JP6840343B2 - Pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system and electroencephalogram measurement system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure generally relates to a pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system and an electroencephalogram measurement system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system that generates an electric signal imitating a brain wave, and an electroencephalogram measurement system including a pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system.

Patent Document 1 discloses an electroencephalogram signal generator. The electroencephalogram signal generator includes a basic rhythm (α wave) generating unit, a sudden wave generating unit, and a resistance network connected to the output side of the basic rhythm generating unit and the sudden wave generating unit. A resistance network consists of connecting a large number of resistors in a mesh pattern, connecting one end of each resistor to each connection point, and connecting the other end of these resistors to a terminal, conceptually as a head resistor. I'm imitating.

The effect of the measurement environment (for example, the contact resistance between the electrode portion of the electroencephalograph and the human body) appears in the electroencephalogram actually measured by the electroencephalograph. Therefore, in order to perform an accurate evaluation of the electroencephalograph, it is desired to obtain a pseudo electroencephalogram that also reflects the influence of such a measurement environment. However, Patent Document 1 does not consider the influence of such a measurement environment.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 50-85193

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system capable of generating an electric signal closer to an electroencephalogram by reflecting the influence of a measurement environment, and an electroencephalogram measurement system.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an input unit that receives a reference signal from a signal generator, an output unit that is electrically connected to an electrode unit of an electroencephalograph, and the reference unit that is received by the input unit. It includes a processing unit that generates an electric signal that imitates an electroencephalogram based on the signal in the output unit. The processing unit includes a contact resistance unit and an impedance conversion unit. The contact resistance unit includes a contact resistance circuit between the input unit and the output unit and having a resistance value corresponding to the contact resistance between the electrode unit and the human body. The impedance conversion unit includes an impedance conversion circuit between the input unit and the contact resistance circuit in which the impedance seen from the contact resistance circuit is smaller than the impedance seen from the input unit.

The electroencephalogram measurement system according to one aspect of the present disclosure acquires the electroencephalograph from the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system, the electroencephalograph that generates electroencephalogram information based on the electric signal from the pseudo-electroencephalograph system, and the electroencephalograph. It is equipped with an information processing device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a rehabilitation support system including the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system of one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the usage state of the electroencephalogram measurement system and the rehabilitation support system provided with the electroencephalogram measurement system. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing a usage state of the headset of the above-mentioned electroencephalogram measurement system. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the above-mentioned electroencephalogram measurement system and the rehabilitation support system. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the output unit of the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system. FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a voltage source of a polarization voltage circuit of a pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system. FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the power supply unit of the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a reference signal and an electric signal (pseudo-electroencephalogram signal). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a reference signal and an electric signal (pseudo-electroencephalogram signal). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a reference signal and an electric signal (pseudo-electroencephalogram signal). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a reference signal and an electric signal (pseudo-electroencephalogram signal). FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of a main part of the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system of the first modification. FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram of a main part of the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system of the second modification.

(Embodiment)
(1) Outline FIG. 1 shows a rehabilitation support system 100 of one embodiment. The rehabilitation support system 100 includes an electroencephalogram measurement system 10, an exercise assist device 3, and a control device 4. The electroencephalogram measurement system 10 includes a pseudo electroencephalogram generation system 6, an electroencephalograph (headset) 1, and an information processing device 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6 includes an input unit 81, an output unit 82, and a processing unit 83. The input unit 81 receives a reference signal from the signal generator 7. The output unit 82 is electrically connected to the electrode unit 11 of the electroencephalograph 1. The processing unit 83 is configured to generate an electric signal (hereinafter, also referred to as “pseudo-electroencephalogram signal”) that imitates an electroencephalogram based on the reference signal received by the input unit 81 in the output unit 82. The processing unit 83 includes a contact resistance unit 87 and an impedance conversion unit 85. The contact resistance unit 87 is a contact resistance circuit 871 that is located between the input unit 81 and the output unit 82 and has a resistance value corresponding to the contact resistance between the electrode unit 11 and the human body (for example, the head 52 shown in FIG. 3). , 872. The impedance conversion unit 85 includes an impedance conversion circuit 851,852 which is located between the input unit 81 and the contact resistance circuits 871 and 872 and whose impedance seen from the contact resistance circuits 871 and 872 is smaller than the impedance seen from the input unit 81.

As described above, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6 includes a contact resistance unit 87 and an impedance conversion unit 85. According to the contact resistance unit 87, the influence of the resistance value corresponding to the contact resistance between the electrode unit 11 and the human body, which is inevitably generated when measuring the electroencephalogram with the electroencephalograph 1, and the thermal noise can be generated. The reference signal can be brought closer to the brain wave. Moreover, the impedance conversion unit 85 can surely exert the effect of imparting contact resistance by the contact resistance unit 87 to the reference signal while generating a highly accurate reference signal by the signal generator 7. Therefore, an electric signal reflecting the contact resistance between the electrode unit 11 and the human body (head 52) (that is, the influence of the measurement environment) can be generated in the output unit 82. Therefore, according to the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to the electroencephalogram by reflecting the influence of the measurement environment.

The electroencephalogram measurement system 10 obtains electroencephalograph information from the pseudo electroencephalograph system 6, the electroencephalograph (headset) 1 that generates electroencephalograph information based on the electrical signal from the pseudo electroencephalograph system 6, and the electroencephalograph (headset) 1. It includes an information processing device 2 for acquisition. In the electroencephalogram measurement system 10, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6 can generate an electric signal closer to the electroencephalogram by reflecting the influence of the measurement environment, so that the operation test and performance evaluation of the headset 1 and the information processing device 2 can be performed accurately. ..

The rehabilitation support system 100 includes an electroencephalogram measurement system 10, an exercise assist device 3, and a control device 4. The exercise assist device 3 has a function of applying at least one of a mechanical stimulus and an electrical stimulus to the human body. The control device 4 is configured to control the exercise assist device 3 based on the brain wave information acquired by the information processing device 2. In the rehabilitation support system 100, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6 can generate an electric signal closer to the electroencephalogram by reflecting the influence of the measurement environment, so that the operation test and performance evaluation of the exercise assist device 3 and the control device 4 can be performed accurately. ..

(2) Configuration First, the outline of the rehabilitation support system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

This rehabilitation support system 100 supports rehabilitation by exercise therapy, for example, for a person who has motor paralysis or a decrease in motor function in a part of the body due to a brain disease such as a stroke or an accident. In such a subject 5, the voluntary movement, which is an exercise performed by the subject 5 based on his / her own intention or intention, may not be satisfactory due to inability or deterioration of its function. The "exercise therapy" referred to in the present disclosure refers to a disorder caused by exercising a part of the body of the subject 5 in which such voluntary movement is impossible or a function is deteriorated (hereinafter referred to as "disordered part"). It means a method of recovering the function of voluntary movement for a part.

In this embodiment, a case where the rehabilitation support system 100 is used for rehabilitation of the left finger 53 (left finger) of the subject 5 is illustrated. That is, in the subject 5 in this case, the left finger is the disordered part. However, not limited to this example, the rehabilitation support system 100 may be used for rehabilitation of the right finger of the subject 5, for example.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the rehabilitation support system 100 is used for rehabilitation of the gripping motion and the extension motion of the subject 5 with the left finger. The "grasping operation" referred to in the present disclosure means an operation of grasping an object. Further, the "extension motion" referred to in the present disclosure is a motion of opening the hand by extending four fingers 53 (second to fifth fingers) excluding the first finger (thumb), that is, grasping by a gripping motion. It means the action of releasing the "thing" in the state of being. That is, in the subject 5, the left finger is the impaired part, and the rehabilitation support system 100 is used for rehabilitation for voluntary movements such as gripping motion and extension motion by the left finger. However, in reality, the rehabilitation support system 100 does not directly assist the gripping motion of the subject 5, but indirectly rehabilitates the gripping motion by assisting the extension motion of the fingers of the subject 5. Do. The "extension movement" referred to in the present disclosure is a state in which the hands are opened by the extension of four fingers 53 (second to fifth fingers) excluding the first finger (thumb), that is, the hands are grasped by the gripping movement. It means the action of releasing an "object".

In the rehabilitation support system 100, when the subject 5 performs a voluntary movement with the left finger 53, the exercise assist device 3 attached to the subject 5's left hand provides mechanical stimulation and electricity to the subject 5's left hand. Assist voluntary movements by adding at least one of the stimuli. As a result, for example, in the same manner as when a medical staff such as a physical therapist or an occupational therapist assists the voluntary movement of the subject 5 by holding the fingers 53 of the subject 5, the voluntary movement is performed by the rehabilitation support system 100. Assistance becomes possible. Therefore, according to the rehabilitation support system 100, it is possible to realize rehabilitation by exercise therapy, which is more effective than the case where the subject 5 performs voluntary exercise alone, as in the case where the medical staff assists.

By the way, in order to support the rehabilitation as described above, the rehabilitation support system 100 may assist the voluntary movement of the subject 5 with the exercise assist device 3 when the subject 5 intends to perform the voluntary movement. desirable. The rehabilitation support system 100 interlocks the exercise assisting device 3 with the brain waves (brain wave information) of the subject 5 measured by the brain wave measuring system 10, so that the subject 5 assists the exercise when he / she intends to perform a voluntary movement. The assistance of the voluntary movement in the device 3 is realized. In other words, the rehabilitation support system 100 uses the brain-machine interface (BMI) technology to operate the machine (exercise assist device 3) using brain activity (brain waves) to exercise. Achieve therapeutic rehabilitation.

When the subject 5 performs a voluntary movement (that is, in the process of the subject 5 performing the voluntary movement), a characteristic change in the brain wave may occur. That is, when the subject 5 intends (remembers) to perform the voluntary movement, activation of the brain region corresponding to the target portion of the voluntary movement may occur. An example of such a brain region is the somatosensory motor cortex. More effective rehabilitation can be expected by assisting the voluntary movement of the subject 5 with the exercise assisting device 3 at the timing when such activation of the brain region occurs. Such activation of brain regions can be detected as characteristic changes in EEG. Therefore, the rehabilitation support system 100 assists the voluntary movement of the subject 5 with the exercise assisting device 3 at the timing when this characteristic change occurs in the brain wave of the subject 5. Such characteristic changes in EEG can occur when the subject 5 images the voluntary movement (that is, during an exercise attempt) even if the voluntary movement is not actually performed. In other words, such characteristic changes in EEG can be seen if the corresponding brain region is activated by the intention (remembering) of the subject 5 to perform the voluntary movement even if the voluntary movement is not actually performed. Can occur. Therefore, the rehabilitation support system 100 can assist the voluntary movement even for the subject 5 who cannot perform the voluntary movement.

According to the rehabilitation support system 100 having such a configuration, it is possible to realize effective rehabilitation by exercise therapy in the subject 5 while reducing the burden on the medical staff. Further, according to the rehabilitation support system 100, for example, the timing of assisting the voluntary movement does not vary due to human factors such as the skill level of the medical staff who assists the voluntary movement of the subject 5, and the effect of the rehabilitation varies. Is reduced. In particular, the rehabilitation support system 100 can assist the voluntary movement of the subject 5 at the timing when the characteristic change in the brain wave occurs (that is, the timing when the brain region is actually activated). As described above, in the rehabilitation support system 100, since training can be performed in accordance with the timing of brain activity, it can be expected to contribute to learning and establishment of correct brain activity. In particular, it is difficult for the subject 5 and the medical staff alone to determine whether or not a characteristic change has occurred in the brain wave. Therefore, by using the rehabilitation support system 100, effective rehabilitation that is difficult to realize only by the subject 5 or the medical staff becomes possible.

In the present embodiment, when the subject 5 uses the rehabilitation support system 100, a medical staff such as a physical therapist or an occupational therapist accompanies the subject 5, and the medical staff performs the operation of the rehabilitation support system 100 and the like. Suppose that. However, it is not essential for the medical staff to accompany the target person 5 who uses the rehabilitation support system 100. For example, the target person 5 or the target person 5's family may operate the rehabilitation support system 100.

Next, the rehabilitation support system 100 will be described in more detail.

As shown in FIG. 1, the rehabilitation support system 100 includes an electroencephalogram measurement system 10, an exercise assist device 3, and a control device 4.

The electroencephalogram measurement system 10 is a system for measuring the electroencephalogram of the subject 5, and as shown in FIG. 4, the electrode portion 11 arranged at the measurement point 51 which is a part of the head 52 of the subject 5. Acquires the electroencephalogram information representing the electroencephalogram collected in. The "electroencephalogram" (EEG) referred to in the present disclosure means a waveform obtained by deriving an electrical signal (action potential) emitted by a nerve cell (group) of the cerebrum to the outside of the body and recording it. In the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the overall action potentials of a large number of neurons (nerve network) in the cerebral cortex are targeted and recorded using an electrode portion 11 attached to the body surface. Is called "brain wave".

The electroencephalogram measurement system 10 includes characteristic changes that occur when the subject 5 performs a voluntary movement (that is, can occur when the subject 5 intends to perform a voluntary movement) in the above-mentioned rehabilitation support system 100. It is used to detect brain waves. The electroencephalogram measurement system 10 detects an intensity change in a specific frequency band caused by an event-related desynchronization (ERD) as a characteristic change. The "event-related desynchronization" referred to in the present disclosure means a phenomenon in which the power of a specific frequency band decreases in an electroencephalogram measured near the motor cortex during voluntary movement (including recall of voluntary movement). The term "at the time of voluntary movement" as used in the present disclosure means the process from the time when the subject 5 intends (remembers) the voluntary movement to the success or failure of the voluntary movement. "Event-related desynchronization" can occur during this voluntary movement, triggered by the intention (recollection) of the voluntary movement. The frequency bands in which the power is reduced due to event-related desynchronization are mainly α waves (for example, frequency bands of 8 Hz or more and less than 13 Hz) and β waves (for example, frequency bands of 13 Hz or more and less than 30 Hz).

When the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 detects an electroencephalogram including a characteristic change that may occur when the subject 5 intends to perform a voluntary movement, the brain wave measurement system 10 outputs a control signal for controlling the exercise assist device 3. That is, in the rehabilitation support system 100, the exercise assist device 3 is triggered by the brain wave measurement system 10 detecting a brain wave including a characteristic change that may occur when the subject 5 intends to perform a voluntary movement. A control signal for control is generated. As a result, in the rehabilitation support system 100, when the subject 5 intends to perform the voluntary movement, the exercise assistance is performed according to the timing when the activation of the brain region corresponding to the target part of the voluntary movement actually occurs. The device 3 can assist the voluntary movement of the subject 5.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 includes a pseudo electroencephalogram generation system 6, a headset 1, and an information processing device 2. However, when measuring the electroencephalogram of the subject 5, the pseudo electroencephalogram generation system 6 is not used.

The headset 1 is worn on the head 52 of the subject 5 when measuring the brain waves of the subject 5 (see FIG. 4). The headset 1 has an electrode portion 11. The electrode portion 11 is arranged at the measurement point 51, which is a part of the head 52 of the subject 5. Specifically, in the headset 1, the subject is in contact with the electrode portion 11 at the measurement point 51 set on a part of the surface (scalp) of the head 52 of the subject 5. The brain waves of 5 are measured, and brain wave information representing the brain waves is generated. More specifically, the headset 1 is attached to the head 52 of the subject 5 in a state where the electrode portion 11 is in contact with the surface (scalp) of the head 52 of the subject 5. In the present disclosure, the electrode portion 11 comes into contact with the surface of the head 52 by being placed on a paste (electrode glue) applied to the surface of the head 52. At this time, the electrode portion 11 comes into contact with the surface of the head 52 without passing through the hair by scraping the hair. Of course, the electrode portion 11 may come into direct contact with the surface of the head portion 52 without applying the paste. That is, in the present disclosure, "contacting the electrode portion 11 with the surface of the head 52" means that the electrode portion 11 is in direct contact with the surface of the head 52, and the electrode portion 11 is brought into contact with the surface of the head 52 via an intermediate. It also includes indirect contact with the surface of the head 52. The intermediate is not limited to the paste, and may be, for example, a conductive gel. The headset 1 measures the electroencephalogram of the subject 5 by measuring the action potential of the brain of the subject 5 at the electrode unit 11, and generates electroencephalogram information representing the electroencephalogram. The headset 1 transmits brain wave information to the information processing device 2 by, for example, wireless communication.

When the subject 5 intends to perform a voluntary movement, an electroencephalogram including a characteristic change is usually generated in the motor cortex corresponding to the part of the body in which the voluntary movement is performed. Therefore, the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 measures the electroencephalogram collected from the vicinity of the motor cortex corresponding to the injured site, which is the target of rehabilitation. Here, the motor cortex corresponding to the left finger is in the right brain, and the motor cortex corresponding to the right finger is in the left brain. Therefore, when the left finger 53 of the subject 5 is targeted for rehabilitation as in the present embodiment, the brain wave acquired by the electrode portion 11 brought into contact with the right side of the head 52 of the subject 5 is generated. It is a measurement target in the electroencephalogram measurement system 10. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the electrode portion 11 is arranged on the measurement point 51 formed of a part of the right surface of the head 52 of the subject 5. As an example, the electrode portion 11 is arranged at the position represented by the electrode symbol “C4” in the International 10-20 Law. When the right finger of the subject 5 is to be rehabilitated, the measurement point consisting of a part of the left surface of the head 52 of the subject 5, for example, the electrode symbol "C3" in the International 10-20 Law. The electrode portion 11 is arranged at the represented position.

As shown in FIG. 5, the headset 1 includes an electrode unit 11, a signal processing unit 12, and a first communication unit 13. The headset 1 is, for example, battery-powered, and the operating power of the signal processing unit 12, the first communication unit 13, and the like is supplied from the battery.

The electrode portion 11 is an electrode for collecting an electroencephalogram (electroencephalogram signal) of the subject 5, and is, for example, a silver-silver chloride electrode. The electrode portion 11 may be gold, silver, platinum or the like. The electrode portion 11 has a first electrode 111 and a second electrode 112. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the measurement point 51 set on the surface of the head 52 of the subject 5 includes the first measurement point 511 and the second measurement point 512. The first electrode 111 is an electrode corresponding to the first measurement point 511 and is arranged on the first measurement point 511. The second electrode 112 is an electrode corresponding to the second measurement point 512 and is arranged on the second measurement point 512. Specifically, the first measurement point 511 and the second measurement point 512 are the first measurement points 511 and the second measurement points 511 and the second measurement points 511 from the midline center side (upper side) on the line connecting the midline center portion of the head 52 and the right ear. The measurement points 512 are arranged side by side in this order.

Further, in the present embodiment, the headset 1 further includes a reference electrode 113 and a ground electrode 114. The reference electrode 113 is an electrode for measuring the reference potential of the electroencephalogram signal measured at each of the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112. The reference electrode 113 is located at the posterior position of either the right or left ear on the head 52. Specifically, the reference electrode 113 is arranged at the rear position of the ear on the side of the head 52 where the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are arranged. In the present embodiment, the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 are arranged on the right surface of the head 52, so that the reference electrode 113 is arranged at the posterior position of the right ear. The ground electrode 114 is arranged at the posterior position of the right ear or the left ear of the head 52 where the reference electrode 113 is not arranged. In the present embodiment, the reference electrode 113 is arranged at the posterior position of the right ear, so that the ground electrode 114 is arranged at the posterior position of the left ear. Each of the reference electrode 113 and the ground electrode 114 is electrically connected to the main body 15 of the headset 1 by an electric wire 16 (see FIG. 2), and is attached to the surface (scalp) of the head 52. The position where the reference electrode 113 and the ground electrode 114 are arranged may be the earlobe instead of the position behind the ear as described above. The posterior position of the ear and the earlobe are places in the head that are not easily affected by bioelectric potentials derived from brain activity. That is, it is preferable that the reference electrode 113 and the ground electrode 114 are arranged in a place on the head that is not easily affected by the bioelectric potential derived from brain activity.

The signal processing unit 12 is electrically connected to the electrode unit 11, the reference electrode 113, and the ground electrode 114, executes signal processing on the electroencephalogram signal (electrical signal) input from the electrode unit 11, and performs electroencephalogram information. To generate. That is, the headset 1 measures the electroencephalogram of the subject 5 by measuring the action potential of the brain of the subject 5 at the electrode unit 11, and generates the electroencephalogram information representing the electroencephalogram at the signal processing unit 12. The signal processing unit 12 includes at least an amplifier that amplifies the brain wave signal and an A / D converter that performs A / D conversion, and outputs the amplified digital brain wave signal as brain wave information.

The first communication unit 13 has a communication function with the information processing device 2. The first communication unit 13 transmits at least the brain wave information generated by the signal processing unit 12 to the information processing device 2. In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 13 can communicate with the information processing device 2 in both directions. The communication method of the first communication unit 13 is, for example, wireless communication based on Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like. From the first communication unit 13, brain wave information is transmitted to the information processing device 2 at any time.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6 is used to give an electric signal (pseudo-electroencephalogram signal) that imitates an electroencephalogram to the headset 1. The pseudo-electroencephalogram signal from the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6 enables operation tests and performance evaluations of the headset 1 and the information processing device 2.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6 includes a signal generator 7 and a pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8.

The signal generator 7 is a device for giving a reference signal to the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8. The signal generator 7 is composed of a multifunction generator. The reference signal is a signal that is a basis for generating an electric signal (pseudo-electroencephalogram signal) that imitates an electroencephalogram. In the present embodiment, the signal generator 7 is configured to output a signal including an intensity change in a specific frequency band as a reference signal. The specific frequency band may be the frequency band of the intensity change that occurs in the electroencephalogram due to the occurrence of event-related desynchronization. As mentioned above, the frequency band in which the power is reduced due to event-related desynchronization may include an α wave band and a β wave band. Therefore, such a reference signal may include at least one of a signal having a frequency in the α wave band and a signal having a frequency in the β wave band.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8 includes an input unit 81, an output unit 82, and a processing unit 83. Further, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8 may be housed in a conductive housing (for example, a metal housing). In this case, at least when the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8 is used, it is possible to apply a ground potential to the housing to provide an electrostatic shield. Thereby, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8 can be protected from hum noise (commercial AC power supply noise) and static electricity.

The input unit 81 is a portion connected to the signal generator 7. The input unit 81 is configured to receive a reference signal from the signal generator 7. As shown in FIG. 6, the input unit 81 includes a first input terminal 811 and a second input terminal 812. The first input terminal 811 is connected to the processing unit 83, and the second input terminal 812 is grounded.

The output unit 82 includes a first connection unit 821 and a second connection unit 822. The first connection portion 821 and the second connection portion 822 are electrically connected to the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112 of the electrode portion 11 of the headset 1, respectively. The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8 includes a third connection unit 823 and a fourth connection unit 824 in addition to the first connection unit 821 and the second connection unit 822 of the output unit 82. The third connection portion 823 and the fourth connection portion 824 are electrically connected to the reference electrode 113 and the ground electrode 114 of the headset 1, respectively. In the present embodiment, the first connection portion 821, the second connection portion 822, the third connection portion 823, and the fourth connection portion 824 are attached to the first electrode 111, the second electrode 112, the reference electrode 113, and the ground electrode 114. These are the electrodes that are in contact with each other. As shown in FIG. 7, the first connection portion 821, the second connection portion 822, the third connection portion 823, and the fourth connection portion 824 are provided on the head model 500. The first connection portion 821, the second connection portion 822, the third connection portion 823, and the fourth connection portion 824 are on the head 52 of the first electrode 111, the second electrode 112, the reference electrode 113, and the ground electrode 114. It is installed on the head model 500 so that it is in a position corresponding to the installation position.

The processing unit 83 is configured to generate an electric signal imitating an electroencephalogram in the output unit 82 based on the reference signal received by the input unit 81. In the present embodiment, the processing unit 83 generates an electric signal imitating an electroencephalogram by giving an influence of the measurement environment to the reference signal. Here, the processing unit 83 does not convert the frequency band of the reference signal. That is, the frequency band of the electrical signal is determined by the frequency band of the reference signal, and there is no substantial change between them. For example, when the reference signal includes at least one of a signal having a frequency in the α wave band and a signal having a frequency in the β wave band, the electric signal also has a frequency in the α wave band and a frequency in the β wave band. Includes at least one of the signals having. Further, when the reference signal includes an intensity change in a specific frequency band due to event-related desynchronization, the electric signal becomes a signal imitating an electroencephalogram including an intensity change in a specific frequency band.

The processing unit 83 includes an attenuator 84, an impedance conversion unit 85, a polarization voltage unit 86, a contact resistance unit 87, and a power supply unit 88.

The attenuator 84 attenuates the reference signal from the signal generator 7 and outputs it. The attenuator 84 has a capacitor C11 and resistors R11 and R12. The resistors R11 and R12 form a series circuit (voltage dividing circuit). The capacitor C11 is inserted between the first input terminal 811 of the input unit 81 and the resistor R11 to remove the direct current (DC) component of the reference signal from the signal generator 7. The capacitance of the capacitor C11 is, for example, 47 μF. For example, since the attenuator 84 attenuates the amplitude of the reference signal to about 1/10000, the resistance values of the resistors R11 and R12 are set to 100 kΩ and 10 Ω, respectively. Further, as the resistors R11 and R12, it is desirable to use metal film resistors having good resistance value accuracy.

The impedance conversion unit 85 includes a first impedance conversion circuit 851 and a second impedance conversion circuit 852. The first impedance conversion circuit 851 has an operational amplifier OP21. In the operational amplifier OP21, the inverting input terminal and the output terminal are short-circuited. That is, the impedance conversion circuit 851 is a voltage follower having an amplification degree of 1. The non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP21 is connected to the connection point of the resistors R11 and R12 of the attenuator 84. In the first impedance conversion circuit 851, impedance conversion is realized by the characteristics that the input impedance of the operational amplifier OP21 is high and the output impedance is low. The second impedance conversion circuit 852 has the same circuit configuration as the first impedance conversion circuit 851. In the second impedance conversion circuit 852, the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP21 is connected to the side opposite to the resistor R11 of the resistor R12. Therefore, the DC voltage of the attenuated reference signal is determined by the output voltage of the operational amplifier OP21.

The polarization voltage unit 86 is provided to affect the reference signal by the measurement environment. Here, the influence of the measurement environment is the influence of the polarization (ion polarization) at the electrode portion 11. The polarization voltage unit 86 includes a first polarization voltage circuit 861 and a second polarization voltage circuit 862.

The first polarization voltage circuit 861 is a circuit between the input unit 81 and the output unit 82 that causes a voltage change corresponding to the polarization voltage at the electrode unit 11. Specifically, the first polarization voltage circuit 861 is provided between the first impedance conversion circuit 851 and the first connection portion 821, and causes a voltage change corresponding to the polarization voltage of the first electrode 111. According to the first polarization voltage circuit 861, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to an electroencephalogram by reflecting the influence of polarization, which is one of the influences of the measurement environment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first polarization voltage circuit 861 has a voltage source V31 and switches SW31, SW32, and SW33.

The voltage source V31 is a circuit that generates an output voltage corresponding to the polarization voltage of the electrode portion 11. The output voltage of the voltage source V31 is variable. As shown in FIG. 8, the voltage source V31 includes a DC power supply V32, a variable resistor VR31, and a capacitor C31. The DC power supply V32 is, for example, a battery. The variable resistor VR31 is connected between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the DC power supply V32. The capacitor C31 is connected between the negative electrode of the DC power supply V32 and the movable contact of the variable resistor VR31 in order to stabilize the output voltage of the voltage source V31. The voltage between both ends of the capacitor C31 becomes the output voltage of the voltage source V31.

The switches SW31 and SW32 are unipolar double throw (SPDT) switches. The switches SW31 and SW32 have a first terminal a, a second terminal b, and a third terminal c, and are in a first state in which the first terminal a and the third terminal c are connected, and the second terminal b and the first. It is switched between the second state in which the 3 terminal c is connected. The first terminals a of the switches SW31 and SW32 are connected to each other via the switch SW33. The second terminals b of the switches SW31 and SW32 are connected to each other. The third terminal c of the switch SW31 is connected to the output terminal of the first impedance conversion circuit 851, and the third terminal c of the switch SW32 is connected to the contact resistance portion 87.

The switch SW33 is a two-pole double throw (DPDT) switch. The switch SW33 has a first terminal t1, a second terminal t2, a third terminal t3, a fourth terminal t4, a fifth terminal t5, and a sixth terminal t6. In the switch SW33, the first terminal t1 and the sixth terminal t6 are further connected by wiring, and the fourth terminal t4 and the third terminal t3 are connected by wiring. The switch SW33 has a first state in which the first terminal t1 and the second terminal t2 are connected and the fourth terminal t4 and the fifth terminal t5 are connected, and a fifth terminal t5 in which the second terminal t2 and the third terminal t3 are connected. And the second state in which the sixth terminal t6 is connected. The first terminal t1 and the fourth terminal t4 of the switch SW33 are connected to the first terminal a of the switches SW31 and SW32, respectively. Further, the fifth terminal t5 and the second terminal t2 of the switch SW33 are connected to the high potential side terminal and the low potential side terminal of the capacitor C31 of the voltage source V31, respectively (see FIG. 8).

In the first polarization voltage circuit 861, when the switches SW31 and SW32 are in the first state, the voltage source V31 is interposed between the first impedance conversion circuit 851 and the first contact resistance circuit 871 described later in the contact resistance portion 87. To do. Therefore, the change due to the output voltage of the voltage source V31 can be superimposed on the reference signal. Here, when the switch SW33 is in the first state, the voltage rises according to the output voltage of the voltage source V31. When the switch SW33 is in the second state, a voltage drop corresponding to the output voltage of the voltage source V31 occurs. On the other hand, when the switches SW31 and SW32 are in the second state, the voltage source V31 does not intervene between the first impedance conversion circuit 851 and the contact resistance portion 87. Therefore, the voltage change given to the reference signal is substantially 0, which corresponds to the case where the first electrode 111 is not polarized (that is, the polarization voltage is 0). In the first polarization voltage circuit 861, an appropriate output voltage of the voltage source V31 can be selected by using the movable contact of the variable resistor VR31 according to the measurement environment. Therefore, it is possible to cope with a case where the polarization voltage changes due to a change in the measurement environment.

The second polarization voltage circuit 862 is a circuit between the input unit 81 and the output unit 82 that causes a voltage change corresponding to the polarization voltage at the electrode unit 11. Specifically, the second polarization voltage circuit 862 is provided between the second impedance conversion circuit 852 and the second contact resistance circuit 872 described later in the contact resistance portion 87, and is used to control the polarization voltage of the second electrode 112. It causes a corresponding voltage change. Since the second polarization voltage circuit 862 has the same circuit configuration as the first polarization voltage circuit 861, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The contact resistance portion 87 is provided to influence the reference signal by the measurement environment. Here, the influence of the measurement environment is the influence of the contact resistance between the electrode portion 11 and the human body (head 52). The contact resistance portion 87 has a first contact resistance circuit 871 and a second contact resistance circuit 872.

The first contact resistance circuit 871 has a resistance value corresponding to the contact resistance between the electrode unit 11 and the human body (head 52) between the input unit 81 and the output unit 82. Further, the first contact resistance circuit 871 has a function of switching the resistance value. Specifically, the first contact resistance circuit 871 is provided between the first polarization voltage circuit 861 and the first connection portion 821, and is a contact between the first electrode 111 and the human body (head 52). It has a resistance value corresponding to resistance. The first contact resistance circuit 871 includes a switch SW40, a first series circuit of the switch SW41 and the resistor R41, a second series circuit of the switch SW42 and the resistor R42, and a third series circuit of the switch SW43 and the resistor R43. ,have. The switch SW40, the first series circuit, the second series circuit, and the third series circuit are connected in parallel with each other. The resistance value of the first contact resistance circuit 871 is switched by turning the switches SW40 to SW43 on and off. For example, the resistance value of the resistor R41 is 10 kΩ, the resistance value of the resistor R42 is 20 kΩ, and the resistance value of the resistor R43 is 30 kΩ. Here, a resistor is not connected in series to the switch SW40. Therefore, when only the switch SW40 is turned on, the resistance value of the first contact resistance circuit 871 becomes almost 0Ω. The resistance value of the first contact resistance circuit 871 in this case corresponds to the case where the contact resistance is substantially 0Ω. In the first contact resistance circuit 871, an appropriate resistance value can be selected according to the measurement environment. Therefore, it is possible to cope with a case where the contact resistance changes due to a change in the measurement environment.

The second contact resistance circuit 872 has a resistance value corresponding to the contact resistance between the electrode unit 11 and the human body (head 52) between the input unit 81 and the output unit 82. Further, the second contact resistance circuit 872 has a function of switching the resistance value. Specifically, the second contact resistance circuit 872 is provided between the second polarization voltage circuit 862 and the second connection portion 822, and is in contact between the second electrode 112 and the human body (head 52). It has a resistance value corresponding to resistance. Since the second contact resistance circuit 872 has the same circuit configuration as the first contact resistance circuit 871, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The power supply unit 88 is configured to supply a power supply voltage to the operational amplifier OP21 of the impedance conversion unit 85. The power supply unit 88 is, for example, a power supply circuit in which the voltage of the battery is stepped down. As shown in FIG. 9, the power supply unit 88 includes a battery V61, capacitors C61 and C62, and a regulator 881. The regulator 881 is a three-terminal regulator, and converts the voltage of the battery V61 into a voltage suitable for driving the operational amplifier OP21 and outputs the voltage.

Further, the processing unit 83 includes a third impedance conversion circuit 853, a third polarization voltage circuit 863, a fourth polarization voltage circuit 864, a third contact resistance circuit 873, and a fourth contact resistance circuit 874. There is.

The third impedance conversion circuit 853 has the same circuit configuration as the first impedance conversion circuit 851. In the third impedance conversion circuit 853, the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP21 is connected to the side opposite to the resistor R11 of the resistor R12. The power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply unit 88 to the operational amplifier OP21 of the third impedance conversion circuit 853.

The third polarization voltage circuit 863 is a circuit that causes a voltage change corresponding to the polarization voltage at the reference electrode 113. The third polarization voltage circuit 863 is connected between the second impedance conversion circuit 852 and the third contact resistance circuit 873. In particular, the third polarization voltage circuit 863 is connected between the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP21 of the second impedance conversion circuit 852 and the third contact resistance circuit 873. Since the third polarization voltage circuit 863 has the same circuit configuration as the first polarization voltage circuit 861, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The fourth polarization voltage circuit 864 is a circuit that causes a voltage change corresponding to the polarization voltage at the ground electrode 114. The fourth polarization voltage circuit 864 is connected between the third impedance conversion circuit 853 and the fourth contact resistance circuit 874. In particular, the fourth polarization voltage circuit 864 is connected between the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP21 of the third impedance conversion circuit 853 and the fourth contact resistance circuit 874. Since the fourth polarization voltage circuit 864 has the same circuit configuration as the first polarization voltage circuit 861, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The third contact resistance circuit 873 has a resistance value corresponding to the contact resistance between the reference electrode 113 and the human body (head 52) between the input unit 81 and the third connection unit 823. Further, the third contact resistance circuit 873 has a function of switching the resistance value. Specifically, the third contact resistance circuit 873 is provided between the third polarization voltage circuit 863 and the third connection portion 823, and the contact resistance between the reference electrode 113 and the human body (head 52). Has a resistance value corresponding to. The third contact resistance circuit 873 includes a switch SW50 and a series circuit of the switch SW51 and the resistor R51. The switch SW50 and the series circuit are connected in parallel with each other. The resistance value of the third contact resistance circuit 873 is switched by turning the switches SW50 and SW51 on and off. For example, the resistance value of the resistor R51 is 10 kΩ. Here, when a resistor is not connected in series to the switch SW50 and only the switch SW50 is turned on, the resistance value of the third contact resistance circuit 873 is approximately 0Ω, and the contact resistance is substantially 0Ω. Correspond to the case.

The fourth contact resistance circuit 874 has a resistance value corresponding to the contact resistance between the ground electrode 114 and the human body (head 52) between the input unit 81 and the fourth connection unit 824. Further, the fourth contact resistance circuit 874 has a function of switching the resistance value. Specifically, the fourth contact resistance circuit 874 is provided between the fourth polarization voltage circuit 864 and the fourth connection portion 824, and the contact resistance between the ground electrode 114 and the human body (head 52). Has a resistance value corresponding to. Since the fourth contact resistance circuit 874 has the same circuit configuration as the third contact resistance circuit 873, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

According to the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8 described above, an electric signal imitating an electroencephalogram can be generated in the output unit 82 based on the reference signal received by the input unit 81.

In particular, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8 has first to fourth contact resistance circuits 871 to 874. As a result, an electric signal reflecting the contact resistance between the first electrode 111, the second electrode 112, the reference electrode 113 and the ground electrode 114 of the headset 1 and the human body (head 52) can be given to the headset 1. it can. The contact resistance depends on the characteristics of the electrodes (first electrode 111, second electrode 112, reference electrode 113 and ground electrode 114) and the state of the human body (head 52). That is, the contact resistance can change depending on the measurement environment. Therefore, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to the brain wave by reflecting the influence of the measurement environment.

Further, the pseudo electroencephalogram generation circuit 8 has first to fourth polarization voltage circuits 861 to 864. Thereby, an electric signal reflecting the influence of the polarization voltage of the first electrode 111, the second electrode 112, the reference electrode 113, and the ground electrode 114 of the headset 1 can be given to the headset 1. The polarization voltage depends on the characteristics of the electrodes (first electrode 111, second electrode 112, reference electrode 113 and ground electrode 114) and the state of the human body (head 52). That is, the polarization voltage can change depending on the measurement environment. Therefore, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to the brain wave by reflecting the influence of the measurement environment.

When using the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6, the headset 1 is attached to the head model 500 (see FIG. 7). As a result, the first electrode 111, the second electrode 112, the reference electrode 113, and the ground electrode 114 of the headset 1 are the first connection portion 821, the second connection portion 822, and the third connection portion 823 of the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6. , And are electrically connected to the fourth connection portion 824, respectively. The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6 generates an electric signal imitating an electroencephalogram in the output unit 82. As a result, the headset 1 measures the electric signal (pseudo-brain wave signal) from the pseudo-brain wave generation system 6 at the electrode unit 11 and generates brain wave information representing the pseudo-brain wave signal. That is, the headset 1 generates brain wave information based on the electric signal from the pseudo brain wave generation system 6. The headset 1 transmits brain wave information to the information processing device 2 by, for example, wireless communication.

The information processing device 2 performs various processes on the electroencephalogram information acquired from the headset 1 and displays the electroencephalogram information. The information processing device 2 mainly includes a computer system such as a personal computer. The information processing device 2 receives the electroencephalogram information from the headset 1 by, for example, wireless communication, and executes various processes on the electroencephalogram information. The information processing device 2 detects brain waves including characteristic changes that may occur when the subject 5 intends (remembers) to perform a voluntary movement.

The information processing device 2 mainly includes a computer system including a processor 21 and a memory 22. The information processing device 2 further includes a second communication unit 23, an operation unit 24, a third communication unit 25, and a display unit 26.

The second communication unit 23 has a communication function with the headset 1 (first communication unit 13). The second communication unit 23 receives at least brain wave information from the headset 1. In the present embodiment, the second communication unit 23 can communicate with the headset 1 in both directions. For example, the second communication unit 23 receives brain wave information sampled at a sampling frequency of about 200 Hz from the headset 1 at any time.

The third communication unit 25 has a communication function with the control device 4. The third communication unit 25 transmits at least a control signal to the control device 4. The communication method of the third communication unit 25 is, for example, wired communication compliant with USB (Universal Serial Bus).

In the present embodiment, the information processing device 2 is equipped with a touch panel display, and the touch panel display functions as an operation unit 24 and a display unit 26. Therefore, in the information processing device 2, the operation of an object such as a button (tap, swipe, drag, etc.) on each screen displayed on the display unit 26 is detected by the operation unit 24, so that the object such as a button is released. Judge that it has been operated. That is, the operation unit 24 and the display unit 26 function as a user interface that receives operation input from the target person 5 or the medical staff in addition to various displays. However, the operation unit 24 is not limited to the touch panel display, and may be, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mechanical switch, or the like.

The processor 21 has the functions of the acquisition unit 211, the analysis unit 212, and the detection unit 213. When the processor 21 executes the program recorded in the memory 22, the functions of the acquisition unit 211, the analysis unit 212, and the detection unit 213 are realized.

The acquisition unit 211 acquires electroencephalogram information representing the electroencephalogram collected by the electrode unit 11. That is, the acquisition unit 211 acquires the electroencephalogram information representing the electroencephalogram or the pseudo-electroencephalogram signal collected by the electrode unit 11 of the headset 1 from the headset 1 via the second communication unit 23. Here, the acquisition unit 211 obtains the first electroencephalogram information representing the electroencephalogram or pseudo-electroencephalogram signal collected by the first electrode 111 and the second electroencephalogram information representing the electroencephalogram or pseudo-electroencephalogram signal collected by the second electrode 112. Get each. That is, in the present embodiment, since the electrode unit 11 includes the first electrode 111 and the second electrode 112, the acquisition unit 211 uses the electroencephalogram information collected by the first electrode 111 as the first electroencephalogram information and the second electrode. The electroencephalogram information collected in 112 is distinguished as the second electroencephalogram information. In the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 211 acquires digital-format electroencephalogram information and stores the acquired electroencephalogram information in the memory 22. At this time, the memory 22 stores the time-series data of the electroencephalogram information measured by the electroencephalogram measuring system 10 from the start to the end of the training time.

The analysis unit 212 analyzes the brain wave information acquired by the acquisition unit 211. The analysis unit 212 performs frequency analysis of the electroencephalogram information stored in the memory 22 and generates spectrum data indicating the signal strength for each frequency band. Specifically, the analysis unit 212 reads the electroencephalogram information stored in the memory 22 for a predetermined time, and performs frequency analysis such as, for example, a short-time Fourier transform (STFT). As a result, the power for each frequency band is calculated for the electroencephalogram signal that changes with the passage of time. The "power" referred to in the present disclosure is an integrated value of the intensity (spectral intensity) for each frequency band.

The detection unit 213 detects brain waves including characteristic changes that may occur when the subject 5 intends to perform a voluntary movement based on the power of each frequency band analyzed by the analysis unit 212. Specifically, the detection unit 213 determines the presence or absence of an electroencephalogram including a characteristic change depending on whether the power in a specific frequency band is in the rest range or the motion range. The "rest range" referred to in the present disclosure is the subject 5 when the body is in a resting state, that is, the subject 5 maintains a relaxed state without making an intention (remembering) to perform voluntary movements. It means the range that the power of a specific frequency band of the brain wave can take. The "exercise range" as used in the present disclosure means a range in which the power of a specific frequency band of an electroencephalogram can be taken when the subject 5 intends to perform voluntary movement. That is, the detection unit 213 generated an electroencephalogram including a characteristic change that may occur when the subject 5 intends to perform a voluntary movement due to the transition of the power in a specific frequency band from the rest range to the movement range. Judge.

The exercise assisting device 3 is a device that assists the exercise of the subject 5 by adding at least one of a mechanical stimulus and an electrical stimulus to the subject 5. In the present embodiment, since the rehabilitation support system 100 is used for the rehabilitation of the left hand finger of the subject 5, the exercise assist device 3 is attached to the left hand of the subject 5 as shown in FIG.

In the rehabilitation support system 100, when the subject 5 performs an extension movement as a voluntary movement, the exercise assist device 3 attached to the left hand of the subject 5 mechanically stimulates and electrically stimulates the left finger 53 of the subject 5. Assist voluntary movements by adding at least one of the stimuli. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the exercise assisting device 3 includes a finger driving device 31 and an electrical stimulation generator 32.

The finger driving device 31 holds four fingers 53 (second to fifth fingers) excluding the first finger (thumb), and applies a mechanical stimulus (external force) to these four fingers 53. It is a device that moves four fingers 53. The finger driving device 31 includes, for example, a power source such as a motor or a solenoid, and moves the four fingers 53 by transmitting the force generated by the power source to the four fingers 53. In the finger driving device 31, the held four fingers 53 are moved in a direction away from the first finger (that is, an extension operation) and a movement in a direction closer to the first finger (that is, a gripping operation). Two types of operations, "closing operation" and "closing operation", are possible. The opening operation of the finger driving device 31 assists the extension operation of the subject 5, and the closing operation of the finger driving device 31 assists the gripping operation of the subject 5.

The electrical stimulus generator 32 is a device that gives an electrical stimulus to a portion for moving the finger 53 of the subject 5. Here, the part for moving the finger 53 of the subject 5 includes a part corresponding to at least one of the muscle and the nerve of the finger 53 of the subject 5. For example, the part for moving the finger 53 of the subject 5 is a part of the arm of the subject 5. The electrical stimulus generator 32 includes, for example, a pad attached to the body (eg, arm) of the subject 5. The electrical stimulus generator 32 gives a stimulus to a site for moving the finger 53 by applying an electrical stimulus (electric current) to the body of the subject 5 from the pad.

The control device 4 controls the exercise assist device 3 based on the electroencephalogram information acquired by the electroencephalogram measurement system 10. In the present embodiment, the control device 4 is electrically connected to the information processing device 2 and the exercise assist device 3 of the electroencephalogram measurement system 10. The control device 4 is connected to the exercise assist device 3 and the power cable for supplying the operating power of the control device 4. The control device 4 includes a drive circuit for driving the finger drive device 31 of the exercise assist device 3 and an oscillation circuit for driving the electrical stimulation generator 32. The control device 4 receives a control signal from the information processing device 2 by, for example, wire communication.

When the control device 4 receives the first control signal from the information processing device 2, the control device 4 drives the finger drive device 31 of the exercise assist device 3 by the drive circuit, and the finger drive device 31 performs the "open operation". Controls the exercise assist device 3. Further, when the control device 4 receives the second control signal from the information processing device 2, the drive circuit drives the finger drive device 31 of the exercise assist device 3, and the finger drive device 31 performs a "closing operation". The exercise assist device 3 is controlled so as to be processed. Further, when the control device 4 receives the third control signal from the information processing device 2, the control device 4 drives the electrical stimulation generator 32 of the motion assisting device 3 by the oscillation circuit, and the body of the subject 5 is electrically stimulated. The exercise assist device 3 is controlled so as to be given.

In this way, the control device 4 controls the exercise assist device 3 based on the control signal output from the electroencephalogram measurement system 10, and the exercise assist device 4 is based on the electroencephalogram information acquired by the electroencephalogram measurement system 10. It is possible to control 3. Further, the control device 4 controls the exercise assist device 3 so that the finger drive device 31 performs the “open operation” and the “close operation” in response to the operation of the operation switch provided in the control device 4. You can also.

(3) How to use Next, how to use the rehabilitation support system 100 will be described. In the present embodiment, the rehabilitation support system 100 performs a voluntary movement (extension movement) when the subject 5 releases the peg 101 by the extension movement of the fingers 53 from the posture in which the peg 101 (see FIG. 5) is grasped by the left finger. The case of assisting will be described in.

First, as a preparatory process, the subject 5 wears the headset 1 on the head 52 and the exercise assist device 3 on the left hand. At this time, the headset 1 is attached to the head 52 of the subject 5 so that at least the electrode portion 11 is brought into contact with a part of the right surface of the head 52 of the subject 5 which is the measurement point 51. The exercise assist device 3 holds at least four fingers 53 (second to fifth fingers) excluding the first finger (thumb) of the left hand of the subject 5, and the pad is attached to the arm of the subject 5. In this state, it is attached to the subject 5. The headset 1 and the exercise assist device 3 are appropriately fixed so as not to shift or come off during rehabilitation. In the preparation process, the four fingers 53 of the subject 5 are held by the finger drive device 31 of the exercise assist device 3, so that the subject 5 maintains the posture of grasping the peg 101 with his left finger. .. The work of attaching the headset 1 and the exercise assist device 3 to the subject 5 may be performed by the subject 5 himself or by the medical staff.

When the preparation is completed and the headset 1 and the information processing device 2 can communicate with each other, the electroencephalogram information generated by the headset 1 can be acquired by the information processing device 2. That is, the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 acquires the electroencephalogram information representing the electroencephalogram collected by the electrode unit 11 arranged at the measurement point 51, which is a part of the head 52 of the subject 5, by the information processing device 2. be able to. The information processing device 2 stores (stores) the acquired electroencephalogram information in the memory 22 (see FIG. 5) in chronological order. Further, the information processing apparatus 2 generates a power spectrum of an electroencephalogram by, for example, performing a time frequency analysis on the stored electroencephalogram information. The electroencephalogram measurement system 10 can detect an electroencephalogram including a characteristic change that may occur when the subject 5 intends to perform a voluntary movement by constantly monitoring the power spectrum data with the information processing device 2. It becomes.

The rehabilitation support system 100 starts a training process to support the rehabilitation of the subject 5. In the training process, the rehabilitation of the subject 5 is supported based on the brain waves measured by the brain wave measuring system 10 during the training time. Specifically, the training time is divided into a rest period and an exercise period, and the subject 5 carries out rehabilitation according to the instructions of the rehabilitation support system 100 in each of the rest period and the exercise period. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the training time is "10 seconds", and when the training time is divided into two equal parts, the first half "5 seconds" is the rest period and the latter half "5 seconds" is the exercise period. To do.

During the rest period, the subject 5 keeps his / her body in a resting state, that is, does not intend (remember) to perform voluntary movements, and maintains a relaxed state. At this time, the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 does not detect an electroencephalogram including a characteristic change due to event-related desynchronization that may occur when the subject 5 intends to perform a voluntary movement.

On the other hand, during the exercise period, the subject 5 intends (remembers) to perform an extension movement of the fingers 53, that is, a voluntary movement. At this time, the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 can detect an electroencephalogram including a characteristic change due to event-related desynchronization that may occur when the subject 5 intends to perform a voluntary movement. In the present embodiment, characteristic changes in EEG are detected by comparing the activation level with the threshold value and checking whether the activation level exceeds the threshold value. The "activation level" referred to in the present disclosure is a value representing the amount of decrease in power (power spectrum) in a specific frequency band. Since the activation level exceeds the threshold value due to the occurrence of event-related desynchronization and the decrease in power in a specific frequency band, the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 has a characteristic change in the electroencephalogram when the activation level exceeds the threshold value. Is detected.

In the electroencephalogram measurement system 10, a control signal for controlling the exercise assist device 3 is generated by using the detection of the electroencephalogram including such a characteristic change as a trigger. Therefore, in the rehabilitation support system 100, when the subject 5 intends to perform the voluntary movement, the exercise assisting device is adjusted to the timing when the activation of the brain region corresponding to the target part of the voluntary movement actually occurs. It is possible to assist the voluntary movement of the subject 5 in 3.

Next, the operation of the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 in the training process will be described in detail.

In the training process, subject 5 carries out rehabilitation. That is, the training by the rehabilitation support system 100 starts. At the same time as the start of the training, the counting of the training time is started, and the brain wave measuring system 10 measures the brain wave of the subject 5. Then, during the rest period (period of 0 to 5 seconds) in the first half of the training time, the subject 5 puts the body in a resting state according to the display on the display unit 26 or the instruction of the medical staff. At this time, the activation level and the brain wave are displayed on the display unit 26 in real time. However, during the rest period, the EEG measurement system 10 does not compare the activation level with the threshold and does not detect EEG including characteristic changes due to event-related desynchronization.

On the other hand, during the exercise period (5 to 10 seconds period) in the latter half of the training time, the subject 5 tries to extend the fingers 53, that is, voluntarily, according to the display on the display unit 26 or the instruction of the medical staff. Make an intention (recollection) to do. At this time, the activation level and the brain wave are displayed on the display unit 26 in real time. Further, during the exercise period, the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 compares the activation level with the threshold value and detects an electroencephalogram including a characteristic change due to event-related desynchronization.

More specifically, the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 analyzes the electroencephalogram information acquired by the acquisition unit 211 at any time by the analysis unit 212. Further, the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 calculates the activation level in the detection unit 213 based on the power for each frequency band analyzed by the analysis unit 212, and compares the activation level with the threshold value. In the electroencephalogram measurement system 10, it is determined that the activation level exceeds the threshold value when the power of a specific frequency band decreases due to event-related desynchronization and the power of the specific frequency band shifts from the rest range to the exercise range. Will be done.

Here, the specific frequency band may be a single frequency band (for example, an α wave band or a β wave band), or a plurality of frequency bands (for example, an α wave band and a β wave band). It may be. When a specific frequency band is, for example, two frequency bands, the activation level exceeds the threshold value when the coordinate value defined by the power of these two frequency bands transitions from the rest range to the motion range. ..

Further, in the present embodiment, the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 has a function of measuring the duration of the state in which the activation level exceeds the threshold value. When the activation level rises (changes) from a value below the threshold value to a value exceeding the threshold value, the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 transmits a third control signal to the exercise assist device 3. Further, when the duration reaches a predetermined time (for example, "1 second"), the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 transmits a first control signal to the exercise assist device 3.

From the above, when the activation level exceeds the threshold value, the electrical stimulation generator 32 of the exercise assisting device 3 is driven, and the exercise assisting device 3 gives an electrical stimulation to the body of the subject 5. The voluntary movement (extension movement) of the subject 5 is assisted. Further, when the state in which the activation level exceeds the threshold value continues for a predetermined time, the finger drive device 31 of the exercise assist device 3 is driven, and the exercise assist device 3 performs an "opening operation" of the finger drive device 31. Therefore, the voluntary movement (extension movement) of the subject 5 is assisted.

As a result, when the subject 5 intends (remembers) to perform the voluntary movement, the exercise assist device 3 is set to the exercise assist device 3 at the timing when the activation of the brain region corresponding to the target part of the voluntary movement actually occurs. The voluntary movement of the subject 5 (extension movement of the left finger 53) is assisted. At this time, the muscles and sensory nerves of the subject 5 are activated, and the information is transmitted to the brain, so that the nerves are reconstructed and the effect of rehabilitation is obtained. Therefore, according to the rehabilitation support system 100, the exercise therapy is effective for the subject 5 in various states as compared with the case where the subject 5 performs voluntary exercise alone, as in the case where the medical staff assists. Rehabilitation can be realized.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6 is used for performing an operation test and performance evaluation of the rehabilitation support system 100 including the electroencephalogram measurement system 10.

For example, in the operation test and the performance evaluation, when the pseudo-brain wave signal is given to the headset 1 from the pseudo-brain wave generation system 6, the headset 1, the information processing device 2, the exercise assist device 3, and the control device 4 assume. Check if the operation of is performed. For example, using the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6, it is confirmed whether the rehabilitation support system 100 correctly performs the operation of the training course. In this case, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6 gives the headset 1 an electrical signal that imitates an electroencephalogram including characteristic changes due to event-related desynchronization. Then, at this time, it is confirmed whether the headset 1 and the information processing device 2 detect this characteristic change, and the exercise assisting device 3 and the control device 4 perform an operation according to the detection of the characteristic change. ..

In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the training time is "10 seconds", and when the training time is divided into two equal parts, the first half "5 seconds" is the rest period and the latter half "5 seconds" is the exercise period. doing. In this case, the reference signal for giving the pseudo electroencephalogram signal used in the operation test is represented by the following equation, and examples of the reference signal include the four patterns shown in Table 1. Note that f ₁ and f ₂ indicate the frequency ([Hz]), and n is a value for determining the phase difference between _{the sine wave of the frequency f 1 and} the sine wave of the frequency f _2. Further, Va ₁ and Vb ₁ indicate the amplitude of the rest period ([μV]), and Va ₂ and Vb ₂ indicate the amplitude of the exercise period ([μV]).

Pattern 1 corresponds to an example in which a characteristic change occurs when the brain wave is an α wave (a signal having a frequency of 9 Hz). FIG. 10 shows the waveforms of the reference signal of pattern 1 and the pseudo-electroencephalogram signal measured by the headset 1. As is clear from FIG. 10, the pseudo-electroencephalogram signal also has a characteristic change as in the reference signal. In pattern 1, since the amplitude Va _{2 during the exercise period is 90% of the amplitude Va 1} during the rest period, the power change rate is 81%. Since the wave intensity (power) is proportional to the square of the amplitude, the power change rate is given by the square of the amplitude change rate.

Pattern 2 corresponds to an example in which a characteristic change occurs when the brain wave is a β wave (a signal having a frequency of 18 Hz). FIG. 11 shows the waveforms of the reference signal of pattern 2 and the pseudo-electroencephalogram signal measured by the headset 1. As is clear from FIG. 11, the pseudo-electroencephalogram signal also has a characteristic change as in the reference signal. In pattern 2, since the amplitude Vb _{2 during the exercise period is 90% of the amplitude Vb 1} during the rest period, the power change rate is 81%.

Pattern 3 corresponds to an example in which a characteristic change occurs in an α wave when the brain wave includes an α wave (a signal having a frequency of 9 Hz) and a β wave (a signal having a frequency of 18 Hz). FIG. 12 shows the waveforms of the reference signal of pattern 3 and the pseudo-electroencephalogram signal measured by the headset 1. As is clear from FIG. 12, the pseudo-electroencephalogram signal also has a characteristic change in the α wave band as in the reference signal. In pattern 3, since the amplitude Va _{2 during the motion period of the α wave is 90% of the amplitude Va 1} during the rest period, the power change rate is 81%. On the other hand, since the amplitude Vb _{2 during the motion period of the β wave is 100% of the amplitude Vb 1} during the rest period, the power change rate is 100%.

Pattern 4 corresponds to an example in which a characteristic change occurs when the brain wave is an μ wave. The μ wave includes the first component of the α wave band and the second component of the β wave band, and the phase difference between the first component and the second component is nπ (n is an odd number). FIG. 13 shows the waveforms of the reference signal of pattern 4 and the pseudo-electroencephalogram signal measured by the headset 1. As is clear from FIG. 13, characteristic changes occur in the pseudo-electroencephalogram signal as well as in the reference signal. _{In pattern 4, since the amplitude Va 2} of the motion period in the α wave band is 90% of the amplitude Va ₁ of the rest period, the power change rate is 81%. _{Similarly, since the amplitude Vb 2} of the motion period in the β wave band is 90% of the amplitude Vb ₁ of the rest period, the power change rate is 81%.

By performing an operation test of the rehabilitation support system 100 using the pseudo-electroencephalogram signal given by the reference signals of patterns 1 to 4, any of the characteristic changes due to the event-related desynchronization corresponding to patterns 1 to 4 can be obtained. You can check if it works properly.

(Modification example)
The above-described embodiment is merely one of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, the above-described embodiment can be changed in various ways depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. The modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(1) First Modified Example FIG. 14 shows a main part of the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system of the first modified example. The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system of the first modification includes the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8A shown in FIG. 14 instead of the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8 shown in FIG.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8A has a processing unit 83A different from the processing unit 83 of the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8. The processing unit 83A is different from the processing unit 83 in that it further includes the electrostatic protection elements C81 to C84. The first end of the electrostatic protection elements C81 to C84 is electrically connected to the output unit 82, and a ground potential is given to the second end. In particular, the first end of the electrostatic protection element C81 is electrically connected to the first connection portion 821 of the output portion 82. More specifically, the first end of the electrostatic protection element C81 is electrically connected between the first connection portion 821 and the first contact resistance circuit 871. Further, the first end of the electrostatic protection element C82 is electrically connected to the second connection portion 822 of the output unit 82. More specifically, the first end of the electrostatic protection element C82 is electrically connected between the second connection portion 822 and the second contact resistance circuit 872. Further, the first end of the electrostatic protection element C83 is electrically connected to the third connection portion 823 of the output portion 82. More specifically, the first end of the electrostatic protection element C83 is electrically connected between the third connection portion 823 and the third contact resistance circuit 873. Further, the first end of the electrostatic protection element C84 is electrically connected to the fourth connection portion 824 of the output portion 82. More specifically, the first end of the electrostatic protection element C84 is electrically connected between the fourth connection portion 824 and the fourth contact resistance circuit 874. Further, the second end of each of the electrostatic protection elements C81 to C84 is connected to the ground. For example, a potential equal to the ground potential of any operational amplifier OP21 is given to the second ends of the electrostatic protection elements C81 to C84.

All of the electrostatic protection elements C81 to C84 include a capacitor. Here, the electrostatic protection elements C81 to C84 may be a single capacitor or a circuit composed of a plurality of capacitors. Each of the electrostatic protection elements C81 to C84 has a capacitance corresponding to the capacitance between the human body and the ground. Here, the ground is assumed to be the ground. As an example, the capacitance between the human body (eg, the sole of the foot) and the ground is about 200 pF. As an example, the capacitances of the electrostatic protection elements C81 to C84 are all in the range of 50 pF to 200 pF, and in the present embodiment, they are 100 pF.

By having the static electricity protection elements C81 to C84, the static electricity that has entered the processing unit 83A through the output unit 82 can be released to the ground. Therefore, protection from static electricity can be achieved. Further, since the electrostatic protection elements C81 to C84 have a capacitance corresponding to the capacitance of the human body, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to the brain wave.

Further, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system of the first modification further includes a shield 9 that protects the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8A (that is, the input unit 81, the output unit 82, and the processing unit 83A). The shield 9 has functions of an insulating shield, an electrostatic shield, and a magnetic shield. Here, the shield 9 is formed so as to accommodate the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8A (that is, the input unit 81, the output unit 82, and the processing unit 83A). Here, it is preferable that the shield 9 covers the entire pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8A as much as possible. However, it is desired that the shield 9 can connect the signal generator 7 to the input unit 81 and connect the electroencephalograph 1 to the output unit 82. The shield 9 may include a conductive housing and an insulating cover that covers the entire surface of the housing. The housing may be made of metal, and a ground potential is applied to the housing at least when the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8 is used. In addition, instead of or in addition to the insulating cover, an insulating coating formed on the surface of the housing may be used.

The electrical signal generated by the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system is a signal that imitates an electroencephalogram, and since its intensity is relatively low, it is easily affected by fluctuations in the surrounding environment including external noise. However, by using such a shield 9, the influence of fluctuations in the surrounding environment can be reduced. Therefore, in the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to the electroencephalogram.

(2) Second Modified Example FIG. 15 shows a main part of the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system of the second modified example. The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system of the second modification includes the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8B shown in FIG. 15 instead of the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8 shown in FIG.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8B has a processing unit 83B different from the processing unit 83 of the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8. The processing unit 83B is different from the processing unit 83 in that it further includes electrostatic protection elements D81 to D84, a plurality of output protection circuits 891, and a plurality of input / output protection circuits 892.

The electrostatic protection elements D81 to D84 all include a diode (for example, a Zener diode). Here, the electrostatic protection elements D81 to D84 may be a single diode, or may be a circuit composed of a plurality of diodes connected in series (cascade connection) or in parallel. The first end (cathode) of the electrostatic protection elements D81 to D84 is electrically connected to the output unit 82, and a ground potential is given to the second end (anode). In particular, the cathode of the electrostatic protection element D81 is electrically connected to the first connection portion 821 of the output unit 82. More specifically, in the electrostatic protection element D81, the cathode is electrically connected between the first connection portion 821 and the first contact resistance circuit 871. Further, the cathode of the electrostatic protection element D82 is electrically connected to the second connection portion 822 of the output unit 82. More specifically, in the electrostatic protection element D82, the cathode is electrically connected between the second connection portion 822 and the second contact resistance circuit 872. Further, the cathode of the electrostatic protection element D83 is electrically connected to the third connection portion 823 of the output unit 82. More specifically, in the electrostatic protection element D83, the cathode is electrically connected between the third connection portion 823 and the third contact resistance circuit 873. In particular, the cathode of the electrostatic protection element D84 is electrically connected to the fourth connection portion 824 of the output portion 82. More specifically, in the electrostatic protection element D84, the cathode is electrically connected between the fourth connection portion 824 and the fourth contact resistance circuit 874. Further, the anode of each of the electrostatic protection elements D81 to D84 is connected to the ground. For example, the anodes of the electrostatic protection elements D81 to D84 are given a potential equal to the ground potential of any of the operational amplifiers OP21.

With such electrostatic protection elements D81 to D84, the static electricity that has entered the processing unit 83B through the output unit 82 can be released to the ground. Therefore, protection from static electricity can be achieved.

A plurality of (three in the illustrated example) output protection circuits 891 are provided corresponding to a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) impedance conversion circuits 851, 852, 853, respectively. Each output protection circuit 891 includes a first diode D11 and a second diode D12. In the first diode D11, the anode is electrically connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP21, and the power supply potential is given to the cathode. The power supply potential can be given from the power supply unit 88 as in the operational amplifier OP21. That is, the first diode D11 can be electrically connected between the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP21 and the power supply unit 88. In the second diode D12, the cathode is electrically connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP21, and a ground potential is given to the anode. For example, the anode of diode D12 is connected to ground. That is, the anode of the diode D12 can be given a potential equal to the ground potential of the operational amplifier OP21.

In particular, in the output protection circuit 891 provided in the first impedance conversion circuit 851, the anode of the first diode D11 and the cathode of the second diode D12 are electrically connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP21 of the first impedance conversion circuit 851. To. Further, in the output protection circuit 891 provided in the second impedance conversion circuit 852, the anode of the first diode D11 and the cathode of the second diode D12 are electrically connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP21 of the second impedance conversion circuit 852. To. Further, in the output protection circuit 891 provided in the third impedance conversion circuit 853, the anode of the first diode D11 and the cathode of the second diode D12 are electrically connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP21 of the third impedance conversion circuit 853. To.

With such an output protection circuit 891, static electricity that has entered the processing unit 83B through the input unit 81 or the output unit 82 can be released to the outside. Therefore, protection from static electricity can be achieved.

A plurality of (three in the illustrated example) input / output protection circuits 892 are provided corresponding to a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) impedance conversion circuits 851, 852, 853, respectively. Each input / output protection circuit 892 includes a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) diodes D21 and D22 in antiparallel circuits, and is electrically connected between the output terminal and the input terminal of the operational amplifier OP21. In particular, in the input / output protection circuit 892 provided in the first impedance conversion circuit 851, the antiparallel circuit is electrically connected between the output terminal and the non-inverting input terminal of the first impedance conversion circuit 851. Further, in the input / output protection circuit 892 provided in the second impedance conversion circuit 852, the antiparallel circuit is electrically connected between the output terminal and the non-inverting input terminal of the second impedance conversion circuit 852. Further, in the input / output protection circuit 892 provided in the third impedance conversion circuit 853, the antiparallel circuit is electrically connected between the output terminal and the non-inverting input terminal of the third impedance conversion circuit 853. Since the input terminal and the inverting input terminal of each operational amplifier OP21 are short-circuited, the antiparallel circuit is also electrically connected between the non-inverting input terminal and the inverting input terminal.

With such an input / output protection circuit 892, static electricity that has entered the processing unit 83B through the input unit 81 or the output unit 82 can be released to the outside. Therefore, protection from static electricity can be achieved.

Further, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system of the second modification further includes a shield 9 that protects the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8B (that is, the input unit 81, the output unit 82, and the processing unit 83B). Since the shield 9 is the same as the first modification, the description thereof will be omitted. By using such a shield 9, the influence of fluctuations in the surrounding environment can be reduced. This makes it possible to generate an electric signal closer to the brain wave.

(3) Other Modifications In the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6, the signal generator 7 is configured to output a signal including a change in intensity in a specific frequency band as a reference signal. Instead, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation circuit 8 may have a circuit that causes an intensity change in a specific frequency band in the reference signal. However, such a circuit can be a source of switching noise and the like. Therefore, when the signal generator 7 is a multifunction generator, it is better to have the signal generator 7 output a signal including a change in the intensity of a specific frequency band, so that the electric signal (pseudo brain wave signal) generated by the output unit 82 is output. ) Can be reduced.

Further, the first contact resistance circuit 871, the second contact resistance circuit 872, the third contact resistance circuit 873, and the fourth contact resistance circuit 874 do not have to have a function of switching the resistance value. That is, the first contact resistance circuit 871, the second contact resistance circuit 872, the third contact resistance circuit 873, and the fourth contact resistance circuit 874 may have a fixed resistance value.

Further, the processing unit (83; 83A; 83B) does not have to have the first polarization voltage circuit 861, the second polarization voltage circuit 862, the third polarization voltage circuit 863, and the fourth polarization voltage circuit 864. In particular, when the first electrode 111, the second electrode 112, the reference electrode 113, and the ground electrode 114 of the headset 1 are electrodes in which polarization is unlikely to occur, the first polarization voltage circuit 861, the second polarization voltage circuit 862, and the third The polarization voltage circuit 863 and the fourth polarization voltage circuit 864 can be omitted.

Further, the processing unit (83; 83A; 83B) does not have to have the attenuator 84. For example, if the signal generator 7 can output a reference signal having a sufficiently small amplitude, the attenuator 84 may be omitted.

Further, examples of the electrostatic protection element include a capacitor, a diode (Zener diode), a varistor, and an ESD suppressor. Further, the first end of the electrostatic protection element (C81 to C84; D81 to D84) may be electrically connected to the input unit (81) instead of the output unit 82. That is, the first end of the electrostatic protection element (C81 to C84; D81 to D84) may be electrically connected to one of the input unit 81 and the output unit 82. Further, there are two types of processing units (83; 83A; 83B), an electrostatic protection element whose first end is electrically connected to the input unit 81 and an electrostatic protection element whose first end is electrically connected to the output unit 82. It may have an electrostatic protection element. A ground potential may be applied to the second end of these electrostatic protection elements.

Further, the first impedance conversion circuit 851, the second impedance conversion circuit 852, and the third impedance conversion circuit 853 are not limited to the voltage follower of the embodiment, and may be, for example, an impedance conversion circuit such as a source follower.

In the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6, the first connection portion 821, the second connection portion 822, the third connection portion 823, and the fourth connection portion 824 are all electrodes of the headset 1 (first electrode 111, second electrode). It does not have to be an electrode that comes into contact with 112, the reference electrode 113, and the ground electrode 114). The first connection 821, the second connection 822, the third connection 823, and the fourth connection 824 may be terminals or connectors that are electrically connected to the electrodes that come into contact with the electrodes of the headset 1. Good. In this way, for example, the connection destinations of the first connection portion 821, the second connection portion 822, the third connection portion 823, and the fourth connection portion 824 can be selected from the plurality of electrodes provided on the head model 500. become.

For example, in the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6, when connecting the reference electrode 113 and the ground electrode 114, the third connection portion 823 is not indispensable. Of course, when the third connection portion 823 is not provided, the third polarization voltage circuit 863 and the third contact resistance circuit 873 are not indispensable.

Further, the power supply unit 88 may supply power from the commercial AC power supply to the processing unit (83; 83A; 83B) instead of the battery V61. However, using the battery V61 can reduce the hum noise (commercial AC power supply noise) mixed in the processing unit (83; 83A; 83B) as compared with using the commercial AC power supply.

The output protection circuit 891 does not have to include both the first diode D11 and the second diode D12, and may include at least one of the first diode D11 and the second diode D12. Further, the first diode D11 and the second diode D12 may both be a single diode or a circuit composed of a plurality of diodes. Further, in the input / output protection circuit 892, the diodes D21 and D22 may be a single diode or a circuit composed of a plurality of diodes.

Further, the shield 9 may have at least one function of an insulating shield, an electrostatic shield, and a magnetic shield, and may not have all of these functions. However, if the shield 9 has all of these functions, the influence of fluctuations in the surrounding environment can be further reduced.

The electroencephalogram measurement system 10 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. A computer system mainly consists of a processor and a memory as hardware. When the processor executes the program recorded in the memory of the computer system, the function as the brain wave measurement system 10 in the present disclosure is realized. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided through a telecommunications line, and may be recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, hard disk drive, etc. readable by the computer system. May be provided. A processor in a computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuit such as IC or LSI referred to here has a different name depending on the degree of integration, and includes an integrated circuit called a system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Further, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a logical device capable of reconfiguring the junction relationship inside the LSI or reconfiguring the circuit partition inside the LSI should also be adopted as a processor. Can be done. A plurality of electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip, or may be distributed on a plurality of chips. The plurality of chips may be integrated in one device, or may be distributed in a plurality of devices.

Further, for example, it is not essential for the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 that a plurality of components of the information processing device 2 are integrated in one housing, and a plurality of components of the information processing device 2 are present. It may be distributed in the housing. Even when a plurality of components are distributed in a plurality of housings, for example, by connecting the plurality of components via a network such as the Internet, the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 is realized in cooperation. can do. Further, at least a part of the functions of the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 may be realized by, for example, a server or a cloud (cloud computing). On the contrary, a function distributed in a plurality of devices, such as a headset 1 and an information processing device 2, is combined with other components of the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 into one housing as a part of the electroencephalogram measurement system 10. It may be concentrated in the body.

Further, the electrode portion 11 is not limited to the configuration in which the electrode portion 11 is in contact with the surface (scalp) of the head 52 of the subject 5, for example, the electrode portion 11 is configured so as to be in contact with the surface of the brain (brain surface). May be done.

Further, the rehabilitation support system 100 is used not only for rehabilitation of the fingers of the subject 5, but also for rehabilitation of any part of the body of the subject 5, such as shoulders, elbows, upper arms, hips, lower limbs, or upper limbs. May be good. The characteristic changes in the brain waves that can occur when the subject 5 intends (remembers) to perform a voluntary movement may differ depending on the target site of rehabilitation, the content of the movement, and the like. For example, when event-related synchronization (ERS) occurs when the subject 5 intends to perform a voluntary movement, the brain wave measured near the motor cortex during the voluntary movement has a specific frequency band. Power increases. In this case, the electroencephalogram measurement system 10 detects a characteristic change in the electroencephalogram by increasing the power in a specific frequency band. Correspondingly, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system 6 may be configured to output an electric signal imitating an electroencephalogram including a change in intensity of a specific frequency band due to event-related synchronization.

Further, the rehabilitation support system 100 is not limited to a configuration that gives an electrical or mechanical (mechanical) stimulus to the subject 5, for example, a configuration that gives a visual stimulus to the subject 5 by displaying an image. It may be. In this case, the rehabilitation support system 100, for example, when the subject 5 intends to perform the voluntary movement, the activation of the brain region corresponding to the target part of the voluntary movement actually occurs at the timing when the subject 5 intends to perform the voluntary movement. Show the subject 5 an image in which the impaired part is moving normally. Even in this way, the rehabilitation support system 100 can assist the voluntary movement of the subject 5.

Further, the exercise assist device 3 and the control device 4 are not limited to separate bodies, and for example, the exercise assist device 3 and the control device 4 may be housed and integrated in one housing.

Further, the communication method between the headset 1 and the information processing device 2 is wireless communication in the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and for example, wired communication may be used, or via a repeater or the like. It may be a communication method. The communication method between the control device 4 and the information processing device 2 is wired communication in the embodiment, but is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, wireless communication, or a communication method via a repeater or the like. It may be.

Further, the headset 1 is not limited to the battery-powered type, and may be configured such that the operating power of the signal processing unit 12, the first communication unit 13, and the like is supplied from, for example, the information processing device 2.

Further, the information processing device 2 is not limited to the configuration in which the electroencephalogram information is acquired from the dedicated headset 1, and may be configured to acquire the electroencephalogram information from, for example, a general-purpose electroencephalograph.

(Summary)
As is clear from the above-described embodiments and modifications, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) of the first aspect includes an input unit (81), an output unit (82), and a processing unit (83; 83A; 83B). ) And. The input unit (81) receives a reference signal from the signal generator (7). The output unit (82) is electrically connected to the electrode unit (11) of the electroencephalograph (1). The processing unit (83; 83A; 83B) is configured to generate an electric signal imitating an electroencephalogram in the output unit (82) based on the reference signal received by the input unit (81). The processing unit (83; 83A; 83B) has a contact resistance unit (87) and an impedance conversion unit (85). The contact resistance unit (87) is a contact resistance circuit between the input unit (81) and the output unit (82) and having a resistance value corresponding to the contact resistance between the electrode unit (11) and the human body. Includes (871,872). The impedance conversion unit (85) includes an impedance conversion circuit (851,852) located between the input unit (81) and the contact resistance circuit (871,872). In the impedance conversion circuit (851, 852), the impedance seen from the contact resistance circuit (871, 872) is smaller than the impedance seen from the input unit (81). According to the first aspect, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to an electroencephalogram by reflecting the influence of the measurement environment.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) of the second aspect can be realized in combination with the first aspect. In the second aspect, the processing unit (83; 83A; 83B) further comprises an attenuator (84). The attenuator (84) is configured to attenuate the reference signal received by the input unit (81) between the input unit (81) and the impedance conversion circuit (851,852). According to the second aspect, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to an electroencephalogram.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) of the third aspect can be realized in combination with the first or second aspect. In the third aspect, the contact resistance circuit (871,872) has a function of switching the resistance value. According to the third aspect, it is possible to cope with a case where the contact resistance changes due to a change in the measurement environment.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) of the fourth aspect can be realized by a combination with any one of the first to third aspects. In the fourth aspect, the processing unit (83; 83A; 83B) further includes a polarization voltage unit (86). The polarization voltage section (86) is a polarization voltage circuit (861,) located between the input section (81) and the output section (82) and causes a voltage change corresponding to the polarization voltage at the electrode section (11). 862) is included. According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to the brain wave by reflecting the influence of the polarization voltage, which is one of the influences of the measurement environment.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) of the fifth aspect can be realized in combination with the fourth aspect. In a fifth aspect, the polarization voltage circuit (861,862) is between the impedance conversion circuit (851,852) and the contact resistance circuit (871,872). According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to the brain wave by reflecting the influence of the polarization voltage, which is one of the influences of the measurement environment.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) of the sixth aspect can be realized in combination with any one of the first to fifth aspects. In a sixth aspect, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) further includes a shield (9) that protects the input unit (81), the output unit (82), and the processing unit (83A; 83B). The shield (9) has at least one function of an insulating shield, an electrostatic shield, and a magnetic shield. According to the sixth aspect, the influence of fluctuations in the surrounding environment can be reduced.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) of the seventh aspect can be realized in combination with any one of the first to sixth aspects. In the seventh aspect, the processing unit (83A; 83B) further includes an electrostatic protection element (C81 to C84; D81 to D84). The first end of the electrostatic protection element (C81 to C84; D81 to D84) is electrically connected to one of the input unit (81) and the output unit (82), and a ground potential is applied to the second end. Be done. According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to an electroencephalogram.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) of the eighth aspect can be realized in combination with any one of the seventh aspects. In the eighth aspect, the electrostatic protection element (C81 to C84) includes a capacitor having a capacitance corresponding to the capacitance between the human body and the ground. According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to an electroencephalogram.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) of the ninth aspect can be realized by a combination with any one of the first to eighth aspects. In the ninth aspect, the impedance conversion circuit (851-853) includes an operational amplifier (OP21). According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to an electroencephalogram.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) of the tenth aspect can be realized in combination with the ninth aspect. In the tenth aspect, the processing unit (83B) further includes an output protection circuit (891). The output protection circuit (891) includes at least one of a first diode (D11) and a second diode (D12). In the first diode (D11), the anode is electrically connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier (OP21), and a power supply potential is given to the cathode. In the second diode (D12), the cathode is electrically connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier (OP21), and a ground potential is given to the anode. According to the tenth aspect, protection from static electricity can be achieved.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) of the eleventh aspect can be realized in combination with the ninth or tenth aspect. In the eleventh aspect, the processing unit (83B) further includes an input / output protection circuit (892). The input / output protection circuit (892) includes an anti-parallel circuit of a plurality of diodes (D21, D22), and is electrically connected between the output terminal and the input terminal of the operational amplifier (OP21). According to the eleventh aspect, protection from static electricity can be achieved.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) of the twelfth aspect can be realized by the combination with any one of the first to eleventh aspects. In a twelfth aspect, the electrical signal is a signal that mimics an electroencephalogram that includes an intensity change in a particular frequency band due to event-related desynchronization. According to the twelfth aspect, the operation test and the performance evaluation of the system using the event-related desynchronization can be performed.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) of the thirteenth aspect can be realized in combination with the twelfth aspect. In the thirteenth aspect, the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) further includes the signal generator (7). The signal generator (7) is configured to output a signal including an intensity change in the specific frequency band as the reference signal. According to the thirteenth aspect, the influence of noise on the electric signal generated by the output unit (82) can be reduced.

The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6) of the fourteenth aspect can be realized in combination with any one of the first to thirteenth aspects. In the fourteenth aspect, the electrical signal includes at least one of a signal having a frequency in the α wave band and a signal having a frequency in the β wave band. According to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to an electroencephalogram.

The electroencephalogram measurement system (10) of the fifteenth aspect includes a pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system (6), an electroencephalograph (1), and an information processing device (2) according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects. Be prepared. The electroencephalograph (1) is configured to generate electroencephalogram information based on the electrical signal from the pseudo electroencephalograph generation system (6). The information processing device (2) is configured to acquire the electroencephalogram information from the electroencephalograph (1). According to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to the brain wave by reflecting the influence of the measurement environment.

The rehabilitation support system (100) of the 16th aspect includes the electroencephalogram measurement system (10) of the 15th aspect, an exercise assisting device (3), and a control device (4). The exercise assist device (3) has a function of applying at least one of a mechanical stimulus and an electrical stimulus to the human body. The control device (4) is configured to control the exercise assist device (3) based on the brain wave information acquired by the information processing device (2). According to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to generate an electric signal closer to the brain wave by reflecting the influence of the measurement environment.

10 EEG measurement system 1 Headset (electroencephalograph)
11 Electrode 2 Information processing device 6 Pseudo-brain wave generation system 7 Signal generator 81 Input unit 82 Output unit 83, 83A, 83B Processing unit 84 Attenuator 85 Impedance conversion unit 851 First impedance conversion circuit (impedance conversion circuit)
852 Second impedance conversion circuit (impedance conversion circuit)
86 Polarization voltage part 861 First polarization voltage circuit (polarization voltage circuit)
862 Second polarization voltage circuit (polarization voltage circuit)
87 Contact resistance circuit 871 First contact resistance circuit (contact resistance circuit)
872 Second contact resistance circuit (contact resistance circuit)
891 Output protection circuit D11 1st diode D12 2nd diode 892 Input / output protection circuit D21, D22 Diode C81-C84 Electrostatic protection element D81-D84 Electrostatic protection element 9 Shield

Claims (15)

An input unit that receives a reference signal from a signal generator,
The output section that is electrically connected to the electrode section of the electroencephalograph,
A processing unit that generates an electric signal imitating an electroencephalogram in the output unit based on the reference signal received by the input unit, and a processing unit.
With
The processing unit
A contact resistance section between the input section and the output section, which includes a contact resistance circuit having a resistance value corresponding to the contact resistance between the electrode section and the human body.
An impedance conversion unit between the input unit and the contact resistance circuit, which includes an impedance conversion circuit in which the impedance seen from the contact resistance circuit is smaller than the impedance seen from the input unit.
Have,
Pseudo brain wave generation system. The processing unit further includes an attenuator.
The attenuator is configured to attenuate the reference signal received by the input unit between the input unit and the impedance conversion circuit.
The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to claim 1. The contact resistance circuit has a function of switching the resistance value.
The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to claim 1 or 2. The processing unit further includes a polarization voltage unit.
The polarization voltage section includes a polarization voltage circuit between the input section and the output section that causes a voltage change corresponding to the polarization voltage at the electrode section.
A pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The polarization voltage circuit is located between the impedance conversion circuit and the contact resistance circuit.
The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to claim 4. Further provided with a shield that protects the input unit, the output unit, and the processing unit.
The shield has at least one function of an insulating shield, an electrostatic shield, and a magnetic shield.
A pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The processing unit further includes an electrostatic protection element.
The first end of the electrostatic protection element is electrically connected to one of the input unit and the output unit, and a ground potential is given to the second end.
A pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The electrostatic protection element includes a capacitor having a capacitance corresponding to the capacitance between the human body and the ground.
The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to claim 7. The impedance conversion circuit includes an operational amplifier.
A pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The processing unit further includes an output protection circuit.
The output protection circuit includes at least one of a first diode and a second diode.
In the first diode, the anode is electrically connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier, and the cathode is provided with a power supply potential.
In the second diode, the cathode is electrically connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier, and a ground potential is given to the anode.
The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to claim 9. The processing unit further includes an input / output protection circuit.
The input / output protection circuit includes an anti-parallel circuit of a plurality of diodes, and is electrically connected between the output terminal and the input terminal of the operational amplifier.
The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to claim 9 or 10. The electrical signal is a signal that imitates an electroencephalogram including a change in intensity in a specific frequency band due to event-related desynchronization.
A pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Further equipped with the signal generator
The signal generator is configured to output a signal including an intensity change in the specific frequency band as the reference signal.
The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to claim 12. The electrical signal includes at least one of a signal having a frequency in the α wave band and a signal having a frequency in the β wave band.
A pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and
An electroencephalograph that generates electroencephalogram information based on the electrical signal from the pseudo-electroencephalogram generation system,
An information processing device that acquires the electroencephalogram information from the electroencephalograph, and
To prepare
EEG measurement system.

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