KR102113547B1 - Resonating Device and Method of Individual EEG Cognitive Frequency, Recording Medium for Performing the Method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for enhancing a cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency resonance, which can intentionally and selectively enhance a specific cognitive function by stimulating the brain with the current having the same frequency or the same waveform as the individual frequency generated during the performance of a cognitive task. The method comprises the steps of: subjecting a subject to perform a cognitive task; measuring a brain wave of the subject performing the cognitive task; analyzing a power spectrum for each frequency of the measured brain wave of the subject; setting a peak frequency having the largest amplitude value in each frequency band of the power spectrum as an individual cognitive frequency of the subject performing the cognitive task; and generating the same frequency or the same waveform as the peak frequency set as the individual cognitive frequency to cause resonance with the subject′s brain wave associated with a specific cognitive function, thereby increasing and decreasing the specific cognitive function.

Description

Recognizing Device and Method for Individual EEG Cognitive Frequency, Recording Medium for Performing the Method

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning, and a recording medium for performing the method, and more specifically, based on individual cognitive frequency tuning that can generate a personalized frequency and synchronize with an EEG. An apparatus and method for improving cognitive function, and a recording medium for performing the method.

Electroencephalogram is an electrical activity that occurs in the brain of a living body (animals, including humans). Alpha waves ( α-wave), slow waves, or sleep spindle waves , depending on the state of brain activity Various waveforms appear.

Recently, as well as the measurement of EEG, research has been conducted to induce EEG by applying electrical stimulation to the subject's head. This electrical stimulation is called Transcranial Current Stimulation (tCS).

By disrupting or tuning a specific brain wave through such brain wave stimulation, brain activity can be promoted or suppressed and used in fields such as memory improvement or mental therapy.

However, the conventional EEG stimulation method as described above has a problem of obscuring the entire frequency band. For example, when the stimulation frequency is theta file, it is a method of evaluating and processing all the frequency bands of 4 to 8 Hz as one, and not only has the error of the average as it is, but rather can dilute the meaning of the individual natural frequency.

Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1469878 Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1249069

One aspect of the present invention is to measure the individual individual cognitive frequency (ICF) generated when performing a specific cognitive function, generate the measured frequency using a transcranial current stimulator, and then synchronize with the EEG Provides an apparatus and method for enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning that can augment brain function by inducing a recording medium for performing the method.

The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning includes: executing a cognitive task related to a specific cognitive function to a subject; Measuring an EEG of a subject undergoing a cognitive task; Analyzing a power spectrum of each measured brainwave frequency; Setting a peak frequency having the largest amplitude value in each frequency band of the analyzed power spectrum as an individual cognitive frequency (ICF) of a subject performing a cognitive task; And generating the same frequency or the same waveform as the peak frequency set as the unique cognitive frequency for each individual to induce resonance with the brain waves of the subject related to a specific cognitive function.

In one embodiment, the step of inducing the tuning may generate an alternating current having the same frequency or the same waveform as the peak frequency set as the individual personal recognition frequency.

In an embodiment, the step of causing the tuning may generate the same frequency or the same waveform as the peak frequency using a transcranial current stimulation (tCS).

In one embodiment, the step of inducing the tuning may generate a pulse having the same frequency or the same waveform as the peak frequency using a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

In one embodiment, the step of inducing the tuning may generate ultrasound having the same frequency or the same waveform as the peak frequency using a Focused Ultrasound Stimulation (FUS) with a low-intensity focused ultrasound stimulator (FUS).

In one embodiment, the step of inducing the tuning may generate a frequency in the brain portion of the subject responsible for a specific cognitive function.

In one embodiment, the step of executing the cognitive task may respectively implement a first cognitive task related to the first cognitive function and a second cognitive task related to the second cognitive function that is different from the first cognitive function.

In one embodiment, the step of setting the individual cognitive frequency for each individual sets the personal cognitive frequency for each individual set through the implementation of the first cognitive task as the first natural frequency, and the personal cognition for each individual set through the implementation of the second cognitive task. The frequency can be set to the second natural frequency.

In an embodiment, the step of inducing the tuning may fuse and tune the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency having different frequencies simultaneously with the EEG of the subject.

In an embodiment, in the step of executing the cognitive task, a cognitive task in which a plurality of cognitive functions are fused may be executed.

In one embodiment, the method may further include performing a non-invasive nerve stimulation on the subject's brain through the frequency causing the tuning.

In a computer-readable storage medium according to another embodiment of the present invention, a computer program for performing a method for enhancing a cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning is recorded.

An apparatus for enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cognitive task execution unit that executes a cognitive task related to a specific cognitive function to a subject; An EEG measuring unit for measuring the EEG of a subject who is performing a cognitive task; EEG spectrum analysis unit for analyzing the power spectrum of the measured subject's EEG by frequency; A frequency setting unit that sets a peak frequency having the largest amplitude value in each frequency band of the analyzed power spectrum as an individual cognitive frequency (ICF) of a subject performing a cognitive task; And a frequency tuning unit that generates the same frequency or the same waveform as the peak frequency set as the unique cognitive frequency for each individual to cause resonance with the EEG of a subject related to a specific cognitive function.

According to one aspect of the present invention described above, since a non-invasive method is used, it can be directly used in real life and provides educational, social, or economic effects such as improving learning and memory ability through non-invasive stimulation of the brain. can do.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an apparatus for enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view for explaining an example of mounting the transcranial current stimulator.
4 to 6 are graphs showing changes in brain wave amplitude by frequency showing the effect of transcranial alternating stimulation during the execution of the Digit Span Task.
7 is a model diagram of the EEG cap showing the electrode location and the EEG location of brain stimulation.
8 is a waveform diagram of a theta-gamma phase-amplitude tuning (PAC) -tACS-based current brain stimulation pattern model applied to the experiment.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of theta-gamma CFC tACS stimulation time, stimulation initiation period (ramp-up), stimulation duration period, and stimulation termination period (ramp-down).
10 is an exemplary view of a process of executing a task memory task under the workload 3 condition.

For a detailed description of the present invention, which will be described later, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in detail enough to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are different, but need not be mutually exclusive. For example, the specific shapes, structures, and properties described herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in connection with one embodiment. In addition, it should be understood that the location or placement of individual components within each disclosed embodiment can be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention, if appropriately described, is limited only by the appended claims, along with all ranges equivalent to those claimed. In the drawings, similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar functions throughout several aspects.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an apparatus for enhancing a cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a device for enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning, the cognitive task execution unit 100, an EEG measurement unit 200, an EEG spectrum analysis unit 300, a frequency setting unit 400, and frequency tuning Includes wealth 500.

The cognitive task execution unit 100 executes a cognitive task related to a specific cognitive function to a subject.

Here, the implementation of the cognitive task may be performed by requesting the subject to perform the cognitive task through an output means such as a voice means such as a speaker or a display means such as an LCD monitor, or by voluntary progress inside the subject.

The EEG measurement unit 200 measures the EEG of the subject who is performing the cognitive task by the cognitive task execution unit 100.

In one embodiment, the EEG measuring unit 200 may be formed as an EEG measuring device that measures the EEG through amplification, filtering, and frequency analysis of a potential measured from an electrode in contact with the scalp in the form of a headset or a scalp attachment type. have. However, the EEG measurement according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described means, and is not limited to the type if it is a means capable of measuring a human EEG.

The EEG spectrum analysis unit 300 analyzes the power spectrum of each subject's EEG measured by the EEG measurement unit 200.

In one embodiment, the EEG spectrum analysis unit 300 is a device used in the frequency analysis method of the EEG, which is a widely used Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectrum analyzer or wavelet analyzer (Wavelet Transformation). Can be used.

The frequency setting unit 400, the peak frequency having the largest amplitude value in each frequency band of the power spectrum analyzed by the EEG spectrum analysis unit 300, the subject's individual cognitive frequency (Peak frequency) ICF, Individual Cognitive Frequency).

The frequency tuning unit 500 generates the same frequency or the same waveform as the peak frequency set as the individual unique cognitive frequency in the frequency setting unit 400 to induce resonance with the brainwaves of the subject related to a specific cognitive function.

In one embodiment, the frequency tuning unit 500 may generate the same frequency or the same waveform as the peak frequency using a transcranial current stimulation (tCS).

Here, the transcranial current stimulator is a non-invasive neurological function controller, which is a device for intentionally controlling the cognitive function by stimulating the brain with a current having a frequency band associated with a specific cognitive function, in particular, the use of alternating current (AC) This is possible, referred to as tACS (transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation) (see FIG. 3).

The apparatus for enhancing the cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning having the above-described configuration may execute or manufacture various softwares based on an operating system (OS), that is, a system. The operating system is a system program for enabling the software to use the hardware of the device, such as Android OS, iOS, Windows Mobile OS, Sea OS, Symbian OS, Blackberry OS mobile computer operating system and Windows, Linux, Unix, It can include any computer operating system such as MAC, AIX, HP-UX.

The EEG tuning method according to each configuration of the individual cognitive frequency tuning-based cognitive function enhancement device having the above-described configuration will be described later in the method description of FIG. 2 and below.

2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In general, each frequency component of the EEG is associated with each corresponding Cognitive Function. For example, theta waves having a frequency of 4 to 8 Hz are related to working memory, and attention is suppressed or suppressed for alpha waves having a frequency of 8 to 13 Hz. (Inhibition) function. In addition, in the case of a delta wave having a frequency of DC to 4 Hz, which is related to sleep function, the frequency-specific properties of the human brain wave can be said to selectively indicate a specific cognitive function.

However, even in the same frequency band, there is an individual cognitive frequency (ICF) of a frequency indicating a corresponding cognitive function.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the natural cognitive frequency tuning method, first, a cognitive task related to a specific cognitive function is performed on a subject (S210).

In the above-described step S210, the cognitive task may be performed by requesting the subject to perform the cognitive task through an output means such as a voice means such as a speaker or a display means such as an LCD monitor, or can be made by voluntary progress inside the subject.

As a cognitive task that may be requested in the above-described step S210, there may be a working memory task, an attention task, or an inhibition control task.

For example, in the case of working memory, the experimenter presents three or four unspecified numbers, and then asks the subject to remember, so that the subject retains the information for a while. Then, when the experimenter presents a specific number to the subject and asks if the number was in the previously presented number, and the subject responds positively, it can be evaluated that the working memory is properly performed.

The EEG of the subject who is performing the cognitive task according to the above-described step S210 is measured (S220).

In one embodiment, the method of measuring brain waves in the above-described step S220 is an EEG measuring device for measuring the EEG through amplification, filtering, and frequency analysis of electricity measured from an electrode in contact with the scalp in the form of a headset or a scalp attachment type. It can be measured through. However, the EEG measurement according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described means, and is not limited to the type if it is a means capable of measuring a human EEG.

The power spectrum (power spectrum, irregularly distributed “spectrum” density) of the subject EEG measured in step S220 is analyzed (S230).

In the EEG measured in step S220, the power spectrum for each frequency of the subject's EEG is analyzed in order to selectively extract changes in the characteristic EEG associated with a specific cognitive function according to the performance of the cognitive task in step S210.

Various brain signal analysis methods may be used to analyze the EEG measured in step S220 described above.

First, a cross-frequency tuning study (CFC) can analyze a relationship in which the phase of the low-frequency EEG controls the amplitude of the high-frequency EEG.

Second, the analysis of causality of brain signals (Granger causality) can analyze the effect of brain stimulation through causal connectivity analysis between functionally interconnected brain regions.

Third, EEG time-frequency axis (TF, Time Frequency) analysis can compare and analyze the relationship between the time-frequency of the EEG signal for each experimental condition, and analyze the phase between the corresponding regions for each frequency component.

The peak frequency having the largest amplitude value in each frequency band of the power spectrum analyzed in the above-described step S230 is set as a personal recognition frequency of each subject performing a cognitive task (S240).

That is, in the present invention, even in the same frequency band, instead of roughly selecting the entire frequency band, the individual cognitive frequency of the frequency indicating the cognitive function is specified and utilized in detail, thereby taking into account the difference in the individual EEG properties. It can provide reliable EEG tuning.

Here, the intrinsic cognitive frequency for each individual is a frequency value of the individual EEG frequency that optimally reflects the cognitive function corresponding to the cognitive task performed in step S210 described above.

Conventional techniques obscure the entire frequency band. For example, in the case of the theta wave band, as a method of blindly evaluating 4 to 8 Hz as a method, this not only holds the error of the average, but also has a problem that it can dilute the meaning of the individual natural frequency.

In order to solve this problem, in the present invention, it is possible to provide an advanced EEG measurement method and a brain stimulation method more than the conventional method by selectively specifying and using a peak frequency, which is a unique frequency for each individual, for each person. In addition, it can provide a reasonable and scientific method in terms of EEG analysis.

The method of confirming the unique cognitive frequency for each individual who classifies the specific cognitive function set in the above-described step S240 is as follows.

In general, through analysis of the power spectrum for each frequency of EEG generated during the execution of a specific cognitive task, the peak frequency indicating the largest amplitude value in the frequency band that best represents the cognitive function required to perform the cognitive task is recognized. It becomes the individual cognitive frequency in the task.

For example, a task memory task requires an experimenter to present to a subject three or four unspecified numbers, and then remembers that information for a while, and then the experimenter presents a specific number to the subject. It is to evaluate whether this number was in the previously presented number. In the case of such a task memory task, if the subject performed properly, the EEG measured while maintaining the corresponding information in the head will predominantly measure the theta wave region between 4 and 8 Hz. This is because theta waves among several brain waves are closely related to working memory.

However, even for the measured theta waves between 4 and 8 Hz, in the case of brain waves measured during task execution by subjects, some showed a difference in each individual, such as 5 Hz being intense and 7 Hz showing an intense power spectrum. do.

This is because, even if a subject is performing the same cognitive task, the individual cognitive frequency of each individual in performing the cognitive task may be different for each subject.

The subject's individual cognitive frequency with different individual cognitive frequencies can be easily measured by performing power spectrum analysis such as Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on each subject's EEG.

In the above-described step S230, in one embodiment, a Sternberg task (a task for evaluating a work memory ability of a subject by checking whether a specific item is in the list after allowing the subject to keep a specific item list in the head for a while) or an N-back Tasks (tasks that continuously show stimuli and ask the subject if the stimuli that appeared after the Nth stimulus of a particular stimulus are the same as the stimuli that appeared before the Nth stimulus in the list of presented stimuli). The evaluation method can be used to check in real time the association between the subject's specific cognitive function (in this case, work memory) and the measured individual cognitive frequency.

For example, in the case of a 3-back task, when a line or number stimulus is presented to a subject, it is a task of determining whether the currently presented stimulus is the same stimulus as the one presented before the third time, and this information is also subject to the subject for a specific time. Can be used for evaluating working memory, as it must be kept in mind.

In addition, an Attention-related task or an Inhibitory Control task may be used.

The intrinsic cognitive frequency of each person according to the present invention does not change significantly with time, because the human brain is specialized for each person with an anatomical structure and a connection between brain regions. Due to this, uniqueness exists in the frequency of a specific brain wave generated by the corresponding brain structure, which is relatively stable with time.

However, depending on the type or difficulty of the cognitive task, the natural frequency of the corresponding frequency band may be moved within the individual, but the specific natural frequency of each individual is stably present within a certain cognitive task.

In the above-described step S240, the same frequency or the same waveform as the peak frequency set as the unique cognitive frequency for each individual is generated to induce resonance with the EEG of the subject related to the specific cognitive function (S250).

In one embodiment, the step of inducing tuning (S250) may generate an alternating current having the same frequency or the same waveform as the peak frequency set as the individual unique recognition frequency.

The transcranial current stimulator as described later can be used interchangeably between alternating and direct current frequencies. That is, a method of raising the corresponding brain wave potential to a specific position with DC and then changing with AC may be an example. However, even in this case, since the EEG is generally a vibration wave (AC component), it is preferable to use an AC frequency.

In one embodiment, the step of inducing tuning (S250) may generate the same frequency or the same waveform as the peak frequency using a transcranial current stimulation (tCS).

Here, the transcranial current stimulator is a non-invasive neurological function controller, which is a device for intentionally controlling the cognitive function by stimulating the brain with a current having a frequency band associated with a specific cognitive function, in particular, the use of alternating current (AC) It is possible, which is called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS).

Among the non-invasive nerve function control devices that can be utilized in real life, the transcranial current stimulator described above is used. Transcranial current stimulator can stimulate the brain non-invasively using DC (DC) as well as alternating current (AC), and combines direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) (otDCS, oscillatory tDCS) Can be used. However, considering that the EEG is a vibration wave, it is preferable to selectively and intentionally control the corresponding cognitive function by stimulating a frequency band associated with a specific cognitive function using alternating current.

Another method of stimulating the brain is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The transcranial magnetic stimulator (TMS) can apply a single pulse at the correct time point or a magnetic field pulse with a patterned protocol such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).

Another way to stimulate the brain is low-intensity focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS). Low-intensity focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) compared to the conventional transcranial magnetic stimulation method (TMS) and transcranial current stimulation method (tCS) provides more accurate and detailed focus to the deeper parts of the brain. Stimuli can be applied with spatial accuracy on a millimeter (mm) scale.

However, transcranial current stimulation (tCS) is the most efficient method because it can tune the EEG to most closely match the EEG shape.

In the present invention, by using the alternating current component of the non-invasive transcranial current stimulator (tACS), it generates an alternating frequency that is the same as the individual cognitive frequency for each individual cognitive function, thereby causing resonance of the corresponding cognitive frequency in the brain. By doing so, it is possible to selectively and intentionally control the enhancement or decay of the brain (cognitive or nerve) function.

3 shows an example of mounting the transcranial current stimulator.

Referring to FIG. 3, an EEG can be measured by performing a corresponding cognitive task in a state in which a subject's head is equipped with a transcranial current stimulator, and at the same time, the same frequency or the same waveform as the peak frequency generated during the corresponding cognitive task is performed. Can generate and stimulate the brain in a non-invasive way.

Figures 4-6 are before and after transcranial alternating stimulation measured by Christoph S. Herrmann et al. (2015, "Increase in short-term memory capacity induced by down-regulating individual theta frequency via transcranial alternating current stimulation"). It is a graph showing the amplitude change of task-related EEG by the digit span task.

The dotted lines in the graphs of FIGS. 4 to 6 are amplitude graphs by tACS, and the solid lines are amplitude graphs of brain waves by frequency by sham control protocol.

Figure 4 is the amplitude of the brain wave by the pre-stimulation, Figure 5 is the amplitude of the brain wave by the post-stimulation, Figure 6 is a graph showing the increase ratio of the relative brain wave amplitude from pre-stimulation to post-stimulation.

4 to 6, the gray area is a statistically analyzed frequency region of interest between 4 Hz and 8 Hz, error bars represent ± 1 standard error from the mean, and asterisks represent significant (p <0.05) differences between groups.

4 to 6, the frequency spectrum from the digit span task of the pre-stimulation (FIG. 4) and the post-stimulation (FIG. 5) as well as the frequency-specific amplitude increase proportional to the pre-stimulation (FIG. 4) is shown, Noticeable differences between the two groups at 6.7 Hz.

In one embodiment, the step of inducing tuning (S250) may generate tuning of the corresponding cognitive frequency in the brain part of the subject responsible for a specific cognitive function.

In general, parts of the brain that are consistently involved in general intelligence and cognitive abilities such as work memory or reasoning associated with them are usually located on the outer (or lateral) surface of the brain, while thinking about others and themselves is mainly the brain. Since it is used around the center of the bar, it is possible to more efficiently perform synchronization with the EEG by generating a frequency by specifying a region in charge of the corresponding cognitive function.

7 is a model diagram of the EEG cap showing the electrode location and the EEG measurement location of brain stimulation.

Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the position of the electrode is uniformly arranged on the head by an international standard 10-10 system with an EEG cap with 32 electrodes attached to the scalp. The input impedance can be controlled by injecting an electrolyte gel between the electrode and the scalp. The EEG signal measured at the electrode can be quantified at regular intervals via an amplifier.

In one embodiment, the main location of the brain that is primarily stimulated in the process of performing a task memory task is the left prefrontal cortex. The electrode stimulated by the transcranial alternating current stimulator (tACS) is an electrode (F3) indicated by a thick circle in the upper left of FIG. 7, and the electrode receiving the stimulation current is centered up, down, left, and right around the electrode (F3) to be stimulated. The electrodes (Fp1, Fz, F7, C3) indicated by bold squares. However, these locations are arbitrarily determined according to the results of previous studies, and are not limited to those locations.

In one embodiment, the step of executing the cognitive task (S210), the first cognitive task related to the first cognitive function and the second cognitive function related to the second cognitive function different from the first cognitive function, respectively, may be performed. have.

However, the order of implementation of the first cognitive task and the second cognitive task is not a problem, and if the first cognitive task and the second cognitive task are independently executed without intervening, the task may be executed simultaneously or simultaneously. It is okay.

In one embodiment, the step (S240) of setting the individual cognitive frequency for each individual sets the personal cognitive frequency for each individual set through the implementation of the first cognitive task as the first natural frequency, and sets the individual cognitive frequency for each individual through the implementation of the second cognitive task. The natural recognition frequency can be set as the second natural frequency.

In one embodiment, the step of inducing tuning (S250), the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency having different frequencies are simultaneously fused to the brain waves of the subject (ie, the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency) Tuning using the included frequency).

The EEG tuning according to the present invention separately tunes the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency having different frequencies (for example, after the tuning of the first natural frequency is completed, the second natural frequency is tuned, Or vice versa), as described above, at the same time, the subject's brain waves may be fused and synchronized.

In an embodiment, in the step of executing a cognitive task (S210), a cognitive task in which a plurality of cognitive functions are fused may be executed. For example, a cognitive task related to C cognitive function of a complex personality in which A cognitive function and B cognitive function are fused can be implemented.

The method for enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning having the above-described steps may further include performing non-invasive nerve stimulation on the subject's brain through the frequency causing the tuning.

The non-invasive nerve stimulation according to the present invention can be performed through the transcranial current stimulator as described above. That is, by stimulating the brain with a current having a frequency band associated with a specific cognitive function through the transcranial current stimulator, it is possible not only to intentionally control the enhancement or decrease of the cognitive function, but also to improve the accuracy and reliability of the control. Can be.

The method for enhancing the cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning having the above-described steps may improve brain functions such as the executive function, decision making function, learning function, intelligence, creativity, sleep quality, and memory fixation of the frontal lobe.

8 is a waveform diagram of a theta-gamma phase-amplitude tuning (PAC) -tACS-based current brain stimulation pattern model applied to the experiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the X-axis represents time (second, sec), the Y-axis represents amplitude (μA), and the waveform is the amplitude that appears at the five electrodes F3, Fp1, Fz, F7, and C3 over time. (Amplitude).

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) is based on Phase-Amplitude Coupling (PAC) and individual dominant frequencies (IDFs) (e.g., individual theta frequencies (ITFs) , Individual Theta Frequency)) A brain stimulation signal can be formed by applying a central stimulation pattern. The transcranial alternating current stimulator (tACS) may present a current stimulation signal including a frequency change using the formed stimulation signal. The current stimulation signal is divided into a stimulation start section, a stimulus duration section, and a stimulus end section.

9 is a schematic diagram of theta-gamma CFC tACS stimulation time and stimulation initiation period (ramp-up), stimulation duration period, and stimulation termination period (ramp-down).

In one embodiment, the transcranial alternating current stimulator (tACS) is a stimulation start section (ramp-up) and a stimulation end section (ramp-down) is 10 seconds each, and includes a total of 20 minutes including a duration of brain stimulation 20 minutes. It can stimulate the subject's brain for 20 minutes.

At this time, stimulation is applied to the group that applies brain stimulation (stim group, Real stimulation) for 20 minutes and 20 seconds, and to the group that does not apply brain stimulation (sham group, sham stimulation), the stimulation start period and end of stimulation Stimulation is provided only for ramp-down. By distinguishing the control group (sham group) from the experimental group (stim group), it can be seen whether brain function is improved according to stimulation.

10 is an exemplary view of a process of executing a task memory task under the workload 3 condition.

The workload refers to the number of stimuli presented in the task memory task. That is, the greater the number of stimuli to be memorized for a while, the higher the workload of the subject's working memory. The list of 3 workloads 3 (W3), 5 workloads 5 (W5), and 7 workloads 7 (W7) should be stored in the subject's work memory. By improving the work memory load according to the number of stimuli suggested and memorized in the work memory task, it is possible to gradually see the effect of improving brain function by brain stimulation.

The first step is to present a list of stimuli to be remembered and store the list of stimuli presented by the subject in working memory. At this time, the stimulus may be presented in a mixed form of English and numbers, such as L1-F2-Y3.

The second step is to retain memory. In one embodiment, the experiment waits for about 2 seconds, but such a working memory retention time is not limited to 2 seconds.

The third step is to judge the correct and incorrect answers. That is, after a certain working memory retention time has elapsed, an arbitrary test stimulus can be presented, and the working memory can be tested through whether or not the stimulus was in a previously presented stimulus list.

The work memory enhancement provided by the individual cognitive frequency tuning-based brain stimulation method having the above-described steps can be considered in two aspects, reaction time and accuracy.

Reaction time (RT) refers to the time it takes for the test stimulus to be presented in the third step, until the subject selects an answer, and the unit is milliseconds (mm).

Referring to Table 1, changes in response time before and after brain stimulation can be seen. The ability to perform tasks (speed of task memory performance) by reaction time can be compared. First, it can be seen that the reaction time (RT) increases as the workload increases. It can be seen that the more difficult the task, the slower the subject's reaction. Second, it can be seen that the response time (RT) is faster in all experimental groups after stimulating the brain. This characteristic is presumed to be due to the learning effect due to repeated task performance. Third, it can be seen that the response time (RT) has the greatest reduction in the STIM 7 group having the highest work memory difficulty. These characteristics can be said to have the highest effect of brain stimulation method based on individual cognitive frequency tuning in high difficulty tasks.

[Table 1]

Here, STIM refers to a group that actually performs an experiment by stimulating the brain, and SHAM refers to a group that performs an experiment without actually stimulating the brain. 3, 5 and 7 after STIM and SHAM refer to workload 3, workload 5 and workload 7, respectively.

The correct answer rate (Accuracy,%) refers to the percentage of correct answers to the entire subject's response.

Referring to Table 2, the change in the correct answer rate before and after brain stimulation can be seen. First, it can be seen that the correct answer rate decreases as the workload increases. This means that the more difficult the subject is in the process of performing the task, the higher the probability of being wrong. Second, it can be seen that the correct answer rate increases after stimulating the brain in all experimental groups. This characteristic is presumed to be due to the learning effect due to repeated task performance. Third, it can be seen that the improvement rate of the STIM 7 group is the largest. These characteristics can be said to have the highest effect of the brain stimulation method based on individual cognitive frequency tuning in the task with high difficulty.

[Table 2]

Here, STIM refers to a group that actually performs an experiment by stimulating the brain, and SHAM refers to a group that performs an experiment without actually stimulating the brain. 3, 5 and 7 after STIM and SHAM refer to workload 3, workload 5 and workload 7, respectively.

Fields such as the method for enhancing the cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning having the steps as described above are now in the starting stage, and inducing brain EEG tuning using photogenetics to increase sleep function or by transcranial current stimulator There are also reports that the effects of the EEG last about 90 minutes. However, there is still a lack of technology for reliably controlling the cognitive function of a person in a desired direction by synchronizing the individual cognitive frequency of each person using a transcranial current stimulator.

For example, sleep spindle EEG appears during deep sleep and is less pronounced in insomnia. Using this invention based on the transcranial current stimulator-EEG tuning, adjusting this sleep spindle EEG to artificially produce more insomnia in a person Can also be overcome.

In addition, if the memory enhancement by coupling between the sleep spindle of the salamus (Thalamus) and the slow wave of the cerebral cortex (coupling) is noted that recently reported in animal experiments, human memory ability through the present invention It can also be enhanced through non-invasive brainwave tuning methods.

The method for enhancing the cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning as described above may be implemented as an application or implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer components, and recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, or the like alone or in combination.

The program instructions recorded on the computer-readable recording medium are specially designed and configured for the present invention, and may be known and available to those skilled in the computer software field.

Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CDROMs, DVDs, and magneto-optical media such as floptical disks. And hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like.

Examples of program instructions include not only machine language codes produced by a compiler, but also high-level language codes executable by a computer using an interpreter or the like. The hardware device may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform processing according to the present invention, and vice versa.

Although described above with reference to embodiments, those skilled in the art can variously modify and change the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. You will understand.

According to the present invention, non-invasive brainwave tuning can be used immediately in real life, and educational, social or economic effects such as improving learning and memory ability through non-invasive stimulation of the brain can be expected.

100: Cognitive task enforcement department
200: EEG measurement unit
300: EEG spectrum analysis unit
400: frequency setting unit
500: frequency tuning unit

Claims (13)

Implementing a cognitive task related to a specific cognitive function to the subject;
Measuring an EEG of a subject undergoing a cognitive task;
Analyzing a power spectrum of each measured brainwave frequency;
Setting a peak frequency having the largest amplitude value in each frequency band of the analyzed power spectrum as an individual cognitive frequency (ICF) of a subject performing a cognitive task; And
A computer for performing a method for enhancing cognitive function based on personal cognitive frequency tuning, comprising generating a waveform identical to a peak frequency set as a personal cognitive frequency and causing a brain wave and resonance of a subject related to a specific cognitive function A computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded.
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of causing the tuning,
A computer-readable recording medium in which a computer program is recorded, for performing a method of enhancing cognitive function based on personal cognitive frequency tuning, characterized in that an alternating current having the same waveform as a peak frequency set as the personal cognitive frequency is generated.
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of causing the tuning,
A computer-readable computer recorded with a computer program for performing a method of enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning, characterized by generating a waveform equal to a peak frequency using a transcranial current stimulation (tCS) Recording media.
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of causing the tuning,
A computer with a computer program recorded to perform a method for enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning, characterized in that a pulse having the same waveform as a peak frequency is generated using a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) Readable recording medium.
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of causing the tuning,
A computer for performing a method of enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning, characterized by generating ultrasonic waves having a waveform equal to a peak frequency using a low-intensity focused ultrasound stimulator (FUS) A computer-readable recording medium on which a program is recorded.
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of causing the tuning,
A computer-readable recording medium in which a computer program is recorded, for performing a method for enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning, characterized in that a frequency is generated in a brain part of a subject in charge of a specific cognitive function.
According to claim 1, The step of implementing the cognitive task,
Performing a method for enhancing cognitive function based on unique cognitive frequency tuning for each individual, wherein the first cognitive task related to the first cognitive function and the second cognitive task related to the second cognitive function different from the first cognitive function are respectively executed. A computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program is recorded.
The method of claim 7, wherein the step of setting the unique recognition frequency for each individual,
Personalized cognitive, characterized in that the personalized cognitive frequency set through the implementation of the first cognitive task is set to the first natural frequency, and the personalized cognitive frequency set through the implementation of the second cognitive task is set to the second natural frequency. A computer-readable recording medium in which a computer program is recorded, for performing a method for enhancing frequency-tuning-based cognitive function.
The method of claim 7, wherein the step of causing the tuning,
To perform a method for enhancing personal cognitive frequency tuning-based cognitive function, characterized in that the first natural frequency and the second natural frequency having different frequencies are simultaneously fusion-tuned with the brainwaves of the subject, read by a computer recorded with a computer program Possible recording media.
According to claim 1, The step of implementing the cognitive task,
A computer-readable recording medium in which a computer program is recorded, for performing a method for enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning, characterized in that a cognitive task in which a plurality of cognitive functions are fused is implemented.
According to claim 1,
Reading by a computer recorded with a computer program for performing a method for enhancing cognitive function based on individual cognitive frequency tuning, characterized in that it further comprises the step of performing a non-invasive nerve stimulation on the subject's brain through the frequency causing the tuning. Possible recording media.
delete A cognitive task enforcement unit that enforces a cognitive task related to a specific cognitive function to a subject;
An EEG measuring unit for measuring the EEG of a subject who is performing a cognitive task;
EEG spectrum analysis unit for analyzing the power spectrum of the measured subject's EEG by frequency;
A frequency setting unit that sets a peak frequency having the largest amplitude value in each frequency band of the analyzed power spectrum as an individual cognitive frequency (ICF) of a subject performing a cognitive task; And
A device for improving cognitive function based on personal cognitive frequency tuning, including a frequency tuning unit that generates a waveform identical to a peak frequency set as a personal cognitive frequency to induce EEG and resonance of a subject related to a specific cognitive function.

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