Patent Description:
As studies such as molecular biology, evolutionary biology, electrophysiology, and bioinformatics develop, research on brain science, which analyzes the complex functions and structures of the brain and studies methods for activating various functions of the brain, has gradually increased.

As research on brain science progresses, the development of brain stimulation devices aimed at treating diseases by applying electrical stimulation to nerves has increased. After being attached to users' bodies (e.g., foreheads), brain stimulation devices may apply electrical stimulation to the users' nerves by flowing microcurrents through their bodies.

Brain stimulation devices as described above have been mainly used for treating diseases, such as depression and dementia, or for relieving stress of users. However, as the development of brain stimulation devices progresses, attempts to use nerve stimulation devices in various fields as well as for purposes of disease treatment or stress relief have gradually increased.

<CIT> relates to a device for transcranial electric current stimulation, comprising the following components: -electrodes with fastening means for exactly positioning on the skin of the head and electrical connecting lines and -a transportable, miniaturized stimulation generator comprising a current generator, a controller, a user interface, an electrical energy storage device and a monitoring and safety module with a separate electrical energy storage device.

When electrical stimulation corresponding to brain waves changed due to smoking is applied to a user by measuring and analyzing the brain waves of the user before and after smoking, the user may feel brain stimulation corresponding to a smoking behavior even without a separate smoking behavior.

Provided are a brain stimulation device capable of providing a smoking sensation to a user via electrical stimulation even without a smoking behavior, and a brain stimulation system including the same to extend the fields of use of the brain stimulation device.

The technical problems of the disclosure are not limited to the above-described description, and other technical problems may be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art from the embodiments to be described hereinafter.

The invention provides a brain stimulation device according to claim <NUM> and a brain stimulation system according to claim <NUM>. For better understanding of the invention the present disclosure provides also further examples of brain stimulation devices and systems.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a brain stimulation device includes a housing having at least one area attached to a body of a user, and including an accommodation space having an article accommodated therein, a battery arranged inside the housing, an output unit configured to apply a current to the body of the user on the basis of power supplied from the battery, and a processor electrically connected to the battery and the output unit, wherein the processor is configured to detect a type of the article accommodated in the accommodation space, and on the basis of the detected type of the article, apply a current to the body of the user via the output unit so that brain stimulation is applied to the user.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a brain stimulation system includes a brain stimulation device having at least one area attached to a body of a user, and a control device operatively connected to the brain stimulation device, wherein the brain stimulation device includes a first housing having at least one area attached to the body of the user, a battery arranged inside the first housing, an output unit configured to apply a current to the body of the user on the basis of power supplied from the battery, and a first processor electrically connected to the battery and the output unit, and the control device includes a second housing including an accommodation space having an article accommodated therein, and a second processor configured to detect a type of the article accommodated in the accommodation space, wherein the first processor is configured to receive, from the second processor, a signal including data corresponding to the detected type of the article, and on the basis of the received signal, apply a current to the body of the user via the output unit so that brain stimulation is applied to the user.

A brain stimulation device and a brain stimulation system including the same, according to various embodiments, may provide brain stimulation corresponding to a smoking behavior via electrical stimulation even when a user does not conduct a smoking behavior.

In addition, the brain stimulation device and the brain stimulation system including the same, according to various embodiments, may provide a user with brain stimulation corresponding to a smoking behavior or relieve stress or tension of the user by providing various forms of electrical stimulation to the user.

Effects of the disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and effects that are not mentioned could be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and the attached drawings.

Regarding the terms in the various embodiments, the general terms which are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the disclosure. However, meanings of the terms can be changed according to intention, a judicial precedence, the appearance of a new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, terms which can be arbitrarily selected by the applicant in particular cases. In such a case, the meaning of the terms will be described in detail at the corresponding portion in the description of the disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments of the disclosure should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the descriptions provided herein.

Hereinafter, the disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the disclosure. The disclosure may be implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a brain stimulation device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may have at least one area attached to a body B of a user, and may provide the user with brain stimulation corresponding to a smoking behavior by applying a current to the body B of the user.

In the disclosure, "brain stimulation corresponding to a smoking behavior" may refer to stimulation that is substantially the same as stimulation applied to a brain by a smoking behavior of a user. The user may feel the same sensory or psychological stability as a smoking behavior via brain stimulation corresponding to the smoking behavior. In addition, the user may relieve stress or tension via the brain stimulation corresponding to the smoking behavior. Here, a brain stimulation device of the disclosure may be referred to as a brain stimulation device for smoking, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the brain stimulation device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> having at least one area attached to the body B of the user and at least one button unit <NUM> for receiving an input of the user.

The housing <NUM> may form the overall appearance of the brain stimulation device <NUM>, and may include an accommodation space 110i for accommodating an article <NUM>. At least a partial area of the article <NUM> may be inserted or accommodated in the accommodation space 110i, and the brain stimulation device <NUM> may detect a type of the article <NUM> inserted into the accommodation space 110i and control brain stimulation applied to the user on the basis of the detected type of the article <NUM>. A detailed description thereof will be given below.

In an example, the housing <NUM> may be formed to have a rectangular patch shape as a whole, but the shape of housing <NUM> is not limited thereto. In an example, the housing <NUM> may be formed to have an elliptical patch shape, or may be formed to have a polygonal patch shape.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> may be attached to a forehead of the user, but a part of the body B of the user to which the housing <NUM> is attached is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In an example, housing <NUM> may also be attached to a ball or neck of the user.

The at least one button unit <NUM> may be arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the housing <NUM> to receive a user input. A processor (not shown) of the brain stimulation device <NUM> may control an operation of the brain stimulation device <NUM> on the basis of an input of the user to the at least one button unit <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the at least one button unit <NUM> may include a first button unit <NUM> for controlling a power state of the brain stimulation device <NUM> and a second button unit <NUM> for controlling an intensity of brain stimulation applied to the user. However, the number of the at least one button unit <NUM> is not limited to the embodiment described above, and the number of button units may increase or decrease according to embodiments.

In an example, when an input of the user to the first button unit <NUM> is received, the processor of the brain stimulation device <NUM> may switch the power state of the brain stimulation device <NUM> from an on state to an off state, or conversely, from the off state to the on state.

In an example, when an input of the user to the second button unit <NUM> is received, the processor of the brain stimulation device <NUM> may control an intensity of brain stimulation applied to the user by adjusting an intensity of a current applied to the user.

For example, on the basis of the input of the user to the second button unit <NUM>, the processor may adjust the intensity of the current applied to the user so that strong brain stimulation is applied to the user or brain stimulation is applied quickly. As another example, on the basis of the input of the user to the second button unit <NUM>, the processor may adjust the intensity of the current applied to the user so that relatively weak brain stimulation is applied to the user or brain stimulation is applied slowly.

In addition, on the basis of the input of the user to the second button unit <NUM>, the processor may also adjust a frequency of the current applied to the user to adjust an intensity of brain stimulation applied to the user or a time for which the brain stimulation is applied.

Hereinafter, components of the brain stimulation device <NUM> for applying a current to a body of a user will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a process of applying, by a brain stimulation device as illustrated in <FIG>, a current to the body of a user.

Referring to <FIG>, a brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, and an output unit <NUM>. At least one of components of the brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the brain stimulation device <NUM> of <FIG>, and the same description thereof will be omitted below.

The housing <NUM> may provide an accommodation space (e.g., the accommodation space 110i of <FIG>) in which an article <NUM> may be accommodated or inserted, and an inner space (or a mounting space) in which the components of the brain stimulation device <NUM> may be arranged. For example, the processor <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, and the output unit <NUM> may be arranged in the inner space of the housing <NUM>, but are not limited thereto.

The processor <NUM> may control the overall operation of the brain stimulation device <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logical gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that may be executed by the general-purpose microprocessor. In addition, those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs may understand that the processor <NUM> may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may detect a type of the article <NUM> accommodated or inserted in the housing <NUM>, and may control a current applied from the output unit <NUM> to a body B of a user. In the disclosure, the expression "a processor controls a current applied from an output unit to a body of a user" may indicate that the processor may control an intensity and/or frequency of the current applied from the output unit <NUM> to the body B of the user, and the corresponding expression may be used in the same sense below.

For example, when detecting that a first article is accommodated in the housing <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may control the output unit <NUM> to apply a current corresponding to a first current profile to the body B of the user. As another example, when detecting that a second article different from the first article is accommodated in the housing <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may control the output unit <NUM> to apply, to the body B of the user, a current corresponding to a second current profile different from the first current profile. In the disclosure, a current profile may refer to a change in current over time, and the corresponding expression may be used in the same sense hereinafter. The terms "first article" described in the specification mean article for providing the first current profile to the user, and the terms "second article" described in the specification mean article for providing the second current profile different from the first current profile to the user.

The processor <NUM> may provide the user with brain stimulation that enables the user to feel a smoking sensation by applying a current to the body B of the user via the output unit <NUM>. Accordingly, via brain stimulation applied from the brain stimulation device <NUM>, the user may feel substantially the same sensory and psychological stability as a smoking behavior, or may relieve stress or tension. A detailed description of the operation of the processor <NUM> controlling the output unit <NUM> will be given below.

The battery <NUM> may supply power used for the brain stimulation device <NUM> to operate. In an example, the battery <NUM> may supply power needed for the operation of the processor <NUM>. In an example, the battery <NUM> may supply power needed for the output unit <NUM> to apply a current to the body B of the user. The battery <NUM> may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery <NUM> may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but the type of the battery <NUM> is not limited thereto.

The output unit <NUM> may generate stimulation to the brain of the user by applying a current to the body B of the user via power supplied from the battery <NUM>. In other words, the output unit <NUM> may provide brain stimulation to the user by using power supplied from the battery <NUM>.

For example, the output unit <NUM> may include at least one electrode (not shown) for generating a microcurrent via power supplied from the battery <NUM>. At least one area of the output unit <NUM> may be in contact with the body B of the user, and the microcurrent generated from the at least one electrode may be applied to the body B of the user through the one area of the output unit <NUM> that is in contact with the body B of the user. The microcurrent generated by the output unit <NUM> may be applied to a brain circuit of the user, and thus, stimulation may occur in the brain of the user. Here, the output unit <NUM> may apply the microcurrent to the body B of the user so that brain stimulation corresponding to a smoking behavior may be applied to the user, and as a result, the user may feel a smoking sensation or psychological stability, or relieve stress or tension even without a separate smoking behavior.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may detect a type of the article <NUM> accommodated or inserted in the housing <NUM>, and may control a current applied from the output unit <NUM> to the body B of the user on the basis of the detected type of the article <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may control an intensity or frequency of a current applied from the output unit <NUM> to the body B of the user.

As a result, the processor <NUM> may provide various types of brain stimulation to the user according to the type of the article <NUM>, and hereinafter, the process of detecting, by the processor <NUM>, the type of the article <NUM> accommodated or inserted into the housing <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electrical connection relationship between a brain stimulation device as illustrated in <FIG> and an article accommodated in the brain stimulation device.

Referring to <FIG>, a brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, an output unit <NUM>, and at least one electrical connection unit <NUM>. At least one of the components of the brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the brain stimulation device <NUM> of <FIG>, and the same description thereof will be omitted below.

The at least one electrical connection unit <NUM> may be arranged in an accommodation space 110i of the housing <NUM>, and may contact an article <NUM> when the article <NUM> is accommodated or inserted in the accommodation space 110i. For example, the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM> may be electrically connected to a memory <NUM> embedded in the article <NUM> by contacting the article <NUM> when the article <NUM> is accommodated or inserted in the accommodation space 110i.

For example, the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM> may include a pogo-pin, but the type of the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM> is not limited thereto. In an example, the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM> may also include at least one electrode or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

In the disclosure, the article <NUM> may be a component having the memory <NUM> embedded therein, and the memory <NUM> may store identification information of the article <NUM>. In the disclosure, the identification information of the article <NUM> may refer to information indicating a type of the article <NUM>. For example, the identification information of the article <NUM> may include information indicating whether the article <NUM> is a first article or a second article different from the first article, but is not limited thereto. In addition, <FIG> illustrates only the embodiment in which the article <NUM> has a stick shape, but the shape of the article <NUM> is not limited to the stick shape.

The processor <NUM> may be electrically connected to the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM>, and thus may be electrically connected to the memory <NUM> of the article <NUM> via the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM> when the article <NUM> is accommodated or inserted in the accommodation space 110i. In other words, the processor <NUM> may be electrically connected to the memory <NUM> of the article <NUM> via the at least one connection unit <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may receive a signal including the identification information of the article <NUM> from the memory <NUM> of the article <NUM> via the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM>, and may detect, on the basis of the received signal, a type of the article <NUM> accommodated or inserted in the accommodation space 110i.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may adjust, on the basis of the detected type of the article <NUM>, an intensity of a current applied from the output unit <NUM> to a body of a user (e.g., the body B in <FIG>). Here, according to the detected type of the article <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may adjust the intensity of the current applied from the output unit <NUM> to the body of the user by controlling power supplied from the battery <NUM> to the output unit <NUM>.

In an example, when detecting that the article <NUM> accommodated in the accommodation space 110i is a first article, the processor <NUM> may control the output unit <NUM> to apply brain stimulation corresponding to a first brain stimulation profile to the user. In an example, when detecting that the article <NUM> accommodated in the accommodation space 110i is a second article different from the first article, the processor <NUM> may control the output unit <NUM> to apply, to the user, brain stimulation corresponding to a second brain stimulation profile different from the first brain stimulation profile.

In the disclosure, a brain stimulation profile may refer to a change in brain stimulation applied to a user over time. For example, when stimulation corresponding to a first brain stimulation profile is applied to a user, the user may feel the smoking sensation as smoking a first article. Similarly, when stimulation corresponding to a second brain stimulation profile is applied to the user, the user may feel the same smoking sensation as smoking a second article.

The brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide various smoking sensations or stress or tension relief effects to the user by providing different brain stimulation to the user according to the type of the article <NUM> accommodated in the accommodation space 110i. Accordingly, the user may feel various smoking sensations or reduce stress or tension via brain stimulation applied from the brain stimulation device <NUM>, and thus may obtain the same effect as smoking even without a separate smoking behavior.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating operations of a brain stimulation device applying a current on the basis of a type of an article, according to an embodiment. In addition, <FIG> is a graph illustrating an example of a change in current applied to the body of a user when a first article is inserted into a brain stimulation device, and <FIG> is a graph illustrating an example of a change in current applied to the body of the user when a second article is inserted into the brain stimulation device.

Hereinafter, operations of a brain stimulation device applying a current, illustrated in <FIG>, will be described with reference to the components of the brain stimulation device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and current profiles P<NUM> and P<NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may detect a type of the article <NUM> accommodated or inserted in the brain stimulation device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the processor <NUM> may detect the type of the article <NUM> accommodated in the accommodation space 110i via the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM> that is arranged in the accommodation space 110i and electrically connected to the memory <NUM> of the article <NUM> accommodated in the accommodation space 110i. For example, the processor <NUM> may receive a signal including identification information of the article <NUM> from the memory <NUM> of the article <NUM> via the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM>, and may detect the type of the article <NUM> on the basis of the received signal.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may determine, on the basis of the type of the article <NUM> detected in operation <NUM>, a brain stimulation profile to be applied to the user.

In an example, when detecting that a first article is accommodated in the accommodation space 110i, the processor <NUM> may determine a first brain stimulation profile corresponding to the first article. In an example, when detecting that a second article different from the first article is accommodated in the accommodation space 110i, the processor <NUM> may determine a second brain stimulation profile corresponding to the second article.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may apply a current to the body B of the user via the output unit <NUM> so that brain stimulation corresponding to the brain stimulation profile determined in operation <NUM> is applied to the user.

Referring to <FIG>, when detecting that the first article is accommodated in the accommodation space 110i, the processor <NUM> may apply a microcurrent corresponding to a first current profile P<NUM> to the body B of the user via the output unit <NUM> so that brain stimulation corresponding to the first brain stimulation profile is applied to the user. Here, the first current profile P<NUM> may refer to a change in current for providing the user with brain stimulation corresponding to the first brain stimulation profile.

In other words, when the first article is accommodated in the accommodation space 110i, the processor <NUM> may apply a current corresponding to the first current profile P1 to the body B of the user via the output unit <NUM>, and as a result, brain stimulation corresponding to the first brain stimulation profile may occur in the brain of the user.

Referring to <FIG>, when detecting that the second article is accommodated in the accommodation space 110i, the processor <NUM> may apply a microcurrent corresponding to a second current profile P<NUM> to the body B of the user via the output unit <NUM> so that brain stimulation corresponding to a second brain stimulation profile different from the first brain stimulation profile is applied to the user. Here, the second current profile P<NUM> may be distinguished from the first current profile P<NUM>, and may refer to a change in current for providing the user with brain stimulation corresponding to the second brain stimulation profile.

In other words, when the second article is accommodated in the accommodation space 110i, the processor <NUM> may apply a current corresponding to the second current profile P<NUM> to the body B of the user via the output unit <NUM>, and as a result, brain stimulation corresponding to the second brain stimulation profile different from the first brain stimulation profile may occur in the brain of the user.

The brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide, via operations <NUM> to <NUM> described above, different brain stimulation to the user according to the type of the article <NUM> accommodated in the accommodation space 110i, and as a result, the user may feel various kinds of smoking sensations or psychological stability or relieve tension or stress with only brain stimulation without a separate smoking behavior.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating operations of a brain stimulation device controlling a current applied to the body of a user on the basis of the number of times a current is applied, according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, operations of controlling a current applied to the body of a user, illustrated in <FIG>, will be described with reference to the components of the brain stimulation device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may count the number of times the output unit <NUM> applies a current to the body B of the user. For example, the processor <NUM> may count the number of times the output unit <NUM> applies the current to the body B of the user on the basis of a time for which the battery <NUM> supplies power to the output unit <NUM>, the number of times the battery <NUM> supplies power to the output unit <NUM>, and/or an amount of power supplied from the battery <NUM> to the output unit <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the processor <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may determine whether or not the number of times the current is applied, counted in operation <NUM>, is greater than a predefined value (or a predefined number of times). In the disclosure, the predefined value may refer to the maximum number of times a current may be applied to the body of a predefined user according to the article <NUM>, and the predefined value described above may be a value stored in the memory <NUM> of the article <NUM> or a value stored in the processor <NUM>. When the predefined value is stored in the memory <NUM> of the article <NUM>, the processor <NUM> may receive data regarding the predefined value from the memory <NUM> via the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, when determining, in operation <NUM>, that the counted number of times the current is applied is greater than the predefined value, the processor <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may stop applying the current to the body B of the user. For example, when the counted number of times the current is applied is greater than the predefined value, the processor <NUM> may stop the operation of the output unit <NUM> to stop applying the current to the body B of the user even when a user input to the at least one button unit <NUM> is received.

In contrast, when the counted number of times the current is applied is less than or equal to the predefined value in operation <NUM>, the current may be additionally applied to the body B of the user, and thus, the processor <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may repeatedly perform operations <NUM> and <NUM> without stopping applying the current.

Via operations <NUM> to <NUM>, the brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may prevent the current from being applied to the user more than the predefined number of times, and accordingly, may prevent excessive brain stimulation from being applied to the user.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a brain stimulation device and an external electronic device, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a housing <NUM> including an accommodation space 110i having an article <NUM> accommodated therein, at least one button unit <NUM> for receiving an input of a user, and a communicator (not shown) for communication with an external device <NUM>. The brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may be a device to which the communicator is added to the brain stimulation device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, and the same description thereof will be omitted below.

The brain stimulation device <NUM> may be connected to the external device <NUM> by a wire and/or wirelessly via the communicator. Accordingly, the brain stimulation device <NUM> may transmit a signal to the external device <NUM> via the communicator, or may receive a signal from the external device <NUM> via the communicator.

The communicator may include at least one component for communication between the brain stimulation device <NUM> and the external device <NUM>. For example, the communicator may include a short-range wireless communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

In an example, the short-range wireless communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN (Wi-Fi)) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, a ultra wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, and the like, but is not limited thereto. In an example, the wireless communication unit may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

<FIG> illustrates only an embodiment in which the brain stimulation device <NUM> is wirelessly connected to the external device <NUM> having the form of a mobile electronic device, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. According to embodiments, the brain stimulation device <NUM> may be connected to the external device <NUM> by a wire, or may be connected to an electronic device other than a mobile electronic device.

A processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may control the overall operation of the brain stimulation device <NUM> on the basis of a signal received from the external device <NUM> by a wire or wirelessly. The signal received from the external device <NUM> may include data for controlling the operation of the brain stimulation device <NUM>, and the processor may control the operation of the brain stimulation device <NUM> on the basis of the data included in the received signal.

In an example, on the basis of the signal received from the external device <NUM>, the processor of the brain stimulation device <NUM> may switch power of the brain stimulation device <NUM> from an on state to an off state or from the off state to the on state.

In an example, the processor of the brain stimulation device <NUM> may adjust, on the basis of the signal received from the external device <NUM>, an intensity of a current applied to a user from an output unit (e.g., the output unit <NUM> in <FIG>) of the brain stimulation device <NUM>.

In other words, the brain stimulation device <NUM> according to an embodiment may control the overall operation of the brain stimulation device <NUM> on the basis of an input of the user to the external device <NUM> as well as an input of the user to the at least one button unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the user may control the brain stimulation device <NUM> in various methods, and thus, the convenience of use of the brain stimulation device <NUM> may be improved.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a brain stimulation system according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a brain stimulation system <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a brain stimulation device <NUM> attached to a body B of a user and a control device <NUM> (or a control module) for controlling the brain stimulation device <NUM>.

The brain stimulation device <NUM> may be attached to at least one area of the body B of the user to apply a microcurrent, and thus may provide the user with brain stimulation corresponding to a smoking sensation.

According to an embodiment, the brain stimulation device <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> (e.g., the housing <NUM> in <FIG>) and an output unit (not shown) (e.g., the output unit <NUM> in <FIG>).

The first housing <NUM> may form the overall appearance of the brain stimulation device <NUM>, and may have formed therein an inner space (or a mounting space) in which components of the brain stimulation device <NUM> may be arranged. For example, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>), a battery (e.g., the battery <NUM> in <FIG>), and the output unit may be arranged in the inner space of the first housing <NUM>, but are not limited thereto.

<FIG> illustrates only an embodiment in which the first housing <NUM> is formed to have a rectangular patch shape as a whole, but the shape of the first housing <NUM> is not limited thereto. In an example, the first housing <NUM> may be formed to have an elliptical patch shape, or may be formed to have a polygonal patch shape.

The output unit may provide brain stimulation to the user by applying a current to the body B of the user on the basis of power supplied. For example, the output unit may apply the current to the body B of the user through at least one area of the first housing <NUM> that is in contact with the body B of the user.

The control device <NUM> may be operatively connected to the brain stimulation device <NUM>, and may control the overall operation of the brain stimulation device <NUM>. In other words, the user may adjust, via the control device <NUM>, a power state of the brain stimulation device <NUM> and/or an intensity of a current applied from the brain stimulation device <NUM> to the body B, a frequency of the current, or the like.

According to an embodiment, the control device <NUM> may include a second housing <NUM> including an accommodation space 210i having an article <NUM> accommodated or inserted therein, and at least one button unit <NUM> for receiving an input of the user.

The second housing <NUM> may form the overall appearance of the control device <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may have one area having arranged therein the accommodation space 210i in which at least a portion of the article <NUM> may be accommodated or inserted. The control device <NUM> may detect a type of the article <NUM> accommodated or inserted in the accommodation space 210i of the second housing <NUM>, and may transmit data corresponding to the detected type of the article <NUM> to the brain stimulation device <NUM>. The brain stimulation device <NUM> may control a current applied to the body B of the user on the basis of the data regarding the type of the article <NUM>, received from the control device <NUM>, and a detailed description thereof will be given below.

<FIG> illustrates only an embodiment in which the second housing <NUM> is formed to have a cylindrical shape as a whole, but the shape of the second housing <NUM> is not limited thereto. According to embodiments, the second housing <NUM> may be formed to have a polygonal pillar shape (e.g., a rectangular pillar shape or a pentagonal pillar shape).

The at least one button unit <NUM> may be arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the second housing <NUM> to receive a user input. A processor (not shown) of the control device <NUM> may transmit, to the brain stimulation device <NUM>, a signal for controlling the operation of the brain stimulation device <NUM>, on the basis of an input of the user to the at least one button unit <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the at least one button unit <NUM> may include a first button unit <NUM> for controlling a power state of the brain stimulation device <NUM> and a second button unit <NUM> for controlling an intensity or frequency of brain stimulation and/or current applied from the brain stimulation device <NUM> to the user. However, the number of at least one button unit <NUM> is not limited to the embodiment described above, and the number of button units may increase or decrease according to embodiments.

In an example, when a user input to the first button unit <NUM> is received, the processor of the control device <NUM> may transmit, to the brain stimulation device <NUM>, a signal including data for controlling the power state of the brain stimulation device <NUM>. On the basis of the signal received from the control device <NUM>, the brain stimulation device <NUM> may switch the power state from an on state to an off state, or conversely, from the off state to the on state.

In an example, when an input of the user to the second button unit <NUM> is received, the processor of control device <NUM> may transmit a signal including data for adjusting an intensity or frequency of a current applied from the brain stimulation device <NUM> to the user. For example, on the basis of the signal received from the control device <NUM>, the brain stimulation device <NUM> may adjust the intensity or frequency of the current applied to the user so that strong brain stimulation may be applied to the user or brain stimulation may be applied to the user more quickly. In addition, on the basis of the signal received from the control device <NUM>, the brain stimulation device <NUM> may adjust the intensity or frequency of the current applied to the user so that weaker brain stimulation may be applied to the user or brain stimulation may be applied to the user more slowly.

According to an embodiment, the brain stimulation system <NUM> may further include a connector <NUM> for electrically or operatively connecting the brain stimulation device <NUM> to the control device <NUM>.

For example, one end <NUM> of the connector <NUM> may be connected to a first electrode <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM>, and the other end <NUM> of the connector <NUM> may be connected to a second electrode <NUM> of the control device <NUM>. Here, the first electrode <NUM> may be a component arranged in one area of the first housing <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> and electrically connecting the connector <NUM> to the processor of the brain stimulation device <NUM>. In addition, the second electrode <NUM> may be a component arranged in one area of the second housing <NUM> of the control device <NUM> and electrically connecting the connector <NUM> to the processor of the control device <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may be, for example, a wire or a FPCB, but is not limited thereto. In an example, the connector <NUM> may also be an optical axis cable.

The brain stimulation device <NUM> and the control device <NUM> may be electrically or operatively connected to each other via the connector <NUM>, and a signal may be transmitted between the brain stimulation device <NUM> and the control device <NUM> via the connector <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the brain stimulation device <NUM> and the control device <NUM> may be wirelessly connected to each other without a separate component (e.g., the connector <NUM>) for connecting the brain stimulation device <NUM> and the control device <NUM> to each other.

For example, the brain stimulation device <NUM> may include a first communicator for communicating with the control device <NUM>, and the control device <NUM> may include a second communicator for communicating with the brain stimulation device <NUM>. The brain stimulation device <NUM> and the control device <NUM> may be electrically or operatively connected to each other via the first communicator and the second communicator, and as a result, a signal may be transmitted between the brain stimulation device <NUM> and the control device <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the components of the brain stimulation system <NUM> according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a process of applying, by a brain stimulation system as illustrated in <FIG>, a current to the body of a user.

Referring to <FIG>, a brain stimulation system <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a brain stimulation device <NUM> attached to a body B of a user to apply a current, a control device <NUM> for controlling the brain stimulation device <NUM>, and a connector <NUM> for connecting the brain stimulation device <NUM> to the control device <NUM>. At least one of the components of the brain stimulation system <NUM> according to an embodiment may be the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the brain stimulation system <NUM> of <FIG>, and the same description thereof will be omitted below.

In addition, the components of the brain stimulation system <NUM> are not limited thereto, and according to embodiments, other components may be added, or at least one (e.g., the connector <NUM>) of the components described above may be omitted.

The brain stimulation device <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM>, a first processor <NUM>, a first battery <NUM>, and an output unit <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> may have at least one area attached to the body B of the user, and may have formed therein an inner space in which the components of the brain stimulation device <NUM> may be arranged. For example, the first processor <NUM>, the first battery <NUM>, and the output unit <NUM> may be arranged in the inner space of the first housing <NUM>, but are not limited thereto.

The first processor <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first battery <NUM> and the output unit <NUM> to control the overall operation of the brain stimulation device <NUM>. For example, the first processor <NUM> may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logical gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that may be executed by the general-purpose microprocessor. In addition, those skilled in the art to which the embodiment belongs may understand that the first processor <NUM> may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

In an example, the first processor <NUM> may control a power state of the brain stimulation device <NUM> on the basis of a signal received from the control device <NUM>. For example, on the basis of the signal received from the control device <NUM>, the first processor <NUM> may switch the power state of the brain stimulation device <NUM> from an on state to an off state, or conversely, from the off state to the on state.

In an example, on the basis of the signal received from the control device <NUM>, the first processor <NUM> may adjust an intensity or frequency of a current applied to the body B of the user via the output unit <NUM> by controlling power supplied from the first battery <NUM> to the output unit <NUM>. For example, on the basis of the signal received from the control device <NUM>, the first processor <NUM> may adjust the intensity or frequency of the current applied to the user so that strong brain stimulation may be applied to the user or brain stimulation may be applied to the user more quickly. In addition, on the basis of the signal received from the control device <NUM>, the first processor <NUM> may adjust the intensity or frequency of the current applied to the user so that weaker brain stimulation may be applied to the user or brain stimulation may be applied to the user more slowly.

The first battery <NUM> may supply power used for the brain stimulation device <NUM> to operate. In an example, the first battery <NUM> may supply power needed for the operation of the first processor <NUM>. In an example, the first battery <NUM> may supply power needed for the output unit <NUM> to apply a current to the body B of the user. The first battery <NUM> may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the first battery <NUM> may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but the type of the first battery <NUM> is not limited thereto.

The output unit <NUM> may generate stimulation to the brain of the user by applying a current to the body B of the user via power supplied from the first battery <NUM>. In other words, the output unit <NUM> may provide brain stimulation to the user by using power supplied from the first battery <NUM>.

For example, the output unit <NUM> may include at least one electrode (not shown) for generating a microcurrent via power supplied from the first battery <NUM>. At least one area of the output unit <NUM> may be in contact with the body B of the user, and the microcurrent generated from the at least one electrode may be applied to the body B of the user through the one area of the output unit <NUM> that is in contact with the body B of the user. Here, the microcurrent generated by the output unit <NUM> may be applied to a brain circuit of the user, and thus, stimulation may occur in the brain of the user.

The control device <NUM> (or a control module) may include a second housing <NUM>, at least one button unit <NUM>, a second processor <NUM>, a second battery <NUM>, and at least one electrical connection unit <NUM>.

The second housing <NUM> may form the overall appearance of the control device <NUM>, and may include an accommodation space 210i in which an article <NUM> may be accommodated or inserted, and an inner space (or a mounting space) in which the components of the control device <NUM> may be arranged. For example, the second processor <NUM> and the second battery <NUM> may be arranged in the inner space of the second housing <NUM>, but are not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> may be formed to have a size and/or shape that is easily gripped by the user. For example, the second housing <NUM> may be formed to have a cylindrical shape that is easily gripped by the user, but the shape of the second housing <NUM> is not limited thereto.

The second processor <NUM> may control the overall operation of the control device <NUM>. For example, the second processor <NUM> may detect a type of an article <NUM> accommodated or inserted in the accommodation space 210i, and may transmit, to the brain stimulation device <NUM>, a signal including data corresponding to the detected type of the article <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second processor <NUM> may transmit, to the first processor <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> via a connector <NUM>, a signal including data corresponding to the type of the article <NUM> accommodated or inserted in the accommodation space 210i, but is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the second processor <NUM> may also transmit the signal including the data corresponding to the type of article <NUM> accommodated or inserted in the accommodation space 210i to the first processor <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> via wireless communication without the connector <NUM>.

In addition, the second processor <NUM> may transmit, to the first processor <NUM> on the basis of an input of the user to the at least one button unit <NUM>, a signal including data for controlling a power state of the brain stimulation device <NUM> or an intensity or frequency of a current applied from the output unit <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> to the body B of the user.

On the basis of the signal received from the second processor <NUM>, the first processor <NUM> may switch the power state of the brain stimulation device <NUM> to an on state or an off state, or may adjust the intensity or frequency of the current applied from the output unit <NUM> to the body B of the user.

The second battery <NUM> may supply power used for the control device <NUM> to operate. For example, the second battery <NUM> may supply power needed for the operation of the second processor <NUM>. The second battery <NUM> may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the second battery <NUM> may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but the type of the second battery <NUM> is not limited thereto.

The at least one electrical connection unit <NUM> may be arranged in the accommodation space 210i of the second housing <NUM>, and may contact the article <NUM> accommodated or inserted in the accommodation space 210i. For example, the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM> may be electrically connected to a memory <NUM> embedded in the article <NUM> by contacting the article <NUM> when the article <NUM> is accommodated or inserted in the accommodation space 210i.

The at least one electrical connection unit <NUM> may include, for example, a pogo-pin, but the type of the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM> is not limited thereto. In an example, the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM> may also include at least one electrode or a FPCB.

The second processor <NUM> may be electrically connected to the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM>, and thus may be electrically connected to a memory <NUM> of the article <NUM> via the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM> when the article <NUM> is accommodated or inserted in the accommodation space 210i. In other words, the second processor <NUM> may be electrically connected to the memory <NUM> of the article <NUM> via the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM>.

The second processor <NUM> may receive a signal including identification information of the article <NUM> from the memory <NUM> of the article <NUM> via the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM>, and may detect, on the basis of the received signal, a type of the article <NUM> accommodated or inserted in the accommodation space 210i.

According to an embodiment, the second processor <NUM> may determine a brain stimulation profile corresponding to the detected type of the article <NUM>, and transmit, to the first processor <NUM>, a signal including data regarding the determined brain stimulation profile. On the basis of the signal received from the second processor <NUM>, the first processor <NUM> may control a current applied from the output unit <NUM> to the body B of the user. In the disclosure, the expression "the first processor <NUM> controls the current applied from the output unit <NUM> to the body B of the user" indicates that the first processor <NUM> may control an intensity and/or frequency of the current applied from the output unit <NUM> to the body B of the user, and the corresponding expression may be used in the same sense below.

In an example, when detecting that a first article is accommodated in the accommodation space 210i, the second processor <NUM> may determine that stimulation corresponding to a first brain stimulation profile matching the first article needs to be applied to the user, and may transmit a signal including data regarding the first brain stimulation profile to the first processor <NUM>. Here, on the basis of the signal received from the second processor <NUM>, the first processor <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> may control a current applied from the output unit <NUM> to the body B of the user so that brain stimulation corresponding to the first brain stimulation profile may be applied to the user.

In an example, when detecting that a second article different from the first article is accommodated in the accommodation space 210i, the second processor <NUM> may determine that stimulation corresponding to a second brain stimulation profile matching the second article needs to be applied to the user, and may transmit a signal including data regarding the second brain stimulation profile to the first processor <NUM>. Here, on the basis of the signal received from the second processor <NUM>, the first processor <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> may control the current applied from the output unit <NUM> to the body B of the user so that brain stimulation corresponding to the second brain stimulation profile may be applied to the user.

According to an embodiment, the first processor <NUM> may count the number of times a current is applied to the body B of the user via the output unit <NUM>, and may control the operation of the output unit <NUM> on the basis of the counted number of times the current is applied. For example, when the counted number of times the current is applied is greater than a predefined value (or the predefined number of times), the first processor <NUM> may stop the operation of the output unit <NUM> so that the current is no longer applied to the body B of the user.

In the disclosure, the predefined value may refer to the maximum number of times a current may be applied to a predefined body of a user according to the article <NUM>, and the predefined value described above may be a value stored in the memory <NUM> of the article <NUM>, or may be a value stored in the first processor <NUM> or the second processor <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, on the basis of the number of times a signal is received from the second processor <NUM>, the first processor <NUM> may count the number of times a current is applied to the body B of the user via the output unit <NUM>, and may control the operation of the output unit <NUM> on the counted number of times the current is applied.

In other words, the brain stimulation system <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide various types of brain stimulation to the user by controlling the current applied from the brain stimulation device <NUM> to the user according to the type of the article <NUM> accommodated in the accommodation space 210i of the control device <NUM>. Accordingly, the user may feel various smoking sensations and/or tension or stress relief effects only with brain stimulation without a separate smoking behavior.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating operations of a brain stimulation system applying a current on the basis of a type of an article, according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, operations of a brain stimulation system applying a current, illustrated in <FIG>, will be described with reference to the components of the brain stimulation system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, in operation <NUM>, the control device <NUM> of the brain stimulation system <NUM> according to an embodiment may detect a type of the article <NUM> accommodated or inserted in the accommodation space 210i.

According to an embodiment, the second processor <NUM> of the control device <NUM> may detect the type of the article <NUM> accommodated in the accommodation space 210i via the at least one electrical connection unit that is arranged in the accommodation space 210i and electrically connected to the memory <NUM> of the article <NUM> accommodated in the accommodation space 210i. For example, the second processor <NUM> may receive a signal including identification information of the article <NUM> from the memory <NUM> of the article <NUM> via the at least one electrical connection unit <NUM>, and may detect the type of the article <NUM> on the basis of the received signal, but is not limited thereto.

In operation <NUM>, the control device <NUM> of the brain stimulation system <NUM> according to an embodiment may determine a brain stimulation profile to be applied to the user, on the basis of the type of the article <NUM> detected in operation <NUM>.

In an example, when detecting that a first article is accommodated in the accommodation space 210i, the second processor <NUM> of the control device <NUM> may determine that brain stimulation corresponding to a first brain stimulation profile needs to be applied to the user. In an example, when detecting that a second article different from the first article is accommodated in the accommodation space 210i, the second processor <NUM> of the control device <NUM> may determine that brain stimulation corresponding to a second brain stimulation profile different from the first brain stimulation profile needs to be applied to the user.

In operation <NUM>, the control device <NUM> of the brain stimulation system <NUM> according to an embodiment may transmit, to the brain stimulation device <NUM>, a signal corresponding to the brain stimulation profile determined in operation <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the control device <NUM> may be electrically or operatively connected to the brain stimulation device <NUM> via the connector <NUM>, and may transmit, to the brain stimulation device <NUM>, a signal including data regarding the brain stimulation profile determined in operation <NUM>.

In an example, when determining, in operation <NUM>, that brain stimulation corresponding to the first brain stimulation profile needs to be applied to the user, the control device <NUM> may transmit, to the brain stimulation device <NUM>, a first signal including data regarding the first brain stimulation profile.

In an example, when determining, in operation <NUM>, that brain stimulation corresponding to the second brain stimulation profile needs to be applied to the user, the control device <NUM> may transmit, to the brain stimulation device <NUM>, a second signal including data regarding the second brain stimulation profile.

According to an embodiment, the control device <NUM> may be electrically or operatively connected to the brain stimulation device <NUM> via wireless communication, and may also transmit, to the brain stimulation device <NUM>, a wireless signal including data regarding the brain stimulation profile determined in operation <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, on the basis of the signal received from the control device <NUM> via operation <NUM>, the brain stimulation device <NUM> of the brain stimulation system <NUM> according to an embodiment may apply brain stimulation corresponding to a smoking sensation to the user by applying a current to the body B of the user via the output unit <NUM>.

In an example, when receiving the first signal including the data regarding the first brain stimulation profile from the control device <NUM>, the first processor <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> may apply a microcurrent corresponding to a first current profile (e.g., the first current profile P<NUM> in <FIG>) to the body B of the user via the output unit <NUM> so that brain stimulation corresponding to the first brain stimulation profile may be applied to the user.

In an example, when receiving the second signal including the data regarding the second brain stimulation profile from the control device <NUM>, the first processor <NUM> of the brain stimulation device <NUM> may apply a microcurrent corresponding to a second current profile (e.g., the second current profile P<NUM> in <FIG>) to the body B of the user via the output unit <NUM> so that brain stimulation corresponding to the second brain stimulation profile is applied to the user.

The brain stimulation system <NUM> according to an embodiment may provide different types of brain stimulation to the user according to the type of the article <NUM> accommodated in the accommodation space 210i via operations <NUM> to <NUM> described above, and as a result, the user may feel various smoking sensations, psychological stability, and/or stress or tension relief effects with only brain stimulation without a separate smoking behavior.

Claim 1:
A brain stimulation device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) having at least one area configured to be attached to a body (B) of a user, and including an accommodation space (110i) for accommodating an article comprising a memory (<NUM>);
a battery (<NUM>) arranged inside the housing (<NUM>);
an output unit (<NUM>) configured to apply a current to the body (B) of the user based on power supplied from the battery (<NUM>); and
a processor (<NUM>) electrically connected to the battery (<NUM>) and the output unit (<NUM>), and configured to: detect a type of the article (<NUM>) accommodated in the accommodation space (110i); and based on the detected type of the article (<NUM>), apply a current to the body (B) of the user via the output unit (<NUM>) so that brain stimulation is applied to the user,
wherein the brain stimulation device (<NUM>) further comprises at least one electrical connection unit (<NUM>) arranged in the accommodation space (<NUM>), wherein the at least one electrical connection unit (<NUM>) is electrically connectable to the memory (<NUM>) of the article (<NUM>) when the article (<NUM>) is accommodated in the accommodation space (110i), and
wherein the processor (<NUM>) is configured to: receive identification information from the memory (<NUM>) of the article (<NUM>) via the at least one electrical connection unit (<NUM>) when the article (<NUM>) is accommodated in the accommodation space (110i); and based on the received identification information, detect the type of the article (<NUM>) accommodated in the accommodation space (110i).