KR20030021585A - Wireless apparatus and method for biofeedback-based training of internally focused attention and mental concentration skills of sportsman - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A wireless system and a control method are provided to improve the electroencephalogram activity and characteristics of a heart beat by supplying information about continuously changeful brain waves and heart beat activity in a form of visual and hearing stimulation. CONSTITUTION: A head band(2) is provided with a plurality of electrodes and positioned on a scalp(1) of a user. A minute electroencephalogram signal is detected by the electrodes of the head band(2). A heart rate signal is detected by a photoplethysmogram sensor(4) that is attached on an earlobe of the user. The minute electroencephalogram signal and the heart rate signal are modulated and transmitted through an antenna(6) of a head-mounted input unit(3). A pressure signal, which is generated when the user pulls a trigger(5) of a gun, is transmitted to the input unit(3). The input unit(3) transfers the signals to a computer(10). The computer(10) analyzes the signals to provide the analyzed data.

Description

Wireless system and method for biofeedback-based training of internally focused attention and mental concentration skills of sportsman

The present invention relates to a wireless device and method for mental concentration training of athletes using the biofeedback principle. That is, the present invention is based on the electroencephalogram parameters derived by real-time spectral analysis of electroencephalogram (hereinafter referred to as EEG) and heart rate parameters derived by real-time spectral analysis of photoplethysmogram (hereinafter referred to as PPG). The present invention relates to a wireless system and a method using a spread spectrum transmission technique for achieving the performance of biofeedback training by improving the focused attention of the apparatus. In particular, the proposed implementation involves all aspects of athletic activities aimed at intentionally inducing athletes to focus attention and improve performance by using biofeedback training during actual or simulated shooting practice in addition to archery or golf putting. Useful for data.

Biofeedback uses this feedback information to provide users with information about their physiological activity status in real time, allowing them to change their physiological activity in the intended direction and to compensate for changes as required. It is a technique to learn self-regulation.

The biofeedback technique measures, in real time, the selected target parameters of the PPG activity, such as the acquisition and processing of selected physiological activities such as pulse waves recorded by the PPG, and the heart rate (hereinafter referred to as HR). It includes a method of providing the user in the form of a related auditory stimulus. When the target parameter reaches a predefined threshold level (or threshold), a feedback signal is generated to compensate the user. For example, if you are training to change HR to reduce HR per minute, first set the HR training threshold to 70 per minute. When HR is currently reduced from 75 to 70, an auditory signal is generated to provide compensation for reaching the target.

Neurofeedback is a physiological activity that uses the user's EEG and selects parameters of the EEG activity, such as the spectral power of a particular bandwidth, derived by the Fast Fourier Transformation (hereinafter called FFT). Refers to the technique used. EEG is recorded by electrodes attached to the appropriate scalp region with bioelectric activity produced by the brain (peak-to-peak amplitude of 1-100 μV in the frequency range of approximately 0.5 to 40 Hz). Sensors, or, in more precise terms, multiple EEG electrodes, are attached to the scalp to record continuous, spontaneous or induced bioelectric activity produced by the internal cerebral cortex.

Many cognitive and other mental processes (eg, attention) that occur in the cortex have been found to be associated with specific bioelectric cortical activity. There are various amplitude and frequency parameters that define the EEG characteristics, and FFT analysis is one of the most common analytical methods for evaluating EEG activity at defined bandwidths.

Frequently, there are four EEG frequency bands: beta rhythms (above 13.0-40.0 Hz), alpha rhythms (8.0-12.0 Hz), theta rhythms (4.0-8.0 Hz), and delta rhythms (0.5-4.0 Hz). In modern psychophysiology, however, these four bands are further subdivided into slow theta (4.0-6.0 Hz) and fast theta (6.0-8.0 Hz), slow alpha (8.0-10.0 Hz) and fast alpha (10.0-13.0 Hz), slow Beta (13.0-20.0 Hz) and fast beta (20.0-35.0 Hz), especially those within the beta band (e.g. 18.0-22.0 Hz), and even higher frequency bands (e.g. gamma, 36.0-42.0 Hz). do. According to this modern concept, narrow bands of EEG activity in units of 1 Hz are functional in themselves and can be more precisely and deeply correlated with mental states.

It is known that mental state control can also be achieved by neurofeedback training. Many other biofeedback methods for mental state control have been proposed. An example of applying a narrow band EEG for neurofeedback is described in US Pat. No. 5,406,957.

However, the present invention relates to neurofeedback methods applied in the prior art for the purpose of attention training. Several other devices and neurofeedback methods used EEG activity to review the user's attention level and attempted EEG training to improve attention. U.S. Patent No. 5,377,100 discloses a method for improving the attention of people. The method was to correlate the user's attention level with the difficulty of the video game program using a host computer, a video game program using a joystick, and EEG detection hardware. U. S. Patent No. 5,447, 166 proposes a neurocognitive adaptive computer interface system that monitors EEG signals and the user's body response and uses these results to respond to changing computer programs. Here, the computer neural network calculated a combination of EEG signals and other physiological variables that characterized the user's level of attention. In particular, the theta (4.0-8.0 Hz) band intensity of EEG increased when performing more challenging tasks, which were presumed to be related to the cognitive state of focus attention. The relationship between attention and theta bands has also been suggested in other studies (Misutani M. et al. The frontal midline theta rhythm related with an attentive state. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology 61, 1985, S141). The mental concentration index, measured by the spectral power of alpha activity, is described in US Pat. No. 5,460,184. U. S. Patent No. 5,983, 129 also presents a method of determining the intensity of focus attention and integrating it into a computer game program. Here, EEG signals recorded from the frontal lobe were used as signals representing the individual's focus attention and input as control parameters of computer video games.

However, in the art of conventional biofeedback devices, appropriate techniques related to focus attention for initiating self-regulating behavior in sports, such as triggering a trigger in a shot, firing an arrow in archery, or putting in golf, are appropriate. The feedback of the EEG and HR parameters was not used simultaneously to select the timing.

Attention is defined as the act of mentally focusing on an object, accident, or event. A mental effort to focus and focus on a task with intentional purpose is a very important skill for athletes. Attention control is necessary for successful performance in a wide range of sporting activities. The ability to stay alert and effectively transition from attention to relaxation is important in a variety of athletic challenges. While there are types of task demands that require the task to be continued while focusing and maintaining external clues, other types of tasks that require focusing on the internal clues needed during the time to prepare delicate and sophisticated motor activities. Where it is closely related to the present invention.

For elite athletes, the psychological nature of optimal performance is often described as highly concentrated without effort. New athletes without much practice and training experience in sports generally demonstrate a high level of mental effort during the training process to acquire athletic skills. EEG patterns of high-level professional athletes perform visual-exercise performances such as shooting (Harfield, et al., 1984, 1987), archery (Landers, et al., 1991), and golf putting (Crews & Landers, 1993). In the self-regulated exercise task, less activation of the left hemisphere was observed during the aiming phase (when increased in alpha power).

When performing well in self-regulating aiming tasks involving space-time and motor muscle coordination, relatively large alpha powers were generated in the left hemisphere and alpha power was maintained in the right hemisphere. The difference in alpha power between these two hemispheres often occurs mainly in the temporal cortical region (T3 and T4 positions according to the 10/20 international standard framework). In general, elite shooters are characterized by less overall EEG activation in both hemispheres during the target aiming period for triggering, and predominantly increasing alpha power in the left hemisphere temporal lobe during target aiming prior to triggering.

Salazar et al. (1990) recorded EEG at various stages before archery players entering the station and aiming just before firing arrows showed that EEG changes in the right hemisphere were not significant, but EEG changes in the left hemisphere were 10.0 Hz and It was reported that the power at 12.0 Hz (eg, fast alpha band) increased significantly with time. Crews and Landers (1993) asked an experienced golfer to perform 40 putts and, after each putt, measured the EEG spectral power over three periods of 1 second until immediately before putting. The left hemisphere alpha increased significantly during the last 3 seconds, while no significant change occurred in the right hemisphere.

Summarizing the results of the studies applied to the different sports techniques (shooting, archery, and golf putting) for the three sports mentioned above, the movement immediately before the subject performed the relevant exercise behavior (trigger pulling, arrow firing, putting) EEG recorded during the absence period (1-5 seconds) increased alpha activity in the left hemisphere, precisely the left temporal lobe, immediately in the execution of the action, and in some cases even in the right hemisphere. Although alpha changes do not necessarily have to be significant, studies related to target aiming tasks indicate that such EEG changes consistently occur immediately before execution of motor activity (Shaw JC Intention as a Component of the Alpha-rhythm Response to Mental Activity. International Journal of Psychophysiology , 24, 1996, 7-23).

Furthermore, Landers et al. (1991) validated the effect of neurofeedback on elite archers, found that the performance of athletes with feedback conditions improved, and that the left hemisphere alpha increased. Shaw (1996) notes that this change in EEG activity is due to intention or internal attention because attention must be focused on developing an internal action plan to execute the action just before the relevant exercise action. Interpreted A common feature of target aiming tasks is that with the eyes open, the final action is ballistic movement. That is, just before starting the exercise, there is feedback control of the exercise (trigger pull) based on environmental information (eg, the position of the 'pilot'). Another feature of this task is that the movement of the actor is stopped just before the final act is put into action. According to Mullholland (1995), stopping behavior is associated with stopping the motor process, reducing irrelevant movement, and increasing slower tuning of EEG activity in the 5.0-15.0 Hz range.

What has been said so far is that biofeedback training can be a useful aid in the field of sports involving goal aiming (eg, consisting of both time-space and athletic tasks), and is therefore required in sports such as shooting, archery, and golf. It is effective in developing skills that can be used (such as attention, internal attention to action plans, immobility prior to precise ballistic movements, etc.) and, in turn, can be applied to ensure that athletes in these sports areas perform optimally.

An in-depth assessment of the development of cognitive processes and cognitive interference for better performance in sports psychophysiology can be achieved by subdividing and examining the EEG spectrum. For example, Smith et al. (1999) found that theta bands can be divided into sleepiness-related components (4.0-5.0 Hz) and attention-related components (6.0-8.0 Hz). Furthermore, total alpha activity can be divided into low frequency components (8.0–9.0 Hz) associated with generalized arousal and high frequency components (10.0–12.0 Hz) associated with task-specific attention needs (Smith M, E, et al, Neurophysiological indices of strategy development and skill acquisition.Cognitive Brain Research, 7, 1999, 389-404).

A series of studies has shown that in some static sports (golf, shooting, archery, etc.), the performance of elite athletes consistently increases alpha activity, especially in the left hemisphere. Landers et al. Conducted a study evaluating EEG patterns primarily related to the role of attention in golf putting and archery, while applying neurofeedback to performance enhancement in sports where critical attention control techniques are critical for optimal performance. (Crews D. ＆ Landers D. Electroencephalographic Measures of Attentional Patterns Prior to the Golf Putt.Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise , 25, 1993, 116-126; Landers DM et al., The Influence of Electrocortical Biofeedback) on Performance in Pre-elite Archers.Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise , 23, 1991, 123-129).

The cardiovascular response index is also known in the art with regard to attention state in sports. Tremayne and Barry (2001) studied the physiological activity patterns of elite pistol shooters and found that HR levels gradually decreased just before the trigger and increased immediately after the trigger, but this tendency was not observed in the new shooters. This difference is explained by the difference in techniques that narrow the attention. Cardiovascular reduction data suggests that professional shooters enter prominent focus attention states for 5-10 seconds prior to triggering (Tremayne P. & Barry R. J Ellite Pistol Shooters: Physiological Patterning of Best vs. Worst Shots.Inernational Journal Psycho-physiology , 41, 2001, 19-29).

In another study (Konttinen N. & Lytinen, H. Physiology of Preparation: Brain Slow Waves, Heart Rate, and Respiration Preceeding Triggering in Rifle Shooting.International J. Sport Psychology , 23, 1992, 110-127) Athletes said HR levels were significantly reduced during the trigger preparation period. Salazar et al. (1990) found that HR levels decreased while archers were focusing on targets and pulling arrows, compared to when archers were in a relaxed state. Considered as an index for. Landers et al. (1994) also supported this interpretation by obtaining a significant decrease in cardiovascular response in archery players just before launch. Other studies have also reported a decrease in HR just before firing at shooting or just before firing at archery (Helin et al., 1987; Wang & Landers, 1986). Similar results have been reported for golf, a sports sector that shares the characteristics of self-directed behavioral execution.

Boutcher and Zinssen (1990) found that HR was significantly reduced during the 3-7 seconds immediately before putting a golf. The greater the decrease in the HR level was performing better putter, increased levels of HR was associated with poorly performing putt (Boutcher S. H, & Zinsser N. W, Cardiac Deceleration of Elite and Beginning Golfers During Putting. J. Sport Exercise Psychology , 12, 1990, 37-47; Crews D. & Landers, D. Electroencephalographic Measures of Attentional Patterns Prior to the Golf Putt.Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise , 25, 1993, 116-126).

Cardiovascular response reduction can be used as an index of attention (Jennings, 1986) when there are no major physical needs such as golf putting, shooting triggers, etc. in preparation for any static sport. In general, research data show that applied psychophysiological methods can be useful in sports psychology because complex cognitive and perceptual processes are involved in improving the performance of elite athletes.

However, no study has simultaneously monitored attention-related EEGs and cardiovascular indices in the sports sectors mentioned above, and biographies that use both EEG and HR parameters to improve sports performance by improving focus attention in these sports activities. No feedback training was applied. Only attempts were made by Landers et al. (1991), but were limited to EEG biofeedback aimed at improving the performance of low-level archery players.

An HR monitor with a “Polar” (Finland) wireless monitor was also used with the Noptel (Finland) optical fire training system (US Pat. No. 4,450,843). However, it does not have an EEG monitoring device and typical biofeedback features, so it can be considered as an additional monitoring device to assist the fire training system rather than an active biofeedback based training device for cognitive or mental states for performance improvement. . Moreover, the sensor of the "Polar" wireless HR monitor is attached to the chest, which is inconvenient for some sports applications. Other shooting or shooting game devices described in US Pat. Nos. 5,281,142, 5,366,299, 5,716,216, and 6,257,893 have no physiological monitoring method.

Radio frequency (hereinafter referred to as RF) transmission based data acquisition systems are well known in the art. The main problem in the application of this technology to the biomedical and sports sectors is that there are many sources of RF interference and it is difficult to meet local regulations for transmission power and frequency bands. U. S. Patent No. 5,755, 230 describes an RF signal transmitter for monitoring physiological signals, in particular EEG. Another wireless device for transmitting EEG using a single channel is shown in US Pat. No. 6,001,065. However, these systems are known to be susceptible to noise interference. One example of a wireless communication system using a more advanced spread spectrum transmission technique is shown in US Pat. No. 5,077,753. Since spread spectrum wireless transmission technique is known to be relatively less affected by noise interference, it is an important development for RF transmission of physiological signals. U.S. Patent No. 5,617,871 uses a spread spectrum transmission technique to transmit a physiological signal, ie an electrocardiogram, from a patient to a display analysis device, whereby multi-channel physiological signals are transmitted over a predefined bandwidth and detection of the transmitted physiological signals. It describes how to reduce interference caused by The use of a spread spectrum system can efficiently transmit more physiological signals while reducing the effects of interference or noise. Although the spread spectrum RF transmission technique provides sufficient immunity from such interference effects, the spread spectrum wireless transmission technique has not yet been applied to real-time EEG and HR monitoring or biofeedback in the prior art.

Therefore, with the necessity of applying a wireless device that minimizes noise or interference existing in a conventional wireless communication system, various signals for reliable wireless transmission of more signals, that is, EEG and HR data, than those used in a conventional spread spectrum system. There is a need to apply spread spectrum techniques that can be applied to physiological signal monitoring and biofeedback systems.

Although the methods and systems mentioned above are directed to real-time analysis of EEG signals and other physiological parameters used in biofeedback, including training to improve the user's attention, shooting and other static sports (archery, golf, etc.) Improve athletes' performance by analyzing EEG and HR parameters in real time, and monitoring the analyzed condition to assist focused attention training in order to improve the state of intentional attention when performing time-space tasks such as aiming. There are no devices and methods for implementing EEG and HR-based spread spectrum wireless transmission biofeedback systems.

The prior art also has limitations in many respects. US Pat. No. 6,097,981 describes a wireless device and method for EEG-based biofeedback, but uses an infrared transmission technique, which has also been applied only to games for attention. The main disadvantage of the infrared transmission method is that the efficiency of the optical transmitter and receiver is low, and a straight path without obstacles between the transmitter and the receiver should be secured.

Some examples of the prior art actually have objective design characteristics known to limit EEG control (e.g., only one channel, the frontal or parietal EEG region, or only one bandwidth using alpha or beta), No system has been presented in which both EEG and cardiovascular parameters are used simultaneously for biofeedback training to improve attention.

Accordingly, the present invention recognizes these problems, and has made important improvements and developments not seen in the prior art. That is, the present invention implements a complete dual wireless transmission device powered by a battery that allows a user to wirelessly connect to a computer while ensuring electrical stability. The spread spectrum technique also minimizes the effects of noise and interference from other radio sources. The present invention provides audiovisual feedback data for real-time monitoring of EEG and HR parameters related to focus attention and makes it possible to compare it with relevant sports performance results (eg, shooting scores).

The present invention relates to a system and method for improving sports performance, such as shooting or archery, where mental concentration is of great importance using biofeedback assisted training procedures for attention enhancement. To this end, the present invention is a wireless EEG and HR signal detection device and feedback as a means for training to change the mental state including internally focused attention through biofeedback training based on changes in the spectral characteristics of the EEG pattern and HR The purpose is to implement the method.

First, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for training a user to change EEG and HR parameters in accordance with biofeedback for the purpose of influencing attention conditions. In particular, feedback on both EEG and HR parameters and actual sports performance results in sports areas that require focusing attention in the floating state prior to executing athletic activities, such as aiming at shooting and archery players and preparing for putting golfers. It is an important goal to compensate the attention of athletes by providing information.

It is another object of the present invention to allow athletes to reach and maintain a focused attention level for a predefined time period (e.g. aiming) for the purpose of improving performance in a task that requires an internally focused optimal attention level. It is. To this end, the present invention has developed a physiological input signal stage that can be used both indoors and outdoors, is lightweight, wireless, and can be comfortably mounted on the head. In the wireless RF transmission according to the present invention, a spread spectrum wireless transmission technique is applied for reliable RF transmission of EEG and HR signals.

1A is a view illustrating a usage environment of a wireless system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1B illustrates another biofeedback system implementation environment in accordance with the present invention.

2 illustrates a headband in which multiple electrodes are arranged for detecting EEG and HR signals according to the present invention.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wireless biofeedback training system according to the present invention.

4 is a flow chart for data processing of the wireless biofeedback training system of the present invention.

5 is a flow chart for a wireless biofeedback training process in accordance with the present invention.

6 illustrates visual feedback on a computer screen presented during execution of a shooter's mental focus training method in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates feedback provided on an LCD of a portable device during execution of an athlete's mental concentration training method in another implementation in accordance with the present invention.

As noted above, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for improving the focus attention of athletes active in the field of static sports, such as shooting, archery, and golf putting, wherein the EEG activity from at least two scalp locations. It consists of methods and devices for HR signal detection, preprocessing, wireless RF transmission, and real-time analysis and monitoring from PPG sensors located in and over the earlobe.

The present application, as well as the preferred embodiment, further objects and effects can be more clearly understood through the following description of the invention and the description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1a schematically shows the use environment of the wireless biofeedback system for the focus attention training for shooting athletes in one embodiment according to the present invention. 1A shows a headband 2 with multiple electrodes attached to the user's scalp 1, with tens of microvolts from a standard brain position (international 10/20 system) via the active electrodes of the headband 2. The HR signal is obtained from the fine EEG signal of and the PPG sensor 4 attached to the earlobe. The signals detected by properly configured electrodes, ie EEG and HR, are conditioned. This conditioning usually means amplification, analog filtering, analog-to-digital conversion, and digital preprocessing. It is then modulated to a radio frequency (RF) and transmitted via an antenna 6 included in the head-mounted input device 3.

The user's finger is placed on the trigger 5 of the gun so that the pressure signal generated when the trigger is pulled is transmitted to the input device 3 by the short range radio transmitter. The receiving device 9 receives the RF signal transmitted from the input device via the antenna 8 and transmits it to the computer 10, which analyzes the data. The analyzed result is displayed on the computer monitor 11. In the proposed implementation, the user can also monitor the data analyzed in the computer via the head-mounted visual feedback monitor means 7.

Figure 1b shows yet another outdoor use environment of the wireless biofeedback system for training the focus attention of the shooter according to another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to that described in FIG. 1A, the user 1 wears a headband 2 with an array of multiple electrodes to which the input device 3 is attached and places a finger on the trigger 5. In the proposed implementation, the user can monitor the physiological activity and shooting results through the screen 11 of the computer 10 and can also use the audiovisual device 12 having the display 13 and the speaker 14. The device 12 may be a type of wireless personal digital assistant, such as a PDA, and may be useful outdoors.

Figure 2 shows a headband in which multiple electrodes are arranged for the recording of EEG and HR according to the present invention. In the raised embodiment, the EEG can be recorded by monopolar montage. Unipolar induction for EEG recording involves placing one active electrode in the scalp region of interest, and another electrode (eg M1), called the reference electrode, in an inactive region (eg both earlobe or papillary) to signal between the two positions. Analyze the difference. In the proposed implementation, the ledge is used as a reference area. That is, the signal difference between the left temporal lobe region T3 and the left papillary region M1 is analyzed with the forehead center region Fpz as the ground. The pulse wave detected by the normal PPG sensor located in the left earlobe was used as the HR signal.

3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a system for executing a wireless biofeedback training method for improving the attentional attention of the athlete according to the present invention. That is, according to the present invention, the EEG is detected from the left temporal lobe region T3 of the headband 2 (T3, the left black point position of the headband in the figure) by the unipolar induction method, with the left papillary region of the user 1 as a reference position. The typical implementation of the input device 3, the receiving device 9, and the feedback device 10, which detects HR via the PPG sensor 4 of the left ear ball, conditions and transmits the detected signal.

The electrode leads 15 mounted on the headband 2 are connected to the communication switching circuit 16 of the signal conditioning and transmission device 3. The conditioning and transmission device 3 is a detachable handheld device capable of continuously acquiring, processing and transmitting EEG and PPG signals. Power is supplied by an 8V DC Li-ion rechargeable battery 29 similar to that used in cell phones. For the safety of the user, the battery can only be recharged when the input device 3 is disconnected from the headband 2.

The electrode leads 15 of the EEG and HR signals are connected to the input preamplifier 18A and the amplifier 18 through the switching circuit 16. The amplifiers 18 and 18A and the band filters 19 and 19A are part of the analog signal conditioning method 17 of the input device 3. Input amplifiers 18 and 18A must have an analog bandwidth of at least 0.5-50.0 Hz and are designed to have high gain and low noise characteristics. In the proposed implementation, the input preamplifier 18A provides an initial gain of at least 100 over the electrode signal, while the bandpass filter 19A has a bandpass characteristic of about 0.5-45.0 Hz. The signal of the EEG channel is input to the full-scale amplifier 20 before being converted into a digital signal through a low pass filter to prevent an aliasing effect. The PPG signal may be amplified 18 and filtered 19, conditioned, and may include additional circuitry 21 for the purpose of providing gain control circuitry necessary for reliable digital signal processing for HR potential. Both the EEG and PPG signals conditioned by the analog method are input to an analog-to-digital converter (hereinafter referred to as an ADC) (23, 24), and the digitized signal is a low power microcontroller that provides digital conditioning. 25). The microcontroller 25 may be a digital processor. The signals conditioned in the microcontroller 25 are RF modulated and spread in the frequency spread spectrum transmitter 31 and then input to the antenna 6 for RF transmission. In the implementation presented, the sampling rate is typically 120 Hz, and the resolution of the ADCs 23 and 24 is 8 bits or more, providing sufficient dynamic range to require gain control in the input amplifier. I never do that.

The electrodes for EEG recording are made of metal (gold / gold plated, silver / silver plated) and mounted in snap connection on the inner side of the headband 2. To maintain low impedance, special conductive adhesives (eg TEN20, Weaver & Co.) or EEG electrode creams (eg EC2, Grass Instruments) are used on the electrode surface. Generally, the entire inner space of the electrode is completely filled with electrode adhesive / cream. It is also desirable to use a special polishing gel (eg Nuprep, Weaver & Co.) to pretreat the skin where the electrode is to be located.

Before the EEG signal is obtained, the microcontroller 25 operates an impedance check circuit 27 to measure the amplitude and impedance of the signals input through the switching circuit 16 from each electrode to determine the electrode impedance located on the subject's scalp. The goodness of fit is calculated. In general, the electrode impedance should be kept below 10 kΩ. If the electrode impedance exceeds this tolerance level, a red warning light is displayed on the LED device 26, and a green light is displayed if the electrode impedance is less than 10 kΩ. The operation of the electrode impedance check program allows the active electrode input signal of each channel to be converted to a fixed square wave signal source, reducing the gain. In another implementation, the output signal of each channel can also be measured by the software of the microcontroller 25 and the appropriate LED 26 to correspond to several divided impedance values within the impedance scale range of 1-50 kΩ. By selecting and displaying the number of electrodes, the electrode impedance can be displayed more precisely.

The event recorder 5 mounts a piezoelectric sensor on the trigger so that a pressure signal generated when the subject's finger is triggered for triggering is triggered through the antenna 5A of the low power radio transmitter. 28 to antenna 28A. The event occurrence signal thus transmitted is input to the microcontroller 25 and transmitted via the spread spectrum transmission device 31 together with the EEG and PPG signals.

During the data acquisition, the raised device will continuously acquire the EEG signal from the subject's scalp for analysis. The microcontroller 25 analyzes the quantified values, and the quantified values are encoded for radio frequency modulation and transmission in the RF spread spectrum transmission device 31. The data are arranged in such a way that at least data coming from the generation recording channel can be transmitted via the antenna 6.

Input transmission device 22 with microcontroller 25 provides a conditional signal in three channels. In the proposed implementation, the spread spectrum transmission scheme was selected as the RF transmission scheme. Spreading techniques spread the transmitted RF signal over a wider frequency band than the minimum bandwidth required to transmit information. In the present invention, a frequency hopping spread spread (FH-SS) technique is used for data transmission. In the FH-SS system, the carrier frequency of the transmitter generated by the frequency synthesizer is changed according to the pseudorandom noise (PN) code string generator. The preset algorithm is used to keep in sync with the receiver when the transmitter jumps to the set frequency pattern. Demodulation of the SS signal is first despread in the receiver, and then demodulation of the digital signal is performed. The most important feature of SS RF transmission is the low density power spectrum for interference cancellation, anti-jamming and signal concealment.

In the proposed implementation, data transmission uses frequencies in the 902-928 MHz ISM unlicensed band, which is commonly used in short-range SS remote transmission, and may use another frequency band (2.4-2.4835 GHz). Output power is less than 10 mW (preferably less than 1 mW). In the proposed implementation, the FH-SS transceiver module 30 generates PN code generation for frequency shift keying (FSK), voltage crystal oscillator (VCO), spreading and despreading mixers. Includes a special spread spectrum processor to control.

In the proposed implementation, RF transmission is full duplex. In other words, the FH-SS RF transceiver 30 of the input device 3 also receives an RF signal via the antenna 6. The received signal is amplified, demodulated, and despread in the SS receiver 32, and then manipulated by the microcontroller 33 to provide feedback information via the head mounted LCD screen 7 and the loudspeaker 34. Used.

Data transmitted from the input device 3 via the antenna 6 is received by the antenna 8 of the RF transceiver 9 and via a serial communication cable 40 connected to the serial port control device 39. Is connected to the serial communication port. In the proposed implementation, the RF transceiver 9 consists of an SS transceiver 36, 37, a microcontroller 38, a serial communication port control device 39, and an antenna 8. The RF transceiver 9 is a transceiver rather than a receiver because the RF transceiver 9 has full-duplex spread spectrum RF communication means, more accurately the spread spectrum receiver 36 and the transmitter 37. Thus, as described above, the RF signal transmitted through the antenna 8 can be received by the antenna 6 of the input device 3, and after the demodulation the feedback of the microcontroller 33 of the input device 3. It can be used for additional operational control, such as providing information.

In the present invention, the RF transceiver 9 uses a modulation / demodulation method of a spread spectrum technique. The SS receiver 36 receives the RF signal transmitted from the antenna 6 of the input device 3 via the antenna 8. The decoded data is input to the microcontroller 38. The microcontroller 38 encodes the EEG, PPG, and event occurrence signals in a serial format (39) and transmits the data to the computer 10 via a serial cable 40 connected to the serial communication port of the computer 10. . However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it can be used in a manner similar to other methods other than the serial communication method (eg, USB).

Figure 4 shows a flow chart for data processing of the wireless biofeedback training system of the present invention. After the system is activated (101), a signal is detected (102) and the microcontroller (25 in FIG. 3) checks whether the impedance of each electrode exceeds 10 kΩ. If the LED indicator (26 in FIG. 3) attached to the front panel of the input device indicates that it exceeds 10 kΩ (e.g., red light), it will first readjust the attachment position of the electrode showing the high impedance value and still If the impedance value is high, more conductive adhesive or cream is used on the electrode face to improve contact with the scalp.

In the signal conditioning step 103, the EEG / PPG signals are amplified and filtered by an analog circuit, and the filtered EEG signal is re-amplified before the analog-to-digital conversion 104 is performed. In a next step 105 the EEG / PPG signals are modulated, spread and encoded into RF frequency signals and transmitted to the receiver 106. The transmitted RF signal is demodulated and despread at the receiver 107 and RF noise filtering 108 is performed. The noise canceled RF signal is amplified and encoded 109 for serial connection with a serial communication port of a computer.

The computer performs FFT analysis on the EEG signal in real time and calculates the HR from the PPG signal and a parameter describing the power or ratio of the predetermined EEG band (110). The computer program performs calculations for the relative power of theta (6.0-8.0 Hz), alpha (10.0-12.0 Hz), beta (18.0-22.0 Hz), and HR components, and plots the values of each parameter in the form of a chart or graph. It is displayed on the monitor (111), and the data is held in a circular queue for a predetermined time. If no triggering event occurs, the process returns to step 102 where data processing is repeated. If a trigger event (eg, a signal from an event generator (5 in FIG. 3)) occurs (112), the EEG and HR data up to 5 seconds before the event is stored and the EEG / HR parameter values are displayed on a visual feedback display monitor (113). Once the target score (eg, shooting score) is obtained (114), the performance result is presented in another visual display window along with the EEG / HR parameter (115), and the user can compare the performance score with the EEG / HR data. . In a given implementation, EEG / HR and target score results may be generated by both visual and audio forms. The data is stored in the storage device of the computer (116) and the training process ends (117).

In the present invention related to the application of the shooting assistance training system, the EEG spectrum is characterized by fast theta (6.0-8.0 Hz), fast alpha (6) to assess cortical activity and mental concentration control during the aiming period defined as 5 seconds before the trigger. 10.0-12.0 Hz), and beta (18.0-22.0 Hz) band components are used. In the raised embodiment, the EEG is recorded by unipolar induction from the left temporal lobe T3 with the left papillary protrusion M1 as the reference electrode location, but in another embodiment the left frontal lobe F3 can be used in a similar manner. The ground electrode is located at the center of the forehead Fpz.

5 is a flow chart of mental intensive training procedure by wireless biofeedback during the firing aim period in a raised implementation in accordance with the present invention. When the training procedure is started 201, data for identifying the user and ID is input to the computer 202. After the user confirmation, the user attaches the EEG electrode and PPG sensor to the scalp and earlobe (203), detects the EEG and HR signals (204), and selects the type of target training session (205). The choice of training practice parameters (eg number of trials, type of shooting position, etc.) may be determined by the particular training environment (eg indoor or outdoor, type of arm used, target type, etc.) and other specific training requirements. At this stage, the display type and feedback method for the results can also be adjusted according to the training requirements. For example, auditory feedback may be more appropriate than visual feedback if auditory feedback is difficult to provide in actual shooting training, but only visual aiming shooting training practice with no shooting action is performed.

Once enforcement begins (206), all signals are recorded for a fixed time (207). The EEG / HR data is stored in a buffer and the average value of each parameter is calculated and stored for a predefined time (e.g., 5 seconds before or 10 seconds before the trigger) and stored (208). Considering this time as a preparation, the user is provided with real-time feedback on the level of continuous physiological parameters based on the data obtained during this time. The aimer is also adjusted by the user himself, and the user can compare the change of each parameter from the parameter average values calculated in step 208 (preparer). Data obtained during the aiming unit is analyzed and recorded (209). The results performed in step 209 are compared with the results analyzed in the preparer 208 (210).

Once the EEG and HR changes from the mean calculated in the prep to a predefined degree (eg 15%) in the required direction (eg increasing alpha and theta, decreasing beta and HR), the "mental concentration" level Information that a has been reached is fed back to the user and the user can use this information to determine when to trigger the trigger (211). When the trigger trigger event occurs, EEG and HR data recording is stopped (212). The series of data is scored through the computer's target result analysis method (213). Then, the analyzed EEG and HR data and target score results are displayed (214) for 5 seconds prior to the trigger, providing the user with an opportunity to compare the physiological data with the actual target score (215). In the next step 216, the user decides whether to continue the trial (216), and if it wants to continue the trial, returns to step 206 and repeats. In the next step 217, it is determined whether to continue the session, if it is desired to continue the session, go back to step 205 and repeat, otherwise terminate the training session (218).

The training session consists of conducting a predetermined number of self-regulating triggers within a predetermined time. In each trial, the EEG is stabilized during the preparation phase, and if the EEG is not subject to noise interference, the aimer is indicated by the recorder displayed on the monitor. The aimer has no time limit and is controlled by the triggering user.

The "mental concentration" control is driven by several EEG spectra and HR parameters. A brief summary of the EEG parameter control according to the proposed implementation is that in order to achieve a high score at the novice level, the user has to use the natural logarithm of the power of the left hemisphere, especially the left temporal lobe (T3), more precisely the fast alpha (10.0-12.0 Hz) power. (natural logarithm: ln) (ie μV ² ) should be increased while reducing the power of beta (18.0-22.0 Hz). Instead of algebra, any other mathematical method can be used, such as an integral calculation that evaluates the power of the band in the FFT data. Applying relative power to total spectral power rather than the absolute value of each selected EEG band is more suitable for the proposed implementation. At the advanced level, this includes an increase in fast theta (6.0-8.0 Hz) components in addition to the fast alpha and beta controls described earlier.

The HR parameter should be reduced just before the trigger. Better results (higher "mental concentration" index scores) can be obtained when the intended change in EEG and HR occurs 1-3 seconds before the trigger. Therefore, experienced users can control EEG parameters such as fast alpha, beta, and fast theta and HR in predetermined directions to achieve more effective training results. Thus, the EEG profile obtained during a successful “pointing shot” will be similar to the EEG pattern seen by an elite shooter aiming just before a successful shot.

Therefore, the objective of training in accordance with the proposed implementation is to reduce the overall activation of the right hemisphere, increase the alpha and theta power of the left hemisphere while aiming, and at the same time reduce the beta power and reduce HR compared to the preparatory stage. It is to reach the characteristic optimal shooting performance as seen in. This training task is characterized by a decrease in beta (18.0-22.0 Hz) and gamma (36.0-42.0) powers during the aiming period in the target trigger task, while alpha (10.0) in the left temporal lobe (T3) in professional shooters. -12.0 Hz) increases. According to Haufler et al. (2000), such EEG patterns are characterized by a highly relaxed focusing state typically seen by professional shooters (Haufner AJ et al. Neuro-cognitive Activity During a Self-Paced Visiospatial Task: Comparative EEG Profiles). in Marksmen and Novice Shooters, Biological Psychology , 53, 2000, 131-160).

FIG. 6 shows feedback information displayed on a high resolution monitor such as a desktop or portable computer for data obtained during mental concentration training performed by a shooting athlete in accordance with the present invention. In the posed implementation the physiological monitoring and biofeedback results are presented on the left 801 of the monitor 800 and the trigger results on the right 802.

User ID data is shown in the upper left 806 of the monitor. A chart showing the relative power values of the selected EEG bands and HR is shown in window 803 along with the time display 804 during execution, and a thick vertical line 805 is displayed in the window when a trigger trigger event occurs. . Data up to 5 seconds before the trigger trigger event is aiming data, and data up to 5 seconds before aiming are defined as preparation data, and the average data for each period is compared. Such comparison results are summarized in bold text at the bottom of the window 808. The mental concentration index (called "mental concentration index") is presented in the middle position 807 of the window. As already explained, the trigger triggering event is self-controlled by the user.

The right side 802 of the monitor shows the training time 812, the total score 811, the number of trials 810, and the target 809. If another type of firearm is selected and the training type is changed, the target data may be presented in another window and other graphics 814 and figures 813 and 815 may be displayed. A raised implementation for presenting training data on a monitor is described in relation to a facility where an athlete (eg, a shooter) can view a high resolution monitor.

FIG. 7 illustrates visual feedback information presented on a low resolution monitor, such as an LCD panel of a head-mounted LCD device or PDA device, as an alternative implementation for training the mental concentration of an athlete in accordance with the present invention. . Because of the limited graphics capacity of a portable (eg PDA) or head mounted LCD 900, information is presented in simple forms such as numerical values 904, 906, and 907 and a simple bar graph 903. In a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 6, EEG and HR related feedback is presented on the left side of the display 901, where the total target score 905, the number of trials, each trial score 906, and the trigger score 907 Presented at right side 902 of the display. The information presented to the user is calculated in real time for the relative power and HR of each selected EEG band (903, 904), mental concentration index value (908), and the total score (905) and the score obtained from each trial (906). Is limited to display minimal information about the target score 907, such as < RTI ID = 0.0 > The presentation of the total target score 905 and the EEG / HR data 904 are organically related to the occurrence of the triggered event.

The detailed description set forth above is intended to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and for the purpose of understanding. It is therefore intended to define the scope of the invention in the claims. Modifications and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various aspects of the disclosed implementations will be replaced in whole or in part. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing descriptions are merely illustrative by way of example, and are not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a biofeedback training apparatus and method using EEG and HR signals to improve the focus concentration of athletes engaged in static sports such as shooting, archery, and golf putting. The present invention includes apparatus and methods for acquiring, preprocessing, wireless RF transmission, real-time analysis and presentation of HR signals detected from EEG signals and earlobe-attached PPG sensors from at least two scalp areas.

The user's EEG and HR detected from the appropriate electrodes are transmitted to the computer via a wireless channel along with the event recording signal (eg trigger trigger). The noise-free EEG signal is analyzed in real time using the FFT. The analyzed EEG and HR activity parameters are used for biofeedback purposes and for real-time monitoring of mental states, especially focus attention. The present invention applies an effective wireless transmission scheme by using a spread spectrum technique that has not been seen in the prior art to implement a system for transmitting a biological signal.

In another implementation, a method is used to reach the inner focus attention state during target aiming prior to executing the intended action (eg, triggering) during the shooting training process. Focus attention is known to promote performance of athletes (eg, shooters). In the proposed implementation, the training task increases the spectral power of the fast component (10.0-12.0 Hz) of the alpha band in the left hemisphere temporal cortex (T3 region), while inducing the power and HR reduction of the beta-wave component (18.0-22.0 Hz). And additionally aims to increase theta wave component (6.0-8.0 Hz).

The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing a user with accurate feedback on the brain and physical state in which both the sports performance level and EEG and HR are simultaneously reflected, and can be used as a very useful training system in the field of static sports. In particular, the feature of the present invention is significant in that the biofeedback principle is applied as a concentration training method in the sports field by including a visual and audio output signal indicating the current physiological activity level and the relative change of the selected parameter. Another feature is the ability to more accurately reflect current activity levels by changing the output sound of the auditory signal. This feature provides immediate feedback to the user in order to maintain and improve at least the desired level of activity, resulting in greater mental concentration in time and space tasks, such as aiming, during shooting training, thereby leading to improved performance. Can be.

The feedback signal is presented in a typical form (eg bar graph, line graph, or visual display by charts or simple animation, and audio display). The important effect of the present invention is that the user is provided with this feedback information in real time, regardless of how the user obtains information about his or her exact behavior, to know the appropriate time to execute an action such as triggering an arrow or firing an arrow. to be. The present invention uses the biofeedback principle to allow the user to reach the attention state and to generate a target EEG pattern (e.g., increased spectral power of theta and fast alpha wave components, reduced spectral power of the beta band) and reduction of HR levels. This helps to improve performance.

In the proposed implementation, physiological monitoring and biofeedback using EEG and HR can be used to determine and reach an internally focused attention state to initiate a trigger while the user is performing a real shot or a shooting simulation system or shooting game practice. Used for. In addition to perceptual training for appropriate triggering times associated with mental concentration skills, the implementations raised can be very useful for improving the athlete's skills by being used as a new self-regulated training tool with the aid of a visual feedback system with a software interface. have. That is, it is possible to detect physiological instability such as anxiety, tension, over-activation state, etc. which negatively affects the desired trigger performance.

In addition, conventional shooting simulation training systems can be supplemented with the proposed system and method, and thus, both attention improvement training and shooting simulation training can be trained as part of such conventional shooting training. The process and apparatus according to the invention have many advantages. In particular, it will be very effective in achieving mental concentration during the aiming phase before executing the final act in shooting, archery, and golf putting.

Although the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, it is not intended to be limited to the form of the foregoing embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and modifications are possible. That is, although the shooting was selected as an embodiment of the present invention, the same principle can be applied to other sports fields (eg, archery, golf drive shots and putting, billiards, etc.). While the present invention has been selected and presented with reference to the above-described preferred embodiments to illustrate the best principles of the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. .

Claims (19)

Biosignal signal detecting means for detecting a brain potential signal from at least one scalp region of the user, a heartbeat signal from an earlobe, and a pressure signal from a finger position; Signal detecting means of the biological signal detecting means; A wireless system for concentration enhancement biofeedback training using the bio-signal parameters of the signal sensed by the sensing means in a two-way communication between the biological signal data processing and transmission means and the computer through the serial communication port of the computer by a wireless RF transmission method. The method of claim 1, wherein the biological signal detecting means An array of multiple electrode sensors for detecting at least one biosignal (EEG and HR) from the user's left hemisphere temporal lobe (T3), forehead (Fpz), earlobe (A1), Wireless system for concentration-enhancing biofeedback training using biosignal parameters consisting of a pressure sensor that detects a finger pressure signal. The electrode sensor array of claim 2, Wireless system for concentration-enhancing biofeedback training using biosignal parameters that can be applied monopolar induction for biosignal processing. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the wireless RF transmitter of the signal detected from the user's scalp and earlobe through the electrode sensor array includes at least one EEG signal, amplification, filtering, and A / D conversion of one HR signal. Short range wireless transmitting and receiving means of finger pressure signal, And a wireless system for concentration enhancement biofeedback training using biosignal parameters including electronic circuitry for spreading signal modulation of these signals. The bioenhanced biofeedback training according to claim 4, wherein the extraction of the biosignal from the appropriate scalp locations using a headband having a plurality of EEG and PPG electrodes is performed. For wireless systems. The apparatus for transmitting and receiving a bidirectional wireless RF signal of claim 1 Spread spectrum transmission and reception techniques for modulation and demodulation of at least one RF signal; Wireless system for enhanced concentration biofeedback training using biopotential signal parameters including FH-SS, DS-SS, PSK, FSK and AM, FM conversion means. The bidirectional wireless RF signal transmitting and receiving device of claim 6 A wireless system for concentration-enhancing biofeedback training that includes a device for sending encoded signals to a computer using a serial communication device and an interface for sending to a portable monitor using a microcontroller. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the wireless RF signal transmission and reception apparatus is Wireless system for concentration-enhancing biofeedback training, including LCD and monitor displays that provide feedback information with visual and auditory stimuli to indicate the user's current mental state (especially concentration) and performance results. The method of claim 8, wherein the analysis protocol for providing a feedback result, A wireless system for concentration enhancement biofeedback training using biosignal parameters comprising an algorithm that allows EEG and HR signals to be continuously stored and that signals are compared to predefined predefined EEG and HR patterns. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the analysis protocol is Measure the electrical activity of the user's brain and earlobe, Analyze the measured signal in real time, If an intended change is found through the analyzed electrical activity, a corresponding feedback signal is provided to induce the desired mental state, A wireless system for concentration enhancement biofeedback training using biosignal parameters characterized by inducing a user to maintain a desired level of electrical activity for a defined time period. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the protocol for concentration enhancing biofeedback training is A wireless system for enhanced concentration biofeedback training using biosignal parameters that can incorporate biofeedback training protocols that enhance the user's attention and concentration by providing the user with visual and auditory feedback about the current mental state. The method of claim 2, A headband comprising the multi-element electrode sensor array. The method of claim 12, The headband, Wireless system for concentration-enhancing biofeedback training using biosignal parameters consisting of ground and reference electrode sets positioned at the center of the forehead and the left mastoid. A biosignal detection step of detecting a bioelectrical signal from at least one scalp region of a user; A sensing step of sensing a signal of the biosignal detecting means; And a biosignal data transceiver using a wireless RF transmission method, and a biosignal parameter for transmitting and receiving a signal between a computer and a portable monitor. The method of claim 14, wherein the detecting of the biosignal is performed. A method for enhanced concentration biofeedback training using biosignal parameters comprising a multi-element electrode sensor array for detecting at least one bioelectrical signal from a user's forehead, left temporal lobe, earlobe, and finger. The electrode sensor array of claim 15, A method for concentration-enhancing biofeedback training using biosignal parameters that can be applied to monopolar induction for bioelectrical signal processing. The method of claim 15, wherein the protocol for concentration enhancement biofeedback training is: A method for enhanced concentration biofeedback training using biosignal parameters comprising a program in which EEG and HR signals are stored and compared to pre-stored EEG signals or normative databases from the same user. The method of claim 15, wherein the protocol for concentration enhancement biofeedback training is: Transmitting and receiving a spread spectrum signal by using a frequency shift keyed modulation (FSK) and a phase shift keyed signal (PSK); Separating processed EEG, HR and pressure signals according to a predetermined code sequence, and receiving encoded digital signals using digital signal processing means. . The method of claim 15, wherein the protocol for concentration enhancement biofeedback training is: Divide the time 10 seconds before the trigger event into 5 seconds to define the preparation and aiming, Real-time FFT analysis of bio signals obtained during preparation and aiming, A method for enhanced concentration biofeedback training using biosignal parameters that allow the results to be compared on a monitor with actual performance scores (target scores).