Stimulation application device

Abstract

The present invention is a stimulation application device obtained by combining a first device having an electric stimulation unit for applying electric stimulation to a user, and a second device having a pressing stimulation unit for applying mechanical or pneumatic stimulation to the user, said stimulation application device characterized in that the first device has a first control part, the first control part is configured to execute a first treatment program for controlling driving of the first device, the second device has a second control part, the second control part is configured to execute a second treatment program for controlling driving of the second device, and the first device and the second device can be used independently from each other.

Description

Stimulation device

[0001] The present invention relates to a stimulation device.

[0002] Conventionally, a massage machine has been proposed that can apply mechanical stimulation or electrical stimulation instead of mechanical stimulation to a user (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 3695066

[0004] In the massage machine described in Patent Document 1, by replacing the treatment means for applying mechanical stimulation (kneading ball type, air type, vibration type) with the treatment means for applying electrical stimulation (such as low-frequency current), an electrical stimulation can be applied to the user. However, there is a problem that the treatment means for applying electrical stimulation cannot be used independently of the massage machine. Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a stimulation device capable of separately and independently using electrical stimulation by a first device and pressing stimulation by a second device.

[0005] The present invention is a stimulation device comprising a combination of a first device having an electrical stimulation unit for applying electrical stimulation to a user and a second device having a pressing stimulation unit for applying mechanical or air-based stimulation to the user. The first device has a first control unit, and the first control unit is configured to execute a first treatment program for controlling the drive of the first device. The second device has a second control unit, and the second control unit is configured to execute a second treatment program for controlling the drive of the second device. The first device and the second device are each independently usable. By adopting such a configuration, the first treatment program by the first device and the second treatment program by the second device can be used separately.

[0006] Furthermore, the stimulation device has an identification unit and a main control unit, wherein the identification unit identifies the connection state between the first device and the second device, and the main control unit is configured to execute a third treatment program that controls the driving of the first device and the driving of the second device together, and it is preferable that the main control unit is configured to execute the third treatment program when the identification unit identifies that the first device and the second device are connected. With such a configuration, the stimulation device can execute the third treatment program.

[0007] Furthermore, it is preferable that the main control unit is the first control unit, and that the first control unit is configured to execute the third treatment program. With this configuration, there is no need to provide a separate control unit for driving the stimulation device.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the main control unit is the second control unit, and that the second control unit is configured to execute the third treatment program. With this configuration, there is no need to provide a separate control unit for driving the stimulation device.

[0009] Furthermore, the first device preferably includes one of the following: a low-frequency therapy device, a high-frequency therapy device, a very short-wave therapy device, or an EMS device. With this configuration, electrical stimulation can be applied to the user.

[0010] Furthermore, the second device is preferably a massage machine. With this configuration, the user can be subjected to mechanical or pneumatic pressure stimulation from the massage machine.

[0011] Furthermore, the third treatment program is configured to synchronize the driving of the electrical stimulation unit and the driving of the pressure stimulation unit, and it is preferable to drive the pressure stimulation unit after the electrical stimulation unit is driven. With this configuration, it is possible to relax the muscles with electrical stimulation and then promote blood circulation with pressure stimulation.

[0012] Furthermore, the third treatment program is configured to synchronize the driving of the electrical stimulation unit and the driving of the pressure stimulation unit, and it is preferable to drive the pressure stimulation unit before driving the electrical stimulation unit. With this configuration, it is possible to promote blood circulation with pressure stimulation and then relax the muscles with electrical stimulation.

[0013] Furthermore, the third treatment program is configured to synchronize the operation of the electrical stimulation unit and the pressure stimulation unit, and it is preferable to alternate between operating the electrical stimulation unit and the pressure stimulation unit. This configuration prevents the user from becoming accustomed to the stimulation.

[0014] Furthermore, the third treatment program is configured to synchronize the driving of the electrical stimulation unit and the driving of the pressure stimulation unit, and it is preferable to execute the driving of the electrical stimulation unit and the driving of the pressure stimulation unit simultaneously. With this configuration, electrical stimulation and pressure stimulation can be applied to the user at the same time, enabling more effective treatment.

[0015] Furthermore, the stimulation device has a strength adjustment function, and this strength adjustment function adjusts the strength of at least one of the electrical stimulation from the electrical stimulation unit or the mechanical or pneumatic stimulation from the pressure stimulation unit. Preferably, at least one of the first treatment program, the second treatment program, and the third treatment program is configured to start with a low strength. This configuration prevents the user from being surprised or injured by suddenly applying strong electrical or pressure stimulation.

[0016] According to the present invention, electrical stimulation from the first device and pressure stimulation from the second device can be used separately and independently.

[0017] This is a diagram showing a stimulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a block diagram of a stimulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram showing the screen of the operation unit of the first device or the second device according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a screen showing the state before the first device and the second device are connected, (b) is a screen showing the connection process between the first device and the second device, (c) is a screen showing the state after the connection is completed, and (d) is a screen showing the state in which the first device and the second device are connected. This is a diagram showing the pairing process of the first device and the second device according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram showing a screen for setting the intensity adjustment in the operation unit of the first device or the second device according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is the intensity adjustment screen for the first device or the second device alone, and (b) is the intensity adjustment screen for the stimulation device. This is a flowchart for connecting the first device and the second device according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a flowchart showing the contents of the third treatment program according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] [Overall Configuration of the Stimulation Device] The overall configuration of the stimulation device C according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the stimulation device C according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the stimulation device C according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the configurations of the first device and the second device constituting the stimulation device C are examples only and are not limited to these.

[0019] For example, a stimulation device C may be constructed by combining a device with the same purpose of providing electrical stimulation (such as a shortwave therapy device or a low-frequency therapy device) as the first device A, and a device with the same purpose of providing pressure stimulation (such as a boot-type air massager) as the second device B. Alternatively, a third device that provides stimulation different from electrical or pressure stimulation (for example, magnetic stimulation from a magnetic therapy device) may be combined with the first device A and / or the second device B to construct a stimulation device C. Furthermore, a stimulation device C may be constructed by combining devices with the same purpose of providing electrical stimulation (such as an EMS and a low-frequency therapy device) as the first device A and the second device B, respectively. The first and second devices can be used separately and independently. The configuration can be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0020] [Configuration of the Stimulation Device] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the stimulation device C according to one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a first device A having an electrical stimulation unit 11 for providing electrical stimulation to the user, and a second device B having a pressure stimulation unit 12 for providing pressure stimulation (mechanical or pneumatic stimulation) to the user. The stimulation device C has an identification unit 10 for identifying the connection status between the first device A and the second device B. It also includes a strength adjustment function 9 for adjusting the strength of the electrical stimulation from the electrical stimulation unit or the pressure stimulation (mechanical or pneumatic stimulation) from the pressure stimulation unit. The identification unit 10 and the strength adjustment function 9 will be described later.

[0021] The stimulation device C has a main control unit 7. The main control unit 7 is either a first control unit 7a or a second control unit 7b. In short, the first control unit 7a or the second control unit 7b also serves as the main control unit 7 in the stimulation device C. By doing so, it is not necessary to provide a separate control unit for driving the stimulation device C as part of the configuration of the stimulation device C, and the cost of the stimulation device C can be reduced. The main control unit 7 is configured to execute a third treatment program P3 that controls the driving of the first device A and the driving of the second device B in a unified manner. The third treatment program P3 is a treatment program P that can be executed when the identification unit 10 identifies that the first device A and the second device B are connected.

[0022] The identification unit 10 is for identifying the connection status between the first device A and the second device B. In this embodiment, the stimulation device C is configured to have the identification unit 10, but this is just one example and is not limited to this configuration. The identification unit 10 may be provided in either the first device A or the second device B, and the identification unit 10 may be configured to function as the identification unit 10 of the stimulation device C (the identification units 10 provided in the first device A and the second device may be used interchangeably as the identification unit 10 of the stimulation device C).

[0023] Figure 4 shows the pairing process between a first device A and a second device B according to one embodiment of the present invention. Any method may be used for pairing (connecting) the first device A and the second device B. It may be a wired connection or a wireless connection. As an example, the case in which the second device B is connected to the first device A using Bluetooth® will be described. It is assumed that the power to both the first device A and the second device B is turned on when pairing the first device A and the second device B.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, when the pairing button 18 (see Figure 3) displayed on the screen 16 of the operation unit 15 of the first device A is pressed, the first device A sends a "pairing request" to the second device B. When the second device B receives the "pairing request," it processes whether to allow pairing or not. At this time, a screen that confirms the connection status (showing the connection process), as shown in Figure 3(b), is displayed on the screen 16 of the operation unit 15.

[0025] If pairing is not permitted, the first device A will display text such as "Pairing failed." on the screen 16 of the control unit 15 to notify the user that pairing was not permitted. If pairing is permitted, the second device B will send "Pairing permitted" to the first device A. Upon receiving "Pairing permitted," the first device A will perform pairing. Once pairing is complete, text such as "Connection complete" will be displayed on the screen 16 of the control unit 15 of the first device A to notify the user that pairing is complete and that the device is ready to function as a stimulation device C (i.e., ready to execute the third treatment program P3).

[0026] Once pairing is complete and the stimulation device C is ready to function, the first control unit 7a of the first device A can function as the main control unit 7. In other words, in addition to the first treatment program P1 in the first device A, the third treatment program P3 in the stimulation device C can be executed. Furthermore, although this embodiment has been described using the example of sending a "pairing request" from the first device A to the second device B, it is also possible to configure the system so that the "pairing request" is sent from the second device B to the first device A. In that case, it is preferable to enable the second control unit 7b of the second device B to function as the main control unit 7. By doing so, in addition to the second treatment program P2 in the second device B, the third treatment program P3 in the stimulation device C can be executed.

[0027] If the first device A and the second device B are identified as not being connected (pairing is not permitted), they cannot function as stimulation device C. The first device A and the second device B are treated as separate devices (not combined as stimulation device C, but as individual devices), and the first control unit 7a or the second control unit 7b cannot function as the main control unit 7. In other words, the first control unit 7a can only control the drive of the first device A, and the second control unit 7b can only control the drive of the second device B, and they can only be driven as separate devices.

[0028] The identification unit 10 can be configured in any way that allows it to identify whether the first device A and the second device B are connected. For example, it may use communication such as Wi-Fi for identification, or an infrared sensor for identification. Furthermore, when the stimulation device C is configured by physically attaching the second device B to the first device A or the first device A to the second device B, the identification unit 10 may be configured with a contact sensor or pressure sensor that detects contact between the first device A and the second device B.

[0029] Figure 5 shows a screen 16 for setting the intensity adjustment in the operation unit 15 of the first device A or the second device B according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is the intensity adjustment screen in the first device A or the second device B alone, and (b) is the intensity adjustment screen in the stimulation device C. The intensity adjustment function 9 of the stimulation device C will now be described. The intensity adjustment function 9 is a function that adjusts the intensity of either the electrical stimulation by the electrical stimulation unit 11 or the pressure stimulation by the pressure stimulation unit 12 (mechanical or pneumatic stimulation) in the first treatment program P1 to the third treatment program P3. In short, it is a function that allows the intensity of the electrical stimulation or pressure stimulation to be set to the user's preferred strength.

[0030] More specifically, the intensity of electrical or pressure stimulation can be adjusted by manipulating the right-angled triangle-shaped parameter displayed in the center of the screen 16 of the control unit 15. In this embodiment, the right-angled triangle-shaped parameter allows for adjustment in seven steps at once, but the intensity adjustment screen is just an example and is not limited to this. The parameter may be circular instead of a right-angled triangle, or it may be displayed using only numbers without using any shapes.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5(a), a right-angled triangular parameter is displayed on the screen 16 of the operation unit 15 of the first device A or the second device B. The parameters can be adjusted so that they become weaker as you move to the left of the screen 16 and stronger as you move to the right. By operating the touch panel screen 16, the user can adjust the strength of the electrical stimulation from the first device A if the touch panel is the operation unit 15a of the first device A, or adjust the strength of the pressure stimulation from the second device B if the touch panel is the operation unit 15b of the second device B. After adjusting to the desired strength, pressing the confirmation button 20 displayed in the lower right corner of the screen will reflect the change in the strength of the stimulation (electrical stimulation, pressure stimulation) from the first device A or the second device B. Pressing the back button 21 will switch the display back to the screen before the strength adjustment was made.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(b), the intensity of the first device A and the second device B may be adjusted separately. A right-angled triangular parameter is displayed on the screen 16 of the operation unit 15 of the first device A or the second device B. The parameters can be adjusted so that they become weaker as you move to the left of the screen 16 and stronger as you move to the right. The user can adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation from the first device A and the pressure stimulation from the second device B separately by operating the touch panel screen 16 (for example, setting the electrical stimulation intensity to 2 and the pressure stimulation intensity to 7). After adjusting to the desired intensity, pressing the confirmation button 20 displayed in the lower right corner of the screen will reflect the change in the intensity of the stimulation (electrical stimulation, pressure stimulation) of the first device A or the second device B. Pressing the back button 21 will switch the display back to the screen before the intensity adjustment was made.

[0033] A toggle button 22 is displayed in the lower left corner of the screen. By pressing the toggle button 22, the user can switch between the devices whose intensity adjustments are being made (first device A and second device B). The user can adjust the intensity of electrical stimulation for first device A and the intensity of pressure stimulation for second device B by operating the touch panel screen 16. In this embodiment, the screen for adjusting (selecting) the intensity of first device A is displayed as the target for intensity adjustment.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the system is configured to be adjustable in seven stages using a right-angled triangular parameter, but this is just one example and is not limited to this configuration. For example, it may be configured to be adjustable in three stages: strong, medium, and weak, or it may be configured to allow the strength of the electrical stimulation or the pressure stimulation to be set to 0 (not driven). In this way, in the third treatment program P3, the strength of the electrical stimulation unit 11 and the strength of the pressure stimulation unit 12 can be adjusted separately.

[0035] [Configuration of the First Device] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first device A is composed of an EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) device that provides electrical stimulation to the user. In this embodiment, the case in which an EMS device is used as the configuration of the first device A is described as an example, but this is just one example and is not limited to this. For example, any device that can provide electrical stimulation to the user may be used, such as a low-frequency therapy device, a high-frequency therapy device, or a very short-wave therapy device. Furthermore, the first device A does not have to provide electrical stimulation. For example, it may be a thermotherapy device or moxibustion device that can provide thermal stimulation, or a magnetic therapy device that can provide magnetic stimulation. It is sufficient if the first device A and the second device B are configured to provide different types of stimulation.

[0036] The EMS includes a first control unit 7a, a communication unit 8a for communicating with the second device B, and an operation unit 15a for performing various operations on the EMS. The first control unit 7a stores a first treatment program P1 for driving the EMS, and a third treatment program P3 that can be executed by the stimulation device C when the EMS is combined with the second device B to form a stimulation device C. When the EMS is combined with the second device B to form a stimulation device C, the first control unit 7a functions as the main control unit 7. In other words, since the first control unit 7a can be used as the main control unit 7, the third treatment program P3 can be executed by the stimulation device C consisting of the EMS and the second device B.

[0037] The EMS consists of a main unit 11a with a first control unit 7a built in, and electrodes 11b for applying electrical stimulation to the user. The first control unit 7a consists of a microcomputer or the like for controlling the electrical stimulation unit 11. The main unit 11a is provided with an operating unit 15a for the user to operate. An identification unit 10 may also be provided in the first device A. By providing an identification unit 10 in the first device A, the identification unit 10 can also be used as the identification unit 10 of the stimulation application device C. The user can apply (receive) electrical stimulation by operating the operating unit 15a. The operating unit 15a may consist of physical buttons or a touch panel. In this embodiment, the case where the operating unit 15a (operating unit 15) is a touch panel will be described as an example. Details will be described later.

[0038] [Configuration of the Second Device] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second device B consists of a massage machine 1 that provides pressure stimulation to the user. In this embodiment, the case in which the massage machine 1 is used as the configuration of the second device B is described as an example, but this is just one example and is not limited to this. For example, any device that can provide pressure stimulation to the user may be used, such as a massage seat or a handheld mini-massager. It is sufficient that the first device A and the second device B are configured to provide different types of stimulation.

[0039] The massage machine 1 includes a second control unit 7b, a communication unit 8b for communicating with the first device A, and an operation unit 15b for performing various operations on the massage machine 1. The second control unit 7b stores a second treatment program P2 for driving the massage machine 1, and a third treatment program P3 that can be executed by the stimulation device C when the massage machine 1 is combined with the first device A to form a stimulation device C. When the massage machine 1 is combined with the first device A to form a stimulation device C, the second control unit 7b functions as the main control unit 7. In other words, since the second control unit 7b can be used as the main control unit 7, the third treatment program P3 can be executed by the stimulation device C consisting of the massage machine 1 and the first device A.

[0040] The massage machine 1 consists of a seat 3 on which the user sits, a backrest 4 provided at the rear of the seat 3 for the user to lean against, a footrest 5 provided at the front of the seat 3, and armrests 2 attached to the sides of the seat 3. Pressure stimulation units 12 (massage mechanism 10, buttock massage unit 3a, foot massage unit 5a) that provide massage to the user are provided at various locations on the massage machine 1. Below the seat 3 is a second control unit 7b consisting of a microcomputer or the like. The second control unit 7b stores a second treatment program P2 for driving the massage machine 1, and a third treatment program P3 that can be executed by the stimulation device C when the massage machine 1 is combined with the first device A to form a stimulation device C. An identification unit 10 may also be provided on the second device B. By providing an identification unit 10 on the second device B, the identification unit 10 can also be used as the identification unit 10 of the stimulation device C.

[0041] The second control unit 7b functions as the main control unit 7 when the massage machine 1 is combined with the first device A to form a stimulation device C. In other words, since the second control unit 7b can be used as the main control unit 7, the third treatment program P3 can be executed by the stimulation device C consisting of the massage machine 1 and the first device A. The second control unit 7b is connected to an operation unit 15b operated by the user, and the user can apply (receive) pressure stimulation by operating the operation unit 15b. The operation unit 15b may consist of physical buttons or a touch panel. In this embodiment, the case in which the operation unit 15b (operation unit 15) is configured as a touch panel will be described as an example. Details will be described later.

[0042] [Seat Structure] As shown in Figure 1, the seat 3 is composed of a rectangular member that is elongated horizontally in the left-right direction. The seat 3 is attached to a frame (not shown) which is the base of the massage machine 1. On the upper surface of the seat 3, there is a pair of buttock massage sections 3a (pressure stimulation sections 12) on the left and right sides for massaging the buttocks of the user who is seated on the seat 3. The buttock massage sections 3a are composed of air cells that expand and contract by the supply and exhaust of air.

[0043] [Structure of the backrest] As shown in Figure 1, the backrest 4 is made up of a rectangular member that is long in the direction of the user's height. A guide rail 16 is provided inside the backrest 4, and a massage mechanism 10 (pressure stimulation part 12) is provided via the guide rail 16. The massage mechanism 10 moves up and down along the guide rail 16, so that it can massage the back of the user's torso (for example, the shoulders and waist) when the user is seated on the seat 3.

[0044] [Configuration of Footrest Portion] As shown in FIG. 1, the footrest portion 5 is provided with recesses 5b into which the user's legs can be inserted, arranged symmetrically left and right. On the inner walls of both the left and right sides of the recess 5b, foot massage portions 5a (pressure stimulation portions 12) for massaging the user's legs are provided respectively. The foot massage portion 5a is composed of an air cell that expands and contracts by supply and exhaust of air. It is preferable that each foot massage portion 5a is configured to be able to expand and contract independently. Also, a sole massage portion (not shown) for massaging the user's sole may be provided on the bottom surface of the recess 5b.

[0045] [Configuration of Armrest Portion] As shown in FIG. 1, the armrest portions 2 are attached in pairs to the left and right sides of the seat portion 3. A U-shaped arm massage portion (not shown) for massaging the user's arms may be provided on the upper surface of the armrest portion 2. When a U-shaped arm massage portion is provided, it is preferable that the left and right arm massage portions (not shown) are configured to be able to drive independently.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the screen of the operation portion 15 of the first device A or the second device B according to an embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a screen 16 showing the state before the first device A and the second device B are connected, (b) is a screen showing the connection process between the first device A and the second device B, (c) is a screen 16 showing the state where the connection is completed, and (d) is a screen 16 showing the state where the first device A and the second device B are in a connected state. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the pairing process of the first device and the second device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a screen 16 for setting strength adjustment in the operation portion 15 of the first device A or the second device B according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] [Configuration of the operation unit] As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 15 is composed of a touch panel. In this embodiment, since the configuration of the operation unit 15a of the first device A is the same as the configuration of the operation unit 15b of the second device B, the operation unit 15a and the operation unit 15b will be described together as the operation unit 15 (more specifically, the screen of the operation unit 15). When the first device A and the second device B are in a state before being connected (when the first device A and the second device B are not combined), the first device A and the second device B can be used separately and independently (without exerting the function as the stimulation device C).

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3(a), a plurality of course buttons 17 are displayed on the screen 16 of the operation unit 15. The course buttons 17 are the treatment programs P. The treatment program P is the first treatment program P1 (AA course, BB course) in the first device A and the second treatment program P2 (AA course, BB course) in the second device B. That is, in the first device A, the second treatment program P2 cannot be executed, and in the second device B, the first treatment program P1 cannot be executed. The user can select and execute an arbitrary treatment program P (the first treatment program P1 in the case of the first device A and the second treatment program P2 in the case of the second device B) from the plurality of displayed treatment programs P by selecting the course button 17 displayed on the screen 16 of the operation unit 15.

[0049] A pairing button 18 for connecting the first device A and the second device B is displayed at the lower right of the screen 16. When the user presses the pairing button 18 displayed on the screen 16, the screen 16 switches, and the connection between the first device A and the second device B is started (switching from the screen in FIG. 3(a) to the screen in FIG. 3(b)). Since the pairing process is as described, the description is omitted.

[0050] Once the connection between the first device A and the second device B is complete, the message "Connection complete. The third treatment program can now be executed." is displayed on screen 16. This message allows the user to recognize that the connection between the first device A and the second device B is complete and that the combined device A and the second device B can be used as a stimulation device C. Note that the method of recognizing this to the user is just one example and is not limited to this. For example, a speaker (not shown) may be provided, and the system may be configured to recognize the user by outputting sound from the speaker.

[0051] When the device can be used as a stimulation device C, as shown in Figure 3(d), additional course buttons 17 for the third treatment programs P3 (CC course, DD course) that can be used with the stimulation device C are displayed on the screen 16. The user can select and execute any of the third treatment programs P3 from the course buttons 17 (multiple displayed treatment programs P) displayed on the screen 16 of the operation unit 15.

[0052] In this case, if the first control unit 7a of the first device A is functioning as the main control unit 7, it may be configured so that not only the third treatment program P3 but also the first treatment program P1 stored in the first device A can be selected and executed. Also, if the second control unit 7b of the second device B is functioning as the main control unit 7, it may be configured so that not only the third treatment program P3 but also the second treatment program P2 stored in the second device B can be selected and executed. Furthermore, since it is in a state where it can be used as a stimulation device C, it may be configured so that all treatment programs P (first treatment program P1 to third treatment program P3) can be selected and executed. In other words, the operation unit 15 of the first device A can drive the second device B, and the operation unit 15 of the second device B can drive the first device A.

[0053] A release button 19 is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen 16 that constitutes the control panel 15 of the stimulation device C. The release button 19 is used to disconnect the connection between the first device A and the second device B. By pressing the release button 19, the connection between the first device A and the second device B can be disconnected. When the release button 19 is pressed and the connection between the first device A and the second device B is disconnected, the screen 16 changes, and the message "Connection disconnected" is displayed on the screen 16. Then, the screen switches from the screen in Figure 3(d) to the screen in Figure 3(a), and the first device A and the second device B can be used separately and independently. Note that once the connection is disconnected, the third treatment program P3 that was previously displayed will no longer be displayed on the screen 16, and it will no longer be possible to select the third treatment program P3.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, a right-angled triangle-shaped parameter is displayed in the center of the intensity adjustment screen 16, allowing for seven levels of intensity adjustment. The leftmost position is the weakest, the fourth from the left is the medium, and the rightmost position is the strongest; in other words, the intensity gradually increases from left to right. When the right-angled triangle-shaped parameter displayed on screen 16 is pressed, the color of the pressed area changes (in this embodiment, it is shown with diagonal lines). By configuring the pressed area to change color, the user can visually perceive the intensity (strength) of the electrical stimulation from the driven electrical stimulation unit 11 or the pressure stimulation from the pressure stimulation unit 12. The user selects the intensity (strength) of the electrical stimulation and presses the confirmation button 20 displayed in the lower right corner of screen 16 to apply the set intensity.

[0055] When the intensity adjustment function 9 is active, pressing the back button 21 displayed in the lower right corner of screen 16 will end the intensity adjustment function 9. Since the intensity is not reflected unless the confirm button 20 is pressed, pressing the back button 21 without pressing the confirm button 20 will revert the intensity to the state before the intensity adjustment was set. It is preferable that at least one of the first treatment program P1, the second treatment program P2, and the third treatment program P3 is configured so that the intensity of electrical stimulation and / or pressure stimulation is executed starting from the weakest level. This prevents the user from being surprised or injured by suddenly applying strong electrical or pressure stimulation.

[0056] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the connection between a first device A and a second device B according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 6, the first device A is shown as an example of functioning as the main control unit 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of a third treatment program P3 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The third treatment program P3 is configured to link the driving of the electrical stimulation unit 11 and the driving of the pressure stimulation unit 12. More specifically, the pressure stimulation unit 12 can be driven after the driving of the electrical stimulation unit 11, or before the driving of the electrical stimulation unit 11, or the driving of the electrical stimulation unit 11 and the pressure stimulation unit 12 can be performed alternately, or the driving of the electrical stimulation unit 11 and the driving of the pressure stimulation unit 12 can be performed simultaneously.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, the user turns on the power of the first device A (S-1). After turning on the power and pressing the pairing button 18, pairing with the second device B begins (S-2). The pairing process is as described above, so the explanation is omitted. At this time, if the power of the second device B is OFF or if there is no connection to the second device B, the identification unit 10 identifies it as an unconnected state (transitions to NO), and the first device A cannot be used as the stimulation device C. In other words, the first device A cannot execute the third treatment program P3 and is instead set to execute the first treatment program P1 (S-4).

[0058] Similarly, the second device B may be configured to function as the main control unit 7. The case where the second device B is used as the main control unit 7 will be explained. The user turns on the power of the second device B (S-1). When the power is turned on and the pairing button 18 is pressed, pairing with the first device A begins (S-2). The pairing process is as described above, so the explanation will be omitted. At this time, if the power of the first device A is OFF or if there is no connection to the first device A, the identification unit 10 identifies it as an unconnected state (transitions to NO), and the second device B cannot be used as the stimulation device C. In other words, the second device B cannot execute the third treatment program P3 and is instead set to execute the second treatment program P2 (S-4).

[0059] On the other hand, with the power of the first device A turned ON and the power of the second device B turned ON, when the pairing button 18 of the first device A is pressed to complete the connection between the first device A and the second device B, the identification unit 10 identifies the connection status (transition to YES), and the device can be used as a stimulation device C. In other words, in addition to the first treatment program P1, the third treatment program P3 can be executed (S-3).

[0060] Furthermore, with the power of the first device A turned ON and the power of the second device B turned ON, when the pairing button 18 of the second device B is pressed to complete the connection between the first device A and the second device B, the identification unit 10 identifies the connection status (transition to YES), and it becomes possible to use it as a stimulation device C. In other words, in addition to the second treatment program P2, the third treatment program P3 can be executed (S-3).

[0061] As shown in Figure 7, the third treatment program P3 is configured to synchronize the operation of the electrical stimulation unit 11 and the pressure stimulation unit 12. Note that the operation of the third treatment program P3 is an example and is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the operation of the electrical stimulation unit 11 and the pressure stimulation unit 12 are synchronized, and the order of operation and the timing of operation are not specified.

[0062] Once the connection between the first device A and the second device B is complete and the device is ready to be used as a stimulation device C, the third treatment program P3 becomes selectable. When the user selects and executes the third treatment program P3 (S-10), pressure stimulation is first performed by the pressure stimulation unit 12 (S-11). After the pressure stimulation is complete, electrical stimulation is performed by the electrical stimulation unit 11 (S-12). By activating the pressure stimulation unit 12 before activating the electrical stimulation unit 11, it is possible to promote blood circulation with pressure stimulation and then relax the muscles with electrical stimulation.

[0063] Next, after the pressure stimulation unit 12 delivers pressure stimulation (S-13), the pressure stimulation unit 12 and the electrical stimulation unit 11 deliver electrical stimulation simultaneously (S-14). By simultaneously delivering pressure stimulation and electrical stimulation to the user, a synergistic stimulation from both is provided. After that, the electrical stimulation unit 11 is stopped, and pressure stimulation from the pressure stimulation unit 12 is delivered to calm the user (S-15).

[0064] Then, electrical stimulation is performed again by the electrical stimulation unit 11 (S-16). Once the electrical stimulation by the electrical stimulation unit 11 is finished, pressure stimulation is performed by the pressure stimulation unit 12 (S-17). By driving the pressure stimulation unit 12 after driving the electrical stimulation unit 11 (after applying electrical stimulation), it is possible to promote blood circulation with pressure stimulation after the muscles have been relaxed with electrical stimulation.

[0065] Subsequently, electrical stimulation is performed again by the electrical stimulation unit 11 (S-18), and then pressure stimulation by the pressure stimulation unit 12 and electrical stimulation by the electrical stimulation unit 11 are performed simultaneously (S-19). Finally, pressure stimulation by the pressure stimulation unit 12 is performed (S-20), and the third treatment program P3 is terminated (S-21). By alternately driving the electrical stimulation unit 11 and the pressure stimulation unit 12, it is possible to prevent the user from becoming accustomed to the electrical stimulation and pressure stimulation.

[0066] The present invention can be applied to a stimulation device that allows the use of electrical stimulation from a first device and pressure stimulation from a second device separately and independently.

[0067] Pressure stimulation section 3a, 5a, 10, 12 First control section 7a Second control section 7b Electrical stimulation section 11 First device A Second device B Stimulation application device C First treatment program P1 Second treatment program P2

Claims

1. A stimulation device comprising a first device having an electrical stimulation unit for providing electrical stimulation to a user, and a second device having a pressure stimulation unit for providing mechanical or pneumatic stimulation to a user, wherein the first device has a first control unit, the first control unit is configured to execute a first treatment program that controls the operation of the first device, the second device has a second control unit, the second control unit is configured to execute a second treatment program that controls the operation of the second device, and the first device and the second device can each be used independently.

2. The stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the stimulation device comprises an identification unit and a main control unit, the identification unit identifies the connection state between the first device and the second device, and the main control unit is configured to execute a third treatment program that controls the driving of the first device and the driving of the second device together, and the stimulation device according to claim 1 is configured to execute the third treatment program when the identification unit identifies that the first device and the second device are connected.

3. The stimulation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main control unit is the first control unit, and the first control unit is configured to execute the third treatment program.

4. The stimulation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main control unit is the second control unit, and the second control unit is configured to execute the third treatment program.

5. The stimulation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first device includes any one of a low-frequency therapy device, a high-frequency therapy device, a very short-wave therapy device, or an EMS device.

6. The stimulation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second device is a massage machine.

7. The stimulation device according to claim 2, wherein the third treatment program is configured to link the driving of the electrical stimulation unit and the driving of the pressure stimulation unit, and the pressure stimulation unit is driven after the driving of the electrical stimulation unit.

8. The stimulation device according to claim 2, wherein the third treatment program is configured to link the driving of the electrical stimulation unit and the driving of the pressure stimulation unit, and the pressure stimulation unit is driven before the driving of the electrical stimulation unit.

9. The stimulation device according to claim 2, wherein the third treatment program is configured to link the driving of the electrical stimulation unit and the driving of the pressing stimulation unit, and the driving of the electrical stimulation unit and the driving of the pressing stimulation unit are performed alternately.

10. The stimulation device according to claim 2, wherein the third treatment program is configured to link the driving of the electrical stimulation unit and the driving of the pressing stimulation unit, and the driving of the electrical stimulation unit and the driving of the pressing stimulation unit are executed simultaneously.

11. The stimulation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stimulation device has a strength adjustment function, the strength adjustment function is a function that adjusts the strength of at least one of the electrical stimulation by the electrical stimulation unit or the mechanical or pneumatic stimulation by the pressure stimulation unit, and at least one of the first treatment program, the second treatment program, and the third treatment program is configured to be executed starting from the weakest strength.

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