JP2008067904A - Brain function data controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a brain function data controller for improving precision by using a relation between measurement data and a measurement region of the brain. <P>SOLUTION: The brain function data controller comprises: a light measuring device provided with a light transmission and reception part 11 having a light-transmitting probe 12 and light-receiving probe 13 and light transmission and reception part control means 4 for obtaining measurement data by performing controlling so that the light-transmitting probe 12 irradiates a cranium surface with light and the light-receiving probe 13 detects light emitted from the cranium surface; a setting data storage part 54 for storing setting data so as to determine the kind of output signals; a form image data acquisition means 32 for acquiring form image data indicating an object including the cranium surface and brain surface; a form image display means 33 for performing image display of a three-dimensional form image by the form image data; a brain coordinates-position calculation means 35 for calculating a brain coordinates position where the measurement data can be obtained on the basis of the three-dimensional form image; and an operating means 38 for determining the kind of output signals on the basis of the measurement data, the setting data, and the brain coordinates position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a brain function data control device using an optical biometric method, and more particularly to a brain function data control device that performs various controls of an external device by outputting an output signal to the external device. Specifically, the present invention relates to a brain function data control device that controls an external device without using a keyboard, a mouse, a handle, or the like.

Hemoglobin plays a role of transporting oxygen in the blood by binding to oxygen to become oxyhemoglobin, while separating from oxygen to deoxyhemoglobin. Since the amount of hemoglobin contained in blood increases or decreases according to the expansion / contraction of blood vessels, it is known to detect the expansion / contraction of blood vessels by measuring the amount of hemoglobin.
In view of this, there has been known a living body measuring method that uses light to measure the inside of a living body simply and non-invasively by utilizing the fact that the hemoglobin concentration corresponds to the oxygen metabolism function inside the living body. The hemoglobin concentration is determined from the amount of light obtained by transmitting through a living body by irradiating the living body (subject) with light having a wavelength from visible light to the near infrared region.

  In the brain, more oxygen than necessary is supplied to the site activated by blood flow redistribution, and the amount of oxyhemoglobin combined with oxygen increases. That is, by measuring the amount of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin, it can be applied to the observation of brain activity. Since oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin have different spectral absorption spectrum characteristics from visible light to the near infrared region, for example, oxyhemoglobin concentration and deoxyhemoglobin concentration can be obtained using near infrared light.

Therefore, in recent years, for example, a near-infrared spectrometer (hereinafter abbreviated as NIRS) or the like has been used as a non-invasive measure of brain activity (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
NIRS irradiates the brain with near-infrared light using a light-transmitting probe placed on the surface of the subject's skull, and measures the amount of near-infrared light emitted from the brain with a light-receiving probe placed on the surface of the skull. It is to detect. Near-infrared light passes through skin tissue and bone tissue and is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin in blood. Therefore, by using NIRS, the oxyhemoglobin concentration and deoxyhemoglobin concentration at the measurement site of the brain, and the total hemoglobin concentration calculated from these can be obtained. Further, by measuring brain activity from temporal changes in total hemoglobin concentration with NIRS, the obtained brain activity data (also called activation data) is imaged by executing image processing such as averaging processing and mapping. Things are also done.

On the other hand, in order to operate an external device such as a game machine, the external device is controlled using various input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a handle. However, such an input device that is operated by humans with limbs has reduced the sense of realism in a game machine, and it has been difficult for a disabled person or the like to operate. Therefore, research on brain computer interfaces (hereinafter also referred to as “BCI”) used for the interface between humans and external devices has been conducted by measuring brain activity. For example, there has been proposed a brain function data control device that controls an external device by comparing setting data that has been previously recognized and stored with the brain activity data while measuring brain activity data. By using such a brain function data control device, it is possible for a physically handicapped person to control an external device without using limbs, and it is expected that the handicapped person will contribute to social participation.
JP 2001-337033 A

  However, although the measurement site is the brain, since the skull exists outside the brain, it is not possible to determine the mounting positions of the light transmitting probe and the light receiving probe while confirming the position of the brain. Therefore, the positions of the light transmitting probe and the light receiving probe are determined based on the reference point set on the surface of the skull, instead of determining the positions of the light transmitting probe and the light receiving probe based on the position of the brain. As a reference point set on the surface of the skull, for example, International 10-20 method has been announced.

  Here, the international 10-20 law will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the mounting position in the international 10-20 method. In the international 10-20 method, first, a sagittal center line connecting the nasal root (NASION) and the occipital pole (INION) is drawn, and the sagittal center line is divided into ten equal parts. Note that the midpoint of the sagittal center line is the vertex. In addition, draw the skull circumference from the nasal root through the left anterior pinna to the occipital pole, and draw the skull circumference from the nasal root through the right anterior pinna to the occipital pole. Divide into 10 equal parts. Subsequently, four concentric circles having a radius smaller by 1/10 of the sagittal center line with the head at the center are drawn. Furthermore, the coordinate which concerns on the international 10-20 method is created by drawing the line segment which connects each point which divided the skull circumference into 10 equal parts, and the top of the head.

  Next, each part of the brain and the brain function will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the cerebral cortex of the human brain. For convenience, the brain is divided into four parts: frontal lobe 71, parietal lobe 72, occipital lobe 73, and temporal lobe 74. A Sylvian groove 77 separates the temporal lobe 74 from other parts. A central groove 78 separates the frontal lobe 71 and the parietal lobe 72. Further, the parietal lobe 72 and the occipital lobe 73 are divided by a portion called angular turn (not shown).

  A motor area 75 that transmits a command of movement to each part of the body is in front of the central groove 78 and occupies a part of the frontal lobe 71. The somatosensory area 16 that recognizes somatic sensations such as touch, pain, and pressure is behind the central groove 78 and occupies a part of the parietal lobe 72. The visual cortex 80 is in a part behind the occipital lobe 73. The auditory area 79 occupies a part of the temporal lobe 74. Furthermore, the motorized language center 81 occupies a part of the frontal lobe 71.

However, even if the brain activity is measured by arranging the mounting positions of the light transmitting probe and the light receiving probe at positions based on the International 10-20 method, it remains unclear which part of the brain is being measured. Since the brain activity data is collated with the setting data (trend graph, plane map, etc.) previously recognized and stored in the brain function data control device as described above, there is a problem in accuracy and the disabled Has not yet become an interface for controlling external devices.
In addition, there are individual differences in the anatomical structure of the brain, and the mounting positions of the light transmitting probe and the light receiving probe are arranged at positions based on the international 10-20 method, even though the shape of the brain is different for each person. When the brain activity was measured, there was a problem that the brain activity of the part of the brain to be measured was not measured.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a brain function data control device that improves the accuracy by using the relationship between brain activity (measurement data) and a brain measurement site.

  The brain function data control device of the present invention made to solve the above-described problems includes at least one light transmitting probe disposed on the skull surface of a subject and at least one light receiving probe disposed on the skull surface. The light transmission / reception unit and the light transmission probe irradiate light on the skull surface, and the light reception probe is controlled to detect light emitted from the skull surface, thereby obtaining measurement data relating to brain activity A brain function data control device comprising an optical measurement device comprising a light transmission / reception unit control means, a setting data storage unit for storing setting data for determining the type of output signal, and a display device for performing image display A morphological image data acquisition means for acquiring morphological image data indicating a subject including a skull surface and a brain surface, and an input device; Morphological image display means for displaying an image of a three-dimensional morphological image showing the positional relationship between the brain surface and the position of the light-transmitting probe disposed on the skull surface of the subject and the light-receiving probe in the three-dimensional morphological image A position corresponding to the position is designated by the input device, and based on the three-dimensional morphological image, the brain coordinate position calculating means for calculating the brain coordinate position from which the measurement data is obtained, the measurement data, Calculation means for determining the type of output signal based on the setting data and the brain coordinate position is provided.

According to the brain function data control device of the present invention, it is possible to accurately recognize the positional relationship between the skull surface and the brain surface from the three-dimensional morphological image showing the skull surface and the brain surface of the subject. Furthermore, by specifying the position corresponding to the position of the light transmitting probe and the position of the light receiving probe arranged on the skull surface of the subject in the three-dimensional morphological image, the brain coordinate position from which the measurement data can be obtained can be determined, for example, Since calculation is performed using coordinates and MNI (Emni) coordinates, the calculation means can compare the measurement data and setting data at the same brain coordinate position to determine the type of output signal, and as a result, the output to be determined The accuracy of the signal type can be improved.
In addition, because it displays an image of a three-dimensional morphological image showing the positional relationship between the skull surface and the brain surface, it measures the brain activity of the part of the brain that you want to measure, even though there are individual differences in the anatomical structure of the brain You will be able to. This also improves the accuracy of the type of output signal.

(Means and effects for solving other problems)
Further, the brain function data control apparatus of the present invention operates according to the type of the output signal, the output means for outputting the output signal determined by the computing means to the external device, the output signal is inputted. An external device may be included.
According to the brain function data control device of the present invention, since an external device can be operated without using an input device that is operated by a human limb, there is no reduction in the sense of presence in a game machine or the like. Moreover, a physically disabled person can operate an external device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following embodiment, It cannot be overemphasized that various aspects are included in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a brain function data control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The brain function data control device 1 includes a light transmission / reception unit 11, a light emitting unit 2, a light detection unit 3, a control unit (computer) 20 that controls the entire brain function data control device 1, and a type of output signal. And the external device 100 that operates. In the brain function data control apparatus 1, it is assumed that the localized brain activity is measured by light and an output signal is transmitted to the external apparatus 100 based on the measured information. Here, in order to determine the type of output signal, the values of oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and total hemoglobin concentration measured with light are used.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor screen 23a displayed as an image by the brain function data control apparatus 1. On the monitor screen 23a, an image display of a three-dimensional morphological image 24d showing the positional relationship among the skull surface image 24a, the brain surface image 24b, and the 36 measurement points M1 to M36 is performed. Furthermore, the image display of the pointer 24c is performed. The skull surface image 24a is translucently displayed as an image.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the relationship between the light transmitting / receiving unit 11 and the measurement points M1 to M36. Here, as will be described later, the surface on which the light transmitting probe 12 and the light receiving probe 13 are arranged (the skull surface) is different from the surface including the measurement points M1 to M36 (the brain surface).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the light transmitting / receiving unit 11 includes 12 light transmitting probes 12a to 12l and 12 light receiving probes 13a to 13l. The light transmitting probes 12a to 12l and the light receiving probes 13a to 13l include They are hemispherical arranged in a square lattice so as to alternate in the row direction and the column direction. The shortest distance between the light transmitting probe 12 and the light receiving probe 13 is 30 mm. The twelve light transmitting probes 12a to 12l emit light, while the twelve light receiving probes 13a to 13l detect the amount of light.

The light emitting unit 2 transmits light to one light transmitting probe selected from the twelve light transmitting probes 12a to 12l according to a drive signal input from the computer 20. As the light, near infrared light (for example, two-wavelength light of 780 nm and 850 nm) is used.
The light detection unit 3 individually detects near-infrared light (for example, two-wavelength light of 780 nm and 850 nm) received by the twelve light-receiving probes 13a to 13l, so that twelve light-receiving signals (measurement data) are detected. Is output to the computer 20.

  The external device 100 is not particularly limited as long as it is controlled based on an output signal from the computer 20, but in the present embodiment, a hand or a finger has the shape of a human arm that moves in a similar manner. It is a prosthetic hand and operates to indicate goo, choki, and par based on the type of output signal.

The computer 20 includes a CPU 21, and further includes a memory 25, a display device 23 having a monitor screen 23 a and the like, and a keyboard 22 a and a mouse 22 b which are input devices 22.
Further, the functions processed by the CPU 21 will be described in block form. The light transmission / reception unit control unit 4 that controls the light emitting unit 2 and the light detection unit 3, the pointer display control unit 36, the morphological image data acquisition unit 31, and the morphological image Data acquisition means 32, morphological image display means 33, brain coordinate position calculation means 35, brain activity image display means 37, setting data registration means 40, calculation means 38, and output means 39 are included.
In addition, the memory 25 includes a measurement data storage unit 52 that stores a light reception signal (measurement data), a control table storage unit 51 that stores a control table that defines a control mode of the light transmission / reception unit 11, morphological image data, and a skull surface configuration. The image data storage unit 53 stores image data, brain surface morphological image data, three-dimensional morphological image data, and the like, and the setting data storage unit 54 stores setting data for determining the type of output signal.

  The control table storage unit 51 stores a plurality of control tables that determine combinations of the positions of the light transmitting probe 12 and the light receiving probe 13. For example, as shown in Table 1, in the first control table (CH1), the light transmission probe 12a transmits light, and the light reception signals of the detected light reception probes 13a and 13d are individually acquired. In this way, one control table is assigned to one light transmission probe selected from among the 12 light transmission probes 12a to 12l. Therefore, the control table storage unit 51 stores 12 control tables.

  The setting data storage unit 54 stores setting data for determining the type of output signal to the external device 100 (see Table 2). For example, as will be described later, when the subject performs an operation corresponding to the type of output signal, the oxyhemoglobin concentration, the deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and the total hemoglobin concentration value at each brain coordinate position are calculated. A setting that associates threshold values of oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and total hemoglobin concentration at a certain brain coordinate position (x, y, z) with the type of output signal and performs an operation corresponding to the type of output signal. Store as data. Thereby, at the same brain coordinate position (x, y, z), the stored threshold value of the setting data is compared with the value of the measured data to be measured, and the measured data value is higher than the threshold value of the setting data. By determining that the determined brain coordinate position (x, y, z) is activated, the type of the output signal corresponding to the brain coordinate position (x, y, z) is transmitted to the external device 100. Can be determined. Note that the brain coordinate position is a value indicated by Talynic coordinates or MNI (Emni) coordinates.

  The light transmission / reception unit control unit 4 receives the light reception signal (measurement data) from the light emission control unit 42 that outputs a drive signal to the light emission unit 2 and the measurement data storage unit. And light detection control means 43 to be stored in 52.

  The light emission control unit 42 performs control to output a drive signal for transmitting light to the light transmission probe 12 to the light emitting unit 2 based on the control table. For example, first, light is transmitted to the light transmission probe 12a for 0.15 seconds based on the first control table (CH1), and then light is transmitted to the light transmission probe 12b based on the second control table (CH2). Drive signals to be executed in order from the first control table (CH1) to the twelfth control table (CH12) so that the light is transmitted for 0.15 seconds. That is, finally, light is transmitted from all twelve light transmission probes 12a to 12l.

  The light detection control unit 43 performs control to store the 12 measurement data detected from the 12 light receiving probes 13a to 13l in the measurement data storage unit 52 by receiving the light reception signal from the light detection unit 3. It is. That is, every time light is transmitted from one light transmission probe, twelve measurement data are stored in the measurement data storage unit 52.

  The pointer display control means 36 displays the image of the pointer 24c on the monitor screen 23a, and moves the pointer 24c displayed on the monitor screen 23a based on the input signal output from the mouse 22b, or moves the pointer 24c with the pointer 24c. Control to specify the position.

  The morphological image data acquisition means 31 acquires morphological image data created by a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter abbreviated as MRI) and controls the morphological image data to be stored in the image data storage unit 53. is there. Note that MRI creates morphological video data indicating a two-dimensional image in three directions as shown in FIG. Here, the morphological image data indicates a subject including the skull surface and the brain surface, and is composed of a plurality of pixels having numerical values such as intensity information and phase information of MR signals.

The morphological image data acquisition means 32 acquires cranium surface morphological image data by extracting morphological video data indicating the cranium surface based on the morphological video data stored in the image data storage unit 53, and the brain surface The brain surface morphological image data is acquired by extracting the morphological video data indicating, and control is performed to store the skull surface morphological image data and the brain surface morphological image data in the image data storage unit 53 (FIG. 5).
As the extraction method described above, for example, by using a plurality of pixels having numerical values such as MR signal intensity information and phase information, an image region dividing method such as region expansion method, region merging method, heuristic method, boundary element, etc. And a method of extracting a region by connecting them, a method of using a method of extracting a region by deforming a closed curve, and the like. By extracting the morphological image data in this way, the skull surface morphological image data and the brain surface morphological image data are acquired, so that clear image data can be acquired.

  The morphological image display means 33 combines the skull surface morphological image data and the brain surface morphological image data stored in the image data storage unit 53 to indicate the positional relationship between the cranium surface image 24a and the brain surface image 24b. Control for performing image display of the dimension form image 24d on the monitor screen 23a is performed. The skull surface image 24a is translucent and displayed as an image (see FIG. 2). At this time, based on the displayed cranial surface morphological image data and brain surface morphological image data, a three-dimensional morphological image 24d is imaged using a brain coordinate system (eg, Talinic coordinates, MNI coordinates, etc.). The data is stored in the data storage unit 53.

  The brain coordinate position calculation means 35 determines the predetermined positions of the skull surface image 24b displayed on the monitor screen 23a with the pointer 24c, thereby determining the arrangement positions of the light transmitting probe and the light receiving probe on the skull surface image 24b. At the same time, control is performed to display the calculated measurement points M1 to M36 on the monitor screen 23a (see FIG. 2). At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, from the midpoint of the line connecting the position T of the light transmitting probe and the position R of the light receiving probe at the shortest distance along the skull surface image, the position T of the light transmitting probe and the light receiving probe Is a measurement point M (in general, the light transmitting probe and the light receiving probe are connected to the skull surface). , The light transmitting point T and the light receiving point R from the midpoint of the line connecting the light transmitting point T and the light receiving point R at the shortest distance along the skull surface of the subject. It is said that measurement information of a part of the subject (measurement part) that is half the distance of the line connected at the shortest distance along the surface of the skull is obtained). Therefore, by designating the position corresponding to the position T of the light transmitting probe and the position R of the light receiving probe arranged on the skull surface of the subject with the skull surface image 24b, the measurement point M calculated is measured data. Can be regarded as the measurement site from which is obtained.

  The brain activity image display means 37 controls the display of the measurement data image on the monitor screen 23a based on the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage unit 53 and the control table. For example, the measurement data of the received light signals detected by the light receiving probes 13a and 13d from the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage unit 52 when the light emission control means 42 executes the first control table (CH1), Acquired as measurement data at the measurement points M1 and M7. The light reception signals detected by the light reception probes 13a, 13b, 13d, and 13e from the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage unit 52 when the light emission control unit 42 executes the second control table (CH2). Measurement data is acquired as measurement data at the measurement points M2, M3, M8, and M9. As described above, the measurement data at the measurement points M1 to M36 is acquired based on all the control tables from the first control table (CH1) to the twelfth control table (CH12). Then, for example, the oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and total hemoglobin concentration are determined from the passing light intensity of each wavelength (oxyhemoglobin absorption wavelength and deoxyhemoglobin absorption wavelength) on the brain surface including the measurement points M1 to M36. Contour graphs of oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration and total hemoglobin concentration are displayed as images. At this time, for example, a three-dimensional morphological image 24d indicating the positional relationship between the skull surface image 24a and the brain surface image 24b as shown in FIG. The contour graph is displayed as an image (see FIG. 7).

  The setting data registration means 40 sets the setting data by associating, for example, the threshold values of oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration and total hemoglobin concentration at each brain coordinate position with the type of output signal based on the instruction of the input device. Is stored in the setting data storage unit 54. For example, when the subject performs an operation corresponding to the type of the output signal, the contour graph of the oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and total hemoglobin concentration at each brain coordinate position displayed by the brain activity image display means 34 is displayed. For example, when the subject performs an action of making his hand goo, when it is determined that the contour graph has a characteristic at the brain coordinate position (a1, a2, a3), the brain coordinate position (a1, The threshold values of the oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and total hemoglobin concentration in a2, a3) are determined, and stored in the setting data storage unit 54 as setting data for performing the action of making the hand goo (see Table 2).

  The calculation means 38 performs control for determining the type of the output signal based on the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage unit 52, the control table, and the setting data. For example, the measurement data of the light reception signals detected by the light reception probes 13a and 13d from the measurement data stored in the data storage unit 52 when the light emission control means 42 executes the first control table (CH1) is measured. Acquired as measurement data at points M1 and M7. In addition, the measurement of the light reception signal detected by the light reception probes 13a, 13b, 13d, and 13e from the measurement data stored in the data storage unit 52 when the light emission control means 42 executes the second control table (CH2). Data is acquired as measurement data at the measurement points M2, M3, M8, and M9. As described above, the measurement data at the measurement points M1 to M36 is acquired based on all the control tables from the first control table (CH1) to the twelfth control table (CH12). Then, the oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and total hemoglobin concentration on the surface of the brain are obtained, and at the same brain coordinate position (x, y, z), the threshold values of the stored setting data and the measured measurement data By comparing with the value and determining that the brain coordinate position (x, y, z) where the value of the measurement data is higher than the threshold value of the setting data is activated, the brain coordinate position (x, y, The type of the output signal corresponding to z) is determined to be transmitted to the external device 100.

  The output unit 39 performs control to output the output signal determined by the calculation unit 38 to the external device 100. Thus, for example, when the output signal #a is output to the external device 100, the external device 100 performs an operation indicating goo based on the output signal #a.

Next, a setting method for storing setting data for determining the type of the output signal to the external device 2 in the setting data storage unit 54 by the brain function data control device 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a setting method by the brain function data control apparatus 1.
First, in the process of step S101, morphological video data indicating one subject including the skull surface and the brain surface is acquired from the MRI, and the morphological video data is stored in the image data storage unit 53 (see FIG. 4). . At this time, the morphological image data is stored in the image data storage unit 53 from a separately provided MRI using a storage medium or the like.

  Next, in the process of step S102, the morphological image data indicating the skull surface is extracted based on the morphological image data stored in the image data storage unit 53, thereby acquiring the cranium surface morphological image data, and the cranium surface. The morphological image data is stored in the image data storage unit 53. At this time, for example, morphological image data indicating the skull surface is extracted by a surface rendering method (see FIG. 5A).

  Next, in the process of step S103, the brain surface morphological image data is obtained by extracting the morphological video data indicating the brain surface based on the morphological video data stored in the image data storage unit 53. The morphological image data is stored in the image data storage unit 53. At this time, for example, morphological image data indicating the brain surface is extracted by a volume rendering method (see FIG. 5B).

  Next, in the process of step S104, the positional relationship between the skull surface image 24a and the brain surface image 24b is obtained by synthesizing the skull surface morphology image data and the brain surface morphology image data stored in the image data storage unit 53. The monitor screen 23a is caused to display an image of the three-dimensional form image 24d shown (see FIG. 2).

Next, in the process of step S105, the light transmission / reception unit 11 is arranged on the skull surface of the specimen.
Next, in the process of step S106, the brain coordinate position calculation means 35 sends the skull surface image 24b to the skull surface image 24b by designating a predetermined position of the skull surface image 24b displayed on the monitor screen 23a by the pointer 24c. The positions of the optical probe and the light receiving probe are determined, and the calculated measurement points M1 to M36 are displayed on the monitor screen 23a (see FIG. 2).

  Next, in the process of step S107, when the subject is prompted to perform an operation and the subject performs an operation corresponding to the type of the output signal, the light emission control unit 42 and the light detection control unit 43 include the light emitting unit. 2 receives the light reception signal (measurement data) from the light detection unit 3 and stores the light reception signal (measurement data) in the measurement data storage unit 52.

  Next, in the process of step S108, the brain activity image display means 34 displays an image of the measurement data on the monitor screen 23a based on the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage unit 53 and the control table. At this time, for example, the oxyhemoglobin concentration, the deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and the total hemoglobin concentration are determined from the passing light intensity of each wavelength (oxyhemoglobin absorption wavelength and deoxyhemoglobin absorption wavelength), and the brain surface including the measurement points M1 to M36. Contour graphs of oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and total hemoglobin concentration are displayed as images (see FIG. 7).

  Next, in the process of step S109, the values of oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and total hemoglobin concentration at each brain coordinate position are associated with the type of output signal and stored as setting data in the setting data storage unit 54. Let At this time, with reference to the contour graph displayed on the image, for example, when the subject performs an action of making his hand goo, it is determined that the contour graph has characteristics at the brain coordinate positions (a1, a2, a3). When this is done, threshold values for the oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and total hemoglobin concentration at the brain coordinate positions (a1, a2, a3) are determined and stored in the setting data storage unit 54 as setting data for performing the operation of making the hand goo. Let

Next, in the process of step S110, it is determined whether or not setting data corresponding to different output signal types is stored. When it is determined that the setting data is still stored, the process returns to step S107. That is, the processing from step S107 to step S110 is repeated until it is determined that setting data is not stored any more.
On the other hand, when it is determined that no more setting data corresponding to different output signal types is stored, this flowchart is terminated.

Next, a control method for controlling an external device by the brain function data control device 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a control method by the brain function data control apparatus 1.
First, in the process of step S201, morphological video data indicating one subject including the skull surface and the brain surface is acquired from the MRI, and the morphological video data is stored in the image data storage unit 53 (see FIG. 4). . At this time, the morphological image data is stored in the image data storage unit 53 from a separately provided MRI using a storage medium or the like.

  Next, in the process of step S202, the morphological image data indicating the skull surface is extracted based on the morphological image data stored in the image data storage unit 53, thereby acquiring the skull surface morphological image data, and the skull surface. The morphological image data is stored in the image data storage unit 53. At this time, for example, morphological image data indicating the skull surface is extracted by a surface rendering method (see FIG. 5A).

  Next, in the process of step S203, the brain surface morphological image data is obtained by extracting the morphological video data indicating the brain surface based on the morphological video data stored in the image data storage unit 53. The morphological image data is stored in the image data storage unit 53. At this time, for example, morphological image data indicating the brain surface is extracted by a volume rendering method (see FIG. 5B).

  Next, in the process of step S204, the positional relationship between the skull surface image 24a and the brain surface image 24b is obtained by synthesizing the skull surface morphology image data and the brain surface morphology image data stored in the image data storage unit 53. The monitor screen 23a is caused to display an image of the three-dimensional form image 24d shown (see FIG. 2).

Next, in the process of step S205, the light transmitting / receiving unit 11 is arranged on the skull surface of the sample.
Next, in the process of step S206, the brain coordinate position calculation means 35 sends the skull surface image 24b to the skull surface image 24b by designating a predetermined position of the skull surface image 24b displayed on the monitor screen 23a by the pointer 24c. The positions of the optical probe and the light receiving probe are determined, and the calculated measurement points M1 to M36 are displayed on the monitor screen 23a (see FIG. 2).

  Next, in step S207, the light emission control unit 42 and the light detection control unit 43 output a drive signal to the light emitting unit 2 and receive a light reception signal (measurement data) from the light detection unit 3 to receive a light reception signal. (Measurement data) is stored in the measurement data storage unit 52.

  Next, in the processing of step S208, the calculation means 38 executes an deciding routine described later, and based on the measurement data stored in the measurement data storage unit 52, the control table, and the setting data, the output signal Determine the type of. At this time, although details will be described later, the oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration and total hemoglobin concentration are determined, and the oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration and total hemoglobin concentration on the brain surface including the measurement points M1 to M36, and The type of the output signal is determined by comparing with the threshold value of the stored setting data.

Next, in the process of step S <b> 209, the output unit 39 outputs the output signal determined by the calculation unit 38 to the external device 100.
Next, in the process of step S210, the external device 100 operates such as a finger portion to indicate goo, choki, and par based on the type of output signal.

Next, in the process of step S211, it is determined whether or not to end this flowchart. When it is determined that the external device 100 is still operated, the process returns to step S207. That is, the processing from step S207 to step S210 is repeated until it is determined that the external device 100 is no longer operated.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the external device 100 is not operated any more, this flowchart is ended.

Next, a method (determination routine) for determining the type of output signal by the calculation means 38 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a method (determination routine) for determining the type of the output signal by the calculation means 38.
First, in the process of step S301, whether the values of oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and total hemoglobin concentration calculated from the measurement data at the brain coordinate positions (a1, a2, a3) exceed the threshold value α of the setting data. Determine whether or not. If it is determined that the threshold value α of the setting data is exceeded, the output signal #a is determined in the process of step S302.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the threshold value α of the setting data is not exceeded, or when the process of step S302 is completed, it is calculated from the measurement data at the brain coordinate position (b1, b2, b3) in the process of step S303. It is determined whether the values of oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and total hemoglobin concentration exceed the threshold value β of the setting data. If it is determined that the threshold value β of the setting data is exceeded, the output signal #b is determined in the process of step S304.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the threshold value β of the setting data is not exceeded, or when the process of step S304 is completed, it is calculated from the measurement data at the brain coordinate position (c1, c2, c3) in the process of step S305. It is determined whether the values of oxyhemoglobin concentration, deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and total hemoglobin concentration exceed the threshold value γ of the setting data.
This process is repeated, and when all the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit 54 is executed, this flowchart is terminated.

  According to the brain function data control apparatus 1, the positional relationship between the skull surface and the brain surface can be accurately recognized by a three-dimensional morphological image showing the skull surface and the brain surface of the subject. Furthermore, by specifying a position corresponding to the position of the light transmitting probe 12 and the position of the light receiving probe 13 arranged on the skull surface of the subject in the three-dimensional form image, the brain coordinate position from which the measurement data is obtained is Since the calculation is performed using the tarainic coordinates and the MNI (Emni) coordinates, the calculation unit 38 can determine the type of the output signal by comparing the measurement data and the setting data at the same brain coordinate position. The accuracy of the type of output signal to be performed can be improved.

(Other embodiments)
(1) In the brain function data control apparatus 1 described above, the light transmission / reception unit 11 including the 12 light transmission probes 12a to 12l and the 12 light reception probes 13a to 13l is shown, but a different number, for example, 9 It is good also as a light transmission / reception part which has a light transmission probe and nine light reception probes.
(2) In the brain function data control apparatus 1 described above, a configuration for acquiring morphological video data created by MRI is shown. However, instead of MRI, morphological video data created by CT images or the like is acquired. Also good.

  The present invention can be used for a brain function data control device that controls an external device without using a keyboard, a mouse, a handle, or the like.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the brain function data control apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the monitor screen 23a displayed with the image by the brain function data control apparatus 1. FIG. It is a top view which shows the relationship between the light transmission / reception part 11 and the measurement points M1-M36. It is a figure which shows the two-dimensional image of 3 directions obtained by MRI. It is a figure which shows skull surface form image data and brain surface form image data. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a pair of light transmission probe and light reception probe, and the measurement site | part of a brain. It is a figure which shows another example of the monitor screen 23a displayed with the image by the brain function data control apparatus. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a setting method by the brain function data control apparatus 1; 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a control method by the brain function data control apparatus 1; It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the method of determining the kind of output signal. It is a figure which shows the measurement position of the international 10-20 method. It is a figure which shows an example of the cerebral cortex of a human brain.

Explanation of symbols

1: Brain function data control device 4: Transmitter / receiver control unit 11: Transmitter / receiver unit 12: Transmitter probe 13: Receiver probe 22: Input device 23: Display device 31: Morphological image data acquisition unit 32: Morphological image data acquisition unit 33: Morphological image display means 35: Brain coordinate position calculation means 38: Calculation means 54: Setting data storage unit T: Light transmission point R: Light reception point M: Measurement point

Claims (2)

A light transmitting / receiving unit having at least one light transmitting probe disposed on the skull surface of the subject, and at least one light receiving probe disposed on the skull surface;
The light transmitting probe irradiates light on the skull surface, and the light receiving probe controls to detect light emitted from the skull surface, thereby obtaining measurement data relating to brain activity; A brain function data control device comprising an optical measurement device comprising:
A setting data storage unit for storing setting data for determining the type of output signal;
A display device for displaying images;
An input device;
Morphological image data acquisition means for acquiring morphological image data indicating a subject including a skull surface and a brain surface;
Morphological image display means for displaying an image of a three-dimensional morphological image indicating the positional relationship between the skull surface and the brain surface by the morphological image data;
Based on the three-dimensional morphological image, the position corresponding to the position of the light transmitting probe and the position of the light receiving probe arranged on the skull surface of the subject is designated by the input device in the three-dimensional morphological image. Brain coordinate position calculating means for calculating a brain coordinate position from which the measurement data is obtained;
A brain function data control apparatus comprising: an operation means for determining a type of an output signal based on the measurement data, the setting data, and the brain coordinate position. Output means for outputting an output signal determined by the computing means to an external device;
The brain function data control device according to claim 1, further comprising an external device that receives the output signal and operates according to a type of the input output signal.

Images