Body-worn walking assistance device

Abstract

This invention provides a body-worn walking assistance device that integrates the connection structure between the vibration stimulation unit, laser projection unit, safety control unit, and audio output unit necessary for walking assistance, as well as the connection structure with the electrode pads for the lower limb muscles, into a band-type housing that can accommodate multiple attachment sites, thereby suppressing misrecognition of the attachment direction and instability of the laser projection direction. [Solution] The band-type housing 10 is provided with a mounting band, a direction indicator unit 12 or an asymmetrical shape 13, a detection unit 20, a vibration stimulation unit 42a, a projection unit 43 having a projection window 14, a safety control unit, an audio output connection unit 36, and an electrical stimulation connection unit 37. The safety control unit has a terminal for inputting a posture detection signal from the detection unit 20 and a terminal for outputting a cutoff signal or an output reduction signal to the laser light source drive circuit. The audio output unit 41 may include a bone conduction device, and the electrical stimulation unit 42b includes electrode pads for the lower limb muscles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the structure of a walking assistance device that is worn on the body and used by a subject with a walking disorder. In particular, the present invention relates to a wearable walking assistance device in which a detection unit, a vibration stimulation unit, a laser projection unit, a safety control unit, an audio output connection unit, and an electrical stimulation connection unit are structurally arranged in a band-shaped housing, and which can be used in combination with a bone conduction device and lower limb muscle electrode pads.

Background Art

[0002] For subjects with walking disorders, walking assistance using external stimuli such as floor surface guides, rhythmic sounds, and vibration stimulation has been performed. Conventionally, these stimulation devices are often used individually as a cane, a floor surface, a standalone vibration device, or a separate audio device.

[0003] However, it is difficult for subjects who do not use a cane or subjects who use a walker to use a cane-fixed laser device. In addition, when a plurality of devices are worn separately, problems such as incorrect wearing direction, complicated wiring, unstable laser projection direction, and reduced safety due to an audio device that blocks ambient sounds may occur.

[0004] Therefore, there is a demand for an article structure in which structures for floor surface projection, vibration stimulation, safety control, and connection with an external stimulation unit are compactly arranged in a band-shaped housing that can be worn on the body, which is compatible with a plurality of wearing sites, and whose wearing direction is easy to identify.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Miyake Medical Research Institute, Product Information on L-shaped Cane Tips [Non-Patent Document 2] TR Pharma Co., Ltd., Hikari Walking Stick Product Information [Non-Patent Document 3] France Bed Co., Ltd., Q-Pit (body-worn mobility support device) product information, product number 201141376 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a body-worn walking support device that structurally incorporates a vibration stimulation unit, projection unit, detection unit, and safety control unit necessary for walking support into a band-type housing, can be connected by wire or wirelessly to an audio output unit including a bone conduction device and electrode pads for lower limb muscles, can accommodate multiple attachment sites, and can prevent misrecognition of the attachment direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The body-worn walking support device of the present invention comprises a band-type housing having a mounting band for securing it to the body. The housing is provided with a vibration stimulation unit on the skin contact surface side, a projection unit having a projection window on the outer surface side, a detection unit for detecting the housing's posture, a safety control unit for stopping or reducing the laser output, a wired or wireless connection unit for an audio output unit, a wired or wireless connection unit for an electrical stimulation unit, and a direction indicator unit or an asymmetrical shape.

[0009] The projection unit has a projection window provided on the outer surface of the housing, a laser light source located inside the housing, and an optical path member or angle adjustment member that guides the light from the laser light source to the projection window. The housing is positioned so that the projection window faces the floor when the housing is attached to the arm or waist. The safety control unit is configured to stop or reduce the laser output by having a circuit configuration that includes an attitude signal input terminal for receiving a tilt angle detection signal or attitude detection signal from the detection unit, and a cutoff signal output terminal or output reduction signal output terminal connected to the laser light source drive circuit.

[0010] The audio output unit is preferably a bone conduction device that does not obstruct the ear canal and is connected to the housing by wire or wireless. The electrical stimulation unit has electrode pads for the lower limb muscles and a wired or wireless connection structure that connects the electrode pads to a connection part on the housing side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this invention, since vibration stimulation, floor projection, safety control, and connection structure to an external stimulator can be integrated into a band-type housing that can be fixed to the body, it is easy to apply to individuals who do not use a cane, those who walk with a cane, and those who walk with a walker.

[0012] The directional indicator or asymmetrical shape makes it easier to identify the mounting direction, and allows for proper maintenance of the positional relationship between the projection window and the vibration stimulation part. This makes it easier to ensure the stability of the projection direction of the floor guide and the contact of the vibration stimulation.

[0013] By using a bone conduction device, the subject can receive auditory stimuli while recognizing ambient sounds such as people's voices, vehicle noises, and warning sounds. Furthermore, the connection structure with electrode pads for the lower limb muscles allows for the combination of electrical stimulation to the lower limb muscles as needed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is an overall configuration diagram of the body-worn walking support device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the overall hardware configuration of the device. [Figure 3] This is a configuration diagram of a visual stimulation presentation unit. [Figure 4] This is a configuration diagram of a tactile stimulation presentation unit. [Figure 5] This is a schematic configuration diagram of a safety control unit. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the body-worn walking assistance device includes a housing (10) that can be worn on the subject's arm, forearm, waist, chest or shoulder. The housing (10) is provided with a wearing band (11) for fixing to the body, a direction indicator (12) that indicates the wearing direction, or an asymmetric shape (13).

[0016] A vibration stimulation unit (42a) is arranged on the skin contact surface side of the housing (10). The vibration stimulation unit (42a) includes an eccentric motor or a linear actuator, and transmits vibration stimulation to the skin in a state where the housing (10) is fixed to the body.

[0017] A projection window (14) is provided on the outer surface side of the housing (10). The projection unit (43) includes a laser light source (43a) arranged inside the housing (10), and as needed, an optical path member, a scanning mirror, or an angle adjustment unit (43b) that guides the laser light to the projection window (14). The projection window (14) is arranged at a position facing the floor surface when the housing (10) is worn on the arm or waist, and the projection unit (43) emits laser light from the projection window (14) toward the floor surface. The guide formed on the floor surface may be linear, dot-shaped, arrow-shaped, footprint-shaped, or a combination thereof.

[0018] The detection unit (20) includes an acceleration sensor (21), a gyro sensor (22), or a direction / attitude detection unit (26). The safety control unit (34) has an attitude signal input terminal for receiving a tilt angle detection signal or attitude detection signal output from the detection unit (20), and a cutoff signal output terminal or output reduction signal output terminal connected to the laser light source drive circuit of the projection unit (43). The circuit configuration in which the attitude signal input terminal and the cutoff signal output terminal or output reduction signal output terminal are electrically connected allows the drive current or drive signal of the laser light source (43a) to be cut off or reduced (see Figure 5).

[0019] The audio output connection unit (36) is connected to the audio output unit (41) by wire or wireless. The audio output unit (41) includes bone conduction earphones, bone conduction speakers, or small speakers, and is preferably a bone conduction device that does not obstruct the ear canal.

[0020] The electrical stimulation connection unit (37) is connected to the electrical stimulation unit (42b) by wire or wireless. The electrical stimulation unit (42b) includes electrode pads for lower limb muscles and can be placed on lower limb muscles including the quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior, hamstrings, or gluteus medius. The housing (10) or mounting band (11) may be provided with a holder for holding the wiring or wireless connection unit. The electrical stimulation unit (42b) may also be equipped with a protection function that stops or reduces the output if an abnormal current, electrode detachment, or excessive output is detected.

[0021] The power supply unit (80) includes a rechargeable battery, a charging circuit, and a power management circuit. The communication unit (70) may support short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth Low Energy. The operation unit (50) and display unit (60) may be provided to display or operate the power status, connection status, or operating status. [Examples]

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing (10) is attached to the arm of the subject and secured with a mounting band (11). The outer surface of the housing (10) is provided with a direction indicator (12) and a projection window (14). The projection unit (43) emits laser light from the projection window (14), which faces the floor when attached to the arm, to form a floor guide.

[0023] A vibration stimulator (42a) is positioned on the skin contact surface side of the housing (10), and vibration stimuli are applied to the skin by an eccentric motor or linear actuator. The audio output unit (41) is connected to the housing (10) by wire or wirelessly via an audio output connector (36), and is configured as a bone conduction earphone or bone conduction speaker.

[0024] Furthermore, an electrical stimulation unit (42b), including electrode pads for lower limb muscles, is connected to the electrical stimulation connection unit (37) by wire or wirelessly. The electrode pads can be placed on lower limb muscles, including the quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior, hamstrings, or gluteus medius. This allows the vibration stimulation unit (42a), projection unit (43), audio output unit (41), and electrical stimulation unit (42b) provided in the housing (10) to be used in combination.

[0025] Furthermore, the safety control unit (34) inputs the tilt angle detection signal or attitude detection signal output from the direction / attitude detection unit (26) to the attitude signal input terminal (34a), and outputs a cutoff signal or output reduction signal from the cutoff signal output terminal or output reduction signal output terminal (34b) connected to the laser light source drive circuit. This allows the drive current or drive signal of the laser light source (43a) to be cut off or reduced according to the attitude of the housing (10).

[0026] As another embodiment of the present invention, a case in which the housing (10) is attached to the waist of the subject will be described. As shown in the alternative example of waist attachment on the right side of Figure 1, the housing (10) is fixed to the waist of the subject by the attachment band (11). Even when attached to the waist, the direction of attachment can be identified by the direction indicator part (12) or asymmetric shape (13) of the housing (10).

[0027] When worn around the waist, the projection window (14) on the outer surface of the housing (10) is positioned to face the floor. The projection unit (43) emits laser light from the projection window (14) toward the floor, forming a floor guide on the floor surface in front of the subject's feet. This allows projection toward the floor while the housing (10) is attached to the body, similar to when worn on the arm.

[0028] When worn on the waist, the vibration stimulator (42a) is positioned on the skin-contacting side of the housing (10) and comes into contact with the skin of the subject's waist. The vibration stimulator (42a) transmits vibration stimuli to the skin of the waist using an eccentric motor or a linear actuator. This allows vibration stimuli to be presented to different body parts than when worn on the arm, using the same housing structure.

[0029] Even when worn around the waist, the safety control unit (34) inputs the posture detection signal output from the direction / posture detection unit (26) or posture correction sensor (23) to the posture signal input terminal (34a), and outputs a cutoff signal or output reduction signal from the cutoff signal output terminal or output reduction signal output terminal (34b) connected to the laser light source drive circuit. This allows the drive current or drive signal of the laser light source (43a) to be cut off or reduced if the housing (10) deviates from a predetermined wearing posture.

[0030] The differences between arm-mounted and waist-mounted devices are primarily the fixing points of the housing (10), the angle at which the projection window (14) is positioned relative to the floor, and the body parts that the vibration stimulation unit (42a) contacts. However, in both mounting configurations, the projection window (14) is positioned facing the floor, and the vibration stimulation unit (42a) is positioned on the skin contact side, allowing the same housing structure to be applied to multiple mounting locations. [Industrial applicability]

[0031] The body-worn walking support device of this invention is primarily intended for addressing freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease patients, but it can also be applied to rehabilitation and daily life support for individuals with walking disorders such as multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy. Its use is expected in nursing and welfare facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, and home healthcare settings. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0032] 10. Housing (body-worn band type) 11. Mounting Band 12 Direction display 13 Asymmetrical shape or asymmetrical fixing part 14 Projection window 15 Skin contact surfaces 20 Detection unit 21 Accelerometer 22. Gyroscope (angular velocity sensor) 23. Posture correction sensor 26 Direction and attitude detection unit 30 Control Unit 34. Safety Control Unit (including laser safety control) 34a Attitude signal input terminal 34b Cut-off signal output terminal or output reduction signal output terminal 36 Audio output connection section 37 Electrical stimulation connection part 40. Stimulus Presentation Related Departments 41. Audio output unit (auditory stimulus presentation unit, bone conduction earphones, bone conduction speaker, or small speaker) 42 Tactile Stimulus Presentation Unit 42a Vibration stimulation section 42b Electrical stimulation section (electrode pads for lower limb muscles, FES) 43 Projection Unit (Visual Stimulus Presentation Unit) 43a Laser light source 43b Scanning mirror or angle adjustment unit 50 Control section 60 Display 70 Communications Department 80 Power supply section

Claims

1. A body-worn walking support device having a band-type housing that can be worn on the body of a person with a walking disability, wherein the housing comprises: a mounting band for fixing to the body; a vibration stimulation unit disposed on the skin contact surface side of the housing and providing vibration stimulation to the skin by an eccentric motor or linear actuator; a projection unit provided on the outer surface side of the housing and having a projection window positioned to face the floor when the housing is worn on the arm or waist; a detection unit for detecting the posture of the housing; a posture signal input terminal for receiving a tilt angle detection signal or posture detection signal output from the detection unit; a safety control unit having a cutoff signal output terminal or output reduction signal output terminal connected to the laser light source drive circuit of the projection unit; an audio output connection unit for wired or wireless connection of an audio output unit including a bone conduction device; an electrical stimulation connection unit for wired or wireless connection of electrode pads for lower limb muscles; and a direction indicator unit or asymmetric shape capable of identifying the mounting direction of the housing.

2. A body-worn walking support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting band has a length adjustment part or fastener capable of fixing the housing to any of the arm, forearm, waist, chest, or shoulder.

3. A body-worn walking support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the projection unit comprises a projection window provided on the outer surface of the housing, a laser light source disposed inside the housing, and an optical path member or angle adjustment member that guides light from the laser light source to the projection window, and the projection window is positioned to face the floor when the housing is worn on the arm or waist.

4. A body-worn walking support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the safety control unit has a posture signal input terminal for inputting a tilt angle detection signal or posture detection signal output from the detection unit, and a cutoff signal output terminal or output reduction signal output terminal connected to the laser light source drive circuit of the projection unit, and is configured to cut off or reduce the drive current or drive signal of the laser light source by a circuit configuration in which the posture signal input terminal and the cutoff signal output terminal or output reduction signal output terminal are electrically connected.

5. A body-worn walking support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vibration stimulation unit includes an eccentric motor or a linear actuator and has a structure that provides vibration stimulation to the skin via a vibration transmission unit provided on the skin contact surface side of the housing.

6. A body-worn walking support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the audio output unit connected to the audio output connection unit includes a bone conduction earphone or bone conduction speaker that does not obstruct the ear canal.

7. A body-worn walking support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lower limb muscle electrode pads connected to the electrical stimulation connection part can be positioned on lower limb muscles including the quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior, hamstrings, or gluteus medius, and the housing or mounting band is provided with a holding part for holding wiring or a wireless connection part connected to the lower limb muscle electrode pads.

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