unit may be arranged on only one eye.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the polarity of the electrodes of the electrode unit. The signal line SL shows a set of electrodes through which an electric signal flows. An electric signal is exchanged between the corresponding positive (+) side electrode and negative (-) side electrode of the first electrode unit 200a and the second electrode unit 200b. The electric signals are output in a predetermined order so as not to interfere with each other. For example, when exchanging an electric signal between the electrode indicated by positive (+) on the inside center of the first electrode unit 200a and the electrode indicated by negative (-) on the outside of the second electrode unit 200b, the exchange of an electric signal between the electrode indicated by negative (-) on the inside center of the first electrode unit 200a and the electrode indicated by positive (+) on the outside of the second electrode unit 200b is stopped. Conversely, when exchanging electrical signals between the electrode indicated by a minus (-) on the inside center of the first electrode section 200a and the electrode indicated by a plus (+) on the outside of the second electrode section 200b, the exchange of electrical signals between the electrode indicated by a plus (+) on the inside center of the first electrode section 200a and the electrode indicated by a minus (-) on the outside of the second electrode section 200b is stopped. In this way, the timing of exchanging electrical signals is controlled to be repeated periodically so that the electrical signals of each electrode do not interfere with each other.

[0046] 4 and 5, interference between electrical signals of the left and right eyes is suppressed by arranging the electrode units 200a, b, c, and d for the left and right eyes in line symmetry with respect to the center line L100 of the arrangement unit 30. For example, interference between electrical signals is suppressed even if electrical signals are simultaneously exchanged between the electrode indicated by a plus (+) on the inner center of the first electrode unit 200a of the right eye and the electrode indicated by a minus (-) on the outer side of the second electrode unit 200b, and between the electrode indicated by a plus (+) on the inner center of the first electrode unit 200a of the left eye and the electrode indicated by a minus (-) on the outer side of the second electrode unit 200b. At this time, the exchange of electrical signals between the electrode marked with a negative (-) on the inner center of the first electrode unit 200a in the right eye and the electrode marked with a positive (+) on the outer center of the second electrode unit 200b, and between the electrode marked with a negative (-) on the inner center of the first electrode unit 200a in the left eye and the electrode marked with a positive (+) on the outer center of the second electrode unit 200b, is stopped.

[0047] On the other hand, for example, the transmission and reception of electrical signals between the electrode indicated by minus (-) on the inner center of the first electrode unit 200a in the right eye and the electrode indicated by plus (+) on the outer side of the second electrode unit 200b, and between the electrode indicated by minus (-) on the inner center of the first electrode unit 200a in the left eye and the electrode indicated by plus (+) on the outer side of the second electrode unit 200b, suppresses interference between the electrical signals. At this time, the transmission and reception of electrical signals between the electrode indicated by plus (+) on the inner center of the first electrode unit 200a in the right eye and the electrode indicated by minus (-) on the outer side of the second electrode unit 200b, and between the electrode indicated by plus (+) on the inner center of the first electrode unit 200a in the left eye and the electrode indicated by minus (-) on the outer side of the second electrode unit 200b are stopped.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of the arrangement of electrodes. FIG. 6(a) shows a first electrode section 200a, and FIG. 6(b) shows a second electrode section 200b. The first electrode section 200a is configured as a two-dimensional sheet. The two-dimensional sheet is, for example, a rectangular shape of 10 mm in length and 20 mm in width. For example, the sheet material is made of low-hardness silicone rubber.

[0049] The first electrode portion 200a of this sheet material has three positive (+) electrodes 204a (see Figure 1) arranged in a row with 5 mm intervals on the side furthest from the eye, and two negative (-) electrodes 202a (see Figure 1) arranged in a row with 5 mm intervals on the side closer to the eye.

[0050] On the other hand, the second electrode unit 200b has two positive (+) electrodes 202b (see FIG. 1) arranged in a row at 5 mm intervals on the side farther from the eye, and three negative (-) electrodes 204b (see FIG. 1) arranged in a row at 5 mm intervals on the side closer to the eye. This arrangement makes it possible to equalize the distance between corresponding electrodes.

[0051] In addition, the sheet material can be made of a material that does not cause a person to feel a foreign body sensation when worn. For example, a nonwoven fabric made of a material such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene can be formed on the surface of the base material. As described below, the electrodes 202 and 204 are also configured to suppress pressure sensitivity so that the person does not feel a sense of discomfort. This makes it possible to prevent the subject wearing the placement unit 30 from feeling a foreign body sensation.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the electrodes 202 and 204. As shown in FIG. 7, the electrodes 202 and 204 have the same shape, and are configured by disposing a stainless steel point electrode portion 3 in an insulating substrate 2 formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The insulating substrate 2 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape with a diameter of about 5 mm at the bottom portion 19 and a height of about 4 mm. An electrode mounting hole 4 is formed in the center of the insulating substrate 2, penetrating in the vertical direction in FIG. 2. The electrode mounting hole 4 is formed with a diameter of about 1 mm, and the point electrode portion 3 is housed therein. In FIG. 4, the thickness of the wire material, the coil diameter, etc. are exaggerated to be larger than the actual size in order to clearly show the configuration of the electrodes 202 and 204.

[0053] In the electrodes 202 and 204, an elastic electrode composed of a contact electrode portion 11 that comes into contact with the human body and a coil-shaped spring portion (elastic portion) 12 is used as the point electrode portion 3. A stainless steel wire having a diameter of 0.08 mm is used for the point electrode portion 3, and the contact electrode portion 11 and the spring portion 12 are formed integrally and continuously. The contact electrode portion 11 is formed in a semicircular shape with a diameter of 0.8 mm, and is erected on the upper end portion of the spring portion 12. The spring portion 12 is a coil spring formed with a diameter of 0.8 mm, and is housed and disposed within the electrode mounting hole 4.

[0054] The contact electrode portion 11 has a semicircular portion 14 with a radius of 0.4 mm, and an extended engagement portion 15 extending one end side of the semicircular portion 14 (the end opposite to the spring portion 12) in the tangential direction. The semicircular portion 14 is shaped like a tension spring hook, and is a wire rod raised upward from the upper end of the coil. The extended engagement portion 15 extends from one end of the semicircular portion 14 to the inside of the upper end of the coil, and contacts and engages with the inner periphery of the spring portion 12. The contact electrode portion 11 is arranged in a state in which the semicircular portion 14 protrudes 0.9 mm from the top 17 of the insulating substrate 2, and the extended engagement portion 15 extends into the electrode mounting hole 4 while contacting the inner periphery 16 of the coil. In this way, electrodes 202, 204 use elastic electrodes composed of a contact electrode portion 11 having a semicircular portion 14 that contacts the human body and a coil-shaped spring portion (elastic portion) 12, thereby preventing discomfort at the contact point with the subject.

[0055] Note that the configuration and arrangement of the electrodes 202 and 204 are not limited to these examples. For example, clinical trials have shown that the arrangements shown in the following Figures 8 and 9 also have the effect of restoring vision.

[0056] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the electrode section in the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the electrode sections 200a, b, c, and d may be configured with three electrodes 202 and 204 spaced apart by, for example, 4 mm. That is, except for 202a of the first electrode section 200a and 202b of the second electrode section 200b in Fig. 6, three electrodes 204a are connected in succession, three electrodes 204b are connected in succession, and the electrodes of the first electrode section 200a and the second electrode section 200b are arranged at intervals of 4 mm from the center of the electrodes.

[0057] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the electrode section in the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the electrode sections 200a, b, c, and d may be configured with five electrodes 202 and 204 spaced apart by, for example, 4 mm.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the ciliary muscle and an example of muscles related to eye movement. As shown in the illustration, each eyeball has six extraocular muscles, consisting of three pairs of muscles: the superior and inferior oblique muscles, the superior and inferior rectus muscles, and the lateral and medial rectus muscles. The eyeball has a structure in which the cornea is located in front and the lens, vitreous body, retina, etc. are located behind it. Eye movement is controlled by the extraocular muscles and the ciliary muscle, which adjusts the thickness of the lens. It is generally known that fatigue of the extraocular muscles and the ciliary muscle leads to a decrease in visual acuity.

[0059] In other words, fatigue of these ciliary muscles and extraocular muscles is mainly related to eye strain. In addition, by applying a moderate external stimulus to the superior oblique muscle and the pulley that suspends the superior oblique muscle, the tense muscles can be relaxed and the elliptical eyeball can be returned to a state close to a perfect circle, which is said to have the effect of restoring vision even in cases of axial myopia (see Patent Document 6). Similarly, relaxing fatigued ciliary muscles allows the thickness of the crystalline lens to be adjusted smoothly, resulting in the effect of restoring vision.

[0060] In this way, the electrode units 200a, b, c, d conduct electrical signals from the periphery of the eye of the subject to at least one of the extraocular muscles and the ciliary muscle. More specifically, the first electrode unit 200a and the second electrode unit 200b are arranged at positions to electrically stimulate at least one of the lateral rectus muscle, the medial rectus muscle, and the ciliary muscle of the eye, and the third electrode unit 200c and the fourth electrode unit 200d are arranged at positions to electrically stimulate at least one of the superior rectus muscle, the inferior rectus muscle, the superior oblique muscle, the inferior oblique muscle, and the ciliary muscle of the eye.

[0061] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of intensity values ​​used in this embodiment. For example, for the recovery of visual acuity of the eye, signals with frequencies of 8 Hz, 10 Hz, and 13 Hz are used as visual acuity recovery (1). Furthermore, signals with frequencies of 13 Hz, 16 Hz, and 18 Hz are used as visual acuity recovery (2). These signals are determined by clinical trials described below based on the inventor's decades of treatment experience. The combination information of these signals is associated with information indicating visual acuity recovery (1) and information indicating visual acuity recovery (2), respectively, and is stored in the memory circuit 500. The application of the electrical signal with the combination of frequencies shown in visual acuity recovery (1) relaxes (improves blood circulation) the blood vessels distributed in the ciliary muscle and the blood vessels distributed in the extraocular muscles, and is therefore considered to be the most suitable combination in clinical trials for the recovery of visual acuity. On the other hand, the application of the electrical signal with the combination of frequencies shown in visual acuity recovery (2) is considered to be effective when visual acuity is reduced due to eye fatigue, which causes the pupil dilator muscle to contract unsmoothly and poor light adjustment. In other words, it is believed that by contracting the pupillary dilator muscle, the function of the pupillary dilator muscle becomes smoother, improving light adjustment and vision.

[0062] 12 is a diagram showing examples of selection buttons displayed on touch panel 650. The image generation unit of touch panel 650 generates an image to be displayed on touch panel 650. More specifically, the image generation unit of touch panel 650 generates images of buttons 650a and b. Button 650a is information indicating eyesight recovery (1). Button 650b is information indicating eyesight recovery (2).

[0063] That is, the control circuit 700 (see FIG. 1) selects the button 650a (vision recovery (1)) or the button 650b (vision recovery (2)) when pressure is applied. Either the button 650a (vision recovery (1)) or the button 650b (vision recovery (2)) is selected. When the button 650a is selected, the control circuit 700 executes control of signal generation in the amplification modulation circuit 106 (see FIG. 1) using frequency information stored in the memory circuit 700 based on the identification information of vision recovery (1). Similarly, when the button 650b is selected, the control circuit 700 executes control of signal generation in the amplification modulation circuit 106 (see FIG. 1) using frequency information stored in the memory circuit 700 based on the identification information of vision recovery (2).

[0064] More specifically, when image 650a (vision recovery (1)) is selected, the amplification and modulation circuit 106 (see FIG. 1) generates, under the control of the control circuit 700, a signal with a frequency of 8 Hz and an amplitude of 1, a signal with a frequency of 10 Hz and an amplitude of 1, and a signal with a frequency of 13 Hz and an amplitude of 1, and adds these generated signals together. When image 650b (vision recovery (2)) is selected, the amplification and modulation circuit 106 (see FIG. 1) adds these generated signals together as described above. These signals are supplied to the patient via the electrode units 200a-d.

[0065] The electric device 10 may transmit the electric signal generated by the amplifier / modulator circuit 106 to only one of the left and right eyes, or may transmit the electric signal to both the left and right eyes simultaneously. Also, as shown in FIG. 13, the control circuit 700 (see FIG. 1) may supply a pulse signal to the switching elements 150a and 150b of the switching circuit 150.

[0066] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a pulse signal supplied to the switching elements 150a and 150b of the switching circuit 150. The horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates signal level. When the pulse signal is at a high level, the switching elements 150a and 150b are in a conductive state, and when the pulse signal is at a low level, the switching elements are in a non-conductive state. In other words, it is possible to make the timing of flowing electrical signals different for the left and right eyes. For example, the period of the pulse signal can be set to a unit of minutes, such as 5 minutes. Alternatively, the period of the pulse signal can be set to a unit of seconds, such as 5 seconds.

[0067] 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of operation unit 50 displayed on touch panel 650. Operation unit 50 includes an ON / OFF switch 300a that inputs an ON / OFF signal to ON / OFF circuit 300 (FIG. 1).

[0068] Furthermore, a timer button 400a used to set the power-on time of timer 400 (FIG. 1) is arranged on the operation panel. Timer button 400a is, for example, a slide button, and the power-on time is set in timer 400 according to the position of timer button 400a.

[0069] Also arranged on the operation panel is a start button 500a that inputs an ON signal to a start circuit 608 (FIG. 1). These buttons are operated by, for example, pressure applied to a touch panel 650.

[0070] 5 and 10, the first electrode portion 200a and the second electrode portion 200b act mainly on the lateral rectus muscle, the medial rectus muscle, and the ciliary muscle, while the third electrode portion 200c and the fourth electrode portion 200d act mainly on the superior oblique muscle, the inferior oblique muscle, the superior rectus muscle, the inferior rectus muscle, and the ciliary muscle.

[0071] Fig. 15 is a table showing an example of the results of vision restoration treatment. In this embodiment, the results are from actual treatment using signals with frequencies of 8 Hz, 10 Hz, and 13 Hz (vision restoration (1)) on the right eye with the electrode arrangement shown in Fig. 8. The signal transmission time was 30 minutes. Actual treatment was performed on 19 people aged between 45 and 85 years old.

[0072] The treatment was administered to 19 people aged between 45 and 85 years old. Before the clinical trial, visual acuity tests and distance visual acuity tests were conducted using an international standard ring chart. Then, after the treatment (30 minutes later), visual acuity tests and distance visual acuity tests were conducted again using an international standard ring chart.

[0073] In the visual acuity test before the clinical trial, if a patient was able to see all the steps of the visual acuity chart, the visual acuity was recorded as that step.In the visual acuity test after the clinical trial, if a patient was able to see all the steps of the visual acuity chart, the visual acuity was recorded as that step.

[0074] In the pre-trial distance visual acuity test, if a patient was able to see all the steps on the visual acuity chart, that was considered to be the visual acuity of that step. In the post-trial distance visual acuity test, if a patient was able to see all the steps on the visual acuity chart or all four steps, that was considered to be the visual acuity of that step.

[0075] As shown in Figure 15, in the visual acuity test, all but two subjects showed an improvement of 0.1 or more. In the case with the highest recovery, an improvement of 0.3 was observed. In the distance visual acuity test, more than half of the subjects showed improvement. The one subject who showed no improvement was a patient who had been diagnosed with central venous occlusion and had been deemed unlikely to improve with treatment by the university hospital. The other subject later underwent a visual acuity test on the right eye at an ophthalmology clinic, and showed an improvement of +0.1. Some of the subjects also underwent retinal detachment and cataract surgery, and improvements were observed in these patients as well.

[0076] The following are actual comments from the trial participants. Almost all trial participants commented that "eye fatigue has improved." In addition, individual comments included, "I can see brighter now," "It is easier to focus than before," "My eyes don't get tired as easily even when I use them too much," "My eyes used to hurt when they were tired, but after treatment the pain went away," "When I moved my eyes, I felt like there was something gritty in them, but that went away after the trial," "Before the trial, I felt like I was producing more tears than usual, but after the trial, that went back to normal," and "Because my eye pressure increases and I get edema, I need to get an injection in my eye once every six months, so I went to the eye doctor four months after treatment for an examination, but my eye pressure was not high and there was no swelling, so no injection was done."

[0077] Thus, the electric device 10 according to the present embodiment objectively improved the visual acuity test and the far vision test. Furthermore, the subjective comments of the subjects also showed good results, and no side effects or disorders had been observed after the clinical trial up until the time of filing of this application. Based on these results, most subjects wished to continue treatment for their left eye. They also wished to continue the treatment.

[0078] Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the control process of the control circuit 700. Here, the process will be described when one of vision restoration (1) and vision restoration (2) (see Fig. 11) is selected by the operator and output of an electrical signal is started by setting the timer 400 (see Fig. 1). Moreover, the electrical signal is applied only to the right eye.

[0079] First, the operator selects a combination of electrical signals suitable for the case from among the button 650a (vision recovery (1)) and the button 650b (vision recovery (2)) (step S100).

[0080] Subsequently, when button 650a is selected, the signal parameters associated with vision restoration (1) are selected from storage circuit 500 by signal selection circuit 602 and output to control circuit 700. On the other hand, when button 650b is selected, the signal parameters associated with vision restoration (2) are selected from storage circuit 500 by signal selection circuit 602 and output to control circuit 700 (step S102).

[0081] Next, the control circuit 700 outputs the intensity value for each signal having a different frequency to the amplification and modulation circuit 106 based on the values ​​of the read signal parameters (step S104).

[0082] Next, the control circuit 700 sets the energization time according to an input signal from the timer 400 that is set according to an input signal from the timer button 400a of the operation unit 50 displayed on the touch panel 650 (step S106). Next, when a start signal is input to the control circuit 700 via the start button 500a (step S108), the control circuit 700 controls the generation circuit 100 to generate an electric signal and controls the switching circuit 150 to switch (step S110).

[0083] Next, the control circuit 700 determines whether the time set by the timer button 400a has elapsed (step S112), and if the time has not elapsed (step S112: No), the control repeats the control from step S110. On the other hand, if the time has elapsed (step S112: Yes), the entire process ends.

[0084] As described above, according to this embodiment, the electrodes 200a, b, c, and d that conduct electrical signals from the periphery of the eye to at least one of the extraocular muscles and the ciliary muscles are arranged around the eye. This makes it possible to reduce eye fatigue and stiffness in at least one of the extraocular muscles and the ciliary muscles without relying on physical force, and can provide a visual acuity recovery effect.

[0085] Second embodiment The electric device 10 according to the second embodiment differs from the electric device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a power storage unit and a heater unit. The differences from the electric device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0086] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an electric device 10 according to the second embodiment. The electric device 10 according to the second embodiment further includes a power storage unit 40 and an operation unit 50a. The power storage unit 40 is, for example, a battery, and is capable of converting commercial AC power into DC power and storing the power. The power storage unit 40 further includes an ON / OFF circuit 40a for turning on / off the power supply to the heater unit 900, and a timer 40b. The timer 40b outputs an OFF signal to the ON / OFF circuit 40a when a set time has elapsed. This stops the power supply to the heater unit 900.

[0087] The electric signal generating circuit 20 according to the second embodiment further includes a DC-DC converter 102a. The DC-DC converter 102a is a circuit that supplies the power input from the power storage unit 40 to the oscillation circuit 104, the amplification modulation circuit 106, the switching circuit 150, the timer 400, the memory circuit 500, the input circuit 600, the control circuit 700, and the like.

[0088] 18 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the placement section 30. The placement section 30 has an electrode placement sheet 800 and a heater sheet 802. The heater sheet 802 has a heater section 900.

[0089] The heater unit 900 has an electric resistor (e.g., made of a carbon film) that can be heated by power supplied from the power storage unit 40. The heater unit 900 is disposed so as to be located around and in the vicinity of the eye, and is configured to heat the area around and in the vicinity of the eye when the placement unit 30 is attached to the face, providing comfort and promoting blood circulation.

[0090] 19 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the operation unit 50a. The operation unit 50a according to this embodiment is configured on a board such as plastic. An ON / OFF switch 300a that inputs an ON / OFF signal to an ON / OFF circuit 300 (FIG. 1) is arranged. The ON / OFF switch 300a is a button that can be pressed. When the ON / OFF switch 300a is pressed down, it inputs an ON signal to the ON / OFF circuit 300 (FIG. 1), and when it is not pressed down, it inputs an OFF signal to the ON / OFF circuit 300 (FIG. 1).

[0091] Furthermore, on the operation panel, there is disposed a timer button 400a used to set the power-on time of the timer 400 (FIG. 1). The timer button 400a is, for example, a rotary button, and the power-on time is set in the timer 400 according to the rotation of the button.

[0092] Also disposed on the operation panel is a depressable start button 500a that inputs an ON signal to a start circuit 608 (FIG. 1). When the start button 500a is pressed, it inputs an ON signal to the start circuit 608 (FIG. 1).

[0093] Also disposed on the operation panel is a timer button 600a used to set the power-on time of the timer 40b (FIG. 17). The timer button 600a is, for example, a rotary button, and the power-on time is set in the timer 400 according to the rotation of the button.

[0094] Also arranged on the operation panel is an ON / OFF switch 700a that inputs an ON / OFF signal to the ON / OFF circuit 40a. The ON / OFF switch 700a is a button that can be pressed. When the ON / OFF switch 700a is pressed down, it inputs an ON signal to the ON / OFF circuit 40a (FIG. 17), and when it is not pressed down, it inputs an OFF signal to the ON / OFF circuit 40a (FIG. 17).

[0095] An operator can operate the electric signal generating circuit 20 with the ON / OFF switch 300a, and can start the supply of an electric signal with the start button 500a. The operator can also start the operation of the heater unit 900 with the start button 700a. At this time, the operation time of the electric signal generating circuit 20 can be set with the timer button 400a, and the operation time of the heater unit 900 can be set with the timer button 600a.

[0096] In this way, the electric signal generating circuit 20 and the heater unit 900 can be operated simultaneously or one at a time depending on the purpose of the user. Even if the user sleeps, the power is turned off by a timer, so safety is maintained. Furthermore, when the electric signal generating circuit 20 and the heater unit 900 are operated simultaneously, the therapeutic effect of the electric signal and the effect of promoting blood circulation by the heater unit 900 can be obtained. When the electric signal generating circuit 20 and the heater unit 900 are used in sequence, it is possible to obtain the next effect while the effect of one is continuing, and a synergistic effect can be obtained.

[0097] 20 is a diagram showing an example in which the electrical signal generating circuit 20, the power storage unit 40, and the operation unit 50 are arranged in the arrangement unit 30. Such an integrated configuration allows the user to move freely, and a greater relaxation effect can be obtained.

[0098] As described above, according to this embodiment, the eye is heated by the heater unit 900. This makes it possible to obtain the effect of treating the eye by the electric signal and the effect of promoting blood circulation by the heater unit 900.

[0099] The term "processor" used in the above description means a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD)), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 500. Instead of storing a program in the memory circuit 500, the program may be directly embedded in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. Each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may be configured as one processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function.

[0100] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. The new device, method, and program described in this specification can be implemented in various other forms. In addition, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the forms of the device, method, and program described in this specification without departing from the gist of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to include such forms and modifications included in the scope and gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10: electrical device (vision recovery device), 20: electrical signal generating circuit, 30: placement section, generating circuit, 150: switching circuit, 200a: first electrode section, 200b: second electrode section, 200c: third electrode section, 200d: fourth electrode section, 202a: electrode, 202b: electrode, 204a: electrode, 204b: electrode, 700: control circuit.

Claims

1. A vision recovery device that transmits a direct current electrical signal from a periphery of an eye of a subject to at least one of an extraocular muscle and a ciliary muscle, A generator for generating the electrical signal; a first electrode unit having a plurality of electrodes arranged thereon, the first electrode unit being arranged on a skin surface of the subject and non-invasively conducting the electrical signal to the subject; a second electrode unit different from the first electrode unit in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged, each of which is a target to conduct the electrical signal, the second electrode unit being arranged on a skin surface of the subject and non-invasively conducting the electrical signal to the subject; a control unit that controls the electrical signals to be conducted to a plurality of electrodes of the first electrode unit and the plurality of electrodes of the second electrode unit that correspond to the plurality of electrodes of the first electrode unit; an arrangement section that arranges the first electrode section on one end side of the eye section around the eye section and arranges the second electrode section on the other end side facing the first electrode section around the eye section; A vision recovery device comprising:

2. The eyesight correction device according to claim 1 , wherein the placement portion is an eye mask and has a light-blocking property.

3. The plurality of electrodes of the first electrode portion are arranged as positive electrodes and negative electrodes, The plurality of electrodes of the second electrode section are arranged such that a negative electrode is paired with a positive electrode of the first electrode section, and a positive electrode is paired with a negative electrode of the first electrode section, The vision recovery device of claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the electrical signal to be conducted in a predetermined order to the multiple electrodes of the first electrode unit and the multiple electrodes of the second electrode unit corresponding to the multiple electrodes of the first electrode unit.

4. 4. The vision recovery device of claim 3, wherein the electrical signal is constructed by adding together a plurality of signals having different frequencies, and the plurality of signals is at least one of a combination of signals of 8 Hertz, 10 Hertz, and 13 Hertz, and a combination of signals of 13 Hertz, 16 Hertz, and 18 Hertz.

5. The electrodes of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are The electrode assembly includes a base material made of an insulating material, an electrode mounting hole formed in the base material, and an electrode portion accommodated in the electrode mounting hole, The vision recovery device as described in claim 4, wherein the electrode portion has a contact electrode portion protruding from one end side of the base material, and an elastic portion formed integrally with the contact electrode portion and biasing the contact electrode portion in the axial direction, and the contact electrode portion is arranged to be retractable within the electrode mounting hole.

6. Further, a third electrode unit having a plurality of electrodes arranged thereon, the third electrode unit being arranged on a skin surface of the subject and non-invasively conducting the electrical signal to the subject; a fourth electrode unit different from the third electrode unit in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged, each of the plurality of electrodes in the third electrode unit being a target for conducting the electrical signal, the fourth electrode unit being arranged on a skin surface of the subject and non-invasively conducting the electrical signal to the subject; The arrangement unit arranges the third electrode unit on one end side of the eye unit different from the first electrode unit around the eye unit, and arranges the fourth electrode unit on the other end side facing the third electrode unit around the eye unit, the control unit conducts the electrical signal to the plurality of electrodes of the third electrode unit and the plurality of electrodes of the fourth electrode unit corresponding to the plurality of electrodes of the third electrode unit in a predetermined order.

6. The vision recovery device according to claim 5.

7. The vision recovery device of claim 6, wherein the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are positioned at positions to electrically stimulate at least one of the lateral rectus muscle, medial rectus muscle, and ciliary body muscle of the eye, and the third electrode portion and the fourth electrode portion are positioned at positions to electrically stimulate at least one of the superior rectus muscle, inferior rectus muscle, superior oblique muscle, inferior oblique muscle, and ciliary body of the eye.

8. The first to fourth electrode units are disposed on the left and right eyes, respectively; The eyesight recovery device according to claim 6 , wherein the first to fourth electrode sections are arranged symmetrically with respect to a predetermined line of the arrangement section.

9. An electrical device that transmits a direct current electrical signal from a periphery of an eye of a subject to at least one of an extraocular muscle and a ciliary muscle, A generator for generating the electrical signal; a first electrode unit having a plurality of electrodes arranged thereon, the first electrode unit being arranged on a skin surface of the subject and non-invasively conducting the electrical signal to the subject; a second electrode section different from the first electrode section in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged, each of the plurality of electrodes in the first electrode section being a target for conducting the electrical signal, the second electrode section being arranged on a skin surface of the subject and non-invasively conducting the electrical signal to the subject; A heater unit that heats the eye unit; a control unit that controls the electrical signals to be conducted to the plurality of electrodes of the first electrode unit and the plurality of electrodes of the second electrode unit corresponding to the plurality of electrodes of the first electrode unit; an eye mask-shaped arrangement section in which the first electrode section is arranged on one end side of the eye section around the eye section, the second electrode section is arranged on the other end side of the eye section facing the first electrode section, and the heater section is further arranged; 1. An electrical device comprising:

10. a first electrode unit having a plurality of electrodes arranged thereon, the first electrode unit being arranged on a skin surface of the subject and non-invasively conducting an electrical signal to at least one of an extraocular muscle and a ciliary muscle of the subject's eye; A method for restoring vision of a subject by conducting an electrical signal to a second electrode unit, the second electrode unit being different from a first electrode unit having a plurality of electrodes to which an electrical signal is to be conducted, the second electrode unit being arranged on a skin surface of the subject and non-invasively conducting the electrical signal to at least one of an extraocular muscle and a ciliary muscle of the subject's eye, the method comprising: A generating unit generating an electrical signal; a step of controlling the control unit to conduct electrical signals in a predetermined order to a plurality of electrodes of the first electrode unit and a plurality of electrodes of the second electrode unit corresponding to the plurality of electrodes of the first electrode unit; A method for restoring vision comprising:

11. The method further includes a step of warming the eye part by a heater unit that heats the eye part, The method for restoring eyesight according to claim 10, wherein the step of controlling the conduction of the electrical signal and the step of warming the eye are carried out simultaneously.

12. The method further includes a step of warming the eye part by a heater unit that heats the eye part, The method for restoring eyesight according to claim 10, wherein the step of controlling the conduction of the electrical signal and the step of warming the eye are performed in chronological order.

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