RU2746037C1 - Method of performing biofeedback sessions for the tasks of group interaction of individuals - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to medicine, in particular to a method for performing biofeedback sessions for the tasks of group interaction of individuals. When executing the method, the physiological parameter of the individual is continuously measured. Show him its value on the monitor screen in real time simultaneously with the desired value to be achieved during the session. In this case, the individual performs actions aimed at achieving the desired value of the physiological parameter. Continuous measurement of physiological parameters (1) for each individual from the user group is carried out using physiological signal recorders. The recorders contain sensors for measuring the physiological signal (6), such as respiration sensors, photoplethysmograms, encephalograms, cardiograms, electromyograms, skin galvanic response, temperature, pulse. The sensors can be used individually and in various combinations. Each of the sensors through an analog-to-digital converter (5) is connected to a microcontroller control unit (4). The control unit is connected to an interface driver (7), an information input device (8) and a display (9) to visualize the settings. The number of physiological signal recorders corresponds to the number of individuals in the group. A human-machine interface is built using a combination: a group of physiological signal recorders of individuals - a visualization unit (2) - an electronic computer (3). In this case, the number of visualization blocks depends on the purpose of the session and can be one block for all participants in the session or correspond to the number of individuals in the group. The desired intervals of the measured physiological values ​​for each individual from the group are set by the session administrator on the electronic computer. The current and desired values ​​of physiological parameters are presented to each individual using an imaging unit. The visualization unit is made in the form of a mechatronic software-controlled actuator. The executive device includes a microcontroller control unit (10), a mechatronic electromechanical unit (11), an interface device for mechatronic electromechanical executive units (12) and a microcontroller control unit, an interface driver (13), an information input device (14) for setting up the physiological parameters registration unit and display (15) for visualizing the settings. An analysis of the interaction of a group of individuals is carried out using software. The software visualizes graphs of changes in quantitative parameters of physiological signals of each member of the group participating in the session. The contribution of each individual - the session participant - to the achievement of the set goal of the biofeedback session using the imaging unit is assessed for all physiological parameters set by the administrator for each individual.

EFFECT: provides a method for implementing a human-machine interface that unites more than one user, based on biofeedback for registration, processing and analysis of human physiological signals, which can be used for diagnostic, research, educational, physiological, prophylactic and therapeutic purposes.

1 cl, 4 dwg

Description

The invention relates to methods for implementing a human-machine interface based on biofeedback for registration, processing and analysis of human physiological signals and can be used for diagnostic, research, educational, physiological, prophylactic and therapeutic purposes.

There is a known method of increasing the efficiency of human activity through the use of biofeedback (Application for invention No. 2011135304 published 03/10/2013). The method includes registering a physiological signal corresponding to a parameter selected for regulation, converting the recorded signal into information convenient for human perception, and presenting information about the state of the recorded parameter in real time, characterized in that the information is presented in a direct and / or indirect form, for example, in the form of a graph with the values of the adjustable indicator marked on it. Or, to represent information in an indirect form, the loudness of the music or the brightness of the picture are used, which change depending on the adjustable parameter in a certain way known to the patient.

The disadvantage of this method is the use of only one type of signal, as well as the inability to work with a group of users and analyze their interaction.

A known method of training based on biological feedback, implemented using a rehabilitation psychophysiological complex with an audiotactile music therapy device and an acoustic touch chair (RF patent No. 51853 published 03/10/2006). The method is intended for rehabilitation and correction of psychophysiological state using multifunctional biological feedback (BFB) of patients with functional diseases of the cardiovascular system, nervous system, chronic respiratory diseases, diseases of the genitourinary system.

The disadvantage of the complex is the narrow focus of use and the inability to work with a group of users with the analysis of their interaction.

A known method of network interaction of biological signal recorder modules and their interaction with mechatronic modules for visualization of the quantitative value of a biological parameter, implemented by a modular configured biofeedback device (Gladyshev A.R., Romanchenko P.A., Aleinikov A. Yu. Development of a modular configurable biological device feedback // Proceedings of the 15th International Scientific and Practical Conference "Science and Education: Domestic and Foreign Experience", pp. 35-38. Publisher: OOO GiK, Belgorod - article, published: November 2018). The method is implemented using a device consisting of separate modules, each of which is equipped with a set of sensors that record physiological signals of various natures of the human body, in particular: ECG, respiration, photoplethysmogram. Each module is a microcontroller system, the main functions of which are collection, processing and transmission of signals to a computer for the possibility of their further use in biofeedback programs and devices. This device can also be interfaced with various mechatronic assemblies designed to visualize these signals in a more understandable and visual form via a wireless interface.

The disadvantage of this method is the inability to work with a group of users with the analysis of their interaction.

It is known, chosen as a prototype, a method of teaching self-regulation of physiological parameters based on biological feedback (Application for invention No. 96121962 published on 01.20.1999), including continuous measurement of a physiological parameter in a student, presenting it to him on the monitor screen in real time simultaneously with the desired the value that must be achieved in the learning process, the performance by the student of actions aimed at achieving the desired value of the physiological parameter, while the value of the physiological parameter of the student is presented on the screen in the form of one of the figures of the participants in the competition to overcome the distance. At the same time, the student is shown the figure of the "opponent", which must be "ahead" at a distance, and the speed of the student's figure movement is set depending on the degree of approximation of the value of his physiological parameter to the desired value - to the figure of the "opponent". The speed of movement of the "opponent" figure when the student’s figure lags behind it by more than 0.6% of the length of the distance is reduced, and with the same backwardness of the “opponent” it is increased by 0.1 of the difference between the speed of the student and the "opponent". The training is carried out in several stages, at each stage the student is offered to choose an "opponent" from the proposed list of "rivals" according to their "sports indicators" and in case of victory of the student at a distance, he is offered to make the next choice from among the stronger "rivals", and in the case of defeat training begins with the first stage.

The disadvantage of the prototype is the narrow focus - only for training, as well as the lack of the ability to work with a group of users and analyze their interaction.

The task of the proposed technical solution is to expand the functionality of the methods of implementing biofeedback sessions for the tasks of group interaction of individuals based on the construction of a human-machine interface that unites more than one user.

The technical result is the implementation of the task by building a human-machine interface in combinations: a group of physiological user signals recorders - one mechatronic software-controlled actuator, or a group of physiological user signals recorders - a group of mechatronic software-controlled actuators, by combining individual recorders into one common system physiological signals of each individual from a group of users, as well as at least one mechatronic software-controlled executive device for visualization of physiological signals.

One of the main goals of the biofeedback technique is to teach control over physiological parameters, mainly controlled subconsciously for use in educational, diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitation and prophylactic purposes. From the prior art, it is not known the possibility of creating a human-machine interface that unites a group of individuals into a common network for the possibility of analyzing their joint interaction in the course of performing various kinds of tasks, for example, based on achieving a common goal, the result of which depends on the contribution of each member of the group, as well as their visualization using modern technical means.

The proposed method can be used to analyze the interaction of individuals during a biofeedback session in groups, for example, to identify in a group an individual with the best ability for self-regulation or any other distinctive features. Or in order to determine the composition of a group of individuals who have similar characteristic patterns and are able to most effectively cope with a common task. The goal may also be to analyze the ability of each person in the group to self-regulate in the process of performing tasks, for example, related to holding various kinds of competitions.

To solve this problem, a method is proposed for carrying out biofeedback sessions for the tasks of group interaction of individuals, including continuous measurement of the physiological parameter of an individual, presenting him with its value in real time simultaneously with the desired value to be achieved during the session, the individual performing actions aimed at achievement of the desired value of the physiological parameter, which has the following new features:

- carry out continuous measurement of at least one physiological parameter in each individual included in the user group using physiological signal recorders containing at least one physiological signal measurement sensor, each of which is connected through an analog-to-digital converter to a microcontroller control unit, which in its own the queue is connected to an interface driver, an input device and a display. In this case, the number of physiological signal recorders corresponds to the number of individuals included in the group;

- carry out the construction of a man-machine interface using a combination: a group of physiological signal recorders of individuals - at least one visualization unit, made in the form of a mechatronic program-controlled executive device - an electronic computer;

- the desired intervals of measured physiological values for each individual from the group are set by the session administrator on an electronic computer;

- the current and desired value of physiological parameters is presented to each individual using a visualization unit made in the form of a mechatronic program-controlled actuator, including a microcontroller control unit, at least one mechatronic electromechanical unit, an interface device, an interface driver, an information input device and a display;

- analyze the interaction of a group of individuals using software that visualizes graphs of changes in quantitative parameters of physiological signals of each member of the group participating in the session;

- the contribution of each individual - the session participant - to the achievement of the set goal of the biofeedback session using the imaging unit is assessed for all physiological parameters set by the administrator for each individual.

The combination of these features is not known from the prior art, therefore, the claimed method meets the condition of novelty, the non-obviousness of the influence of new features on the achievement of the technical result, confirms the compliance with the condition of the inventive step. Compliance with the condition of industrial applicability provides the possibility of implementing a method for carrying out biofeedback sessions for the tasks of group interaction of individuals.

The proposed method is illustrated by the drawings shown in the figures:

figure 1 is a general diagram of the interaction of a complex of devices for conducting a group biofeedback session;

figure 2 is an image of the initial stage of a group session;

figure 3 is an image of an intermediate stage of a group session;

Figure 4 depicts the final of a group session.

The complex of devices for implementing the proposed method is shown in the diagram (Fig. 1), and includes a block 1 for registering physiological parameters of a person, while the number of blocks 1 corresponds to the number of individuals in a group. Unit 2 for visualization of the recorded physiological parameters, made in the form of a mechatronic software-controlled actuator. In this case, the number of blocks 2 visualization depends on the purpose of the session and can be 1 block for all participants in the session or correspond to the number of individuals in the group. An electronic computer (hereinafter referred to as a computer) 3 is networked using a serial interface with each registration unit 1 and each visualization unit 2. Each block 1 includes: a microcontroller control unit 4, an analog-to-digital converter 5, at least one physiological signal measurement sensor 6, an interface driver 7, an information input device 8, a display 9. For measuring a physiological signal, both individually and in various combinations, respiration sensors, photoplethysmograms, encephalograms, cardiograms, electromyograms, skin galvanic reaction, temperature. Each visualization unit 2 includes: a microcontroller control unit 10, at least one mechatronic electromechanical unit 11, an interface device 12, an interface driver 13, an information input device 14, a display 15.

The functions of each unit 1 include direct reception of signals from sensors 6 of a physiological value and transmission of signals via a serial interface to a computer 3. For this purpose, each physiological signal is recorded and amplified by a sensor 6 of a physiological value in order to expand the dynamic range. By means of an analog-to-digital converter 5, analog filtering of the signal is performed, it is digitized and transmitted to the microcontroller control unit 4. The functions of the microcontroller 4 include: digital signal processing, extraction of parameters, packing information into packets and setting up the reception and transmission of information via the serial interface, as well as control of the analog-to-digital converter 5. Visualization of the settings of the block 1 is carried out through the display 9. The setting of the parameters of the block 1 is carried out through the device 8 for inputting information. The interface driver 7 is responsible for the implementation of the physical layer of data exchange over the serial channel.

The functions of each block 2 include visualization of the values of physiological parameters obtained as a result of data exchange with each block 1. To visualize the values of physiological parameters, an executive device 11 is used, made in the form of a mechatronic electromechanical device, controlled by a microcontroller control unit 10 using an interface device 12. Visualization of settings carried out by means of display 15. Setting of parameters is carried out by means of device 14 for input of information. The interface driver 13 is responsible for the implementation of the physical layer of data exchange over the serial channel.

It is also additionally possible to configure such parameters as settings for the data exchange rate, functions for monitoring the integrity of packets and the correctness of data transmission, etc. for each of the blocks.

A concrete example of using the method

The session involves three individuals A, B, and C, each of them is provided with a block 1 for registration of human physiological parameters. For the purpose of the study, three types of sensors 6 for measuring physiological parameters are attached to each individual A, B and C, where physiological parameter No. 1 is pulse, physiological parameter No. 2 is respiration and physiological parameter No. 3 is an encephalogram. In this example, one unit 2 for visualization of the recorded physiological parameters is used, made in the form of a mechanical flower, in which the mechatronic electromechanical executive units 11 are three movable petals, each of which is connected through a computer 3 to a specific unit 1 for recording the physiological parameters of an individual A, B and C. The session administrator on an electronic computer 3 sets the desired intervals of physiological values: for the pulse, the desired interval of values is in the range of 60-70 beats per minute, for breathing - 30-40 breaths per minute, for an encephologram - 20-30 Hz at an amplitude up to 15 mV per minute. Also, the administrator configures the degree of opening-closing of the petals of a mechanical flower, in which the position of each petal will depend on the indicators of physiological values at the current moment of time of the individual with whom this petal is connected. The achievement of the desired interval for each type of signal in each individual is accompanied by the degree of opening of the petal by one third and fixation in this position of that petal of the mechanical flower with which the communication of this individual is established through the computer 3. When a specific member of the group reaches one of the three predetermined intervals of a physiological parameter, its petal will open by one third of its possible movement, and when all three predetermined intervals for each physiological parameter are reached, the petal of a mechanical flower will open completely. As seen in FIG. 2, within five minutes of the session, all the participants in the session failed to achieve the desired intervals of physiological values, indicated in the figure as the shaded area, so the petals of the mechanical flower remained in their initial position. As seen in FIG. 3, ten minutes after the beginning of the session, participant A was still unable to reach any of the established intervals of physiological parameters and his petal remained in the closed position. Participant B, according to the first physiological parameter, reached the desired interval at the seventh minute, according to the second physiological parameter at the sixth minute, and there was a decrease in the parameter at the sixth and a half minute, but by the seventh minute he was able to reach the desired interval and keep it up to the tenth minute, and by the third physiological parameter, he was able to maintain the desired value of the parameter starting from the seventh and a half minutes, by the tenth minute his petal opened completely. Participant C was able to achieve only two desired ranges of physiological parameters, as a result of which his petal opened only two-thirds. As seen in FIG. 4, by the tenth minute of the session, participant A reached the desired value of the first physiological parameter, by the thirteenth minute, he reached the second and third desired values of the physiological parameters, and by the end was able to maintain them. Participant B was able to maintain the desired value in all physiological parameters over the last five minutes. Participant C was able to maintain the first two physiological parameters, and by the fourteenth minute was able to reach the third desired physiological parameter. By the end of the session, each of the participants A, B, C was able to reach the desired ranges of values for each physiological parameter and to open his mechanical flower petal.

As a result of the analysis, the administrator made the following conclusions: participant B coped with the task faster than the others, his ability to self-regulate the given physiological parameters is much higher than that of participants A and C, participant C was the slowest to cope with the task. Also, the administrator can analyze the graphs of changes in physiological parameters for each participant during the entire session and identify, for example, which physiological parameter should be paid more attention to in order to increase the level of self-regulation.

Thus, the given example confirms the possibility of analyzing the joint interaction of a group of individuals in the course of performing a task based on achieving a common goal, the result of which depends on the contribution of each member of the group, using modern technical visualization tools.

When comparing and analyzing the interaction after conducting such a session for several groups of individuals, it is possible to select individuals from each group who are able to achieve the set parameters with the highest speed and form a team out of them that most productively solves the task.

This method can also be used for various kinds of competitions. For example, the session can be carried out using three blocks 2 for visualization of the registered physiological parameters. In this case, each individual A, B and C will be assigned their own mechanical flower, and the achievement of one of the desired intervals of the physiological parameter will be accompanied by the opening of one of the three petals of the mechanical flower. Upon reaching all three predetermined intervals for each physiological parameter, all three petals of the mechanical flower will open. The winner of the competition is the one who opens the petals of a mechanical flower the fastest.

It should be noted that the above examples do not restrict the use of any other forms of mechatronic electromechanical assembly of a programmable actuator in the visualization unit.

Thus, the task of expanding the functionality of the methods of implementing biofeedback sessions for the tasks of group interaction of individuals based on the construction of a human-machine interface that unites more than one user has been achieved.

Claims (1)

A method of performing biofeedback sessions for the tasks of group interaction of individuals, including continuous measurement of the physiological parameter of an individual, presenting it to him on the monitor screen in real time simultaneously with the desired value to be achieved during the session, the individual performing actions aimed at achieving them the desired value of the physiological parameter, characterized in that the continuous measurement of physiological parameters in each individual included in the user group is carried out using physiological signal recorders containing at least one physiological signal measurement sensor selected from respiration sensors, photoplethysmogram, encephalogram, cardiogram, electromyogram , skin galvanic reaction, temperature, pulse, which can be used both individually and in various combinations, each of which is connected via an analog-to-digital converter en with a microcontroller control unit, which in turn is connected to an interface driver, an information input device and a display for visualizing settings, while the number of physiological signal recorders corresponds to the number of individuals included in the group; a human-machine interface is built using a combination of: a group of physiological signal recorders of individuals - a visualization unit - an electronic computer, where the number of visualization units depends on the purpose of the session and can be one unit for all participants in the session or correspond to the number of individuals in the group; the desired intervals of the measured physiological values for each individual from the group are set by the session administrator on the electronic computer; the current and desired values of physiological parameters are presented to each individual using a visualization unit made in the form of a mechatronic program-controlled actuator, including a microcontroller control unit, a mechatronic electromechanical unit, an interface device for mechatronic electromechanical actuators and a microcontroller control unit, an interface driver, an information input device for settings of the physiological parameters registration unit and display for visualization of settings; analyzing the interaction of a group of individuals using software that visualizes graphs of changes in quantitative parameters of physiological signals of each member of the group participating in the session; the contribution of each individual - the session participant - to the achievement of the set goal of the biofeedback session using the imaging unit is estimated for all physiological parameters set by the administrator for each individual.

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