Abstract:
The output state of a pulse wave optimum to the user and applied to the head of the user is automatically set while improving the wearability of the electrodes, and different output states of pulse waves can be simultaneously applied to a large number of users. A pulse wave of predetermined pattern is given to the skin near an ear of the user and/or of the back of a hand of the user to directly stimulate and activate the brain. This stimulation is significantly effective especially for colorblindness. By systematizing such a revolutionary therapy, pulse waves of different patterns can be applied to a large number of patients (users), enabling a quick, effective therapy.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP00/07632, filed Oct. 30, 2000, and claims benefit of Japan application no.: 11/310231, filed Oct. 29, 1999. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a system for applying pulse waves to a human body. Specifically, this invention relates to a system for applying pulse waves particularly to the head of the human body in order to enhance and improve the activity level of the nervous system, particularly the cranial nerve of the human body. More specifically, it is an application system designed to enhance and recover the activity level of the brain by putting electrodes on both ears of the human body and applying the pulse waves between the electrodes through the human body. This invention relates to an application system which can improve and solve various malfunctions and defects relating to the cranial nerve, for example, congenital intelligence impairment (such as Down syndrome), acquired intelligence impairment (such as senile dementia and serious depression), or colorblindness, and which can also enhance and improve intellectual levels such as EQ and IQ of a physically unimpaired person. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The applicant developed a method of improving abnormal color sensation of a human body such as anomalous trichromatism and colorblindness by using electric signals, and has achieved desirable effects. The conventional method is to put electrodes on the head of the human body, particularly on both ears, and apply a specific electric pulse signal between the pair of electrodes by means of an application control device. Specifically speaking, a user holds the pair of electrodes with his/her hands respectively and maintains the state in which the electrodes are put on the corresponding ears. The pair of electrodes is contained in pads and the electrode surfaces are covered with sponges soaked in a solution. In other words, the pair of electrodes contacts the user&#39;s ears through the sponges. Therefore, an electric signal is applied between both ears. 
     The applicant discovered from many years of study that application of specific electric signals to the head of the human body can improve abnormal color sensation such as anomalous trichromatism and colorblindness and metabolic disorders such as allergies. 
     In recent years, for example, senile dementia has become a significant social issue, but curative medicines for senile dementia are limited in their effects. It can be considered that symptoms such as the colorblindness and the senile dementia are attributed to occurrences of dysfunction in the functioning of the central nervous system such as the brain, or impairment of such functioning or an insufficient state of the functioning. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an application system for a human body, which can enhance, improve or ameliorate the comprehensive activity level of the cranial nerve and the central nervous system. Another object of the present invention is to provide an application system for the human body, which can improve abnormal color sensation and also improve and solve senile dementia and congenital intelligence impairment. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an application system for the human body, which can enhance the mental activity level and the intellectual level, such as EQ and IQ, of a physically unimpaired person. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a system which achieves activation of the entire nervous system of the human body, and further to provide an application system which activates the motor nerve to enhance athletic ability. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     After dedicated research, the inventor discovered that in order to achieve the above-described objects, it is preferable that characteristics of pulse wave signals be changed periodically or regularly when applying the pulse waves to the head of the human body. It is effective to provide a pulse wave signal from both ears of the head of the human body. For example, a pair of electrodes for applying the pulse wave is connected to a pulse wave generating unit to provide the pulse wave to the head through the pair of electrodes. 
     The present invention is a pulse wave application system for applying a pulse wave to a human body, comprising: a pulse wave output controlling unit for generating pulse wave signals and changing characteristics of the generated pulse wave signals periodically; and a pair of electrode units, to which the pulse wave signal is supplied, wherein the electrode units are placed on the head of the human body to apply the pulse wave thereto. It is preferable that the electrode units be structured in such a manner that they can be put on the ears of the head of the human body. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the controlling unit either outputs a pulse wave having a relatively high frequency and a pulse wave having a relatively low frequency alternately or outputs the pulse wave in such a manner that its frequency gradually becomes higher or lower. The controlling units also repeat the output states of the pulse wave periodically and changes the polarity of the pulse wave periodically. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a client connected to a communication network is provided with the pulse wave output controlling unit and the controlling unit outputs a pulse wave signal on the basis of a control signal which is supplied from a server to the client. 
     As described above, in the application of the pulse wave, it is effective to change or repeat the characteristics of the pulse wave at certain intervals, instead of maintaining constant characteristics. The application may be conducted by alternately applying plural kinds of pulse waves having characteristics different from one another to the electrodes. 
     A more specific embodiment of the present invention is a pulse wave application system having a pulse wave output controlling unit connected to a communication terminal, in which the pulse wave output controlling unit outputs, by using a communication line, a pulse wave which is controlled by a pulse wave generation program stored in the communication terminal. In this pulse wave application system, the pulse wave output controlling unit is structured to apply plural kinds of pulse waves between a pair of main electrodes, which can be put on certain positions on the head. 
     The pulse wave output unit controls the characteristics and manner of the output pulse waves and determines to what extent these pulse waves are continuously applied. Accordingly, it is possible to output plural kinds of pulse waves by combining them. Moreover, the polarities of the pulse waves applied to the pair of electrodes can be switched. 
     The output state of the pulse wave outputted by the pulse output controlling unit and parameters for deciding the output state are entered into a database by establishing correspondences between them. The output state of the pulse wave is automatically set by inputting the parameters. 
     When deciding the output state of the pulse wave, the status of a user needs to be recognized. At this time, a necessary parameter is prepared and the parameter is decided according to the status of the user, thereby providing a database in which the parameter is associated with the output state of the pulse wave. Accordingly, the output state of the pulse wave can be set automatically. 
     Moreover, the system is characterized in that the pair of main electrodes is put on both ears of the human body or the peripheral areas thereof. A pair of subelectrodes that can be put on the human body, other than on the head may be provided. 
     If the pair of subelectrodes which can be put on the human body except on the head, is provided in addition to the main electrodes and is used as appropriate, the effects of the pulse wave can be enhanced. 
     The pulse wave output controlling unit is connected to plural pairs of main electrodes and/or subelectrodes. The main electrodes and/or subelectrodes are divided into groups of those having the same output states of pulse waves outputted by the pulse wave controlling unit, and plural pulse wave applications are conducted simultaneously. 
     For example, by connecting plural pairs of main electrodes and/or subelectrodes to a single pulse wave output controlling unit, it is possible to conduct the pulse wave application on plural persons simultaneously. Moreover, these main electrodes and/or subelectrodes are divided into groups and the pulse waves are applied in a different output state for each group. Accordingly, it is possible to gather users under different conditions and conduct the treatments simultaneously. Therefore, the pulse wave application can be completely systematized. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram of the pulse wave application system according to an embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a detailed view of a treatment table. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a pulse wave output controlling circuit. 
         FIG. 4  is a timing chart according to the embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed view of a chair  18 , which constitutes a part of the treatment table  12  according to a variation of this invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a functional block diagram of the pulse wave application system using a communication network. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing the connection of the client with the pulse wave generation device. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is the schematic diagram of the pulse wave application system. The pulse wave application system comprises a control unit  10  for controlling the output state of the pulse wave, and plural booths  14  respectively connected to the control unit  10  and having plural operation tables  12  (see  FIG. 2 ) for conducting the pulse wave application. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the operation table  12  is structured in a manner that a chair  18 , on which a user  16  is seated, has a head set  20  formed in a shape of a head phone attached to the chair  18 . The head set  20  comprises an elastic bridge member  22  and a pair of electrodes  26  and  28  attached to the bridge member  22  for supplying the pulse wave outputted from the pulse wave output controlling circuit  24  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ), which will be described later, to the human body. 
     The pair of electrodes  26  and  28  is structured in a manner that carbon electrode agents  26 A and  28 A are covered with sponges  30  containing an application solution, and the entire shape of each electrode is a thin disk. This pair of electrode  26  and  28  is directly put on both ears when the user  16  puts the bridge member  22  on his/her head. 
     A wire  32  to the pair of electrodes  26  and  28  is connected to the control unit  10  (see  FIG. 1 ) either directly or through the inside of the chair  18 . Various sensors (not shown in the drawing) for detecting the user&#39;s heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, brain wave, and so forth may be mounted on the operation table  12 . The detection results by the sensors may be inputted in the control unit  10  so as to be collectively managed and used as one of the parameters for determining the output state of the pulse wave for medical treatment. 
     The plural booths  14  (see  FIG. 1 ) are designed in a manner that different pulse waves can be outputted from the pairs of electrodes  26  and  28  for each unit. Users are divided into groups of those receiving the pulse waves of the same condition, and sorted out into respective booths  14 . Accordingly, it is possible to conduct the simultaneous treatments (supply of the pulse waves) for a plurality of users. 
       FIG. 3  shows the pulse wave output controlling circuit  24 , which functions as the pulse wave output controlling unit which is the main control of the control unit  10 . 
     A power supply circuit  34 , which is activated by a general commercial power supply (alternate current 100V, 50/60 Hz), outputs respectively different d-c voltages V 1 , V 2  and V 3 . A power line  36  of V 1  is connected to a switching circuit  38 . This switching circuit  38  serves to control the on/off switching of a pulse signal from a CR oscillator (OP amplifier)  40 . 
     The CR circuit  40  can output pulse waves of different frequencies depending on changes of contained resistance values. The CR oscillator is connected to a ring counter  42 . Although  FIG. 3  shows an example of the scale-of-4 counter, it is also possible to apply a scale-of-N counter. 
     The ring counter  42  of the scale-of-4 counter is operated by a clock signal (CLK) from a clock circuit  44 , which signal is inputted after the system is turned on. The ring counter  42  can take out four kinds of outputs (A to D). 
     The clock signal (CLK) outputted from the clock circuit  44  is reset by a signal D of the ring counter or by a reset signal (RES) from a one-shot circuit  46 . 
     The reset signal (RES) from the one-shot circuit  46  is inputted into a flip-flop circuit (F/F)  48 , and an output signal of the F/F circuit  48  is reversed every time the reset signal is inputted. The output signal of the F/F circuit  48  is inputted in a relay contact  52 , in which an output signal from the switching circuit  38  is inputted through a constant-current circuit (FET)  50 . The relay circuit  52  is connected with a power line  54  of direct current V 2  from the power supply circuit  36 . The polarity of the pulse wave is reversed by the signal from the F/F circuit  48  to be output to the pair of electrodes  26  and  28 . In other words, the pulse wave output controlling circuit  24  generates four kinds of pulse waves, polarities of which can be respectively reversed. 
     Combination of the pulse waves may be different among users  16 . For example, there are cases in which the combination of the pulse waves is made different by switching the frequencies of the pulse waves at certain intervals, or applying pulse waves of different frequencies alternately, or repeating a switching pattern of the polarities of the pulse waves. Moreover, it is also possible to change a pulse width and pulse amplitude accordingly. 
     The working of the present embodiment will be explained with reference to the timing chart in  FIG. 4 . When the power supply circuit  34  is turned on, the clock signal (CLK) is outputted from the clock circuit  44 , thereby operating the scale-of-4 ring counter  42 . By this operation of the scale-of-4 ring counter  42 , four kinds of outputs are taken and sent to the CR oscillator  40 . Accordingly, the resistance value changes in the CR oscillator and four kinds of frequencies are generated. 
     The four kinds of frequencies are outputted to the switching circuit  38  in a specified order on the basis of a predetermined pattern, and the on/off control is conducted. Then, at the constant current circuit  50 , the currents of the frequencies are controlled to be constant, and then sent to the relay circuit  52 . The relay circuit  52  conducts the on/off control of the output of the direct current V 2  from the power line  54  on the basis of the inputted frequencies and the output from the relay circuit  52  is sent to the pair of electrodes  26  and  28 . 
     When the ring counter  42  makes one turn, the reset signal (RES) is outputted from the one-shot circuit  46 . This reset signal (RES) resets the clock signal, operates the F/F circuit  48 , and reverses the output signal (RLY) of the F/F circuit  48 . 
     The reversed output signal is inputted into the relay circuit  52 , and it is thereby possible to reverse the polarity of the pulse waves outputted from the relay circuit  52  to the pair of electrodes  26  and  28 . 
     The switching circuit controls the d-c voltage V 1 , which is to be applied to the constant current circuit with the output of the CR oscillator in order to supply a pulse wave as a final output. The output time of the scale-of-4 ring counter is T 1 . The frequencies of the pulse waves oscillated from the CR oscillator on the basis of the different outputs (A to D) from the scale-of-4 ring counter, are f 1 , f 2 , f 3 , and f 4  respectively. T 2  is an output time of the reset signal. 
     When the pulse waves, the frequencies and polarity of which are changed in a predetermined pattern controlled as above, are supplied to a user, the activity level of the user&#39;s brain can be stimulated. For example, if the brain is stimulated by a pulse wave of a specific pattern, it is possible to improve senile dementia, congenital intelligence impairment, or abnormal color sensation. For example, it is possible to bring the intelligence quotient and the learning ability of a Down syndrome patient up to a normal level. It is also possible to prevent a decline in brain functions with advancing age. Moreover, as for a physically unimpaired person, it is possible to quicken the functioning of the brain and to improve the activities of the brain such as memory, judgement, decision, and thinking. 
     According to the inventor&#39;s knowledge, an ear has points leading to each organ of the human body and both ears respectively have points for energization that electrically lead to the neural circuit system of the brain. Accordingly, when the pulse wave is applied to both ears, electricity flows from the right ear through the neural circuit of the brain to the left ear and also from the left ear through the neural circuit to the right ear. When electricity is applied by putting the electrodes, at both ears, it is directly applied to the brain system and the brain functions are activated, thereby improving and preventing the aforementioned statuses. Moreover, it is possible to recover, improve, and enhance the functions of each organ such as internal organs connecting to each point in the both ears. 
     The pulse wave output controlling circuit can appropriately change the characteristics of the output state of the pulse wave. For example, methods of changing a frequency include: (1) changing the pulse wave frequency from a low frequency to a high frequency; (2) changing the pulse wave frequency from a high frequency to a low frequency; (3) outputting these frequencies alternately. The pulse wave output controlling circuit also changes the polarity of the pulse. It further controls the output time to output the pulse wave of a specific frequency. The characteristics of the output state of the pulse wave are changed by either outputting the pulse wave alone or outputting the combination of the pulse waves. 
     The methods of changing the output state of the pulse wave will be explained in more detail, again with reference to  FIG. 4 . In the respective periods of T 1 , pulse waves of the frequencies f 1 , f 2 , f 3 , and f 4  are outputted respectively in a sequential order. At this time, the frequencies are changed in the manner expressed as, for example, f 1 &gt;f 2 &gt;f 3 &gt;f 4  or f 1 &lt;f 2 &lt;f 3 &lt;f 4 . The frequencies may be appropriately changed in the manner expressed as f 1 &gt;f 2 &gt;f 3 &lt;f 4 &lt;f 5 . In  FIG. 4 , the output period of pulse waves f 1  to f 4  makes one cycle. Upon the completion of the output of the pulse wave group in one cycle, the polarity of the pulse waves is changed in a sequential order and the pulse waves are continuously outputted. The kinds of pulse waves are not limited to the above examples. The method of changing the frequencies of the pulse waves is not limited to the above example either. 
     Specifically, the control for changing characteristics and forms of the outputted pulse waves is conducted to output signals which are made by combining pulse waves of different frequencies. The changing control is conducted by making a signal group one set, in which pulse waves of high frequencies and pulse waves of low frequencies are repeated, and after the completion of the output of one set of signals, by changing the polarity of the pulse waves and outputting the signals of the aforementioned set, thereby and outputting the signal groups having different polarities alternately. 
     Moreover, according to this embodiment explained above, the energization by means of the pulse wave outputs is systematized and plural users under different conditions are divided into respective groups and sorted out into different treatment booths  14  respectively. Accordingly, it is possible to provide treatments simultaneously to a large number of users in different patterns of outputting pulse waves. 
     The pair of electrodes  26  and  28  may be put not only on the ears, but also on temples or inside the nose, which are the points allowing the pulse waves to be applied directly to the brain. The electrodes may also be placed at asymmetrical positions, for example, by putting one electrode  26  on an ear and the other electrode  28  on the nose. 
     (Variation) 
     In the above embodiment, the pair of electrodes  26  and  28  is put on the ears which the pulse waves are supplied in a predetermined pattern. However, as shown in  FIG. 5 , it is possible to provide a pair of secondary electrodes  56  and  58  (hereinafter referred to as “subelectrodes  56  and  58 ”) while providing the pair of electrodes  26  and  28  as main electrodes (hereinafter referred to as the “main electrodes  26  and  28 ”). 
     Specifically, a rectangular guide block  60  is mounted on the treatment table  12  in such a manner that it protrudes upward from a seat member  18 A of the chair  18 . On both sides of the guide block  60  are mounted sponge members  30  containing the application solution and the pair of the subelectrodes  56  and  58 , which are composed of subelectrode agents  56 A and  58 A made from carbon and contained in the sponge members  30 . 
     The user seated in the chair  18  puts the back of his/her hands on the pair of subelectrodes  56  and  58 , thereby receiving the supply of a pulse wave, which is equal to the pulse wave of a specified pattern that is supplied to the pair of main electrodes  26  and  28  placed on the ears. 
     By supplying the pulse waves both to the ears and to the back of the hands, it is possible to obtain synergistic effects, thereby enabling a quick and more effective therapy. 
     In this variation, the device and system for supplying the pulse wave are made in a shape of a small box. This box oscillates a specific pulse wave according to instructions from the program which controls the oscillation pattern (pulse wave voltage and current, pulse wave frequency and wavelength, and combinations thereof) of the aforementioned pulse wave and which is stored in the memory inside the box. 
       FIG. 6  is a functional block diagram of a system which implements the pulse oscillation via the Internet. In this system, a master server  100  is connected with an Internet server  102 , and the Internet server is connected with a personal computer or an alternative PC unit  104  (such as a home video game machine having a communication function) as a client. Each client is connected with a pulse generation device. The pulse generation device is shown in  FIG. 3  as already described above. To this pulse generation device, the four kinds of output signals A to D shown in  FIG. 3  are transmitted from the client. 
       FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram of the client  104  and the pulse generation device  106 . Pulse wave signals (for example, A to D in  FIG. 3 ) generated at the pulse generation unit  108  within the personal computer are transmitted to the OP amplifier  40 . This pulse generation unit  108  is composed of a CPU and a buffer circuit, and is supplied with necessary electricity from the power supply circuit (V 3 ). A reversed signal (RLY) is outputted from the pulse generation unit  108  within the client to the relay contact  52 . 
     The master server  100  implements control processing necessary for each client to operate the system as illustrated in to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The Internet server  102  functions as a certificate server and controls the transmission of data and programs between the master server  100  and the respective clients  104  and the billing for the respective clients. 
     This operation will be hereinafter explained in the order of events. Explained first is a case in which the user accesses the master server for the first time. The user either accesses a homepage of a manager who manages the master server, or downloads from memory media such as CDs into a client, a connection program to the master server or an operation system program for operating the system in  FIG. 7 . 
     Next, the master server newly registers the user&#39;s ID, password, and account in the certificate server. Subsequently, when the user accesses the master server, the master server makes inquiries to the certificate server about the ID and the password and decides whether or not the user is registered. The master server also makes inquiries to the certificate server about the account situation and decides whether or not it is possible to connect the client to the master server. If it is decided that the client can be connected to the master server, the aforementioned OS program is activated. 
     First, the master server requires the client to make preparations necessary for conducting the pulse application. Examples of such preparations include turning on the pulse generation device, connecting the application electrodes to the pulse generation device, and putting the electrodes on the user&#39;s ears. 
     Next, when the user notifies the master server of the completion of all preparations and of the pulse application start request, the master server sends to the client a pulse wave generation control signal according to the operating system. The client generates the aforementioned pulse waves (A to D in  FIG. 3 ) on the basis of the control signal. The master server sends the control signal to the client for a specified period of time. After the specified period of time had elapsed, the master server completes the sending of the control signal and notifies the client of the completion of the pulse wave generation. 
     The master server can provide the client with sound information such as music and English conversations or image information, during the pulse wave generation period. While the pulse wave is being applied to the user, the user&#39;s sensibility to the external stimulation information increases and the information acquiring ability enhances. The necessary sound information can be provided from the client to speakers by arranging the waterproof speakers at positions on the electrode devices where they contact the ears and by connecting the ends of the waterproof speakers to the client. 
     Even after the client downloaded from the master server a file of the pulse wave generation control signal and the connection by the client to the server was cut off by the downloaded control signal file, it is possible to make the pulse generation device generate a pulse for a specified period of time. After the specified period of time had elapsed, the OS program deletes the control signal file. 
     It is possible to set plural patterns of the pulse wave generation control signal according to the status of the user. It is also possible to cause the master server to make inquiries to the respective users about their physical conditions and symptoms and to transmit to the client the pulse wave control signals having the necessary wave forms and frequencies according to the physical conditions of the users. 
     According to this variation, a desirable pulse signal for treating human bodies can be outputted from each client by means of the program obtained via the network. In the above example, the control program is supplied to the communication terminal by using a communication unit. However, it is possible to download, into the memory device of a microcomputer, the control program stored in various kinds of non-communication media such as CDs, MDs, FDs, and DVDs instead of the communication media and the carrier wave media on the communication network. Moreover, the microcomputer may be integrated with the box comprising the pulse wave output controlling circuit. 
     “The Case of Boys in the Lower Grades of Elementary School” 
     The pulse waves of the pattern shown in  FIG. 4  were applied dozens of times in total to three patients who had serious abnormal color sensations. The pulse wave application was conducted once a day, 2 to 3 times a week. The pair of the electrodes was put on the respective ears and the application was conducted for an hour at a time. A test using a color vision testing table revealed that each patient who had serious abnormal color sensation before the application, had his color vision finally improved to the level of a physically unimpaired person. 
     “The Case of Girls in the Lower Grades of Elementary School” 
     The pulse application was conducted for several years on a Down syndrome patient. The application method of the pulse wave was the same as in the case of the abnormal color sensations. The intelligence quotient of the patient finally rose to the level equivalent to that of a physically unimpaired person. 
     By providing the pulse waves of a predetermined pattern based on the results of many years of study by the applicant, to the head of the human body in order to stimulate the brain directly, it is possible to improve or activate the functioning of the brain. This system allows pulse waves to be provided to a large number of users in respectively different patterns, and it enables a quick, reliable application treatment. Moreover, the use of the head set  20  frees the user&#39;s hands. Accordingly, stimulation can also be given to the back of their hands by means of the pulse waves, thereby obtaining synergistic effects with the pulse wave supplied to the ears. 
     In the above embodiment and the variation, explanations were given about the hardware structure as the pulse wave output controlling circuit  24 . However, it is possible to use software to control the pulse generation and the polarity by storing in the software a program for generating pulse waves and changing the polarity of the pulse waves. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     As explained above, according to this invention, it is possible to provide an application system for a human body, which enables enhancement, improvement, and amelioration of the comprehensive activity level of the cranial nerve and the central nervous system. 
     It is also possible to provide an application system for a human body, which enables improvement of the abnormal color sensation as well as improvement of and recovery from the senile dementia and congenital intelligence impairment. 
     Moreover, it is possible to provide an application system, which enables enhancement of mental activity and intelligence level, such as EQ and IQ, of even a physically unimpaired person. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a system which achieves activation of the entire nervous system of the human body.