Specific electroencephalogram induction device, specific electroencephalogram induction method, and specific electroencephalogram induction program

Abstract

To provide a specific brainwave induction device that induces an increase in brainwaves of a specific frequency and can be used effectively and painlessly. [Solution] The specific electroencephalogram induction device (1) comprises an electrode unit (8) attached to the user's body, and an electrical stimulation oscillator unit (4) that outputs muscle vibration waves (W) to the electrode unit, which include an internal carrier wave with a frequency sufficiently higher than the frequency of the gamma band of the electroencephalogram and are output at a rhythm corresponding to the frequency of the gamma band. This makes it possible to deliver stimulation corresponding to the frequency of the gamma band of the electroencephalogram in a way that penetrates the muscles sufficiently while being less likely to affect the pain receptors.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method, and a program for inducing an increase in brain waves having a specific frequency.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as a treatment for Alzheimer's dementia, it has been reported that stimulation by light (vision), sound (hearing), or vibration (tactile) at the central frequency in the gamma band of brain waves is effective. On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, in a method of applying stimulation by light (vision), it is considered that it is stressful for a user who desires treatment or prevention to be irradiated with light from a position close to the eyes, and by releasing a group of fine particles around a light source, a device for reducing the stress felt by the user is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0006] To solve the above problems, a specific electroencephalogram induction device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an electrode unit attached to the user's body and an electrical stimulation oscillator unit that outputs muscle vibration waves to the electrode unit, which include an internal carrier wave having a frequency sufficiently higher than the frequency of the gamma band of the electroencephalogram and are output at a rhythm corresponding to the frequency of the gamma band.

[0007] In the second embodiment of the specific electroencephalogram induction device, it is also preferable that the intracellular carrier wave used has a frequency of 2000 Hz to 8050 Hz, as in the first embodiment.

[0008] In the third embodiment of the specific electroencephalogram induction device, in the first or second embodiment, it is also preferable that the muscle vibration wave is a bipolar waveform with respect to zero output of the electrical signal related to the muscle vibration wave, and that the rhythm is output at a rate of 2 beats per second or more and 100 beats per second or less.

[0009] In the fourth embodiment of the specific electroencephalogram induction device, in any of the first to third embodiments, it is also preferable that the muscle vibration wave is a bipolar waveform with respect to zero output of the electrical signal related to the muscle vibration wave, with one beat consisting of a single wave unit having a node and an antinode, and that the rhythm is output with an interval of 2 beats per second or more and 100 beats per second or less.

[0010] In the fifth embodiment of the specific electroencephalogram induction device, in any of the first to fourth embodiments, it is also preferable that the frequency of the intracellular carrier wave remains constant during the generation of electrical stimulation, or is gradually changed during the generation of electrical stimulation.

[0011] In the sixth embodiment of the specific electroencephalogram induction device, in any of the first to fifth embodiments, it is also preferable that the rhythm of the muscle vibration wave remains constant during the generation of electrical stimulation, or is gradually changed during the generation of electrical stimulation.

[0012] To solve the above problems, a specific electroencephalogram induction device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention comprises at least two electrode units attached to the user's body, and an electrical stimulation oscillator unit that emits electrical signals of two types of vibration waves, a first vibration wave and a second vibration wave, having frequencies sufficiently higher than the frequency of the gamma band of the electroencephalogram and having a frequency difference of 1 Hz to 50 Hz, and outputs the first vibration wave to some of the electrode units and the second vibration wave to the other electrode units.

[0013] To solve the above problems, a specific electroencephalogram induction method according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is a method executed by a computer, comprising the steps of: emitting an internal carrier wave having a frequency sufficiently higher than the frequency of the gamma band of the electroencephalogram; and outputting a muscle vibration wave, obtained by superimposing the internal carrier wave with a rhythm signal having a rhythm corresponding to the frequency of the gamma band, to an electrode unit attached to the user's body.

[0014] To solve the above problems, a specific electroencephalogram induction method according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is a method executed by a computer, comprising the steps of: oscillating two types of first and second vibration waves, which have frequencies sufficiently higher than the frequency of the gamma band of the electroencephalogram and have a frequency difference of 1 Hz to 50 Hz; and outputting the first vibration wave to some of the electrode parts and the second vibration wave to the other electrode parts to at least two or more electrode parts attached to the user's body.

[0015] Furthermore, a specific electroencephalogram induction program is also preferred, characterized in that the specific electroencephalogram induction method of the eighth embodiment is described in a computer program and made executable.

[0016] Furthermore, a specific electroencephalogram induction program is also preferred, characterized in that the specific electroencephalogram induction method of the ninth embodiment is described in a computer program and made executable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, in a method of applying vibration stimulation, it is possible to provide a device, a method, and a program that induce an increase in brain waves having a specific frequency and can be used effectively and without pain.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram of a specific brain wave induction device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the waveform of the muscle vibration wave W output by the specific brain wave induction device 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the waveform of the muscle vibration wave W' according to a modified example. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart of a specific brain wave induction method in the specific brain wave induction device 1. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram of a specific brain wave induction device 11 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the waveforms of the first vibration wave W1 and the second vibration wave W2 output by the specific brain wave induction device 11, and the waveform W3 generated in the body by these vibration waves W1, W2. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of a specific brain wave induction method in the specific brain wave induction device 11.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0020] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a block diagram of the configuration of a specific electroencephalogram induction device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The specific electroencephalogram induction device 1 comprises an operation / display unit 2, a control unit 3, an electrical stimulation oscillation unit 4, an amplifier unit 5, a protection circuit 6, a warning sound generation unit 7, and an electrode unit 8. The operation / display unit 2, the control unit 3, the electrical stimulation oscillation unit 4, the amplifier unit 5, the protection circuit 6, and the warning sound generation unit 7 are housed in a main body case 10. The electrode unit 8 is connected to the protection circuit 6 by an electrode cable and is attached so as to contact a part of the user's body. The electrode unit 8 can be attached to any part of the user's body, such as the shoulder, waist, back, calf, thigh, abdomen, or upper arm, via an adhesive pad that adheres to the surface of the user's body, as long as there is muscle tissue.

[0021] The operation / display unit 2 is equipped with a display and operation buttons located on the main unit case 10. The operation / display unit 2 is preferably a liquid crystal or organic EL display that is touch-panel operable, and the operation buttons are displayed on the display. The operation / display unit 2 provides or displays information using technologies such as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) so that the operation process and operation results can be visually recognized. The operation / display unit 2 displays the electrical stimulation setting screen, receives instructions from the user, and passes them to the control unit 3. In addition, while electrical stimulation is being generated, the operation / display unit 2 displays a treatment content screen to provide the user with information about the electrical stimulation.

[0022] The specific electroencephalogram induction device 1 may also include a switch unit 20 independently of the operation / display unit 2. The switch unit 20 directly provides instructions to the control unit 3 (the setting management unit 30b and output monitoring unit 30d, described later) for operations that are of high importance or frequently used as instructions from the user. Preferably, the switch unit 20 includes, for example, switches to increase or decrease the output of electrical stimulation, and switches to stop the output.

[0023] The control unit 3 is, for example, a microcontroller and is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The control unit 3 executes the functions and / or methods described below by code or instructions contained in a program stored in the ROM.

[0024] The control unit 3 comprises an information management unit 30a, a setting management unit 30b, a hardware control and management unit 30c, and an output monitoring unit 30d.

[0025] The information management unit 30a interacts with the user via the operation / display unit 2, displays setting screens and treatment details screens on the display of the operation / display unit 2 to provide the user with information on the operating status of the device 1, and manages user operations.

[0026] The setting management unit 30b manages and controls the output based on instructions from the user via the information management unit 30a regarding the number of beats per second, the duration, and the type of waveform (electrical stimulation) to be output. Specifically, the setting management unit 30b manages and controls the waveform generated by the electrical stimulation oscillation unit 4, which will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 2.

[0027] The hardware control and management unit 30c issues an oscillation command to the electrical stimulation oscillation unit 4 based on the parameters managed by the setting management unit 30b. It also issues an audio output command to the warning sound generation unit 7, which will be described later. Furthermore, it monitors the current returning from the electrode unit 8 via the output detection unit 60a, which will be described later, to detect whether the electrode unit 8 is in contact with the body (i.e., not detached). In addition, the hardware control and management unit 30c works in conjunction with each functional unit in the control unit 3 to confirm whether the commands have been executed correctly.

[0028] The output monitoring unit 30d monitors the output value of the electrical stimulation input to the protection circuit 6. The output monitoring unit 30d monitors whether the output value exceeds a preset current upper limit, as detected by the output detection unit 60a (described later). If an overcurrent occurs, it instructs the total output cutoff unit 60 (described later) to stop the output to the electrode unit 8.

[0029] The electrical stimulation oscillation unit 4 includes, for example, a waveform generation unit 40 which includes a waveform generator having a CPU, RAM, and ROM, and a D / A converter. Based on various parameters set by the setting management unit 30b of the control unit 3, the waveform generation unit 40 simulates the waveform of the electrical stimulation, converts it into an analog electrical stimulation, and outputs it to the amplifier unit 5 as a "muscle vibration wave". Details of the muscle vibration wave will be described later with reference to Figure 2.

[0030] The amplifier section 5 is equipped with an amplifier 50 that amplifies the muscle vibration waves (electrical stimulation) generated by the electrical stimulation oscillation section 4 to a strength that penetrates the muscle, and outputs it to the protection circuit 6.

[0031] The protection circuit 6 includes an output detection unit 60a and a total output cutoff unit 60b. The output detection unit 60a works in conjunction with the output monitoring unit 30d of the control unit 3 to detect the output value of the muscle vibration wave (electrical stimulation) and transmit it to the output monitoring unit 30d. The total output cutoff unit 60b stops the output of the muscle vibration wave when the output monitoring unit 30d detects an overcurrent or when the user instructs the system to stop the output via the operation / display unit 2 or the switch unit 20.

[0032] The warning sound generator 7 generates voice, sound effects, buzzer sounds, or a combination thereof to notify the user when electrical stimulation (treatment) begins and ends, when the output of the electrical stimulation changes, when the output of the electrical stimulation changes according to the electrical stimulation mode described later, and when the output of the electrical stimulation is changed based on the user's instructions. In addition, the warning sound generator 7 also notifies the user of any abnormalities if the output monitoring unit 30d detects excessive electrical stimulation output or poor contact of the electrode unit 8.

[0033] Figure 2 shows the waveform of the muscle vibration wave W output by the specific electroencephalogram induction device 1. The specific electroencephalogram induction device 1 includes an internal carrier wave with a frequency sufficiently higher than the gamma band frequency of human brain waves, generates a muscle vibration wave W that is output at a rhythm corresponding to the gamma band frequency, and outputs this from the electrode unit 8.

[0034] The inventors considered the following when generating the muscle vibration wave W shown in Figure 2.

[0035] There are various theories regarding the gamma band of brain waves, such as 25Hz-50Hz, 26Hz-70Hz, or 35Hz-100Hz. However, in recent years, it has been reported that stimulation with light (visual), sound (auditory), or vibration (tactile) around the central frequency of the gamma band (40Hz) is effective in improving Alzheimer's disease. The inventors believed that selecting stimulation with muscle vibration (tactile) would also enhance the effects of exercise, making it possible to increase muscle mass and address dementia simultaneously.

[0036] On the other hand, it was found that even if only sine or pulsed electrical signals in the gamma band frequency range are applied to the body, the low-frequency electrical stimulation does not easily penetrate the muscles and flows across the skin, resulting in ineffective treatment. Furthermore, it was identified that such stimulation therapy requires continuous stimulation for a certain period of time (e.g., 30 minutes to 1 hour), and if the electrical stimulation is perceived as "painful," it can be perceived as distressing, which is another challenge.

[0037] The inventors believed that when employing a method of applying stimulation through vibration (tactile sensation) in such stimulation therapy, the following problems must be solved. Low-frequency electrical stimulation flows across the skin and does not easily penetrate the muscles; therefore, components that can deliver the stimulation to the muscles are necessary for it to be an effective therapy. • If electrical stimulation is perceived as "painful," it will be distressing for the user, so the waveform needs to be carefully designed.

[0038] After diligent research, the inventors discovered that the above problems could be overcome by creating the waveform shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows the waveform of the muscle vibration wave W output by the specific electroencephalogram induction device 1, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing signal output intensity.

[0039] To output muscle vibration waves W, the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 first generates an internal carrier wave. The internal carrier wave, as a component that delivers electrical stimulation to the muscles, has a frequency sufficiently higher than the gamma band frequency, and is at least two orders of magnitude higher than the gamma band frequency (two orders of magnitude), resulting in a four-digit frequency. The inventors considered it particularly effective to set the frequency of the internal carrier wave between 2000Hz and 8050Hz. The inventors conducted experiments in which they varied the internal carrier wave frequency by 50Hz increments between 1000Hz and 3000Hz and between 7000Hz and 9000Hz, increasing the electrical stimulation signal output until pain was felt, and investigated the relationship between frequency and pain. As a result, it was found that the lower the frequency of the internal carrier wave, the more painful the electrical stimulation is perceived to be. Therefore, when the electrical stimulation of an internal carrier wave below 2000Hz is increased to a level where an effect is felt, pain is often present. Conversely, internal carrier waves above 8050Hz cause less pain even when strong electrical stimulation is applied, so it is thought that there is a risk of causing low-temperature burns if the output is increased too much.

[0040] The electrical stimulation oscillator 4 then generates a rhythm signal (voltage signal) corresponding to a frequency in the gamma band. The rhythm signal is defined as gradually increasing from zero voltage to a maximum bipolar voltage, and then gradually decreasing from the maximum voltage back to zero bipolar voltage, which constitutes "one beat." The electrical stimulation oscillator 4 then superimposes the internal carrier wave and the rhythm signal (voltage signal) to synthesize a muscle vibration wave W (electrical stimulation).

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the muscle vibration wave W is a bipolar waveform relative to zero electrical signal output, with one beat consisting of a single wave segment having a node at the zero electrical signal output position and antinodes between the nodes. During electrical stimulation, the muscle vibration wave W is output in a sequence of segments containing the internal carrier wave (represented as a spherical wave in Figure 2), with each segment representing one beat, for the set number of beats.

[0042] In Figure 2, the muscle vibration wave W was created by increasing and decreasing the voltage to produce one beat, but the waveform of the muscle vibration wave W may also be created by turning the voltage on and off. In this case, the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 generates a rhythm signal as a square wave by turning the voltage on and off, and superimposes the internal carrier wave and the rhythm signal to synthesize the muscle vibration wave W'. Figure 3 shows the waveform of the muscle vibration wave W' according to a modified example. In Figure 3, the horizontal axis is time, and the vertical axis is signal output intensity. In this case, the muscle vibration wave W' includes the internal carrier wave, and one beat is output as a stimulus wave with a single waveform containing a period of zero electrical signal output before and after, and one bipolar square wave between the rising and falling edges of the electrical signal, in a sequence for the set number of beats.

[0043] The waveform generated by the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 is managed and controlled by the setting management unit 30b. The setting management unit 30b manages what waveform the user has instructed it to output, and instructs the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 to generate the wave by increasing or decreasing the voltage if a "sine wave" is selected, or by turning the voltage on and off if a "square wave" is selected. The setting management unit 30b accepts the user's selection of a rhythm corresponding to the frequency of the gamma band, from a range of 2 beats per second to 100 beats per second, and manages the user's instruction on how many beats per second and for how many minutes to output, and calculates the voltage control of the rhythm signal so that the muscle vibration wave W is output at the instructed rhythm. For the internal carrier wave, the setting management unit 30b sets it between 2000 Hz and 8050 Hz and instructs the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 to use a default value that has been pre-stored in the ROM of the control unit 3. For users whose purpose is to counteract dementia, it is effective to have them select a rhythm between 25 beats per second and 50 beats per second. The settings management unit 30b may be configured to present and guide users to such choices. For example, users who want to prioritize muscle strengthening may be allowed to select from a rhythm of 50 beats per second or more and 100 beats per second or less. Users who want to moderately prevent muscle weakness may be allowed to select from a rhythm of 2 beats per second or more and 25 beats per second or less. Users who want to balance muscle strengthening and dementia prevention may be allowed to select from a rhythm of 5 beats per second or more and 50 beats per second or less.

[0044] In summary, according to the specific electroencephalogram induction device 1 of this form, the muscle vibration wave W stimulates the muscles with a rhythm corresponding to the gamma band of brain waves. As a result, the brain receives a signal with a constant rhythm through the tactile nerves, and an effect is obtained in which brain waves with a specific frequency are increased.

[0045] Because the muscle vibration wave W in question includes internal carrier waves, the electrical stimulation penetrates the muscle sufficiently, allowing the muscle to vibrate effectively.

[0046] The muscle vibration wave W in question has a single waveform that spreads across both positive and negative poles. Therefore, compared to waveforms that rise across a single pole or ordinary sine waves that periodically change between positive and negative poles, it is less likely to affect the pain receptors, making it less likely for electrical stimulation to cause the sensation of "pain." Furthermore, because it is a waveform that spreads across both poles, it can prevent ionization of the human body. As a result, even if electrical stimulation is received for a certain period of time (for example, 30 minutes to 1 hour), the pain caused by the electrical stimulation is less likely to be felt, and low-temperature burns are less likely to occur.

[0047] The muscle vibration wave W is generated by superimposing the internal carrier wave and the rhythm signal. Therefore, by changing the number of beats (numerical value) of the rhythm signal, it is possible to target specific brainwave frequencies that you wish to increase. Furthermore, since the frequency (numerical value) of the internal carrier wave can also be changed, if you feel the electrical stimulation is too strong, you can adjust the impact on pain perception not only by lowering the number of beats of the rhythm signal, but also by changing the frequency of the internal carrier wave from low to high.

[0048] Thus, with this specific electroencephalogram induction device 1, one of the challenges of methods that provide stimulation through vibration (tactile sensation) is "pain," but because the waveform is designed with a carrier component, users can receive treatment without feeling stress from electrical stimulation, which can lead to habitual use.

[0049] Furthermore, this specific electroencephalogram induction device 1 not only effectively induces an increase in specific brain waves through tactile nerves, but also enhances the exercise effect through muscle vibration. Therefore, it can be provided as a low-frequency therapy device (EMS: Electrical Muscle Stimulation) that simultaneously increases muscle strength and addresses dementia.

[0050] Furthermore, the muscle vibration wave W' related to the modified example shown in Figure 3 also employs a waveform with a carrier component, thus achieving the same effects as described above: induction of an increase in specific brain waves, effective muscle vibration, a waveform that takes pain sensation into consideration, ease of output adjustment by superimposed signals, and use as a low-frequency therapy device that simultaneously increases muscle strength and addresses dementia.

[0051] Furthermore, while the user can arbitrarily instruct the specific electroencephalogram induction device 1 on the output frequency (number of beats per second, duration, and waveform), it is also preferable that the specific electroencephalogram induction device 1 be equipped with a set of pre-configured "electrical stimulation modes." For example, the specific electroencephalogram induction device 1 can be selected as a first mode in which a muscle vibration wave W is output with a constant internal carrier wave and a constant rhythm signal. It is particularly preferable that the first mode includes a mode that emphasizes measures to increase muscle strength (e.g., internal carrier wave 4000Hz, rhythm signal 80 beats per second), a mode that emphasizes measures to prevent dementia (e.g., internal carrier wave 8000Hz, rhythm signal 40 beats per second), and a mode that is effective in preventing both muscle strength and dementia (e.g., internal carrier wave 6000Hz, rhythm signal 40 beats per second).

[0052] As a second mode, a mode is available in which a muscle vibration wave W is output that gradually changes the internal carrier wave from high to low during electrical stimulation. Since the higher the frequency of the internal carrier wave, the less pain is felt, by having a second mode, it is possible to change from low stimulation to a treatment that gradually affects the pain receptors, and to transition from a painless treatment to a treatment that gradually increases in effectiveness. As a third mode, a mode is available in which a muscle vibration wave W is output that gradually changes the rhythm signal during electrical stimulation. By having a third mode, it is possible to vary the intensity of the stimulation, and effective treatment can be performed without the patient becoming accustomed to the stimulation. As a fourth mode, a mode is available in which a muscle vibration wave W is output that combines the first to third modes. By having a fourth mode, it is possible to perform treatments that provide a variety of effects.

[0053] When one of these electrical stimulation modes is selected, the setting management unit 30b reads the default values ​​for the internal carrier wave and the number of beats in the rhythm signal from the ROM of the control unit 3, etc., according to the electrical stimulation mode instructed by the user, and controls the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 according to the setting.

[0054] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the specific electroencephalogram (EEG) induction method in the specific EEG induction device 1. The specific EEG induction method shown in Figure 4 is stored as a specific EEG induction program in the ROM of the control unit 3.

[0055] When the power to the specific electroencephalogram induction device 1 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S1, and the user is prompted to attach the electrode unit 8 via the operation / display unit 2. The hardware control / management unit 30c of the control unit 3 detects whether the electrode unit is attached or not from changes in electrical signals via the output detection unit 60a.

[0056] Once the electrode unit 8 is attached, the process moves to step S2, where the electrical stimulation can be set. The user selects, via the operation / display unit 2, how many beats per second and for how many minutes the electrical stimulation should be output, and what waveform it should have, or selects from a pre-configured electrical stimulation mode. The setting management unit 30b of the control unit 3 manages and controls the settings of the electrical stimulation oscillator unit 4 according to the set electrical stimulation or electrical stimulation mode.

[0057] Next, in step S3, the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 generates an internal carrier wave with a frequency according to the setting.

[0058] Next, the process moves to step S4, where the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 generates a rhythm signal that matches the set rhythm.

[0059] Next, in step S5, the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 superimposes the internal carrier wave and the rhythm signal to synthesize the muscle vibration wave W.

[0060] Next, in step S6, the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 amplifies the muscle vibration wave W via the amplifier 5 and outputs it as electrical stimulation from the electrode 8.

[0061] Next, the system proceeds to step S7, where the setting management unit 30b of the control unit 3 checks if the set treatment time has elapsed. During the treatment time, the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 generates and outputs muscle vibration waves W, and displays the treatment details screen on the display. Once the treatment time has elapsed, the setting management unit 30b of the control unit 3 stops the output from the electrical stimulation oscillator 4, ending the electrical stimulation.

[0062] (Second embodiment) Figure 5 is a block diagram of the configuration of a specific electroencephalogram induction device 11 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are described using the same reference numerals and their explanation is omitted.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the specific electroencephalogram induction device 1 outputs muscle vibration waves that include a frequency sufficiently higher than the gamma band frequency of electroencephalograms as an internal carrier wave, at a rhythm corresponding to the gamma band frequency. In contrast, the specific electroencephalogram induction device 11 in the second embodiment utilizes fluctuations of two different frequencies, both sufficiently higher than the gamma band frequency of electroencephalograms, to generate vibrations within the body at a rhythm corresponding to the gamma band frequency.

[0064] The specific electroencephalogram induction device 11 according to this embodiment comprises an operation / display unit 2, a control unit 3, an electrical stimulation oscillation unit 4, an amplifier unit 5, a protection circuit 6, a warning sound generation unit 7, a first electrode unit 81, and a second electrode unit 82. A switch unit 20 may also be optionally included. The first electrode unit 81 and the second electrode unit 82 are each connected to the protection circuit 6 by electrode cables, and are attached to the user's body part via adhesive pads or the like. The first electrode unit 81 and the second electrode unit 82 are attached spaced apart from each other and can be attached to any muscular part of the user's body, such as the shoulder, waist, back, calf, thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.

[0065] The electrical stimulation oscillator 4 in this embodiment includes a first waveform generation unit 41 for generating a first vibration wave W1 (described later) and a second waveform generation unit 42 for generating a second vibration wave W2 (described later). The first vibration wave W1 and the second vibration wave W2 have frequencies that are sufficiently higher than the frequency of the gamma band of the electroencephalogram, and their respective frequencies are preferably set between 2000 Hz and 8050 Hz for the same reasons as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the first vibration wave W1 and the second vibration wave W2 have a frequency difference of 1 Hz to 50 Hz. For example, when the first vibration wave W1 is set to 8000 Hz, the second vibration wave W2 is set to a frequency between 8001 Hz and 8050 Hz.

[0066] In this configuration, the amplifier section 5 includes a first amplifier 51 for the first vibration wave W1 and a second amplifier 52 for the second vibration wave W2. The protection circuit 6 in this configuration includes a first output detection unit 61 for the first vibration wave W1 and a second output detection unit 62 for the second vibration wave W2. The output monitoring unit 30d of the control unit 3 monitors the first output detection unit 61 and the second output detection unit 62, and if it detects an overcurrent in either of them, the total output cutoff unit 60b shuts off all outputs of both the first vibration wave W1 and the second vibration wave W2.

[0067] Figure 6 shows the waveforms of the first vibration wave W1 (shown as a solid line) and the second vibration wave W2 (shown as a dashed line) output by the specific electroencephalogram induction device 11, and the waveform W3 generated within the body by these vibration waves W1 and W2. In Figure 6, the horizontal axis represents time, the vertical axis for vibration waves W1 and W2 represents signal output intensity, and the vertical axis for vibration wave W3 represents virtual signal output intensity.

[0068] When the first vibration wave W1 and the second vibration wave W2 are output simultaneously, the combined wave W3 of vibration waves W1 and W2 has a frequency difference of 1 Hz to 50 Hz, resulting in a bipolar waveform that vibrates twice per period. The vibration of this combined wave W3 is what is perceived as electrical stimulation by the body, and this combined wave W3 is the muscle vibration wave of this form. For example, if the frequency difference of the combined wave W3 is 1 Hz, it can be made to correspond to 2 beats per second, and if the frequency difference is 20 Hz, it can correspond to 40 beats per second.

[0069] According to the specific electroencephalogram induction device 11 of this embodiment, two carrier wave components with frequencies sufficiently higher than the gamma band frequency are prepared as the first vibration wave W1 and the second vibration wave W2, and by creating a frequency difference of 1 Hz to 50 Hz, the composite wave W3 can generate vibrations in the body with a rhythm of 2 beats per second to 100 beats per second. Therefore, the muscle vibration waves generated by the composite wave W3 send signals with a constant rhythm to the brain via the tactile nerves, resulting in the effect of increasing brain waves with a specific frequency. Similar to the specific electroencephalogram induction device 1 of the first embodiment, for users whose purpose is to counteract dementia, it is effective to allow them to select from a frequency difference of 12.5 Hz to 25 Hz so that rhythmic vibrations of 25 beats per second to 50 beats per second can be generated in the body. The setting management unit 30b may be configured to present and guide the user to make such a selection. Furthermore, for users who prioritize muscle strengthening, they may be allowed to select from a frequency range of 25Hz to 50Hz to generate rhythmic vibrations of 50 to 100 beats per second within their bodies. For users who want to moderately prevent muscle weakness, they may be allowed to select from a frequency range of 1Hz to 12.5Hz to generate rhythmic vibrations of 2 to 25 beats per second within their bodies. For users who want to achieve both increased muscle strength and dementia prevention, they may be allowed to select from a frequency range of 2.5Hz to 25Hz to generate rhythmic vibrations of 5 to 50 beats per second within their bodies.

[0070] Since the resulting muscle vibration wave (composite wave W3) is generated by the internal carrier wave components (first vibration wave W1 and second vibration wave W2), the electrical stimulation penetrates the muscle sufficiently, allowing it to vibrate effectively.

[0071] The muscle vibration waves (composite wave W3) also have a single waveform that spreads out in both positive and negative poles, making it less likely for electrical stimulation to cause the sensation of "pain." Furthermore, because it can prevent ionization of the human body, even if electrical stimulation is received for a certain period of time (for example, 30 minutes to 1 hour), pain from the electrical stimulation is less likely to be felt, and low-temperature burns are less likely to occur.

[0072] Furthermore, the muscle vibration wave (composite wave W3) can target specific brainwave frequencies that you wish to increase by changing the frequency difference between the first vibration wave W1 and the second vibration wave W2. Also, since the frequencies (numerical values) of vibration waves W1 and W2 can be changed, if you feel the electrical stimulation is too strong, you can adjust the impact on pain perception by changing the frequency from low to high (for example, from a combination of 2050Hz and 2000Hz to a combination of 8050Hz and 8000Hz).

[0073] Furthermore, even with this specific electroencephalogram induction device 11, it is possible to provide a low-frequency therapy device (EMS: Electrical Muscle Stimulation) that can simultaneously increase muscle strength and address dementia.

[0074] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment of the specific electroencephalogram induction device 11, square waves generated by switching voltage on and off may be used for the first vibration wave W1 and the second vibration wave W2.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the specific electroencephalogram induction device 11, the user can arbitrarily specify how many beats per second and for how many minutes the stimulation should be received. However, it is preferable that the specific electroencephalogram induction device 11 also has a number of pre-prepared electrical stimulation modes.

[0076] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the specific electroencephalogram (EEG) induction method in the specific EEG induction device 11. The specific EEG induction method shown in Figure 7 is stored as a specific EEG induction program in the ROM of the control unit 3.

[0077] When the power to the specific electroencephalogram induction device 1 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S11, and the user is prompted to attach the first electrode unit 81 and the second electrode unit 82 via the operation / display unit 2. The hardware control / management unit 30c of the control unit 3 detects whether each electrode is attached or not from changes in electrical signals via the output detection unit 60a.

[0078] Once the electrodes 81 and 82 are attached, the process proceeds to step S12, where electrical stimulation can be set. The user selects electrical stimulation or an electrical stimulation mode via the operation / display unit 2. The setting management unit 30b of the control unit 3 manages and instructs the settings of the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 according to the set electrical stimulation or electrical stimulation mode.

[0079] Next, in step S13, the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 generates a first vibration wave W1 and a second vibration wave W2, respectively, at frequencies according to the settings.

[0080] Next, in step S14, the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 amplifies the first vibration wave W1 and the second vibration wave W2 via the amplifier 5, and outputs the first vibration wave W1 from the first electrode 81 and the second vibration wave W2 from the second electrode 82.

[0081] Next, the process moves to step S15, where the setting management unit 30b of the control unit 3 checks whether the set treatment time has elapsed. During the treatment time, the electrical stimulation oscillator 4 generates the first vibration wave W1 and the second vibration wave W2, and displays the treatment content screen on the display. Once the treatment time has elapsed, the setting management unit 30b stops the output of the first vibration wave W1 and the second vibration wave W2 from the electrical stimulation oscillator 4, thereby ending the electrical stimulation.

[0082] In the block diagram of Figure 5, an example is shown in which two electrode units, a first electrode unit 81 and a second electrode unit 82, are provided. However, in this embodiment, the number of electrode units should be at least two. That is, in this embodiment, by outputting the first vibration wave W1 from some of the multiple electrode units and the second vibration wave W2 from the other electrode units, it is possible to receive muscle vibration waves (composite wave W3) caused by fluctuations at multiple points on the body. In this embodiment, a waveform generation unit, an amplifier, and an output detection unit are provided in the electrical stimulation oscillation unit 4, amplifier unit 5, and protection circuit 6, respectively, according to the number of electrode units provided. Furthermore, the number of electrode units to be used can be arbitrarily selected by the user. The first electrode unit 81 and the second electrode unit 82 are distinguished, for example, by color coding or the assignment of identification symbols.

[0083] While preferred embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above, these can be modified and combined based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and such forms are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1…Specific electroencephalogram induction device, 2…Operation / display unit, 3…Control unit, 4…Electrical stimulation oscillator unit, 5…Amplifier unit, 6…Protection circuit, 7…Warning sound generator unit, 8…Electrode unit, W…Muscle vibration wave, W1…First vibration wave, W2…Second vibration wave, W3…Composite wave (muscle vibration wave)

Claims

1. The electrode part is attached to the user's body, An electrical stimulation oscillator outputs muscle vibration waves to the electrode section, which include an internal carrier wave with a frequency sufficiently higher than the frequency of the gamma band of the electroencephalogram, and which are output at a rhythm corresponding to the frequency of the gamma band. A specific electroencephalogram induction device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The specific electroencephalogram induction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal carrier wave uses a frequency of 2000 Hz or more and 8050 Hz or less.

3. The specific electroencephalogram induction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the muscle vibration wave is a bipolar waveform with respect to zero output of the electrical signal related to the muscle vibration wave, and the rhythm is output at a rate of 2 beats per second or more and 100 beats per second or less.

4. The specific electroencephalogram induction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the muscle vibration wave is a bipolar waveform with respect to zero output of the electrical signal related to the muscle vibration wave, and one beat is a single waveform having a node and an antinode, and the rhythm is output with an interval of 2 beats per second or more and 100 beats per second or less.

5. The specific electroencephalogram induction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frequency of the internal carrier wave remains constant during the generation of electrical stimulation, or is gradually changed during the generation of electrical stimulation.

6. The specific electroencephalogram induction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rhythm of the muscle vibration wave is constant during the generation of electrical stimulation, or gradually changed during the generation of electrical stimulation.

7. A device comprising at least two electrode units attached to the user's body, An electrical stimulation oscillator unit that emits electrical signals of two types of vibration waves, a first vibration wave and a second vibration wave, with frequencies sufficiently higher than the gamma band frequency of electroencephalography and having a frequency difference of 1 Hz to 50 Hz, and outputs the first vibration wave to some of the electrodes and the second vibration wave to the other electrodes, A specific electroencephalogram induction device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

8. A method by which a computer performs an action. A step of generating an internal carrier wave consisting of frequencies sufficiently higher than the gamma band frequencies of brain waves, The steps include: outputting a muscle vibration wave, obtained by superimposing the internal carrier wave with a rhythm signal having a rhythm corresponding to the frequency of the gamma band, to an electrode attached to the user's body; A specific electroencephalogram induction method characterized by having the following features.

9. A method by which a computer performs an action. A step of generating two types of first and second vibration waves, which consist of frequencies sufficiently higher than the gamma band frequencies of brain waves and have a frequency difference of 1 Hz to 50 Hz, The steps include outputting the first vibration wave to some of the electrode portions and the second vibration wave to the other electrode portions to at least two or more electrode portions attached to the user's body, A specific electroencephalogram induction method characterized by having the following features.

10. A specific electroencephalogram induction program characterized by describing the specific electroencephalogram induction method described in claim 8 as a computer program and making it executable.

11. A specific electroencephalogram induction program characterized by describing the specific electroencephalogram induction method described in claim 9 as a computer program and making it executable.

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