Method of providing digitized feedback of activation or suppression for target brain region

Abstract

The invention provides a method for providing digital feedback of activation or suppression for a target brain region. The method comprises the following steps: carrying out physiological feedback training according to a physiological signal through a digital interface; executing a training configuration according to the physiological feedback training; outputting an execution result, wherein the execution result comprises a physiological signal and behavior data; and analyzing the execution result, and if the execution result meets the expectation, maintaining the training configuration; if the execution result does not conform to the expected result, another training configuration is replaced, and the other training configuration is executed. Therefore, unnecessary activation or inhibition on other non-target brain regions is avoided by means of the effect of activating or inhibiting the target brain region in real time, so that the time required for achieving a predicted target is shortened, and the number of training times is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of neurofeedback, and in particular to a method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region. Background Art

[0002] Existing biofeedback training mainly uses a wireless device at the input end. For example, a pair of electrode patches are used to compare the brain wave changes in three regions of the parietal lobe before and after training, a pair of electrode patches are used to detect the influence of neurophysiological feedback on the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR), or physiological signals are collected, and the physiological data is uploaded to a cloud platform for analysis via a wired or wireless transmission module. The individual needs to open an application (APP) or a related application to retrospectively read the physiological device during the sleep period. However, in the existing technology, the subject usually fails to immediately obtain physiological-related information such as brain waves or heart rate variability and needs to wait for several hours to several days for interpretation.

[0003] At the same time, although the existing intelligent bed group health management system also collects physiological signals, the collected physiological signals are those of an individual during bed rest and sleep. The physiological signals are uploaded to a cloud platform for analysis via a wired or wireless transmission module. The individual needs to open a related application to retrospectively read the physiological device during the sleep period. Its disadvantage is that after the individual's physiological signals are transmitted, they cannot be immediately calculated and fed back to the subject in real time.

[0004] In addition, although there is a feedback mechanism for functional magnetic resonance imaging (Real time fMRI neurofeedback), because the magnetic resonance imaging instrument is quite expensive and is mostly set up in medical institutions, and it takes more than 30 minutes from signal collection to imaging, and the calculation of the feedback mechanism also takes more than 10 minutes, it is impossible to achieve remote configuration and real-time (within 1 minute) analysis and feedback.

[0005] Please refer to Figure 7 the left half of. In the current method for training a subject's brain region or brain waves, by comparing the brain region or brain wave results to be trained, acoustic and optical feedback is given after the expected goal is achieved. It analyzes the entire brain region or brain waves for training, but it is not possible to perform activation or inhibition training on a specific brain region. Therefore, the time and number of training sessions required are very long. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region, providing digital (gamified) feedback for activating or inhibiting the target brain region, using neurophysiological signal biofeedback training, and a digital training therapy remote application program to execute digital prescriptions and digital therapies. Games (i.e., vision) and music (i.e., audition) interact with neurofeedback (NFB) to activate or inhibit brain region networks, achieving the effect of activating or inhibiting the target brain region in real-time and avoiding unnecessary activation or inhibition of other non-target brain regions, thereby reducing the time and number of training sessions required to achieve the expected goal.

[0007] According to the above objective, the present invention provides a method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region, including: Step SA: performing a biofeedback training according to a physiological signal through a digital interface; Step SB: executing a training configuration according to the biofeedback training; Step SC: outputting an execution result, where the execution result includes a physiological signal and a behavior data; and Step SD: analyzing whether the execution result meets the expectation. If the execution result meets the expectation, the training configuration is maintained; if the execution result does not meet the expectation, another training configuration is replaced and the other training configuration is executed.

[0008] In some embodiments, the biofeedback training includes a game training.

[0009] In some embodiments, the scope of the training configuration includes attention, perceptual processing, visual space, language semantics, working memory, logical reasoning, emotional arousal, and social cognition.

[0010] In some embodiments, the execution result includes a signal result, a physical and mental state, and a performance indicator.

[0011] In some embodiments, before Step SA, a physiological signal of a subject is captured by an electroencephalogram acquisition device, where the physiological signal is 19-channel electroencephalogram data captured according to different brain regions of the subject.

[0012] In some embodiments, the digital interface is a mobile communication device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the physiological signal includes electroencephalogram amplitude, electroencephalogram frequency, electroencephalogram locus, and pattern characteristics.

[0014] In some embodiments, after Step SD, it can return to Step SB for multiple cycles.

[0015] To make the above objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the following will be described in detail with specific embodiments listed in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic flowchart of the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the brain wave collection device used in the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 It is a side view schematic diagram of the brain wave collection device used in the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of brain wave feature analysis of the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the usage state of the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of activation or inhibition of the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram for comparing the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention with the prior art;

[0023] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention in a game;

[0024] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention during a game;

[0025] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of the result generated by the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention in a game;

[0026] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram of the feedback interface of the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention.

[0027] Description of reference numerals:

[0028] 1 - 7: Boxes;

[0029] 100: Brain wave collection device;

[0030] 210: Top of the subject's head;

[0031] 220: Posterior occipital protuberance;

[0032] 230: Vestibule;

[0033] 240: Nasal root;

[0034] 300: Digital interface;

[0035] A1, A2: Ear - connected electrodes;

[0036] C3, C4, CZ: Electrodes;

[0037] F3, F4, F7, F8, FP1, FP2, FZ: Electrodes;

[0038] O1, O2: Electrodes;

[0039] P3, P4, PZ: Electrodes;

[0040] T3, T4, T5, T6: Electrodes;

[0041] S100: Method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region;

[0042] SA - SD: Steps. Detailed implementation manners

[0043] The advantages, features, and technical methods achieved by the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings and will be more easily understood. Moreover, the present invention can be implemented in different forms, so it should not be construed that the present invention is limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, for those of ordinary skill in the art, the provided embodiments will make this disclosure more thorough, comprehensive, and completely convey the scope of the present invention, and the present invention will only be defined by the appended patent application scope.

[0044] In addition, the terms "comprising" and / or "include" mean the presence of the described features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, components, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, and / or their combinations.

[0045] To facilitate the understanding of the technical solution of the present invention, specific embodiments are listed in conjunction with the drawings and described in detail as follows.

[0046] Figure 1Schematic flowchart of the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention. The method S100 for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention may include the following steps: Step SA: Perform a physiological feedback training based on a physiological signal through a digital interface; Step SB: Execute a training configuration according to the physiological feedback training; Step SC: Output an execution result, the execution result including a physiological signal and a behavior data; and Step SD: Analyze whether the execution result meets the expectation. If the execution result meets the expectation, then maintain the training configuration; if the execution result does not meet the expectation, then replace it with another training configuration and execute the other training configuration.

[0047] In some embodiments, after step SD, it may return to step SB for multiple cycles to perform multiple executions of the training configuration or to obtain the optimal training configuration in real time and within a short period.

[0048] Before step A, a physiological signal of a subject is captured through an electroencephalogram acquisition device 100 (refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), where the physiological signal is 19-channel electroencephalogram data captured according to different brain regions of the subject, which will be described in detail in Figure 2 and Figure 3 . Among them, the electroencephalogram acquisition device 100 can be set at the subject's home or in public places such as medical units.

[0049] In some embodiments, the digital interface 300 can be a mobile communication device, such as a mobile phone, but is not limited thereto.

[0050] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the electroencephalogram acquisition device used in the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention. Figure 3 Side view schematic diagram of the electroencephalogram acquisition device used in the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 . The electroencephalogram acquisition device 100 is worn in contact with the subject's head at the vertex 210, the occipital protuberance 220, the vestibule 230, and the nasion 240. The electroencephalogram acquisition device 100 includes electrodes C3, C4, P3, P4, O1, O2, FP1, FP2, FZ, CZ, PZ, T3, T4, T5, T6, F3, F4, F7, F8, and earlink electrodes A1, A2. That is, the electroencephalogram activity regions are located by combining the 19-channel electroencephalogram sites and electroencephalogram patterns of the above 19 electrodes.

[0052] Figure 4Schematic diagram of brain wave feature analysis for the method of providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region in the present invention. In some embodiments, the brain region activity area is located according to the combination of 19-channel brain wave sites and brain wave patterns of the brain wave collection device used above. Therefore, the biological data can be 19-channel EGG (Electroencephalography) brain wave data. The brain wave data may include amplitude, frequency, site, and pattern features, but is not limited thereto. As Figure 4 shown, the brain wave features detected through the 19 channels of the brain wave collection device 100 (that is, Figure 2 and Figure 3 the 19 electrodes FP1, FP2, F3, F4, F7, F8, FZ, T3, C3, CZ, C4, T4, T5, P3, PZ, P4, T6, O1, O2) include four characteristic parameters of amplitude, frequency, brain wave site (the positions of the 19 electrodes FP1, FP2, F3, F4, F7, F8, FZ, T3, C3, CZ, C4, T4, T5, P3, PZ, P4, T6, O1, O2), amplitude, frequency, pattern, and position of the brain wave pattern. The four characteristic parameters form different groups of brain wave databases. The 19-channel site-based positioning can back-infer the brain activity area through brain wave features and be used as the parameters for the above comparison and training. In this embodiment, the brain waves collected by the brain wave collection device 100 will obtain a basic score after being compared with the brain wave pattern. As Figure 4 shown, after comparison and analysis with a brain wave database (not shown in the figure), a reference point for the pointer score is generated. This reference point is also the difference compared with the norm in a similar population (same age, same education level, same gender, etc.).

[0053] For example, if the brain waves collected by a subject through the brain wave collection device 100 are converted into a score of X, but the ideal score for comparison with the database for this subject should be Y, then during the neurofeedback training process, the goal is to reduce the difference between X and Y. When the difference is reduced to a certain proportion, the subject will receive a feedback message. After the subject receives this feedback message, a brain wave pattern comparison can be performed again. At this time, the brain waves collected by the brain wave collection device 100 can be converted into a new reference score X'. This X' will also be compared with the database, and the new neurofeedback training goal is to shorten the difference between X' and Y. Neurofeedback training is very similar to muscle training of the brain. If you want to exercise a certain muscle (the biceps of the hand, the six-pack abs of the abdomen, the thigh muscles of the legs, etc.), the muscle endurance before exercise is X, but the goal is to obtain the strength of Y. At this time, specific muscle groups will be gradually trained until X - Y gets closer and closer. For example, if you hope to lift a 30 kg (Y) dumbbell, but currently the working end can only support 10 kg (X), if the working end can lift 15 kg, then feedback will be given (X - Y is shortened by a certain proportion). Until after exercising for a period of time and evaluating again, the working end can lift a 20 kg (X') dumbbell. At this time, the working end may need to lift a 25 kg dumbbell (X' - Y is shortened by a certain proportion) to get feedback. For example, for a subject with inattentiveness who wants to improve concentration through brain training, through the analysis of the collected brain waves, if it is found that the frontal lobe area of the brain is over-activated compared with the norm, then the individual can gradually reduce the difference between X and Y through feedback.

[0054] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the usage state of the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain area according to the present invention. Please refer to Figure 5 , in step A, real-time recording and real-time analysis are performed on the subject (i.e., box 1); then the physiological signals are provided to an application software stored in a storage memory medium (such as a computer) (i.e., box 2). The application software analyzes the brain atlas and provides a report result; then training parameter calculation is performed to provide training parameter suggestions (i.e., training configuration); afterwards, digital therapy is performed according to the training parameter suggestions (i.e., box 3), which means generating neurophysiological feedback. When the brain waves reach the best state, visual and auditory-visual effects will appear.

[0055] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of activation or inhibition of the method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain area according to the present invention. Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6, training is performed on the subject's brain region P and brain region F (i.e., box 4). After obtaining the electroencephalogram results (i.e., the brain waves in the target brain region are too high or too low, or too strong or too weak) and electroencephalogram norm data (i.e., comparing with the norms of the same age and gender), it is confirmed that the target brain region P of the subject is hypoactive, while the target brain region F is hyperactive. Therefore, through auditory or visual feedback images, such as a game task (i.e., biofeedback training) (i.e., box 6), the target brain region P is activated and the target brain region F is inhibited by the feedback music attributes (i.e., box 7), so as to achieve the activation or inhibition of the target brain region.

[0056] Figure 7 Schematic diagram for comparing the method of providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention with the prior art. Please refer to Figure 7 The right half of. After activating or inhibiting the target brain region through the training in the aforementioned training module state, the neurophysiological feedback efficacy of the subject's target brain region is improved, and the time and number of training required to achieve the expected goal can be reduced.

[0057] Figure 7 It mainly describes the method of "prior art", that is, through real-time analysis of brain waves, after comparing the target area or brain wave frequency band, when the set target level is reached, visual or auditory and other sensory feedback is given. However, visual feedback played a relatively passive role in the prior art. As long as the set target threshold is reached, sensory feedback can be obtained. But the technology of the present invention is that the feedback of the sensory interface itself can also activate or inhibit specific brain regions. For example: we want to train brain region A. If the electroencephalogram activity characteristics of brain region A ( Figure 4 ), a game screen will be presented (taking a racing game as an example, when the brain waves conform to the target characteristic value, the car will keep running in the screen. If it does not conform to the characteristic value, the car will stop in the screen, just like controlling a racing game with brain waves). In the past, whether the racing car moved or not was only to feedback the current brain wave characteristics to the user, so the current state was feedback to the user. The racing game itself was only for feedback and only played the role of "passive feedback" in brain training. But in the present invention, the feedback screen itself plays the role of "active feedback" for activating or inhibiting specific brain regions. For example, if the racing car feedback screen is changed to an airplane flight, although the feedback screens all make the vehicle move, the airplane can also activate or inhibit brain region A.

[0058] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the method of providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention with a game. Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the method of providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention during a game. Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the result generated by a game for the method of providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to the present invention.

[0059] Combined with Figure 7 , for example Figure 8 and Figure 9 Game illustration: In the prior art, as long as the brain waves conform to the characteristics to be trained, the card-flipping action can be performed, that is, the visual feedback is to flip the cards with brain waves (similar to driving a racing car with brain waves as described above); in the current technology, when the brain waves conform to the training characteristics, the cards can be flipped, but there are also cognitive-related tasks set behind these cards, thus activating or inhibiting specific brain regions. (Similar to driving an airplane with brain waves as described above). Although driving a car and an airplane are both driving, the former is in a 2D plane and the latter is in a 3D space.

[0060] Please refer to Figures 8 to 10 , and a card-flipping game for memorizing a pair of cards of the same suit at different positions is provided as a homework task for training. During neurofeedback, it is necessary to pair with the brain region or brain wave result to be trained. When the expected goal is met (reaching a predetermined threshold), the card can be flipped. At this time, the subject needs to remember the relative positions of each card; and this homework task is related to the brain region involved in memory processing. Performing this homework task alone can train the memory surface. However, performing this homework task through the signal of neurophysiological feedback can enhance more memory surfaces (i.e., activate the target brain region of memory), and consolidate the enhancement of the brain by neurophysiological feedback.

[0061] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the feedback interface for the method of providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting the target brain region according to the present invention. Please refer to Figure 11 , the present invention can be implemented by an application program of a mobile phone. The physiological signals captured from the subject are transmitted remotely to the mobile phone via the network (i.e., the digital interface 300) (step SA), and neurophysiological signal physiological feedback training is performed through the application program (i.e., APP), that is, entering a game training configuration (step SB); after entering the game training configuration, the training of the game training configuration is executed, and an execution result is generated (step SC), wherein the training includes digital prescriptions and digital training therapies. The scope of digital prescriptions includes at least attention, perceptual processing, visual space, language semantics, working memory, logical reasoning, emotional arousal, and social cognition, and the digital training therapies include mind-brain training and behavior prescriptions (including relevant guidelines). Among them, mind-brain training includes neurofeedback and physiological feedback, and behavior prescriptions include execution environment settings, lifestyle, learning and memory, emotion regulation, focused attention, and sleep stress relief. And the execution result can include signal results, physical and mental states, and effectiveness indicators.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 11The dashed lines indicate that, for example, the physiological signals provided in neurophysiological signal biofeedback training include EEG (electroencephalography) parameters, HRV (heart rate variability) parameters, and evaluation values. Subsequently, it enters the training configuration of "emotional arousal", and then provides neurofeedback, biofeedback (Digital Prescriptions), and emotion regulation (Digital Therapy). Finally, the execution results are output. It can be further adjusted or looped according to the flowchart described above. Figure 1 The training configuration can be further adjusted or looped according to the flowchart.

[0063] The present invention emphasizes a digital method, that is, the training of the target brain region can be carried out without using brain waves. However, when brain waves are involved, the effect will be greater than the sum of the two, meaning that it includes brain optimization through physiological signals in biofeedback and the digital game feedback itself (the game itself without comparing physiological signals) can also optimize the brain. The combination of biofeedback training and digital feedback methods will multiply the effect. Part of the digital feedback calculates the relevant brain activation areas through the user's behavioral responses or behavioral characteristics (such as response accuracy, response time, best performance level, etc.), but not through the physiological signals themselves. The underlying principle is that behavioral characteristics can reflect brain activities. Currently, the invention can also calculate the characteristics of high or low brain activation through behavioral characteristics and improve behavioral characteristics through digital game methods, thereby enhancing brain function. However, the analysis of physiological signals is not involved in this process itself.

[0064] In summary, the method S100 for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region provided by the present invention provides digital (gamified) feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region, uses neurophysiological signal biofeedback training, and the digital training therapy remote application program executes digital prescriptions and digital therapies. The interaction of games (i.e., vision) and music (i.e., audition) with neurofeedback (Neurofeedback, NFB) activates or inhibits the brain region network operation to achieve the effect of activating or inhibiting the target brain region in real time and avoid unnecessary activation or inhibition of other non-target brain regions, thereby reducing the time and number of training sessions required to achieve the expected goal.

[0065] What is disclosed in this case is a preferred embodiment. All local changes or modifications that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art from the technical idea of this case fall within the scope of the patent right of this case.

[0066] In summary, this case shows its differences from the prior art in terms of purpose, means, and efficacy. Its first invention is practical and meets the patent requirements of an invention.

Claims

1. A method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region, characterized in that Including: Step SA: Perform a physiological feedback training according to a physiological signal through a digital interface; Step SB: Execute a training configuration according to the physiological feedback training; Step SC: Output an execution result, which includes a physiological signal and a behavior data; And Step SD: Analyze whether the execution result meets the expectation. If the execution result meets the expectation, maintain the training configuration; If the execution result does not meet the expected result, replace it with another training configuration and execute the other training configuration.

2. The method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to claim 1, wherein, The physiological feedback training includes a game training.

3. The method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to claim 1, wherein The scope of the training configuration includes attention, perceptual processing, visual space, language semantics, working memory, logical reasoning, emotional arousal, and social cognition.

4. The method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to claim 1, wherein The execution result includes a signal result, a physical and mental state, and an effectiveness index.

5. The method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to claim 1, wherein Before step SA, a physiological signal of a subject is captured by a brain wave collection device, where the physiological signal is 19-channel brain wave data captured according to different brain regions of the subject.

6. The method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to claim 1, wherein, The digital interface is a mobile communication device.

7. The method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to claim 1, wherein The physiological signal includes brain wave amplitude, brain wave frequency, brain wave locus, and pattern characteristics.

8. The method for providing digital feedback for activating or inhibiting a target brain region according to claim 1, wherein After step SD, it can return to step SB for multiple cycles.

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