magnetic therapy device

Abstract

To provide a magnetic treatment device for generating a high density alternation magnetic field for affected part stimulation by varying the frequency of a signal wave for living body stimulation while excluding a predetermined frequency band with a light control load.SOLUTION: A magnetic treatment device for treating pain in an affected part by generating a signal wave for living body stimulation, radiating a magnetic field for affected part stimulation generated in a coil by the signal wave for living body stimulation onto the affected part of a living body, and stimulating cells and nerves of the affected part and the periphery of the affected part includes: a device body having a signal wave output part for generating a first signal wave for living body stimulation and outputting it; and a probe formed separately from the device body, and including a first coil connected to the signal wave output part by a signal cable, to which the first signal wave output from the signal wave output part is supplied. The signal wave output part includes a first signal wave variation part for varying the frequency of the first signal wave within a predetermined range. The first signal wave variation part sets the frequency of a variation destination by advanced treatment for uniformizing the frequency distribution using random numbers, and when the frequency of the variation destination falls within a predetermined exclusion frequency range, varies the frequency to the one set by simplified processing using a simple procedure instead.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a magnetic therapy device that generates signal waves for biostimulation, generates a magnetic field in a coil using the signal waves, and irradiates the affected area of ​​the living body with the magnetic field to stimulate the cells and nerves in the affected area, thereby relieving pain in the affected area and mood disorders. [Background technology]

[0002] A device for treating pain in an affected area by irradiating a magnetic field onto the affected area of ​​a living body and stimulating the cells in the affected area is known, for example, as described in Patent Document 1.This treatment device is configured to be portable by storing a high-frequency coil and a low-frequency coil, each in a spiral or loop shape, together with a transmitting circuit and a battery, in a housing.

[0003] This treatment device generates magnetic fields in the high-frequency and low-frequency coils using high-frequency and low-frequency signals of constant frequency output from the transmitting circuit, and when the casing is placed over the affected area of ​​the body, the magnetic field is irradiated onto the affected area, stimulating the cells in the area.This stimulation promotes the production of neurotrophic factors within the cells in the affected area, stimulating the repair, growth, differentiation, and proliferation of the cells and treating the pain in the affected area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2008 / 056414 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, magnetic therapy devices that generate signal waves for biostimulation in this way are required, for example, by EN55011 (International Standard for Industrial, Scientific and Medical Equipment - Radio Frequency Interference Characteristics - Limits and Measurement Methods) to reduce the level of harmonic noise in the high-frequency signal so as not to cause malfunctions or other problems in other devices and facilities. For this reason, by varying the high-frequency signal supplied to the high-frequency coil within a specified range, it is possible to prevent the level of harmonic noise (QP value) from increasing even when the output of the high-frequency signal is increased, thereby satisfying the EMI standard while obtaining a sufficient therapeutic effect.

[0006] On the other hand, there are cases where it is required to output high-frequency signals excluding frequency bands whose normal use is restricted, such as the search and rescue frequency band (242.988 MHz to 243.012 MHz) used by aircraft emergency radios and the broadcast frequency band (54 MHz to 70 MHz) used by municipal disaster prevention administrative radios, as well as other specified frequency bands.

[0007] Furthermore, safety assurance is required for medical devices, for example, by IEC 61508 (functional safety standard for electronic / electrical / programmable electronic systems), and from that perspective, in order to ensure reliable operation by duplication of control systems, it is necessary to lighten the control load as much as possible.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic therapy device that outputs biostimulation signal waves with a light control load and excludes a specified frequency band while increasing the output of biostimulation signal waves to obtain a sufficient therapeutic effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The magnetic therapy device of the present invention generates a signal wave for biostimulation, generates a magnetic field for stimulating an affected area in a coil using the signal wave for biostimulation, and irradiates the affected area with the magnetic field to stimulate cells and nerves in and around the affected area, thereby treating pain in the affected area. a device main body having a signal wave output unit that generates and outputs a first signal wave for biostimulation; a probe formed separately from the device body, the probe being connected to the signal wave output unit by a signal cable and having a first coil to which the first signal wave output from the signal wave output unit is supplied; Equipped with the signal wave output unit has a first signal wave variation unit that varies the frequency of the first signal wave within a predetermined range, The first signal wave variation unit is characterized in that it sets the frequency to be varied using advanced processing that uses random numbers to make the frequency distribution uniform, and if the frequency to be varied falls within a predetermined excluded frequency range, it instead varies the frequency to a frequency set using simplified processing with a simple procedure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In the magnetic therapy device of this invention, a signal wave output unit possessed by the device main body generates and outputs a first signal wave, for example a high frequency signal wave, for biological stimulation, and a first coil possessed by a probe formed separately from the device main body is connected to the signal wave output unit by a signal cable and is supplied with the first signal wave output from the signal wave generating unit, which generates a first alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area.

[0011] Therefore, according to the magnetic therapy device of the present invention, by applying a probe separate from the device body to the affected area of ​​a living body, the first alternating magnetic field generated by the first coil is irradiated onto the affected area, stimulating the cells and nerves in and around the affected area, which is expected to activate the damaged nerves in the affected area and reduce nerve damage in the affected area through self-repair.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this invention, the first signal wave variation section of the signal wave output section of the device main body varies the frequency of the first signal wave for biostimulation within a predetermined range, so that the QP (quasi-peak) value of harmonic noise is lower than when the frequency of the first signal wave is constant, and for example, a first signal wave for biostimulation of high intensity within the EMI standard can be supplied to the first coil to generate a first alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area of ​​high intensity.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of the present invention, the first signal wave variation unit sets the frequency to be varied using advanced processing that uses random numbers to make the frequency distribution uniform, and if the frequency to be varied falls within a predetermined excluded frequency range, it instead varies the frequency to the frequency set using simplified processing with a simple procedure, so that frequencies within the predetermined excluded frequency range can be reliably excluded with a light control load and the first signal wave can be output.

[0014] In the magnetic therapy device of the present invention, the fluctuation of the frequency of the first signal wave may be within a range of 250 MHz ± 10%. In this way, the first alternating magnetic field with a central frequency of 250 MHz has a strong effect of activating damaged nerves, and it is expected that the effect of alleviating nerve damage in the affected area through self-repair can be enhanced.

[0015] In the magnetic therapy device of the present invention, the excluded frequency range may include the frequency band of 242.988 MHz to 243.012 MHz used by aircraft emergency transmitters. In this way, the first signal wave can be output while reliably excluding frequencies in the frequency band used by aircraft emergency transmitters.

[0016] In addition, in the magnetic therapy device of the present invention, the signal wave output unit may also generate and output a second signal wave for biostimulation, and the probe may also have a second coil connected to the signal wave output unit by a signal cable and supplied with the second signal wave output from the signal wave output unit. In this way, the stimulation given by irradiating the affected area with a second alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area, which is generated in the second coil by a second signal wave for biostimulation, for example, a low frequency, travels through sensory nerves (Aβ fibers: touch) and reaches the brain (sensory area) from the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, so that the brain recognizes the pleasantness of the touch, activating the descending pain inhibitory system and bringing about an analgesic effect or a relaxing effect.

[0017] On the other hand, in the magnetic therapy device of the present invention, the signal wave output unit may also generate a second signal wave for biostimulation, and generate and output the first signal wave by frequency-modulating a fundamental signal wave with the second signal wave. In this way, by stimulating cells and nerves in and around the affected area with a first alternating magnetic field for diseased area stimulation generated by the first coil by the first signal wave for biostimulation that is frequency-modulated with the second signal wave for biostimulation and supplied from the signal wave output unit, it is expected that damaged nerves in the affected area will be more activated than in the absence of frequency modulation, and that self-repair will further alleviate nerve damage in the affected area.

[0018] Furthermore, in the magnetic therapy device of the present invention, the signal wave output unit may also generate and output a second signal wave for biostimulation, the probe may also have a second coil connected to the signal wave output unit by a signal cable and supplied with the second signal wave from the signal wave output unit, and the signal wave output unit may generate the first signal wave by frequency-modulating a fundamental signal wave with the second signal wave and output the first signal wave separately from the second signal wave. In this way, it is expected that the second alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area generated in the second coil by the second signal wave for biostimulation will have an analgesic effect and a relaxing effect, and that the first alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area generated in the first coil by the first signal wave for biostimulation, which is a fundamental signal wave frequency-modulated by the second signal wave for biostimulation, will further alleviate nerve damage in the affected area.

[0019] In the magnetic therapy device of the present invention, the frequency of the second signal wave may be 1 kHz or more and 3 kHz or less. In this way, stimulation by the second alternating magnetic field of 1 kHz or more and 3 kHz or less generated in the second coil by the second signal wave for biostimulation is particularly likely to reach the brain from the dorsal horn of the spinal cord via the sensory nerves, and is therefore expected to bring about a stronger analgesic effect, a relaxation effect, and other nerve disorder alleviating effects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a magnetic therapy device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the main body of the magnetic therapy device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the appearance of the main body of the magnetic therapy device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross section AA in FIG. 3 of the magnetic therapy device of the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross section BB in FIG. 3 of the magnetic therapy device of the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic therapy device of the embodiment in functional blocks. [Figure 7] (a) is a flowchart showing an example of a simplified processing procedure that is performed instead to set the frequency of the fundamental high-frequency signal when the fundamental high-frequency signal shift unit of the magnetic therapy device of the above embodiment sets the shift destination of the fundamental high-frequency signal to an excluded frequency range during shift operation, and (b) is a histogram showing the frequency-level distribution when the shift destination is set using the simplified processing of the example. [Figure 8] (a) is a flowchart showing another example of a simplified processing of another simple procedure that is performed instead to set the frequency of the fundamental high-frequency signal when the fundamental high-frequency signal shift unit of the magnetic therapy device of the above embodiment sets the shift destination of the fundamental high-frequency signal to an excluded frequency range during shift operation, and (b) is a histogram showing the frequency-level distribution when the shift destination is set using the simplified processing of that example. [Figure 9] (a) is a flowchart showing, as a comparative example, another advanced processing that is performed instead to set the frequency of the fundamental high-frequency signal when the fundamental high-frequency signal shift unit of the magnetic therapy device of the above embodiment sets the shift destination of the fundamental high-frequency signal to an exclusion frequency range during shift operation, and (b) is a histogram showing the frequency-level distribution when the shift destination is set using the advanced processing of the comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a magnetic therapy device according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figures 2 and 3 are a front view and a side view showing the appearance of the device main body of the magnetic therapy device according to the embodiment, and Figures 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views showing the AA and BB cross sections, respectively, of the magnetic therapy device according to the embodiment in Figure 3.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment comprises a device main body 1, a probe 2, a signal cable 3 connecting the probe 2 to the device main body 1, and a power cable (not shown) that is detachably inserted into the device main body 1. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the device main body 1 mainly comprises a resin casing 4, a touch input display 5 that is housed diagonally upward within the casing 4 and exposed from an opening 4a on the front of the casing 4, two printed circuit boards 6, 7 that are housed diagonally downward behind the display 5 within the casing 4 and lined up on the left and right when viewed from the rear of the device main body, two AC-DC converters 8, 9 that are housed horizontally within a protrusion 4b on the lower rear of the casing 4 and lined up on the left and right when viewed from the rear of the device main body, and a battery 10 housed below the AC-DC converters 8, 9 within the protrusion 4b on the lower rear of the casing 4.

[0023] An alarm stop button and a power switch button are provided on the left and right sides below the opening 4a on the front of the casing 4 of the device main body 1, and further below these buttons there are three sockets for plugging in the signal cable 3, arranged side by side to enable the connection of three probes 2 to the device main body 1.

[0024] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment in functional blocks. As shown in this figure, the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment comprises a device main body 1, a probe 2, and a signal cable 3. Functionally, the device main body 1 has a signal wave output section 13, a screen control section 14, and a power supply section 15. The signal wave output section 13 in this embodiment is mainly configured on the left-side printed circuit board 6 using multiple central processing units (CPUs) not shown. The fundamental high-frequency signal generating section 13a generates a fundamental high-frequency signal of 250 MHz as a fundamental signal wave, and the fundamental high-frequency signal shifting section 13b shifts (varies) this fundamental high-frequency signal within a range of 225 MHz to 275 MHz, which is, for example, ±10% of the center frequency of 250 MHz, for example, every 0.00014 seconds (i.e., approximately 7000 times per second), and outputs the shifted fundamental high-frequency signal as a first signal wave to the fundamental high-frequency signal frequency modulating section 13c.

[0025] Here, the fundamental high frequency signal generating unit 13a is configured using, for example, a digital direct synthesis oscillator (DDS: Direct Digital Synthesizer) and can oscillate a fundamental signal wave of any frequency within, for example, the 200 MHz to 300 MHz band, and the fundamental high frequency signal shifting unit 13b sets the shift destination frequency using advanced processing that uses random numbers to make the frequency distribution uniform, as will be described later, and if the shift destination frequency falls within the range of 242.1 MHz to 243.9 MHz, which includes a predetermined excluded frequency range used, for example, in aircraft emergency locators, it shifts to a frequency set using simplified processing with another simple procedure, which will be described later.

[0026] The signal wave output unit 13 further reads out a magnetic signal pattern including a sound source signal such as music, which is pre-recorded in an external storage device such as an SD card (not shown) attached to a card slot on the left-side printed wiring board 6 or in an internal storage device built into the device main body 1, from the SD card or the like using the magnetic signal pattern reading unit 13d, and supplies the readout to the biostimulation low-frequency signal generation unit 13e, which generates a biostimulation low-frequency signal as a second signal wave from the frequency information of the magnetic signal pattern (for example, 1 kHz or more and 3 kHz or less), and outputs the biostimulation low-frequency signal to the fundamental high-frequency signal frequency modulation unit 13c.

[0027] The fundamental high-frequency signal frequency modulation unit 13c frequency-modulates the fundamental high-frequency signal, for example, 250 MHz ± 10%, generated by the fundamental high-frequency signal generation unit 13a and frequency-shifted by the fundamental high-frequency signal shift unit 13b, with a biostimulation low-frequency signal, for example, 1 kHz or more and 3 kHz or less, generated by the biostimulation low-frequency signal generation unit 13e as a second signal wave, and supplies the modulated signal to the biostimulation high-frequency signal output unit 13f, which amplifies and outputs the frequency-modulated biostimulation high-frequency signal, for example, a first signal wave. Note that the biostimulation high-frequency signal output unit 13f may also amplitude-modulate the frequency-modulated biostimulation high-frequency signal with the biostimulation low-frequency signal, and then amplify and output the signal. The biostimulation low-frequency signal output unit 13g amplifies and outputs the biostimulation low-frequency signal, for example, 1 kHz or more and 3 kHz or less, generated by the biostimulation low-frequency signal generation unit 13e as a second signal wave. These operations in the signal wave output unit 13 are controlled by the operation state control unit 13h.

[0028] In this embodiment, the probe 2 accommodates a flexible printed wiring board (not shown) within a soft resin cover, and a high-frequency coil 2a is formed on the flexible printed wiring board using printed wiring, with a low-frequency coil 2b formed inside it, and a magnetic detection coil is also formed outside the high-frequency coil 2a. An operating status detection unit 2c is also configured as a circuit using a temperature detection element and a CPU mounted on the flexible printed wiring board, and the high-frequency coil 2a generates a high-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area as a first alternating magnetic field using a high-frequency signal for biostimulation supplied from the high-frequency signal output unit for biostimulation 13f via the signal cable 3, and the low-frequency coil 2b generates a low-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area as a second alternating magnetic field using a low-frequency signal for biostimulation supplied from the low-frequency signal output unit for biostimulation 13g via the signal cable 3.

[0029] Based on an instruction signal provided by the operation state control unit 13h of the signal wave output unit 13 via the signal cable 3, the operation state detection unit 2c detects the operation state of the signal wave output unit 13 and the state of the probe 2 from the temperatures of the high-frequency coil 2a and the low-frequency coil 2b detected by the temperature detection element and the high-frequency or low-frequency magnetic intensity detected by the magnetic detection coil, and inputs a signal indicating the state to the operation state control unit 13h of the signal wave output unit 13 via the signal cable 3. Based on this state-indicating signal, the operation state control unit 13h monitors the operation of the signal wave output unit 13, such as signal wave generation and output, and thus the level of the alternating magnetic field generated by the high-frequency coil 2a and the low-frequency coil 2b, and if an abnormality is detected, it outputs an alarm sound, for example, from a speaker (not shown) built into the device main body 1. The output of this alarm sound is stopped when the abnormality is resolved or by operating the alarm stop button on the front of the casing 4 of the device main body 1. In addition, upon detecting an abnormality, the operating state control unit 13h immediately stops the supply of high-frequency signals for biostimulation from the high-frequency signal output unit 13f to the high-frequency coil 2a and the supply of low-frequency signals for biostimulation from the low-frequency signal output unit 13g to the low-frequency coil 2b to ensure the safety of the user of the magnetic therapy device.

[0030] In this embodiment, the screen control unit 14 is mainly configured as a circuit using a graphics processing unit (GPU) (not shown) on the right-side printed wiring board 7. The image display unit 14a reads screen information, such as instruction buttons to be displayed on the liquid crystal display (LCD) 5a of the touch input display 5, from an SD card (not shown) pre-stored in a card slot on the right-side printed wiring board 7 and displays it on the LCD 5a. The instruction input unit 14b detects the position where the user's finger touches the touch panel 5b of the touch input display 5 from changes in static electricity at that position and sends a signal indicating an instruction input via the operation button displayed on the LCD 5a corresponding to the touch position to the operating state control unit 13h. Based on this instruction input signal, the operating state control unit 13h controls the signal wave generation and output operations of the signal wave output unit 13, and ultimately the alternating magnetic fields generated by the high-frequency coil 2a and the low-frequency coil 2b, in accordance with the user's instructions.

[0031] The screen control unit 14 also creates a log that records the instructions input to the instruction input unit 14b using the operation buttons displayed on the LCD 5a and the operating state of the signal wave output unit 13 at that time, and saves the log information in a USB memory (not shown) that is inserted and removed from the top side of the protrusion 4b in a USB memory slot 11 that is located between the AC-DC converters 8 and 9 in the protrusion 4b on the lower rear of the casing 4 and covered with an openable and closable lid.Furthermore, the image display unit 14a has a clock function that displays a clock on the LCD 5a, and this clock function is maintained by a button battery (not shown) that is attached to a battery holder on the right-side printed wiring board 7.

[0032] In this embodiment, the power supply unit 15 is mainly configured as a circuit using a CPU (not shown) mounted on the left-side printed wiring board 7, a power supply control unit 15a having a normal switching regulator and a three-terminal regulator, and two AC-DC converters 8 and 9 inside the protruding portion 4b on the lower rear of the casing 4. The power supply control unit 15a supplies 100V commercial AC power from a power cable (not shown) that is detachably inserted into a power socket 12 arranged facing backward on the protruding portion 4b on the lower rear of the casing 4 to the two AC-DC converters 8 and 9. The 100V AC is converted into stabilized DC of a predetermined voltage by switching control of the AC-DC converters 8 and 9. These DC voltages are connected in series to obtain a DC voltage corresponding to the output voltage of the battery 10, with which the battery 10 is charged. The DC voltage is also stepped down and stabilized by the power supply control unit 15a and supplied to the signal wave output unit 13 and screen control unit 14 of the device main body 1 and the operating state detection unit 2c of the probe 2 as DC power of the required voltage, respectively.

[0033] In addition, when the power cable is not attached or when 100V commercial AC power is not being supplied from the power cable, the power supply unit 15 reduces and stabilizes the DC voltage from the battery 10 using the switching regulator and three-terminal regulator of the power supply control unit 15a, and supplies it as a DC power source of the required voltage to the signal wave output unit 13 and screen control unit 14 of the device main body 1 and the operating status detection unit 2c of the probe 2, making the magnetic therapy device portable and usable.

[0034] In this embodiment of the magnetic therapy device, the fundamental high-frequency signal generating section 13a, fundamental high-frequency signal shifting section 13b and fundamental high-frequency signal frequency modulating section 13c of the signal wave output section 13 of the device main body 1 generate a high-frequency signal for biostimulation, which is output by the high-frequency signal output section 13f for biostimulation, the high-frequency coil 2a of the probe 2 formed separately from the device main body 1 is connected to the high-frequency signal output section 13f for biostimulation of the signal wave output section 13 by a signal cable 3, and is supplied with a high-frequency signal for biostimulation having a center frequency of, for example, 250 MHz output from the high-frequency signal output section 13f for biostimulation, and the high-frequency signal for biostimulation generates a high-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area.

[0035] Therefore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment, by applying a probe 2 separate from the device main body 1 to the affected area of ​​a living body, the high-frequency alternating magnetic field generated by the high-frequency coil 2a is irradiated onto the affected area, stimulating the cells and nerves in and around the affected area, and this stimulation is expected to activate, for example, damaged nerves in the affected area, and reduce nerve damage in the affected area through self-repair.

[0036] Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the magnetic therapy device, the fundamental high-frequency signal shift section 13b of the signal wave output section 13 of the device main body 1 varies the frequency of the high-frequency signal for biostimulation within a range of, for example, 250 MHz ± 10%, so that the QP (quasi-peak) value of the harmonic noise is lower than when the frequency of the high-frequency signal for biostimulation is constant, and a high-intensity high-frequency signal for biostimulation within the EMI standard can be supplied to the high-frequency coil 2a, thereby generating a high-intensity high-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area.

[0037] Figure 7(a) is a flowchart showing an example of a simplified processing procedure that is performed instead to set the frequency of the fundamental high-frequency signal when the fundamental high-frequency signal shift unit 13b of the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment sets the shift destination of the fundamental high-frequency signal to an excluded frequency range during a shift operation, and Figure 7(b) is a histogram showing the frequency-level distribution when the shift destination is set using the simplified processing of this example.

[0038] 7(a), the fundamental high-frequency signal shifter 13b performs an advanced process in step S1 to shift (vary) the fundamental high-frequency signal at regular intervals. The process calculates random numbers using, for example, a Fibonacci linear feedback loop (LFSR) so that the frequency distribution at the destination is uniform, and sets the destination frequency corresponding to the random number. Next, in step S2, the process determines whether the destination frequency is a frequency to be excluded, i.e., whether the frequency is within a range of 242.1 MHz to 243.9 MHz, which includes a predetermined excluded frequency range used in aircraft emergency locators. If the destination frequency is not a frequency to be excluded, the process outputs the fundamental high-frequency signal at the destination frequency to the fundamental high-frequency signal frequency modulator 13c, causing the high-frequency coil 2a to output a magnetic field.

[0039] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the frequency set as the shift destination is the frequency to be excluded, then in step S4, instead of the advanced processing of calculating random numbers, the shift destination frequency is set using a simplified process with a simple procedure of calculating a frequency that is higher than the frequency at the previous execution of step S4, starting from 225 MHz in increments of, for example, 0.1 MHz, and in step S3, a fundamental high-frequency signal of the frequency set as the shift destination is generated by, for example, a DDS in the fundamental high-frequency signal generating unit 13a, and output to the fundamental high-frequency signal frequency modulation unit 13c, causing a magnetic field to be output from the high-frequency coil 2a.

[0040] According to the setting process of this embodiment, a simplified process with a simple procedure that places a lighter control load than the advanced process of calculating random numbers can reliably exclude the frequency band of 242.1 MHz to 243.9 MHz, which includes the frequency band of 242.988 MHz to 243.012 MHz used in aircraft emergency transmitters, and output a fundamental high-frequency signal, as shown in Figure 7(b), and can also make the frequency distribution of the fundamental high-frequency signal to be output uniform.

[0041] Figure 8(a) is a flowchart showing another example of simplified processing of another simple procedure that is performed instead to set the frequency of the fundamental high-frequency signal when the fundamental high-frequency signal shift unit 13b of the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment sets the shift destination of the fundamental high-frequency signal to an excluded frequency range during shift operation, and Figure 8(b) is a histogram showing the frequency-level distribution when the shift destination is set using the simplified processing of that example.

[0042] 8(a), the fundamental high-frequency signal shifter 13b shifts (varies) the fundamental high-frequency signal at regular time intervals, so in step S1, a random number is calculated in the same manner as in the previous embodiment so that the frequency distribution at the shift destination is uniform, and the shift destination frequency is set corresponding to the random number. Next, in step S2, it is determined whether the frequency set at the shift destination is a frequency to be excluded, that is, whether it is a frequency within the range of 242.1 MHz to 243.9 MHz, which includes a predetermined excluded frequency range used in aircraft emergency locators, for example. If the frequency set at the shift destination is not a frequency to be excluded, in step S3, the fundamental high-frequency signal of the frequency set at the shift destination is output to the fundamental high-frequency signal frequency modulator 13c, and a magnetic field is output from the high-frequency coil 2a.

[0043] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the frequency set as the shift destination is the frequency to be excluded, in step S5, instead of the advanced processing of calculating a random number, the frequency to be shifted is set using a simplified process with another simple procedure of using the value of the random number calculated one time previously in step S1, and in step S3, a fundamental high-frequency signal of the frequency set as the shift destination is generated by the fundamental high-frequency signal generating unit 13a in the same manner as in the previous embodiment, and output to the fundamental high-frequency signal frequency modulation unit 13c, causing a magnetic field to be output from the high-frequency coil 2a.

[0044] According to the setting process of this embodiment, a simplified process with a simpler procedure that has a lighter control load than the advanced process of calculating random numbers, as shown in Figure 8(b), although the frequency distribution cannot be made uniform because the shift destination may end up being the same frequency, it is possible to output a high-frequency signal by reliably excluding the frequency band of 242.1 MHz to 243.9 MHz, which includes the frequency band of 242.988 MHz to 243.012 MHz used in aircraft emergency transmitters.

[0045] Figure 9(a) is a flowchart showing, as a comparative example, another advanced processing that is performed instead to set the frequency of the fundamental high-frequency signal when the fundamental high-frequency signal shift unit 13b of the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment sets the shift destination of the fundamental high-frequency signal to an exclusion frequency range during shift operation, and Figure 9(b) is a histogram showing the frequency-level distribution when the shift destination is set using the advanced processing of the comparative example.

[0046] 9(a) shows a flowchart of a comparative example of the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment, in which the fundamental high-frequency signal shifter 13b shifts (varies) the fundamental high-frequency signal at regular intervals, in step S1, a random number is calculated in the same manner as in the previous embodiment so that the frequency distribution at the shift destination is uniform, and an advanced process is performed to set the shift destination frequency corresponding to the random number. Next, in step S2, it is determined whether the set shift destination frequency is a frequency to be excluded, that is, whether it is a frequency within the range of 242.1 MHz to 243.9 MHz, which includes a predetermined excluded frequency range used in aircraft emergency locators, and if the set shift destination frequency is not the frequency to be excluded, in step S3, the fundamental high-frequency signal of the set shift destination frequency is output to the fundamental high-frequency signal frequency modulator 13c, causing the high-frequency coil 2a to output a magnetic field.

[0047] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the frequency set as the shift destination is the frequency to be excluded, the process of returning to step S1 and calculating a random number again is repeated until the shift destination frequency is no longer the frequency to be excluded, and if the frequency corresponding to the random number is no longer the frequency to be excluded, another advanced process is performed in which that frequency is set as the shift destination, and in step S3, a fundamental high-frequency signal of the frequency set as the shift destination is generated by the fundamental high-frequency signal generating unit 13a in the same manner as in the previous embodiment, and output to the fundamental high-frequency signal frequency modulation unit 13c, causing a magnetic field to be output from the high-frequency coil 2a.

[0048] According to the setting process of this comparative example, as shown in FIG. 9(b), it is possible to output a high-frequency signal by reliably excluding the frequency band of 242.1 MHz to 243.9 MHz, which includes the frequency band of 242.988 MHz to 243.012 MHz used in aircraft emergency locators, and it is also possible to make the frequency distribution of the output high-frequency signal uniform. However, since it involves repeated advanced processing that involves calculating complex random numbers, the control load becomes even heavier, making it unsuitable for application to medical equipment.

[0049] Therefore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment, the fundamental high-frequency signal shift section 13b of the signal wave output section 13 of the device main body 1 uses the simplified processing of the simple procedure of the above example, so that the frequency of the high-frequency signal for biostimulation can be varied within a specified range while excluding a specified frequency band with a light control load suitable for medical equipment, thereby lowering the QP value of harmonic noise and supplying a high-intensity high-frequency signal for biostimulation to the high-frequency coil within the EMI standard, thereby generating a high-intensity high-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment, the biostimulation low-frequency signal generating unit 13e of the signal wave output unit 13 of the device main body 1 generates a biostimulation low-frequency signal from the frequency information of the magnetic signal pattern (for example, 1 kHz or more and 3 kHz or less), and the biostimulation low-frequency signal output unit 13g outputs the biostimulation low-frequency signal, and the low-frequency coil 2b of the probe 2 is connected to the biostimulation low-frequency signal output unit 13g of the signal wave output unit 13 by the signal cable 3 and is supplied with a biostimulation low-frequency signal from the biostimulation low-frequency signal output unit 13g.The low-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area, generated by the biostimulation low-frequency signal, is irradiated onto the affected area, and the stimulation provided by this biostimulation low-frequency signal travels along the sensory nerves (Aβ fibers: touch) and reaches the brain (sensory area) from the posterior horn of the spinal cord.As a result, the brain recognizes the pleasantness of the touch, activating the descending pain inhibitory system and bringing about an analgesic effect and a relaxing effect.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment, the fundamental high-frequency signal modulation section 13c of the signal wave output section 13 of the device main body 1 frequency-modulates the fundamental high-frequency signal with the low-frequency signal for biostimulation generated by the signal wave output section 13 to generate a high-frequency signal for biostimulation, and the high-frequency signal output section 13f supplies the frequency-modulated high-frequency signal for biostimulation to the high-frequency coil 2a of the probe 2.Therefore, by stimulating the cells and nerves in and around the affected area with the high-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area generated by the high-frequency coil 2a using the high-frequency signal for biostimulation that has been frequency-modulated with the low-frequency signal for biostimulation, it is expected that the damaged nerves in the affected area will be more activated than in the absence of frequency modulation, and that self-repair will reduce nerve damage in the affected area.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment, the signal wave output unit 13 of the device main body 1 also generates and outputs a low-frequency signal for biostimulation, the probe 2 is connected to the signal wave output unit 13 by a signal cable 3, and also has a low-frequency coil 2b to which the low-frequency signal for biostimulation is supplied from the signal wave output unit 13, and the signal wave output unit 13 frequency-modulates the fundamental high-frequency signal with the low-frequency signal for biostimulation to generate a high-frequency signal for biostimulation, and outputs this separately from the low-frequency signal for biostimulation.Therefore, it is expected that the low-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area generated in the low-frequency coil 2b by the low-frequency signal for biostimulation will have an analgesic effect and a relaxing effect, and that the high-frequency alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area generated in the high-frequency coil 2a by the high-frequency signal for biostimulation, which is frequency-modulated from the fundamental high-frequency signal by the low-frequency signal for biostimulation, will further alleviate nerve damage in the affected area.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of this embodiment, the frequency of the low-frequency signal for biostimulation is 1 kHz or more and 3 kHz or less, and the stimulation by the low-frequency alternating magnetic field of 1 kHz or more and 3 kHz or less generated in the low-frequency coil 2b by the low-frequency signal for biostimulation is particularly likely to travel along the sensory nerves and reach the brain from the posterior horn of the spinal cord, so it can be expected to bring about a greater analgesic effect, a relaxing effect, and other nerve damage reduction effects.

[0054] The above explanation has been based on the illustrated embodiment, but the magnetic therapy device of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. For example, the high-frequency signal generated by the fundamental high-frequency signal generating unit 13a and frequency-shifted by the fundamental high-frequency signal shifting unit 13b may not be within the range of 250 MHz ± 10%, but may be within a wider range, for example, 250 MHz ± 20%.

[0055] The excluded frequency range may also include frequency bands and frequencies other than the frequency band of 242.988 MHz to 243.012 MHz used by aircraft emergency transmitters.

[0056] Furthermore, the fundamental high-frequency signal generator 13a may use a configuration other than a DDS to shift the fundamental high-frequency signal, and the fundamental high-frequency signal shifter 13b may use a configuration other than a Fibonacci linear feedback loop (LFSR) to calculate the random number. [Industrial Applicability]

[0057] Thus, according to the magnetic therapy device of this invention, the signal wave output unit of the device main body generates and outputs a first signal wave for biological stimulation, and the first coil of the probe formed separately from the device main body is connected to the signal wave output unit by a signal cable and is supplied with the first signal wave output from the signal wave generating unit, which generates a first alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area.Therefore, by applying the probe separate from the device main body to the affected area of ​​a living body, the first alternating magnetic field generated by the first coil is irradiated onto the affected area, stimulating the cells and nerves in and around the affected area, and this stimulation can be expected to activate, for example, damaged nerves in the affected area, and by self-repair, alleviate nerve damage in the affected area.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of the present invention, the first signal wave variation section of the signal wave output section of the device main body varies the frequency of the first signal wave within a predetermined range, so that the QP (quasi-peak) value of harmonic noise is lower than when the frequency of the first signal wave is constant, and for example, a first signal wave of high intensity within the EMI standard can be supplied to the first coil to generate a high-intensity first alternating magnetic field for stimulating the affected area.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the magnetic therapy device of the present invention, the first signal wave variation unit sets the frequency to be varied using advanced processing that uses random numbers to make the frequency distribution uniform, and if the frequency to be varied falls within a predetermined excluded frequency range, it instead varies the frequency to the frequency set using simplified processing with a simple procedure, so that frequencies within the predetermined excluded frequency range can be reliably excluded with a light control load and the first signal wave can be output. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1. Device body 2 probes 2a High frequency coil 2b Low frequency coil 2c Operation status detection section 3 signal cables 4 Casing 4a opening 4b Protrusion 5. Display 5a LCD 5b Touch Panel 6,7 Printed wiring board 8,9 AC-DC converter 10 Battery 11 USB memory slot 12 power sockets 13 Signal wave output section 13a Fundamental high frequency signal generator 13b Fundamental high frequency signal shift section 13c Fundamental high frequency signal frequency modulation section 13d Magnetic signal pattern readout section 13e Low-frequency signal generator for biostimulation 13f High frequency signal output unit for biostimulation 13g Low-frequency signal output unit for biostimulation 13h Operation status control section 14 Screen control section 14a Image display section 14b Instruction input section 15 Power supply section 15a Power supply control unit

Claims

1. A magnetic therapy device that generates biostimulation signal waves, generates a magnetic field for stimulating an affected area in a coil using the biostimulation signal waves, and irradiates the affected area with the magnetic field to stimulate cells and nerves in and around the affected area, thereby treating pain in the affected area. a device main body having a signal wave output unit that generates and outputs a first signal wave for biostimulation; a probe formed separately from the device body, the probe being connected to the signal wave output unit by a signal cable and having a first coil to which the first signal wave output from the signal wave output unit is supplied; Equipped with the signal wave output unit has a first signal wave variation unit that varies the frequency of the first signal wave within a predetermined range, The magnetic therapy device is characterized in that the first signal wave variation unit sets the frequency to be varied using advanced processing that uses random numbers to make the frequency distribution uniform, and if the frequency to be varied falls within a predetermined exclusion frequency range, it instead varies the frequency to the frequency set using simplified processing with a simple procedure.

2. 2. The magnetic therapy device according to claim 1, wherein the fluctuation of the frequency of the first signal wave is within a range of 250 MHz ±10%.

3. 3. The magnetic therapy device according to claim 2, wherein the excluded frequency range includes the frequency band of 242.988 MHz to 243.012 MHz used by aircraft emergency locator transmitters.

4. The signal wave output unit also generates a second signal wave for biostimulation, and generates and outputs the first signal wave by frequency-modulating a fundamental signal wave with the second signal wave. A magnetic therapy device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the signal wave output unit also generates and outputs a second signal wave for biostimulation; the probe also has a second coil connected to the signal wave output section by a signal cable and supplied with the second signal wave from the signal wave output section; The magnetic therapy device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the signal wave output unit frequency-modulates a fundamental signal wave with the second signal wave to generate the first signal wave and output it separately from the second signal wave.

6. 6. The magnetic therapy device according to claim 4, wherein the frequency of the second signal wave is 1 kHz or more and 3 kHz or less.

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