JP7541659B2 - Electric current stimulator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method and device for applying an electrical signal for electrical current stimulation, which uses an electric current to provide transcutaneous stimulation to the extremities, particularly to the peripheral parts or their vicinity.

Technology for applying electrical signals to the human body has been put to practical use. The most common type of transcutaneous stimulation device using electric current is EMS, which improves muscle output by contracting muscles. EMS is an abbreviation for Electrical Muscle Stimulation, and is a device that electrically stimulates motor nerves from the outside, contracting and releasing the contraction of the muscles connected to the nerves, allowing for efficient muscle training. This device applies a strong load to muscle tissue, microscopically and temporarily destroys muscle fibers, and then repairs the destroyed muscle fibers as stronger muscle tissue, enlarging the muscles and improving muscle output, thereby recovering from motor dysfunction. On the other hand, a technology has been proposed that temporarily improves or decreases muscle output by applying a characteristic weak current to muscles, as in Patent Document 1, for example.

JP 2016-202445 A

EMS uses strong electrical current stimulation to contract muscles, allowing for efficient muscle training and muscle enlargement. As a result, muscle output improves, but muscle output cannot be improved until the muscles enlarge. Furthermore, the only way to relax muscles is to repeatedly contract and release the muscles, which ultimately results in muscle relaxation; conventional electrical current stimulation devices were unable to directly relax muscles.

On the other hand, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is possible to strengthen and relax specific muscles by attaching electrodes to the specific muscles and applying electrical stimulation with controlled ramp-up or ramp-down times, but it is not possible to obtain the same effect on many muscles at once. Furthermore, it is not possible to provide a sense of relaxation or refreshment to the entire body.

(1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides the following: A device for imparting or relieving tension to the entire body, the device comprising: a ring-shaped or band-shaped main body, a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on the main body, an output circuit for outputting an electric signal, a control unit for controlling the electric signal, a power supply unit for supplying power from a battery or an outlet to the output circuit and the control unit, and a switch for switching the electric signal output from the output circuit, the device comprising: when the main body is worn on a user's wrist, the first electrode is arranged on the back or palm side of the wrist, and the second electrode is arranged on the opposite side of the wrist from the first electrode, the device is capable of supplying the electric signal to the wrist using the first electrode and the second electrode, the output circuit outputs both a first signal and a second signal, the first signal is an electric signal that does not cause muscle contraction and is not felt by the user, and is an electric signal that imparts tension to the entire body when supplied to the wrist, and is a device comprising a plurality of pulses a fourth pulse group including a first pulse group whose amplitude gradually increases, a second pulse group whose amplitude is maintained constant, and a third pulse group whose amplitude gradually decreases, wherein the durations of the first pulse group and the third pulse group in the fourth pulse group are each 1.5 seconds or more, the second signal is an electric signal that does not cause muscle contraction and is not felt by the user, and is an electric signal that provides a relaxation of tension to the entire body when supplied to the wrist, wherein the durations of the first pulse group and the third pulse group in the first signal in the fourth pulse group are each 0.1 seconds or more and 0.8 seconds or less, and the output of the second pulse group is 50 μA or more and 100 μA or less, and the first signal or the second signal is switched by the switch and output as the electric signal and supplied to the wrist, thereby providing a tension or relaxation of tension to the entire body.

(2) Furthermore, in the device described in (1) of the present invention, the supply of the electrical signal can be started or stopped by operating the switch, and the operation of supplying or starting the electrical signal is different from the operation of switching between the first signal and the second signal.

The present invention provides an electric current stimulation device that can provide a feeling of refreshment and relaxation throughout the entire body by applying weak electric current stimulation to the extremities or their vicinity.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a main body A1 according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a controller according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an output waveform according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a main body B2 according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a controller according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a controller according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another example according to the present invention.

Figure 1(a) shows the external side view of the main body A1 of the electric current stimulation device according to the present invention. The main body A1 is composed of a belt portion A101, an elastic portion A107, and a controller A104. Electrode A102, which is a first electrode that comes into contact with the human body, and electrode B103, which is a second electrode, are arranged on the belt portion A101, and these electrodes are connected to the controller A104 by a harness A108 arranged inside the belt portion A101. The harness A108 cannot be seen from the outside, so only its position is shown by a dotted line. Figure 1(b) is a front view of the main body A1 as seen from the direction of the arrow A in Figure 1(a).

The expandable portion A107 is made of, for example, silicon rubber and is easily expandable and contractable. The expandable portion A107 expands and contracts to allow the main body to be attached to a limb, for example, the wrist. When attached, the electrodes A102 and B103 come into contact with the skin of the wrist and can provide electrical stimulation, as described below. The part where the main body A1 is attached is not limited to the wrist, but may also be the ankle, and attachment to a peripheral part or its vicinity is preferable. In particular, attachment to the wrist or ankle is easy in terms of ease of attachment, difficulty in coming off, and handling during use. In this embodiment, the main body A1 is described as being attached to the wrist. The expandable portion A107 is not limited to silicon rubber, but may also be natural rubber or urethane rubber.

The main body A1 is worn so that the controller A104 is on the back side of the wrist, the electrode A102 contacts the back side of the wrist, and the electrode B103 contacts the palm side of the wrist. Note that the controller A104 may be worn on the palm side, so that the electrode A102 contacts the palm side of the wrist, and the electrode B103 contacts the back side of the wrist.

The main body A1 is formed in a ring shape by the belt portion A101 and the stretchable portion A107, but the belt portion may be made of silicone rubber or natural rubber or the like in a ring shape without the stretchable portion A107, and the main body A1 may be worn on the wrist or the like by stretching the entire belt portion. Here, the ring shape does not have to be a circle, and may be, for example, an ellipse, triangle, rectangle or polygon, or any other shape as long as it can be worn appropriately on the wrist.

The belt portion may be strip-shaped rather than endless, with fastening means such as hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, or hooks attached to both ends, for example by wrapping it around the wrist and fastening it with hook-and-loop fasteners to form a ring. Alternatively, the belt portion may be strip-shaped with some of the ends being open, using, for example, an elastic leaf spring, so that the belt is not endless even when worn, and the elasticity of the leaf spring makes it easy to wear and allows the electrodes to come into contact with the skin easily and reliably.

The electrodes A102 and B103 are made of, for example, a solid gel with high conductivity or low electrical resistance. However, without being limited to this, as long as the electrodes fit the part where the main body A1 is attached and an electrical signal can be appropriately applied to the skin, they may be metal such as a molded stainless steel plate, conductive cloth using silver thread, or conductive paint. Or they may be rubber with conductivity, for example, conductive rubber made by mixing a conductive material such as carbon powder with a base material of silicone rubber or urethane rubber to give it conductivity.

A switch A105 and an LED-A106 are arranged on the controller A104, and can control the electrical signals applied to the electrodes A102 and B103. When the switch A105 is pressed, the LED-A106 lights up, and electrical stimulation, described below, is supplied by the electrodes A102 and B103 to the vicinity of the extremities, in this embodiment to the wrist.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the controller A104. The controller A104 is configured to include at least some or all of the control unit A202, the waveform generating unit A204 which is an output circuit, the timer 207, the user IF unit 201, the power supply unit 206, the battery 203, etc. In this embodiment, the controller A104 will be described as being configured from all of these.

The control unit A202 incorporates an interface unit for connecting to each unit, in addition to a CPU and memory, and is connected to and controls a waveform generation unit A204 that generates an electrical signal that provides a current stimulus, a timer 207 that manages the output for a certain period of time, and a user IF unit 201 that is connected to a switch A105 and LED-A106.

The power supplied from the battery 203 is controlled by the power supply unit 206 to a predetermined constant voltage value, for example 5V, and is supplied to each part via the control unit A202.

When the user presses switch A105 after wearing main body A1 on the wrist, that information is sent to control unit A202 via user IF unit 201, and control unit A202 instructs waveform generation unit A204 to output an electrical signal, which will be described later. Alternatively, control unit A202 may be configured to supply power to waveform generation unit A204, thereby causing waveform generation unit A204 to start generating an electrical signal.

The control unit A202 may read parameters of the electrical signal to be generated from a memory constituting part of the control unit A202 or a memory provided outside the control unit A202, and supply the parameters to the waveform generation unit A204, and the waveform generation unit A204 may output an electrical signal according to the parameters.

The electrical signal output by the waveform generating unit A204 is supplied to electrode A102, which is connected to terminal A208 by harness A108, and to electrode B103, which is connected to terminal B209 by harness A108. In synchronization with the instruction to output to the waveform generating unit A204, the timer 207 is instructed to start timing, and the timer 207 starts measuring a predetermined time, for example, 15 minutes or 1 hour. Information regarding the measurement by the timer 207, for example information that a predetermined time has elapsed, is fed back to the control unit A202, and in response to this feedback, the control unit A202 stops the output of the electrical signal by instructing the waveform generating unit A204 to stop generating the electrical signal, or by stopping the supply of power to the waveform generating unit A204.

The control unit A202 instructs the user IF unit 201 to turn on LED-A106 in accordance with the power supply to the waveform generation unit A204, and the user IF unit 201 supplies power to LED-A106 to turn on LED-A106. Conversely, when the control unit A202 stops the power supply to the waveform generation unit A204 or instructs the generation of an electrical signal to stop, it instructs the user IF unit 201 to turn off LED-A106, and the user IF unit 201 stops the power supply to LED-A106 to turn off LED-A106.

The battery 203 may be a relatively small capacity battery, for example a button type battery, since the main body A1 uses a weak current. Alternatively, it may be a battery that can be repeatedly used by recharging, such as a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, instead of the battery 203, it may be configured to be used by connecting to a DC power source using a household outlet.

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an electrical signal supplied to a limb by the present invention. In Figure 3, the horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates current value. If a set of multiple pulses is called a pulse group, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 (a), a second pulse group consisting of multiple pulses of a constant amplitude is used, and after a time (T4) during which no electrical signal is output has elapsed, the second pulse group is output again, and this process is repeated. Note that in Figure 3, the vertical axis indicates current value, and hereafter in this specification, amplitude is used as a term meaning the amplitude of the current value, but the present invention is not limited to this, and amplitude also means the amplitude of the current value, voltage value, or power related to the pulse, and amplitude is not limited to the amplitude of the current, voltage, or power.

As an example, the second pulse group is output with a frequency of 50 Hz, a pulse width of 200 μsec, and an output of 50 μA. Therefore, although more pulses than those shown in the figure are actually applied, only a portion of them is shown in order to clearly explain the pulse group and for simplicity.

In this embodiment, the pulse uses an output that the human body cannot sense as an electrical stimulus (hereinafter referred to as "imperceptible output"). In general, when the current value exceeds 20 mA, pain due to the current is likely to occur. As can be seen from page 242, Figure 8-20 of EBM Physical Therapy, 2nd Edition (Ishiyaku Publishing Co., Ltd.), an output of 20 mA or more is necessary to cause muscle contraction, and conversely, if the output is 20 mA or less, muscle contraction is unlikely to occur, although the person can feel that an electrical signal is being applied. Furthermore, by setting the output to about 50 μA as in this embodiment, not only does muscle contraction not normally occur, but unless there are special conditions, the person cannot normally feel that an electrical signal is being supplied, and of course, does not feel pain due to the electrical signal. In this embodiment, by applying an electrical signal set to the above parameters to the vicinity of the peripheral parts of the limbs using just one set of electrodes, the tension can be relieved throughout the body, resulting in a comfortable sense of relaxation. Therefore, it is desirable to use it after exercise, as this is expected to provide a more efficient cool-down, or before going to bed.

In this embodiment, the electrical stimulation is applied to the wrist, which is the peripheral part of the limb, in the same manner as the main body A1 described above, but the applied electrical signal is different, specifically, the electrical signal shown in FIG. 3(b) is used. This electrical signal is composed of a plurality of pulse groups. In particular, the electrical signal in this embodiment is composed of a first pulse group whose output gradually increases, a second pulse group whose output is maintained at a constant level, and a third pulse group whose output gradually decreases. In other words, the first pulse group can be said to be a pulse group in which the amplitude of each pulse constituting the pulse group gradually increases, or a pulse group including at least a first pulse of a first output and a pulse output after the first pulse with an output larger than the first output, or a pulse group including at least a first pulse of a first amplitude and a pulse output after the first pulse with an amplitude not smaller than the first amplitude. The second pulse group can be said to be a pulse group in which the amplitude of the plurality of pulse groups is constant in the second pulse group, or a pulse group consisting of a plurality of pulses of a second output, or a pulse group consisting of a plurality of pulses of a second amplitude. The third pulse group can be said to be a pulse group in which the amplitude of each pulse constituting the pulse group gradually decreases, or a pulse group including at least a third pulse of a third output and a pulse output after the third pulse with an output not larger than the third output, or a pulse group including at least a third pulse of a third amplitude and a pulse output after the third pulse with an amplitude smaller than the third amplitude. Furthermore, a pulse group consisting of the first pulse group, the second pulse group, and the third pulse group is called a fourth pulse group. The fourth pulse group is repeated at a constant time interval during a predetermined time, for example, one hour. Here, the duration of the first pulse group is T1, the duration of the second pulse group is T2, the duration of the third pulse group is T3, and the pause time of the fourth pulse group, i.e., the time interval until the output of the first pulse group starts again after the output of the third pulse group is finished, is T4. In this embodiment, the first pulse group and the third pulse group are used in combination to be used for a purpose other than that of the first embodiment.

Figure 4 shows main body B2 in this embodiment. Main body B2 has the same appearance as main body A1, so a front view is omitted. The same reference numerals as main body A1 are used, so explanations are omitted. The difference between main body A1 and main body B2 is that controller B404 is used.

Figure 5 is a block diagram of controller B404. Controller B404 differs from controller A104 only in waveform generation unit B504, so other explanations will be omitted. Waveform generation unit B504 outputs an electrical signal as shown in Figure 3(b). In this embodiment, T1 is 1.8 seconds, T2 is 3 seconds, and T3 is 1.8 seconds. Other parameters related to the electrical signal, such as frequency, pulse width, and current value, may be the same as those of main body A1. Therefore, although more pulses than those shown in the figure are actually applied, a portion of them are used for a schematic illustration in order to clearly explain the pulse group and for simplicity.

Note that although a single set of parameters may be applied to each pulse group, different parameters may be applied to each pulse group. For example, the frequency or pulse width may be controlled to be different for each pulse group. Alternatively, parameters such as the frequency, amplitude, or pulse width may be changed for each fourth pulse group.

In main unit B2, T1 and T3 are set to 1.8 seconds, which is 1.5 seconds or more. By applying such electrical stimulation, i.e., T1 and T3 are set to 1 second or more, 1.2 seconds or more at which the effect begins to be more stable, and preferably 1.5 seconds or more at which the effect is likely to be reliably achieved, for example, a pulse group with T1 and T3 of 1.8 seconds to the peripheral parts of the limbs or their vicinity, a moderate sense of tension can be felt throughout the body, and this tension can provide a comfortable feeling of refreshment. Therefore, it is recommended to use it when waking up in the morning, when you are tired, or before starting exercise.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Below, we will show modified examples of each of the above-mentioned embodiments as other embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and the following modified examples may be used in combination with the above-mentioned main body A1 and main body B2, or at least two of the following modified examples and the above-mentioned embodiment 1 and embodiment 2 may be combined.

Figure 6 shows a main body C3, which is one modified example. In the above-mentioned embodiment 1 and embodiment 2, the controller A104 and the controller B404 are worn on the back or palm side of the wrist, so the electrodes A102 and B103 are also on the palm side of the wrist or the back side of the wrist, but the electrodes A102 and B103 may be arranged on the right and left sides of the wrist facing the back or palm of the hand as in the main body C3 of Figure 6, rather than on the back and palm sides of the wrist, that is, they may be arranged to sandwich the wrist from the left and right. Alternatively, they may be arranged side by side on the wrist. For example, the electrodes A102 and B103 may be arranged side by side along the circumferential direction of the wrist in the belt part A101, but they may also be arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction, or they may be arranged diagonally with respect to the circumferential direction. As described above, the electrode placement is not intended to directly contract muscles or stimulate specific acupressure points using electrical signals, so the present invention can place electrodes regardless of the direction of the muscles or the location of the acupressure points, regardless of the presence or absence of muscles or acupressure points, or regardless of the amount of muscle along the current path. Figure 6 shows main body C3, which has a different electrode position than main body B2, as an example, but the electrode positions may be placed in this way in devices that apply current to the extremities or their surroundings, including main body A1, and can also be applied to each main body described below.

Other modified examples are shown below. In each of the above embodiments, a single main body is configured to apply the second pulse group as an electrical signal (hereinafter referred to as the "first signal") that relieves tension throughout the body as shown in FIG. 3(a), or the fourth pulse group as an electrical signal (hereinafter referred to as the "second signal") that gives tension to the entire body as shown in FIG. 3(b). However, this is not limited to this, and a single main body may be configured to output both the first and second electrical signals. In this case, for example, the first signal may be output when switch A105 is pressed for the first time, and the second signal may be output when switch A105 is pressed again, or the output may be stopped by pressing switch A105. In other words, the signal may be switched sequentially or the output may be stopped each time switch A105 is pressed.

Pressing switch A105 does not necessarily mean simply pressing it, but may also mean a so-called double click or long press, and different operation methods may be used, such as double clicking to switch the signal to be output and long pressing to start or stop the output of a signal. This configuration is desirable because it can avoid malfunctions of the device when switch A105 is touched accidentally.

To change the signal to be output, the control unit A202 may be configured to supply, for example, the parameters of the first signal by pressing switch A105, and the parameters of the second signal by pressing switch A105 again, to the waveform generating unit A204 and other output circuits, so that the output circuits can output signals such as the first signal and the second signal according to the respective parameters.

Other modified examples are shown below. The pulse output used above is 50 μA, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, 70 μA or 100 μA. Alternatively, the output value may be adjusted so as to obtain the desired effect, for example, by providing a volume function to controller A104 or controller B404, etc. to adjust the output. The effects as described above may vary from person to person, and it is preferable for the user to be able to adjust the output themselves.

Other modified examples are shown below. The output of the pulses used in the above example is 50 μA, and one value is used for the output used for the second pulse group as described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. The output values in the first and second signals may be changed. For example, the first signal may be 50 μA, but the second signal may be 100 μA. Alternatively, the output value in the first and second signals may be changed from 50 μA in units of four pulse groups. For example, immediately after the switch A105 is pressed, that is, the output of the second pulse group in the first fourth pulse group is 50 μA, but the output of the second pulse group in the next fourth pulse group is 52 μA, and thereafter, the output value may be gradually changed in units of four pulses. Alternatively, the output value may be configured to be increased or decreased.

Other modified examples are shown. The output of the pulses used in the above example is 50 μA for the second pulse group as described above, and an output that the human body cannot sense the electrical stimulation is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. An output that allows the electrical stimulation to be sensed at the wrist, and an output in a range in which the electrical stimulation does not cause muscle contraction and pain is not felt (hereinafter referred to as "sensible output"), for example, an output of about 950 μA, may be used. Furthermore, both the first signal and the second signal may be a sensible output, but at least one of them may be a sensible output, for example, the first signal may be an insensible output and the second signal may be a sensible output, or vice versa. In this way, the user can easily determine whether the first signal or the second signal is being used. As described above, by setting the current value of the electrical signal to 20 mA or less, muscle contraction does not occur, and by setting it to a few mA or less, pain is less felt. Of course, sensitivity to pain depends on the location where the electrical signal is supplied and individual differences, but by setting it to 950 μA as described above, it is thought that a person will not feel much pain unless there is a wound on the wrist.

Other modified examples are shown. The output of the pulses used in the above is, for example, a fixed output as described above for the second pulse group, but the present invention is not limited to this. Immediately after the start of output, the output of the second pulse group may be a sensible output, for example 500 μA, and after a certain time has elapsed since the start of output, for example 30 seconds after the start of output, the output of the second pulse group may be changed to an insensible output, for example 50 μA. The change in output may be, for example, a sudden change from a sensible output to an insensible output, that is, from 500 μA to 50 μA, or may be gradually changed from 500 μA to 400 μA, 300 μA, etc., and finally controlled to 50 μA. In addition, since the sensible output is a very weak power that does not feel pain as described above, it can be used as the second signal, and even if the sensible output using the 500 μA is used in combination with the insensible output, if the output is relatively small or for a relatively short time like the sensible output, the same effect as the insensible output can be obtained, and the effect of the insensible output will not be hindered. There are no problems or drawbacks to using sensible output, such as the use of sensible output reducing the effect of insensible output. Therefore, temporarily using sensible output can make the effects of insensible output more effective, as follows:

When using an unsensible output, the user cannot sense the output, and cannot know that the appropriate output is not being made, for example, when the switch A105 is not pressed properly or when the battery 203 has little charge remaining, and the user does not notice this. However, by using a sensible output after the start of output as described above, the user can easily know that an electrical signal is being output, and conversely, if a sensible electrical stimulation is not obtained immediately after the start of output, the user can easily know that no output is being made, and this defect can be easily avoided. For example, the user can easily notice that the switch has been operated incorrectly or that the battery is dead, and can easily make improvements such as redoing the operation or replacing or charging the battery 203. Furthermore, when only an unsensible output is used, the user cannot feel the electrical stimulation, so there are cases where the user has doubts about whether an electrical signal is really being output, i.e., whether the device is operating normally. However, because there is a temporary sensible electrical stimulation, the user can easily know that the device is operating normally, and by feeling the output, the effect can be improved.

The temporary sensible output as described above can be used not only immediately after the start of output, but also before the end of output. For example, by switching from the insensitive output to the sensible output 30 seconds before the end of the output, the user can be informed that the output will end soon. When the insensitive output is used, there is a problem that the user cannot know when the output has ended, but since the sensible output is used just before the end of the output, the user can easily know when the output has ended. Furthermore, when changing from the insensitive output to the sensible output, for example, if the insensitive output is 50 μA, it is possible to suddenly change from 50 μA to, for example, 500 μA, or it is possible to gradually change from 50 μA to 200 μA, 300 μA, 400 μA, and finally control it to 500 μA.

The above-mentioned temporary sensory output can be used not only at the start or end of the output, but also at both the start and end of the output. Alternatively, the temporary sensory output can be used periodically to inform the user that the device is operating normally and that time has passed. For example, the sensory output can be used with the first or second signal every time the output continues for five minutes. Furthermore, it is more preferable to change the duration of the sensory output used when the output is subsequently performed (indicating the passage of time) to the duration of the sensory output used when the output ends, because this allows the user to easily determine whether the output is ending or simply indicates the passage of time when they feel a sensory stimulus.

The use of sensible output for a short period of time at the start or end of output, or periodically, as described above, i.e., a configuration that uses sensible output temporarily, is more desirable for the following reasons. Although sensible output does not cause pain to a person, feeling this stimulation for a long period of time does not necessarily cause stress to a person. Therefore, even if sensible output does not cause pain, it is desirable to limit its use to short periods of time or temporary use, and using such sensible output temporarily instead of non-sensible output is more desirable in that it does not cause stress to the user. As described above, when non-sensible output is used, the sensible output can be temporarily used as a notification means to inform the user of information such as the start and end of electrical signal output and the passage of time.

Other modified examples are shown below. In the above, the first signal is the output of only the second pulse group as shown in FIG. 3(a), but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to use an electrical signal as shown in FIG. 3(b), i.e., the fourth pulse group, as the first signal. However, in this case, it is preferable that T1 and T3 are 1 second or less, 0.8 seconds or less at which a stable effect begins to be obtained, and 0.5 seconds or less at which the effect tends to be more reliably obtained. In this way, by making T1 and T3 of the fourth pulse group 1 second or less each, it is possible to use the fourth pulse group as the first signal, which is an electrical signal that relieves tension throughout the body.

Another modified example is shown below. In the present invention, a fourth pulse group in which T1 and T3 are 1 second or less (e.g., 0.3 seconds) as the first signal, and a fourth pulse group in which T1 and T3 are 1 second or more (e.g., 1.8 seconds) as the second signal may be output as main body F (the external appearance of main body F is the same as main body A1 and main body B2, and therefore the external appearance of main body F is shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4).

In this case, for example, when switch A105 is pressed for the first time, a fourth pulse group of 0.3 seconds as T1 and T3 is output as the first signal, and when switch A105 is pressed again, a fourth pulse group of 1.8 seconds as T1 and T3 is output as the second signal, and further, the output may be stopped by pressing switch A105.

When outputting the first and second signals, a waveform generating unit F804 capable of outputting both is used, and a controller F801 using the waveform generating unit F804 is shown in Figure 8. As with the waveform generating unit F804, by setting T1 and T3 to, for example, 0.1 seconds or 0.3 seconds, it is possible to have a common circuit configuration with the output circuit that outputs the second signal even when the first signal is output. In other words, a single output circuit can output both the first and second signals.

The first and third pulse groups are originally intended to reduce pain caused by a large current passing through the muscles that is strong enough to cause muscle contraction, but even a weak current that is not enough to cause muscle contraction can also reduce pain and discomfort caused by current passing through the affected area of the skin, such as injury or inflammation, rather than through the muscles.

Or, if there is a wound or inflammation on the skin, even if the output is insensible, the user may feel the applied electrical stimulation, even if he or she does not feel pain, and the insensible output may act as a sensible output. As mentioned above, even if the user does not feel pain, a long-term sensible stimulation is undesirable because it may cause stress to the user. In this case, by using the above-mentioned fourth pulse group as the first signal, the user will be less likely to sense the applied electrical stimulation even if there is a wound or inflammation on the skin. Therefore, it is preferable to use the fourth pulse group as the first signal, and in this case, T1 and T3 are realistically 0.8 seconds or less and 0.1 seconds or more. The controller F801 may be configured to have a control unit F802 arranged to notify the waveform generating unit F804 of information indicating that T1 and T3 are, for example, 0.3 seconds when the first signal is used, and information indicating that T1 and T3 are, for example, 1.8 seconds when the first signal is used, and output the first signal and the second signal from the waveform generating unit F804.

Figure 7(a) shows main body D4, which is another modified example. In main body A1 and main body B2 as described above, the various circuit parts built into controller A104 or controller B404 are arranged in belt part A101, but this is not limited to this configuration, and they may be arranged somewhere other than belt part A101, for example, controller D705 may be arranged separately from main body D4. Figure 7(b) shows the appearance as seen from the direction of arrow B in the figure. Controller D705 is omitted in figure 7(a), but is shown in figure 7(b). In this case, separate controller D705 may be configured to be worn around the neck with a neck strap, for example, or may be configured to be used in a pocket. In this case, the controller D705 may be configured to be connected to terminal portion A702 and terminal portion B703 of mount portion 701 provided on belt portion A101 by cable 704 and connector 708, so that electrical signals can be supplied to the wrist by electrode A102 connected to terminal portion A702 and electrode B103 connected to terminal portion B702. Each terminal portion and electrode is connected by harness B709 inside belt portion A101. Switch B706 and LED-B707 are arranged on controller D705 and are used in the same way as switch A105 and LED-A106.

Figure 9 shows another modified example of the main body H5. Although the above examples are assumed to be worn on the wrist, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, in the shape of a finger ring. As an example, a case having a ring 901 is shown. The ring 901 has electrodes C902 and D903 corresponding to electrodes A102 and B103 arranged thereon, the electrode C902 is connected to a terminal C904 via a harness C908, the electrode D903 is connected to a terminal D905 via a harness D909, and the terminals C904 and D905 are connected to a cable H907 by a connector H906, and are connected to the main body H5 in which the controller is arranged. The controller may be any of the above controllers, and in the figure (b) the case where the controller F801 is used is shown, and as in the figure (C), the controller F801 is provided in a bracelet-shaped main body H5, and the main body H5 is worn on the wrist, and the ring 901 is worn like a finger ring.

The ring 901 may be made of an insulating material such as resin, or may be made of rubber or silicon. This is a conceptual diagram to explain the configuration of each part, so although the ring 901 in (a) and the main body H5 in (c) are shown to be the same size, this does not mean that they are the same size.

Figure 10 shows a modified example of Figure 9. In Figure 9, two electrodes are arranged on the ring 901, but in the present invention, as long as the current is applied to the extremities of the limbs or in the vicinity thereof, it is not limited to this. Therefore, for example, as shown in Figure 10, only one of the two electrodes used to supply a weak current may be arranged on a ring-shaped ring J1001, and the other electrode may be worn on another part, for example, on the wrist. Figure 10(a) shows a ring-shaped ring J1001 as in Figure 9(a). However, the electrode C902 and harness in Figure 9(a) are not on the ring J1001, but are arranged on the main body J6 as the electrode A102 and harness E1008 as in Figure 10(c). The main body J6 is composed of a belt part A101 and an elastic part A107, and has the same configuration as in Figure 1. The electrode D903 is connected to the terminal D905 via the harness D909, and the terminal D905 is connected to the cable J1007 by the connector J1006 and connected to the controller. The main body J6 is worn on the wrist, and the ring J1001 is worn like a finger ring. The configuration of the ring J1001 is illustrated as an example of a case where an insulating material is used like the ring 901, but is not limited to this. The ring may be made of a conductor such as platinum or silver or a highly conductive material, for example, like the ring K1002 in the same figure (d). In this case, the electrode 903 and harness D909 are not necessary, and a simpler configuration is possible, and the ring K1002 can be used instead of the ring J1001 in the same figure (b). The ring K1002 is connected to the main body J6 by the harness E1007 and the terminal D905.

Figure 11 shows another modified example. Although Figures 9 and 10 above show examples in which only one ring-shaped ring 901, ring J1001, or ring K1002 is used, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which multiple rings K1002 are used, for example, is also possible. Figure 11 shows a configuration in which two rings K1002 are used. In this figure, a main body K7 that is configured to be able to use multiple rings K1002 is used instead of main body J6, and the two rings K1002 that act as electrodes are connected by a cable K1107.

Figure 12 shows another modified example. In the above, it is assumed that the device is attached to the wrist or finger, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the device may be in the form of a supporter, for example, the main body L8 is shown as an example. The main body L8 has a supporter 1201, and electrodes E1202 and F1203 corresponding to electrodes A102 and B103 are arranged, and the electrodes E1202 and F1203 are connected to the controller via a harness F1208. In the figure, the electrodes E1202 and F1203 are arranged so as to contact the back of the hand, and the harness F1208 is also provided inside the supporter 1201, so it cannot be seen directly from the outside, and its position is shown by a dotted line. The controller may be any of the above controllers, and the same figure (a) shows the case where the controller F801 is used, and the main body L8 is attached and used as shown in Figure 12. The supporter 1201 may be made of an insulating material, and may be made of cloth such as cotton, or may be made of leather, rubber, silicone, etc.

In FIG. 12, electrodes E1202 and F1202 are placed in the positions shown in FIG. 12(a), but the present invention is not limited to this. The regions enclosed by dotted lines in FIG. 12(b) and FIG. 12(c) are desirable locations for placing the electrodes because they can reliably contact the skin. Hereinafter, each of the desirable regions for placing these electrodes will be referred to as an electrode region. Two electrode regions are selected from these electrode regions and one electrode is placed in each, or two electrodes are placed in one of these electrode regions. For example, electrodes may be placed at the base of the thumb and at a position between the base of the little finger and the wrist. FIG. 12(b) shows the electrode regions on the back of the hand, and FIG. 12(c) shows the electrode regions on the palm.

Figure 13 shows another modified example. Figure 12 shows a configuration in which electrodes are placed on the supporter 1201, but the present invention is not limited to this. The main body M9 may use ring J1001 or ring K1002 as one of the electrodes. Figure 13 shows a case in which ring K1002 is used instead of electrode E1202 in Figure 12, but ring K1002 may also be used instead of electrode F1203.

Figure 14 shows another modified example. Although Figures 11 and 12 show examples of a supporter shape used on the wrist, the present invention is not limited to this, and an example of a glove shape is shown in Figure 14. In the above, it is assumed that the supporter is worn on the wrist or finger, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the supporter may be shaped like a glove, and the main body N10 is shown as an example. The main body N10 has a glove 1401, and electrodes E1202 and F1203 corresponding to electrodes A102 and B103 are arranged, and electrodes E1202 and F1203 are connected to a controller via a harness M1402. The controller may be any of the above controllers, and the figure shows a case where controller F801 is used, and the main body N10 is worn and used as shown in the figure. The glove 1401 may be made of an insulating material like the supporter 1201, and may be made of cloth such as cotton, or may be made of leather, rubber, silicone, etc. When using a glove-shaped body as shown in FIG. 14, the electrode area where the electrodes shown in FIG. 12 can be placed extends to the surface of each finger covered by the glove, and electrodes can be placed on each finger, but since there is no need for ring-shaped ring 901, ring J1001, or ring K1002, wearing the electrodes becomes easier.

All of the above embodiments and modified examples show examples in which the main body or electrodes are placed on or near the extremities, such as the wrist or fingers, but the present invention is not limited to this. The electrodes or main body may not be attached to or near the extremities, but may be placed on equipment that comes into contact with the extremities or nearby areas. For example, the electrodes or main body may be placed on the keyboard or mouse when using a personal computer, the handlebars, accelerator, or brakes used when driving a motorcycle or car, or even on a pen or smartphone.

Figure 15 shows an example of these. Figure 15 (a) shows the case of use in a mouse. The mouse 1501 has a left click 1502, a right click 1503, and a body part 1504 that the palm of the hand contacts, and an electrode G1505 and an electrode H1506 may be arranged on the body part 1504. The controller may be any of the above controllers, for example, the controller F801 may be arranged on the body part 1504 and connected to the electrode G1505 and the electrode H1506. As for the arrangement of the electrodes, the electrodes may be arranged at the proximal end of the body part 1504, which is the position where the part touched by the thumb contacts the part of the palm close to the wrist, as shown in the figure, or the electrode G1505 may be arranged on the right side of the body part 1504 that the little finger contacts, and a current may flow to the thumb and little finger through the electrode G1505 and the electrode H1506 arranged on the thumb side. Alternatively, electrode G1505 and electrode H1506 may be disposed at the proximal end of body portion 1504.

Instead of electrode G1505, the left click 1502 or right click 1503 may be made of a conductive material, or electrode G1505 may be placed on the left click 1502 or right click 1503 so that current flows through the thumb and index finger or middle finger, or electrode H1506 placed on the left click 1502 or right click 1503 and body part 1504 may be used to supply the first signal current or second signal to the palm and fingers. Electrode H1506 may be placed on the left click 1502 or at least the surface of the left click 1502 may be a conductor, and electrode G1505 may be placed on the right click 1503 or at least the surface of the right click 1503 may be a conductor so that the first signal or second signal flows through the index finger and middle finger. Furthermore, switch A105 and LED-A106 may be placed, for example, as shown in the figure.

Figure 15(b) is an example of the present invention applied to a notebook computer. As shown in the figure, the personal computer 1511 has electrodes J1514 and K1515 arranged on the left side of the touchpad area 1513 for operating the mouse pointer, in front of the keyboard area 1512, and is connected to a controller arranged inside the personal computer 1511. The controller may be any of the above controllers, for example, the controller F801 may be arranged inside the personal computer 1511 and connected to the electrodes J1514 and K1515. In the figure, the electrodes are arranged on the left side of the touchpad area 1513, but this is not limited to this, and they may be arranged on the right side or on both sides of the touchpad area 1513, and the above first signal current and second signal may be supplied to each of the palms of both hands. The electric signals supplied via the electrodes J1514 and K1515 may be controlled by an application installed inside the personal computer 1511.

Figure 15(c) is an example of the present invention applied to a steering wheel of a car. As shown in the figure, electrodes L1522 and M1523 are arranged on the steering wheel 1521 and are connected to a controller arranged inside the steering wheel 1521. In addition, switch A105 and LED-A106 may be arranged, for example, as shown in the figure. The controller may be any of the controllers described above, for example, controller F801 may be arranged on the steering wheel 1521 and connected to electrodes L1522 and M1523. Electrode L1522 and electrode M1523 are provided on the right side of the steering wheel, but the present invention is not limited to this, and they may be provided on the left side or on both. Also, electrode L1522 and electrode M1523 are provided on the front side of the steering wheel, but the present invention is not limited to this, and they may be provided on the side, or one may be provided on the front and the other on the side.

FIG. 15(d) is an example of the case where the present invention is applied to a mobile terminal. As shown in the figure, electrodes P1533 and Q1534 are arranged on both sides of the housing 1532 or the display part 1535 of the smartphone 1531, and are connected to a controller arranged inside the housing 1532. The controller may be any of the above controllers, for example, the controller F801 may be arranged inside the housing 1532 and connected to the electrodes P1533 and Q1534. The electrodes P1533 and Q1534 are arranged in the lower half of both sides of the housing 1532, but are not limited to this, and may be arranged in the upper half, or may be arranged on the upper and lower sides of one of the right and left sides. The electrical signals supplied via the electrodes P1533 and Q1534 may be controlled by an application installed in the smartphone 1531.

In the example of FIG. 15, the controller and electrodes may be provided separately. For example, in the case of a mouse, the controller may be placed in a PC to which the mouse is connected, and an application installed in the PC may be used to control the electrical signals supplied to the limbs or their vicinity via the electrodes. In the case of a steering wheel, the controller may be placed on, for example, the instrument panel instead of the steering wheel, and the electrical signals supplied to the human body may be controlled using, for example, a user interface of a car navigation system.

In the above Figures 9 to 15, a weak, imperceptible current is used as the electrical signal, so the user does not feel any pain or discomfort, and does not even feel that a current is being supplied. Therefore, even when the user is driving, doing office work, or performing delicate manual work, the user is not affected by the electrical signal supplied at all, and can continue to perform these tasks easily and comfortably while an electrical signal is being supplied, without experiencing any stress from the electrical signal.

Furthermore, even during these tasks, the first and second signals can be used to continue work while constantly refreshing or relaxing, which not only improves work efficiency but also allows safe operation to continue. For example, when driving for long periods of time or at night, the second signal can be used to drive while constantly refreshing, and when there is traffic congestion, the first signal can be used to drive while relaxing, allowing safe driving to continue. When using a computer for long periods of time or at night, the second signal can be used to work while constantly refreshing, or the first signal can be used to work while relaxing, allowing for error-free operation to be continued and performed effortlessly.

In the above embodiments and various modified examples, the electrical signal used uses a pulse group using a square wave, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a triangular wave may be used instead of a square wave, an impulse train using multiple impulses, or a sine wave may be used instead of a pulse group. Furthermore, the electrical signal may have positive and negative amplitudes, or may be a unipolar waveform with only positive or negative amplitude. Alternatively, the electrical signal is not limited to electrical signals with equal positive and negative amplitudes, and may have different positive and negative amplitudes, different shapes of positive and negative waveforms, or an offset waveform.

The above examples are examples of use on the human body, but the present invention can also be applied to other living bodies (hereinafter simply referred to as "living bodies"). Examples of living bodies include lions and giraffes kept in zoos, dogs and cats kept as pets in ordinary households, and the present invention can also be applied to livestock such as cows, horses, pigs, chickens, goats and sheep. Here, we will use livestock as an example. Livestock are often kept in relatively small spaces, for example, in cowsheds, and due to lack of exercise, confinement in a small space, or stress due to other factors, or tension due to other factors continues for a long period of time, it has a significant impact on their growth and health, the quantity and quality of milk in the case of dairy cows, and the meat quality in the case of beef cows.

Therefore, by using the device according to the present invention on a living body, for example a cow, it is possible to alleviate stress and tension and improve the quality of milk and meat. The device used in this case can be the main body A or main body B used in the above examples or a modified version thereof. However, it is necessary to change the size of the belt part A101 to suit the living body, for example so that it can be used on the toes of a cow, or to change the material to increase its strength.

The main unit as described above does not require a particularly large circuit configuration or battery, and the living body does not feel any stress due to its size or weight. Not only is any additional stress caused by wearing it quickly eliminated, but the body cannot sense the above-mentioned imperceptible output, so there is no awareness of the electrical stimulation being given, and there is no further stress caused by using a device incorporating this invention.

However, when first worn, the living organism will be bothered by the unfamiliar equipment, and it is anticipated that the organism may lick or bite it, causing the switches to be unintentionally pressed or broken. In light of this, it may be necessary to consider measures such as covering the switches with a cover or increasing the strength of the controller and belt. Alternatively, it would be even more preferable to eliminate the switches from the main unit and use wireless remote control from outside, as this would prevent the switches from being unintentionally operated or damaged by the organism licking or biting.

When using the device of the present invention on a living body, the electrodes used, such as the above-mentioned electrodes A102 and B103, may not be suitable for use as is. The limbs of a living body are usually covered with body hair, so that a sufficient current is not supplied to the limbs. Therefore, rather than using electrodes made of conductive resin or metal, it is preferable to use highly elastic elastic materials, such as conductive rubber or conductive fibers, for electrodes A102 and B103 so that a sufficient current is supplied from the electrodes to the limbs. Alternatively, a highly viscous conductive gel may be applied to the surface of electrodes A102 and B103 to ensure that a sufficient current is supplied to the limbs of the living body.

By using the device of the present invention on a living body, the following effects can be expected. The effects listed below can be expected not only individually but also as multiple effects at the same time. One of the effects is the relief of tension. The reasons for tension are not limited to specific reasons, and examples include tension caused by stress due to being confined in a small cage or room. Other examples include stress caused by weather such as extremely low or high temperatures, typhoons, strong winds, prolonged rain or dryness, and tension caused by vigilance due to construction work being carried out in the neighborhood. Other examples include tension caused by changes in physical condition due to poor health or pregnancy.

For the above-mentioned tension relief, the first signal can be supplied to the limbs of a living body using main body A1, main body E, or main body F, or a device having a function of outputting pulses equivalent to these, thereby relieving tension in the living body and releasing it from stress, and can be used to maintain and manage the living body's physical condition, such as improving or maintaining the living body's health. Alternatively, it is effective to predict the occurrence of tension, or to supply these first signals to the limbs of a living body in advance to individuals who are prone to tension. Furthermore, it is also effective to supply the first signal to an overactive individual to suppress activity. As an example, it is expected that the first signal can be supplied to an injured or ill individual to suppress activity and hasten the healing of the injury or illness.

By using the device of the present invention on a living body, other effects can be expected. The other effect is the promotion of activity. For example, the activity of an elderly living body decreases, leading to lack of exercise, which leads to muscle weakening, joint disorders, and visceral diseases. The same is true for living bodies in zoos, where their activities are restricted to cages and food can be easily obtained regularly, resulting in fewer opportunities to exercise and lack of exercise. Lack of exercise increases the possibility of inducing illness and injury. Therefore, by using a current stimulation device to which the present invention is applied or by using a device that has the function of outputting pulses equivalent to these, a second signal can be supplied to the limbs of a living body, giving the living body a sense of refreshment, increasing the activity and vitality of the living body, eliminating lack of exercise, and allowing the living body to maintain and manage its physical condition. For example, in the case of cows, pigs, sheep, goats, etc., it is possible to maintain and manage the quality of meat, and improve and maintain the quality and quantity of milk. By supplying a second signal to a living body with reduced activity and activity to increase activity, for example, muscle deterioration in elderly living bodies can be prevented and strong muscles can be maintained, or lack of exercise can be improved, making it possible to prevent injuries and illnesses even in elderly people and maintain health.

The device of the present invention can use the first and second signals to not only manage the health of living organisms, but also to control the quality of livestock. For example, the second signal can be used to increase the activity of beef cattle, increasing the proportion of so-called lean meat, or the first signal can be used frequently to limit the activity of beef cattle and adjust the hardness and fat of the meat to control the quality of the meat, for example to make the meat softer and increase the proportion of so-called marbled meat. In this case, the movement of livestock is not forcibly restricted, and there is no need to force them to exercise, so there is no stress on the livestock.

The current stimulation device of the present invention is a device that provides a sense of relaxation to the entire body, comprising a ring-shaped or band-shaped main body, a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on the main body, an output circuit that outputs an electrical signal, a control unit that controls the electrical signal, and a power supply unit that supplies power to the output circuit and the control unit from a battery or an outlet, and when the main body is worn on the wrist of a user, the first electrode is arranged on the back or palm side of the wrist, and the second electrode is arranged on the opposite side of the wrist from the first electrode, and the electrical signal is supplied to the wrist using the first electrode and the second electrode. This makes it possible to output an electrical signal from the output circuit that does not cause muscle contraction and is not felt by the user, and that provides a sense of relaxation to the entire body when supplied to the wrist, and is characterized in that a first electrical signal is supplied to the wrist, the first electrical signal being a pulse group consisting of a plurality of pulses, the first pulse group having a gradually increasing amplitude, a second pulse group that maintains a constant amplitude, and a third pulse group having a gradually decreasing amplitude, and the duration of the first pulse group and the third pulse group is 0.1 seconds or more and 0.8 seconds or less, respectively.

Furthermore, the electrical stimulation device of the present invention is a device that applies a second electrical signal in addition to the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal being an electrical signal that does not cause muscle contraction and that does not cause pain to the user but allows the user to feel that an electrical signal has been applied, and is characterized in that when the first electrical signal is supplied to the wrist, the second electrical signal is used to notify the user.

The current stimulation device of the present invention is a device for relieving tension throughout the body, comprising a ring-shaped or band-shaped main body, a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on the main body, an output circuit for outputting an electrical signal, a control unit for controlling the electrical signal, and a power supply unit for supplying power from a battery or an outlet to the output circuit and the control unit, wherein when the main body is worn on the wrist of a user, the first electrode is arranged on the back or palm side of the wrist, and the second electrode is arranged on the opposite side of the wrist from the first electrode, and the electrical signal can be supplied to the wrist using the first electrode and the second electrode, and the electrical signal is an electrical signal that does not cause muscle contraction. The first electrical signal is an electrical signal that is not felt by the user and that relieves tension throughout the body when supplied to the wrist, and is a pulse group consisting of a plurality of pulses, including a first pulse group with gradually increasing amplitude, a second pulse group that maintains a constant amplitude, and a third pulse group with gradually decreasing amplitude, the durations of the first pulse group and the third pulse group are each 0.1 seconds or more and 0.8 seconds or less, and the output of the second pulse group is 50 μA or more and 100 μA or less, and the first electrical signal is supplied to the wrist by the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby providing a sense of relaxation to the entire body.

Furthermore, the device applies a second electrical signal in addition to the first electrical signal, and the second electrical signal is an electrical signal in which the output of the second pulse group in the first electrical signal is 500 μA or more and 950 μA or less, and when the first electrical signal is supplied to the wrist, the device temporarily changes the first electrical signal and outputs the second electrical signal to notify the user.

1 Main body A
2 Body B
3. Main Body C
4. Main body D
5 Main body H
6 Main body J
7 Body K
8 Main body L
9 Main body M
10 Body N
101 Belt A
102 Electrode A
103 Electrode B
104 Controller A
105 Switch A
106 LED-A
107 Stretching section A
108 Harness A
201 User IF unit 202 Control unit A
203 Battery 204 Waveform generating unit A
206 Power supply unit 207 Timer 208 Terminal A
209 Terminal B
404 Controller B
504 Waveform generation unit B
701 Mounting section 702 Terminal section A
703 Terminal part B
704 Cable 705 Controller D
706 Switch B
707 LED-B
708 Connector 709 Harness B
801 Controller F
802 Control unit F
804 Waveform generation unit F
901 Ring 902 Electrode C
903 Electrode D
904 Terminal C
905 Terminal D
906 Connector H
907 Cable H
908 Harness C
909 Harness D
1001 Ring J
1002 Ring K
1006 Connector J
1007 Cable J
1008 Harness E
1107 Cable K
1201 Supporter 1202 Electrode E
1203 Electrode F
1208 Harness F
1401 Gloves 1402 Harness M
1501 Mouse 1502 Left click 1503 Right click 1504 Body part 1505 Electrode G
1506 Electrode H
1511 PC 1512 Keyboard area 1513 Touch pad area 1514 Electrode J
1515 Electrode K
1521 Handle 1522 Electrode L
1523 Electrode M
1531 Smartphone 1532 Housing 1533 Electrode P
1534 Electrode Q
1535 Display part

Claims (2)

An annular or band-shaped main body;
a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the body;
an output circuit that outputs an electrical signal;
A control unit that controls the electrical signal;
a power supply unit that supplies power to the output circuit and the control unit from a battery or an outlet;
a switch for switching the electrical signal output from the output circuit;
A device for providing a sense of tension or relief of tension to the entire body,
When the main body is worn on the wrist of a user, the first electrode is disposed on the back side or the palm side of the wrist,
the second electrode is disposed on an opposite side of the wrist from the first electrode, and the electrical signal can be supplied to the wrist using the first electrode and the second electrode;
As the electrical signal output from the output circuit, both the first signal and the second signal are output, and
the first signal is an electrical signal that does not cause muscle contraction and is not felt by the user, and is an electrical signal that, when supplied to the wrist, causes a sense of tension in the entire body; the first signal is a pulse group consisting of a plurality of pulses, the fourth pulse group being composed of a first pulse group whose amplitude gradually increases, a second pulse group whose amplitude is maintained constant, and a third pulse group whose amplitude gradually decreases, and the first pulse group and the third pulse group in the fourth pulse group each have a duration of 1.5 seconds or more;
the second signal is an electrical signal that does not cause muscle contraction and is not felt by the user, and is an electrical signal that relieves tension throughout the body when supplied to the wrist, the durations of the first pulse group and the third pulse group in the first signal in the fourth pulse group are each 0.1 seconds or more and 0.8 seconds or less, and the output of the second pulse group is 50 μA or more and 100 μA or less,
A device characterized in that the switch switches to the first signal or the second signal, which is output as the electrical signal and supplied to the wrist, thereby imparting a sense of tension or relaxation to the entire body. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply of the electrical signal can be started or stopped by operating the switch, and the operation of supplying or starting the electrical signal is different from the operation of switching between the first signal and the second signal.