Temporal interference stimulation apparatus and method

Abstract

Disclosed is a temporal interference stimulation apparatus and method using three or more current sources. The temporal interference stimulation apparatus disclosed herein comprises: a first electrical network including three or more first current sources and a first current source control unit for controlling the phase or amplitude of a first output signal from each of the first current sources; a second electrical network including a plurality of second current sources and a second current source control unit for controlling the phase or amplitude of a second output signal from each of the second current sources; first electrodes electrically connected to each of the first current sources; and second electrodes electrically connected to each of the second current sources. An amplitude-modulated signal generated by the interference between the electric field formed between the first electrodes and the electric field formed between the second electrodes stimulates biological tissue in a noninvasive manner, and the amplitude of the combined signal of all of the first output signals is less than the minimum amplitude among the amplitudes of the first output signals.

Description

Time interference stimulation device and method

[0001] The present invention relates to a time interference stimulation device and method, and more specifically, to a time interference stimulation device and method using three or more current sources.

[0002]

[0003] Electroceuticals are next-generation therapeutic technologies that utilize electrical signals to regulate the nervous or physiological systems, and they are attracting attention as an innovative method capable of overcoming the limitations of conventional drug treatments. Representative electroceuticals currently approved by the FDA include vagus nerve stimulators (VNS), deep brain stimulators (DBS), and spinal cord stimulators (SCS); these devices are utilized to treat intractable diseases (such as depression, epilepsy, and chronic pain) by directly stimulating major neural pathways.

[0004] Electroceuticals are broadly classified into invasive and non-invasive types. Invasive electroceuticals involve implanting devices inside the body, such as in the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves, to directly regulate nerves using electrical signals; representative examples include Deep Brain Stimulators (DBS) and Spinal Cord Stimulators (SCS). Non-invasive electroceuticals involve indirectly stimulating nerves by attaching electrodes to the skin surface or using external equipment; examples include Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) and Transcranial Stimulation (tDCS).

[0005] Recently, technologies that directly target and stimulate deep tissues using non-invasive methods are being developed. One representative example is Temporal Interference Stimulation (TIS). TIS is a non-invasive deep nerve stimulation technique that simultaneously delivers two or more high-frequency electrical stimuli at different frequencies from the surface of the human body. These stimuli cause interference within the body to generate low-frequency stimulation. While the high-frequency signals themselves do not cause significant stimulation when passing through the skin and surface tissues, low-frequency signals are formed in specific deep areas where the two signals overlap, thereby inducing neural activation. This overcomes the limitations of existing non-invasive stimulation methods, such as shallow penetration depth and non-specific stimulation, and demonstrates the potential to selectively regulate deep structures without surgical intervention. Currently, TIS is expanding its application areas to various fields, including research on motor nerves, sensory nerves, and deep brain region stimulation, while optimization studies to improve safety and precision are actively underway.

[0006]

[0007] The present invention is intended to provide a time interference stimulation method and apparatus in which the phenomenon of electrical stimulation occurring near an electrode can be reduced.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a time interference stimulation method and apparatus that can freely control the position of the stimulation area solely by adjusting the position or phase of the current signal, without adjusting the placement position of the electrodes.

[0009] In addition, the present invention is intended to provide a time interference stimulation method and apparatus capable of simultaneously providing electrical stimulation to multiple sites.

[0010]

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, a time interference stimulation device is provided, comprising: a first electric network including three or more first current sources and a first current source control unit that controls the phase or amplitude of a first output signal of each of the first current sources; a second electric network including a plurality of second current sources and a second current source control unit that controls the phase or amplitude of a second output signal of each of the second current sources; first electrodes electrically connected to each of the first current sources; and second electrodes electrically connected to each of the second current sources, wherein an amplitude modulation signal generated by interference between an electric field formed between the first electrodes and an electric field formed between the second electrodes non-invasively stimulates biological tissue, and the amplitude of the signal formed by combining all the first output signals is an amplitude smaller than the minimum amplitude of the first output signals.

[0012] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation device is provided in which the amplitude of the signal formed by combining all of the first current signals is 0.

[0013] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation device is provided that calculates the phase and amplitude of the remaining output signals according to the phase and amplitude of some output signals that are preset among the first output signals, such that the amplitude of the signal formed by combining all the first output signals becomes zero.

[0014] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation device is provided in which the number of the second current sources is three or more.

[0015] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation device is provided in which the first output signals are signals of a first frequency with different phases, and the second output signals are signals of a second frequency with different phases.

[0016] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation device is provided in which the first and second electrodes are attached to a biological surface, and the stimulation area for the biological tissue is located deep within the body between the first electrodes and the second electrodes.

[0017] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation device is provided in which the position of the stimulation area is controlled by a change in amplitude or phase of at least one of the first and second output signals.

[0018] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation device is provided in which the first or second current source control unit adjusts the amplitude of the first or second output signal to adjust the position of the stimulation area in the left-right direction.

[0019] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation device is provided, wherein the stimulation area moves from a first position to a second position according to a change in the amplitude of the first or second output signal, and the second position is a position adjacent to electrodes electrically connected to current sources that output a signal with a relatively smaller amplitude among the first and second output signals than the first position.

[0020] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation device is provided in which the first and second current source control units adjust the phase and amplitude of each of the first and second output signals to adjust the stimulation position in the up and down direction.

[0021] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation device is provided in which the position of the stimulation area moves from a first position to a second position according to changes in the phase and amplitude of each of the first and second output signals, the second position is a position adjacent to the electrode located at one end of each of the first and second electrodes, and the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to the electrode located at one end is greater than the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to the electrode located at the other end of each of the first and second electrodes.

[0022] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second current source control units adjust the phase and amplitude of each of the first and second output signals, thereby providing a time interference stimulation device that rotates the stimulation area.

[0023] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation device is provided, wherein the stimulation area rotates in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction according to changes in phase and amplitude of each of the first and second output signals, and rotates in the first direction when the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to an electrode located at one end of the first electrodes and an electrode located at the other end of the second electrodes is greater than the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to an electrode located at the other end of the first electrodes and an electrode located at one end of the second electrodes, and rotates in the second direction when the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to an electrode located at the other end of the first electrodes and an electrode located at one end of the second electrodes is greater than the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to an electrode located at one end of the first electrodes and an electrode located at the other end of the second electrodes.

[0024] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation device is provided in which the stimulation area is positioned or rotated three-dimensionally when the first and second electrodes are placed on different planes.

[0025] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation device is provided in which a plurality of stimulation regions are generated when the first and second electrodes are arranged in an alternating manner.

[0026] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation device is provided in which the first port of the first and second current sources is electrically connected to the first and second electrodes, and the second port of the first and second current sources is electrically connected to ground.

[0027] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the time interference stimulation device is provided as a wearable type device.

[0028] In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, a time interference stimulation method is provided, comprising the steps of: forming a first electric field between first electrodes electrically connected to each of three or more first current sources, and forming a second electric field between second electrodes electrically connected to each of a plurality of second current sources; and controlling the location of a stimulation area for a biological tissue by adjusting at least one phase or amplitude of the output signals of the first and second current sources, wherein an amplitude modulation signal generated by interference between the electric field formed between the first electrodes and the electric field formed between the second electrodes non-invasively stimulates the biological tissue, and the amplitude of the signal formed by combining all the first output signals of the first current sources is an amplitude smaller than the minimum amplitude of the first output signals.

[0029] In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation method is provided in which the amplitude of the signal formed by combining all of the first output signals is 0.

[0030] In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the step of forming the first and second electric fields provides a time interference stimulation method that calculates the phase and amplitude of the remaining output signals according to the phase and amplitude of some output signals that are preset among the first output signals, such that the amplitude of the signal formed by combining all the first output signals becomes zero.

[0031] In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation method is provided in which the number of the second current sources is three or more.

[0032] In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation method is provided in which the first and second electrodes are attached to a biological surface, and the stimulation area for the biological tissue is located deep within the body between the first electrodes and the second electrodes.

[0033] Additionally, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation method is disclosed in which the location of the stimulation area is controlled by a change in the amplitude or phase of at least one of the first output signal of the first current sources and the second output signals of the second current sources.

[0034] In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation method is provided in which the step of controlling the position of the stimulation area controls the position of the stimulation area in the left-right direction by adjusting the amplitude of the first output signal or the second output signal.

[0035] In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation method is provided in which the stimulation area moves from a first position to a second position according to a change in the amplitude of the first or second output signal, and the second position is a position adjacent to electrodes electrically connected to current sources that output a signal with a relatively smaller amplitude among the first and second output signals than the first position.

[0036] In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation method is provided in which the step of controlling the position of the stimulation area controls the phase and amplitude of each of the first output signal and the second output signal to adjust the stimulation position in the up and down direction or rotate the stimulation area.

[0037] Additionally, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation method is provided in which the position of the stimulation area moves from a first position to a second position according to changes in the phase and amplitude of each of the first and second output signals, wherein the second position is a position adjacent to the electrode located at one end of each of the first and second electrodes, and the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to the electrode located at one end is greater than the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to the electrode located at the other end of each of the first and second electrodes.

[0038] Additionally, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation method is provided, wherein the stimulation area rotates in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction according to changes in the phase and amplitude of each of the first and second output signals, and rotates in the first direction when the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to an electrode located at one end of the first electrodes and an electrode located at the other end of the second electrodes is greater than the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to an electrode located at the other end of the first electrodes and an electrode located at one end of the second electrodes, and rotates in the second direction when the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to an electrode located at the other end of the first electrodes and an electrode located at one end of the second electrodes is greater than the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to an electrode located at one end of the first electrodes and an electrode located at the other end of the second electrodes.

[0039] In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation method is provided in which the stimulation area is positioned or rotated three-dimensionally when the first and second electrodes are placed on different planes.

[0040] In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a time interference stimulation method is provided in which a plurality of stimulation regions are generated when the first and second electrodes are arranged in an alternating manner.

[0041]

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a current signal is used such that the amplitude of the combined current signal of the current source becomes zero, thereby preventing the phenomenon of electrical stimulation caused by interference near the electrode.

[0043] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the location of the stimulation area where electrical stimulation is provided can be controlled by adjusting the position or phase of the current signal.

[0044] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, electrical stimulation can be provided to a plurality of sites through the cross arrangement of electrodes.

[0045]

[0046] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a time interference stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIGS. 2 to 5 are drawings for explaining a method for controlling the position of a stimulation area according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling the position of a stimulation area according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a time interference stimulation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050]

[0051] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0053]

[0054] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a time interference stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, a time interference stimulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first electric network (110), a second electric network (120), first electrodes (131 to 133) and second electrodes (141 to 143).

[0056] The first electric network (110) includes three or more first current sources (111 to 113) and a first current source control unit (115) that controls the phase or amplitude of each of the first current sources (111 to 113), and may further include a first signal generator (117). The second electric network (120) includes a plurality of second current sources (121 to 123) and a second current source control unit (125) that controls the phase or amplitude of each of the second current sources (121 to 123), and may further include a second signal generator (152). According to the embodiment, the number of second current sources may be two or three or more, like the first current sources, and the number of first current sources and the number of second current sources may be the same or different. In FIG. 1, an embodiment is described in which the number of first and second current sources is each three.

[0057] The signal generated by the first and second signal generators (117, 127, waveform generator) is an alternating current signal in the form of a sine wave, and the first and second signal generators (117, 127) generate signals of different frequencies. The first and second signal generators (117, 127) can generate a signal in which the frequency difference between the signals generated by the first and second signal generators (117, 127) is within a preset range.

[0058] For example, the first and second signal generators (117, 127) can generate a signal such that the frequency difference of the signal generated by the first and second signal generators (117, 127) is between 1 Hz and 10 Hz. The frequency of the signal generated by the first signal generator (117) corresponds to the first frequency of the first output signal of the first current sources (111 to 113), and the frequency of the signal generated by the second signal generator (127) corresponds to the second frequency of the second output signal of the second current sources (121 to 123).

[0059] And the first and second current source control units (115, 125) can control the phase or amplitude of the current signals output by the first and second current sources (111 to 113, 121 to 123), i.e., the first and second output signals, by adjusting the phase or amplitude of the signals generated by the first and second signal generators (117, 127). Through this control, the first current sources (111 to 113) output current signals of a first frequency with different phases, and the second current sources (121 to 123) also output current signals of a second frequency with different phases.

[0060] The first electrodes (131 to 133) are electrically connected to each of the first current sources (111 to 113), and the second electrodes (141 to 143) are electrically connected to each of the second current sources (121 to 123). More specifically, the first port of the first and second current sources (111 to 113, 121 to 123) is electrically connected to the first and second electrodes (131 to 133, 141 to 143), and the second port of the first and second current sources (111 to 113, 121 to 123) is electrically connected to ground.

[0061] The first and second electrodes (131 to 133, 141 to 143) are attached to the surface of the body (160), and an amplitude modulation signal generated by interference between the electric field formed between the first electrodes (131 to 133) and the electric field formed between the second electrodes (141 to 143) non-invasively stimulates the body tissue. As previously described, since the frequencies of the first and second output signals are different from each other, amplitude modulation occurs due to the difference in the frequencies of the first and second output signals. For example, if the frequency of the first output signal is 2000 Hz and the frequency of the second output signal is 2002 Hz, an amplitude modulation signal of 2 Hz is generated. Electrical stimulation can be provided to the body tissue corresponding to the region where the maximum amplitude occurs in the amplitude modulation signal.

[0062] The stimulation area (161) where amplitude modulation occurs and electrical stimulation is provided is located in the deep body between the first electrodes (131 to 133) and the second electrodes (141 to 143), and the deep body may be various biological tissues such as the central nervous system including the brain, the peripheral nervous system, internal organs such as the heart, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The location of the stimulation area (161) can be adjusted according to the placement position of the electrodes and the phase or amplitude of the current signal.

[0063] At this time, current signals may be output from the first current sources (111 to 113) such that the amplitude of the signal formed by combining all the first output signals is smaller than the minimum amplitude of the first output signals. And current signals may be output from the second current sources (121 to 123) such that the amplitude of the signal formed by combining all the second output signals is smaller than the minimum amplitude of the second output signals. As an example, the amplitude of the signal formed by combining all the first output signals and the amplitude of the signal formed by combining all the second output signals may each be a value close to zero or zero.

[0064] The first current source control unit (115) controls the phase or amplitude of the first output signal so that the amplitude of the signal in which all the first output signals are combined is smaller than the minimum amplitude of the first output signal or becomes zero, and the second current source control unit (125) can control the phase or amplitude of the second output signal so that the amplitude of the signal in which all the second output signals are combined is smaller than the minimum amplitude of the second output signal or becomes zero.

[0065] The stimulation area (161) for the biological tissue, that is, the area where electrical stimulation is provided in the biological tissue, is located between the first electrodes (131 to 133) and the second electrodes (141 to 143) as described above, and when the amplitude of the combined signal of the first and second output signals is close to 0, the phenomenon of the stimulation area (161) occurring near the first electrodes (131 to 133) and the second electrodes (141 to 143) can be prevented.

[0066] When two sine wave signals with different amplitudes and phases are expressed as in [Equation 1], the sum of the sine wave signals expressed in [Equation 1] can be expressed as in [Equation 2] by means of trigonometric formulas. Therefore, if the sine wave signal of [Equation 3], which has a 180-degree phase difference from the sine wave signal of [Equation 2], is added to the sine wave signal of [Equation 2], the amplitude of the added signal becomes 0. Here, A, B, and S represent amplitude, f represents frequency, t represents time, and θ represents phase.

[0067]

[0068]

[0069]

[0070] According to the above mathematical formula, for example, the first current sources (111 to 113) or the second current sources (121 to 123) can output a current signal expressed as [Equation 4] or [Equation 5] so that the amplitude of the combined signal of the first output signals becomes 0.

[0071]

[0072]

[0073] And when four current sources are used in an electrical network, the four current signals, such that the amplitude of the combined signal of the four current signals can be zero, can be expressed as, for example, [Equation 6].

[0074]

[0075] As such, the aforementioned [Equations 1] to [Equations 3] can be applied to calculate a current signal in which the amplitude of the combined signal can be zero in an electrical network utilizing N (a natural number greater than or equal to 3) current sources. The amplitudes of the output signals from the first current source to the N-1th current source are A1, A2, ..., A (n-1)and, the phases are θ1, θ2, … , θ (n-1) And when the output signal of the remaining Nth current source, such that the amplitude of the signal obtained by adding all the output signals of the N current sources can be zero, is expressed by [Equation 7], the amplitude of the output signal of the Nth current source can be calculated as [Equation 8] and the phase as [Equation 9]. Here, k represents the index of the current source.

[0076]

[0077]

[0078]

[0079] Using this mathematical formula, the first current source control unit (115) can calculate the phase and amplitude of the remaining output signals such that the amplitude of the combined signal of the first output signals becomes zero, according to the phase and amplitude of some output signals that are preset among the first output signals. That is, when the phase and amplitude of some output signals among the first output signals are preset, the phase and amplitude of the remaining output signals such that the amplitude of the combined signal of the first output signals becomes zero can be calculated according to the aforementioned mathematical formula. And the second current source control unit (125) can also calculate the phase and amplitude of the remaining output signals such that the amplitude of the combined signal of the second output signals becomes zero, according to the phase and amplitude of some output signals that are preset among the second output signals.

[0080] Meanwhile, the time interference stimulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a wearable type device. A user may receive electrical stimulation to a target area while wearing the wearable type time interference stimulation device.

[0081] Additionally, while an embodiment in which two electrical networks are used is illustrated in FIG. 1, depending on the embodiment, three or more electrical networks may be used for time interference stimulation. In this case, the frequencies generated by the signal generators of each electrical network may be different from one another, but the difference in frequencies generated by the signal generators of a pair of electrical networks may be the same. For example, when the first to fourth electrical networks are used, the frequencies generated by the signal generators of the first and second electrical networks may be 2000 Hz and 2002 Hz, respectively, and the frequencies generated by the signal generators of the third and fourth electrical networks may be 4000 Hz and 4002 Hz, respectively, and the difference in frequencies generated by the signal generators of a pair of electrical networks may be the same at 2 Hz.

[0082]

[0083] FIGS. 2 to 5 are drawings for explaining a method for controlling the position of a stimulation area according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] As described above, the location of the stimulation area can be controlled by the placement of the electrodes and by a change in the phase or amplitude of at least one of the first and second output signals.

[0085] Each of the first and second electrodes (131 to 133, 141 to 143) may be arranged in a row and the first and second electrodes (131 to 133, 141 to 143) may be arranged facing each other on the same plane, and by changing the arrangement position of these electrodes, the position of the stimulation area may be adjusted.

[0086] Additionally, the first or second current source control unit (115, 125) can adjust the position of the stimulation area or rotate the stimulation area without changing the placement position of the electrodes. The first or second current source control unit (115, 125) can adjust the position of the stimulation area in the left-right direction by adjusting the amplitude of the first or second output signal. Alternatively, the first and second current source control units (115, 125) can adjust the position of the stimulation area in the up-down direction or rotate the stimulation area by adjusting the phase and amplitude of each of the first and second output signals.

[0087] When the first and second electrodes (131 to 133, 141 to 143) are arranged side by side facing each other, the left and right directions may correspond to the direction toward the first electrode array or the second electrode array on the plane on which the first and second electrodes (131 to 133, 141 to 143) are arranged, and the up and down directions may correspond to the direction toward the electrode located at one end or the other end of the first and second electrode arrays on the plane on which the first and second electrodes (131 to 133, 141 to 143) are arranged.

[0088] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first and second electrodes (131 to 133, 141 to 143) are arranged side by side facing each other on the surface of the body (200), and when the first and second output signals are in a state as [Equation 10] and [Equation 11] and the amplitude of the second output signal changes as [Equation 12], the stimulation area can move from the first position (210) to the second position (220). The second position (220) is a position that is relatively closer to the first electrodes (111 to 113) compared to the first position (210), and corresponds to a position adjacent to electrodes electrically connected to current sources that output a signal with a relatively smaller amplitude among the first and second output signals. The amplitude of the second output signal is three times the amplitude of the first output signal, and the distance of movement of the stimulation area may be proportional to the difference in amplitude between the first and second output signals.

[0089]

[0090]

[0091]

[0092] In this way, the position of the stimulation area can move in the left-right direction depending on the change in the amplitude of the first or second output signal.

[0093] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the first and second electrodes (131 to 133, 141 to 143) are arranged side by side facing each other on the surface of the body (300), and when the first and second output signals are in a state as [Equation 13] and [Equation 11], and the amplitude and phase of the first and second output signals change as [Equation 14] and [Equation 15], the stimulation area can move from the first position (310) to the second position (320). The second position (320) corresponds to a position adjacent to the electrode (133, 143) located at one end of each of the first and second electrodes, compared to the first position (310). At this time, the amplitude (2) of the output signal of the current source electrically connected to the electrode (133, 143) located at one end is greater than the amplitude (1.1) of the output signal of the current source electrically connected to the electrode (131, 141) located at the other end.

[0094]

[0095]

[0096]

[0097] In this way, the position of the stimulation area can move in the up and down direction depending on changes in the phase and amplitude of each of the first and second output signals. At this time, if the phase and amplitude of each of the first and second output signals change and simultaneously there is a difference in amplitude between the first and second output signals, the position of the stimulation area can move in the diagonal direction.

[0098] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, the first and second electrodes (131 to 133, 141 to 143) are arranged side by side facing each other on the surface of the body (300), and when the first and second output signals are in a state as [Equation 16] and [Equation 17], and the amplitude and phase of the first and second output signals change as [Equation 18] and [Equation 19], the stimulation area (410) can rotate in a first direction (411) from its current position. Here, w1 represents the frequency of the first output signal and w2 represents the frequency of the second output signal. And the stimulation area (410) can be formed in an elliptical shape as shown in FIG. 4, and through the rotation of this stimulation area (410), stimulation of the nervous system or tendons, ligaments, etc., which exhibit directionality can be controlled more precisely.

[0099]

[0100]

[0101]

[0102]

[0103] In [Equation 18] and [Equation 19], the amplitude (0.7) of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to the electrode (131) located at one end of the first electrodes (131 to 133) and the electrode (143) located at the other end of the second electrodes (141 to 143) is greater than the amplitude (0.33) of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to the electrode (141) located at one end of the second electrodes (141 to 143) and the electrode (141) located at one end of the second electrodes (141 to 143). In this case, the stimulation area (411) can rotate in a first direction (410). Here, the first direction (411) may be clockwise.

[0104] Conversely, if the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to the electrode located at the other end (133) of the first electrodes (131 to 133) and the electrode located at one end (141) of the second electrodes (141 to 143) is greater than the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to the electrode located at one end (131) of the first electrodes (131 to 133) and the electrode located at the other end (143) of the second electrodes (141 to 143), the stimulation area (410) may rotate in a second direction (412). The second direction (412) may be counterclockwise.

[0105] In this way, the stimulation area can rotate in the first direction or in the second direction opposite to the first direction, depending on changes in the phase and amplitude of each of the first and second output signals.

[0106] In addition, when the first and second electrodes (131 to 133, 141 to 143) are not arranged side by side facing each other but are arranged crosswise on the surface of the body (500) as shown in FIG. 5, stimulation areas may be created at multiple locations (510, 520). At this time, the crosswise electrodes may be some or all of the first and second electrodes (131 to 133, 141 to 143), as shown in FIG. 5.

[0107]

[0108] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling the position of a stimulation area according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first electrodes (131 to 134) and the second electrodes (141 to 144) are placed on the surface of the body (600) but may be placed on different planes, in which case the stimulation area (610) formed deep within the body may be positioned or rotated in three dimensions. That is, the position of the stimulation area (610) may move in the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions, and the stimulation area (610) may rotate in three-dimensional space.

[0110] At this time, the direction of movement and the direction of rotation can be determined according to the amplitude and phase of the first and second output signals, as described in FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0111]

[0112] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a time interference stimulation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] In FIG. 7, a time interference stimulation method of the aforementioned time interference stimulation device is described as an example.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 7, a time interference stimulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention forms a first electric field between first electrodes electrically connected to each of three or more first current sources, and forms a second electric field between second electrodes electrically connected to each of a plurality of second current sources (S710). An amplitude modulation signal generated by interference between the electric field formed between the first electrodes and the electric field formed between the second electrodes can non-invasively stimulate biological tissue.

[0115] At this time, the amplitude of the signal formed by combining all the first output signals of the first current sources may be smaller than the minimum amplitude among the amplitudes of the first output signals, and as an example, may be 0. The time interference stimulation device may calculate the phase and amplitude of the remaining output signals so that the amplitude of the signal formed by combining all the first output signals becomes 0, according to the phase and amplitude of some output signals that are preset among the first output signals.

[0116] And, a time interference stimulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention controls the position of a stimulation area for biological tissue (S720) by adjusting the phase or amplitude of at least one of the output signals of the first and second current sources. The time interference stimulation device can control the position of the stimulation area by changing the amplitude or phase of at least one of the first and second output signals, and can change the amplitude or phase of at least one of the first and second output signals according to the position of the target stimulation area.

[0117] For example, the time interference stimulation device can adjust the position of the stimulation area in the left-right direction by adjusting the amplitude of the first or second output signal. Alternatively, by adjusting the phase and amplitude of each of the first and second output signals, the position of the stimulation area can be adjusted in the up-down direction or the stimulation area can be rotated.

[0118]

[0119] The technical details described above may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either individually or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the embodiments, or they may be those known and available to those skilled in computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. Hardware devices may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiments, and vice versa.

[0120]

[0121] As described above, the present invention has been explained by specific details such as specific components, limited embodiments, and drawings; however, this is provided merely to aid in a more comprehensive understanding of the invention, and the invention is not limited to the above embodiments. A person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains can make various modifications and variations from this description. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and all things equivalent to or having equivalent variations to the claims set forth below, as well as the claims themselves, shall be considered to fall within the scope of the concept of the invention.

Claims

1. A first electrical network comprising three or more first current sources and a first current source control unit that controls the phase or amplitude of a first output signal of each of the first current sources; A second electrical network comprising a plurality of second current sources and a second current source control unit that controls the phase or amplitude of a second output signal of each of the second current sources; First electrodes electrically connected to each of the first current sources; and It includes second electrodes electrically connected to each of the above second current sources, An amplitude-modulated signal generated by interference between an electric field formed between the first electrodes and an electric field formed between the second electrodes non-invasively stimulates biological tissue, and The amplitude of the signal formed by combining all of the first output signals is an amplitude smaller than the minimum amplitude among the amplitudes of the first output signals. Time interference stimulation device.

2. In Paragraph 1, The amplitude of the signal formed by combining all of the above first output signals is 0 people Time interference stimulation device.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above first current source control unit Calculating the phase and amplitude of the remaining output signals according to the phase and amplitude of some preset output signals among the first output signals, so that the amplitude of the signal formed by combining all the first output signals becomes zero. Time interference stimulation device.

4. In Paragraph 1, The number of the above second current sources is 3 or more Time interference stimulation device.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above first output signals are It is a signal of a first frequency with a different phase, and The above second output signals are A second frequency signal with a different phase Time interference stimulation device.

6. In Paragraph 1, The first and second electrodes above It attaches to the surface of the body, The stimulation area for the above biological tissue is Located in the deep body between the first electrodes and the second electrodes. Time interference stimulation device.

7. In Paragraph 6, The location of the stimulation area mentioned above Controlled by a change in amplitude or phase of at least one of the first and second output signals Time interference stimulation device.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above first or second current source control unit Adjusting the amplitude of the first or second output signal to adjust the position of the stimulation area in the left-right direction Time interference stimulation device.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above stimulation area is Depending on the change in amplitude of the first or second output signal, it moves from the first position to the second position, and The above second position is A position adjacent to electrodes electrically connected to current sources that output a signal with a relatively smaller amplitude among the first and second output signals, compared to the first position, Time interference stimulation device.

10. In Paragraph 7, The above first and second current source control units By adjusting the phase and amplitude of each of the first and second output signals, the position of the stimulation area is adjusted in the up-and-down direction or the stimulation area is rotated. Time interference stimulation device.

11. In Paragraph 10, The location of the stimulation area mentioned above Depending on the changes in phase and amplitude of each of the first and second output signals, it moves from the first position to the second position, and The above second position is A position adjacent to the electrode located at one end of each of the first and second electrodes, compared to the first position above, and The amplitude of the output signal of the current source electrically connected to the electrode located at the above end is An amplitude greater than the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to the electrode located at the other end of each of the first and second electrodes. Time interference stimulation device.

12. In Paragraph 10, The above stimulation area is Depending on the changes in phase and amplitude of each of the first and second output signals, it rotates in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and When the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to the electrode located at one end of the first electrodes and the electrode located at the other end of the second electrodes is greater than the amplitude of the output signal of the current source electrically connected to the electrode located at the other end of the first electrodes and the electrode located at one end of the second electrodes, it rotates in the first direction. When the amplitude of the output signal of a current source electrically connected to the electrode located at the other end of the first electrodes and the electrode located at one end of the second electrodes is greater than the amplitude of the output signal of the current source electrically connected to the electrode located at one end of the first electrodes and the electrode located at the other end of the second electrodes, it rotates in the second direction. Time interference stimulation device.

13. In Paragraph 7, The above stimulation area is When the first and second electrodes are placed on different planes, their positions are adjusted or rotated three-dimensionally. Time interference stimulation device.

14. In Paragraph 6, The above stimulation area is When the first and second electrodes are arranged in an alternating manner, a plurality of them are generated. Time interference stimulation device.

15. In Paragraph 1, The first port of the first and second current sources above is Electrically connected to the first and second electrodes, The second port of the first and second current sources above is Electrically connected to ground Time interference stimulation device.

16. In Paragraph 1, The above time interference stimulation device a wearable type device Time interference stimulation device.

17. A step of forming a first electric field between first electrodes electrically connected to each of 3 or more first current sources, and forming a second electric field between second electrodes electrically connected to each of a plurality of second current sources; and The method includes the step of controlling the location of a stimulation area for biological tissue by adjusting the phase or amplitude of at least one of the output signals of the first and second current sources. An amplitude modulation signal generated by interference between an electric field formed between the first electrodes and an electric field formed between the second electrodes non-invasively stimulates the biological tissue, and The amplitude of the signal formed by combining all the first output signals of the first current sources is an amplitude smaller than the minimum amplitude among the amplitudes of the first output signals. Time interference stimulation method.

18. In Paragraph 17, The amplitude of the signal formed by combining all of the above first output signals is 0 people Time interference stimulation method.

19. In Paragraph 18, The step of forming the first and second electric fields above Calculating the phase and amplitude of the remaining output signals according to the phase and amplitude of some preset output signals among the first output signals, so that the amplitude of the signal formed by combining all the first output signals becomes zero. Time interference stimulation method.

20. In Paragraph 17, The number of the above second current sources is 3 or more Time interference stimulation method.

21. In Paragraph 17, The first and second electrodes above It attaches to the surface of the body, The stimulation area for the above biological tissue is Located in the deep body between the first electrodes and the second electrodes. Time interference stimulation method.

22. In Paragraph 21, The location of the stimulation area mentioned above Controlled by a change in amplitude or phase of at least one of the first output signals of the first current sources and the second output signals of the second current sources Time interference stimulation method.

23. In Paragraph 22, The step of controlling the location of the stimulation area above Adjusting the amplitude of the first output signal or the second output signal to adjust the position of the stimulation area in the left-right direction Time interference stimulation method.

24. In Paragraph 22, The step of controlling the location of the stimulation area above By adjusting the phase and amplitude of each of the first output signal and the second output signal, the position of the stimulation area is adjusted in the up-and-down direction or the stimulation area is rotated. Time interference stimulation method.

25. In Paragraph 22, The above stimulation area is When the first and second electrodes are placed on different planes, their positions are adjusted or rotated three-dimensionally. Time interference stimulation method.

26. In Paragraph 21, The above stimulation area is When the first and second electrodes are arranged in an alternating manner, a plurality of them are generated. Time interference stimulation method.

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