Electrical stimulation device

Abstract

To improve treatment efficiency of a current stimulation apparatus.SOLUTION: In order to achieve the above problem solution, the present invention has the following means. That is, a current stimulation apparatus includes: a waveform generator to output an electric signal; a control section to control the waveform generator; a set of electrodes to provide the output electric signal; and a power supply section to supply electric power to the waveform generator and the control section, where the electric signal is a fifth electric signal including: a first electric signal having an amplitude increasing from a first amplitude, the first amplitude being not zero; a second electric signal having a second amplitude and being output after the first electric signal; a third electric signal having an amplitude decreasing to a third amplitude, the third electric signal being output after the second electric signal; and a fourth electric signal having a fourth amplitude, the fourth amplitude being not zero, and the fifth signal being output in different times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric current stimulation device used for percutaneous electrical stimulation for purposes such as treatment, rehabilitation, examination, massage, physical condition management, fatigue recovery, injury prevention, body care such as muscles and joints after exercise, or beauty purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] Physical therapy, which applies physical energy from the outside to a necessary part such as an affected part to perform treatment, massage, diagnosis, training, or cosmetic treatment, has been attracting attention, and many medical devices, diagnostic devices, training devices, and cosmetic devices that realize these have been put to practical use. In this specification, physical energy used in treatment, cosmetic treatment, or diagnosis, such as current or voltage having an AC component or frequency component such as low frequency or high frequency, or sine wave, pulse, and impulse, are collectively referred to as electric signal or pulse. They may also be referred to as therapeutic wave, electric stimulation, or electric signal. Furthermore, the electric signal or pulse may be a pulse train of rectangular pulses or a pulse train of composite pulses, and may be a sine wave, triangular wave, sawtooth wave, or impulse train. Furthermore, a composite wave generated by the interaction of multiple pulses is also simply referred to as an electric signal or pulse, and a composite wave generated by a sine wave is also simply referred to as an electric signal or pulse.

[0003] Hereinafter, in this specification, treatment devices, medical devices, massage machines, diagnostic devices, training devices, devices used for physical condition management, fatigue recovery, and beauty devices that use electrical stimulation are collectively referred to as current stimulation devices. Each of the actions of applying electrical stimulation percutaneously, such as treatment, diagnosis, massage, physical condition management, or treatment with a beauty device using a current stimulation device, or the actions are collectively referred to as treatment. A person who uses a current stimulation device, such as a person who performs treatment or massage using a current stimulation device, a person who performs diagnosis using a current stimulation device, or a person who performs beauty treatment using a current stimulation device, is referred to as a user, and a person who receives treatment is referred to as a patient. Furthermore, a part of the human body to which electrical stimulation is applied or treatment is performed is referred to as an affected part. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the description of a current stimulation device does not exclude a massager, a diagnostic device, a beauty device, or a device that prevents injuries, and the description of a patient does not only mean a person who has an injury or disease, but also includes a person who is examined or a person who is treated. Similarly, the description of an affected part does not only mean a part with an injury or disease, but also refers to a part of the body to be examined or a part of the body to which beauty treatment is performed. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, electrical signals used for treatment do not exclude electrical signals or pulses used for massage, diagnosis, health management or beauty purposes.

[0004] Recently, electric current stimulation devices have been put to practical use, which use two or three pairs of electrodes, i.e., four or six electrodes, arranged to surround the affected area, supply electrical signals of different frequencies from each electrode pair to the affected area, and generate interference waves inside the body to perform treatment. Treatment using interference waves has the advantage that it can provide effective treatment even if the affected area is deep below the surface of the body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-112362 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When the frequency of the electrical signal supplied to the affected area increases, it reaches a deeper area. However, at a high frequency, for example, muscle contraction occurs, but it is difficult to obtain the effects of low-frequency electrical signals, such as a massage effect. In the technology described in the above Patent Document 1, electrical signals of different frequencies are supplied, so that electrical interference occurs and both low-frequency and high-frequency effects can be supplied to the affected area. However, in order to supply different electrical signals separately to the affected area, at least two pairs of electrodes, for example three pairs of electrodes, that is, four or more, for example six electrodes, are required. In such a configuration using a large number of electrodes, the desired effect cannot be obtained unless the electrodes are correctly arranged in a predetermined order at a predetermined position, and sufficient treatment efficiency cannot be obtained. Furthermore, if the electrodes used are consumables such as adhesive pads, the running costs related to the treatment may be doubled or tripled, and high treatment costs may be required. The present invention aims to solve these problems and provide a current stimulation device with high treatment efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides the following means. That is, the current stimulation device of the present invention is a current stimulation device that outputs an electric signal as a current used for treatment, and includes a memory storing parameters of the electric signal used in a selected treatment mode, a waveform generating unit that outputs the electric signal based on the parameters and a set amplitude during treatment time, a timer that measures the treatment time during which the electric signal is output by the waveform generating unit, a control unit that controls the waveform generating unit, a set of electrodes for supplying the output electric signal, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the waveform generating unit and the control unit, and the electric signal includes a first electric signal whose amplitude increases from a first amplitude that is not zero at a first time, and an electric signal that is output after the first electric signal and has a second amplitude that is zero at a second time. a second electrical signal having a second amplitude at a third time, a third electrical signal being output subsequently after the second electrical signal, the amplitude of which decreases to a third amplitude at a third time, and a fourth electrical signal being output subsequently after the third electrical signal, the fourth electrical signal having a non-zero amplitude at a fourth time and a fourth amplitude smaller than the second amplitude, and the fifth electrical signal is output by outputting the first electrical signal subsequent to the fourth electrical signal, and the fifth electrical signal is output continuously during the treatment time, and when the fifth electrical signal is output continuously, a fifth time which is the sum of the first time, the second time, the third time, and the fourth time is elapsed. Variable control at different times according to a predefined set of controls It is characterized by being changeable.

[0008] Further, the current stimulation device of the present invention is characterized in that only a part of the first time, the second time, the third time, and the fourth time is changed. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, physical therapy that can obtain multiple effects at once can be performed, and one pair of electrodes can provide treatment equivalent to or better than interference wave treatment that uses two or more pairs of electrodes, thereby improving the efficiency of treatment. Furthermore, since only one pair of electrodes is used, there is no risk of making mistakes in the placement or order of the electrodes, and no decrease in treatment efficiency due to incorrect placement of the electrodes is induced. Furthermore, since treatment that requires little getting used to can be performed, a current stimulation device that can maintain high treatment efficiency can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main body of the electric current stimulation device of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a control device for a current stimulation device according to the present invention. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 3C] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 3D] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 10B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 10C] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 11A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 11B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 11C] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 11D] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 12A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 12B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 12C] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 13A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 13B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 13C] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 15]FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 16A] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 16B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 16C] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 16D] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical signal used in the current stimulation device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (First embodiment) Next, the electrical signal according to the present invention and the device for outputting the electrical signal according to the present invention will be described together with the treatment method according to the present invention. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the main body 11 of the current stimulation device 1 used to explain the present invention in this embodiment. A main power supply 15, an encoder 18, a display unit 114, a switch 105, a stop switch 12, a connector unit 14, etc. are provided on the front of the main body 11 of the current stimulation device 1, and an electrode pad A111 and an electrode pad B112 are connected to the connector unit 14 by a cord 16.

[0012] During treatment, a pair of conductive adhesive pads, electrode pad A111 and electrode pad B112, are attached to the affected area or near the affected area, for example directly to the skin so as to sandwich the affected area, and an electric current flows from electrode pad A111 to electrode pad B112 or from electrode pad B112 to electrode pad A111, thereby supplying an electric signal to the affected area.

[0013] Instead of the electrode pad A111 or the electrode pad B112, a suction cup connected to a separate suction device may be used as the electrode to be used, and an electrical signal may be supplied to the affected area using an electrode placed in the suction cup. Instead of the conductive adhesive pad, a conductive material that is conductive but not adhesive, such as conductive rubber, may be used. In this case where the pad does not have adhesiveness, a separate belt (not shown) may be used to fix the pads.

[0014] 2 shows a block diagram of the control device 17. The control device 17 is disposed inside the main body 11 and controls the operation of the main body 11. The control device 17 is composed of a waveform generating unit 204 which is an output circuit for outputting an electric signal, a control unit 203 which controls the waveform generating unit 204, a timer 207, a user IF unit 201, a power supply unit 206, a memory 205, and the like. The control unit 203 has a built-in interface unit which connects to each unit in addition to a CPU and an internal memory, and is connected to and controls the waveform generating unit 204 which generates an electric signal which gives a current stimulus, the timer 207 which manages the output for a certain period of time, the user IF unit 201 which is connected to the switch 105 and the display unit 114, and the memory 205. The power consumed by each unit is controlled to a predetermined constant voltage value by the power supply unit 206 and is supplied to each unit via the control unit 203.

[0015] The electric current stimulation device 1 is used as follows. First, the user attaches the electrode pad A111 and the electrode pad B112 to the affected area, and then turns on the main power supply 15. When the main power supply 15 is turned on, the display unit 114 displays buttons that are interfaces for the state of the main body unit 11 and various settings, for example, buttons for treatment mode and output level. The display unit 114 is a thin display such as a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and serves as both a display means and an input means. When the displayed output level display is tapped, the encoder 18 is enabled, and the amplitude, which is the output of the electric signal described later, can be set by rotating the encoder 18. Furthermore, when the user selects a desired treatment mode using the display unit 114, each parameter of the electric signal used in the selected treatment mode is read from the memory 205 and supplied to the waveform generating unit 204. When the user then presses the switch 105, the information is sent to the control unit 203 via the user IF unit 201, and the control unit 203 instructs the waveform generating unit 204 to output an electric signal as described later. The waveform generating unit 204 outputs an electric signal according to the supplied parameters, and the output electric signal is supplied to the electrode pad A111 via the connector unit 14 and the cord 16 connected to the terminal A208, and to the electrode pad B112 via the connector unit 14 and the cord 16 connected to the terminal B209. At the same time, the information is sent to the timer 207, and the timer 207 starts measuring time, for example, 20 minutes, which is the treatment time and the time during which the electric signal is output by the waveform generating unit 204, that is, the time during which the electric signal is supplied to the affected area. Information regarding the measurement by the timer 207, for example, information indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed, is fed back to the control unit 203, and the control unit 203 stops the output of the electric signal by stopping the power supply to the waveform generating unit 204 in response to the feedback. The treatment time is not limited to 20 minutes, and may be more or less than 20 minutes, and may be configured so that the user can set or adjust it appropriately in consideration of the condition of the affected area. The stop switch 12 is used to forcibly stop the output of all electric signals in an unexpected situation.

[0016] In accordance with the supply of power to the waveform generating section 204, the control section 203 instructs the user IF section 201 to display that an electrical signal is being output, and the user IF section 201 causes the display section 114 to display the character "ON" indicating that an electrical signal is being output. When the control section 203 stops the output of an electrical signal, the control section 203 transmits predetermined information to the user IF section 201, and according to that information, the user IF section 201 instructs the display section 114 to display "OFF" instead of "ON".

[0017] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of an electrical signal supplied to a human body, for example, an affected area, according to the present invention. The horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates amplitude, for example, the amplitude of a current. If a collection of pulses is called a pulse group, the electrical signal in FIG. 3A is composed of a plurality of pulse groups. In particular, the electrical signal in FIG. 3A is represented as a fifth electrical signal including a first electrical signal, which is a pulse group in which a first amplitude, which is not zero, increases to a fifth amplitude, a second electrical signal, which is a pulse group outputted following the first electrical signal and has a second amplitude, which is not zero, a third electrical signal, which is a pulse group outputted following the second electrical signal and has a sixth amplitude, which decreases to a third amplitude, and a fourth electrical signal, which is a fourth amplitude, which is not zero. The times for which the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, the third electrical signal, and the fourth electrical signal are outputted may be, for example, 1 second, 0.8 seconds, 1 second, and 0.8 seconds, respectively. 3A, the vertical axis is shown as a current value, but the vertical axis may be shown as a voltage value to represent the electrical signal. The first amplitude, the second amplitude, and the third amplitude are, for example, 14 mA, 17 mA, and 14 mA, respectively, which are values ​​that cause slight muscle contraction and can be used to improve pain and recover from fatigue.

[0018] Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram of the fifth electric signal, and for simplicity, the following description will be given using a schematic diagram like Fig. 3B. The first electric signal, the second electric signal, the third electric signal, the fourth electric signal, and the fifth electric signal are shown as the first electric signal 301, the second electric signal 302, the third electric signal 303, the fourth electric signal 304, and the fifth electric signal 305, respectively, as shown in Fig. 3B. Note that in Fig. 3A, each electric signal is configured as the first electric signal 301, the second electric signal 302, the third electric signal 303, the fourth electric signal 304, and the fifth electric signal 305 by repeatedly using a pulse waveform like Fig. 3C as one cycle of a basic pulse while controlling (hereinafter, referred to as variable control) to change the amplitude of the basic pulse. Hereinafter, the first electrical signal 301, the second electrical signal 302, the third electrical signal 303, the fourth electrical signal 304, and the fifth electrical signal 305 will be simply referred to as the first signal, the second signal, the third signal, the fourth signal, and the fifth signal. By using such a fifth signal, the second and fourth signals, which are high frequency, are alternately applied, so that the effect of low frequency can also be obtained even in deep areas, and the therapeutic effects of both high frequency and low frequency can be applied to the patient at the same time, improving the efficiency of treatment. The treatment method using such electrical signals is extremely effective and can improve the efficiency of treatment. Furthermore, the second and fourth signals may be the same frequency or different frequencies.

[0019] The basic pulse is not limited to this, and the first signal, the second signal, the third signal, the fourth signal, and the fifth signal may be configured by repeatedly using a pulse waveform as shown in FIG. 3D as a basic pulse while variably controlling the amplitude of the basic pulse. Alternatively, the fifth signal may be configured by using at least one of the pulse waveforms of FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D as a basic pulse, or by mixing both. Furthermore, the basic pulse may be a sine wave, a triangular wave, a sawtooth wave, an impulse train, or a composite waveform of these, instead of a rectangular pulse. Alternatively, the basic pulse may be a pulse waveform in which the positive and negative amplitudes are equal, but is not limited to this, and may be a pulse waveform in which the positive and negative amplitudes are different, or a pulse in which the positive and negative amplitudes are equal is offset. Note that a pulse of 300 Hz and 100 μsec can be used as the basic pulse, but is not limited to this, and a medium frequency or high frequency of 10 times or more of the fifth signal, such as 500 Hz or 800 Hz, can be used. 3A and 3B show an example in which the first amplitude, the third amplitude, and the fourth amplitude are the same, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least one of these may be a different amplitude from the others. Similarly, while Fig. 3A and 3B show an example in which the fifth amplitude and the second amplitude are the same, and the second amplitude and the sixth amplitude are the same, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fifth amplitude and the second amplitude may be different, and the second amplitude and the sixth amplitude may be different.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows another example of an electrical signal supplied to the affected area, in which the fifth signal is repeatedly output at different times. When treatment is started, the fifth signal is output at T501, followed by T502, T503, etc. If the time from the start of the first signal to the start of the next first signal, such as T501, T502, T503, etc., is called the duration of the fifth signal, or simply the duration, the duration of the fifth signal is 1 second at T501, 0.67 seconds at T502, 0.5 seconds at T503, 0.4 seconds at T504, ... 0.2 seconds at T509, and becomes shorter in sequence. Then, it is controlled to be longer in sequence, such as 0.22 seconds at T510, 0.25 seconds at T511, 0.29 seconds at T512, ... and finally return to 1 second at T517. This control is repeated thereafter. For example, the fifth signal of 0.67 seconds is output at T518 after T517. In other words, during the treatment time, the fifth signal is repeatedly output with the duration of T501 to T517, while gradually changing the duration.

[0021] With control such as that shown in Figure 4, the duration of the electrical signal supplied is not constant, but is constantly variably controlled, and the patient feels that the frequency of the electrical signal supplied has changed. Therefore, unlike when only electrical signals of a constant frequency are repeatedly supplied, the patient is less likely to become accustomed to the electrical stimulation, and the effects of favorable electrical stimulation can be sustained for a long period of time, improving the therapeutic effect.

[0022] In the control shown in FIG. 4, if T501 and the like are considered as one period, the frequency of the fifth signal at T501 is 1 Hz since it is 1 second at T501, and the fifth signal at T509 is 0.2 seconds, so the frequency is several 5 Hz, and the frequency is controlled to change from 1 Hz to 5 Hz. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the frequency may be controlled from 2 Hz or up to 10 Hz. Furthermore, the control shown in FIG. 4 is such that the frequency changes at a constant rate of change from 1 Hz to 5 Hz in increments of 0.5 Hz, but it may be controlled in increments of 0.4 Hz or 0.6 Hz, or may be controlled in increments of 1 Hz, that is, with a constant frequency change. FIG. 4 shows that the frequency is changed from 1 Hz to 5 Hz, and then from 5 Hz to 1 Hz, and this frequency control is then repeated.

[0023] The frequency may be controlled at a constant rate. For example, the frequency may be changed at a constant rate, such as 1 Hz for T501, 1.5 Hz for T502, 2.2 Hz for T503, 3.3 Hz for T504, and 5 Hz for T505. For example, the frequency may be increased by 1.5 times or decreased by one third. Furthermore, the frequency may be controlled by applying a specific formula. In FIG. 4, the frequency of the fifth signal is changed from 1 Hz to 5 Hz, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the frequency may be controlled to be increased from the fifth signal whose duration is 1 second or more, such as 0.1 Hz or 0.5 Hz, and variable control may be performed so that the duration is 1 second or less, that is, the frequency of the fifth signal may be controlled from 1 Hz or less to 1 Hz or more. Alternatively, for example, the fifth signal may be controlled so that the duration is always 1 second or more, that is, 1 Hz or less, or may be controlled so that the duration is always 1 second or less, that is, 1 Hz or more.

[0024] Here, for T1 to T5, the time during which the first signal continues is T1, the time during which the second signal continues is T2, the time during which the third signal continues is T3, the time during which the fourth signal continues is T4, and the time during which the fifth signal continues is T5. Furthermore, for T501, the subscript 01 is used to represent the time during which the first signal continues as T101, the time during which the second signal continues as T201, the time during which the third signal continues as T301, and the time during which the fourth signal continues as T401, and these are shown using the fifth signal at the position of T501 in Fig. 4 as an example. Hereafter, for T502, 02 is used to represent T102, T202, T302, and T402, and for T503, 03 is used to represent T103, T203, T303, and T403, and so on.

[0025] In the control of FIG. 4, the duration of each signal constituting the fifth signal is gradually shortened or gradually increased. Therefore, at least one of T1, T2, T3, and T4 is controlled to be shortened or lengthened according to the change in T5. For example, if T1 is 30% of T5, T25 is 14% of T5, T3 is 30% of T5, and T4 is 26% of T5, in the example of this embodiment, T501 is 1 second, T101=0.3 seconds, T201=0.14 seconds, T301=0.3 seconds, and T401=0.26 seconds. Since T503=0.45 seconds, T1 to T4 may be 45% of the values ​​in T501 in T503. Since T505 is 0.33 seconds, T101, T201, T301, and T401 may be set to 33% each and determined as T105, T205, T305, and T405.

[0026] The duration of each of the fifth signals may be controlled not by increasing or decreasing the duration of each signal at a fixed rate as in the control of Fig. 4, but by making the amount of change in some signals, for example only the first signal or the first and third signals, greater than the amount of change in the second signal. In this case, the first and third signals increase or decrease significantly, but the second signal increases or decreases less than the first and third signals. Furthermore, the increase or decrease in the duration of the fourth signal may also be controlled to be small, which is suitable for cases where it is desired to use the second signal with a more emphasized effect.

[0027] On the other hand, if the first signal or the third signal becomes too small and pain due to the current stimulation is likely to occur, the duration of the second signal may be controlled to increase or decrease significantly, but the duration of the first signal and the third signal may be controlled to increase or decrease less than the duration of the second signal. The first signal and the third signal have the effect of relieving pain due to the current stimulation, and are suitable for cases where the effect of the first signal and the third signal is to be emphasized.

[0028] Furthermore, the second signal may be controlled in a manner opposite to the increase and decrease of the first and third signals. For example, T101, T102, T103, ... T109 may be successively shortened to 0.33 seconds, 0.22 seconds, 0.17 seconds, 0.13 seconds, 0.11 seconds, 0.095 seconds, 0.083 seconds, 0.074 seconds, and 0.067 seconds, while T201, T202, T203, ... T209 may be successively lengthened to 0.005 seconds, 0.01 seconds, 0.015 seconds, 0.02 seconds, 0.025 seconds, 0.03 seconds, 0.035 seconds, 0.04 seconds, and 0.045 seconds. If the durations of the first and third signals are equal, in this case, the durations of the fourth signal, T401, T402, T403, ... T409, are 0.33 seconds, 0.21 seconds, 0.15 seconds, 0.11 seconds, 0.086 seconds, 0.065 seconds, 0.048 seconds, 0.034 seconds, and 0.022 seconds. Such control is suitable when it is desired to further emphasize the effect of the second signal, for example, when it is desired to obtain a stronger sensation even when the duration of the fifth signal is shortened. Note that the duration of each signal may be calculated by a formula that enables the desired control. For example, in the above control, the duration of the second signal (T201, T202, T203, ... T209) may be calculated by substituting the values ​​of 1 second, 0.67 seconds, 0.5 seconds, and ... 0.2 seconds as the duration of the fifth signal T501, T502, T503, ... T509 into T of, for example, 0.01÷T-0.005. The duration of the first signal (T101, T102, T103, ... T109) may be calculated by substituting the values ​​of T501, T502, T503, ... T509 into T of T÷3. The duration of the third signal is assumed to be equal to that of the first signal. The times T401, T402, T403, ... T409 during which the fourth signal lasts may be calculated by subtracting the times during which each of the first, second and third signals lasts from the times T501, T502, T503, ... T509 during which the fifth signal lasts. Note that in the example given here, the times during which the first and third signals last are equal, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the time measured by the first signal may be set to be different from the time during which the third signal lasts.

[0029] The duration of the fifth signal is controlled to be successively shorter, and when it reaches a certain value, the duration of the fifth signal is controlled to be longer. For example, from T510 to T517, the duration of each fifth signal from T501 to T508 is used, and the duration of the first, third and fourth signals is successively longer, and the duration of the second signal is successively shorter. For example, T510 is controlled using T508, T511 is controlled using T507, T512 is controlled using T506, ..., and T517 is controlled using T501. Thereafter, T501 to T517 are repeated. In this example, the duration of the fifth signal starts from 1 second, i.e., 1 Hz, and is controlled to be increased by 0.5 Hz at a time up to a certain value, for example, 0.2 seconds, i.e., 5 Hz, and when it reaches 5 Hz, it is decreased by 0.5 Hz at a time back to 1 Hz, and this series of controls (called one cycle) is repeated for about 7.5 seconds. The present invention is not limited to this, and may be a series of controls in which one cycle is varied in increments of 0.03 Hz from 2 Hz to 5 Hz, for example, so that one cycle takes approximately 31 seconds.

[0030] In the control exemplified above, the duration of each signal constituting the fifth signal is changed according to the change in the duration of the fifth signal. In contrast, control may be performed so that only a part of the duration of each waveform is changed. For example, T101=T102=T103=T104=···=0.03 seconds, T201=T202=T203=T204=···=0.1 seconds, and T301=T302=T303=T304=··=0.03 seconds, that is, these may always be constant. In this case, it is sufficient to control only the duration of the fourth signal, for example, T401=0.84 seconds, T402=0.51 seconds, T403=0.34 seconds, T404=0.24 seconds, ··T409=0.04 seconds. After T510, the time corresponding to T4 is controlled to be increased sequentially. For example, the time corresponding to T4 is increased in sequence to 0.06 seconds, 0.09 seconds, 0.12 seconds, 0.17 seconds, 0.24 seconds, 0.34 seconds, 0.51 seconds, and 0.84 seconds, respectively, and this is repeated. In this example, the durations of the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal are constant, but this is not limited to this, and control may be performed to keep the durations of the first signal and the third signal constant, or to keep the durations of the second signal or the fourth signal constant, or to keep both constant. Alternatively, control may be performed to keep the total value of the durations of specific signals constant. For example, control may be performed such that the total value of the durations of the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal is constant, but the lengths of the first signal and the second signal are changed.

[0031] In the control exemplified above, the duration of the fifth signal is changed every time the fifth signal is output. The present invention is not limited to this, and the duration of the fifth signal may be controlled to change as the fifth signal is output a certain number of times, for example, after outputting the fifth signal twice with a duration of T501, the fifth signal is output twice with a duration of T502, and the fifth signal is continued twice with T503. Furthermore, the number of times the fifth signal is output may be controlled based on the duration of the fifth signal, for example, after outputting the fifth signal once with a duration of T501, the fifth signal is output twice with a duration of T502, and the fifth signal is continued three times with T503. In addition, the change in the duration of each signal when controlling to increase the duration of the fifth signal and the change in the duration of each signal when controlling to decrease the duration of the fifth signal may be changed. That is, when the duration of the fifth signal is decreased, the duration of the fifth signal may be decreased by, for example, 0.03 seconds, but when the duration of the fifth signal is increased, the duration of the fifth signal may be increased by, for example, 0.05 seconds.

[0032] FIG. 5 shows another example of the fifth signal in the present invention. In FIG. 4, the first signal, the second signal, the third signal, and the fourth signal are output in this order to form the fifth signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fourth signal, the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal may be output in this order as in FIG. 5A to form the fifth signal. Alternatively, the fourth signal may be output again after the fourth signal, the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal are output in this order as in FIG. 5B to form the fifth signal. Instead of the fourth signal output after the third signal in FIG. 5B, a sixth signal having an amplitude different from that of the fourth signal may be used to form an electrical signal. A signal formed using such a first signal, second signal, third signal, fourth signal, and sixth signal may be used as a seventh signal, and the above-mentioned control may be applied to the seventh signal.

[0033] As described above, the amplitude of the first signal and the third signal is gradually changed by controlling the amplitude to change for each basic pulse, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the amplitude may be changed in uniform or non-uniform steps in a stepped manner by controlling the amplitude to change after a plurality of basic pulses are output. Alternatively, the amplitude of the first signal and the third signal may be changed non-linearly, that is, non-linearly, instead of changing linearly at a constant rate, as shown in Figs. 3 to 5.

[0034] As a state in which the amplitude is maintained like the second signal or the fourth signal, the above examples show control in which the amplitude of the basic pulse does not change, but the present invention is not limited to this, and control may be performed to at least change the amplitude of the basic pulse so that the amplitude does not fall below or exceed a certain value. This example is shown in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B. Fig. 6A shows control in which the amplitude of the second signal is not constant, and Fig. 6B shows a case in which the amplitude of the fourth signal is not constant. In the present invention, these controls may be performed so that the effects of the high-frequency electric signal and the low-frequency electric signal can be appropriately obtained. The controls in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are not alternative, and control in which the amplitudes of both the second signal and the fourth signal are not constant may be performed. Furthermore, these controls can be applied to the fifth signal as shown in Fig. 5, that is, it is also possible to change the amplitude values ​​of each of the first signal to the fourth signal every time the fifth signal is output, and the controls as shown in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B can also be applied.

[0035] In the above examples, the control of each signal is realized by controlling only the amplitude of the basic pulse, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least the pulse width, frequency, or maximum amplitude of the basic pulse may be changed. For example, instead of lengthening the duration of the second signal, the pulse width may be controlled to be longer than 100 μsec. For example, instead of lengthening the duration of the second signal to 0.005 sec, 0.01 sec, 0.015 sec, 0.02 sec, 0.025 sec, 0.03 sec, 0.035 sec, 0.04 sec, 0.045 sec, the pulse width may be controlled to be, for example, 100 μsec, 150 μsec, 200 μsec, 250 μsec, 300 μsec, 350 μsec, 400 μsec, 450 μsec with the duration of the second signal kept constant. The use of this pulse width control does not exclude the control of the duration of each signal, for example, the duration of the second signal, and both the pulse width control and the signal duration control may be used. Therefore, for example, the duration of the second signal can be increased to 0.005 seconds, 0.01 seconds, 0.015 seconds, 0.02 seconds, 0.025 seconds, 0.03 seconds, 0.035 seconds, 0.04 seconds, and 0.045 seconds, and the pulse width of the basic pulse can be controlled to 100 μsec, 150 μsec, 200 μsec, 250 μsec, 300 μsec, 350 μsec, 400 μsec, and 450 μsec.More specifically, the pulse width can be 100 μsec when the duration of the second signal is 0.005 seconds, 150 μsec when the duration is 0.01 seconds, 200 μsec when the duration is 0.015 seconds, 250 μsec when the duration is 0.02 seconds, etc., and both the duration and the pulse width of the second signal can be changed.

[0036] In the present invention, the amplitude of each signal may be set individually, or the first amplitude, the third amplitude, and the fourth amplitude may be changed in conjunction with the second amplitude. The above-mentioned treatment method using electrical signals is extremely effective and can improve the treatment efficiency.

[0037] Second embodiment Another example of the current stimulation device of the present invention will be described. Figure 7A shows the exterior side of the main body A1700 of the current stimulation device of the present invention. The main body A1700 is composed of a belt part A1701, an elastic part A1707, and a controller A1704. The belt part A1701 is provided with an electrode A1702, which is a first electrode that contacts the human body, and an electrode B1703, which is a second electrode, and these electrodes are connected to the controller A1704 by a harness A1708 arranged inside the belt part A1701. The harness A1708 cannot be seen from the outside, so only its position is shown by a dotted line. Figure 7B is a front view of the main body A1700 as seen from the direction of the arrow A in Figure 7A.

[0038] The stretchable part A1707 is made of, for example, silicon rubber and is easily stretchable, and the stretchable part A1707 stretches and contracts, allowing the main body to be attached to a limb, for example, a wrist. When attached, the electrode A1702 and the electrode B1703 come into contact with the skin of the wrist and can apply an electrical stimulus, which will be described later. The part where the main body A1700 is attached is not limited to the wrist, but may be the ankle, and it is preferable to attach it to a peripheral part or its vicinity. In particular, it is preferable to attach it to the wrist or the ankle, for ease of attachment, difficulty of removal, and handling during use. In this embodiment, the main body A1700 is described as being attached to the wrist. The stretchable part A1707 is not limited to silicon rubber, but may be natural rubber or urethane rubber.

[0039] The main body A1700 is worn so that the controller A1704 is on the back side of the wrist, the electrode A1702 contacts the back side of the wrist, and the electrode B1703 contacts the palm side of the wrist. Note that the controller A1704 may be worn on the palm side, so that the electrode A1702 contacts the palm side of the wrist, and the electrode B1703 contacts the back side of the wrist.

[0040] The main body A1700 is formed in a ring shape by the belt portion A1701 and the elastic portion A1707, but it does not have to be circular and can be a polygonal shape such as an oval or a rectangle, or any other shape as long as the electrode A1702 and electrode B1703 can be in proper contact with the wrist.

[0041] The belt portion may be strip-shaped rather than endless, and fastening means such as hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons or hooks may be attached to both ends, for example, it may be configured to be wrapped around the wrist etc. and fastened with hook-and-loop fasteners to form a ring.Alternatively, it may be configured to have an open end even when worn, but not endless, by using, for example, an elastic leaf spring to form a strip-shaped belt portion with a part open, so that the elasticity of the leaf spring makes it easy to put on and take off, and the electrodes can be easily and reliably brought into contact with the skin.

[0042] The electrode A1702 and the electrode B1703 may be made of, for example, a solid gel having high conductivity or low electrical resistance. However, without being limited thereto, they may be made of a conductive material that allows the electrodes to properly contact the site where the main body A1700 is attached and to apply an electrical signal to the skin. The conductive material may be, for example, a metal such as a stainless steel plate molded into the shape of an electrode, or a conductive cloth using silver thread or the like, or a conductive paint. Alternatively, they may be made of conductive rubber, and for example, conductive rubber made of a base material of silicone rubber or urethane rubber mixed with a conductive material such as carbon powder to give it conductivity can be used.

[0043] A switch A1705 and an LED-A1706 are arranged on the controller A1704, and can control and check the electrical signals applied to the electrode A1702 and the electrode B1703. When the switch A1705 is pressed, the LED-A1706 lights up, and an electrical stimulus, which will be described later, is supplied to the vicinity of the extremities, in this embodiment, to the wrist, via the electrode A1702 and the electrode B1703.

[0044] In this embodiment, the controller A1704 also has the control device 17 as shown in Fig. 2, but the control device 17 used in this embodiment has a battery 1773 instead of the power supply unit 206 in Fig. 2. The battery 1773 may be, for example, a button-type battery or a battery that can be repeatedly used by charging, such as a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, instead of the battery 1773 (not shown), it may be configured to be used by connecting to a DC power source using a household outlet.

[0045] The main body A1700 outputs, for example, the electrical signal described in the above-mentioned first embodiment. As an example, the electrical signal shown in Fig. 3A or 3B is output, in which the fundamental pulse frequency is 5 Hz, the pulse width is 50 msec, the second amplitude is 300 μA, the fourth amplitude is 100 mA, and T1 to T4 are each 1 second.

[0046] The electrical signal used in this embodiment is an output that the human body cannot sense as an electrical stimulus (hereinafter referred to as an "imperceptible output"). In general, when the current value exceeds 20 mA, pain due to the current is likely to occur. As can be seen from page 242, Figure 8-20 of EBM Physical Therapy, 2nd Edition (Ishiyaku Publishing Co., Ltd.), an output of 20 mA or more is required to cause muscle contraction, and conversely, if the output is 20 mA or less, muscle contraction is unlikely to occur, although the person can feel that the electrical signal is being applied. Furthermore, by setting the output to about 300 μA or 100 μA as in this embodiment, not only does muscle contraction not usually occur, but unless there are special conditions, the person cannot usually feel that the electrical signal is being supplied, and of course does not feel pain due to the electrical signal.

[0047] In the present invention, the effect is obtained for the whole body by applying the above-mentioned electric signal to the peripheral parts of the limbs or their vicinity using only one set of electrodes, specifically, the effect of regulating the autonomic nerves is obtained. As described above, in the present invention, a set of electrodes A1702 and B1703 is placed on the palm side and the back side of the wrist. Usually, the effect is limited to the muscles through which the electric current flows, but in the present invention, the part where the electrodes are attached, i.e., the wrist, does not have nerves or muscles along the electric current flowing through these electrodes, and the effect of regulating the autonomic nerves is not an action due to the stimulation of specific nerves or muscles by the applied electric signal. In the present invention, the effect of regulating the balance of the autonomic nerves is obtained by applying an electric stimulation to the peripheral parts of the limbs or their vicinity, which is a unique effect of the present invention. In addition, the effect continues for a long time even after the supply of the electric signal is stopped, and this continuation is also a unique effect of the present invention.

[0048] As described above, the balance of the autonomic nerves can be adjusted, so that, for example, when the sympathetic nerve is excessively dominant, the sympathetic nerve activity can be suppressed or the parasympathetic nerve can be activated, and conversely, when the parasympathetic nerve is excessively dominant, the parasympathetic nerve activity can be suppressed and the sympathetic nerve can be activated, so that the balance between the sympathetic nerves and the parasympathetic nerves can be adjusted. When the sympathetic nerve is dominant due to internal organ disease or the like, it may be difficult to get enough sleep, and the physical condition may be further deteriorated due to lack of sleep or due to stress caused by lack of sleep, but by using the device to which the present invention is applied, the balance of the autonomic nerves can be adjusted, and good quality sleep can be obtained, and therefore mental stress can be relieved, which is desirable. On the other hand, when the parasympathetic nerve is excessively dominant, the parasympathetic nerve activity can be suppressed and the sympathetic nerve can be activated, suppressing drowsiness, improving the efficiency of driving, work, or studying, and further relieving the stress caused by drowsiness.

[0049] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Below, modifications of the above-described embodiments are shown as other embodiments. Furthermore, the following modifications may be used in combination with the above-described main body A1700, or at least two of the following modifications and the above-described embodiments may be combined.

[0050] FIG. 8 shows a main body C1803, which is one modified example. In the main body A1700, the controller A1704 is worn on the back or palm side of the wrist, so the electrodes A1702 and B1703 are also on the palm side of the wrist or the back side of the wrist, but they may be arranged on the right and left sides of the wrist facing the back or palm as in the main body C1803 of FIG. 8, that is, they may be arranged to sandwich the wrist from the left and right. Or they may be arranged side by side on the wrist. For example, in the belt part A1701, the electrodes A1702 and B1703 may be arranged side by side along the circumferential direction of the wrist, but they may also be arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction, or they may be arranged diagonally with respect to the circumferential direction. As described above, regarding the arrangement of the electrodes, since the present invention does not aim to directly contract muscles or stimulate specific acupoints by electrical signals, the present invention can arrange the electrodes regardless of the direction of the muscles or the position of the acupoints, or regardless of the presence or absence of muscles or acupoints, or regardless of the muscles along the current path. FIG. 8 shows main body C1803 in which the electrode position of main body A1700 has been changed as an example, but the electrode positions may be arranged in this manner in a device embodying the present invention that applies electric current to the peripheral parts of the limbs or their surrounding areas, and this can also be applied to each of the examples described below.

[0051] Other modified examples are shown. The output of the electrical signal used above has a second amplitude of 300 μA, but is not limited to this, and may be, for example, 200 μA, 100 μA, or 500 μA, and the fourth amplitude is 100 μA, but may be, for example, 50 μA. Alternatively, the output value may be adjusted so as to obtain a desired effect, for example, the controller A1704 may be provided with a volume function to adjust the output. The effects as described above may vary from person to person, and it is preferable to be able to adjust the output.

[0052] Other modified examples are shown. The output of the electric signal used in the above is, for example, 300 μA, and one value is used for the output used for the second signal as described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the second signal, the output value may be changed from 300 μA for every fifth signal. For example, immediately after the switch A1705 is pressed, that is, the output of the first second signal is 300 μA, but the output of the next second signal is 320 μA, and thereafter, the output value may be gradually changed in units of five signals. Alternatively, a configuration in which the output value is increased or decreased may be used. Similarly, the fourth amplitude may be changed for every fifth signal.

[0053] Other modified examples are shown. The output of the electrical signal used in the above example is 300 μA for the second signal, and an output that the human body cannot sense is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. An output that allows the wrist to sense the electrical stimulation, and an output in a range in which the electrical stimulation does not cause muscle contraction and pain is not felt (hereinafter referred to as "sensible output"), for example, an output of about 500 μA or 800 μA, may be used, and 500 μA will be described here as a sensible output. By setting it to 500 μA in this way, it is believed that most people will not feel pain unless there is a wound on the wrist or there is current concentration, as described below.

[0054] Other modified examples are shown. The output of the electrical signal used in the above is, for example, a constant output used for the electrical muscle signal as described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. Immediately after the start of output, the output is a sensible output, for example, 500 μA, and after a certain time has elapsed from the start of output, for example, 30 seconds from the start of output, the output of the electrical signal may be changed to an insensible output, for example, 100 μA. The change in output may be, for example, a sudden change from a sensible output to an insensible output, that is, from 500 μA to 100 μA, or may be gradually changed from 500 μA to 400 μA, 300 μA, etc., and finally controlled to 100 μA. Note that the sensible output is a very weak power that does not cause pain as described above, so it can be used as the second signal, and even if the sensible output using the 500 μA is used in combination with the insensible output, the same effect as the insensible output can be obtained and the effect of the insensible output is not hindered. For example, there is no problem or drawback in using sensible output, such as the use of sensible output reducing the effect of insensible output. Therefore, the temporary use of sensible output leads to the more effective use of the effect of insensible output, as follows:

[0055] When using an insensible output, the user cannot sense the output, and cannot know that the appropriate output is not being made due to reasons such as failing to press the switch A1705 or the remaining charge of the battery 1773 being low, and there is a problem in that the user does not notice that the output is not being made. However, by using a sensible output after the start of output as described above, the user can easily know that an electrical signal is being output, and conversely, if a sensible electrical stimulation is not obtained immediately after the start of output, the user can easily know that the output is not being made, and the problem can be easily avoided. For example, it is easy to notice that the switch operation is incorrect or the battery is dead, and it is easy to make improvements such as redoing the operation or replacing or charging the battery 1773. Furthermore, when only an insensible output is used, the user cannot feel the electrical stimulation, so there are cases where the user has doubts about whether an electrical signal is really being output, that is, whether the device is operating normally. However, because there is a temporary sensible electrical stimulation, the user can easily know that the device is operating normally and can feel the output.

[0056] The temporary sensible output as described above can be used not only immediately after the start of output, but also before the end of output. For example, the sensible output is used instead of the insensible output 30 seconds before the end of the output, thereby informing the user that the output will end soon. When the insensible output is used, there is a problem that the user cannot know when the output has ended, but since the sensible output is used just before the end of the output, the user can easily know the end. In addition, when the insensible output is changed to the sensible output, for example, if the insensible output is 100 μA, it may be changed suddenly from 100 μA to 500 μA, or it may be controlled to change gradually from 50 μA to 100 μA, 200 μA, 300 μA, and finally to 500 μA.

[0057] The above-mentioned temporary sensory output can be used not only at the start or end of the output, but also at both the start and end of the output. Alternatively, the temporary sensory output can be used periodically to inform the user that the device is operating normally and that time has passed. For example, the sensory output can be used at the second signal every 5 minutes of output, or at the second and fourth signals. Furthermore, it is more preferable to change the duration of the sensory output used when the output is continued (indicating the passage of time) to the duration of the sensory output used when the output ends, so that the user can easily determine whether the output is ending or simply indicating the passage of time when he or she feels a sensory stimulus.

[0058] The above-mentioned configuration of using a sensible output for a short time at the start or end of output or periodically, i.e., using a sensible output temporarily, is more desirable for the following reasons. Although a sensible output does not cause a person to feel pain, feeling this stimulation for a long time does not necessarily cause stress to the person. Therefore, even if a sensible output does not cause pain, it is desirable to limit the use of the sensible output to a short time or temporary use, and using such a sensible output temporarily instead of an insensible output is more desirable in that it does not cause stress to the user. As described above, when an insensible output is used, the sensible output can be temporarily used as a notification method or notification means for conveying information such as the start and end of the output of an electrical signal and the passage of time to the user.

[0059] 9A and 9B show another modified main body D1904. In the main body A1700 as described above, the various circuit parts built into the controller A1704 are arranged in the belt part A1701, but this is not limited thereto and may be arranged in a place other than the belt part A1701. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the controller D1905 may be arranged separately from the main body D1904. FIG. 9B shows the state seen from the direction of the arrow B in FIG. 9A. The controller D1905 is omitted in FIG. 9A, but is shown in FIG. 9B. In this case, the separate controller D1905 may be arranged to be worn around the neck by a neck strap, or may be arranged to be used in a pocket. In this case, the controller D1905 may be configured to be connected to terminal portion A1902 and terminal portion B1903 of mount portion 1901 provided on belt portion A1701 by cable M1900 and connector K1908 so that an electrical signal can be supplied to the wrist by electrode A1702 connected to terminal portion A1902 and electrode B1703 connected to terminal portion B1903. Each terminal portion and electrode are connected by harness B1909 inside belt portion A1701. Switch B1906 and LED-B1907 are arranged on controller D1905 and are used in the same way as switch A1705 and LED-A1706.

[0060] FIG. 10A shows another modified example. In each of the above examples, it is assumed that the device is worn on the wrist, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a ring shape. As an example, a case having a ring A2101 is shown. In the ring A2101, electrodes C2102 and D2103 corresponding to electrodes A1702 and B1703 are arranged, the electrode C2102 is connected to a terminal part C2104 via a harness C2108, the electrode D2103 is connected to a terminal part D2105 via a harness D2109, the terminal part C2104 and the terminal part D2105 are connected to a cable H2107 by a connector H2106, and the controller is arranged in a bracelet 2110 and connected to a main body H2100 configured. In FIG. 10B, the controller A1704 is shown in use, and as shown in FIG. 10C, the controller A1704 is provided in the bracelet 2110, the main body H2100 is worn on the wrist, and the ring A2101 is worn like a ring.

[0061] The ring A2101 may be made of an insulating material such as resin, or may be made of rubber, silicon, etc. Figures 10A to 10C are conceptual diagrams for explaining the configuration of each part, so the ring in Figure 10A and the main body H2100 in Figure 10C are shown to be approximately the same size, but this does not mean that the two are the same size.

[0062] FIG. 11A shows a modified example of FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C. In FIG. 10A, two electrodes are arranged on the ring A2101, but the present invention is not limited to this as long as it is arranged to apply a current to the extremities or the vicinity thereof. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, only one of the two electrodes used to supply an electric signal may be arranged on a ring-shaped ring J1001, and the other electrode may be worn on another part, for example, on the wrist. FIG. 11A shows a ring-shaped ring J1001 as in FIG. 10A. However, the electrode C2102 and harness, etc. in FIG. 10A are arranged on the main body J2206 as the electrode A1702 and harness E1008 as in FIG. 11C, instead of the ring J1001. The main body J2206 is composed of a belt part A1701 and an elastic part A1707, and has the same configuration as in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B. The electrode D2103 is connected to the terminal D2105 via the harness D2109, and the terminal D2105 is connected to the cable J1007 by the connector J1006, and is then connected to the controller. The main body J2206 is worn on the wrist, and the ring J1001 is worn like a finger ring. The configuration of the ring J1001 is illustrated as an example of a case where an insulating material is used like the ring A2101, but is not limited to this. The ring may be made of a conductor such as platinum or silver or a highly conductive material, for example, like the ring K1002 in FIG. 11D. In this case, the harness D2109 etc. are not required, and a simpler configuration is possible, and the ring K1002 can be used instead of the ring J1001 in FIG. 11B. The ring K1002 is connected to the main body J2206 by the harness E1008 and the terminal D2105.

[0063] Figures 12A to 12C show other modified examples. Although the above-mentioned Figures 10A to 10C and Figures 11A to 11D show examples in which only one ring-shaped ring A2101, ring J1001, or ring K1002 is used, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration in which multiple rings K1002 are used may be used. Figure 12B shows a configuration in which two rings K1002 are used. In this figure, a main body K2307 that can use multiple rings K1002 instead of the main body J2206 is used, and two rings K1002 that act as electrodes are connected to the main body K2307 by a cable K1107.

[0064] FIG. 13A shows another modified example. In the above, it is assumed that the device is attached to the wrist or finger, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be in the form of a supporter, for example, and the main body L2408 is shown as an example. The main body L2408 has a supporter 1201, and electrodes E1202 and F1203 corresponding to electrodes A1702 and B1703 are arranged, and the electrodes E1202 and F1203 are connected to a controller via a harness F1208. In FIG. 13A, the electrodes E1202 and F1203 are arranged so as to contact the back of the hand, and the harness F1208 is also provided inside the supporter 1201, so it cannot be seen directly from the outside, and its position is shown by a dotted line. In FIG. 13A, the controller A1704 is shown as being used, and the main body L2408 is attached and used as in FIG. 13A. The supporter 1201 may be made of any insulating material, and may be made of cloth such as cotton, or may be made of leather, rubber, silicone, or the like.

[0065] Although the electrode E1202 and the electrode F1203 are arranged as shown in FIG. 13A, the present invention is not limited to this. The regions surrounded by dotted lines in FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C are desirable locations for arranging the electrodes because they can reliably contact the skin. Hereinafter, each of the desirable regions for arranging the electrodes is called an electrode region. Two electrode regions are selected from these electrode regions and one electrode is arranged in each of them, or two electrodes are arranged in one of these electrode regions. For example, the electrodes may be arranged at the base of the thumb and at a position between the base of the little finger and the wrist. FIG. 13B shows the electrode regions on the back of the hand, and FIG. 13C shows the electrode regions on the palm side.

[0066] Fig. 14 shows another modified example. Fig. 13A shows a configuration in which electrodes are arranged on the supporter 1201, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the main body M2509 may use a ring J1001 or a ring K1002 as one of the electrodes. Fig. 14 shows a case in which the ring K1002 is used instead of the electrode E1202 in Fig. 13A, but the ring K1002 may be used instead of the electrode F1203.

[0067] Fig. 15 shows another modified example. Fig. 13A and Fig. 14 show examples of a supporter shape used on the wrist, but the present invention is not limited to this, and Fig. 15 shows a main body N2610 in the shape of a glove. The main body N2610 has a glove 1401, and electrodes E1202 and F1203 corresponding to electrodes A1702 and B1703 are arranged, and the electrodes E1202 and F1203 are connected to a controller via a harness M1402. Fig. 15 shows a case where the controller A1704 is used. The glove 1401 may be made of an insulating material like the supporter 1201, and may be made of cloth such as cotton, or may be made of leather, rubber, silicon, or the like. When a glove-shaped main body as shown in FIG. 15 is used, the electrode areas shown in FIG. 13B and FIG. 13C extend to the surface of each finger covered by the glove, and electrodes can be placed on each finger, but since finger-shaped ring A2101, ring J1001, and ring K1002 are not required, attaching the electrodes becomes easier.

[0068] Unlike the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, the electrodes and main body may be arranged not on the extremities or in the vicinity thereof, but on a device that contacts the extremities or the vicinity thereof. For example, the electrodes and main body may be arranged on a keyboard or mouse when using a personal computer, a handlebar, accelerator or brake when driving a motorcycle or a car, or on a pen or smartphone.

[0069] 16A to 16D show examples of these. FIG. 16A shows a case where it is used for a mouse. The mouse 1501 has a left click 1502, a right click 1503, and a body part 1504 that the palm of the hand contacts, and an electrode G1505 and an electrode H1506 may be arranged on the body part 1504. As a controller, a controller A1704 may be arranged on the body part 1504 and connected to the electrode G1505 and the electrode H1506. As for the arrangement of the electrodes, the electrodes may be arranged on the proximal end of the body part 1504, which is the position where the part where the thumb touches and the part of the palm close to the wrist contact, as shown in FIG. 16A, or the electrode G1505 may be arranged on the right side of the body part 1504 that the little finger contacts, and a current may flow to the thumb and little finger through the electrode G1505 and the electrode H1506 arranged on the thumb side. Alternatively, the electrode G1505 and the electrode H1506 may be arranged on the proximal end of the body part 1504.

[0070] Instead of the electrode G1505, the left click 1502 or the right click 1503 may be made of a conductive material, or the electrode G1505 may be placed on the left click 1502 or the right click 1503 so that a current flows through the thumb and the index finger or middle finger, or the electrode H1506 placed on the left click 1502 or the right click 1503 and the body part 1504 may be used to supply the above-mentioned electrical signal to the palm and fingers. The electrode H1506 may be placed on the left click 1502 or at least the surface of the left click 1502 may be a conductor, and the electrode G1505 may be placed on the right click 1503 or at least the surface of the right click 1503 may be a conductor so that a current flows through the index finger and middle finger. Furthermore, the switch A1705 and the LED-A1706 may be placed as shown in FIG. 16A, for example.

[0071] FIG. 16B shows an example of the present invention being applied to a notebook computer. As shown in FIG. 16B, a personal computer 1511 has electrodes J1514 and K1515 arranged on the left side of a touchpad area 1513 for operating a mouse pointer, in front of a keyboard area 1512, and is connected to a controller arranged inside the personal computer 1511. The controller may be any of the above-mentioned controllers. In FIG. 16B, the electrodes are arranged on the left side of the touchpad area 1513, but this is not limiting, and they may be arranged on the right side, or on both sides of the touchpad area 1513, so that the above-mentioned electrical signals are supplied to the palms of both hands. The electrical signals supplied via the electrodes J1514 and K1515 may be controlled by an application installed inside the personal computer 1511.

[0072] FIG. 16C is an example of the present invention applied to a car handle. As shown in FIG. 16C, an electrode L1522 and an electrode M1523 are arranged on the handle 1521, and are connected to a controller arranged inside the handle 1521. Furthermore, a switch A1705 and an LED-A1706 may be arranged, for example, as shown in FIG. 16C. The controller may be any of the controllers described above. Although the electrode L1522 and the electrode M1523 are arranged on the right side of the handle, the present invention is not limited to this, and they may be arranged on the left side or on both sides. Furthermore, although the electrode L1522 and the electrode M1523 are arranged on the front side of the handle, the present invention is not limited to this, and they may be arranged on the side, or one may be arranged on the front and the other on the side. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to the electrode L1522 and the electrode M1523 arranged on the handle of a motorcycle or a bicycle, not on a car handle.

[0073] FIG. 16D is an example of the case where the present invention is applied to a mobile terminal. As shown in FIG. 16D, electrodes P1533 and Q1534 are arranged on both sides of the housing 1532 or the display part 1535 of the smartphone 1531, and are connected to a controller arranged inside the housing 1532. The controller may be any of the above controllers, for example, controller A1704 may be arranged inside the housing 1532 and connected to electrodes P1533 and Q1534. Electrodes P1533 and Q1534 are arranged in the lower half of both sides of the housing 1532, but are not limited to this, and may be arranged in the upper half, or may be arranged on the upper and lower sides of one of the right and left sides. Electrical signals supplied via electrodes P1533 and Q1534 may be controlled by an application installed in the smartphone 1531.

[0074] In the examples of Figures 16A to 16D, the controller and the electrodes may be provided separately. For example, in the case of a mouse, the controller may be placed in a personal computer to which the mouse is connected, and an application installed in the personal computer may be used to control the electrical signals supplied to the limbs or their vicinity via the electrodes. In the case of a steering wheel, the controller may be placed, for example, on an instrument panel instead of the steering wheel, and the electrical signals supplied to the human body may be controlled using, for example, a user interface of a car navigation system. Alternatively, the controller may be placed in the mouse or steering wheel, but the start and stop of output may be controlled using a user interface of the personal computer or car navigation system.

[0075] In each of the above Figures 7A to 16D, a weak, imperceptible current is used as the electric signal to be supplied, so that the user does not feel any pain or discomfort, and furthermore, does not feel that the electric current is being supplied. Therefore, even if the user is, for example, driving, doing clerical work, using a computer such as typing or mouse operation, or performing fine manual work (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as work), the user is not affected by the supplied electric signal at all, and can continue these tasks easily and effortlessly while the electric signal is being supplied, without any stress from the electric signal. Furthermore, even during these tasks, the electric signal of the present invention can be used to continue the tasks while always balancing the autonomic nerves, so that not only can the work efficiency be improved, but also the work can be continued safely. For example, when driving for a long time or at night, the electric signal of the present invention can be used to drive while always balancing the autonomic nerves, preventing the parasympathetic nerves from becoming dominant, so that the user does not feel drowsy and can prevent drowsy driving, etc., and can continue safe driving. Even when using a personal computer for a long time or at night, the electrical signal of the present invention can be used to constantly balance the autonomic nervous system, preventing the parasympathetic nervous system from becoming dominant, preventing drowsiness and increasing concentration, allowing users to continue working without making mistakes. Furthermore, secondary effects such as increased concentration can be expected due to the balance of the autonomic nervous system, making it desirable to use the device during clerical work, manual work, or driving.

[0076] In the above embodiments and various modifications, the electrical signal used is a pulse group using a rectangular wave, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a triangular wave may be used instead of a rectangular wave, an impulse train using multiple impulses, or a sine wave may be used instead of a pulse group. Furthermore, the electrical signal may have positive and negative amplitudes, or may be a unipolar waveform with only positive or negative amplitude. Alternatively, the electrical signal is not limited to an electrical signal with equal positive and negative amplitudes, and may have different positive and negative amplitudes, different shapes of positive and negative waveforms, or an offset waveform.

[0077] The fifth signal frequency in the present invention is 5 Hz, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is believed that an electric signal that can be expected to improve the balance of the autonomic nerves is preferably, for example, a direct current. However, in a direct current in which the current flows constantly, when the electrode used is deteriorated or when dirt, dust, or impurities are generated or attached, the conductivity at the contact surface between the skin and the electrode decreases, and the current tends to concentrate, and when a direct current is used, the current concentration tends to be maintained at the same position for a long time. The occurrence of a current concentration for a long time is undesirable because it can cause problems such as skin burns, discoloration, and blisters, even when the current value is weak at about 300 μA. Therefore, in this modified example, an electric signal having an alternating current component is applied instead of a direct current, thereby preventing the occurrence of a current concentration, and even if a current concentration occurs, it is possible to avoid or reduce the continuation of the current concentration at the same position, and thus to avoid problems caused by the current concentration.

[0078] The frequency of the AC component required does not have to be DC, i.e., it does not have to be 0 Hz. For example, a frequency of about 0.1 Hz is undesirable because it tends to act substantially as DC, and is preferably 0.5 Hz or higher, and ideally 1 Hz or higher. In the end, it is thought that a frequency between 1 Hz and 8 Hz is most desirable as an ultra-low frequency, and 5 Hz is used as the ultra-low frequency in this embodiment.

[0079] On the other hand, if the frequency of the AC component is increased, the electrical signal can produce the same effect as DC. For example, when an electrical signal such as that of the present invention is applied, an effect equivalent to DC can be obtained at about 100 Hz, so such a relatively high frequency, for example 300 Hz, can also be used.

[0080] Although the above examples are examples of use on the human body, the present invention can also be applied to other living bodies (hereinafter simply referred to as living bodies) other than the human body. Examples of living bodies include living bodies kept in zoos such as lions and giraffes, living bodies kept as pets in ordinary households such as dogs and cats, and the present invention can also be applied to livestock such as cows, horses, pigs, chickens, goats and sheep. Here, livestock will be used as an example. Livestock are often kept in relatively small spaces, for example, in cowsheds in the case of cows, and the balance of the autonomic nervous system may be disrupted due to lack of exercise, being confined to a small space, or stress due to other factors, and if this continues for a long period of time, it will have a significant impact on growth and health, the quantity and quality of milk in the case of dairy cows, and the meat quality in the case of beef cows.

[0081] Therefore, by using a device to which the present invention is applied on a living organism, for example a cow, it is possible to improve the quality of milk and meat by balancing the autonomic nerves and relieving stress. The device to be used in this case can be the main body A used in the above example or a modified version thereof. However, it is necessary to change the size of the belt part A1701 to suit the living organism, for example so that it can be used on the toes of a cow, or to change the material to increase its strength.

[0082] The main body as described above does not require a particularly large circuit configuration or battery, and the living body does not feel stress due to its size or weight. Not only is the new stress caused by wearing it quickly eliminated, but the living body cannot sense the above-mentioned insensitive output, so there is no awareness of electrical stimulation, and there is no further stress caused by using the device to which the present invention is applied. However, since the living body is initially unfamiliar with the device and is concerned about it, it is assumed that the living body may lick or bite it, and the switches may be unintentionally pressed or destroyed. It is considered necessary to cover the switches with a cover or to increase the strength of the controller and belt part. Alternatively, a configuration in which the switches are eliminated from the main body and remote control is performed wirelessly from the outside is even more preferable, as it can avoid unintentional operation of the switches or damage to the switches caused by the living body licking or biting it.

[0083] When the device of the present invention is used on a living body, the electrodes to be used, for example, the above-mentioned electrode A1702 and electrode B1703, may not be suitable for use as is. The limbs of a living body are usually covered with body hair, so that a sufficient current is not supplied to the limbs. Therefore, it is preferable to use a highly elastic elastic body, for example, conductive rubber or conductive fiber, as the electrode A1702 and electrode B1703, rather than using electrodes made of conductive resin or metal, so that the current from the electrodes is sufficiently supplied to the limbs. Alternatively, a conductive gel with high viscosity may be applied to the surface of the electrode A1702 and electrode B1703 so that a sufficient current can be supplied to the limbs of the living body.

[0084] By using the device of the present invention on a living body, the following effects can be expected. The following effects can be expected not only individually but also as multiple effects at the same time. One of the effects is the suppression of excessive sympathetic nerve activity. The reason why the sympathetic nerve becomes dominant is not limited to a specific reason, and for example, stress due to being confined in a small cage or room can be mentioned. Other reasons include stress caused by weather such as abnormally low or high temperatures, typhoons, strong winds, long rains, dryness, etc., vigilance due to construction work being carried out in the neighborhood, and reasons caused by changes in physical condition due to poor health or pregnancy. Conversely, the reason why the parasympathetic nerve becomes dominant is often due to lack of sleep, fatigue, or aging. Other factors that cause the balance of the autonomic nerves to be disrupted include the presence or absence of meals, the season or the change of seasons, internal organ diseases, injuries, etc.

[0085] In response to the above-mentioned imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, the present invention can be used to restore balance to the autonomic nervous system by supplying the above-mentioned electrical signals to the limbs of the living body, thereby relieving the living body from stress and maintaining the living body's ability to fight injury or illness in a healthy state. This can not only be used to maintain and manage the living body's physical condition, such as improving or maintaining health, but can also be expected to have secondary effects such as improving allergic symptoms and speeding up the healing of injuries and illnesses as a result of the relief from stress and improvement of physical condition.

[0086] By using the device of the present invention on a living body, other effects can be expected. The other effects are the control of activity. For example, the activity of an elderly living body tends to decrease, and the parasympathetic nerves tend to become dominant, which leads to lack of exercise and induces muscle weakening, joint disorders, and visceral diseases due to lack of exercise. Therefore, by using the main body to which the present invention is applied as described above or by using an apparatus having a function of outputting pulses equivalent to these, the electrical signal of the present invention is supplied to the limbs of the living body or its vicinity, preventing the parasympathetic nerves from becoming dominant more than necessary, preventing the activity and activity of the living body from decreasing, eliminating lack of exercise, and can be used to maintain and manage the physical condition of the living body. Conversely, for a living body in which the sympathetic nerves are dominant more than necessary, the electrical signal of the present invention can be supplied to the limbs of the living body or its vicinity, preventing the sympathetic nerves from becoming dominant more than necessary, eliminating insomnia and lack of sleep, eliminating stress due to sleep disorders, and can be used to maintain and manage the physical condition of the living body. These can be expected to be similarly effective for the human body.

[0087] The device of the present invention can not only manage the health of living organisms, but also control the quality of livestock. For example, in the case of beef cattle, the device of the present invention can be used to balance the autonomic nerves of individuals that tend to have a dominant parasympathetic nervous system, preventing the parasympathetic nervous system from becoming excessively dominant, strengthening the sympathetic nervous system (returning it to normal), increasing the activity of the beef cattle, and preventing a decrease in the so-called red meat ratio. Alternatively, the present invention can be used to prevent the sympathetic nervous system from becoming excessively dominant, strengthening the parasympathetic nervous system (returning it to normal), restricting the activity of the beef cattle, adjusting the meat hardness and fat content, and controlling the meat quality, for example, making the meat soft and preventing a decrease in the so-called marbled ratio. In this case, the movement of the livestock is not forcibly restricted, and there is no stress on the livestock.

[0088] In the above, in the treatment method using the electric signal of FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B at the periphery of the limb or its vicinity, the case of using an insensible output or a very weak sensed output (both of which are collectively called a weak current) is described, but this does not mean that only a weak current is effective in this treatment method. For example, the same effect can be obtained by using the electric current stimulation device 1 of FIG. 1 to attach the electrode pad A111 and the electrode pad B112 to the periphery of the limb such as the wrist or its vicinity and supplying a current of, for example, about several mA to 20 mA. In this case, since the electric current stimulation device 1 is large and an electric signal of a relatively large amplitude is supplied to the wrist, etc., the patient is used while sitting comfortably in a chair or lying on a bed, rather than during treatment while working. Note that the electric current stimulation device 1 of FIG. 1 may be configured to be capable of outputting a weak current, that is, the waveform generating unit 204 may be configured to be capable of outputting a weak current. In the above, in the method of using a weak current at the periphery of the limb or its vicinity, an electric signal as shown in FIG. 17 can be used instead of the electric signal as shown in FIG. 3A or FIG. 3B. The parameters to be used may be, as described above, for example, an electrical signal with a frequency of 5 Hz or 300 Hz, a pulse width of 50 msec, and an amplitude of 50 μA or 300 μA, which may be output repeatedly at regular time intervals T (for example, 2 seconds), for example, for one second each. The current stimulation device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a waveform generating unit that outputs an electric signal, a control unit that controls the waveform generating unit, a set of electrodes for supplying the output electric signal, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the waveform generating unit and the control unit, and the electric signal is a fifth electric signal including a first electric signal whose amplitude increases from a first amplitude that is not zero, a second electric signal that is output after the first electric signal and has a second amplitude, a third electric signal that is output after the second electric signal and has a third amplitude that is smaller, and a fourth electric signal that has a fourth amplitude that is not zero.Furthermore, the current stimulation device of the present invention is characterized in that the fifth electric signal is repeatedly output at different times. The current stimulation device of the present invention is a current stimulation device that outputs an electrical signal as a current used for treatment, and is equipped with a memory in which parameters of the electrical signal used in a selected treatment mode are stored, a waveform generating unit that outputs the electrical signal based on the parameters and a set amplitude during treatment time, a control unit that controls the waveform generating unit, a set of electrodes for supplying the output electrical signal, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the waveform generating unit and the control unit, and is characterized in that the electrical signal is a fifth electrical signal including a first electrical signal whose amplitude increases from a first amplitude that is not zero at a first time, a second electrical signal that is output after the first electrical signal and has a second amplitude at a second time, a third electrical signal that is output after the second electrical signal and has a smaller amplitude at a third time, and a fourth electrical signal that has a fourth amplitude that is not zero at a fourth time, and causes muscle contraction. Furthermore, the current stimulation device of the present invention is characterized in that the first time period to the fourth time period are all predetermined values. Also, the current stimulation device of the present invention is characterized in that the fifth electrical signal is repeatedly output at different times, and the first time period to the fourth time period are controlled to be predetermined. The current stimulation device of the present invention is a current stimulation device that outputs an electrical signal as a current used in treatment, and includes a memory in which parameters of the electrical signal used in a selected treatment mode are stored, a waveform generating unit that outputs the electrical signal based on the parameters and a set amplitude during treatment time, a timer that measures the treatment time during which the electrical signal is output by the waveform generating unit, a control unit that controls the waveform generating unit, a set of electrodes for supplying the output electrical signal, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the waveform generating unit and the control unit, and the electrical signal includes a first electrical signal whose amplitude increases from a first amplitude that is not zero at a first time, and an electrical signal that is output following the first electrical signal. a fifth electrical signal including a second electrical signal having a second amplitude at a second time, a third electrical signal which is output following the second electrical signal and has a smaller amplitude at a third time, and a fourth electrical signal which is output following the third electrical signal and has a fourth amplitude which is not zero at a fourth time, wherein the first time to the fourth time are all predetermined values, and the fifth electrical signal is output continuously during the treatment time by outputting the first electrical signal following the fourth electrical signal, and wherein the fifth electrical signal causes muscle contraction. Further, the current stimulation device of the present invention is characterized in that the first amplitude and the fourth amplitude are equal. The current stimulation device of the present invention is a current stimulation device that outputs an electrical signal as a current used for treatment, and includes a memory in which parameters of the electrical signal used in a selected treatment mode are stored, a waveform generating unit that outputs the electrical signal based on the parameters and a set amplitude during the treatment time, a timer that measures the treatment time during which the electrical signal is output by the waveform generating unit, a control unit that controls the waveform generating unit, a set of electrodes for supplying the output electrical signal, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the waveform generating unit and the control unit, and the electrical signal includes a first electrical signal whose amplitude increases from a first amplitude that is not zero at a first time, and an electrical signal that is output following the first electrical signal and has a second amplitude at a second time. a fifth electrical signal including a second electrical signal having an amplitude that decreases to a third amplitude at a third time, a third electrical signal which is output subsequently to the second electrical signal, and a fourth electrical signal which is output subsequently to the third electrical signal, and has a fourth amplitude which is not zero at a fourth time and is smaller than the second amplitude, and the first time to the fourth time are all predetermined values, the fifth electrical signal is an electrical signal including a second electrical signal having an amplitude that decreases to a third amplitude at a third time, a third electrical signal which is output subsequently to the third electrical signal, and a fourth electrical signal which is output subsequently to the third electrical signal, and has a fourth amplitude which is not zero at a fourth time and is smaller than the second amplitude, and the first time to the fourth time are all predetermined values, the fifth electrical signal is an electrical signal including a second electrical signal having an amplitude that decreases to a third amplitude at a third time, and a fourth electrical signal which is output subsequently to the third electrical signal, and has a fourth amplitude which is not zero at a fourth time and is smaller than the second amplitude, and the first time to the fourth time are all predetermined values, the fifth electrical signal is an electrical signal including a The current stimulation device of the present invention is a current stimulation device that outputs an electrical signal as a current used in treatment, and includes a memory in which parameters of the electrical signal used in a selected treatment mode are stored, a waveform generating unit that outputs the electrical signal based on the parameters and a set amplitude during a treatment time, a timer that measures the treatment time during which the electrical signal is output by the waveform generating unit, a control unit that controls the waveform generating unit, a set of electrodes for supplying the output electrical signal, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the waveform generating unit and the control unit, and the electrical signal includes a first electrical signal whose amplitude increases from a first amplitude that is not zero at a first time, and a second electrical signal that is output subsequently to the first electrical signal and has a second amplitude at a second time. a third electrical signal which is output subsequently to the second electrical signal and has an amplitude which decreases to a third amplitude different from the first amplitude at a third time; and a fourth electrical signal which is output subsequently to the third electrical signal and has a fourth amplitude which is not zero at a fourth time and is smaller than the second amplitude, wherein the first time to the fourth time are all predetermined values, the fifth electrical signal is configured by outputting the first electrical signal following the fourth electrical signal, thereby continuously outputting the fifth electrical signal during the treatment time, and the fourth electrical signal also causes muscle contraction. Furthermore, the current stimulation device of the present invention is characterized in that the first electrical signal is an electrical signal whose amplitude increases from the first amplitude to a fifth amplitude, the third electrical signal is an electrical signal whose amplitude decreases from a sixth amplitude to the third amplitude, and the second amplitude, the fifth amplitude, and the sixth amplitude are equal. Furthermore, the current stimulation device of the present invention is characterized in that the fourth amplitude is changed in conjunction with the second amplitude. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides the following means. That is, the current stimulation device of the present invention is a current stimulation device that outputs an electric signal as a current used for treatment, and includes a memory storing parameters of the electric signal used in a selected treatment mode, a waveform generating unit that outputs the electric signal based on the parameters and a set amplitude during treatment time, a timer that measures the treatment time during which the electric signal is output by the waveform generating unit, a control unit that controls the waveform generating unit, a set of electrodes for supplying the output electric signal, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the waveform generating unit and the control unit, and the electric signal includes a first electric signal whose amplitude increases from a first amplitude that is not zero at a first time, a second electric signal that is output after the first electric signal and has a second amplitude at a second time, and a second electric signal whose amplitude increases from a first amplitude that is not zero at a second time. a fifth electrical signal including a third electrical signal which is output following a first electrical signal and has an amplitude which decreases to a third amplitude at a third time, and a fourth electrical signal which is output following the third electrical signal and has a fourth amplitude which is non-zero at a fourth time and is smaller than the second amplitude, and the first time to the fourth time are all predetermined values, and the fifth electrical signal is configured by outputting the first electrical signal following the fourth electrical signal, thereby continuously outputting the fifth electrical signal during the treatment time, and when the fifth electrical signal is continuously output, the fifth time which is the sum of the first time, the second time, the third time and the fourth time is changed. Furthermore, the current stimulation device of the present invention is characterized in that only a part of the first time, the second time, the third time, and the fourth time is changed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 Current stimulator 11 Main body 12 Stop switch 14 Connector part 15 Main power 16 Code 17 Control device 18 Encoders 105 Switch 111 Electrode Pad A 112 Electrode Pad B 114 Display section 201 User IF Department 203 Control Unit 204 Waveform generation section 205 Memory 206 Power supply section 207 Timer 208 Terminal A 209 Terminal B 301 First Electric Signal 302 Second Electric Signal 303 3rd Electric Signal 304 4th Electric Signal 305 5th Electric Signal 1001 Ring J 1002 Ring K 1006 Connector J 1007 Cable J 1008 Harness E 1107 Cable K 1201 Supporter 1202 Electrode E 1203 Electrode F 1208 Harness F 1401 Gloves 1402 Harness M 1501 Mouse 1502 Left click 1503 Right click 1504 Body 1505 Electrode G 1506 Electrode H 1511 PC 1512 Keyboard Area 1513 Touch Pad Area 1514 Electrode J 1515 Electrode K 1521 Handle 1522 Electrode L 1523 Electrode M 1531 Smartphones 1532 Case 1533 Electrode P 1534 Electrode Q 1535 Display part 1700 Body A 1701 Belt part A 1702 Electrode A 1703 Electrode B 1704 Controller A 1705 Switch A 1706 LED-A 1707 Telescopic part A 1708 Harness A 1773 Battery 1803 Main body C 1900 Cable M 1901 Mounting section 1902 Terminal section A 1903 Terminal part B 1904 Body D 1905 Controller D 1906 Switch B 1907 LED-B 1908 Connector K 1909 Harness B 2100 Body H 2101 Ring A 2102 Electrode C 2103 Electrode D 2104 Terminal section C 2105 Terminal section D 2106 Connector H 2107 Cable H 2108 Harness C 2109 Harness D 2110 Bracelet 2206 Main body J 2307 Body K 2408 Body L 2509 Main body M 2610 Body N

Claims

1. A current stimulation device that outputs an electrical signal as a current used for treatment, a memory storing parameters of the electrical signal used in a selected treatment mode; A waveform that outputs the electrical signal based on the parameters and the set amplitude during the treatment time. A generation unit; a timer that measures the treatment time during which the electrical signal is output by the waveform generating unit; A control unit that controls the waveform generating unit; a set of electrodes for providing the output electrical signal; a power supply unit that supplies power to the waveform generating unit and the control unit, The electrical signal is a first electrical signal that increases in amplitude from a first non-zero amplitude at a first time; An electrical signal outputted successively after the first electrical signal at a second time a second electrical signal having a second amplitude; and The electrical signal outputted successively after the second electrical signal at a third time a third electrical signal decreasing in amplitude to a third amplitude; A current stimulation device characterized in that a fifth electrical signal is composed of a fourth electrical signal which is output following the third electrical signal and has a fourth amplitude which is not zero at a fourth time and is smaller than the second amplitude, and the fifth electrical signal is output continuously during the treatment time by outputting the first electrical signal following the fourth electrical signal, and when the fifth electrical signal is output continuously, the fifth time which is the sum of the first time, the second time, the third time and the fourth time is variably controlled and changed at different times according to a predetermined series of controls.

2. 2. The current stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein only a portion of the first time, the second time, the third time, and the fourth time is changed.

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