Electrical stimulation device and method for generating electrical stimulation

Abstract

To provide an electric stimulation device capable of increasing the degree of freedom of a pattern of electric stimulation.SOLUTION: An electric stimulation device 100 comprises: a first treatment wave generation unit 21 which generates first treatment waves F1 indicative of variation in voltage to apply to a first positive electrode 11p and a first negative electrode 11n; and a second treatment wave generation unit 22 which generates second treatment waves F2 indicative of variation in voltage to apply to a second positive electrode 12p and a second negative electrode 12n. The second treatment wave generation unit 22 generates a phase difference corresponding to a first stimulation signal that is a signal concerning stimulation to act on a user, between the first treatment waves F1 and the second treatment waves F2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electrical stimulation devices and methods for generating electrical stimulation. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrical stimulation devices are used that generate a voltage between a positive electrode conductor and a negative electrode conductor attached to the user's body to apply electrical stimulation to the affected area. The electrical stimulation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 generates a therapeutic wave of a first frequency between a first positive electrode conductor and a first negative electrode conductor, and a therapeutic wave of a second frequency slightly shifted from the first frequency between a second positive electrode conductor and a second negative electrode conductor. This causes interference between the therapeutic wave of the first frequency and the therapeutic wave of the second frequency, generating an effective electrical stimulation to the body. Using medium frequencies (2 kHz to 15 kHz) as the first and second frequencies allows stimulation to be applied deep within the body. Such electrical stimulation devices are sometimes referred to as interference therapy devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-139780 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional electrical stimulation devices generate interference (stimulation) by varying the frequencies of two therapeutic waves, which limits the stimulation pattern to sine waves, making it difficult to increase the flexibility of the stimulation pattern. If the user becomes accustomed to the stimulation, the therapeutic effect will decrease. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (1) The electrical stimulation device proposed in this disclosure includes a first positive electrode conductor, a first negative electrode conductor, a second positive electrode conductor, a second negative electrode conductor, a first therapeutic wave generator that generates a first therapeutic wave representing a change in voltage applied to the first positive electrode conductor and the first negative electrode conductor, and a second therapeutic wave generator that generates a second therapeutic wave representing a change in voltage applied to the second positive electrode conductor and the second negative electrode conductor. The second therapeutic wave generator receives a first stimulation signal, which is a signal related to the stimulation to be applied to the user, and controls the phase of the second therapeutic wave so that a phase difference corresponding to the first stimulation signal occurs between the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave. This electrical stimulation device facilitates increased flexibility in stimulation patterns.

[0006] (2) In the electrical stimulation device described in (1), the second therapeutic wave generating unit may change the phase difference between the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave once per cycle of the first therapeutic wave, thereby increasing the flexibility of stimulation patterns.

[0007] (3) In the electrical stimulation device described in (1), the second therapeutic wave generating unit may continuously change the phase difference between the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave within a range from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, thereby increasing the flexibility of stimulation patterns.

[0008] (4) In the electrical stimulation device described in (1), the second therapeutic wave generating unit may include a comparator that compares a sawtooth wave having the same period as the first therapeutic wave with a value represented by the first stimulation signal, and may generate the second therapeutic wave using the output of the comparator. In this way, the first stimulation signal can be reflected by the comparator in the phase difference between the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave.

[0009] (5) The electrical stimulation device described in (1) may further include a counter for counting the time elapsed since the output of a first wave, which is one of the waves included in the first therapeutic wave, and the second therapeutic wave generating unit may include a determination means for determining whether the elapsed time has reached the time represented by the first stimulation signal, and generate the second therapeutic wave based on the determination result of the determination means. In this way, the first stimulation signal can be reflected in the phase difference between the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave depending on the determination result of the determination means.

[0010] (6) In the electrical stimulation device described in (1), the first therapeutic wave generating unit and the second therapeutic wave generating unit may generate the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave, respectively, based on a common reference wave.

[0011] (7) The electrical stimulation device described in (1) may further include a third positive electrode conductor, a third negative electrode conductor, and a third therapeutic wave generator that generates a third therapeutic wave representing a change in voltage applied between the third positive electrode conductor and the third negative electrode conductor. The third therapeutic wave generator may control the phase of the third therapeutic wave so as to generate a phase difference between the first therapeutic wave and the third therapeutic wave. This further increases the flexibility of stimulation patterns.

[0012] (8) In the electrical stimulation device described in (7), the third therapeutic wave generating unit may acquire a second stimulation signal, which is a signal related to the stimulation to be applied to the user, and may generate a phase difference between the first therapeutic wave and the third therapeutic wave according to the second stimulation signal.

[0013] (9) In the electrical stimulation device described in (1), the second therapeutic wave generating unit may acquire a music signal as the first stimulation signal, thereby allowing a stimulation in sync with the music to be applied to the user.

[0014] (10) The electrical stimulation device described in (1) may have a first attachment part including the first positive electrode conductor and the second positive electrode conductor for attachment to the surface of the user's body, and a second attachment part including the first negative electrode conductor and the second negative electrode conductor for attachment to the surface of the user's body.

[0015] (11) A method for generating electrical stimulation proposed in the present disclosure includes the steps of generating a first therapeutic wave representing a change in voltage applied to a first positive electrode conductor and a first negative electrode conductor, and generating a second therapeutic wave representing a change in voltage applied to a second positive electrode conductor and a second negative electrode conductor. In the step of generating the second therapeutic wave, a first stimulation signal related to the stimulation to be applied to the user is acquired, and the phase of the second therapeutic wave is controlled so as to generate a phase difference between the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave according to the first stimulation signal. This method for generating electrical stimulation facilitates increased flexibility in stimulation patterns. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic external view of an example of an electrical stimulation device proposed in the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing hardware of the electrical stimulation device illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 2B] 2B is a block diagram showing the therapeutic wave generating circuit and control unit shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a therapeutic wave generated by an electrical stimulation device. [Figure 4] 10 is a timing chart illustrating another example of a therapeutic wave generated by an electrical stimulation device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit elements of a therapeutic wave generating circuit. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sawtooth wave generating unit illustrated in FIG. 5. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a square wave generating unit illustrated in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of signals generated during the generation of a second therapeutic wave. [Figure 8] 10 is a timing chart showing another example of signals generated during the generation of the second therapeutic wave. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 shows circuit elements included in a control device that generates stimuli of patterns based on music data. [Figure 10] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical stimulation device in which a therapeutic wave generating unit is realized by a control unit executing a program. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a block diagram showing functions of a control unit shown in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] 4 is a timing chart for explaining the function of the control unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by a control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An example of an electrical stimulation device and an electrical stimulation generating method proposed in this disclosure will be described below. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic external view of an electrical stimulation device 100, which is an example of an electrical stimulation device proposed in this disclosure. Fig. 2A is a block diagram showing the hardware of electrical stimulation device 100.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical stimulation device 100 has two attachment parts 10A and 10B to be attached to the body surface of a user (e.g., a patient). The first attachment part 10A has a first positive electrode conductor 11p, a second positive electrode conductor 12p, and a third positive electrode conductor 13p. Similarly, the second attachment part 10B (see FIG. 2) has a first negative electrode conductor 11n, a second negative electrode conductor 12n, and a third negative electrode conductor 13n. The number of conductors included in each attachment part 10A and 10B does not have to be three, and may be two, four, or more.

[0019] Each of the attachment parts 10A and 10B has a support 10a to which the electrodes 11p-13p and 11n-13n are attached. The support 10a is, for example, bowl-shaped as shown in FIG. 1. The electrodes 11p-13p and 11n-13n may be attached to the inside of the support 10a. The support 10a may be, for example, flat. In this case, an adhesive film for adhering to the body surface may be attached to the support 10a.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2A, electrical stimulation device 100 includes control unit 29, memory unit 28, therapeutic wave generating circuit 20, and output amplifiers 41, 42, and 43. Electrical stimulation device 100 includes housing B (see FIG. 1). Housing B houses therapeutic wave generating circuit 20 and output amplifiers 41, 42, and 43. Output amplifiers 41, 42, and 43 are connected via cables to electrodes 11p-13p and 11n-13n attached to attachment units 10A and 10B. In addition to the elements shown in FIG. 2A, electrical stimulation device 100 may also include a display device that displays the operating status of electrical stimulation device 100 and an input device (such as a switch or touch sensor) for inputting user instructions to control unit 29.

[0021] Control unit 29 includes a central processing unit. Memory unit 28 includes storage devices such as random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Memory unit 28 may include storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid-state drive (SSD). Control unit 29 operates according to a program stored in memory unit 28 and controls electrical stimulation device 100. Memory unit 28 may also store data related to the stimulation to be applied to the user. This data will be described later.

[0022] Fig. 2B is a block diagram showing the configuration of the therapeutic wave generating circuit 20 and the control unit 29 shown in Fig. 2A. As shown in Fig. 2B, the therapeutic wave generating circuit 20 includes a first therapeutic wave generating unit 21, a second therapeutic wave generating unit 22, and a third therapeutic wave generating unit 23. The therapeutic wave generating circuit 20 also includes a first stimulation signal generating unit 24 and a second stimulation signal generating unit 25. The therapeutic wave generating units 21-23 and the stimulation signal generating units 24-25 may be configured using analog circuits.

[0023] The therapeutic wave generating circuit 20 acquires data related to the stimulation to be applied to the user. Hereinafter, this data will be referred to as stimulation data. The stimulation data is, for example, data in which numerical values ​​representing the strength (or weakness) of the stimulation are arranged in a time series, and as a whole represents the temporal change (pattern) of the stimulation. The stimulation pattern may be any pattern, such as a sine wave, a waveform obtained by half-wave rectifying a sine wave, a waveform obtained by full-wave rectifying a sine wave, a square wave, a sawtooth wave, or the like.

[0024] The stimulus data may be stored in, for example, storage unit 28. In this case, control unit 29 reads the stimulus data stored in storage unit 28 and inputs stimulus signals (digital signals representing the stimulus data) to stimulus signal generation units 24 and 25. Multiple pieces of stimulus data may be stored in storage unit 28. In this case, control unit 29 may select one of the multiple pieces of stimulus data in accordance with an instruction input by the user through an input device (such as a switch or touch sensor), and input the selected stimulus data as a stimulus signal to each of stimulus signal generation units 24 and 25.

[0025] Electrical stimulation device 100 may include a communication module for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device. In this case, control unit 29 may receive stimulation data from the external device and input the received stimulation data to stimulation signal generation units 24 and 25, respectively.

[0026] The stimulus signal generating units 24 and 25 include, for example, a D / A converter, and generate analog stimulus signals corresponding to the stimulus pattern based on the stimulus signal (digital signal) input from the control unit 29. The stimulus signal generated by the first stimulus signal generating unit 24 is referred to as the "first stimulus signal," and the stimulus signal generated by the second stimulus signal generating unit 25 is referred to as the "second stimulus signal." The stimulus data input to the first stimulus signal generating unit 24 is referred to as the "first stimulus data," and the stimulus data input to the second stimulus signal generating unit 25 is referred to as the "second stimulus data."

[0027] The first therapeutic wave generator 21 generates a first therapeutic wave F1 that represents a change in voltage applied to the first positive electrode conductor 11p and the first negative electrode conductor 11n. The first therapeutic wave F1 is input to the first output amplifier 41. The first output amplifier 41 amplifies the input first therapeutic wave F1 and generates a voltage corresponding to the first therapeutic wave F1 between the first positive electrode conductor 11p and the first negative electrode conductor 11n.

[0028] The second therapeutic wave generator 22 generates a second therapeutic wave F2 representing a change in voltage applied to the second positive electrode conductor 12p and the second negative electrode conductor 12n. The second therapeutic wave is input to a second output amplifier 42. The second output amplifier 42 amplifies the input second therapeutic wave F2 and generates a voltage corresponding to the second therapeutic wave F2 between the second positive electrode conductor 12p and the second negative electrode conductor 12n. The interference wave between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 acts as a stimulus on the user.

[0029] Furthermore, the third therapeutic wave generator 23 generates a third therapeutic wave F3 representing a change in voltage applied to the third positive electrode conductor 13p and the third negative electrode conductor 13n. The third therapeutic wave F3 is input to the third output amplifier 43. The third output amplifier 43 amplifies the input third therapeutic wave F3 and generates a voltage corresponding to the third therapeutic wave F3 between the third positive electrode conductor 13p and the third negative electrode conductor 13n. The interference wave between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the third therapeutic wave F3 acts as a stimulus on the user.

[0030] The second therapeutic wave generator 22 controls the phase of the second therapeutic wave F2 so that a phase difference corresponding to the first stimulation signal is generated between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2. Similarly, the third therapeutic wave generator 23 controls the phase of the third therapeutic wave F3 so that a phase difference corresponding to the second stimulation signal is generated between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the third therapeutic wave F3.

[0031] In the electrical stimulation device 100, the second therapeutic wave generation unit 22 uses the first therapeutic wave F1 as a reference wave to generate the second therapeutic wave F2. That is, the second therapeutic wave generation unit 22 inputs the first therapeutic wave F1 to multiple circuit elements to generate the second therapeutic wave F2. Similarly, the third therapeutic wave generation unit 23 uses the first therapeutic wave F1 as a reference wave to generate the third therapeutic wave F3. That is, the third therapeutic wave generation unit 23 inputs the first therapeutic wave F1 to multiple circuit elements to generate the third therapeutic wave F3.

[0032] 3 is a timing chart for explaining the first therapeutic wave F1, the second therapeutic wave F2, their interference wave, and the first stimulation signal (stimulation data). Figure 3(a) shows the first therapeutic wave F1, (b) shows an example of the first stimulation signal, (c) shows an example of the second therapeutic wave F2, and (d) shows an example of the interference wave Fi1 between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2.

[0033] 3(a), the first therapeutic wave generator 21 generates, for example, a sine wave as the first therapeutic wave F1. The first therapeutic wave F1 is expressed, for example, by the following equation (1). F1=sin(ω1×t)...Equation (1) ω1: angular frequency of the first treatment wave t: time

[0034] As shown in Figure 3(b), the value S1 of the first stimulus signal is defined as, for example, greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 1. For example, the value S1 of the first stimulus signal shown in the figure is 1 during periods t1 to t3 and is 0 during periods t2 to t4.

[0035] The second therapeutic wave F2 shown in FIG. 3(c) is expressed by, for example, the following equation (2). F2=sin((ω1×t)+π(1-S1))...Equation (2) ω1: angular frequency of the first treatment wave t: time S1: Value of the first stimulus signal As shown in equation (2), the second therapeutic wave F2 has a phase difference (π×(1-S1)) with the first therapeutic wave F1 that corresponds to the value S1 of the first stimulation signal. Therefore, when the value S1 of the first stimulation signal is 1, the second therapeutic wave F2 has the same phase as the first therapeutic wave F1. On the other hand, when the value Ss of the first stimulation signal is 0, the second therapeutic wave F2 has the opposite phase to the first therapeutic wave F1.

[0036] The interference wave Fi1 between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 shown in FIG. 3(d) is expressed by the following equation (3). Fi1=F1+F2...Equation (3) Therefore, for example, during the period t1-t3 when the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 are in phase, the amplitude of the interference wave Fi1 increases, and a strong stimulus is applied to the user. On the other hand, during the period t2-t4 when the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 are in opposite phase, the amplitude of the interference wave Fi1 decreases, and the stimulus applied to the user becomes relatively weaker. In other words, the amplitude of the interference wave Fi1 shown in the figure corresponds to the value S1 of the first stimulus signal.

[0037] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the first stimulation signal has two values, 0 and 1. However, the first stimulation signal may have any value between 0 and 1. Fig. 4 is a timing chart showing such an example. Figs. 4(a), (b), (c), and (d) respectively show the first therapeutic wave F1, the first stimulation signal, the second therapeutic wave F2, and the interference wave Fi1, similar to Fig. 3.

[0038] In the example shown in FIG. 4(b), the value S1 of the first stimulation signal gradually decreases during period t5 and gradually increases during period t6. Therefore, the phase difference between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 also gradually changes during these periods. Therefore, during period t5, the amplitude of the interference wave Fi1 gradually decreases, and the stimulation acting on the user also gradually decreases. Furthermore, during period t6, the amplitude of the interference wave Fi1 gradually increases, and the stimulation acting on the user also gradually increases. The first stimulation signal may not only linearly increase or decrease as shown in FIG. 4(b), but may also be, for example, a sine wave or a cosine wave.

[0039] 3 and 4, the first stimulation signal, the second therapeutic wave F2, and the interference wave Fi1 between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 have been described as examples. The second stimulation signal, the third therapeutic wave F3, and the interference wave Fi2 between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the third therapeutic wave F3 generated by the second stimulation signal generator 25 may be similar to the examples shown in Fig. 3 and 4. That is, the third therapeutic wave F3 and the interference wave Fi2 may be expressed by, for example, the following equations (4) and (5). F3=sin((ω1×t)+π(1-S2))...Equation (4) Fi2=F1+F3...Equation (5) ω1: angular frequency of the first treatment wave t: time S2: Value of the second stimulus signal

[0040] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the circuit elements of the therapeutic wave generating circuit 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the therapeutic wave generating circuit 20 includes a sawtooth wave generating unit 26 that receives a signal from the first therapeutic wave generating unit 21. The second therapeutic wave generating unit 22 and the third therapeutic wave generating unit 23 each include level limiters 22a and 23a, comparators 22b and 23b, sawtooth wave generating units 22c and 23c, and square wave generating units 22d and 23d. FIG. 6A is a circuit diagram showing an example of the sawtooth wave generating unit 26. FIG. 6B is a circuit diagram showing an example of the square wave generating unit 22d. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing signals generated during the generation of the second therapeutic wave F2. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the first therapeutic wave generating unit 21 outputs a square wave with a duty cycle of 50% as the first therapeutic wave F1.

[0041] The sawtooth wave generator 26 is a circuit that generates a sawtooth wave N1 (FIG. 7(a)) from the first treatment wave F1 (reference wave) output from the first treatment wave generator 21. The sawtooth wave N1 has the same period as the first treatment wave F1 and is a signal that gradually increases over time within one period.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6A, the sawtooth wave generator 26 includes, for example, an open-drain AND circuit U3 and a capacitor C3 that constitutes an integrating circuit. The capacitor C3 is connected in parallel to the output terminal of the AND circuit U3. The power supply V+ is connected to the capacitor C3, and the capacitor C3 is charged by the power supply V+. One input terminal of the open-drain AND circuit U3 is connected to a resistor R1 and a capacitor C1, and the other input terminal is connected to a resistor R2 and a capacitor C2. The first therapeutic wave F1 is input to the AND circuit U3 via the resistor R1 and the capacitor C1. A signal with an inverted voltage level of the first therapeutic wave F1 (hereinafter referred to as the "inverted therapeutic wave (-F1)") is input to the AND circuit U3 via the resistor R2 and the capacitor C2.

[0043] The AND circuit U3 turns on its transistor and switches on its drain during the period when the first treatment wave F1 and the inverted treatment wave (-F1) are in phase. The time constants of the resistor R1 and capacitor C1 and the resistor R2 and capacitor C2 are offset from each other so that both the first treatment wave F1 and the inverted treatment wave (-F1) exceed the threshold at the rising edge t1 (see FIG. 7(a)) of the square wave that is the first treatment wave F1. Therefore, the AND circuit U3 switches on its drain for a period Δt0 (FIG. 7(a)) in accordance with the rising edge t1 of the first treatment wave F1, discharging the capacitor C3. During the rest of the period, charge accumulates in the capacitor C3, and the voltage of the capacitor C3 gradually increases over time. The voltage of the capacitor C3 is a sawtooth wave N1 and is input to the subsequent circuit (comparators 22b and 23b, described later).

[0044] The time constants of resistor R1 and capacitor C1 and resistor R2 and capacitor C2 are set so that the drain is on for a delay period Δt0 (FIG. 7(a)) from the rising edge of the first treatment wave F1 at timing t1, thereby generating a sawtooth wave that resets during the period Δt0 from timing t1.

[0045] A sawtooth wave N1 is input to the positive terminal of comparator 22b. A value S1 of the first stimulus signal is input to the negative terminal of comparator 22b. As shown in Fig. 7(b), comparator 22b compares the sawtooth wave N1 with the value S1 of the first stimulus signal, and outputs a high voltage when the sawtooth wave N1 is higher than the value S1 of the first stimulus signal, and outputs a low voltage when the sawtooth wave N1 is lower than the value S1 of the first stimulus signal.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 5, level limiting unit 22a is disposed before comparator 22b. Level limiting unit 22a is a circuit that limits value S1 of first stimulation signal to a predetermined range. Specifically, level limiting unit 22a limits value S1 of first stimulation signal to be equal to or less than median amplitude Vmid (Fig. 7(b)) of sawtooth wave N1 and equal to or greater than minimum amplitude Vmin (Fig. 7(b)) of sawtooth wave N1.

[0047] For example, if the value S1 of the first stimulation signal is greater than the median Vmid of the amplitude of the sawtooth wave N1 (FIG. 7(b)), the level limiting unit 22a uses the median Vmid as the value S1 of the first stimulation signal and inputs the median Vmid to the comparator 22b. Conversely, if the value S1 of the first stimulation signal is less than the minimum Vmin of the amplitude of the sawtooth wave N1 (FIG. 7(b)), the level limiting unit 22a uses the minimum Vmin as the value S1 of the first stimulation signal and inputs the minimum Vmin to the comparator 22b. In the example of FIG. 7, the value S1 of the first stimulation signal is lower than the median Vmid and higher than the minimum Vmin.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 7(c), a square wave is output from comparator 22b. In the example shown in Fig. 7, since value S1 of the first stimulus signal is smaller than median value Vmid, the period during which comparator 22b outputs a high voltage is longer than the period during which comparator 22b outputs a low voltage. Sawtooth wave generating unit 22c and square wave generating unit 22d, which are arranged downstream of comparator 22b, are circuits that generate a square wave with a duty of 50% from output B1 of comparator 22b.

[0049] Specifically, the sawtooth wave generating unit 22c is a circuit that generates a sawtooth wave N2 (see FIG. 7(d)) ​​from the output B1 of the comparator 22b. The sawtooth wave N2 has the same period as the output B1 of the comparator 22b and is a signal that gradually increases over time in one period.

[0050] The sawtooth wave generating unit 22c may be configured, for example, similar to the sawtooth wave generating unit 26 described above, with an open-drain AND circuit and an integrating circuit. This AND circuit opens its drain in synchronization with rising timing t2 (FIG. 7(c)) of the comparator output B1, discharging the capacitor that constitutes the integrating circuit. During other periods, charge is accumulated in the capacitor, and the capacitor voltage gradually increases over time. The voltage across the capacitor is the sawtooth wave N2.

[0051] The square wave generating unit 22d is a circuit that generates a square wave with a duty of 50% from the sawtooth wave N2. For example, the square wave generating unit 22d compares the sawtooth wave N2 with the average amplitude Va (FIG. 7(d)) ​​of the sawtooth wave N2 and outputs the result. The square wave generating unit 22d outputs a low voltage during a period when the sawtooth wave N2 is higher than the average value Va, and outputs a high voltage during a period when the sawtooth wave N2 is lower than the average value Va. The comparison result by the square wave generating unit 22d becomes the second treatment wave F2, which is a square wave. Because the comparison target is the average value Va of the sawtooth wave N2, the second treatment wave F2 becomes a square wave with a duty of 50%.

[0052] In one example, the square wave generated by the square wave generating unit 22d is input to the output amplifier 42 as the second therapeutic wave F2. Alternatively, the square wave generated by the square wave generating unit 22d may be converted to a sine wave by a low-pass filter circuit, and the converted sine wave may be input to the output amplifier 42 as the second therapeutic wave F2. In this case, the first therapeutic wave F1 may also be a sine wave. Alternatively, the sine wave that is the first therapeutic wave F1 may be converted to a square wave and input to the sawtooth wave generating unit 26. In this way, sine waves with different phases are obtained as the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2.

[0053] FIG. 6B is a circuit diagram showing an example of a square wave generator 22d. The square wave generator 22d includes a buffer transistor Q3, a capacitor C4, and an inverter U7. Capacitor C4 is connected to the emitter of transistor Q3 and power supply V+. A sawtooth wave N2 is input to the base of transistor Q3. The sawtooth wave N2 has its DC component removed by capacitor R4 before being input to inverter U7. The input and output terminals of inverter U7 are connected via resistor R4, which sets the threshold voltage of inverter U7 to the average value Va of sawtooth wave N2. Inverter U7 outputs a low voltage when sawtooth wave N2 is higher than the average value Va and a high voltage when sawtooth wave N2 is lower than the average value Va.

[0054] 7, the value S1 of the first stimulation signal is lower than the median amplitude Vmid of the sawtooth wave N1 generated by the sawtooth wave generator 26. Therefore, a phase difference Δt1 corresponding to this value S1 occurs between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2.

[0055] Fig. 8 is a timing chart showing an example of signals generated in the process of generating the second therapeutic wave F2, similar to Fig. 7. Unlike the example of Fig. 7, the example shown in Fig. 8 differs from the example of Fig. 7 in that the value S1 of the first stimulation signal is set to the median value Vmid (Fig. 8(b)) of the amplitude of the sawtooth wave N1.

[0056] As described above, the sawtooth wave N1 is input to the positive terminal of the comparator 22b, and the value S1 of the first stimulus signal is input to the negative terminal. In the example of Fig. 8, the value S1 of the first stimulus signal is the median value Vmid of the amplitude of the sawtooth wave N1, so as shown in Fig. 8(c), the rising timing t3 of the rectangular wave that is the output B1 of the comparator 22b is different from the rising timing of the output B1 of the comparator 22b in the example of Fig. 7.

[0057] In the example of FIG. 8, the sawtooth wave generator 22c generates a sawtooth wave N2 (FIG. 8(d)) from the output B1 of the comparator 22b. Then, the square wave generator 22d generates a square wave (FIG. 8(e)) with a duty of 50% from the sawtooth wave N2 using the average value Va of the sawtooth wave N2. In the example of FIG. 8, this square wave is the second therapeutic wave F2. The second therapeutic wave F2 has the same phase as the first therapeutic wave F1.

[0058] 4, when the value S1 of the first stimulation signal is equal to the median value Vmid of the amplitude of the sawtooth wave N1, the second therapeutic wave F2 is substantially in phase with the first therapeutic wave F1. As a result, the amplitude of the interference wave F1 increases. As the value S1 of the first stimulation signal moves away from the median value Vmid (approaching the minimum amplitude Mmin), the phase difference Δt1 between the second therapeutic wave F2 and the first therapeutic wave F1 gradually increases, i.e., the phase difference Δt1 gradually approaches 180 degrees, and as a result, the amplitude of the interference wave F1 gradually decreases.

[0059] In the therapeutic wave generating circuit 20, the comparator 22b compares the sawtooth wave N1 with the value S1 of the first therapeutic wave stimulation signal. The second therapeutic wave F2 is generated based on the output of the comparator 22b. That is, the value S1 of the first therapeutic wave stimulation signal is reflected in the phase difference Δt1 between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 by the comparator 22b.

[0060] Furthermore, the value S1 of the first stimulation signal input to the comparator 22b is limited by the level limiting unit 22a to be between the median value Vmid and the minimum value Vmin of the amplitude of the sawtooth wave N1. Therefore, the phase difference Δt1 can be continuously changed within the range from 0 degrees to 180 degrees. This ensures a high degree of freedom in the stimulation pattern.

[0061] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the integrator circuit of the sawtooth wave generator 22c that generates the sawtooth wave N2 (Figures 7(d) and 8(d)) discharges when the sawtooth wave N1 exceeds the value S1 of the first stimulation signal in the ascending direction. This timing occurs once per cycle of the first therapeutic wave F1. Therefore, the phase difference Δt1 between the second therapeutic wave F2 and the first therapeutic wave F1 changes once per cycle of the first therapeutic wave F1. Since the phase difference Δt1 can be changed frequently in this way, the stimulation pattern can be changed frequently, ensuring a high degree of freedom in the stimulation pattern.

[0062] 5, the third therapeutic wave generator 23, like the second therapeutic wave generator 22, includes a level limiter 23a, a comparator 23b, a sawtooth wave generator 23c, and a square wave generator 23d. The comparator 23b receives a sawtooth wave N1 generated from the first therapeutic wave F1 (reference wave) and the value S2 of the second stimulation signal. The configuration and operation of each of the components 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d may be similar to those of the second therapeutic wave generator 22.

[0063] As described above, in the electrical stimulation device 100, the first therapeutic wave generator 21, the second therapeutic wave generator 22, and the third therapeutic wave generator 23 generate the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2, respectively, based on a common reference wave. Specifically, the first therapeutic wave generator 21 uses the reference wave itself as the first therapeutic wave F1, the second therapeutic wave generator 22 generates the second therapeutic wave F2 based on the first therapeutic wave F1, and the third therapeutic wave generator 23 generates the third therapeutic wave F3 based on the first therapeutic wave F1.

[0064] The circuit elements of the therapeutic wave generating circuit 20 are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 5. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 5, the first therapeutic wave F1 is used as a reference wave and input to the sawtooth wave generating unit 26. However, the therapeutic wave generating circuit 20 may also include a circuit for generating a reference wave. The first therapeutic wave generating unit 21 may then use this reference wave to generate the first therapeutic wave F1, which has a different frequency and / or phase. Furthermore, this reference wave may be input to the sawtooth wave generating unit 26 and used to generate the second therapeutic wave F2 and the third therapeutic wave F3.

[0065] 7 and 8, the first therapeutic wave F1 is described as a square wave. However, the first therapeutic wave F1 may be a sine wave. In this case, the sine wave of the first therapeutic wave F1 may be input to the sawtooth wave generator 26, or may be converted to a square wave by a comparator or the like and then input to the sawtooth wave generator 26. Alternatively, the output (square wave) of the square wave generators 22d and 23d may be input to a low-pass filter circuit, and the output (sine wave) of the low-pass filter may be input to the output amplifiers 42 and 43, respectively, as the second therapeutic wave F2 and the third therapeutic wave F3. In this way, sine waves with different phases are obtained as the first therapeutic wave F1, the second therapeutic wave F2, and the third therapeutic wave F3.

[0066] [Example of using a music signal as a stimulus signal] The phase difference between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 may be generated based on music data. Similarly, the phase difference between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the third therapeutic wave F3 may be generated based on music data. In this way, a comfortable stimulation in sync with the music can be applied to the user.

[0067] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the circuit elements of the therapeutic wave generating circuit 120 that generates a phase difference using music data in this way. In Fig. 9, the same elements as those in the above-mentioned therapeutic wave generating circuit 20 (see Fig. 5) are assigned the same reference numerals. The following description of the therapeutic wave generating circuit 20 will focus on the differences from the therapeutic wave generating circuit 20. Items not explained regarding the therapeutic wave generating circuit 20 may be the same as those in the example of the therapeutic wave generating circuit 20.

[0068] As shown in Figure 9, the therapeutic wave generating circuit 120 has, in addition to the first therapeutic wave generating unit 21 shown in Figure 5, a music signal generating unit 31, a half-wave rectifying unit 32, and an amplitude adjusting unit 33.

[0069] The control unit 29 acquires music data as stimulus data and inputs it to the music signal generation unit 31. The control unit 29 receives music data from, for example, a playback device that plays back music data recorded on a recording medium such as a compact disc, or from an external device connected via a network, and inputs it to the music signal generation unit 31. Alternatively, the control unit 29 may read out music data stored in the storage unit 28 and input it to the music signal generation unit 31.

[0070] The music signal generating unit 31 decodes the input music data, converts the decoded music data into analog data using a D / A conversion circuit, and outputs the analog data as a music signal.

[0071] The half-wave rectifier 32 rectifies the music signal, detects the envelope of the music signal, and outputs the envelope signal (hereinafter, this signal will be referred to as the envelope music signal). The frequency range of music is generally 50 Hz to 15 kHz, which is the range of human hearing. However, the frequency of electrical stimuli that humans can sense is generally 0.1 Hz to 200 Hz. Electrical stimuli of approximately 20 Hz are considered to be particularly preferable for humans. Therefore, the time constant of the half-wave rectifier 32 is set so that the frequency of the envelope music signal is at a level that is preferable for human sensation.

[0072] This envelope music signal is input as a stimulation signal to comparators 22b and 23b via level limiting units 22a and 23a, and is compared with the sawtooth wave N1 (see FIG. 7(a)). For example, if the amplitude of the envelope music signal is too small, the value of the envelope music signal (value S1 of the first stimulation signal) will continue to take values ​​close to the minimum value Vmin of the amplitude of the sawtooth wave N1 (see FIG. 7(a)). As a result, the phase difference Δt1 between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 will not fluctuate. Furthermore, since the envelope music signal that exceeds the upper limit is cut off by the level limiting units 22a and 23a (because it is limited to the upper limit), if the amplitude of the envelope music signal is too large, the value S1 of the first stimulation signal will continue to take values ​​close to the median value Vmid of the amplitude of the sawtooth wave N1 (see FIG. 7(a)). As a result, the problem of the phase difference Δt1 between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 not changing also occurs in this case. Therefore, the amplitude adjustment unit 33 adjusts the amplitude of the envelope music signal so that the phase difference between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 changes at a frequency suitable for bodily sensation.

[0073] In the example shown in Figure 9, the therapeutic wave generating circuit 120 includes stimulation signal generating units 24 and 25 and switches 34 and 35. Switch 34 switches the input to level limiting unit 22a between stimulation signal generating unit 24 and music signal generating unit 31. Switch 35 switches the input to level limiting unit 23a between stimulation signal generating unit 25 and music signal generating unit 31. The user may be able to operate switches 34 and 35 through an input device (such as a button or touch sensor) included in electrical stimulation device 100.

[0074] The music signal generating unit 31 may generate music signals of multiple channels. For example, the music signal generating unit 31 may generate a music signal for an R channel and a music signal for an L channel. In this case, the half-wave rectifying unit 32 may generate an envelope music signal from the music signal for the R channel, and may also generate an envelope music signal from the music signal for the L channel. Then, the envelope music signal for the R channel and the envelope music signal for the L channel may be input to the therapeutic wave generating units 22 and 23, respectively, via the amplitude adjusting unit 33.

[0075] The therapeutic wave generating circuit 120 may have a filter. The filter may select music signals of a certain frequency from the music signals output by the music signal generating unit 31 and input them to the half-wave rectifying unit 32. For example, the therapeutic wave generating circuit 120 may select only music signals in the low frequency range and input them to the half-wave rectifying unit 32.

[0076] [Example of generating therapeutic waves using software] The control unit 29 may include a CPU and a timer, and the therapeutic wave generators 21, 22, and 23 may be realized by the control unit 29 executing a program stored in the memory unit 28. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the hardware of an electrical stimulation device 200 having such a control unit 29. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functions of the control unit 29. FIG. 12 is a timing chart for explaining the functions of the control unit 29. In FIG. 10, the same parts as those described with reference to FIG. 2A are assigned the same reference numerals. The following description will focus on the differences between the electrical stimulation device 100 and the electrical stimulation device 200. Items not described for the electrical stimulation device 200 may be the same as those for the example of the electrical stimulation device 100.

[0077] 10, electrical stimulation device 200 includes control unit 29 and storage unit 28. Control unit 29 outputs therapeutic waves F1, F2, and F3 to output amplifiers 41, 42, and 43, respectively.

[0078] 11, the control unit 29 has, as its functions, a first therapeutic wave generator 29c, a second therapeutic wave generator 29d, and a third therapeutic wave generator 29e. The control unit 29 also has a counter 29f.

[0079] 12(a), (c), and (e), the counter unit 29f increases the count value by one at a fixed cycle, and when the count value reaches a predetermined count upper limit Cmax, it again increases the count value by one from 0. The counter unit 29f repeatedly executes this process. Contrary to the examples shown in the figures, the counter unit 29f may decrease the count value by one from the count upper limit Cmax at a fixed cycle, and when the count value reaches 0, it may again decrease the count value by one from the count upper limit Cmax.

[0080] The counter unit 29f may acquire a value corresponding to the period T1 of the first therapeutic wave F1 (see FIG. 12(b) , referred to as the "reference period") and set this value as the upper count limit Cmax. The counter unit 29f may set a higher value as the upper count limit Cmax as the reference period T1 becomes longer.

[0081] The user may be able to select the reference period T1 through an input device (such as a switch or a touch sensor), in which case the counter unit 29f may set a value according to the reference period selected by the user as the count upper limit Cmax.

[0082] The first therapeutic wave generator 29c generates the first therapeutic wave F1. The first therapeutic wave generator 29c switches the output of the control unit 29 between high and low voltages. The first therapeutic wave generator 29c performs this switching at twice the frequency of the first therapeutic wave F1. As shown in Figure 12(b), the first therapeutic wave generator 29c compares the count value with a predetermined value M1, and inverts the output voltage (first therapeutic wave F1) when the count value matches value M1. (Hereinafter, this M1 will be referred to as the "first comparison value.") The first comparison value M1 is a value between 0 and the upper count limit Cmax. The first comparison value M1 may be 0 or the upper count limit Cmax.

[0083] The memory unit 28 stores stimulation data related to the stimulation to be applied to the user. The second therapeutic wave generator 29d and the third therapeutic wave generator 29e acquire the stimulation data as a stimulation signal (digital signal). The stimulation data is, for example, a time-series arrangement of numerical values ​​(values ​​S1 and S2 described below) representing the strength (or weakness) of the stimulation, and as a whole represents the temporal change (pattern) of the stimulation. The stimulation pattern may be any pattern, such as a sine wave, a waveform obtained by half-wave rectifying a sine wave, a waveform obtained by full-wave rectifying a sine wave, a square wave, or a sawtooth wave. In one example, the second therapeutic wave generator 29d and the third therapeutic wave generator 29e acquire different stimulation data. Alternatively, the stimulation data acquired by the second therapeutic wave generator 29d and the third therapeutic wave generator 29e may be the same.

[0084] The second therapeutic wave generating unit 29d and the third therapeutic wave generating unit 29e may receive stimulation data from an external device via a network. The stimulation data may be music data. In this case, a signal equivalent to the envelope music signal described above may be acquired as the stimulation signal.

[0085] Hereinafter, the digital signal acquired by the second therapeutic wave generating unit 29d as stimulation data will be referred to as a first stimulation signal, and the digital signal acquired by the third therapeutic wave generating unit 29e as stimulation data will be referred to as a second stimulation signal.

[0086] The second therapeutic wave generator 29d controls the phase of the second therapeutic wave F2 so that a phase difference corresponding to the first stimulation signal is generated between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2. For example, as shown in Figures 12(c) and 12(d), the second therapeutic wave generator 29d compares the count value with a second comparison value M2 calculated based on the value S1 of the first stimulation signal, and inverts the output voltage (second therapeutic wave F2) when the count value matches the second comparison value M2.

[0087] The second comparison value M2 may be calculated based on the value S1 of the first stimulation signal and the first comparison value M1. For example, the second comparison value M2 may be the sum of the value S1 of the first stimulation signal and the first comparison value M1. As a result, the second therapeutic wave F2 inverts with a delay corresponding to the value S1 of the first stimulation signal from the timing of the inversion of the first therapeutic wave F1. That is, the phase difference Δt1 between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 (FIG. 12(d)) corresponds to the value S1 of the first stimulation signal. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the phase difference Δt1 gradually increases as the value S1 of the first stimulation signal increases, and as a result, the interference wave between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 gradually decreases. Note that the first comparison value M1 may be 0 or the counter upper limit Cmax, as described above. In this case, the second therapeutic wave generator 29d may use the value S1 of the first stimulation signal as the second comparison value M2.

[0088] The third therapeutic wave generator 29e controls the phase of the third therapeutic wave F3 so that a phase difference corresponding to the second stimulation signal is generated between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the third therapeutic wave F3. The processing of the third therapeutic wave generator 29e may be the same as that of the second therapeutic wave generator 29d. That is, as shown in Figures 12(e) and 12(f), the third therapeutic wave generator 29e compares the count value with a third comparison value M3 calculated based on the value S2 of the second stimulation signal, and inverts the output voltage (third therapeutic wave F3) when the count value matches the third comparison value M3.

[0089] The third comparison value M3 may be a value calculated based on the value S2 of the second stimulation signal and the first comparison value M1. As a result, the phase difference Δt2 (FIG. 12(f)) between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the third therapeutic wave F3 corresponds to the value S2 of the second stimulation signal. The first comparison value M1 may be 0 or the counter upper limit Cmax. In this case, the third therapeutic wave generator 29e may use the value S2 of the second stimulation signal as the third comparison value M3.

[0090] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by control unit 29 in electrical stimulation device 200.

[0091] When the control unit 29 is instructed to output the therapeutic waves F1, F2, and F3, the counter unit 29f starts counting (S101). While the control unit 29 is executing the subsequent processes, the counter unit 29f repeatedly increments the counter value by 1 at regular intervals and restarts counting from 0 when the count value reaches the counter upper limit Cmax. As described above, the counter unit 29f may set the counter upper limit Cmax to a value corresponding to a reference period in accordance with a user instruction (selection).

[0092] The first therapeutic wave generator 29c determines whether the counter value matches the first comparison value M1 (S102). If the counter value matches the first comparison value M1, the first therapeutic wave generator 29c inverts the value of the output voltage, which is the first therapeutic wave F1 (S103). That is, if the value of the register recording the output voltage of the control unit 29 is High, the value of this register is changed to Low, and if the value of the register recording the output voltage of the control unit 29 is Low, the value of this register is changed to High. This inverts the output voltage of the control unit 29. On the other hand, if the counter value does not match the first comparison value M1, the first therapeutic wave generator 29c maintains the current value of the first therapeutic wave F1 (i.e., does not change the register value).

[0093] The second therapeutic wave generator 29d acquires a first stimulation signal (i.e., a digital signal indicating a value S1) from the memory unit 28 (S104). As described above, the stimulation data stored in the memory unit 28 is, for example, data in which numerical values ​​(S1) indicating the strength (or weakness) of stimulation are arranged in chronological order. Each time the processing of the control unit 29 reaches S104, the second therapeutic wave generator 29d acquires, as the first stimulation signal, the value S1 next to the value read in the previous S104.

[0094] The second therapeutic wave generator 29d calculates a second comparison value M2 based on the first stimulation signal and the first comparison value M1 acquired in S104 (S105). For example, the second comparison value M2 may be the sum of the value S1 of the first stimulation signal and the first comparison value M1. Note that if the first comparison value M1 is 0, the value S1 of the first stimulation signal may be used as the second comparison value M2.

[0095] The second therapeutic wave generator 29d determines whether the counter value matches the second comparison value M2 (S106). If the counter value matches the second comparison value M2, the second therapeutic wave generator 29d inverts the value of the output voltage of the controller 29, which is the second therapeutic wave F2 (S107). That is, if the value recorded in the register as the second therapeutic wave F2 is High, the second therapeutic wave generator 29d changes the value of this register to Low, and if the value recorded in the register as the second therapeutic wave F2 is Low, the second therapeutic wave generator 29d changes the value of this register to High. On the other hand, if the counter value does not match the second comparison value M2, the second therapeutic wave generator 29d maintains the current value recorded in the register as the second therapeutic wave F2.

[0096] The third therapeutic wave generating unit 29e acquires the second stimulation signal (i.e., a digital signal indicating the value S2) from the storage unit 28 (S108). As described above, the stimulation data stored in the storage unit 28 is, for example, data in which numerical values ​​(S2) indicating the strength (or weakness) of stimulation are arranged in chronological order. Each time the processing of the control unit 29 reaches S108, the third therapeutic wave generating unit 29e acquires the value S2 next to the value read in the previous S108 as the second stimulation signal.

[0097] The third therapeutic wave generator 29e calculates a third comparison value M3 based on the second stimulation signal acquired in S108 and the first comparison value M1 (S109). For example, the third comparison value M3 may be the sum of the value S2 of the second stimulation signal and the first comparison value M1. Note that if the first comparison value M1 is 0 or the counter upper limit Cmax, the value S2 of the second stimulation signal may be used as the third comparison value M3.

[0098] The third therapeutic wave generator 29e determines whether the counter value matches the third comparison value M3 (S110). If the counter value matches the third comparison value M3, the third therapeutic wave generator 29e inverts the value of the output voltage of the controller 29, which is the third therapeutic wave F3 (S111). That is, if the value recorded in the register as the second therapeutic wave F3 is High, the value of this register is changed to Low, and if the value recorded in the register as the third therapeutic wave F3 is Low, the value of this register is changed to High. On the other hand, if the counter value does not match the third comparison value M3, the third therapeutic wave generator 29e maintains the current value recorded in the register as the third therapeutic wave F3.

[0099] The control unit 29 determines whether the termination condition is satisfied (S112). If the termination condition is not satisfied, the control unit 29 returns to S102 and executes the subsequent process again. If the termination condition is satisfied, the control unit 29 terminates the process. Here, the termination condition is, for example, whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of output of the therapeutic waves F1, F2, and F3, or whether a termination command has been input by the user via an input device (switch or touch sensor).

[0100] As described above, the electrical stimulation devices 100 and 200 include a first positive electrode conductor 11p, a first negative electrode conductor 11n, a second positive electrode conductor 12p, a second negative electrode conductor 12n, a first therapeutic wave generator 21 / 29c that generates a first therapeutic wave F1 representing changes in voltage applied to the first positive electrode conductor 11p and the first negative electrode conductor 11n, and a second therapeutic wave generator 22 / 29d that generates a second therapeutic wave F2 representing changes in voltage applied to the second positive electrode conductor 12p and the second negative electrode conductor 12n. The second therapeutic wave generator 22 / 29d receives a first stimulation signal, which is a signal related to the stimulation to be applied to the user, and controls the phase of the second therapeutic wave F2 so that a phase difference corresponding to the first stimulation signal is generated between the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2. This electrical stimulation device 100 / 200 facilitates increased flexibility in stimulation patterns.

[0101] The present disclosure is not limited to the electrical stimulation devices 100 and 200 described above, and various modifications may be made.

[0102] For example, in the electrical stimulation devices 100 and 200, the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 have the same frequency. However, the first therapeutic wave F1 and the second therapeutic wave F2 may have different frequencies. For example, the second therapeutic wave F2 may be different from the first therapeutic wave F1 in both frequency and phase. Similarly, the first therapeutic wave F1 and the third therapeutic wave F3 may have different frequencies. For example, the third therapeutic wave F3 may be different from the first therapeutic wave F1 in both frequency and phase.

[0103] In the electrical stimulation devices 100 and 200, the second therapeutic wave F2 and the third therapeutic wave F3 are generated using the first therapeutic wave F1 as a reference wave. Alternatively, the first therapeutic wave F1, the second therapeutic wave F2, and the third therapeutic wave F3 may each be generated from a reference wave. The phase difference between the reference wave and the first therapeutic wave F1, the phase difference between the reference wave and the second therapeutic wave F2, and the phase difference between the reference wave and the third therapeutic wave F3 may each be varied according to the stimulation signal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10A: first attachment part, 10B: second attachment part, 10a: support, 11n: first negative electrode conductor, 11p: first positive electrode conductor, 12n: second negative electrode conductor, 12p: second positive electrode conductor, 13n: third negative electrode conductor, 13p: third positive electrode conductor, 20: therapeutic wave generating circuit, 21: first therapeutic wave generating unit, 22: second therapeutic wave generating unit, 22a: level limiting unit, 22b: comparator, 22c: sawtooth wave generating unit , 22d: Square wave generating unit, 23: Third treatment wave generating unit, 23a: Level limiting unit, 23b: Comparator, 23c: Sawtooth wave generating unit, 23d: Square wave generating unit, 24: First stimulation signal generating unit, 25: Second stimulation signal generating unit, 26: Sawtooth wave generating unit, 28: Memory unit, 29: Control unit, 29c: First treatment wave generating unit, 29d: Second treatment wave generating unit, 29e: Third treatment wave generating unit, 29f: Counter unit, 31: Music signal generating unit, 32: Half-wave rectifier unit, 33: Amplitude adjusting unit, 34: Switch, 35: Switch, 41, 42, 43: Output amplifier, 100: Electrical stimulation device, 120: Treatment wave generating circuit, 200: Electrical stimulation device.

Claims

1. a first positive electrode conductor and a first negative electrode conductor; a second positive electrode conductor and a second negative electrode conductor; a first therapeutic wave generating unit that generates a first therapeutic wave representing a change in voltage applied to the first positive electrode conductor and the first negative electrode conductor; a second therapeutic wave generating unit that generates a second therapeutic wave representing a change in voltage applied to the second positive electrode conductor and the second negative electrode conductor; and The second therapeutic wave generating unit acquires a first stimulation signal indicating a value that changes continuously over time in response to a change in the stimulation to be applied to the user, and controls the phase of the second therapeutic wave so that the phase difference between the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave changes in accordance with the value indicated by the first stimulation signal. Electrical stimulation device.

2. The first treatment wave is a sine wave or a square wave, The second therapeutic wave generating unit changes the phase difference between the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave once per cycle of the first therapeutic wave.

2. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1.

3. The second therapeutic wave generating unit continuously changes the phase difference between the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave in a range from 0 degrees to 180 degrees while the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave are being output.

2. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1.

4. The second therapeutic wave generating unit includes a comparator that compares a sawtooth wave having the same period as the first therapeutic wave with the value indicated by the first stimulation signal, and generates the second therapeutic wave using the output of the comparator.

2. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1.

5. The present invention further includes a counter unit that repeatedly performs counting to increase or decrease the count value from a first value to a second value according to the elapsed time, the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave are square waves; The first therapeutic wave generator switches the first therapeutic wave between High and Low when the count value reaches a first comparison value; The second therapeutic wave generating unit switches the second therapeutic wave between High and Low when the count value reaches a second comparison value calculated based on the first comparison value and the value of the first stimulation signal.

2. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1.

6. The first therapeutic wave generating unit and the second therapeutic wave generating unit generate the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave, respectively, based on a common reference wave.

2. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1.

7. a third positive electrode conductor and a third negative electrode conductor; a third therapeutic wave generating unit that generates a third therapeutic wave representing a change in voltage applied between the third positive electrode conductor and the third negative electrode conductor; and The third therapeutic wave generating unit controls the phase of the third therapeutic wave so that a phase difference occurs between the first therapeutic wave and the third therapeutic wave.

2. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1.

8. The third therapeutic wave generating unit acquires a second stimulation signal different from the first stimulation signal, which indicates a value that changes continuously over time in response to a change in the stimulation to be applied to the user, and controls the third therapeutic wave so that a phase difference between the first therapeutic wave and the third therapeutic wave changes in accordance with the value indicated by the second stimulation signal.

8. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 7.

9. The second therapeutic wave generating unit detects an envelope of the music signal and obtains the amplitude of the envelope signal as the first stimulation signal.

2. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1.

10. The device has a first attachment part that includes the first positive electrode conductor and the second positive electrode conductor and is attached to the surface of the user's body, and a second attachment part that includes the first negative electrode conductor and the second negative electrode conductor and is attached to the surface of the user's body.

2. The electrical stimulation device according to claim 1.

11. generating a first treatment wave representing a change in voltage applied to a first positive electrode conductor and a first negative electrode conductor; generating a second treatment wave representing a change in voltage applied to the second positive electrode conductor and the second negative electrode conductor; Including, In the step of generating the second therapeutic wave, a first stimulation signal indicating a value that continuously changes over time in response to a change in the stimulation to be applied to the user is acquired, and the phase of the second therapeutic wave is controlled so that the phase difference between the first therapeutic wave and the second therapeutic wave changes in accordance with the value indicated by the first stimulation signal. How electrical stimulation is generated.

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