U.S. patent application number 11/148434 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for apparatus, method, and medium controlling electrical stimulation and/or health training/monitoring.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Han, Wan-taek, Lee, Jeong-hwan, Shin, Kun-soo, Whang, Jin-sang, Yeo, Hyung-sok.
Application Number | 20050283205 11/148434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35481653 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050283205 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee, Jeong-hwan ; et
al. |
December 22, 2005 |
Apparatus, method, and medium controlling electrical stimulation
and/or health training/monitoring
Abstract
An apparatus, method, and medium for generating electrical
stimulation, including an electromyogram detector detecting an
electromyographic signal of a body, a fatigue index calculator
calculating a fatigue index indicating a degree of muscle fatigue
by converting the electromyographic signal detected by the
electromyogram detector during a predetermined time unit into a
frequency-domain electromyographic signal, and an electrical
stimulation signal generator adjusting an electrical stimulation
signal according to the calculated fatigue index and generating the
electrical stimulation signal. Accordingly, a health
training/monitoring apparatus can include an electrical stimulation
generator adjusting an electrical stimulation signal according to a
degree of fatigue and generating the electrical stimulation signal,
a physical activity monitor monitoring a physical activity using at
least one of a heart rate measurer and an accelerometer, and a mode
selector selectively driving the electrical stimulation generator
or the physical activity monitor according to an amount of the
physical activity.
Inventors: |
Lee, Jeong-hwan;
(Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Shin, Kun-soo; (Gyeonggi-do,
KR) ; Han, Wan-taek; (Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Yeo,
Hyung-sok; (Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Whang, Jin-sang;
(Gyeonggi-do, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STAAS & HALSEY LLP
SUITE 700
1201 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
LTD.
Gyeonggi-do
KR
|
Family ID: |
35481653 |
Appl. No.: |
11/148434 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
607/48 ;
600/546 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/11 20130101; A63B
2213/004 20130101; A61B 5/389 20210101; A61N 1/36003 20130101; A61B
5/0245 20130101; A63B 2230/06 20130101; A61N 1/36031 20170801 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/048 ;
600/546 |
International
Class: |
A61N 001/18; A61B
005/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 10, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0042507 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An electrical stimulation apparatus using an electromyographic
measurement, comprising: an electromyogram detector detecting an
electromyographic signal from a body; a fatigue index calculator
calculating a fatigue index indicating a degree of muscle fatigue,
for at least a muscle of the body, by converting the detected
electromyographic signal, detected during a predetermined time
unit, into a frequency-domain electromyographic signal; and an
electrical stimulation signal generator adjusting an electrical
stimulation signal, for application to the body, based on the
calculated fatigue index and generating the electrical stimulation
signal.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electromyogram detector
comprises an electromyogram detection electrode.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fatigue index calculator
comprises: an initial median frequency output unit to measure an
electromyogram at an initial point, of the predetermined time unit,
to convert the measured initial point electromyogram into an
initial frequency-domain electromyogram, and to output an initial
median frequency; a final median frequency output unit to measure
an electromyogram at a final point, of the predetermined time unit,
to convert the measured final point electromyogram into a final
frequency-domain electromyogram, and to output a final median
frequency; and a fatigue index output unit to determine the fatigue
index based on a ratio of the initial median frequency to a
difference between the initial median frequency and the final
median frequency.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulation
signal generator adjusts the electrical stimulation signal by
changing a size, a cycle, and/or a pattern of the electrical
stimulation signal.
5. A method of generating electrical stimulation using an
electromyographic signal, comprising: detecting an
electromyographic signal from a body using a predetermined medium
for detecting an electromyogram; calculating a fatigue index
indicating a degree of muscle fatigue, for a muscle of the body, by
converting the detected electromyographic signal, detected during a
predetermined time unit, into a frequency-domain electromyographic
signal; and adjusting an electrical stimulation signal according to
the calculated fatigue index and generating the adjusted electrical
stimulation signal.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the calculating of the fatigue
index comprises: measuring an initial electromyogram signal at an
initial point, of the predetermined time unit, converting the
measured initial point electromyogram signal into an initial
frequency-domain electromyogram signal, and outputting an initial
median frequency; measuring a final electromyogram signal at a
final point, of the predetermined time unit, converting the
measured final point electromyogram signal into a final
frequency-domain electromyogram signal, and outputting a final
median frequency; and determining the fatigue index based on a
ratio of the initial median frequency to a difference between the
initial median frequency and the final median frequency.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein, in the adjusting and generating
of the electrical stimulation signal, the electrical stimulation
signal is adjusted by changing a size, a cycle, and/or a pattern of
the electrical stimulation signal.
8. A health training/monitoring apparatus, comprising: an
electrical stimulation generator to adjust an electrical
stimulation signal based on a degree of fatigue, of a muscle of a
body, and generating the adjusted electrical stimulation signal; a
physical activity monitor to monitor a physical activity of a user
using at least one of a heart rate measurer and an accelerometer
for the body; and a mode selector selectively driving the
electrical stimulation generator or the physical activity monitor
based on an amount of the monitored physical activity.
9. The health training/monitoring apparatus of claim 8, wherein the
electrical stimulation generator comprises: an electromyogram
detector to detect an electromyographic signal of the body; a
fatigue index calculator to calculate a fatigue index indicating
the degree of fatigue by converting the detected electromyographic
signal, detected during a predetermined time unit, into a
frequency-domain electromyographic signal; and an electrical
stimulation signal generator to adjust the electrical stimulation
signal based on the calculated fatigue index and to generate the
adjusted electrical stimulation signal.
10. The health training/monitoring apparatus of claim 8, wherein
the physical activity monitor comprises: the heart rate measurer to
measure a heart rate using a predetermined electrode attached to
the body; the accelerometer to measure an acceleration of physical
movement of the body; and an activity output unit to output at
least one of a physical activity pattern and calories expended
based on the measured heart rate and/or the measured
acceleration
11. The health training/monitoring apparatus of claim 10, wherein
the accelerometer measures the acceleration of the physical
movement in any one of a one-axis direction, two-axis direction, or
three-axis direction.
12. The health training/monitoring apparatus of claim 8, wherein
the mode selector drives the physical activity monitor when an
output waveform of the accelerometer is greater than a
predetermined threshold value and drives the electrical stimulation
generator when the output waveform of the accelerometer is not
greater than the predetermined threshold value.
13. The health training/monitoring apparatus of claim 8, wherein
the apparatus is a waist belt or a patch.
14. The health training/monitoring apparatus of claim 13, wherein
the waist belt or the patch comprises: a first layer comprising a
plurality of electrodes for measuring the heart rate, a plurality
of electrodes for the electrical stimulation, and a plurality of
electrodes for the measuring of the electromyographic signal; and a
second layer comprising the accelerometer measuring the
acceleration of the physical movement and a predetermined
controller.
15. The health training/monitoring apparatus of claim 14, wherein
an airbag layer inflatable and deflatable by air is interposed
between the first layer and the second layer.
16. A health training/monitoring method, comprising: determining
whether a physical activity is dynamic or static; monitoring the
physical activity using at least one of a heart rate measurer and
an accelerometer when the physical activity is dynamic; and
adjusting an electrical stimulation signal based on a degree of
muscle fatigue, of at least a muscle of a body, and generating the
adjusted electrical stimulation signal when the physical activity
is static.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein in the determining of whether
the physical activity is dynamic or static, the physical activity
is determined to be dynamic when a value of the physical activity
is greater than a predetermined threshold value for a predetermined
period of time, and the physical activity is determined as static
when a value of the physical activity is not greater than the
predetermined threshold value for the predetermined period of
time.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the monitoring of the physical
activity comprises: measuring the heart rate using a predetermined
electrode attached to the body when the physical activity is
dynamic; measuring acceleration of physical movement of the body
using an accelerometer; and outputting at least one of a physical
activity pattern and calories expended using the measured heart
rate and the measured acceleration.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the adjusting and generating of
the electrical stimulation signal comprises: detecting an
electromyographic signal of the body; calculating a fatigue index
indicating the degree of muscle fatigue by converting the detected
electromyographic signal, detected during a predetermined time
unit, into a frequency-domain electromyographic signal; and
adjusting the electrical stimulation signal based on the calculated
fatigue index and generating the adjusted electrical stimulation
signal.
20. A medium comprising computer readable code implementing the
method of claim 5.
21. A medium comprising computer readable code implementing the
method of claim 16.
22. An electrical stimulation apparatus, comprising: an
electromyogram detector detecting electromyographic signals from a
body; a fatigue index calculator calculating a fatigue index
indicating a degree of muscle fatigue, for at least a muscle in a
body, by converting at least two detected electromyographic signals
into respective frequency-domain electromyographic signals, with
the calculated fatigue index being based on a ratio with the at
least two frequency-domain electromyographic signals; and an
electrical stimulation signal generator generating an electrical
stimulation signal, for application to the body, based on the
calculated fatigue index.
23. The electrical stimulation apparatus of claim 22, further
comprising: a heart rate measurer to measure a heart rate using a
predetermined electrode attached to the body; and an activity
output unit to output at least one of a physical activity pattern
and calories expended based on the measured heart rate.
24. The electrical stimulation apparatus of claim 22, further
comprising: an accelerometer to measure an acceleration of physical
movement of the body; and an activity output unit to output at
least one of a physical activity pattern and calories expended
based on the measured acceleration.
25. The electrical stimulation apparatus of claim 24, wherein when
the measured acceleration is greater than a predetermined threshold
value the electrical stimulation signal generator does not generate
the electrical stimulation signal.
26. The electrical stimulation apparatus of claim 22, wherein the
at least two detected electromyographic signals are detected at
least at an initial point in a predetermined period and a final
point in the predetermined period, respectively.
27. The electrical stimulation apparatus of claim 26, wherein the
initial point occurs when the electrical stimulation apparatus is
applied to operate on the body.
28. The electrical stimulation apparatus of claim 26, wherein the
final point occurs when the electrical stimulation apparatus is
removed from operating on the body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of Korean
Patent Application No. 10-2004-0042507, filed on Jun. 10, 2004, in
the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a medical aid, and more
particularly, to an apparatus, method, and medium controlling
electrical stimulation using an electromyographic signal and/or
health training/monitoring with the same.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Conventional devices for electrically stimulating abdominal
muscles to strengthen the abdominal muscles cannot quantitatively
monitor the state of the abdominal muscles after abdominal
muscle-strengthening exercise. Therefore, the conventional devices
cannot display a corresponding electrical stimulation level,
according to the state of abdominal muscles of each individual.
Further, repeated abdominal muscle-strengthening exercise may
aggravate fatigued abdominal muscles, with excessive exercise
actually hindering the restoration of abdominal muscles and produce
adverse effects.
[0006] In addition, since conventional heart monitors are worn
around the chest, e.g., to measure heart rates, they can cause a
sense of pressure upon the chest. In addition, conventionally,
there have not been any apparatuses, methods, or media managing
patients having difficulty with movement by monitoring their back
muscles and walking patterns, in real time, nor have there been any
apparatuses, methods, or media for measuring heart rates and
stimulating abdominal muscles simultaneously.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses,
methods, and media controlling electrical stimulation to a degree
that the electrical stimulation does not aggravate fatigued muscles
by calculating a degree of muscle fatigue by measuring a level of
electromyogram (EMG) before and after muscle exercises.
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention also provides health
training/monitoring apparatuses, methods, and media with such
electrical stimulation, in which electrical stimulation may be
controlled based on muscle fatigue, the degree of muscle fatigue
can be monitored, information regarding physical activity and
walking patterns can be monitored by measuring a heart rate and
acceleration, while a user is performing aerobic exercises, such as
running, jogging, walking, or stepping, and calories expended may
be calculated.
[0009] To achieve the above and/or other aspects and advantages,
embodiments of the present invention set forth an electrical
stimulation apparatus using an electromyographic measurement,
including an electromyogram detector detecting an electromyographic
signal from a body, a fatigue index calculator calculating a
fatigue index indicating a degree of muscle fatigue, for at least a
muscle of the body, by converting the detected electromyographic
signal, detected during a predetermined time unit, into a
frequency-domain electromyographic signal, and an electrical
stimulation signal generator adjusting an electrical stimulation
signal, for application to the body, based on the calculated
fatigue index and generating the electrical stimulation signal.
Here, the electromyogram detector may include an electromyogram
detection electrode.
[0010] The fatigue index calculator may include an initial median
frequency output unit to measure an electromyogram at an initial
point, of the predetermined time unit, to convert the measured
initial point electromyogram into an initial frequency-domain
electromyogram, and to output an initial median frequency, a final
median frequency output unit to measure an electromyogram at a
final point, of the predetermined time unit, to convert the
measured final point electromyogram into a final frequency-domain
electromyogram, and to output a final median frequency, and a
fatigue index output unit to determine the fatigue index based on a
ratio of the initial median frequency to a difference between the
initial median frequency and the final median frequency.
[0011] The electrical stimulation signal generator may adjust the
electrical stimulation signal by changing a size, a cycle, and/or a
pattern of the electrical stimulation signal.
[0012] To achieve the above and/or other aspects and advantages,
embodiments of the present invention set forth a method of
generating electrical stimulation using an electromyographic
signal, including detecting an electromyographic signal from a body
using a predetermined medium for detecting an electromyogram,
calculating a fatigue index indicating a degree of muscle fatigue,
for a muscle of the body, by converting the detected
electromyographic signal, detected during a predetermined time
unit, into a frequency-domain electromyographic signal, and
adjusting an electrical stimulation signal according to the
calculated fatigue index and generating the adjusted electrical
stimulation signal.
[0013] The calculating of the fatigue index may include measuring
an initial electromyogram signal at an initial point, of the
predetermined time unit, converting the measured initial point
electromyogram signal into an initial frequency-domain
electromyogram signal, and outputting an initial median frequency,
measuring a final electromyogram signal at a final point, of the
predetermined time unit, converting the measured final point
electromyogram signal into a final frequency-domain electromyogram
signal, and outputting a final median frequency, and determining
the fatigue index based on a ratio of the initial median frequency
to a difference between the initial median frequency and the final
median frequency.
[0014] In the adjusting and generating of the electrical
stimulation signal, the electrical stimulation signal may be
adjusted by changing a size, a cycle, and/or a pattern of the
electrical stimulation signal.
[0015] To achieve the above and/or other aspects and advantages,
embodiments of the present invention set forth a health
training/monitoring apparatus, including an electrical stimulation
generator to adjust an electrical stimulation signal based on a
degree of fatigue, of a muscle of a body, and generating the
adjusted electrical stimulation signal, a physical activity monitor
to monitor a physical activity of a user using at least one of a
heart rate measurer and an accelerometer for the body, and a mode
selector selectively driving the electrical stimulation generator
or the physical activity monitor based on an amount of the
monitored physical activity.
[0016] Here, the electrical stimulation generator may include an
electromyogram detector to detect an electromyographic signal of
the body, a fatigue index calculator to calculate a fatigue index
indicating the degree of fatigue by converting the detected
electromyographic signal, detected during a predetermined time
unit, into a frequency-domain electromyographic signal, and an
electrical stimulation signal generator to adjust the electrical
stimulation signal based on the calculated fatigue index and to
generate the adjusted electrical stimulation signal.
[0017] The physical activity monitor may include the heart rate
measurer to measure a heart rate using a predetermined electrode
attached to the body, the accelerometer to measure an acceleration
of physical movement of the body; and an activity output unit to
output at least one of a physical activity pattern and calories
expended based on the measured heart rate and/or the measured
acceleration. In addition, the accelerometer may measure the
acceleration of the physical movement in any one of a one-axis
direction, two-axis direction, or three-axis direction.
[0018] Further, the mode selector may drive the physical activity
monitor when an output waveform of the accelerometer is greater
than a predetermined threshold value and drives the electrical
stimulation generator when the output waveform of the accelerometer
is not greater than the predetermined threshold value.
[0019] The apparatus may also be a waist belt or a patch. The waist
belt or the patch may include a first layer including a plurality
of electrodes for measuring the heart rate, a plurality of
electrodes for the electrical stimulation, and a plurality of
electrodes for the measuring of the electromyographic signal, and a
second layer including the accelerometer measuring the acceleration
of the physical movement and a predetermined controller. An airbag
layer inflatable and deflatable by air may also be interposed
between the first layer and the second layer.
[0020] To achieve the above and/or other aspects and advantages,
embodiments of the present invention set forth a health
training/monitoring method, including determining whether a
physical activity is dynamic or static, monitoring the physical
activity using at least one of a heart rate measurer and an
accelerometer when the physical activity is dynamic, and adjusting
an electrical stimulation signal based on a degree of muscle
fatigue, of at least a muscle of a body, and generating the
adjusted electrical stimulation signal when the physical activity
is static.
[0021] In the determining of whether the physical activity is
dynamic or static, the physical activity may be determined to be
dynamic when a value of the physical activity is greater than a
predetermined threshold value for a predetermined period of time,
and the physical activity may be determined as static when a value
of the physical activity is not greater than the predetermined
threshold value for the predetermined period of time.
[0022] Further, the monitoring of the physical activity may include
measuring the heart rate using a predetermined electrode attached
to the body when the physical activity is dynamic, measuring
acceleration of physical movement of the body using an
accelerometer, and outputting at least one of a physical activity
pattern and calories expended using the measured heart rate and the
measured acceleration. In addition, the adjusting and generating of
the electrical stimulation signal may include detecting an
electromyographic signal of the body, calculating a fatigue index
indicating the degree of muscle fatigue by converting the detected
electromyographic signal, detected during a predetermined time
unit, into a frequency-domain electromyographic signal, and
adjusting the electrical stimulation signal based on the calculated
fatigue index and generating the adjusted electrical stimulation
signal.
[0023] To achieve the above and/or other aspects and advantages,
embodiments of the present invention set forth an electrical
stimulation apparatus, including an electromyogram detector
detecting electromyographic signals from a body, a fatigue index
calculator calculating a fatigue index indicating a degree of
muscle fatigue, for at least a muscle in a body, by converting at
least two detected electromyographic signals into respective
frequency-domain electromyographic signals, with the calculated
fatigue index being based on a ratio with the at least two
frequency-domain electromyographic signals, and an electrical
stimulation signal generator generating an electrical stimulation
signal, for application to the body, based on the calculated
fatigue index.
[0024] The apparatus may further include a heart rate measurer to
measure a heart rate using a predetermined electrode attached to
the body, and an activity output unit to output at least one of a
physical activity pattern and calories expended based on the
measured heart rate. Further, the apparatus may include an
accelerometer to measure an acceleration of physical movement of
the body, and an activity output unit to output at least one of a
physical activity pattern and calories expended based on the
measured acceleration. Here, when the measured acceleration is
greater than a predetermined threshold value the electrical
stimulation signal generator may not generate the electrical
stimulation signal.
[0025] The at least two detected electromyographic signals may be
detected at least at an initial point in a predetermined period and
a final point in the predetermined period, respectively. The
initial point may occur when the electrical stimulation apparatus
is applied to operate on the body, and the final point may occur
when the electrical stimulation apparatus is removed from operating
on the body.
[0026] To achieve the above and/or other aspects and advantages,
embodiments of the present invention set forth media including
computer readable code implementing embodiments of the present
invention.
[0027] Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will
be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part,
will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by
practice of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The above and/or other features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail
exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached
drawings in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus
controlling electrical stimulation using an electromyographic
signal, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a belt including an electromyogram (EMG)
detection electrode to monitor a degree of abdominal/back muscle
fatigue based on a biological signal, and an amplifier amplifying a
detected signal, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed block diagram of a fatigue
index calculator, e.g., such as that illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart for a method for generating
an electrical stimulation signal, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart for a method for calculating
a fatigue index, e.g., such as in operation 420 of FIG. 4;
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a health
training/monitoring apparatus, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed block diagram of a physical
activity monitor, such as that illustrated in FIG. 6, according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a waist belt or a patch,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates a belt including an EMG detection
electrode and an electrode for detecting a heart rate of abdominal
muscles and to monitor a degree of abdominal/back fatigue using a
biological signal, and an amplifier amplifying the detected signal,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates a belt including a biological signal
detection electrode to monitor an activity using an acceleration
signal, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 11A illustrates an abdomen EMG when electrodes are
attached to the upper and lower abdomen, according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 11B illustrates an abdomen EMG when electrodes are
attached to the right and left sides of the abdomen, according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic configuration of the health
training/monitoring apparatus detecting a signal for monitoring the
degree of abdominal/back fatigue and a heart rate using a
biological signal, when a physical activity is in a static mode,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic configuration of the health
training/monitoring apparatus detecting a signal for monitoring a
physical activity, using an acceleration signal, to estimate
calories expended and monitor a walking pattern, when the physical
activity is in a dynamic mode, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic configuration of a health
training/monitoring apparatus detecting a signal for monitoring a
degree of abdominal fatigue, a heart rate, and a walking pattern by
monitoring an EMG, the heart rate, and an activity of a patient
having difficulty with movement or a patient with back pain,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a method of
generating an electrical stimulation signal, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart for monitoring a physical
activity, such as operation 1560 of FIG. 15, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 17 illustrates a waveform diagram of a heart rate
measured by electrodes attached to the upper and lower abdomen when
a belt is worn around the waist, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0047] FIG. 18 illustrates a waveform diagram of a heart rate
measured by electrodes attached to the right and left sides of the
abdomen when the belt is worn around the waist, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 19 illustrates a waveform diagram of a heart rate
measured by electrodes attached to the right and left parts of the
left side of the abdomen when the belt is worn around the waist,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 20 illustrates a waveform diagram of a heart rate
measured by electrodes attached to the right and left sides of the
abdomen when the belt is worn around the waist, according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0050] FIG. 21 illustrates a waveform diagram of a heart rate
measured by electrodes attached to the right and left parts of the
right side of the abdomen when the belt is worn around the waist,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0051] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the
like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below to
explain the present invention by referring to the figures.
[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for
controlling electrical stimulation using an electromyographic
signal, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
apparatus can include an electromyogram (EMG) detector 100, a
fatigue index calculator 120, and an electrical stimulation signal
generator 140.
[0053] The EMG detector 100 detects an electromyographic signal of
the body, and can be detected using an EMG detection electrode, for
example. The EMG detection electrode is attached to the abdomen to
monitor a degree of abdominal muscle fatigue, before and after
exercise. In addition, the EMG detection electrode can be attached
to the back, along the waist, to monitor a degree of back muscle
fatigue for those with back pain, for example.
[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates a belt including an EMG detection
electrode to monitor the degree of abdominal/back muscle fatigue,
based on a biological signal, and an amplifier amplifying a
detected signal.
[0055] The fatigue index calculator 120 can calculate a fatigue
index indicating the degree of muscle fatigue by converting an
electromyographic signal detected by the EMG detector 100, during a
predetermined time unit, into a frequency-domain signal.
[0056] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed block diagram of a fatigue
index calculator 120, with the fatigue index calculator 120
including an initial median frequency output unit 300, a final
median frequency output unit 320, and a fatigue index output unit
340. The initial median frequency output unit 300 measures an EMG
at an initial point, of a predetermined time unit, converts the EMG
into a frequency-domain EMG, and outputs a median frequency
(initial median frequency). The final median frequency output unit
320 measures an EMG at a final point of the predetermined time
unit, converts the EMG into a frequency-domain EMG, and outputs
another median frequency (final median frequency). The fatigue
index output unit 340 determines a fatigue index as a ratio of the
initial median frequency to a difference between the initial median
frequency and the final median frequency.
[0057] The electrical stimulation signal generator 140 can generate
an electrical stimulation signal according to the fatigue index.
The electrical stimulation signal generator 140 can adjust a size,
a cycle, and/or a pattern of an electrical stimulation signal, for
example.
[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart for generating an electrical
stimulation signal, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0059] An electromyographic signal of the body can be detected
using an electromyographic signal detection electrode attached to a
predetermined EMG detection medium, such as the belt illustrated in
FIG. 2 (operation 400). The electromyographic signal detected,
during a predetermined time unit, can be converted into a
frequency-domain electromyographic signal and a fatigue index,
indicating the degree of muscle fatigue, can be calculated using
the frequency-domain electromyographic signal (operation 420).
[0060] Here, the predetermined time unit can be a time unit for
measuring a median frequency and may be set arbitrarily. For
example, the moment when the belt to which the EMG detection
electrode is attached is worn may be set as a starting point and
the moment when the belt is taken off may be set as a final point
Alternatively, a period between the starting and the final points
may be divided into several sections, and starting and final points
of each section may be set as the time unit for measuring the
median frequency.
[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart for calculating the fatigue
index in operation 420, for example, in greater detail. Referring
to FIG. 5, after the belt is worn, an EMG signal at the initial
point of the predetermined time unit for measuring the median
frequency may be measured and the EMG signal is converted into a
frequency-domain signal. As a result, an initial median frequency
f.sub.mi can then be output (operation 500).
[0062] After carrying out daily activities or exercising, the EMG
signal at the final point of the predetermined time can be measured
and the EMG signal converted into a frequency-domain signal. As a
result, a final median frequency f.sub.mf can be output (operation
520).
[0063] Once the initial median frequency f.sub.mi and the final
median frequency f.sub.mf are obtained, the fatigue index may be
calculated as a ratio of the initial median frequency f.sub.mi to a
difference between the initial median frequency f.sub.mi and the
final median frequency f.sub.mf (operation 540). If the fatigue
index is obtained using an EMG electrode attached to abdominal
muscles the degree of abdominal fatigue can be monitored. If the
fatigue index is obtained using an EMG electrode attached to back
muscles the degree of back muscle fatigue can be monitored. 1
Fatigue Index ( % ) = f m i - f mf f m i .times. 100 Equation ( 1
)
[0064] Once the fatigue index is calculated, in operation 420, an
electrical stimulation signal corresponding to the fatigue index
can be generated so as to not increase muscle fatigue (operation
440). The electrical stimulation signal can be adjusted by changing
its size, cycle, and/or pattern, for example.
[0065] A health training/monitoring apparatus, method, and medium,
according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be
described.
[0066] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of the health
training/monitoring apparatus, according to an embodiment of the
present invention. The health training/monitoring apparatus can
include an electrical stimulation generator 620, a physical
activity monitor 640, and a mode selector 600.
[0067] The electrical stimulation generator 620 generates an
electrical stimulation signal, adjusted according to the degree of
muscle fatigue. A detailed description of the electrical
stimulation generator 620 will be omitted here since it can be
similar to the aforementioned apparatus generating electrical
stimulation of FIG. 1.
[0068] The physical activity monitor 640 can monitor physical
activity, using at least one of a heart rate measurer and an
accelerometer. FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of the physical
activity monitor 640. As illustrated, the physical activity monitor
640 can include a heart rate measurer 700, an accelerometer 720,
and an activity output unit 740.
[0069] The heart rate measurer 700 measures a heart rate using a
predetermined electrode attached to the body, for example. The
accelerometer 720 measures acceleration of physical movement. The
accelerometer 720 can measure the acceleration of physical movement
in any one of one-axis direction, two-axis direction, or three-axis
direction, for example. The one-axis direction denotes one
direction in which the body moves, such as the direction in front
of the body. The two-axis direction denotes two directions in which
the body moves, such as front and right & left, for example.
The three-axis direction denotes three directions such as front
& rear, right & left, and top & bottom, for
example.
[0070] The activity output unit 740 can output at least one of a
physical activity pattern and calories expended (i.e., consumed by
an activity) using the heart rate measured by the heart rate
measurer 700 and the acceleration measured by the accelerometer
720. The activity output unit 740 includes an exercise quantity
calculator 742 and an activity pattern output unit 744. The
exercise quantity calculator 742 can calculate an amount of
exercise using a heart rate and acceleration, with the activity
pattern output unit 744 determining the corresponding activity
pattern, such as walking, running, or ascending/descending stairs,
using the heart rate and acceleration.
[0071] If an acceleration sensor (acceleration electrode) is
attached to each of the front and rear of a belt worn around the
waist, the walking pattern of a user can be monitored using the
acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor (acceleration
electrode). If an EMG sensor (EMG electrode) is also placed around
the waist, along the back, the degree of back muscle fatigue can be
monitored using an electromyographic signal detected by the EMG
sensor (EMG electrode). In this regard, activity information of
patients having difficulty with movement can be monitored all the
time using their walking patterns and the varying degrees of muscle
fatigue, thereby producing information useful for rehabilitative
training, for example.
[0072] The mode selector 600, illustrated in FIG. 6, selectively
drives the electrical stimulation generator 620 and the physical
activity monitor 640 depending on the degree of physical activity.
The degree of the physical activity may be determined based on an
output waveform of the accelerometer 720 being greater than a
predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time. For
example, when a value of the output waveform of the accelerometer
720 is greater than a predetermined threshold value for a
predetermined period of time, the mode of the physical activity can
be designated a dynamic mode. Conversely, when the value of the
output waveform of the accelerometer 720 is not greater than the
predetermined threshold value for the predetermined period of time,
the mode of the physical activity can be designated a static mode.
The mode may also be selected manually by a user, for example.
[0073] A health training/monitoring apparatus using electrical
stimulation may take the form of a belt worn around the waist or a
patch worn around the arm, for example. FIG. 8 is a sectional view
of such a waist belt or patch. The waist belt or the patch can
include a first layer 80 and a second layer 85, for example. The
first layer 80 may include a plurality of electrodes 800 and 810
for measuring a heart rate, a plurality of electrodes 820 and 830
for electrical stimulation, and a plurality of electrodes 800 and
810 for measuring electromyographic signals. The second layer 85
can include an accelerometer 840 measuring acceleration and a
predetermined controller 850.
[0074] In addition, the belt or patch may include an airbag layer
83, inflatable or deflatable by air, which may be interposed
between the first layer 80 and the second layer 85. When the belt
or the patch is worn around the waist or the arm, the airbag layer
83 can keep the belt or the patch close to the waist or the arm to
prevent it from moving to the right/left or sliding up/down during
physical activities, e.g., such during exercising.
[0075] FIG. 9 illustrates a belt including an EMG detection
electrode, and an electrode for detecting a heart rate, for
abdominal muscles to monitor the degree of abdominal/back fatigue
using a biological signal, and an amplifier amplifying a
corresponding detected signal. FIG. 10 illustrates a belt including
a biological signal detection electrode for monitoring activity
using an acceleration signal. FIG. 11A illustrates an abdomen EMG
when electrodes are attached to the upper and lower abdomen,
according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11B
illustrates an abdomen EMG when electrodes are attached to the
right and left sides of the abdomen, according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0076] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic configuration of a health
training/monitoring apparatus detecting a signal monitoring a
degree of abdominal/back fatigue, and a heart rate, using a
biological signal when a physical activity is in the aforementioned
static mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic configuration of a health
training/monitoring apparatus detecting a signal monitoring
physical activity using an acceleration signal to estimate calories
expended and to monitor a walking pattern when the physical
activity is in the aforementioned dynamic mode, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0077] FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic configuration of a health
training/monitoring apparatus monitoring a degree of abdominal
fatigue, a heart rate, and a walking pattern by monitoring an EMG,
the heart rate, and an activity of a patient having difficulty with
movement or a patient with back pain, according to an embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart for
generating an electrical stimulation signal, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the health
training/monitoring apparatus will now be described with reference
to FIG. 15.
[0078] During daily activities (operation 1500), when a belt or a
patch is worn around the body, the mode selector 600 determines
whether a physical activity is in a dynamic or static mode
(operation 1520). When the physical activity is greater than a
predetermined threshold value, for a predetermined period of time,
the mode selector 600 designates the mode of the physical activity
as being dynamic. Otherwise, the mode selector 600 designates the
mode of the physical activity as being static.
[0079] When the physical activity is in the static mode, the
electrical stimulation generator 620 can adjust and generate an
electrical stimulation signal according to a detected degree of
muscle fatigue (operation 1540). The degree of fatigue can be
determined by a fatigue index, e.g., as calculated by the above
Equation 1, with a method of adjusting the electrical stimulation
signal being similar to the above mentioned method of generating an
electrical stimulation signal, discussed with relation to FIG.
4.
[0080] When the physical activity is in the dynamic mode, the
physical activity monitor 640 can monitor the physical activity
using at least one of the heart rate measurer 700 and the
accelerometer 720 (operation 1560), for example.
[0081] FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart for monitoring the physical
activity, of operation 1560, in greater detail. When the physical
activity is designated as corresponding to the dynamic mode, the
heart rate can be measured using a predetermined electrode attached
to the body, and acceleration of physical movement can be measured
using the accelerometer 720 (operation 1600). At least one of a
physical activity pattern and calories expended can be determined
based on information regarding the measured heart rate and
acceleration (operation 1650).
[0082] FIGS. 17 through 21 illustrate waveform diagrams of a heart
rate measured by electrodes attached to the abdomen, according to
an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 illustrates a
waveform diagram of a heart rate measured by electrodes attached to
the upper and lower abdomen when a belt is worn around the waist.
FIG. 18 illustrates a waveform diagram of a heart rate measured by
electrodes attached to the right and left sides of the abdomen or
the right and left parts of the right or left side of the abdomen
when the belt is worn around the waist.
[0083] FIG. 19 illustrates a waveform diagram of a heart rate
measured by electrodes attached to the right and left parts of the
left side of the abdomen when the belt is worn around the waist,
FIG. 20 illustrates a waveform diagram of a heart rate measured by
electrodes attached to the right and left sides of the abdomen when
the belt is worn around the waist, and FIG. 21 illustrates a
waveform diagram of a heart rate measured by electrodes attached to
the right and left parts of the right side of the abdomen when the
belt is worn around the waist.
[0084] Embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by a
computer(s) (including all the devices capable of processing
information) through computer readable code on a medium, e.g., a
computer-readable recording medium. The medium may include all
kinds of recording devices where data readable by a computer system
can be stored/transferred. Media may include ROMs, RAMs, CD-ROMs,
magnetic tapes, floppy disks, or optical data storages, or the
Internet, for example.
[0085] Embodiments of the present invention provide an index for
quantitatively monitoring progress based on a degree of abdominal
fatigue by measuring the degree of abdominal fatigue before and
after repeated abdominal muscle exercise. Therefore, electrical
stimulation may be applied to the abdomen such that the abdominal
muscle exercise does not aggravate the fatigued abdominal muscle.
The user may also control the degree of the electrical
stimulation.
[0086] When a user is performing aerobic exercises such as running,
jogging, walking, or stepping, while wearing an abdominal belt
including a heart rate measuring sensor at the abdomen and an
acceleration measuring sensor at the abdomen and back, the heart
rate and acceleration of the user can be measured simultaneously.
Accordingly, it is possible to estimate information such as
calories expended, thereby enabling quantitative exercise by
suggesting an intensity of exercise, for a level of calories
expended, for healthy people or patients having difficulty with
movement.
[0087] Further, a walking pattern of a user can be monitored using
the acceleration sensors attached to the front and rear of the belt
worn around the waist, and the degree of muscle fatigue can be
monitored using an EMG sensor placed around the waist, along the
back, for example. In this regard, activity information for
patients having difficulty with movement can be monitored, thereby
producing information useful for rehabilitative training.
[0088] In particular, it is possible to monitor the status of
lumbar protection and activity of patients with lumbar troubles and
to provide feedback information according to walking patterns of
patients, for example, having difficulty with movement, thereby
inducing effective rehabilitative training.
[0089] Although a few embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without
departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the
scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *