JPH1156803A - Biological signal measuring instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a biological signal measuring instrument capable of efficiently measuring a biological signal. SOLUTION: After sending a stimulation kind signal deciding the kind of stimulation, a stimulation starting signal is sent (S2 to S3). At the time of receiving the stimulation starting signal, a stimulating device gives stimulation corresponding to the stimulation kind signal to an subject (S4). This given stimulation is detected and the kind of the stimulation is outputted to a color monitor (S5). A biological signal generated from the concerned part of the subject by stimulation is measured and this measuring data is analyzed (S6 to S9). Consequently, as stimulation based on the stimulation kind signal is given to the subject, optional stimulation is given to the subject without increasing a cable, etc. In addition, as stimulation given to the examinee is detected, the situation of stimulation actually given to the subject is grasped.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a biological signal measuring apparatus which captures a biological signal such as a biological current generated from a site of interest of a subject by applying a stimulus to the subject, and more particularly to a biological signal measuring apparatus for applying the stimulus to the subject. The present invention relates to a technique for indicating the type of stimulus to be given.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, by applying a stimulus to a subject,
There is a biological signal measuring device such as an electroencephalograph device, a biomagnetic measuring device, or a magnetic resonance device (MRI device) that captures an electroencephalogram, a magnetoencephalogram, or the like as a biological signal generated from, for example, the head, which is a region of interest of the subject. Hereinafter, a biological signal measuring device, for example, a biomagnetic measuring device will be described.

In recent years, SQUID (Superconducing Q) has been used as a magnetometer for measuring minute biomagnetism generated from a living body.
A multi-channel SQUID sensor using a uantum Interference Device (superconducting quantum interferometer) has been developed. In this multi-channel SQUID sensor, a large number of magnetic sensors are immersed in a refrigerant such as liquid nitrogen and stored in a container called a dewar. This multi-channel SQUID sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a “magnetometer”) is placed on a site of interest of a subject, for example, outside the head, and a minute biomagnetism generated from a biological activity current source generated in the head is generated by magnetic flux. Non-invasive measurement can be performed with a plurality of magnetic sensors stored in the meter.

[0004] Biomagnetism generated from a bioactive current source in the region of interest of the subject, for example, the head, is called magnetoencephalography.
There are spontaneous magnetoencephalograms that spontaneously occur from the head like waves and spikes of epilepsy.

[0005] As the types of stimuli to be given to the subject, there are visual stimuli that give stimuli to vision using images, light, and the like.
Auditory stimulation that gives a stimulus to hearing using sound,
There is a somatic stimulus that directly stimulates the body using electricity or the like.

Normally, biomagnetic information obtained by measuring biomagnetism generated from the inside of the subject's head includes noise generated from a device or the like, spontaneous magnetoencephalography information based on spontaneous electroencephalogram, and induced electroencephalography. And induced electroencephalogram information. In order to capture the state of the biological activity current source in the subject's head based on the application of the stimulus, it is necessary to capture the state of the biological activity current source based only on the induced brain magnetic information.

However, the induced magnetoencephalographic information is very small information as compared to spontaneous magnetoencephalographic information and noise. Even if it is desired to extract only the induced magnetoencephalographic information, it cannot be easily extracted because it is buried in the spontaneous magnetoencephalographic information. Therefore, a plurality of biomagnetism information is obtained by repeatedly applying the same stimulus to the subject and repeatedly measuring biomagnetism generated from the head of the subject. By performing an averaging process on the plurality of pieces of biomagnetic information, noise and spontaneous brain information contained in the biomagnetic information are compressed, and only the induced brain magnetic information is extracted. Based on the induced magnetoencephalographic information, the position, direction, size, and the like of the biological activity current source are estimated using a minimum norm method, a grid point moving method, or the like. By superimposing this biological activity current source on the tomographic image of the subject's head, it is possible to grasp the state of the biological activity current source in the head, which is a site of interest of the subject due to stimulation.

[0008] The bioactive current source generated in the region of interest of the subject described above differs in the position that appears in the region of interest of the subject depending on visual stimulus, auditory stimulus, and somatic stimulus. Further, even with the same stimulus, the state of the living activity current source changes depending on the pattern given by the stimulus. For example, there is a biological activity current source that is generated only when an auditory stimulus, for example, two types of sounds are irregularly applied to a subject.

Conventionally, when it is desired to know the state of a living activity current source caused by different stimuli as described above, a plurality of stimulators are prepared in order to apply different types of stimuli. Each stimulator and the stimulus start control unit in the biomagnetic measurement device are connected by cables. The stimulus start control unit sequentially issues a stimulus start instruction individually. Upon receiving this instruction, each stimulator applies a known stimulus to the subject. Therefore, different types of stimuli are applied to the subject according to the order in which the stimulus start control unit instructs the stimulator. As a result, a target bioactivity current source can be generated in the region of interest of the subject.

[0010]

However, the prior art having such a structure has the following problems. As the types of stimuli to be applied to the subject increase, a plurality of connection cables and stimulators are required, and there is a problem that the work of connecting them becomes complicated. In addition, there is a problem that an installation area for installing them is also increased. Conventionally, since the stimulus start control unit only unilaterally sends a stimulus start instruction to the stimulator, the stimulus is not applied to the subject due to a failure or poor connection of the stimulator. There is a problem that it is not possible to grasp the state of the stimulus actually applied to the subject, for example, when a stimulus different from the target stimulus is applied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and improves the workability of connection between devices and can efficiently apply a stimulus to a subject. It is intended to provide a device.

[0012]

The present invention has the following configuration to achieve the above object. That is, the invention according to claim 1 is a biological signal measurement device that applies a predetermined stimulus to a subject and measures a biological signal generated from a site of interest of the subject by the stimulus,
(A) stimulus type control means for transmitting a stimulus type signal for determining the type of stimulus to be applied to the subject; and (b) stimulus application to the subject after the stimulus type signal is transmitted from the stimulus type control means. And (c) stimulus applying means for applying, to the subject, a stimulus of a type corresponding to the stimulus type signal when the stimulus start signal is received. It is characterized by having.

The invention described in claim 2 is the first invention.
Wherein the stimulus type control means transmits a large number of stimulus type signals at a time.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biological signal measuring apparatus for applying a predetermined stimulus to a subject and measuring a biological signal generated from a region of interest of the subject by the stimulus. f) start signal transmitting means for transmitting a stimulus start signal for instructing the subject to start applying a stimulus;
(G) predetermined stimulus providing means for providing a predetermined stimulus to the subject upon receiving the stimulus start signal; and (e) provided stimulus detection means for detecting a stimulus provided to the subject by the stimulus providing means. It is characterized by having.

[Operation] The operation of the first aspect of the invention is as follows. A stimulus type signal for determining the type of stimulus to be applied to the subject is transmitted. After the stimulus type signal is transmitted, the stimulus start control unit transmits a stimulus start signal. Upon receiving the stimulus start signal, the stimulus applying means starts applying the stimulus corresponding to the previously received stimulus type signal to the subject.

The operation of the invention described in claim 2 is as follows. The stimulus type control means sends a number of stimulus type signals at a time. The stimulus applying unit that receives the multiple stimulus start signals applies multiple stimuli to the subject according to the subsequently received stimulus start signal.

The operation of the invention described in claim 3 is as follows. Upon receiving the stimulus start signal sent from the start signal transmitting means, the predetermined stimulus applying means applies a predetermined stimulus to the subject. The applied stimulus detecting means detects the stimulus applied to the subject.

[0018]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a biological signal measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a biomagnetism measuring apparatus according to a first embodiment. In this embodiment,
It is assumed that a region of interest of the subject is, for example, a head, and a biological activity current source in the head is measured.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a multi-channel SQUID.
4 shows a D sensor. The multi-channel SQUID sensor 1 is arranged close to the outside of the head of the subject M.
The multi-channel SQUID sensor 1 is a Dewar 1a
In this configuration, a plurality of vector-type magnetic sensors S _{1 to} S _m are immersed in a refrigerant and stored. These multi-channel SQUID sensor 1 and subject M are arranged in magnetically shielded room 14.

The stimulus type control unit 4 transfers a stimulus type signal based on the stimulus type input from the keyboard 15 by the operator to the stimulator control unit 9 via the parallel cable 7. This parallel cable 7 can transfer a plurality of types of stimulus type signals through the same line. The processing performed by the stimulus type control unit 4 corresponds to the function of the stimulus type control unit of the present invention.

After the transfer of the stimulus type signal is completed, the stimulus start control unit 2 sends a stimulus start signal to the stimulator control 9 as an instruction to start stimulus. The processing performed by the stimulus start controller 2 corresponds to the function of the stimulus start controller of the present invention.

Upon receiving the stimulus start signal, the stimulator control section 9 selects a stimulus of a type based on the previously received stimulus type signal from among stimulus types stored in advance. By controlling the stimulating device 3 based on the stimulus type, the stimulus is given to the subject M. The processing performed by the stimulating device control section 9 and the stimulating device 3 corresponds to the function of the stimulating means of the present invention. The stimulating device 3 includes a current source 3b for giving a bodily stimulus by an electric current or the like, a speaker 3c for giving an auditory stimulus by a sound or the like, and a monitor 3a for giving a visual stimulus by an image or light. The stimulus to the subject M in this embodiment is a visual stimulus by a video.

The applied stimulus detecting section 13 detects a stimulus applied to the subject M by the stimulating device 3. In the present embodiment, the applied stimulus detection unit 13 is connected to the color monitor 11 and displays the type of the detected stimulus every time a stimulus applied to the subject M is detected, so that the stimulus application status is displayed. To inform. By knowing the type of the stimulus displayed on the color monitor 11, the operator can know whether or not the stimulus has been normally applied to the subject M. The present invention is not limited to this method. For example, the type of the detected stimulus may be stored in a storage medium. In this case, the cause of the abnormality accompanying the stimulus can be known by grasping the type of the stored stimulus only when it is recognized that there is an abnormality in the measurement result of the biomagnetism. The processing performed by the applied stimulus detection unit 13 corresponds to the function of the applied stimulus detection unit of the present invention.

The data collection unit 5 individually measures the biomagnetism generated from the region of interest of the subject M by the magnetic sensors S _{1 to} S _m in synchronization with the stimulus application instruction from the stimulus start control unit 2, and this measurement is performed. The collected biomagnetic data is collected. The data processing unit 6 performs an averaging process on the biomagnetic data of the data collection unit 5 to calculate biomagnetic data in which noise is compressed, that is, induced brain magnetic data. The magnetic field analysis unit 8 displays a waveform indicating the relationship between the measurement time for each magnetic sensor and the magnetic field strength on the color monitor 11 or prints out a color printer 12 based on the induced brain magnetic data. Further, based on the biomagnetic data, the position, the direction, the size, and the like of the biological activity current source generated in the head of the subject M are estimated using a minimum norm method, a grid point moving method, or the like. This estimated life activity current source is superimposed on a tomographic image of the head of the subject M stored on the magneto-optical disk 10 and the tomographic image is displayed on the color monitor 11 or printed out on the color printer 12. Or The magneto-optical disk 10 stores a tomographic image of the head obtained by previously imaging the head, which is a site of interest of the subject M, with an MRI apparatus or the like on the magneto-optical disk.

The processing performed by each unit will now be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart. Step S1 (select stimulus type) The operator uses, for example, a visual stimulus to be given to the subject M.
Certain types of video D ₁~ D_NKeyboard 15 from within
By picture D_n(N = 1,2,…, N). See below
The subject M uses the image D as a visual stimulus._nLet me understand
It will be.

[0026] Step S2 (deliver stimulation type signal) stimulation type control unit 4 sends a stimulus type signal d _n corresponding to the image D _n selected by the keyboard 15 to the stimulator controller 9 through the parallel cable 7. When transmission of the stimulation type signal d _n is completed, it sends a transmission end signal indicating the transmission end of the stimulation type signal to the stimulation start control unit 2.

The parallel cable 7 is, for example, a parallel cable composed of _four signal lines W _{1 to} W ₄ as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 7 denotes a parallel cable. One end of the parallel cable 7 is a stimulus type control unit 4
The other end is connected to the stimulator control unit 9, respectively. The cable thus configured can handle 4-bit data, that is, a maximum of 16 kinds of stimulus type signals. At this time, stimulated type signal d _n, it is sufficient to the 4-bit data. In this embodiment, the stimulus type signal d _n
Although the parallel cable 7 is used to transfer the stimulus type signal, the present invention is not limited to this, and the stimulus type signals may be sequentially serially transferred using a serial cable.

Step S3 (Sending Stimulation Start Signal) Upon receiving the sending end signal from the stimulation type control unit 4, the stimulation start control unit 2 sends a stimulation start signal to the stimulating device control unit 9. On the other hand, an instruction to start collecting biomagnetic data is issued to the data collection unit 5.

Step S4 (giving stimulus to the subject) The stimulator controller 9 is sent via the parallel cable.
Stimulus type signal d _nBased on the video D_nGet ready
I do. Next, when the stimulus start signal is received, the stimulator control is performed.
Unit 9 is a stimulus type signal d_nVideo D corresponding to_nMonitor 3
Send to a. Monitor 3a is video D_nBy displaying
Sample D on sample M_nRecognize

[0030] Step S5 (detecting imparting stimulus) applying stimulation detection section 13, the video D _n is displayed on the monitor 3a, and detects the image D _n, the video D
_The stimulus type signal dn corresponding to _n is selected from a plurality of stimulus type signals d _{1 to} d _N stored in the applied stimulus detection unit 13. Then, to display the stimulus type signal d _n on the color monitor 11. Here, it is also possible to display the image D _n. Therefore, Opereta can confirm stimulation type signal d _n which is displayed on the color monitor 11. The display stimulus type signal d _n is different from the specified signal, by the operator of the determination, the process may stop, or the process may be continued.

[0031] Step S6 (the biomagnetic measurement) image D _n is displayed on the monitor 3a, induced with the bioelectric current sources appearing in the head of the patient M by recognizing the image D _n Brain Magnetism is generated. By measuring the evoked magnetic by the magnetic sensor S ₁ to S _m, biomagnetic data M _dn
And the biomagnetic data _Mdn is collected by the data collection unit 5. The biomagnetic data _Mdn includes data of spontaneous magnetoencephalogram and noise of the apparatus in addition to the induced magnetoencephalogram.

[0032] Step S7 (predetermined number of times ends?) Step S2~S6 by making a predetermined number of times repeatedly, the data collecting unit 5, gathers biomagnetic data M _dn predetermined number. Here, FIG. 4 shows a timing chart showing a series of processes in steps S2 to S6.

Step S8 (Averaging process) The data processing unit 6
Number of biomagnetic data M _dnIs subjected to an addition averaging process.
By this processing, the target data, evoked magnetoencephalographic data
m_dnYou can only ask.

The averaging process is a process of adding and averaging biomagnetic data obtained every time the biomagnetism is measured to reduce noise (magnetic components other than induced brain magnetism) included in the measured biomagnetic data. This is a compression method. When the biomagnetic data is added and averaged, the induced electroencephalographic data based on the induced electromagnetism generated by the stimulus is the same signal each time it is measured. However, since the signal of the noise is different each time, when the signals are added and averaged, the signal components of the noise cancel each other.
By performing the averaging process on the biomagnetic data in this manner, biomagnetic data in which noise is compressed, that is, induced brain magnetic data can be obtained.

Step S9 (magnetic field analysis) The magnetic field analysis unit 8 calculates the position of the biological activity current source using the minimum norm method or the lattice point movement method for the induced brain magnetic data _mdn .
Estimate direction, size, etc. Further, the magnetic field analysis unit 8 calls up a tomographic image of the head of the subject M stored on the magneto-optical disk 10 and creates an image in which the estimated biological activity current source is superimposed on the tomographic image. This image is output to the color monitor 11 and the color printer 12.

As described above, since the stimulus is applied to the subject based on the stimulus type signal indicating the type of stimulus specified by the operator, any type of stimulus can be applied to the subject. In addition, since the stimulus applied to the subject is detected and the type of the stimulus is displayed on the color monitor 11, the stimulus specified by the operator is:
It is possible to know whether or not it has been given to the subject. Furthermore, since a parallel cable capable of transmitting a plurality of types of stimulus type signals is used, a plurality of types of stimulus type signals can be transmitted by one cable.

The present invention can be modified as follows. (1) In the above embodiments, stimulus type signal d _n the process of transmitting the stimulation start signal after sending by performing a predetermined number of times repeatedly, was predetermined number of times applying a single type of stimuli to the subject M (step S2 to S7). The present invention can also be made as follows. For example, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 5, a process of transmitting the stimulation start signal after transmitting a plurality of types of stimulation signals d ₁ to d _i is repeated a predetermined number of times, if granted by combining a plurality of types of stimulation Can be measured only in the biological signal.

(2) In the above embodiment, the stimulus type signal d _n
A single type of stimulus is given to the subject M a predetermined number of times by repeatedly performing the process of transmitting the stimulus start signal after transmitting the stimulus (step S2 to S7). The present invention can be modified as follows. For example, after transmitting the stimulation type signal d _n of a predetermined number, it is also possible to send a stimulus start signal. This eliminates the need to repeat Steps S2 to S7 a predetermined number of times as in the above-described embodiment, so that the subject M can be efficiently stimulated.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a biomagnetism measuring apparatus according to a second embodiment. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the region of interest of the subject is, for example, the head, and the biological activity current source in this head is measured.

Hereinafter, only different points from the first embodiment will be described. The start signal transmitting unit 62 instructs the stimulating device 60 to start stimulating, and also instructs the data collecting unit 5 to start measurement. The processing performed by the start signal transmitting section 62 corresponds to the function of the start signal transmitting means of the present invention.

The stimulating device 60 includes a stimulating pattern generating section 61 for generating a predetermined stimulating pattern when a stimulus starting instruction is given.
And a monitor 60a, a current source 60b, or a speaker 60 which is an output device for outputting a stimulus based on the stimulus pattern.
c etc. The stimulating device 60 applies a predetermined type of stimulus to the subject M without synchronizing with the units other than the start signal transmitting unit 62.

Upon receiving the stimulus start signal sent from the start signal transmitting section 62, the stimulating apparatus 60 generates a predetermined stimulus pattern from the stimulus pan generating section 61 and outputs a stimulus based on the stimulus pan from the output device. The subject M
To stimulate the Specifically, when the stimulator 60 receives the stimulus start signal, the stimulus pattern generator 61 sends stimulus patterns, for example, stimulus type signals d ₁ and d ₂ to the monitor 60a. The monitor 60a displays images D ₁ and D ₂ corresponding to the stimulus type signals d ₁ and d ₂ . Similarly, the current source 60b or the speaker 60c
In this case, a predetermined stimulus is output. The processing performed by the stimulating device 60 corresponds to the function of the predetermined stimulating means of the present invention. Note that the stimulating device 60 may randomly apply different types of stimuli to the subject M.

The data collecting unit 5 is individually measured biological magnetism generated in synchronism with the stimulating start instruction signal transmitting unit 62 from the site of interest of the patient M by the magnetic sensor S ₁ to S _m,
The measured biomagnetic data is collected.
The data processing unit 6 performs an averaging process on the biomagnetic data of the data collection unit 5 to calculate biomagnetic data in which noise is compressed, that is, induced brain magnetic data. The magnetic field analysis unit 8 displays a waveform indicating the relationship between the measurement time for each magnetic sensor and the magnetic field strength on the color monitor 11 or prints out a color printer 12 based on the induced brain magnetic data. Also, based on this biomagnetic data,
Using the minimum norm method or the grid point moving method, the subject M
Estimate the position, orientation, size, etc. of the biological activity current source generated in the head. This estimated life activity current source is
The tomographic image is superimposed on the tomographic image of the head of the subject M stored on the magneto-optical disk 10 and the tomographic image is displayed on the color monitor 11.
, Or print out to the color printer 12. The magneto-optical disk 10 stores a tomographic image of the head obtained by previously imaging the head, which is a site of interest of the subject M, with an MRI apparatus or the like on the magneto-optical disk.

Hereinafter, the processing performed by each unit will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Step T1 (Send Stimulation Start Signal) The start signal transmission unit 62 sends a stimulus start signal to the stimulator 60, and instructs the data collection unit 5 to start collecting biomagnetic data.

Step T2 (Applying Stimulus to Subject) Upon receiving the stimulus start signal, the stimulating device 60
Starts applying a predetermined stimulus. For example, 2
The images D ₁ and D ₂ , which are kinds of visual stimuli, are displayed on the monitor 60 a, so that the subject M can recognize the images D ₁ and D ₂ .

Step T3 (Detecting Applied Stimulus) The applied stimulus detection unit 13 displays the images D ₁ and D _{2 on the} monitor 60a.
When There appears, and detects the image D _1, D _2, stimulus type signal d ₁ corresponding to the video D _1, D _2,
d ₂ is selected from a plurality of stimulus type signals d _{1 to} d _N stored in the applied stimulus detection unit 13. Then, the stimulus type signals d ₁ and d ₂ are displayed on the color monitor 11. Here, the images D ₁ and D ₂ can be displayed. Therefore, the operator can confirm the stimulus type signals d ₁ and d ₂ displayed on the color monitor 11. If the displayed stimulus type signals d ₁ and d ₂ are different from the predetermined stimulus type signals, the processing may be stopped or continued without stopping, depending on the judgment of the operator. .

Step T4 (measure biomagnetism) Image D is displayed on the monitor 60a.₁, D_TwoIs displayed, and the subject M
These images D₁, D _TwoIs recognized, the head of the subject M
Evoked magnetoencephalography associated with bioactive current sources generated in the brain
You. This induced brain magnet is used as a magnetic sensor S₁~ S_mMeasure with
And the biomagnetic data M_d12Get. This biomagnetic data
M_d12Are collected in the data collection unit 5. In addition, living body
Magnetic data M_d12Is the spontaneous brain and the device
Includes data for

Step T5 (End of predetermined number of times?) By repeating Steps T1 to T4 a predetermined number of times, a predetermined number of biomagnetic data _Md12 is collected in the data collection unit 5. Here, FIG. 8 shows a timing chart showing a series of processes of steps T1 to T4.

Step T6 (Averaging processing) Hereinafter, the same processing as steps S8 to S9 of the first embodiment is performed, and the description is omitted.

As described above, the biomagnetic measuring device applies a predetermined stimulus to the subject M by the stimulating device 60 instructed to start the stimulus, detects the applied stimulus, and displays it on the color monitor 11. Since it is performed, the state of the stimulus application can be sequentially grasped.

[0051]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a stimulus is applied to a subject based on a stimulus type signal that determines the type of stimulus. Prepare cables and stimulators for each type,
There is no need to replace or connect, and the work efficiency can be improved, and the installation area can be reduced.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the stimulus type control means transmits a large number of stimulus type signals at one time, the stimulus start signal from the stimulus start control means is transmitted once. Just by sending, it is possible to obtain the same effect as when the subject is stimulated many times. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently apply the stimulus to the subject.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the predetermined stimulus applying unit receives the stimulus start signal, the predetermined stimulus applying unit applies a predetermined stimulus to the subject, and the stimulus is detected by the applied stimulus detecting unit. Therefore, the stimulus actually given to the subject can be grasped, and the biological signal can be measured efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a biological signal measurement device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the biological signal measuring device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a parallel cable according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart in steps S2 to S6 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows steps S2 to S6 of a modification of the first embodiment.
5 is a timing chart.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a biological signal measurement device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the biological signal measurement device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart in steps T1 to T4 of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Multi-channel SQUID sensor 2 ... Stimulation start control part 3 ... Stimulation device 4 ... Stimulation type control part 5 ... Data collection part 7 ... Parallel cable 13 ... Applied stimulus detection part 15 ... Keyboard 61 ... Stimulation pattern generation part 62 ... Start signal Transmitting unit M ... subject

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A biological signal measuring apparatus for applying a predetermined stimulus to a subject and measuring a biological signal generated from a site of interest of the subject by the stimulus, wherein (a) the stimulus applied to the subject (B) sending a stimulus start signal for instructing the subject to start applying a stimulus after the stimulus type signal is sent from the stimulus type control means; Biological signal measurement, characterized by comprising: a stimulus start control unit for performing the stimulus start signal; and (c) a stimulus providing unit for applying a stimulus of a type corresponding to the stimulus type signal to the subject when the stimulus start signal is received. apparatus. 2. The biomagnetic measurement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: (a) the stimulus type control means transmits a large number of stimulus type signals at a time. . 3. A biological signal measuring device which applies a predetermined stimulus to a subject and measures a biological signal generated from a site of interest of the subject by the stimulus, and (f) applying a stimulus to the subject. Start signal transmitting means for transmitting a stimulus start signal for instructing start; (g) predetermined stimulus applying means for applying a predetermined stimulus to the subject upon receiving the stimulus start signal; and (e) stimulus applying means. A biological signal measuring device, comprising: applied stimulus detecting means for detecting a stimulus applied to the subject by the apparatus.