Bioelectrode

Abstract

A bioelectrode according to the present disclosure comprises an electrode part (10) and a sheet (30) disposed between the skin of a subject and the electrode part (10). The sheet (30) includes a first region (31) formed from an insulating member and a second region (32) in which the content of the insulating member is less than that in the first region. At least a portion of the electrode part (10) faces the second region (32), and the electrode part (10) acquires the biopotential of the subject, and / or applies electrical stimulation to the muscles of the subject, via the portion facing the second region (32).

Description

Biological Electrode

[0001] The present disclosure relates to biological electrodes, and more specifically to a technique for reducing the manufacturing cost of biological electrodes.

[0002] When acquiring a subject's biopotential and applying electrical stimulation to a subject's muscle, it is preferable to use an electrode having a size matching the size of the target muscle. For example, when acquiring a biopotential, the larger the area of electrical contact between the electrode and the subject's skin, the lower the electrical resistance, so measurement sensitivity can be improved. However, if the area of electrical contact between the electrode and the skin is excessively large relative to the target muscle, signals originating from muscles other than the target muscle may be erroneously measured.

[0003] Regarding electrode sizes, Fridlund, A.J. and Cacioppo, J.T. (1986), Guidelines for Human Electromyographic Research. Psychophysiology, 23: 567-589. (Non-Patent Document 1) discloses using circular electrodes with a diameter of 2.5 mm and circular electrodes with a diameter of 5 mm for biopotential acquisition.

[0004] For example, NOK Corporation, "Basic Information on Stretchable FPC", [online], [retrieved March 11, 2025], Internet https: / / lp.nok.co.jp / Stretchable-FPC_basicinfo.html (Non-Patent Document 2) discloses a circuit board obtained by printing a conductive pattern on a stretchable substrate. According to Non-Patent Document 2, by printing a different conductive pattern for each target muscle, an electrode matching the size of the target muscle can be manufactured.

[0005] Fridlund, AJ and Cacioppo, JT (1986), Guidelines for Human Electromyographic Research. Psychophysiology, 23: 567-589. NOK Corporation, "Basic Information on Stretchable FPCs," [online], [Retrieved March 11, 2025], Internet<https: / / lp.nok.co.jp / Stretchable-FPC_basicinfo.html>

[0006] According to Non-Patent Literature 2, by creating a circuit board with different conductive patterns printed on it for each target muscle, it is possible to manufacture a biomedical electrode sized to match the size of the target muscle. Alternatively, a biomedical electrode sized to match the size of the target muscle can also be manufactured by producing custom-made parts that are suitable for the target muscle, rather than using general-purpose electrode parts. However, manufacturing biomedical electrodes using circuit boards with multiple types of conductive patterns, and manufacturing biomedical electrodes using custom-made parts, may increase the manufacturing cost of the biomedical electrode compared to manufacturing them using general-purpose parts.

[0007] This disclosure was made to address these challenges, and its purpose is to reduce the manufacturing costs of biomedical electrodes.

[0008] A bioelectrode in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an electrode portion and a sheet disposed between the skin of a subject and the electrode portion, the sheet comprising a first region made of an insulating material and a second region having a smaller content of the insulating material than the first region, at least a portion of the electrode portion facing the second region, and the electrode portion acquires the biopotential of the subject and / or applies electrical stimulation to the subject's muscles through the portion facing the second region.

[0009] A bioelectrode in another aspect of the present disclosure comprises an electrode portion for acquiring the biopotential of a subject and / or applying electrical stimulation to the subject's muscles, and a sheet made of an insulating material, the sheet having an opening, and the sheet being positioned between the subject's skin and the electrode portion such that the opening faces at least a portion of the electrode portion.

[0010] According to this disclosure, the manufacturing cost of biomedical electrodes can be reduced.

[0011] This is an example showing the configuration of a biomedical measurement system equipped with a biomedical electrode in Embodiment 1. This is a block diagram of the biomedical measurement system in Embodiment 1. This is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the biomedical electrode in Embodiment 1. This is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the biomedical electrode in a comparative example. This is a diagram for explaining the shape of the sheet in the biomedical electrode. This is a diagram showing an example of how the biomedical electrode can be used. This is a diagram showing another example of how the biomedical electrode can be used. This is a block diagram of a biostimulation system equipped with a biomedical electrode in Embodiment 2. This is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the biomedical electrode in Modification 1. This is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the biomedical electrode in Modification 2.

[0012] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0013] [Embodiment 1] <Configuration of the Biomedical Measurement System> Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the configuration of the biomedical measurement system equipped with biomedical electrodes in Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the biomedical measurement system 500 equipped with biomedical electrodes 100 in Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the biomedical measurement system 500. The biomedical measurement system 500 acquires physiological information of a subject P1. The physiological information includes the bioelectric potential of the subject P1 and information about the subject P1's emotions obtained by analyzing the bioelectric potential of the subject P1. The subject P1 is, for example, a human. The subject may be an animal or other organism other than a human. Bioelectric potential is a signal of action potential originating from the body acquired by electrodes placed on the surface of the body. Bioelectric potential includes myoelectric potential, cardiac potential, and skin potential. Cardiac potential includes action potential of muscles, including myocardium.

[0014] The following explanation will describe an example of bioelectric potential, specifically the case where the biomedical measurement system 500 acquires the electromyographic potential of subject P1. The biomedical measurement system 500 includes a biomedical electrode 100, a processing unit 200, and a cable 300. Biomedical electrodes 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 are examples of biomedical electrodes in this disclosure and are collectively referred to as biomedical electrode 100.

[0015] The bioelectrode 100 is placed on the biological surface (skin) of subject P1 and acquires electromyographic potentials from one or more parts of subject P1's body. The type of muscle of the subject is not particularly limited, as long as it is the subject's muscle. Examples of the muscles of the body include the face, chest, abdomen, back, waist, arms, and legs. The facial muscles are, for example, the facial expression muscles, which include, for example, the frontalis muscle, procerus muscle, orbicularis oculi muscle, zygomaticus major muscle, buccinator muscle, risorius muscle, orbicularis oris muscle, platysma muscle, corrugator supercilii muscle, temporalis muscle, masseter muscle, and mentalis muscle. The configuration of the bioelectrode 100 will be described in detail later.

[0016] The biomedical measurement system 500 includes one or more biomedical electrodes 100. If the biomedical measurement system 500 includes multiple biomedical electrodes 100, each of the multiple biomedical electrodes 100 may acquire myoelectric potentials from different locations. The type of muscle can be determined by the location to which the biomedical electrodes 100 are attached. When the type of muscle is determined, it is not necessary to limit it to the muscle's composition or structure. If the biomedical electrodes 100 are attached to different locations, myoelectric potentials from different types of muscles may be acquired. In Figure 1, biomedical electrode 101 acquires myoelectric potentials originating from the corrugator supercilii muscle, and biomedical electrode 102 acquires myoelectric potentials originating from the zygomaticus major muscle.

[0017] The processing unit 200 analyzes the electromyographic signals received from the biomedical electrode 100. The processing unit 200 is comprised of a general-purpose computer such as a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. Referring to Figure 2, the processing unit 200 includes a processor 210, input / output ports 220, memory 230, input device 240, and output device 250.

[0018] The processor 210 is an example of an electrical circuit and controls the operation of the processing unit 200 by executing a given program. The program executed by the processor 210 may be stored in the memory 230 or in a storage device located outside the processing unit 200.

[0019] The processor 210, memory 230, input device 240, and output device 250 are connected to the input / output port 220. The processing unit 200 receives signals related to electromyography from the biomedical electrode 100 via the input / output port 220.

[0020] The memory 230 stores data non-temporarily. This data is, for example, a signal related to electromyography received from the biomedical electrode 100.

[0021] The input device 240 receives information input to the processing unit 200 and is composed of, for example, software buttons and / or physical buttons.

[0022] The output device 250 outputs information according to instructions from the processor 210 and is comprised of, for example, a display and / or a speaker.

[0023] The cable 300 connects the bioelectrode 100 and the processing unit 200. The bioelectrode 100 transmits signals related to acquired electromyography to the processing unit 200 via the cable 300. The cable 300 has a connection part (not shown). A recess is formed in the connection part, and the cable 300 connects to the bioelectrode 100 by fitting the recess with the protrusion of the electrode part of the bioelectrode 100.

[0024] <Configuration of Biomedical Electrode> The configuration of the biomedical electrode 100 in Embodiment 1 will be described below. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the biomedical electrode 100 in Embodiment 1. The biomedical electrode 100 comprises an electrode portion 10, a base material 20, a sheet 30, and a pad 40.

[0025] The electrode unit 10 acquires bioelectric potential. The electrode unit 10 includes a stud 11 and a slender 12. The stud 11 and slender 12 are made of conductive material. The conductive material constituting the stud 11 and slender 12 is, for example, metal, carbon fiber, conductive resin, and resin with conductive coating.

[0026] The genko 11 has a protrusion 111. The protrusion 111 is configured to engage with a spring, which is a recess formed in the connection portion of the cable 300. The protrusion 111 of the genko 11 is hollow inside, and a recess is formed on the opposite side of the protruding side.

[0027] The protrusion 12 has a convex portion 121 and a flange portion 122. The convex portion 121 of the protrusion 121 of the protrusion 111 of the stud 11 is configured to fit into a recess formed on the opposite side of the protrusion 111 of the stud 11. When the convex portion 121 of the protrusion 121 of the protrusion 121 of the stud 11 fits into the recess of the stud 11, a part of the base material 20 is sandwiched between the stud 11 and the protrusion 12. As a result, the electrode portion 10 is fixed to the base material 20.

[0028] The flange portion 122 is, for example, circular in shape. The flange portion 122 is the part of the electrode portion 10 closest to the skin when the biomedical electrode 100 is placed on the skin of subject P1. The flange portion 122 has a surface 122a that faces the skin when the biomedical electrode 100 is placed on the skin. In this disclosure, "area of ​​the electrode portion" refers to the area of ​​the surface of the electrode portion 10 closest to the skin of subject P1 when the biomedical electrode 100 is placed on the skin of subject P1, and specifically refers to the area of ​​surface 122a.

[0029] The base material 20 is made of a flexible material. One side of the base material 20 is an adhesive surface and can be attached to the skin of subject P1.

[0030] The sheet 30 is placed between the skin of the subject P1 and the electrode portion 10. The sheet 30 includes a first region 31 made of an insulating material and a second region 32 having a smaller content of insulating material than the first region. The second region 32 may not contain any insulating material. The electrical impedance of the first region 31 is greater than the electrical impedance of the second region 32, and the second region 32 is a region through which electricity flows more easily than in the first region 31. The insulating material constituting the sheet 30 is, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin. In one embodiment, at least a part of the second region 32 is configured as an opening 321.

[0031] The shape of the opening 321 is not limited, but for example, it is circular. The opening 321 has a diameter of, for example, 1 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably 2.5 mm to 7 mm.

[0032] The pad 40 is placed between the sheet 30 and the skin of subject P1. The pad 40 is made of a conductive material. The conductive material constituting the pad 40 is a material with high conductivity and low electrical resistance, for example, a polymer material exhibiting flexibility, plasticity, and adhesiveness added to a solution in which an electrolyte is dissolved and solidified into a gel. The electrolyte is, for example, an amino acid, an organic salt, and an inorganic salt. The polymer material is, for example, an acrylic or polyurethane compound. Alternatively, the pad 40 may be contained in a conductive container (bag) that is made by adding a polymer material exhibiting flexibility, plasticity, and adhesiveness to a solution in which an electrolyte is dissolved and solidified into a gel. It is preferable that the surface of the pad 40 facing the skin of subject P1 is adhesive.

[0033] The pad 40 is further flexible or plastic. Therefore, when the biomedical electrode 100 is placed on the skin of subject P1, a portion of the pad 40 penetrates the opening 321 of the second region 32. At least a portion of the electrode portion 10, specifically the surface 122a of the flange portion 122 that faces subject P1, faces the second region 32. As a result, a portion of the surface 122a contacts the pad 40 through the opening 321, and can be electrically connected to the skin of subject P1 through the pad 40.

[0034] <Comparative Example> By measuring the weak bioelectric potential generated from the body using bioelectrodes, it can be applied to motion analysis, disease diagnosis, disease detection, health status monitoring, rehabilitation, and stress assessment.

[0035] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the biomedical electrode 100A in a comparative example. The biomedical electrode 100A comprises an electrode portion 10, a base material 20, and a pad 40. The biomedical electrode 100A differs from the biomedical electrode 100 in that it does not include a sheet 30.

[0036] In the bioelectrode 100A, when the bioelectrode 100A is placed on the subject's skin, the electrode portion 10 acquires biopotentials originating from the subject's muscles via the surface 122a closest to the subject's skin.

[0037] Since the pad 40 has electrical resistance, it may be difficult to obtain biopotential from areas of the skin that are in contact with the pad 40 but are not on the surface 122a. Therefore, in the bioelectrode 100A, the area of ​​skin from which biopotential can be obtained is not the surface of the pad 40 in contact with the skin, but the area of ​​skin directly below the surface of the pad 40 in contact with the electrode portion 10. In other words, the size of the area from which biopotential can be obtained by the bioelectrode 100A corresponds to the size of the surface 122a of the electrode portion 10.

[0038] When acquiring a subject's bioelectric potential, it is preferable to use electrodes that are the appropriate size for the target muscle. While acquiring bioelectric potential from a larger area can improve measurement sensitivity, if the area from which bioelectric potential is acquired is too large relative to the target muscle, signals originating from muscles other than the target muscle may be mistakenly measured. Therefore, for example, the appropriate electrode size for measuring relatively small muscles such as facial expression muscles may differ from the appropriate electrode size for measuring relatively large muscles such as the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus.

[0039] As described above, the size of the region in which the bioelectrode 100A in the comparative example can acquire biopotential corresponds to the size of the surface 122a of the flange portion 122 that faces the subject. Therefore, for example, if the size of the region in which the bioelectrode 100A in the comparative example can acquire biopotential is to be set to a predetermined size, it becomes necessary to manufacture a Hoso 12 with a surface 122a of a predetermined size.

[0040] However, since the hose 12 and the stud 11 are made as a pair, when manufacturing a new hose 12, it may be necessary to manufacture a corresponding stud 11 at the same time. Also, since the connection part of the cable 300 that connects to the biomedical electrode 100 is configured to fit into the protrusion 111 of the stud 11, when manufacturing a new hose 12, it may be necessary to manufacture a cable 300 that has a corresponding connection part.

[0041] As described above, in the biological electrode 100A according to the comparative example, in order to adjust the size of the region from which a biopotential is acquired in accordance with the size of a muscle to be measured, it may be necessary to manufacture component parts for an electrode section. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost of the biological electrode may increase compared to a case where a general-purpose type of thread is used.

[0042] Further, according to Non-Patent Document 2, although a biological electrode having a size matching the size of a target muscle can be manufactured, it is necessary to manufacture the biological electrode using a circuit board on which a plurality of types of conductive patterns are printed, and thus the manufacturing cost of the biological electrode may increase.

[0043] <Biological Electrode According to Embodiment> Therefore, the biological electrode 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes, between the electrode section 10 and the skin of a subject P1, a sheet 30 including a first region 31 formed of an insulating member and a second region 32 that has a lower content of the insulating member than the first region. The second region 32 may not include any insulating member. At least a part of the electrode section 10 faces the second region 32. Accordingly, the electrode section 10 acquires the biopotential of the subject P1 via the portion facing the second region 32. Specifically, for example, an opening 321 is formed in the second region 32, and the electrode section 10 acquires the biopotential of the subject via the opening 321.

[0044] As described above, since the pad 40 has an electrical resistance, the region on the skin from which a biopotential can be acquired corresponds to the size of the opening 321. Accordingly, the size of the region from which a biopotential is acquired is equal to or smaller than the area of the opening 321. By using the sheet 30, the size of the surface of the electrode section 10 from which a biopotential is acquired can be adjusted without changing the size of the electrode section 10.

[0045] According to the biomedical electrode 100 in the first embodiment, even if the electrode portion 10 is formed using general-purpose components, the size of the surface for acquiring biopotential in the electrode portion 10 can be adjusted by changing the sizes and arrangement of the first region 31 and the second region 32 of the sheet 30. This allows adjusting the size of the surface for acquiring biopotential in the biomedical electrode 100 without manufacturing components constituting the electrode portion 10 for each muscle to be measured, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the biomedical electrode.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the size of the surface for acquiring biopotential in the biomedical electrode 100. FIG. 5 shows a state where the biomedical electrode 100 according to the first embodiment and a comparative biomedical electrode 100A are affixed to the skin of a subject. In FIG. 5, the illustration of the pad 40 is omitted.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, in the biomedical electrode 100 according to the first embodiment, the sheet 30 is disposed between the electrode portion 10 and the skin of the subject. The size of the opening 321 in the sheet 30 is smaller than the size of the surface 122a of the flange portion 122 of the electrode portion 10. Therefore, the size of the surface for acquiring biopotential in the electrode portion 10 corresponds to the size of the opening 321.

[0048] Unlike the biomedical electrode 100 according to the first embodiment, the comparative biomedical electrode 100A does not have the sheet 30 disposed between the electrode portion 10 and the skin of the subject. Therefore, the size of the surface for acquiring biopotential in the electrode portion 10 corresponds to the size of the surface 122a of the flange portion 122.

[0049] As described above, according to the biomedical electrode 100 of the first embodiment, the size of the surface where the electrode portion 10 is in electrical contact with the subject's skin can be changed without changing the size of the electrode portion 10. Specifically, by changing the sizes and arrangement of the first region 31 and the second region 32 of the sheet 30, the size of the surface where the electrode portion 10 is in electrical contact with the subject's skin can be changed, without manufacturing components of the electrode portion 10 (e.g., the core member 11 and the slender member 12) and components of the connection portion of the cable 300 in accordance with the size of the muscle to be measured.

[0050] The components of the electrode section 10 are generally made of metal and carbon. If components of a different shape are used instead of general-purpose components for the electrode section 10, it is necessary to manufacture those components, which may increase the manufacturing cost of the biomedical electrode. The sheet 30 can be manufactured, for example, by making holes in a commonly used insulating PET sheet at locations corresponding to the opening 321. Therefore, by using the sheet 30, the cost of manufacturing a biomedical electrode tailored to the size of the target muscle can be reduced.

[0051] <Example of Use> Figure 1 shows an example of measuring bioelectric potentials originating from the zygomaticus major and corrugator supercilii muscles as examples of facial expression muscles, but is not limited to this. Another example of use of the bioelectrode 100 in Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0052] Figure 6 shows an example of measuring biopotentials originating from the muscles of the upper arm of subject P2. Figure 6 shows the upper arm of subject P2. In Figure 6, the bioelectrode 103 in Embodiment 1 acquires biopotentials originating from the extensor pollicis longus muscle. In Figure 6, the bioelectrode 104 in Embodiment 1 acquires biopotentials originating from the extensor digitorum communis muscle.

[0053] Figure 7 shows an example of measuring the electrocardiogram as the bioelectric potential of subject P3. Figure 7 shows the chest of subject P3. The bioelectrode 105 in Embodiment 1 acquires the electrocardiogram of subject P3.

[0054] Furthermore, the bioelectric potentials acquired by the bioelectrodes in this disclosure are not limited to bioelectric potentials originating from facial expression muscles, bioelectric potentials originating from upper arm muscles, and electrocardiograms.

[0055] [Embodiment 2] In Embodiment 1 described above, an example was given in which the bioelectrode 100 was used to acquire the biopotential of a subject. The bioelectrode in this disclosure is not limited to this and may be used to apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of a subject. A bioelectrode 110 used to apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of a subject will be described below. The following describes the parts that differ from the biomeasurement system 500 and bioelectrode 100 in Embodiment 1, and the description of parts that have common functions will be omitted.

[0056] Referring to Figure 8, the configuration of the biostimulation system equipped with the bioelectrode 110 in Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 8 is a block diagram of the biostimulation system 501. The biostimulation system 501 provides electrical stimulation to a subject to cause muscle contraction. The biostimulation system 501 is, for example, an EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulation) device. In addition to the bioelectrode 110, the biostimulation system 501 includes a processing device 201 and a cable 301.

[0057] The bioelectrode 110 is attached to the subject's skin and applies electrical stimulation to one or more parts of the subject's body. This causes the muscles in one or more parts of the subject's body to contract. The type of muscles in one or more parts of the body is not particularly limited, as long as they are the subject's muscles. Examples of one or more parts of the body include the muscles of the face, chest, abdomen, back, waist, arms, and legs. Facial muscles include, for example, the facial expression muscles, which include, for example, the frontalis muscle, procerus muscle, orbicularis oculi muscle, zygomaticus major muscle, buccinator muscle, risorius muscle, orbicularis oris muscle, platysma muscle, corrugator supercilii muscle, temporalis muscle, masseter muscle, and mentalis muscle.

[0058] The biostimulation system 501 includes one or more bioelectrodes 110. If the biostimulation system 501 includes multiple bioelectrodes 110, each of the multiple bioelectrodes 110 may apply electrical stimulation to different parts of the body.

[0059] The processing unit 201 transmits an electrical stimulation signal to the biomedical electrode 110. The processing unit 201 is composed of a general-purpose computer such as a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. The processing unit 201 includes a processor 211, input / output ports 221, memory 231, input device 241, and output device 251.

[0060] The processor 211 is an example of an electrical circuit and controls the operation of the processing unit 201 by executing a given program. The program executed by the processor 211 may be stored in memory 231 or in a storage device outside the processing unit 201.

[0061] The processor 211, memory 231, input device 241, and output device 251 are connected to the input / output port 221. The processing unit 201 outputs an electrical stimulation signal to the biomedical electrode 110 via the input / output port 221.

[0062] Memory 231 stores data non-temporarily. This data is information received from input device 241.

[0063] The input device 241 receives information input to the processing unit 201 and is composed of, for example, software buttons and / or physical buttons.

[0064] The output device 251 outputs information according to instructions from the processor 211 and is comprised of, for example, a display and / or a speaker.

[0065] Cable 301 connects the bioelectrode 110 and the processing device 201. The processing device 201 transmits an electrical stimulation signal to the bioelectrode 110 via cable 301. Cable 301 has a connection part (not shown). A recess is formed in the connection part, and the cable 301 connects to the bioelectrode 110 by fitting the recess with the protrusion of the electrode part of the bioelectrode 110.

[0066] The biomedical electrode 110 in Embodiment 2, like the biomedical electrode 100 shown in Figure 3, comprises an electrode portion 10, a base material 20, a sheet 30, and a pad 40. In Embodiment 2, the electrode portion 10 applies electrical stimulation to the muscle to be stimulated.

[0067] By applying weak electrical stimulation to muscles and nerves, muscle contraction can be promoted. Electrical stimulation-induced muscle contraction can, for example, increase muscle strength, prevent muscle atrophy, suppress spasticity, and shorten the rehabilitation treatment period.

[0068] For example, when the bio-electrode described in Figure 4 is used for electrical stimulation, the size of the surface to which the electrical stimulation is applied corresponds to the size of the surface 122a of the flange portion 122. This is because the pad 40 has electrical resistance, so the electrical stimulation emitted from the electrode portion 10 is transmitted to the skin in such a way that the distance it travels through the pad 40 is shortened. In other words, when the bio-electrode is placed on the skin, the electrical stimulation is applied to the area of ​​skin located directly below the surface 122a.

[0069] Here, for example, when applying electrical stimulation locally, it is preferable that the surface area 122a of the electrode portion 10 be small. In particular, in the treatment of diseases using electrical stimulation, it is sometimes preferable to apply electrical stimulation only to a specific area.

[0070] However, as in Embodiment 1, when manufacturing a bioelectrode by preparing a component having a surface 122a of a predetermined size, or when manufacturing a bioelectrode using a circuit board printed with multiple types of conductive patterns, the manufacturing cost of the bioelectrode may increase.

[0071] Therefore, the biomedical electrode 110 in Embodiment 2, similar to the biomedical electrode 100 in Embodiment 1, includes a sheet 30 between the electrode portion 10 and the subject's skin, comprising a first region 31 made of an insulating material and a second region 32 having a smaller content of the insulating material than the first region. The second region 32 does not necessarily have to contain an insulating material.

[0072] According to the bioelectrode 110 in Embodiment 2, even if the electrode portion 10 is formed using general-purpose components, the size of the surface area that electrically contacts the electrode portion 10 with the subject's skin can be adjusted by changing the size and arrangement of the first region 31 and the second region 32 of the sheet 30. This makes it possible to adjust the size of the surface area that provides electrical stimulation to the subject's muscles in the bioelectrode 100 without having to manufacture components for each area to be stimulated, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the bioelectrode.

[0073] Furthermore, the bio-measurement system 500 in Embodiment 1 and the bio-stimulation system 501 in Embodiment 2 may be implemented as an integrated system. Specifically, by switching the program in the processing unit, it may be possible to acquire biopotential using bio-electrodes and to apply electrical stimulation to the subject's muscles using said bio-electrodes.

[0074] In the biomedical electrode 100 in Embodiment 1 and the biomedical electrode 110 in Embodiment 2 described above, an example was described in which a pad 40 is placed between the electrode portion 10 and the subject's skin, but the invention is not limited to this. The biomedical electrode in this disclosure does not have to have a pad. In this case, the electrode portion 10 may be in direct contact with the subject's skin, or it may be electrically connected via a conductive gel.

[0075] When the electrode 10 is in direct contact with the subject's skin, it is possible to easily measure biopotential. However, since a potential difference and electrical impedance are generated between the electrode 10 and the body, noise in the measurement of biopotential may increase.

[0076] When the electrode portion 10 and the skin are electrically connected via the pad 40 and / or gel, the electrical impedance can be reduced, thereby reducing noise in the measurement of biopotential.

[0077] In the biomedical electrode 100 in Embodiment 1 and the biomedical electrode 110 in Embodiment 2 described above, the electrode portion 10 is shown to have a stud 11, but it is not limited to this, and the stud 11 and the slender part 12 may be formed as a single unit.

[0078] In the biomedical electrode 100 in Embodiment 1 and the biomedical electrode 110 in Embodiment 2 described above, the second region 32 is shown to have one opening, but it may have multiple openings. Furthermore, the shape of the second region 32 and the opening 321 is not limited to a circular shape.

[0079] Furthermore, the sheet 30 in Embodiments 1 and 2 may be placed, for example, between a circuit board on which a conductive pattern is printed on a stretchable substrate and the skin. This makes it possible to manufacture a bioelectrode with a surface size that can acquire multiple types of biopotentials using a circuit board on which a single conductive pattern is printed.

[0080] [Modification 1] In the biomedical electrode 100 in Embodiment 1 and the biomedical electrode 110 in Embodiment 2 described above, a base material 20 is provided, and a protrusion 111 for connecting to the cable 300 and cable 301 is formed on the electrode portion 10. However, the invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the biomedical electrode in this disclosure does not need to have a base material 20. Also, the biomedical electrode in this disclosure does not need to have a protrusion 111 for connecting to the cable 300 and cable 301.

[0081] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the biomedical electrode 120 in Modified Example 1. Referring to Figure 9, the biomedical electrode 120 in Modified Example 1 includes an electrode portion 50 in addition to the sheet 30 and pad 40. The following describes the parts that differ from the biomedical electrodes in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, and the description of parts that have common functions will be omitted.

[0082] The electrode portion 50 is made of a conductive material, such as metal, carbon fiber, conductive resin, and resin coated with a conductive paint.

[0083] In the biomedical electrode 120 in Modified Example 1, for example, the surface of the sheet 30 facing the subject is adhesive. This allows the electrode portion 50 to be fixed to the surface of the subject's skin. Alternatively, the biomedical electrode 120 in Modified Example 1 may be fixed to a predetermined position on the surface of the subject's skin by rubber bands and belts.

[0084] In the bioelectrode 120 in the modified example 1, for example, the acquired biopotential is transmitted or electrical stimulation is applied by connecting the surface of the electrode part 50 to the wires of the cable.

[0085] [Modification 2] In the biomedical electrode 100 in Embodiment 1 and the biomedical electrode 110 in Embodiment 2 described above, an example was described in which a part of the second region 32 is configured as an opening 321, but the invention is not limited thereto. At least a part of the second region 32 may be made of a conductive material.

[0086] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the biomedical electrode 130 in modified example 2. Referring to Figure 10, the biomedical electrode 130 in modified example 2 includes a sheet 60 in addition to the electrode portion 10, the base material 20, and the pad 40. The following describes the parts that differ from the biomedical electrodes in embodiment 1 and embodiment 2, and the description of parts that have common functions will be omitted.

[0087] The sheet 60 is placed between the subject's skin and the electrode portion 10. The sheet 60 includes a first region 61 made of an insulating material and a second region 62 made of a conductive material. The insulating material constituting the sheet 60 is, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin. The conductive material constituting the sheet 60 is, for example, metal and carbon.

[0088] In the biomedical electrode 130 in Modified Example 2, the electrode portion 10 contacts a second region 62 made of a conductive material, and the second region 62 contacts the subject's skin via a pad 40. The electrode portion 10 acquires biopotential and / or applies electrical stimulation via the second region 62 made of a conductive material. Therefore, in Modified Example 2, the size of the surface on which the electrode portion 10 acquires biopotential and / or applies electrical stimulation corresponds not to the size of the surface 122a of the electrode portion 10, but to the size of the surface 621 in the second region 62 that faces the subject.

[0089] In the bioelectrode 130 of Modified Example 2, the size of the surface on which the electrode portion 10 acquires biopotential and / or the size of the surface to which electrical stimulation is applied can be changed by adjusting the size of the second region 62. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the bioelectrode 130 of Modified Example 2 can not only make the size of the surface on which the electrode portion 10 acquires biopotential and / or the size of the surface to which electrical stimulation is applied smaller than the surface 122a, but also larger. This makes it possible to acquire biopotential from a larger area or to apply electrical stimulation to a larger area, even when general-purpose components are used as parts of the electrode portion 10. The bioelectrode 130 of Modified Example 2 can reduce the cost of manufacturing bioelectrodes.

[0090] In the modified example 2 described above, the sheet 60 was shown to have a first region 61 made of an insulating material. However, if the size of the surface on which the electrode portion 10 acquires biopotential and / or the size of the surface to which electrical stimulation is applied is increased, the sheet 60 does not need to have a first region 61 made of an insulating material. For example, the sheet 60 may be a sheet of conductive carbon. In this case, if the size of the sheet 60 is greater than or equal to the surface 122a of the electrode portion 10, the size of the sheet 60 corresponds to the size of the surface on which the electrode portion 10 and the skin are in electrical contact.

[0091] [Aspects] The above-described exemplary embodiments will be understood by those skilled in the art to be specific examples of the following aspects.

[0092] (Section 1) A bioelectrode in one embodiment comprises an electrode portion and a sheet disposed between the skin of a subject and the electrode portion, wherein the sheet includes a first region made of an insulating material and a second region having a smaller content of the insulating material than the first region, at least a portion of the electrode portion faces the second region, and the electrode portion may acquire the biopotential of the subject and / or apply electrical stimulation to the muscles of the subject through the portion facing the second region.

[0093] According to the biomedical electrode described in paragraph 1, the manufacturing cost of the biomedical electrode can be reduced.

[0094] (Paragraph 2) In the biomedical electrode described in Paragraph 1, at least a portion of the electrode portion may face the first region.

[0095] According to the bioelectrode described in paragraph 2, at least a portion of the electrode portion faces a first region made of an insulating material. As a result, at least a portion of the electrode portion does not come into contact with the subject's skin. Therefore, in the bioelectrode, the size of the surface for acquiring biopotential and / or the surface for applying electrical stimulation can be reduced. This reduces noise when acquiring the subject's biopotential and allows for stimulation of specific muscles when applying electrical stimulation to the subject's muscles.

[0096] (Clause 3) In the biomedical electrode described in paragraph 2, at least a portion of the second region may be configured as an opening.

[0097] According to the biomedical electrode described in paragraph 3, the electrode portion can make electrical contact with the skin through an opening.

[0098] (Clause 4) The bioelectrode described in paragraph 3 further comprises a conductive pad placed between the sheet and the subject's skin, the pad being flexible and positioned to penetrate the opening.

[0099] The bioelectrodes described in Section 4 can reduce electrical impedance, thereby reducing noise in the measurement of biopotential.

[0100] (Clause 5) In the bioelectrode described in paragraph 1 or 2, the second region may be made of a conductive material.

[0101] According to the biomedical electrode described in paragraph 5, the electrode portion can make electrical contact with the skin via a conductive material.

[0102] (Clause 6) In the biomedical electrode described in paragraph 5, the area of ​​the electrode portion may be smaller than the area of ​​the second region.

[0103] According to the bioelectrode described in paragraph 6, the size of the surface on which the electrode acquires biopotential and / or the size of the surface on which electrical stimulation is applied can be made larger than the area of ​​the electrode.

[0104] (Clause 7) A bioelectrode in one embodiment comprises an electrode portion for acquiring the biopotential of a subject and / or applying electrical stimulation to the subject's muscles, and a sheet made of an insulating material, wherein the sheet has an opening, and the sheet may be positioned between the subject's skin and the electrode portion such that the opening faces a part of the electrode portion.

[0105] According to the biomedical electrodes described in paragraph 7, the manufacturing cost of biomedical electrodes can be reduced.

[0106] (Clause 8) The bioelectrode described in paragraph 7 further comprises a conductive pad placed between the sheet and the subject's skin, the pad being flexible and positioned to penetrate the opening.

[0107] The bioelectrodes described in Section 8 can reduce electrical impedance, thereby reducing noise in the measurement of biopotential.

[0108] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included. Furthermore, each technique in the embodiments is intended to be practiced individually or, as far as possible, in combination with other techniques in the embodiments.

[0109] 10, 50 Electrode section, 11 Genko, 12 Hoso, 20 Substrate, 30 Sheet, 31 First region, 32 Second region, 40 Pad, 60 Sheet, 100, 100A, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 110, 120, 130 Biomedical electrodes, 200, 201 Processing unit, 210, 211 Processor, 220, 221 Input / output ports, 230, 231 Memory, 240, 241 Input device, 250, 251 Output device, 300, 301 Cable, 500 Biomedical measurement system, 501 Biomedical stimulation system.

Claims

1. A biomedical electrode comprising an electrode portion and a sheet disposed between the skin of a subject and the electrode portion, wherein the sheet includes a first region made of an insulating material and a second region having a smaller content of the insulating material than the first region, at least a portion of the electrode portion faces the second region, and the electrode portion acquires the biopotential of the subject and / or applies electrical stimulation to the muscles of the subject via the portion facing the second region.

2. The biomedical electrode according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the electrode portion faces the first region.

3. The biomedical electrode according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the second region is configured as an opening.

4. The bioelectrode according to claim 3, further comprising a conductive pad disposed between the sheet and the subject's skin, wherein the pad is flexible and positioned to penetrate the opening.

5. The bioelectrode according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second region is composed of a conductive material.

6. The biomedical electrode according to claim 5, wherein the area of ​​the electrode portion is smaller than the area of ​​the second region.

7. A bioelectrode comprising an electrode section for acquiring the biopotential of a subject and / or applying electrical stimulation to the subject's muscles, and a sheet made of an insulating material, wherein the sheet has an opening, and the sheet is positioned between the subject's skin and the electrode section such that the opening faces a portion of the electrode section.

8. The bioelectrode according to claim 7, further comprising a conductive pad disposed between the sheet and the subject's skin, wherein the pad is flexible and positioned to penetrate the opening.

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