Virtual reality system for virtual reality and multi-sensory stimulation of stroke laboratory mouse

Abstract

The invention provides a virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for a stroke laboratory mouse, which relates to the technical field of medical experiments and comprises a treadmill, a treadmill adjusting component, a weight reduction system, a visual system, an auditory stimulation system, a tactile stimulation system, an olfactory stimulation system, a reward and punishment system, an information acquisition system and a main control system. According to the invention, by designing the weight reduction system, the movement of the experimental mouse is adjusted, the virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation experiment of the stroke experimental mouse which cannot support 100% of the weight of the mouse can be realized, and a visual system, an auditory stimulation system, a tactile stimulation system, an olfactory stimulation system and a reward and punishment system are matched; post-stroke nerve remodeling and motion mode reconstruction are promoted through multi-sensory-channel stimulation, and an important foundation is laid for the next step that virtual reality is used for human body rehabilitation training.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of medical experiments, and in particular to a virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental mice. Background Art

[0002] Virtual reality (VR) technology can break through the limitation that conventional rehabilitation needs to be carried out in real scenes, and provide multi-channel sensory stimulation and a changeable environment with 3I characteristics of interaction, immersion, and imagination. However, in actual clinical applications, there are a large number of cases where the mechanism of virtual reality technology is unclear, and animal experiments are an indispensable and important means to study scientific mechanisms.

[0003] At present, most of the equipment related to animal virtual reality is based on the exploration of physiological mechanisms of normal experimental mice, and there is no invention related to animal virtual reality in the field of rehabilitation training. At the same time, the stimulation of current animal virtual reality equipment is usually limited to visual and auditory stimulation, while ignoring the important role of multi-sensory stimulation; multi-sensory channel stimulation plays a very important role in post-stroke neural remodeling and motor pattern reconstruction; therefore, the development of a comprehensive animal training platform scientific research device related to virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation based on rehabilitation needs is of great significance, which will help further study the mechanism of using virtual reality for rehabilitation training. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental mice, which solves the problem of virtual reality device stimulation for stroke experimental mice and further realizes multi-sensory channel stimulation in neural remodeling and motor pattern reconstruction after stroke.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental rats, comprising:

[0007] A treadmill provides a simulated ground of unlimited length;

[0008] A treadmill adjustment component, wherein the treadmill is fixedly arranged above the treadmill adjustment component, and the treadmill adjustment component is used to adjust the inclination angle of the treadmill front, back, left, and right;

[0009] A weight loss system, the weight loss system comprising a suspension device, a weight loss stepper motor, a tension sensor and a vest, the vest being worn on a stroke experimental mouse, the suspension device being fixedly arranged on a frame of a treadmill, the suspension end of the suspension device being located above the treadmill, the main body of the weight loss stepper motor being fixedly connected to the suspension end of the suspension device, the telescopic end of the weight loss stepper motor being connected to the vest through a flexible member, the tension sensor being arranged at the connection between the telescopic end of the weight loss stepper motor and the vest, the tension sensor being used to detect the tension exerted on the flexible member;

[0010] Visual system, auditory stimulation system, tactile stimulation system, olfactory stimulation system, reward and punishment system, information collection system and main control system;

[0011] The main control system is communicatively connected with the treadmill, the treadmill adjustment component, the weight reduction system, the visual system, the auditory stimulation system, the tactile stimulation system, the olfactory stimulation system, the reward and punishment system, and the information collection system.

[0012] Preferably, the visual system is a curved screen arranged in front of the stroke experimental mouse, and the auditory stimulation system is a plurality of speakers arranged around the stroke experimental mouse.

[0013] Preferably, the tactile stimulation system comprises:

[0014] A first linear motor, wherein the main body of the first linear motor is fixed, and the telescopic end of the first linear motor is fixedly connected to a manipulation bracket, an end of the manipulation bracket away from the first linear motor is fixedly connected to a beard stirring rod, an infrared sensor is arranged on the side of the beard stirring rod, and the infrared sensor is used to detect the distance between the stroke experimental mouse and the beard stirring rod.

[0015] Preferably, the olfactory stimulation system comprises:

[0016] A first electric track, wherein the first electric track is fixedly connected to the frame of the treadmill;

[0017] The deflation system includes a first air pipe and a plurality of food holding boxes. The air outlet end of the first air pipe is arranged on one side of the stroke experimental mouse. A fan cylinder is arranged in series on the first air pipe. The air inlet end of the first air pipe is connected to the action end of the first electric track. The first electric track drives the air inlet end of the first air pipe to move above the plurality of food holding boxes.

[0018] The exhaust system comprises a second air pipe, an air pump is arranged in series on the second air pipe, and an air inlet end of the second air pipe is close to the stroke experimental mouse.

[0019] Preferably, the reward and punishment system includes: a licking tube and a sugar liquid supply assembly fixedly connected to the frame of the treadmill, one port of the licking tube is arranged on a side of the stroke experimental mouse, the sugar liquid supply assembly includes a container for holding sugar water, a liquid supply tube and a solenoid valve installed on the liquid supply tube, one end of the liquid supply tube is connected to the container for holding sugar water, and the container for holding sugar water is arranged above the liquid outlet of the liquid supply tube, forming a natural gravity water supply method.

[0020] Preferably, the information collection system comprises: a camera and a microphone, and the camera and the microphone are both arranged around the stroke experimental mouse.

[0021] Preferably, it further comprises: an electrical stimulation module, which is arranged on one side of the treadmill and acts on the conveyor belt of the treadmill with a current of 0-7 mA.

[0022] Preferably, the main control system includes: an STM32 single-chip microcomputer controller, and the STM32 single-chip microcomputer controller is communicatively connected to the computer in a serial manner.

[0023] The present invention provides a virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental mice. It has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] 1. The present invention, by designing a weight loss system, can adjust the movement of experimental mice, and can realize virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation experiments on some stroke experimental mice that cannot support 100% of their own body weight. In addition, by coordinating the visual system, auditory stimulation system, tactile stimulation system, olfactory stimulation system, and reward and punishment system, multi-sensory channel stimulation can be realized in post-stroke neural remodeling and movement pattern reconstruction, laying an important foundation for the next step of realizing the use of virtual reality for human rehabilitation training.

[0025] 2. The multi-sensory channels of the present invention are stimulated in real time and feedback is provided according to the movements and behaviors of the experimental mice to adjust the sensory stimulation, thus truly realizing the interactivity of VR multi-sensory stimulation.

[0026] 3. The present invention can combine a variety of high-end technologies for real-time brain function observation with the motion capture camera in the present invention, thereby realizing real-time observation of the brain response and movement response of experimental animals under a variety of sensory stimulations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental rats proposed by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a front view of a virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental rats proposed by the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3This is a top view of a virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental mice proposed by the present invention.

[0030] Among them, 1. treadmill; 2. treadmill adjustment component; 3. weight reduction system; 301. suspension device; 302. weight reduction stepper motor; 303. tension sensor; 4. tactile stimulation system; 401. first linear motor; 402. operating bracket; 403. beard stirring rod; 5. olfactory stimulation system; 501. first electric track; 502. deflation system; 502a. first air pipe; 502b. fan cylinder; 503. exhaust system; 503a. second air pipe; 503b. vacuum pump; 6. reward and punishment system; 601. licking tube; 602. sugar solution supply component; 7. electrical stimulation module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] Embodiment 1:

[0033] like Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental mice, which includes: a treadmill 1, a treadmill adjustment component 2, a weight loss system 3, a visual system, an auditory stimulation system, a tactile stimulation system 4, an olfactory stimulation system 5, a reward and punishment system, an information collection system and a main control system.

[0034] The treadmill 1 is composed of a frame, two rollers, a transmission belt and a servo motor, providing a simulated ground of infinite length. Stroke experimental mice can move on the transmission belt. The treadmill 1 is fixedly arranged above the treadmill adjustment component 2. The treadmill adjustment component 2 is used to adjust the inclination angle of the treadmill 1 front and back, left and right. The treadmill adjustment component 2 includes three independently moving telescopic shafts and a six-axis sensor for detecting the inclination of the treadmill 1. The six-axis sensor is used to monitor the inclination state of the transmission belt on the treadmill 1 in real time. The main control system controls the three independently moving telescopic shafts to make corresponding telescopic movements according to the acquired inclination state of the transmission belt, thereby controlling the transmission belt on the treadmill 1 to achieve a state of simulating a virtual complex ground.

[0035] Boxes are fixedly installed on the left and right sides of the treadmill 1 to facilitate the installation of equipment such as the auditory stimulation system, the tactile stimulation system 4, the olfactory stimulation system 5, the reward and punishment system, and the information collection system.

[0036] The main control system controls the treadmill 1 and the treadmill adjustment component 2 according to the virtual scene model displayed in the visual system to achieve the effect of simulating the virtual ground. For example, the visual system limits the scene that requires the stroke experimental mouse to run uphill quickly. The main control system can control the servo motor to increase the speed, and at the same time control the three telescopic axes to cooperate with the telescopic action to adjust the surface of the treadmill 1 to an inclined state, thereby better simulating the virtual scene and helping to stimulate the sense of balance of the experimental animals.

[0037] The weight-reducing system 3 includes a suspension device 301, a weight-reducing stepper motor 302, a tension sensor 303 and a vest. The vest is worn on a stroke experimental mouse. The suspension device 301 is fixedly set on the frame of the treadmill 1. The suspension device 301 can be composed of a micrometer magnetic base + a connecting rod. The suspension end of the suspension device 301 is located above the treadmill 1. The main body of the weight-reducing stepper motor 302 is fixedly connected to the suspension end of the suspension device 301. The telescopic end of the weight-reducing stepper motor 301 is connected to the vest through a flexible part. The flexible part can use medical Velcro or a conventional flexible rope. The tension sensor 303 is set at the connection between the telescopic end of the weight-reducing stepper motor 301 and the vest. The tension sensor 303 is used to detect the tension exerted on the flexible part.

[0038] The weight loss system 3 can be used to keep the stroke experimental mouse standing stably (or being suspended on) the treadmill 1 to prevent the stroke experimental mouse from falling. The weight of the stroke experimental mouse can be weighed before the experiment (the weight loss stepper motor 302 contracts, the stroke experimental mouse is suspended, and the data on the tension sensor 303 is the weight of the stroke experimental mouse). According to the actual situation of the stroke experimental mouse, 0-100% weight loss is selected. For example, for stroke experimental mice with more serious conditions, 90% weight loss can be selected, and the weight loss stepper motor 302 is controlled to contract so that the measurement data obtained on the tension sensor 303 is 90% of the weight of the stroke experimental mouse. During the entire experimental process, the main control system reciprocates and adjusts the action of the weight loss stepper motor 302 according to the data fed back by the tension sensor 303. This process is a dynamic closed-loop control process.

[0039] The main control system is communicatively connected with the treadmill 1, the treadmill adjustment component 2, the weight reduction system 3, the visual system, the auditory stimulation system, the tactile stimulation system, the olfactory stimulation system, the reward and punishment system, and the information collection system.

[0040] The main control system controls the treadmill 1, treadmill adjustment component 2, weight reduction system 3, visual system, auditory stimulation system, tactile stimulation system, olfactory stimulation system, reward and punishment system, and information collection system to work together to complete the relevant experiments on virtual reality and multi-sensory stimulation of virtual reality for stroke experimental mice.

[0041] In one embodiment, the visual system is a curved screen set in front of the stroke experimental mouse. The curved screen can be fixed by a bracket on the ground. The visual system uses a curved screen (about 34in nch) that can be directly connected to a computer to achieve 3D immersion with full field of view coverage, achieving excellent visual stimulation effects on experimental animals; in addition, for scenes such as walls and shaking that appear in the screen, the scene realization device will make corresponding actions in conjunction with the animation to achieve different types of stimulation. The auditory stimulation system is a number of speakers set around the stroke experimental mouse, generally four sets of speakers are set to form a stereo sound effect.

[0042] In one embodiment, the tactile stimulation system 4 includes: a first linear motor 401, a manipulation bracket 402, a beard stirring rod 403 and an infrared sensor.

[0043] The main body of the first linear motor 401 is fixed, and the telescopic end of the first linear motor 401 is fixedly connected to the operating bracket 402. The first linear motor 401 drives the operating bracket 402 to slide. The end of the operating bracket 402 away from the first linear motor 401 is fixedly connected to the beard stirring rod 403. The beard stirring rod 403 is in a vertical state. Driven by the first linear motor 401 and the operating bracket 402, the beard stirring rod 403 is close to the whiskers of the stroke experimental mouse to form a narrow virtual scene in front of the experimental mouse. An infrared sensor is arranged on the side of the beard stirring rod 403. The infrared sensor is used to detect the distance between the stroke experimental mouse and the beard stirring rod. The distance information monitored by the infrared sensor is transmitted to the main control system to prevent the main control system from controlling the beard stirring rod 403 of the tactile stimulation system 4 to hit the stroke experimental mouse.

[0044] In one embodiment, the olfactory stimulation system 5 includes: a first electric track 501 , an air release system 502 , and an exhaust system 503 .

[0045] The first electric track 501 is fixedly connected to the frame of the treadmill 1, and the deflation system includes a first air pipe 502a and a plurality of food holding boxes. The air outlet end of the first air pipe 502a is arranged on one side of the stroke experimental mouse, and a fan cylinder 502b is serially arranged on the first air pipe 502a. The air inlet end of the first air pipe 502a is connected to the action end of the first electric track 501, and the first electric track drives the air inlet end of the first air pipe to move above the plurality of food holding boxes.

[0046] When the visual system displays a scene of related food, the first electric track 501 drives the air inlet end of the first air pipe 502a to reach the vicinity of the corresponding food holding box, and the fan cylinder 502b works to send the smell of the corresponding food to the vicinity of the experimental mouse. When switching to another scene, the first electric track 501 drives the air inlet end of the first air pipe 502a to make corresponding adjustments.

[0047] The exhaust system includes a second air pipe 503a, on which an air pump 503b is arranged in series. The air inlet end of the second air pipe is close to the stroke experimental mouse. When the visual system shows that it has entered the next scene without food, the air pump 503b starts working to quickly extract the food smell around the mouse.

[0048] In one embodiment, the reward and punishment system 6 includes: a licking tube 601 fixedly connected to the frame of the treadmill and a sugar liquid supply component 602, one end of the licking tube 601 is set on the side of the stroke experimental mouse, the sugar liquid supply component 602 includes a container for holding sugar water, a liquid supply tube and a solenoid valve installed on the liquid supply tube, one end of the liquid supply tube is connected to the container for holding sugar water, and the container for holding sugar water is set above the liquid outlet of the liquid supply tube, forming a gravity-based natural water supply method.

[0049] The stroke experimental mice can lick the end of the licking tube 601. The sweet food at the end of the licking tube 601 can motivate the mice. The sugar liquid supply component 602 can also drip sugar water at the corner of the mouse's mouth to reward the mouse.

[0050] In one embodiment, the information collection system includes: a camera and a microphone, both of which are arranged around the stroke experimental mouse, the camera is used to obtain the posture of the mouse, and the microphone is used to collect the sound made by the mouse, and the relevant images and sounds are stored in a corresponding memory for subsequent experimental data acquisition.

[0051] In one embodiment, it also includes: an electrical stimulation module 7, which is arranged on one side of the treadmill and acts on the conveyor belt of the treadmill with a current of 0-7mA. For example, when the running speed of the mouse is lower than the running speed displayed in the scene, a certain current can be applied to the conveyor belt of the treadmill, and then transmitted to the feet of the mouse to punish the mouse.

[0052] In one embodiment, the main control system includes: an STM32 single-chip microcomputer controller, which is connected to a computer in series communication. The computer is used as a host computer to input corresponding instructions to the STM32 single-chip microcomputer controller, and then control related devices to perform corresponding actions.

[0053] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental mice, characterized in that: include: A treadmill (1) provides a simulated ground surface of infinite length; A treadmill adjustment component (2), wherein the treadmill (1) is fixedly arranged above the treadmill adjustment component (2), and the treadmill adjustment component (2) is used to adjust the inclination angle of the treadmill (1) in the front, back, left and right directions; A weight loss system (3), the weight loss system (3) comprising a suspension device (301), a weight loss stepper motor (302), a tension sensor (303) and a vest, the vest being worn on a stroke experimental mouse, the suspension device (301) being fixedly arranged on a frame of a treadmill (1), the suspension end of the suspension device (301) being located above the treadmill (1), the main body of the weight loss stepper motor (302) being fixedly connected to the suspension end of the suspension device (301), the telescopic end of the weight loss stepper motor (301) being connected to the vest via a flexible member, the tension sensor (303) being arranged at the connection between the telescopic end of the weight loss stepper motor (301) and the vest, the tension sensor (303) being used to detect the tension exerted on the flexible member; Visual system, auditory stimulation system, tactile stimulation system (4), olfactory stimulation system (5), reward and punishment system, information collection system and main control system; The main control system is communicatively connected with the treadmill (1), the treadmill adjustment component (2), the weight reduction system (3), the visual system, the auditory stimulation system, the tactile stimulation system, the olfactory stimulation system, the reward and punishment system, and the information collection system.

2. A virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental mice according to claim 1, characterized in that: The visual system is a curved screen arranged in front of the stroke experimental mouse, and the auditory stimulation system is a plurality of loudspeakers arranged around the stroke experimental mouse.

3. A virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental mice according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tactile stimulation system (4) comprises: A first linear motor (401), wherein the main body of the first linear motor (401) is fixed, and the telescopic end of the first linear motor (401) is fixedly connected to a manipulation bracket (402), and one end of the manipulation bracket (402) away from the first linear motor (401) is fixedly connected to a whisker stirring rod (403), and an infrared sensor is arranged on the side of the whisker stirring rod (403), and the infrared sensor is used to detect the distance between the stroke experimental mouse and the whisker stirring rod.

4. A virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental mice according to claim 3, characterized in that: The olfactory stimulation system (5) comprises: A first electric track (501), wherein the first electric track (501) is fixedly connected to a frame of the treadmill (1); The deflation system (502) comprises a first air pipe (502a) and a plurality of food holding boxes. The air outlet end of the first air pipe (502a) is arranged on one side of the stroke experimental mouse. A fan cylinder (502b) is arranged in series on the first air pipe (502a). The air inlet end of the first air pipe (502a) is connected to the action end of the first electric track (501). The first electric track drives the air inlet end of the first air pipe to move above the plurality of food holding boxes. An exhaust system (503), the exhaust system comprising a second air pipe (503a), an air pump (503b) being serially connected to the second air pipe, and an air inlet end of the second air pipe being close to the stroke experimental mouse.

5. The virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental mice according to claim 4, characterized in that: The reward and punishment system (6) comprises: a licking tube (601) fixedly connected to the frame of the treadmill and a sugar solution supply component (602), wherein one end of the licking tube (601) is arranged on one side of the stroke experimental mouse, and the sugar solution supply component (602) comprises a container for holding sugar water, a liquid supply pipe, and a solenoid valve installed on the liquid supply pipe, wherein one end of the liquid supply pipe is connected to the container for holding sugar water, and the container for holding sugar water is arranged above the liquid outlet of the liquid supply pipe, thereby forming a gravity-based natural water supply method.

6. A virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental mice according to claim 5, characterized in that: The information collection system comprises: a camera and a microphone, and the camera and the microphone are both arranged around the stroke experimental mouse.

7. A virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental mice according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: An electrical stimulation module (7) is arranged on one side of the treadmill and acts on the conveyor belt of the treadmill with a current of 0-7 mA.

8. The virtual reality multi-sensory stimulation virtual reality system for stroke experimental mice according to claim 7, characterized in that: The main control system comprises: an STM32 single-chip microcomputer controller, and the STM32 single-chip microcomputer controller is connected to the computer in series communication.

Images