KR20220146772A - Non-invasive scalp-electrode-based electrical brain-stimulatory spatial-resolution augmenting high precision electrical brain-stimulatory device and method, and A computer-readable storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to non-invasive scalp electrode combination-based current brain stimulation spatial resolution enhancement high-precision current brain stimulation device and method, and a computer-readable medium. According to the present invention, the device comprises: an input unit for receiving the subject's brain image; a plurality of electrode modules capable of applying current stimulation to the subject's scalp; and a control unit in which a target point is identified based on the input brain image, one or more optimal electrode modules are selected according to the identified target point, the electrode module is stimulated based on stimulation parameters optimized to form a target electromagnetic field at the target point, and a current signal is output.

Description

Non-invasive scalp electrode combination-based current brain stimulation spatial resolution augmented high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus and method, and a computer-readable medium in which a computer program for providing the same is recorded; Non-invasive scalp-electrode-based electrical brain-stimulatory spatial -resolution augmenting high precision electrical brain-stimulatory device and method, and A computer-readable storage medium}

The present invention relates to a non-invasive scalp electrode combination-based current brain stimulation spatial resolution enhanced high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus and method, and a computer-readable medium, and more specifically, to a current stimulation at a location optimized based on individual MR brain images. A non-invasive scalp electrode combination-based current brain stimulation spatial resolution augmented high-precision current brain stimulation device that minimizes stimulation of other parts and provides optimal stimulation to a target point in the corresponding three-dimensional brain space and It relates to a method, a computer-readable medium.

Medical technology that deals with electricity has come a long way with advances in science and technology, and now "deep brain stimulation" is being used to treat tremor and Parkinson's disease.

However, low-cost, low-risk, non-invasive brain stimulation is in the spotlight for reasons such as micro-brain damage that inevitably occurs in the invasive process and the need for brain surgery.

Transcranial Current Stimulation (tCS) surgery includes transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS), transcranial Random Current Stimulation, tRCS) and the like.

Transcranial Current Stimulation (tCS) can be combined with drugs, and has a mechanism of treatment independent of drug treatment, so it is expected to improve symptoms by controlling brain regions. Clinical research cases are rapidly increasing in foreign countries such as the United States and Korea, and related research results are being actively reported.

tDCS is a technology that stimulates the brain using a direct current of a certain intensity. By placing an anode at the target to be stimulated and the cathode as a reference electrode to create a current circuit, neuronal activation is generally at the anode. , nerve inhibition occurs at the cathode.

tACS is a technology for inducing changes in brain vibrations using alternating current in the form of brain waves. It affects cognition, emotion, and behavior according to the stimulus frequency characteristics.

Conventional most tCS technologies consist of applying electrical stimulation at a fixed position on the scalp based on the 10-20 or 10-10 international standard system, which is a representative scalp electrode positioning system, so that it can be applied to the anatomically different brain shape for each individual. Accordingly, the location of electrical stimulation cannot be changed, and electrical stimulation can be applied only to the same location, so there is a limitation in that the effectiveness of brain stimulation is not great.

As a prior art, Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-2020-0023798 (brain stimulation device) has been disclosed.

In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a personalized brain stimulation paradigm by being able to apply current stimulation to an optimized position based on MR brain images that can obtain individual brain structures in three dimensions, and the existing electrode A non-invasive scalp electrode combination that minimizes stimulation to other areas and provides optimal stimulation to the corresponding target point by applying current stimulation so that a target electromagnetic field can be formed to an area where the combination cannot effectively affect An object of the present invention is to provide a high-precision electric current brain stimulation apparatus and method based on spatial resolution enhancement and a computer-readable medium.

In order to solve the above problems, a non-invasive scalp electrode combination-based current brain stimulation spatial resolution enhanced high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an input unit for receiving a brain image of a subject; A plurality of electrode modules capable of applying electric current stimulation to the subject's scalp and a target point are identified based on the input brain image, and one or more optimal electrode modules are selected according to the identified target point, and the target electromagnetic field at the target point It is possible to provide a high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus including a control unit for outputting a stimulation current signal to the electrode module based on the stimulation parameters optimized to form this.

Here, the electrode module may include a stimulation electrode for applying a current stimulation to the scalp by outputting a stimulation current signal from the controller, and a detection electrode for measuring an EEG signal according to the current stimulation.

In addition, the control unit may include: an image analysis unit for identifying a target point based on an individual brain image, and deriving and selecting an optimal electrode module according to the identified target point; A stimulation optimizing unit for deriving a stimulation current waveform using the stimulation parameters optimized to form a target electromagnetic field at the target point in the electrode module, and a current output unit for outputting the stimulation current signal to the electrode module according to the stimulation current waveform may include

In addition, the stimulation optimization unit controls the current stimulation to be applied from the electrode module through the current output unit, receives the EEG signal from the detection electrode, detects a natural frequency, and applies the detected natural frequency to the stimulation parameter. characterized.

In addition, the stimulation optimization unit is characterized in that it is determined whether a target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point by a simulation of the generation of an electromagnetic field in a three-dimensional space consisting of the output of the stimulation current signal to the electrode module.

In addition, the stimulus optimization unit obtains an electric field value E(r) applied to a predetermined position (r) through the electromagnetic field generated by the electrode module, and calculates the electromagnetic field distribution of the electrode module based on the obtained electric field value E(r) It is characterized in that it is determined whether a target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point by grasping it.

In addition, the stimulation optimizing unit is characterized in that the stimulation current signal output to the electrode module is changed by adjusting the stimulation parameter so that a target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point.

In addition, the high-precision current brain stimulation method using a high-precision current brain stimulation device for current brain stimulation spatial resolution enhancement based on a non-invasive scalp electrode combination according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for brain stimulation using a high-precision current brain stimulation device. brain image input step; a target point analysis step in which the controller identifies a target point based on the input brain image; An electrode selection step in which the control unit selects one or more optimal electrode modules according to the target point, and the control unit outputs a stimulation current signal to the electrode module based on the stimulation parameters optimized to form a target electromagnetic field at the target point It is possible to provide a high-precision current brain stimulation method including a stimulation control step.

In addition, the method further includes a stimulus adjustment step of determining whether a target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point by a simulation of generating an electromagnetic field in a three-dimensional space from the electrode module to which the stimulation current signal is output, wherein the stimulus adjustment step is performed at the target point It is characterized in that the stimulation current signal output to the electrode module is changed by adjusting the stimulation parameter so that a target electromagnetic field is formed.

In addition, it is possible to provide a computer-readable storage medium in which a computer program for providing a spatial resolution-enhanced high-precision current brain stimulation method based on a non-invasive scalp electrode combination according to an embodiment of the present invention is recorded.

As described above, in the non-invasive scalp electrode combination-based current brain stimulation spatial resolution-enhanced high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus and method, and computer-readable media have different brain shapes for each person, individual MR brain images By deriving an optimal target point based on , and applying current stimulation, it is possible to secure high spatial resolution for personal customization.

In this way, stimulation of other parts can be minimized and optimal stimulation can be given to the corresponding target area.

Accordingly, it is possible to secure an optimal treatment effect and minimize the cost of treatment.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus with spatial resolution enhancement for current brain stimulation based on a non-invasive scalp electrode combination according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 (a) and (b) are exemplary views showing the arrangement of the non-invasive scalp electrode combination-based current brain stimulation spatial resolution enhanced high-precision current brain stimulation device and electrode module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 (a) and (b) are exemplary views showing the bottom surface and the plane of the electrode module of the high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus for spatial resolution enhancement of current brain stimulation based on a non-invasive scalp electrode combination according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 (a) to (c) are exemplary views showing a state in which the electromagnetic field of the electrode modules is changed through the stimulus optimization unit of FIG. 1 to adjust the position of the central point of the electromagnetic field.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for high-precision current brain stimulation with enhanced spatial resolution of current brain stimulation based on a non-invasive scalp electrode combination according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for high-precision current brain stimulation with enhanced spatial resolution of current brain stimulation based on a non-invasive scalp electrode combination according to an embodiment of the present invention, further including a stimulation adjustment step;

Hereinafter, the description of the present invention with reference to the drawings is not limited to specific embodiments, and various modifications may be made and various embodiments may be provided. In addition, it should be understood that the content described below includes all transformations, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In the following description, terms such as 1st, 2nd, etc. are terms used to describe various components, meanings are not limited thereto, and are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components.

Like reference numbers used throughout this specification refer to like elements.

As used herein, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, terms such as "comprises", "comprises" or "have" described below are intended to designate that the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification exist. It should be construed as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In addition, terms such as “…unit”, “…group”, and “module” described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software. have.

In the present invention, the apparatus and method are preferably provided in a mobile communication terminal including a smart phone, a tablet, etc. communicating through a wireless communication network, but may also be provided in a terminal such as a computer communicating through a wired communication network. In the following description, the mobile communication terminal will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a non-invasive scalp electrode combination-based current brain stimulation spatial resolution enhanced high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus and method, and a computer-readable medium according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus with enhanced spatial resolution for current brain stimulation based on a non-invasive scalp electrode combination according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams of the present invention. A non-invasive scalp electrode combination-based current brain stimulation spatial resolution enhancement type high-precision current brain stimulation device according to an embodiment and an exemplary diagram illustrating the arrangement of an electrode module, (a) and (b) of FIG. 3 are an embodiment of the present invention It is an exemplary view showing the bottom surface and the plane of the electrode module of the current brain stimulation spatial resolution enhancement type high-precision current brain stimulation device based on the non-invasive scalp electrode combination according to the example, and FIGS. It is an exemplary view showing a state that the electromagnetic field of the electrode modules is changed through the stimulus optimization unit and the position of the central point of the electromagnetic field is adjusted.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the high-precision current brain stimulation device with spatial resolution enhanced current brain stimulation based on a non-invasive scalp electrode combination according to an embodiment of the present invention is based on individual brain images (MR images) because the shape of the brain is different for each person. to derive an optimal target point to apply current stimulation, and may include a storage unit (not shown), an input unit 1 , an electrode module 2 , and a control unit 3 .

On the other hand, the high-precision current brain stimulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed to be worn on the head in the shape of a cap (CAP), as shown in FIG. 2 , to apply current stimulation to the scalp of the subject through the electrode module 2 can

Such a high-precision current brain stimulation device may apply transcranial current stimulation (tCS) technology, and more preferably, transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) technology may be applied, but is not limited thereto. does not

In this case, in the high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus, the electrode module 2 may be arranged based on a 10-20 or 10-10 system, but is not limited thereto.

Specifically, the storage unit (not shown) may store all information handled in the high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus, such as the received brain image, stimulation parameter, target point, and stimulation current waveform.

The input unit 1 may receive the brain image of the subject, store it in the storage unit, and transmit it to the control unit 3 . Here, the brain image is a magnetic resonance image (MRI), and may be received directly from the MRI apparatus, or may be received from a terminal connected to the MRI apparatus or storing a brain image, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, the input unit 1 may receive the optimized stimulation parameter of each electrode module 2 from a subject or a user through an interlocked terminal and transmit it to the control unit 3 to be set, but is not limited thereto.

A plurality of electrode modules 2 are provided to apply current stimulation to the subject's scalp, and may receive a stimulation current signal from the control unit 3 to apply current stimulation.

Referring to FIG. 3A , the bottom surface of the electrode module 2 may include a stimulation electrode 20 , a detection electrode 21 and an insulator 22 .

The stimulation electrode 20 may apply a current stimulation to the scalp by outputting a stimulation current signal from the controller 3 .

The detection electrode 21 may measure an EEG signal according to current stimulation by the stimulation electrode 20 and transmit it to the controller 3 .

The insulator 22 may be formed between the stimulation electrode 20 and the detection electrode 21 to separate the electrodes so that they are not electrically affected.

In addition, the plane of the electrode module 2 may further include an LED 23 , as shown in FIG. 3 ( b ).

The LED 23 is turned on by the control unit 3 when the target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point, and may indicate that the target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point.

That is, it is possible to notify a subject or a user that an optimal electromagnetic field for current stimulation is formed at a target point by lighting.

The controller 3 may identify a target point based on the input brain image, and select one or more optimal electrode modules 2 according to the identified target point. In addition, the control unit 3 may output a stimulation current signal to the selected electrode module 2, and the stimulation current signal may be generated based on the stimulation parameter so that the optimal current stimulation is applied.

To this end, the control unit 3 may include an image analysis unit 30 , a stimulus optimization unit 31 , and a current output unit 32 .

The image analyzer 30 may determine an anatomical target point based on the inputted subject's brain image, and may select one or more optimal electrode modules 2 based on the identified target point. At this time, it is more preferable to select a plurality of electrode modules (2), but is not limited thereto.

In addition, the optimal electrode module 2 may be the electrode module 2 positioned adjacent to the target point, but is not limited thereto.

This is to apply the optimal current stimulation by deriving the optimal target point based on the brain image because the shape of the brain (physical properties of the skull, the physical properties of the cortex, the structure of the cortex, etc.) is different for each person.

The stimulation optimizer 31 may derive an optimal stimulation current waveform in which current stimulation can be effectively applied to the target point by using the stimulation parameters optimized to form the target electromagnetic field at the target point in the electrode module 2 .

Here, the stimulation parameter may include one or more of a frequency (Freq, Frequency), a phase (Phs, Phase), and an amplitude (Amp, Amplitude), and preferably includes all of them, but is not limited thereto.

At this time, the stimulation optimizing unit 31 calculates the stimulation current waveform (x _raw ) of the electrode module 2 through Equation 1 below based on the stimulation parameters optimized so that the target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point in the electrode module 2 . can be derived

[Equation 1]

는 f_A의 진폭을 결정하는 상수, f_P는 위상을 담당하는 주파수,

는 f_P의 최대 진폭을 결정짓는 상수, W(t)는 가우시안 노이즈이다.where x _raw (t) is the stimulus current waveform, t is the time, f _A is the frequency responsible for the amplitude,

is the constant determining the amplitude of f _A , f _P is the frequency responsible for the phase,

is a constant that determines the maximum amplitude of f _P , and W(t) is Gaussian noise.

On the other hand, the stimulation optimization unit 31 detects the individual natural frequency of the subject instead of using the frequency of the stimulation parameter optimized so that the target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point in the electrode module 2, and applies the natural frequency as the stimulation parameter You may.

More specifically, the stimulation optimization unit 31 may transmit a signal to the current output unit 32 so that the current stimulation is applied from the electrode module 2 . Accordingly, the current output unit 32 may output a stimulation current signal to the electrode module 2 .

Accordingly, the detection electrode 21 of the electrode module 2 may detect the EEG signal and transmit it to the stimulation optimization unit 31 .

In this way, the stimulation optimizer 31 may receive the EEG signal from the detection electrode 21 of the electrode module 2 to detect the natural frequency.

In this case, the stimulus optimizer 31 may detect an individual's natural frequency that appears most effectively from an EEG signal received through a fast Fourier transform (FFT) or a wavelet transform.

In general, the fast Fourier transform is used in signal analysis, and the fast Fourier transform can be expressed as in Equation 2 below.

[Equation 2]

When using the fast Fourier transform as described above, the stimulus optimizer 31 can detect the natural frequency through the discrete-time Fourier transform. When the discrete extraction time is n, the natural frequency is calculated using Equation 3 below. can be detected.

[Equation 3]

In this case, since it is unknown at which specific point in time the natural frequency occurred throughout the analysis time, the natural frequency is calculated by applying the Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT) to the frequency component of the brainwave at the closest point in time. can be detected.

In addition, in order to increase the conversion speed during the discrete-time Fourier transform, a Cooley-Tukey algorithm of the fast Fourier transform may be applied.

In addition, the stimulus optimizer 31 may detect a natural frequency through wavelet transformation, and may use a Morlet wavelet function similar to a waveform of an EEG signal.

Accordingly, when the stimulus optimizer 31 detects the natural frequency through wavelet transform, the time and frequency correlation of the EEG signal x(t) can be checked using Equation 4 below, and the natural frequency can be detected. have.

[Equation 4]

The stimulation optimizer 31 may apply the natural frequency detected through the above process to the frequency of the stimulation parameter to derive a stimulation current waveform according to the natural frequency. By applying an individual natural frequency, a more suitable current stimulation can be applied to the subject.

On the other hand, the stimulation optimizer 31 fine-tunes the stimulation current signal through the electromagnetic field generation simulation of a three-dimensional space in which brain properties are reflected so that a more optimized current stimulation can be made at the target point, thereby forming a target electromagnetic field at the target point. you might as well make it

Specifically, when the stimulation current signal is output to the electrode module 2 according to the stimulation current waveform, the stimulation optimization unit 31 generates an electromagnetic field at the target stimulation location of the brain in the three-dimensional space generated by the electrode module 2 . It is obtained by simulation, and it can be determined whether a target electromagnetic field is formed at a target point.

More specifically, the stimulus optimization unit 31 may obtain an electric field value E(r) applied to a predetermined position r of the brain. Based on the obtained electric field value E(r), it is possible to determine whether the target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point by grasping the distribution of the electromagnetic field of the electrode module 2 .

The determination of whether the target electromagnetic field is formed in the stimulus optimizer 31 may determine that the target electromagnetic field is formed when the central point of the electromagnetic field is located at the target point in the electromagnetic field distribution.

In this case, the electric field value E(r) may be obtained through Equation 5 below.

[Equation 5]

Here, E(r) is the electric field value by the plurality of electrode modules, ε is the dielectric constant, N is the number of electrode modules, Q _n is the electric field value of each electrode module, rr _n is the position of the electric field measurement point r and the nth electrode module position r is the distance between _n

The stimulation optimizer 31 may change the stimulation current signal output from the electrode module 2 so that a target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point. Through this, the position of the center point of the electromagnetic field is adjusted.

Here, in order to change the stimulation current signal, the stimulation optimizer 31 adjusts the stimulation parameters of the electrode module 2 and derives the stimulation current waveform again, and the current output unit 32 re-derives the stimulation current waveform according to the derived stimulation current waveform. It is possible to generate a stimulation current signal and output it to the electrode module (2).

As shown in Figure 4, when the stimulation current signal having the same current strength is output to the electrode modules of E1, E2, E3, and E4, the electromagnetic field center point (T) is located at the center of the electrode modules of E1, E2, E3, and E4 As the current intensity of the stimulation current signal output to the electrode module of E3 is changed, the electromagnetic field distribution changes and the position of the electromagnetic field center point (T) can be adjusted.

That is, as the current intensity or mutual phase combination of the stimulation current signals output from the electrode modules 2 changes, the intensity of the electromagnetic field changes and thus the distribution of the electromagnetic field may change, and the electromagnetic field center point (T) as the distribution of the electromagnetic field changes position can be adjusted.

When it is determined that the target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point through the above-described process, the stimulation optimizer 31 converts the stimulation current waveform of the stimulation current signal currently output to the electrode modules 2 to the electrode module 2 . It can be determined by the optimal stimulus current waveform.

In addition, when the optimal stimulation current waveform is determined, the stimulation optimization unit 31 may transmit a signal to the electrode module 2 to light the LED 23 .

The current output unit 32 may output a stimulation current signal to the selected electrode module 2 among the plurality of electrode modules 2 when a signal is received from the stimulation optimization unit 31 .

A high-precision current brain stimulation method using a spatial resolution enhanced high-precision current brain stimulation device based on the non-invasive scalp electrode combination will be described in detail below.

5 is a flow chart showing a method for high-precision current brain stimulation with enhanced spatial resolution of current brain stimulation based on a non-invasive scalp electrode combination according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a non-invasive scalp electrode combination-based method according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart showing how the spatial resolution-enhanced high-precision current brain stimulation method of current brain stimulation further includes a stimulation adjustment step.

5 , the method for high-precision current brain stimulation with enhanced spatial resolution of current brain stimulation based on a non-invasive scalp electrode combination according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a brain image input step (S1), a target point analysis step (S2), and an electrode It may include a selection step (S3) and a stimulus control step (S4).

In the brain image input step (S1), the input unit 1 of the high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus may receive the individual brain image of the subject.

In the target point analysis step ( S2 ), the anatomical target point for each individual may be identified based on the brain image input by the controller 3 of the high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus.

In the electrode selection step S3 , the controller 3 may select one or more optimal electrode modules 2 according to the target point identified in the step S2 .

In the stimulus control step (S4), the controller 3 derives a stimulus current waveform based on the stimulus parameters optimized to form a target electromagnetic field at the target point, and sends a stimulus current signal to the electrode module 2 according to the derived stimulus current waveform can be printed out. In this way, electric current stimulation may be applied to the subject.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the method for high-precision current brain stimulation with enhanced spatial resolution of current brain stimulation based on a non-invasive scalp electrode combination according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a stimulation adjustment step ( S5 ).

In the stimulus adjustment step (S5), the control unit 3 can determine whether a target electromagnetic field is formed at a target point of brain stimulation by simulating the generation of an electromagnetic field in a three-dimensional space from the electrode module 2 to which the stimulation current signal is output. .

Step S5 may change the stimulation current signal output to the electrode module 2 so that the target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point. Accordingly, the electromagnetic field formed around the electrode module 2 is changed, so that the position of the central point of the electromagnetic field on the three-dimensional space in the brain can be adjusted.

In step S5, when the control unit 3 determines that the electromagnetic field center point is located at the target point and the target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point through the above process, the stimulation current waveform of the stimulation current signal currently being output to the electrode module 2 can be determined as the optimal stimulation current waveform of the electrode module (2).

Accordingly, in step S5, the control unit 3 generates a stimulation current signal according to the optimal stimulation current waveform and outputs it to the electrode module 2, so that stimulation is applied to the subject. In addition, when the optimal stimulation current waveform is determined in step S5, the control unit 3 may transmit a signal to the electrode module 2 to light the LED 23 .

In addition, the present invention can be implemented by storing the computer readable code in a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium includes any kind of storage device in which data readable by a computer system is stored.

The computer-readable code is configured to perform the steps of implementing the brain stimulation method according to the present invention when current stimulation is performed by a high-precision current brain stimulation device when a brain image of a subject is input from a computer-readable storage medium. . The computer readable code may be implemented in various programming languages. And functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the present invention can be easily programmed by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Examples of the computer readable storage medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, and the like, and includes implementation in the form of a carrier wave (eg, transmission over the Internet). In addition, the computer readable storage medium may be distributed in networked computer systems, so that the computer readable code may be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

As described above, the non-invasive scalp electrode combination-based current brain stimulation spatial resolution-enhanced high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus and method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and computer-readable media have different brain shapes for each individual. By deriving an optimal target point based on the MR brain image and applying current stimulation, high spatial resolution can be secured.

In this way, stimulation of other parts can be minimized and optimal stimulation can be given to the corresponding target area.

Accordingly, it is possible to secure an optimal treatment effect and minimize the cost of treatment.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can implement the present invention in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. you will be able to understand Accordingly, the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

1: input
2: electrode module
20: stimulation electrode
21: detection electrode
22: insulator
23: LED
3: Control
30: image analysis unit
31: stimulus optimization unit
32: current output unit

Claims (10)

an input unit receiving a brain image of a subject;
A plurality of electrode modules that can apply electric current stimulation to the subject's scalp and
A target point is identified based on the input brain image, one or more optimal electrode modules are selected according to the identified target point, and stimulation is applied to the electrode module based on the optimized stimulation parameters to form a target electromagnetic field at the target point. A high-precision current brain stimulation device comprising a control unit for outputting a current signal.
According to claim 1,
The electrode module is
a stimulation electrode outputting a stimulation current signal from the control unit to apply current stimulation to the scalp; and
A high-precision current brain stimulation device comprising a detection electrode for measuring an EEG signal according to the current stimulation.
3. The method of claim 2,
The control unit is
an image analysis unit for identifying a target point based on individual brain images, and deriving and selecting an optimal electrode module according to the identified target point;
a stimulation optimizing unit for deriving a stimulation current waveform using stimulation parameters optimized to form a target electromagnetic field at the target point in the electrode module; and
A high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus including a current output unit for outputting the stimulation current signal to the electrode module according to the stimulation current waveform.
4. The method of claim 3,
The stimulus optimization unit,
High-precision current brain, characterized in that controlling the current stimulation to be applied from the electrode module through the current output unit, receiving the EEG signal from the detection electrode to detect a natural frequency, and applying the detected natural frequency to the stimulation parameter stimulation device.
4. The method of claim 3,
The stimulus optimization unit,
A high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus, characterized in that it is determined whether a target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point by means of a simulation of generating an electromagnetic field in a three-dimensional space comprising the output of the stimulation current signal to the electrode module.
6. The method of claim 5,
The stimulus optimization unit,
The electric field value E(r) applied to a predetermined position (r) is obtained through the electromagnetic field generated by the electrode module, and the electromagnetic field distribution of the electrode module is determined based on the obtained electric field value E(r) to the target point. A high-precision current brain stimulation device, characterized in that it is determined whether a target electromagnetic field is formed.
7. The method of claim 6,
The stimulus optimization unit,
A high-precision current brain stimulation apparatus, characterized in that the stimulation current signal output to the electrode module is changed by adjusting the stimulation parameter so that a target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point.
In the brain stimulation method using a high-precision current brain stimulation device,
a brain image input step in which an input unit receives a brain image of a subject;
a target point analysis step in which the controller identifies a target point based on the input brain image;
an electrode selection step in which the control unit selects one or more optimal electrode modules according to the target point; and
and a stimulation control step of outputting, by the controller, a stimulation current signal to the electrode module based on a stimulation parameter optimized to form a target electromagnetic field at the target point.
9. The method of claim 8,
The method further comprises a stimulus adjustment step of determining whether a target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point by a simulation of generating an electromagnetic field in a three-dimensional space from the electrode module to which the stimulation current signal is output,
The stimulus adjustment step is
A high-precision current brain stimulation method, characterized in that the stimulation current signal output to the electrode module is changed by adjusting the stimulation parameters so that a target electromagnetic field is formed at the target point.
A computer-readable storage medium in which a computer program for providing a high-precision current brain stimulation method according to claim 8 or 9 is recorded.

Images