KR20220154322A - Brain wave anaylsis method for determining physical and mental condition - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an EEG analysis method to understand physical and mental states. The EEG analysis method according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving an EEG signal of a user measured by an EEG measuring device; separating the received EEG signal into frequency-specific EEG; and comparing at least one EEG of a lower frequency with at least one EEG of a frequency higher than a reference frequency based on the preset reference frequency to determine the physical and mental state of the user. The step of determining the user's physical and mental state can determine the user's physical and mental state based on a difference and a ratio change between a combined value of the delta wave and theta wave and a combined value of the alpha wave, beta wave, and gamma wave.

Description

EEG analysis method for determining physical and mental conditions {BRAIN WAVE ANAYLSIS METHOD FOR DETERMINING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONDITION}

The present invention relates to an EEG analysis technique for identifying physical and mental states, and more particularly, to an EEG analysis method and device capable of identifying a user's physical and mental states by comparing brain waves of a user received from an EEG measuring device. It is about.

Human thinking and behavior are controlled by the function of the cerebrum, and the function of the cerebrum depends on the activity of many brain neurons. The activity of these brain neurons is called an EEG (electroencephalogram) or 'brain potential'. These EEGs are used in the field of neurophysiology as indicators that can spatially and temporally grasp fluctuations in brain activity. Because it is changed by the activity of brain nerve cells, it shows a specific pattern that changes according to the state of consciousness and mental activity. Therefore, examining the EEG means that the level of brain activity is expressed as an objective indicator and spatially and temporally grasping whether the activity of the brain is increasing or weakening. In particular, brain waves are generally divided into delta waves (δ, 0.5~4Hz), theta waves (θ, 4~8Hz), alpha waves (α, 8~13Hz), beta waves (β, 13~30Hz), and gamma waves according to the frequency band. It is classified as a wave (γ, 30~50Hz). In addition, based on the alpha wave, less than 8 Hz is classified as slow wave and 13 Hz or more as fast wave. Spontaneous brain waves, which have been studied by brain waves, appear as brain activities such as sensations in general physiological phenomena, and induced brain waves can be observed by artificially inducing brain activities to find out the state of brain activity.

Delta Wave is a brain wave in the 0.5~4Hz band that appears predominantly in a state of deep sleep in which brain functions are completely relaxed. In the case of normal adults, when delta waves appear at awakening, they can serve as a basis for determining pathological factors such as brain tumors and encephalitis. do. In the anterior frontal region, delta wave activity is high because it is affected by eye movements and the like.

Theta Wave refers to brain waves in the 4 to 8 Hz band, and generally means a state in which the body and consciousness are in a hazy state or a state between sleepiness and wakefulness. In the theta wave state, dream-like images are accompanied, and the images are experienced as vivid memories. Theta waves that appear at the time of awakening awaken the mind, provide ideas for problem solving, and are also linked to creative power. In some cases, it goes beyond the limitations of time and space and arises as a flash or inspiration. Theta waves are also associated with deeply internalized and quiet physical, emotional, and thought activity.

Alpha Wave is a brain wave in the 8~13Hz band, which is a basic wave that reflects the stable state of the brain neurophysiologically. has been used to

Beta Wave is a brain wave in the 13-30Hz band, which appears in a state of arousal, activity, and stress, and is also affected by auditory, tactile, and emotional stimuli. Beta waves are normally recorded well in the frontal lobe and appear widely throughout the brain when mental activity is focused on.

Gamma Wave is a brain wave that occurs relatively frequently in the frontal lobe and parietal lobe in a state of intense stress of anxiety and excitement as an external consciousness with a band of 30 to 50 Hz. In addition, gamma waves are also characteristic brain waves that are generated when a new state of consciousness, neural resources, are activated and mobilized after escaping from a transcendental state of mind or relaxation, that is, when mentally concentrating on all-out efforts.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an EEG analysis method and device capable of determining a user's physical and mental state by comparing EEGs of a user received from an EEG measuring device.

An EEG analysis method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes receiving an EEG signal of a user measured by an EEG measuring device; Separating the received brain wave signal into frequency-specific brain waves; and comparing at least one brain wave of a lower frequency with at least one brain wave of a frequency higher than the reference frequency based on a preset reference frequency to determine the physical and mental state of the user.

The determining of the physical and mental states of the user may include comparing at least one of delta waves and theta waves with at least one of alpha waves, beta waves, and gamma waves among the brain waves for each frequency to determine the user's physical and mental states. have.

The determining of the physical and mental states of the user may include determining the user's body and mental state based on a difference and ratio change between at least one value of the delta wave and theta wave and at least one value of the alpha wave, beta wave, and gamma wave. mental state can be assessed.

Determining the user's physical and mental state may include determining the user's physical and mental state based on a difference and a ratio change between the combined value of the delta wave and theta wave and the combined value of the alpha wave, beta wave and gamma wave. can do.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the user's physical and mental states may be identified by comparing the user's brain waves received from the brain wave measuring device.

Specifically, the present invention is a user's brain waves, that is, delta waves, theta waves, alpha waves, beta waves, and gamma waves, for example, a combination value of a delta wave and a theta wave lower than 8 Hz, an alpha wave higher than 8 Hz, It is possible to determine the user's physical and mental state by comparing the combined values of beta waves and gamma waves.

1 shows an exemplary diagram of a system for illustrating the present invention.
2 is an operation flowchart of an EEG analysis method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 to 5 show exemplary diagrams for explaining a method for determining physical and mental states.
6 shows the configuration of an EEG analysis device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods of achieving them, will become clear with reference to the detailed description of the following embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and will be implemented in various forms different from each other, only these embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and common knowledge in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to completely inform the person who has the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

Terms used in this specification are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, singular forms also include plural forms unless specifically stated otherwise in a phrase. As used herein, "comprises" and/or "comprising" means that a stated component, step, operation, and/or element is one or more other components, steps, operations, and/or elements. Existence or additions are not excluded.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. In addition, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly specifically defined.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail. The same reference numerals are used for the same components in the drawings, and redundant descriptions of the same components are omitted.

Embodiments of the present invention compare the user's brain waves received from the brain wave measuring device to grasp the user's physical and mental state, and the user's brain waves, that is, delta waves, theta waves, alpha waves, beta waves, and gamma waves Among the reference frequencies, for example, a combination of delta waves and theta waves lower than 8 Hz and a combination value of alpha waves, beta waves, and gamma waves higher than 8 Hz are compared to determine the user's physical and mental state.

1 shows an exemplary diagram of a system for illustrating the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the system includes an EEG measuring device 100 and an EEG analyzing device 200 .

The brain wave measuring device 100 is attached to the user's head, for example, the user's forehead, measures the user's brain wave signal (EEG signal), and provides the measured brain wave signal to the brain wave analysis device.

Here, the brain wave measuring device 100 includes at least one EEG sensor for measuring the user's brain wave signal, and provides the measured user's brain wave signal to the brain wave analysis device through a wireless communication means, for example, a Bluetooth module. can

Furthermore, the EEG measuring apparatus 100 may additionally include means for receiving binaural beats provided from the EEG analyzing apparatus 200 and providing the received binaural beats to the user, for example, a speaker or an earphone. Of course, the brain wave measuring device may additionally include a Bluetooth module for receiving such binaural beats.

The brain wave analysis device 200 receives the user's brain wave signal measured by the brain wave measurement device 100 wirelessly or wired, separates the received user's brain wave signal into frequency-specific brain waves, and then separates the brain waves for each of the separated brain waves. Based on the value, the physical and mental state of the user is determined.

Here, the brain wave analysis device 200 is a preset reference frequency among brain waves, for example, brain waves lower than 8 Hz, that is, at least one brain wave value of delta waves and theta waves, and brain waves higher than 8 Hz, that is, alpha waves and beta waves The user's physical and mental state may be determined by comparing the EEG value of at least one of the gamma wave and the gamma wave.

For example, the brain wave analysis device 200 compares the ratios of theta waves and alpha waves among brain waves, and if the value of theta waves is greater than the value of alpha waves by a preset threshold or more, the user is affected by physical and mental states. It can be judged that there is

As another example, the brain wave analysis apparatus 200 determines the physical and mental states of the user based on the difference and ratio change between at least one value of delta wave and theta wave and at least one value of alpha wave, beta wave and gamma wave can do. For example, the EEG analyzer may use the user when any one value of the difference and ratio change between at least one value of delta wave and theta wave and at least one value of alpha wave, beta wave and gamma wave is greater than or less than the other value. can be judged to be in a state of physical and mental state or awakening. Of course, the EEG analyzer can determine the physical and mental state or arousal state through comparison of the difference and the ratio change, and also know the degree of arousal or sleep according to the difference between the two values.

As another example, the EEG analysis device 200 is a combination (D, T, D+T) values of delta waves (D) and theta waves (T), alpha waves (A), beta waves (B), and gamma waves Based on the difference for the combination value of (G), eg, (D+T)-(A+B+G) and the ratio change, eg, (D+T)/(A+B+G), the user can determine whether or not the physical and mental state of For example, the brain wave analysis device is configured to allow the user to select when one value of (D+T)-(A+B+G) and (D+T)/(A+B+G) is larger or smaller than the other value. It can be judged to be in a state of physical and mental state or awakening. For example, if the value of (D+T)-(A+B+G) is greater than the value of (D+T)/(A+B+G), the EEG analysis device may determine the physical and mental state, When the value of (D+T)-(A+B+G) is smaller than the value of (D+T)/(A+B+G), it may be determined that the state is aroused. Of course, the EEG analyzer can determine the physical and mental state or arousal state through comparison of the difference and the ratio change, and also know the degree of arousal or sleep according to the difference between the two values.

Furthermore, the brain wave analysis device 200 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described analysis method, and can determine whether or not the user's physical and mental state is present through various analysis methods.

For example, the brain wave analysis device 200 may determine physical and mental states by using SEF, determine physical and mental states by using alpha wave weights, and use theta wave weights to determine physical and mental states. It is possible to determine whether a person is in a mental state or not, and to determine whether a person is in a physical or mental state by comparing an alpha wave with a theta wave.

In the method using SEF, the sum of delta waves and theta waves constitutes about 90% of the power spectrum for the entire brain wave signal, and the value of SEF 90 (an indicator that can evaluate the degree of arousal of brain waves) is equal to the second half of the theta wave band. It is located in the early part of the wave band, that is, approximately 6 to 10 Hz, and the user's physical and mental state can be determined by using the average value of SEF90. Of course, depending on circumstances, the SEF50 located at approximately 1 Hz in the delta wave section may be used.

In the method of using the alpha wave weight, the delta and alpha waves are in inverse proportion, and the user's physical and mental state can be determined by using the range of change of about 10% of the alpha wave.

A method of using the theta wave weight may determine the user's physical and mental state by using a variation range of about 10% of theta wave.

In the method of utilizing the comparison between alpha wave and theta wave, the interval in which the value of theta wave is higher than the value of alpha wave can be judged as entering the physical and mental state, and the opposite interval can be judged as being in a momentary awakening state. have. That is, when the ratio of alpha waves and theta waves per minute is used, when the ratio of theta waves is greater than the ratio of alpha waves, it can be determined that the person has entered a physical and mental state.

When the user's body and mental state analysis results using brain waves are determined that the user is in an awake state, that is, in an awake state, the brain wave analysis device 200 is set in advance to induce sleep of the user. By providing the linaural beat to the user through the brain wave measuring device 100, the user may be induced to take a nap, for example, in a physical and mental state.

Here, the binaural beat refers to a psychoacoustic therapy method in which two sounds of different frequencies are transmitted to the nuclei of the brainstem, thereby causing changes in the brain waves, and in which both sides control the brain waves as much as the difference in frequency.

FIG. 2 is an operation flow chart of an EEG analysis method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows an operation flow chart of the EEG analysis apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 2, in the EEG analysis method according to an embodiment of the present invention, when an EEG signal measured by the EEG measurement device worn on the user's head, for example, the forehead, is received from the EEG measurement device, the received EEG signal is received. The user's brain wave signal is divided into brain waves for each frequency, that is, delta wave, theta wave, alpha wave, beta wave, and gamma wave (S210 and S220).

Here, step S220 performs signal processing on the EEG signal, for example, noise removal, and then performs a signal processing process to separate the EEG signal into EEG signals, thereby converting the EEG signal of the user into delta waves, It can be separated into theta, alpha, beta and gamma waves. Of course, the present invention can use any method capable of separating the user's brain wave signal into brain waves.

When the brain wave signal is divided into frequency-specific brain waves by step S220, the values of the brain waves of frequencies lower than a preset reference frequency, for example, 8 Hz, that is, delta waves and theta waves, and the reference frequency, for example, of a frequency higher than 8 Hz The user's physical and mental states are determined by comparing values of brain waves, that is, alpha waves, beta waves, and gamma waves (S230).

At this time, step S230 is a difference and ratio between at least one value of delta wave (D) and theta wave (T) and at least one value of alpha wave (A), beta wave (B) and gamma wave (G) Based on the change, the user's physical and mental state can be determined, and the combination (D, T, D+T) values of delta waves (D) and theta waves (T), alpha waves (A), and beta waves (B ) and gamma wave (G), e.g., (D+T)-(A+B+G) and ratio change, e.g., (D+T)/(A+B+G) Based on this, it is possible to determine whether or not the user's physical and mental state is present.

Furthermore, in step S220, physical and mental states may be determined using SEF, physical and mental states may be determined using the alpha wave weight, and physical and mental states may be determined using the theta wave weight It is also possible to determine the state of the body and mind through comparison of alpha waves and theta waves. For example, in step S220, the user's physical and mental state may be determined using the average value of SEF 90, or the user's physical and mental state may be determined using an alpha wave variation of around 10%. The user's physical and mental state may be determined using a change width of around 10% of the tap wave, and a section in which the theta wave value is higher than the alpha wave value may be determined to have entered the physical and mental state.

Here, as a result of the determination in step S230, if it is determined that the user is in an arousal state rather than a physical and mental state, a preset binaural beat is provided to the user to induce the user to sleep, thereby inducing the user to a physical and mental state. It can be (S240, S250).

A method of determining whether or not the user's physical and mental state is present in step S230 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 .

3 shows the difference between the value of theta wave (T) and the value of the combination (A+B+G) of alpha wave (A), beta wave (B) and gamma wave (G), that is, T-(A+B+G ) and the ratio change, that is, T/(A+B+G), the proportion of the section where the T-(A+B+G) value is greater than the T/(A+B+G) value and the T- Through comparison of the proportions of sections where the value of (A+B+G) is smaller than the value of T/(A+B+G), the value of T-(A+B+G) is greater than the value of T/(A+B+G) It can be known that the proportion of the section is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, and thus it can be determined that the user is in a physical and mental state. Of course, when the graph of FIG. 3 is reversed, it can be determined that the user is in an awakening state.

4 shows the difference between the value of the combination of delta wave (D) and theta wave (T) (D+T) and the value of alpha wave (A), that is, (D+T)-A and the ratio change, that is, (D+T) /A, it can be seen that the value of (D+T)-A is greater than the value of (D+T)/A in all sections, and thus it can be determined that the user is in a physical and mental state. Of course, when the graph of FIG. 4 is reversed, it can be determined that the user is in an awakening state.

5 shows the difference between the value of theta wave (T) and the value of alpha wave (A), that is, T-A, and the ratio change, that is, T/A. Through comparison of the proportions of sections where the value is smaller than the T/A value, it can be seen that the proportion of sections in which the T-A value is greater than the T/A value is greater than or equal to a preset threshold value, and thus it can be determined that the user is in a physical and mental state. . Of course, when the graph of FIG. 5 is reversed, it can be determined that the user is in an awakening state.

As described above, the brain wave analysis method according to an embodiment of the present invention selects the user's brain waves measured by the brain wave measuring device, that is, delta waves, theta waves, alpha waves, beta waves, and gamma waves at a reference frequency, for example, higher than 8 Hz. The user's physical and mental state can be identified by comparing values of low delta waves and theta waves with values of alpha waves, beta waves, and gamma waves higher than 8 Hz.

That is, the method according to the embodiment of the present invention can improve the accuracy of the user's physical and mental state through the comparison of values of the brain waves included in the measured user's brain wave signal, and through the analysis of the user's physical and mental state It is possible to provide binaural beats that can induce the physical and mental state of the body, and depending on the situation, through brain wave analysis, it is possible to control the brain function by itself while visually checking the change of the brain wave rather than the induction of the physical and mental state. It can also provide neurofeedback to learn the ability.

6 shows the configuration of an EEG analysis device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows the configuration of a device for performing the EEG analysis method of FIGS. 2 to 5 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , the EEG analysis device 600 includes a receiving unit 610 , a processing unit 620 , a determining unit 630 and a providing unit 640 .

The receiving unit 610 receives the user's EEG signal measured by the EEG measurement device worn on the user's head, for example, the forehead, from the EEG measurement device.

At this time, the receiving unit 610 may receive the user's brain wave signal from the brain wave measuring device through wireless communication using the brain wave measuring device and the Bluetooth module.

The processing unit 620 separates the user's brain wave signal received through the receiver 610 into frequency-specific brain waves, that is, a delta wave, a theta wave, an alpha wave, a beta wave, and a gamma wave.

Here, the processing unit 620 performs signal processing on the EEG signal, for example, noise removal, and then performs a signal processing process for separating the EEG signal into EEG signals, thereby converting the EEG signal of the user into a delta. It can be separated into waves, theta waves, alpha waves, beta waves, and gamma waves.

When the brain wave signal is divided into frequency-specific brain waves, the determination unit 630 determines the values of the brain waves of frequencies lower than a preset reference frequency, for example, 8 Hz, that is, delta waves and theta waves, and the reference frequency, for example, higher than 8 Hz. The physical and mental states of the user are determined by comparing values of frequency brain waves, that is, alpha waves, beta waves, and gamma waves.

At this time, the determination unit 630 may determine the physical and mental state of the user based on the difference and ratio change between at least one value of delta wave and theta wave and at least one value of alpha wave, beta wave, and gamma wave. In addition, it is possible to determine whether or not the physical and mental state of the user is based on the difference and ratio change of the combined value of delta wave and theta wave and the combined value of alpha wave, beta wave and gamma wave.

Furthermore, the determination unit 630 may determine physical and mental states by using not only the above-described analysis method but also SEF, and may determine physical and mental states by using the alpha wave weight, and theta wave weight Physical and mental states can be determined by using, or physical and mental states can be determined by comparing alpha waves and theta waves. For example, the judgment unit may determine the user's physical and mental state using the average value of SEF 90, or may determine the user's physical and mental state using around 10% of the alpha wave change, and theta wave change The user's physical and mental state may be determined using a width of about 10%, and a section in which the theta wave value is higher than the alpha wave value may be determined to have entered the physical and mental state.

The provision unit 640 sends a pre-set binaural beat for inducing the user to sleep when it is determined that the user is in an awake state, that is, an awake state, as a result of the determination of the user's physical and mental state by the determination unit 630. provide to

Here, the provision unit 640 is not limited to providing binaural beats for inducing the user to sleep, and through EEG analysis, the user's own brain while visually checking changes in EEG rather than induction of physical and mental states. It can also provide neurofeedback to learn the ability to control function.

Although the description of the device of FIG. 6 is omitted, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the device shown in FIG. 6 may include all of the contents described in FIGS. 1 to 5.

The system or apparatus described above may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and/or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, systems, devices and components described in the embodiments may include, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable array (FPA) ), programmable logic unit (PLU), microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions. A processing device may run an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. A processing device may also access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to execution of software. For convenience of understanding, there are cases in which one processing device is used, but those skilled in the art will understand that the processing device includes a plurality of processing elements and/or a plurality of types of processing elements. It can be seen that it can include. For example, a processing device may include a plurality of processors or a processor and a controller. Other processing configurations are also possible, such as parallel processors.

Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing, which configures a processing device to operate as desired or processes independently or collectively. You can command the device. Software and/or data may be any tangible machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device, intended to be interpreted by or provide instructions or data to a processing device. , or may be permanently or temporarily embodied in a transmitted signal wave. Software may be distributed on networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on one or more computer readable media.

The method according to the embodiments may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc. alone or in combination. Program commands recorded on the medium may be specially designed and configured for the embodiment or may be known and usable to those skilled in computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and magnetic media such as floptical disks. - includes hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as magneto-optical media, and ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, as well as machine language codes such as those produced by a compiler. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiments, and vice versa.

As described above, although the embodiments have been described with limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from the above description. For example, the described techniques may be performed in an order different from the method described, and/or components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. may be combined or combined in a different form than the method described, or other components may be used. Or even if it is replaced or substituted by equivalents, appropriate results can be achieved.

Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (4)

Receiving an EEG signal of a user measured by an EEG measuring device;
Separating the received brain wave signal into frequency-specific brain waves; and
Determining physical and mental states of the user by comparing at least one brain wave of a lower frequency with at least one brain wave of a frequency higher than the reference frequency based on a preset reference frequency
EEG analysis method comprising a.
According to claim 1,
The step of determining the physical and mental state of the user
EEG analysis method characterized in that the physical and mental state of the user is determined by comparing at least one of delta waves and theta waves with at least one of alpha waves, beta waves, and gamma waves among the frequency-specific brain waves.
According to claim 2,
The step of determining the physical and mental state of the user
EEG analysis method characterized in that the physical and mental state of the user is determined based on the difference and ratio change between the value of at least one of the delta wave and theta wave and the value of at least one of the alpha wave, beta wave and gamma wave .
According to claim 2,
The step of determining the physical and mental state of the user
The brain wave analysis method characterized in that the physical and mental state of the user is determined based on the difference and ratio change of the combined value of the delta wave and theta wave and the combined value of the alpha wave, beta wave and gamma wave.

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