JPH0780070A - Fmtheta induction device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the device for artificially inducting Fmtheta by providing the device with a circuit for generating modulated waves formed by superposing a specific very low frequency on a low frequency of an audible range and an electro-acoustic converter which is connected to the output terminal of this circuit for generating modulated wave and converts the modulated waves to audible stimuli. CONSTITUTION:A first oscillation circuit O1 generates a sinusoidal wave of about 150Hz frequency and a second oscillation circuit O2 generates the very low frequency of <=20Hz frequency having the sinusoidal waveform. The output terminals of the oscillation circuits O1, O2 are connected to the input terminal of a modulation circuit M where the low frequency and the very low frequency are amplified and modulated. The modulated waves superposed with the low frequency and the very low frequency are derived at the output terminal thereof. The output terminal of the oscillation circuit O1 is connected via a changeover switch S to the input terminal of an amplifier circuit A1 and the output terminal of the modulation circuit M is connected to the input terminal of the changeover switch A2 and the contact (b) of the changeover switch S. A headphone P as the electro-acoustic converter is connected to the output terminals of the amplifier circuits A1, A2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for stimulating human hearing to induce specific brain waves, and more specifically, by stimulating human hearing with a modulation wave,
The present invention relates to a device for inducing Fmθ.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A potential difference observed between two different points on the cerebral cortex and scalp is called "electroencephalogram" and has a unique waveform and rhythm corresponding to the state of mind and body. The electroencephalogram is usually classified into four waves of α wave, β wave, θ wave, and δ wave, depending on the cycle of rhythm. Among them, the α-wave having a period of 8 to 13 Hertz becomes strong and continuously appears in a wide range as the mind and body relax. On the contrary, the β wave having a period of 18 to 30 Hertz becomes strong and appears in a wide range as the mind and body get nervous. The θ wave having a period of 4 to 8 hertz and the δ wave having a period of less than 4 hertz are brain waves related to sleep onset, and the θ wave appears strongly during sleep onset, and it is said that the δ wave becomes dominant as the sleep deepens. Inoue et al.
Easy of Mental Activities '',
As seen on pages 136-148 (1988),
Of the θ waves, it is observed near the median frontal region in adults 6
The dominant θ rhythm of 7 to 7 Hz is called “Fmθ” and is said to be deeply involved in mental work. An analysis of the EEG of a human who is mentally working reveals that Fmθ appears near the median frontal region of the worker, and its intensity and distribution increase as the worker's attention and concentration increase. , Strong, will come to widespread.

Since Fmθ has a close relationship with attention and concentration as described above, if Fmθ can be artificially guided by some method, the attention and concentration of the worker can be improved. It is expected to improve work efficiency and accuracy. However, up to now, no device or method capable of artificially inducing Fmθ has been known.

[0004]

In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a device for artificially inducing Fmθ.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems The inventors of the present invention have conducted extensive research into means for achieving the above-mentioned object. As a result, a modulation in which an ultralow frequency of about 20 Hz or less is superimposed on a low frequency in the audible range. When you stimulate humans through the hearing with waves,
It was found that Fmθ was stronger and appeared in a wide range.
The present invention is based on such a new finding, and provides a modulated wave generating circuit in which an ultralow frequency having a frequency of about 20 hertz or less is superimposed on a low frequency in the audible range, and an output end of the modulated wave generating circuit. The gist is the structure of an Fmθ induction device that is connected and includes an electroacoustic transducer that converts the modulated wave into an audible stimulus.

[0006]

According to the present invention, a modulated wave in which an extremely low frequency of about 20 hertz or less is superposed on a low frequency in the audible range generated by the modulated wave generation circuit is audibly stimulated by an electroacoustic transducer. To be converted. When the human being is stimulated through hearing, the modulated wave according to the present invention produces Fmθ in the brain wave.
Encourage the emergence of. In particular, the very low frequency is about 2 to 10
When it is in the range of Hertz, not only Fmθ but also the appearance of α wave is prompted.

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples and experimental examples. The modulated wave referred to in the present invention is a super low frequency of about 20 hertz or less superposed on a low frequency in the audible range. It will be. As such a low frequency,
A continuous wave or a pulse wave having an appropriate waveform with a frequency exceeding the extremely low frequency and not exceeding about 20,000 hertz is used.
As a result of various tests conducted by the present inventor on healthy subjects, when the low-frequency frequency exceeds about 6,000 Hz, some subjects may complain of difficulty in hearing or slight discomfort. Actually, when considering the frequency of the ultra-low frequency and the frequency characteristic of the electroacoustic transducer, it is usually about 50 to 3,000.
It is set to 0 hertz, preferably about 100 to 500 hertz, and more preferably about 120 to 200 hertz. When various tests were performed on the waveform as well,
A continuous wave such as a sine wave or a pulse wave such as a sawtooth wave, a square wave, a triangular wave, or a rectangular wave, which has a relatively long pulse duration, was suitable. On the other hand, a continuous wave or a pulse wave having a frequency of about 20 hertz or less, usually about 2 to 10 hertz is desirable for an extremely low frequency, and its waveform is a continuous wave such as a sine wave as in the case of a low frequency. Or
A pulse wave with a relatively long duration is preferred.

The modulated wave generating circuit referred to in the present invention is an electric circuit for generating a modulated wave in which a specific ultra-low frequency is superimposed on a specific low frequency, as described above, and normally generates a low frequency. A first oscillator circuit, a second oscillator circuit that generates an ultra-low frequency, and a modulator circuit that has an input end connected to the output ends of the oscillator circuits and that modulates the low frequency with the ultra-low frequency. Comprises. Regarding the circuit configuration and circuit elements in the oscillation circuit and the modulation circuit, no particular limitation is imposed as long as the modulated wave appearing at the output end of the modulation circuit satisfies the above requirements, but generally, a transistor, a field effect transistor, and / or It is mainly composed of integrated circuits. When the output of the modulation circuit itself is low, or because the output end of the modulation circuit and the electroacoustic transducer do not match in impedance, the electroacoustic transducer cannot be substantially activated by the modulation circuit alone. Does not prevent insertion of an appropriate amplifier or matching circuit between the modulation circuit and the electroacoustic transducer. Such embodiments are naturally included in the present invention.

As another mode of the modulated wave generating circuit, the modulated wave generating circuit is composed of a reproducing circuit and, if necessary, an amplifying circuit, and the reproducing circuit records the data on a magnetic or optical recording medium. The modulated wave may be reproduced, the reproduction output may be amplified as necessary, and then supplied to the electroacoustic transducer. Examples of magnetic recording materials include magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, and magnetic floppies, and examples of optical recording materials include optical disks.
More specifically, for example, the modulated wave is recorded on an ordinary audio tape, a compact disc, or the like, and is reproduced by an ordinary reproducing apparatus to be heard by a subject. In such a case, since the home audio / video device can be used as it is,
It is extremely convenient.

By the way, the present inventor has conducted various tests on the degree of modulation of the modulated wave, focusing on the inducibility of Fmθ and side effects, and examined the degree of modulation of the modulated wave in healthy subjects. When it was in the range of about 70 to 90%, it was possible to induce the highest level of Fmθ without substantially causing side effects such as discomfort. Therefore, it is desirable to set the output of the oscillation circuit or the like so that the modulation degree of the low frequency due to the ultra-low frequency falls within this range, or to adjust the modulation circuit so that it falls within this range. Since the low frequency modulation degree by the ultra low frequency and the optimum frequencies of the low frequency and the ultra low frequency are usually slightly different depending on the individual subject, each individual subject has the optimum modulation degree and frequency. It is desirable to provide the oscillation circuit and / or the modulation circuit with a function of adjusting the modulation degree and the frequency within a certain range so as to receive an audible stimulus.

The audible stimulus according to the present invention is so-called "1.
Addition of "/ f fluctuation" significantly enhances the Fmθ inducing ability. That is, when the appearance frequency, duration, frequency, and / or intensity of the audible stimulus is changed according to the 1 / f fluctuation rule, the audible stimulus based on the modulation wave and the fluctuation due to the 1 / f fluctuation rule act synergistically. It was found that the appearance of Fmθ was promoted to such an extent that it could not be easily achieved by only one of them. In particular, a series having 1 / f fluctuation sampled from long-term fluctuations of biological phenomena such as brain waves, heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and body temperature is extremely useful, and the frequency of appearance of audible stimuli based on such series, When varying the duration, frequency and / or intensity, a very small amount of stimulus can induce a very high level of Fmθ, which lasts for a long time after stimulation. This is because a series having 1 / f fluctuations sampled from long-term fluctuations in human biological phenomena contains a lot of important information regarding biological control mechanisms represented by the nervous system, and the information is auditory information. It is understood that when it is perceived through the above, it acts effectively in addition to promoting the appearance of Fmθ, and synergistically enhances the physiological action of the audible stimulus according to the present invention. In order to impart such a variation to the audible stimulus, for example, the above-described sequence is stored in a microprocessor, and an electric signal including the pseudo 1 / f fluctuation sequence extracted from the sequence is turned on / off via an interface. Derived to the circuit and turn it on /
The off circuit may control conduction of the oscillation circuit and the modulation circuit.

The modulated wave obtained as described above is supplied to an electroacoustic transducer, where it is converted into an audible stimulus. The audible stimulus referred to in the present invention means a stimulus that can be perceived by a human auditory organ, and usually means a sonic stimulus. Therefore, the electroacoustic transducer in the present invention is
This is a means for converting the modulated wave electrically generated as described above into a sound wave. Examples of the individual electroacoustic transducers include electromagnetic transducers such as electrodynamic speakers and electromagnetic speakers, electrostatic loudspeakers, electrostatic transducers such as piezoelectric speakers, and combinations thereof. . The operating principle, shape / form, and size of the converter are not particularly limited, and any one can be used in the present invention as long as the user can perceive the modulated wave through his or her hearing. When the device of the present invention is carried and used, small headphones or earphones are suitable.

The method of supplying the modulated wave generated by the modulated wave generating circuit to the electroacoustic transducer is roughly classified into two types, one of which is the modulated wave generating circuit and the electroacoustic transducer. It is a wired system in which the devices are directly connected by a cable or the like. In this method, a subject or his / her assistant usually operates an electric component including a modulated wave generating circuit at a place where the subject actually listens. Another method is to separately configure an electrical component part including a modulated wave generation circuit and an electrical component part including an electroacoustic transducer, and to output the output of the modulated wave generation circuit by wireless communication or optical communication. It is a wireless system that supplies electrical components. In wireless systems,
The subject or his assistant will operate the electrical components at a location somewhat remote from where the subject actually listens. In terms of inducing Fmθ, there is no substantial difference in adopting any method, but in the case of the latter method, it becomes easy to simultaneously audibly stimulate a plurality of subjects, and moreover, wirelessly. Within the reach range of, there is an advantage that the subject can move freely.

Next, a method of using the device according to the present invention will be described. Generally, the audible stimulus by the device according to the present invention should be slightly strong at first but gradually weakened, depending on the purpose of use. If the purpose of use is to improve attention and concentration during mental work, it may be stimulated before or during work for each time as needed. For the purpose of preventing and / or treating diseases, carefully monitor the condition of the subject and, for example, 1 to 3 times a day, with a maximum stimulation time of about 2 hours per week as a guideline. ~ 7 days, 1 month to 1 year. The sound pressure of the audible stimulus at that time is usually about 20 to 90 dB, preferably about 30 to 80 dB, though it depends on the purpose of use and the target person. The auditory stimulus according to the present invention generally has no substantial difference in the Fmθ inducing ability between the one ear and the both ears. When it is necessary to keep the audible stimulus of the present invention for a long time, for example, only one ear is audibly stimulated, or a changeover switch or the like is inserted between the oscillation circuit and the electroacoustic transducer, and this changeover is performed. By operating the switch, one ear may hear the modulated wave and the other ear may hear the unmodulated low frequency. It should be noted that the audible stimulus by the device of the present invention has a property of stimulating the appearance of Fmθ after listening for a long period of time, depending on the target person, after listening for a short period of time or even without listening at all. For such a subject, the device of the present invention is useful as a means of so-called “mental training”.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to illustrated embodiments and experimental examples.

[0016]

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram of electrical components in an embodiment according to the present invention. In the figure, O1 and O2 are respectively a first oscillation circuit or a second oscillation circuit, and an operational amplifier is usually used. The first oscillating circuit O1 generates a sine wave having a frequency of about 150 Hertz, and the second oscillating circuit O2 generates an ultra-low frequency having a sine wave waveform and having a frequency of about 2 to 10 Hertz.
The second oscillating circuit O2 is provided with a variable resistor V1 which can be operated to change the frequency of the ultra-low frequency in the range of about 2 to 10 hertz. M is a modulation circuit, the output ends of the first oscillating circuit O1 and the second oscillating circuit O2 are connected to its input end, and the low frequency and the ultra-low frequency are amplitude-modulated here, and the output At the end, a modulated wave in which a super low frequency is superposed on a low frequency is derived.
The variable resistor V2 provided in the modulation circuit M is for adjusting the depth of the amplitude modulation, and by operating this, the modulation degree can be changed in the range of about 30 to 100%. The output terminal of the first oscillation circuit O1 is connected to the input terminal of the first amplifier circuit A1 via the changeover switch S, and the output terminal of the modulation circuit M is connected to the input end of the second amplifier circuit A2 and the changeover switch S. It is connected to the contact b. Headphones P as an electroacoustic transducer are connected to the output ends of the first and second amplifier circuits A1 and A2 via a connector C that can be freely connected and disconnected. The variable resistor V3 provided at the input ends of the pair of amplifiers A1 and A2 is
By adjusting the magnitude of the electric signal applied to A and A2, the magnitude of the audible stimulus radiated from the left and right speaker units of the headphones P is adjusted. The variable resistor V4 provided so as to intersect between the input terminals of the pair of amplifiers A1 and A2 adjusts the magnitude of the electric signal applied to the amplifiers A1 and A2, thereby radiating from the left and right speaker units of the headphone P. This is to balance the audible stimuli that are generated.

To explain the operation of the present example, when the circuit is started with the changeover switch S in the position of the contact b, the outputs of the first and second oscillation circuits O1 and O2 are supplied to the modulation circuit M. It Both outputs are mixed here and amplitude-modulated, and a modulated wave having a waveform as shown in FIG. 2 is derived from the output end of the modulation circuit M. As shown in FIG. 2, this modulated wave has a frequency of about 2 to a sine wave of about 150 Hertz.
A sine wave of 10 Hz is superimposed. Modulation circuit M
Is amplified by amplifiers A1 and A2, and energizes a pair of speaker units in the headphones P. When the changeover switch S is connected to the contact a, the modulated wave is supplied only to the amplifier A2, and the amplifier A1 is supplied with a low frequency of about 150 hertz generated by the first oscillation circuit O1.
In this case, the modulated wave is radiated from one speaker unit in the headphone P, and the unmodulated sine wave is radiated from the other speaker unit.

Since this example is constructed as described above, when the subject operates with the headphones P worn on his / her head, the subject's ear may be a sine wave with a frequency of about 150 Hz.
It is possible to hear a modulated wave in which a sine wave having a frequency of about 2 to 10 hertz is superimposed on this sine wave.

[0019]

[Embodiment 2] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric component of another embodiment according to the present invention for supplying the output of the modulated wave generating circuit to the electroacoustic transducer by a wireless system. Reference numerals O1, O2, M, V1 to V in the figure
Reference numerals 4, P and C refer to the same circuits or circuit elements as in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and their purpose of use and function are also substantially the same.

As shown in FIG. 3, this example comprises a transmission system and a reception system. In the transmission system, the first oscillator circuit O
The modulated wave or the sine wave generated by the first and second oscillator circuits O2 and M is connected to the input end of the stereo frequency modulation circuit FSM via the changeover switch S as in the previous embodiment. . The frequency modulation circuit FSM usually has a low frequency amplification circuit for amplifying a modulation wave or a sine wave applied to the input end, and an input end connected to the output end of the low frequency amplification circuit. It is composed of a frequency modulation circuit for converting into a high frequency frequency-modulated based on a modulated wave or a sine wave. The output end of the frequency modulation circuit FSM is connected to the input end of a high frequency power amplification circuit RFP for appropriately amplifying the high frequency, and the high frequency power amplification circuit RF is connected.
At the output end of P, the antenna ANT for radiating high frequency
1 is connected. The reception system includes an antenna ANT2 for receiving high frequencies, a stereo type reception circuit FSR for demodulating the high frequency voltage from the antenna ANT2 into an electric signal including the original modulation wave or sine wave, and the output of the reception circuit FSR. The headphone P is included as an electroacoustic transducer for converting into an audible stimulus.

The operation of this example will be described. Since this example is configured as described above, when the receiving system is started while the transmitting system is operating, the pair of speaker units in the headphone P has a frequency of about 150 hertz. Or a modulated wave in which a sine wave having a frequency of about 2 to 10 hertz is superimposed on this sine wave.

Since this example is constructed in this way, one or a plurality of receiving systems are provided for one transmitting system,
If each subject carries this reception system and operates the headphone P while wearing it on his / her head, the modulated wave can be heard. This example is useful for simultaneously auditorily stimulating a plurality of subjects in a relatively large area.

Next, the function and effect of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to experimental examples.

[0024]

[Experimental Example] Five male and female subjects in their 20's who are not suffering from neuropsychiatric disease were the subjects, and their heads were equipped with stereo headphones and bioelectrodes for EEG measurement according to the "International Electroencephalographic Society Standard Electrode Arrangement Method". did. The electroencephalogram “1A97A type” manufactured and sold by NEC Sanei Co., Ltd., which is equipped with a data processing device for the biomedical electrode for measuring the electroencephalogram, and the stereo headphone, except that the frequency range of ultra-low frequency is slightly expanded, is an example. The device prepared in the same manner as 2 was connected. next,
First, the Kraepelin test (consecutive first-order addition work) is applied for 15 minutes as mental work without audible stimulation to the subject, and during that period, the brain waves of the subject are detected and amplified, and then manufactured by TEAC Corporation.・ Data recorder to sell "XR
-710 type ". After the test in the first half was completed, the subject was allowed to rest for 5 minutes, and this time, while receiving an audible stimulus, the Kraepelin test in the latter half 15 minutes was applied, while the electroencephalogram of the subject was detected in the same manner as described above. The obtained data was amplified and then recorded in a data recorder. The sound pressure of the audible stimulus was set to about 70 dB on the subject's eardrum.

After the test is completed, the data recorded in the data recorder is added and processed nine times by the signal processor "7T18A type" manufactured and sold by NEC Sanei Co., Ltd.
After frequency analysis, Fmθ of 10 subjects was averaged to 1
It was displayed as a topograph per minute. At the same time, during the mental work for 15 minutes each in the first half and the second half, for Fmθ derived from the F3, Fz, and F4 sites in the head of the subject, the average intensity per minute for the first 15 minutes and the second half 15 minutes (micro (Volts), and substitute the obtained average strength into the number 1 for each part to obtain F
The mθ increase rate (%) was calculated. These topographs and Fm
The rate of increase in θ was used as a guide for judging the Fmθ inducing ability of each audible stimulus. The results are shown in Table 1 and FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0026]

[Equation 1]

As a control, a system in which no audible stimulus is heard (hereinafter referred to as "control 1") and a system in which only a non-modulated wave, that is, a sine wave having a frequency of about 150 Hz (hereinafter, referred to as "control") are used. 2)) and the like, and these controls were tested in the same manner as described above.

[0028]

[Table 1]

As is clear from the results shown in Table 1, although all the audible stimuli contained a sine wave with a frequency of 150 Hz in common, a significant difference was observed in the Fmθ increase rate. That is, when the frequency of the ultra-low frequency is in the range of about 20 hertz or less, the Fmθ increase rate is remarkably increased in all the parts of F3, Fz, and F4, and is about 130% of the control 1 depending on the derived part. Sometimes reached. 4 and 5
The topograph of No. 2 also confirms that when mental work is performed while audibly stimulating with the modulated wave according to the present invention, Fmθ appears to be strong and widely appears around the front midline of the subject. As can be seen from the results of Control 3 and Control 4 in Table 1, when the frequency of the infra low frequency exceeds 20 Hz, F
Cases where there is no significant difference in mθ increase rate from Control 1 or Control 2, slight discomfort or a decrease in concentration depending on the subject, or a clear delay in the progress of the Kraepelin test there were.

From the above experimental facts, it is understood that the frequency of the ultra-low frequency is suitable to be about 20 hertz or less, and more preferably in the range of about 2 to 10 hertz. Although not shown in the data, the frequency of the low frequency was fixed at around 8 hertz, and the same test as above was performed while appropriately changing the frequency of the low frequency within the range of 50 to 6,000 hertz. The Fmθ increase rate increased significantly when the frequency was about 100 to 500 Hertz, and reached a peak when the frequency was about 120 to 200 Hertz. Further, a modulated wave in which a sine wave having a frequency of about 150 hertz is superimposed on a sine wave having a frequency of about 8 hertz was tested in the same manner as described above while appropriately changing the modulation degree, and the modulation degree was about 30 to 100%. At that time, the increase rate of Fmθ reached a peak. In addition to sine waves, we also tested sawtooth waves, square waves, triangle waves, rectangular waves, and other pulse waves, and found that pulses with a relatively long duration were slightly inferior to sine waves, but almost the same results were obtained. Was given.

Separately, the effects of the audible stimulus according to the present invention on the appearance of α-waves were tested on the 10 subjects. That is, a brain electrode measuring bioelectrode and stereo headphones are attached to the head of the subject, and the sine wave having a frequency of about 150 hertz and the sine wave having a frequency of 8 hertz are maintained for 60 minutes in a state where the subject is relaxed and seated in the closed position. An audible stimulus was given by the superimposed modulated waves. And in the meantime,
EEG was detected by a conventional method, amplified, and then recorded in a data recorder. After the completion of the test, the recorded data was subjected to frequency analysis, and the α wave having a period of 8 to 10 hertz was displayed as a topographic graph per minute at intervals of 5 minutes for 20 minutes immediately after the start of measurement. Three days later, exactly the same experiment was performed on the same subject, except that the audible stimulation by the modulated wave was omitted. As a result, when an audible stimulus with the modulated wave according to the present invention, a significant change appears in the α wave of the subject, and the α wave without audible stimulation is as shown in FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 8, when the audible stimulus was performed, the α wave was strong around the parietal region of the subject and appeared in an extremely wide range 15 minutes after the audible stimulus was started. At the same time, the appearance of β waves was also significantly suppressed. This tendency was almost unchanged when the frequency of the ultra-low frequency was changed in the range of about 2 to 10 hertz.

These facts suggest that the audible stimulus according to the present invention not only promotes the appearance of Fmθ, but also promotes the appearance of α-wave and at the same time suppresses the appearance of β-wave. As described above, the α-wave and the β-wave are brain waves corresponding to relaxation or tension of the mind and body, respectively. Therefore, the device of the present invention induces Fmθ when the eye is opened and used.
If you increase your concentration and use it with your eyes closed, you will relax and rest your mind and body.

As described above, since Fmθ is an index of good attention and concentration, the results of this experimental example show that the device of the present invention is used for mental work in general and enhances the attention and concentration of the user. It can be said that this suggests that the efficiency and accuracy of mental work be maintained at a high level. This is also confirmed from the progress rate (%) of the Kraepelin test, and as shown in Table 1, when audibly stimulated by the modulated wave according to the present invention,
The work progress rate (%) was significantly increased.

[0034]

Since the device of the present invention is constructed as described above, the modulated wave promotes the appearance of Fmθ in the brain wave when the human is audibly stimulated through hearing. Above all,
When the frequency of the extremely low frequency is in the range of about 2 to 10 hertz, not only Fmθ but also the appearance of α wave is promoted. Therefore, when the human being is audibly stimulated through hearing, the modulated wave according to the present invention has a desirable state of mind and body related to Fmθ and α waves, that is, improvement of attention and concentration, and further,
Promotes relaxation and rest of mind and body.

From the above, the device of the present invention is
Not only improving attention and concentration, but also relaxing and resting the mind and body, improving learning ability, creative ability, and further, for example, neurosis, mental dementia, psychosomatic disorder, manic depression, chronic alcohol dependence. Of mental illness such as illness, and electromagnetic waves emitted from television receivers, video displays, office automation equipment, automobile spark plugs, etc. , It is effective in reducing or relieving insomnia, malaise, intimidation, phobia, incompleteness, etc. Therefore, the device of the present invention is used in general households, workplaces, stadiums, stadiums, schools, cram schools, training schools, training centers, research laboratories, ateliers, etc., for efficiency and accuracy of mental work, learning ability, academic research ability, creative ability, Or as a way to increase concentration during competition, at work,
It is useful as a means for preventing and treating various mental illnesses such as stress in clinics, hospitals, sanatoriums and the like. Depending on the subject, if the audible stimulus according to the present invention is continuously listened to for a long period of time, thereafter, the appearance of Fmθ may be promoted even if it is listened to for a very short period of time or not at all.
For such a subject, the device of the present invention is also useful as a means of so-called "mental training".

As described above, it can be said that the present invention is a significantly significant invention that contributes to the field.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of electrical components in an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a waveform diagram of a modulated wave in the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of electrical components in another embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a topograph showing Fmθ when a subject is subjected to mental work without audible stimulation.

FIG. 5 is a topograph showing Fmθ when a subject is subjected to mental work while audibly stimulating with a modulated wave according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a topograph showing α-waves when a subject is in a sitting position with his eyes closed without audible stimulation.

FIG. 7 is a topograph showing α-waves when a subject is placed in a sitting position with his eyes closed while auditorily stimulating with a modulated wave according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 O1, O2 Oscillation circuit A1, A2 Amplification circuit M Modulation circuit V1-V4 Variable resistance S Change switch C Connector P Headphones FSM Frequency modulation circuit RFP High frequency power amplification circuit FSR Receiver circuit ANT1, ANT2 Antenna

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] April 6, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0029

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

As is clear from the results shown in Table 1, although all the audible stimuli contained a sine wave with a frequency of 150 Hz in common, a significant difference was observed in the Fmθ increase rate. That is, when the frequency of the ultra-low frequency is in the range of about 20 hertz or less, the Fmθ increase rate is remarkably increased in all the parts of F3, Fz, and F4, and is about 130% of the control 1 depending on the derived part. Sometimes reached. 4 and 5
The topograph of No. 2 also confirms that when mental work is performed while audibly stimulating with the modulated wave according to the present invention, Fmθ appears to be strong and widely appears around the front midline of the subject. As can be seen from the results of Control 3 and Control 4 in Table 1, when the frequency of the infra low frequency exceeds 20 Hz, F
Cases where there is no significant difference in mθ increase rate from Control 1 or Control 2, slight complaints of discomfort or decreased concentration, or a clear delay in the progress of the Kraepelin test depending on the subject was there.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0032

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

These facts suggest that the audible stimulus according to the present invention not only promotes the appearance of Fmθ, but also promotes the appearance of α-wave and at the same time suppresses the appearance of β-wave. As described above, the α-wave and the β-wave are brain waves corresponding to relaxation or tension of the mind and body, respectively. Therefore, the device of the present invention induces Fmθ when the eye is opened and used.
If you use it with increased concentration and closing your eyes, you will induce α waves and suppress β waves to relax and rest your mind and body.

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0034

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0034]

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION Since the device of the present invention is constructed as described above, the modulated wave promotes the appearance of Fmθ in the brain wave when the human being is stimulated through hearing. In particular, when the frequency of the ultra-low frequency is in the range of about 2 to 10 hertz, not only Fmθ but also the appearance of α-wave is promoted. Therefore, the modulated wave according to the present invention, when stimulating a human through hearing, has a desired state of mind and body related to Fmθ and α waves,
That is, it promotes attention and concentration, and further relaxation and rest of mind and body. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] July 8, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The method of supplying the modulated wave generated by the modulated wave generating circuit to the electroacoustic transducer is roughly classified into two types, one of which is the modulated wave generating circuit and the electroacoustic transducer. It is a wired system in which the devices are directly connected by a cable or the like. In this method, a subject or his / her assistant usually operates an electric component including a modulated wave generating circuit at a place where the subject actually listens. Another method is to separately configure an electrical component part including a modulated wave generation circuit and an electrical component part including an electroacoustic transducer, and to output the output of the modulated wave generation circuit by wireless communication or optical communication. It is a wireless system that supplies electrical components. In wireless systems,
The assistant will operate the former electrical components at a location somewhat remote from where the subject actually listens. Fmθ
Although there is no substantial difference in the method of inducing the stimulus, whichever method is used, the latter method makes it easy to simultaneously audibly stimulate a plurality of subjects, and moreover Within the reach, there is an advantage that the subject can move freely.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0020

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

As shown in FIG. 3, this example comprises a transmission system and a reception system. In the transmission system, the first oscillator circuit O
The modulated wave or the sine wave generated in the first and second oscillator circuits O2 and M is supplied to the input end of the stereo frequency modulation circuit FSM via the changeover switch S as in the previous embodiment. The frequency modulation circuit FSM usually has a low frequency amplification circuit for amplifying a modulation wave or a sine wave applied to the input end, and an input end connected to the output end of the low frequency amplification circuit. It is composed of a frequency modulation circuit for converting into a high frequency frequency-modulated based on a modulated wave or a sine wave. The output terminal of the frequency modulation circuit FSM has a high frequency power amplifier circuit RF for appropriately amplifying the high frequency waves.
An input terminal of P is connected, and an antenna ANT1 for radiating a high frequency is connected to an output terminal of the high frequency power amplifier circuit RFP. The reception system includes an antenna ANT2 for receiving high frequencies, a stereo type reception circuit FSR for demodulating the high frequency voltage from the antenna ANT2 into an electric signal including the original modulation wave or sine wave, and the output of the reception circuit FSR. The headphone P is included as an electroacoustic transducer that converts the sound into an audible stimulus.

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0031

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Separately, the effects of the audible stimulus according to the present invention on the appearance of α-waves were tested on the 10 subjects. That is, a brain electrode measuring bioelectrode and stereo headphones are attached to the head of the subject, and the sine wave having a frequency of about 150 hertz and the sine wave having a frequency of 8 hertz are maintained for 60 minutes in a state where the subject is relaxed and seated in the closed position. An audible stimulus was given by the superimposed modulated waves. And in the meantime,
EEG was detected by a conventional method, amplified, and then recorded in a data recorder. After the completion of the test, the recorded data was subjected to frequency analysis, and the α wave having a period of 8 to 10 hertz was displayed as a topographic graph per minute at intervals of 5 minutes for 20 minutes immediately after the start of measurement. Three days later, exactly the same experiment was performed on the same subject, except that the audible stimulation by the modulated wave was omitted. As a result, when an audible stimulus with the modulated wave according to the present invention, a significant change appears in the α-wave of the subject, and the α-wave without the audible stimulus is as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, when the audible stimulus was performed by, the α wave was strong around the parietal region of the subject and appeared in an extremely wide range 15 minutes after the audible stimulus was started. At the same time, the appearance of β waves was also significantly suppressed. This tendency was almost unchanged when the frequency of the ultra-low frequency was changed in the range of about 2 to 10 hertz.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A modulated wave generating circuit for generating a modulated wave in which an ultralow frequency having a frequency of about 20 hertz or less is superimposed on a low frequency in the audible range, and is connected to an output end of the modulated wave generating circuit,
An Fmθ induction device including an electroacoustic transducer that converts the modulated wave into an audible stimulus. 2. A modulated wave generating circuit, a first oscillating circuit for generating a low frequency in the audible range, a second oscillating circuit for generating an ultra low frequency of about 20 hertz or less, and the first and the second oscillating circuits. The Fmθ induction according to claim 1, further comprising: a modulation circuit that has an input end connected to an output end of the second oscillation circuit and that modulates a low frequency in the audible range with an ultralow frequency of about 20 hertz or less. apparatus. 3. A low frequency in the audible range has a frequency of about 120 to 2.
The Fmθ induction device according to claim 1 or 2, which has a frequency of 00 hertz. 4. The Fmθ induction device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the frequency of the ultra-low frequency is about 2 to 10 hertz. 5. The Fmθ induction device according to claim 1, wherein the modulation degree of the modulated wave is in the range of about 30 to 100%. 6. The Fmθ induction device according to claim 1, wherein the audible stimulus varies according to the 1 / f fluctuation rule.