Brain activity measuring system

Abstract

To provide a brain activity measuring system capable of accurately measuring a brain activity state for a task by sufficiently securing a time of a rest period when the brain rests before a next task.SOLUTION: A brain activity measuring system 100 includes: a brain activity measuring device 1; a task presentation device 3 (23) for presenting a task; an input reception unit 23 (24) for receiving an input of an answer of a subject 10; and a time notification unit 23 for causing a time limit 21c (21f) to be notified of. The brain activity measuring system 100 includes a control unit 2 for performing control to finish receiving the answer from the subject 10 on the basis of the fact that the time limit 21c (21f) has elapsed, and to shift the subject 10 to a rest period 21d (21g) in which the subject rests before the presentation of a next task is started by the task presentation device 3 (23).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a brain activity measuring system for measuring the activity state of a subject's brain. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a brain activity measuring system for measuring the activity state of a subject's brain is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a mood assessment system (brain activity measurement system) equipped with a bio-optical measurement device (brain activity measurement device) that measures brain activity data of a subject. This mood assessment system is a system that measures brain activity data of a subject according to a measurement procedure that includes a task period in which a cognitive task for checking cognitive function is presented to the subject, followed by a rest period in which the subject's brain is allowed to rest. The rest period is a period in which brain activity data is acquired as a reference for acquiring a relative change in the brain activity state in the task period.

[0004] The mood assessment system of Patent Document 1 includes a presentation device, an input device, and a calculation unit. The presentation device is configured to present a cognitive task to the subject for checking the subject's cognitive function when brain activity data is measured by the bio-optical measurement device. The presentation device is a display unit. The input device is configured to allow the subject to input an answer to the cognitive task. The calculation unit is configured to present the subject, via the presentation device, with a task during the task period, in which the subject is prompted to store predetermined information (such as a mark) as a cognitive task, and then, after a certain period of time has elapsed, to check whether the predetermined information has been stored. The calculation unit is configured to accept input of an answer to the cognitive task by the subject during the rest period following the task period. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-146410 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the mood assessment system of Patent Document 1, if the subject inputs an answer to a cognitive task late and answers it at the end of the rest period, the subject will think about the answer to the previous cognitive task until just before the next cognitive task begins. In this case, since a sufficient rest period for the subject's brain to rest before the next task cannot be secured, it is considered that the brain activity state due to the previous cognitive task affects the measurement of the brain activity state during the next cognitive task. Therefore, the mood assessment system of Patent Document 1 has a problem that the brain activity state for the cognitive task cannot be accurately measured due to the inability to secure a sufficient rest period for the brain to rest before the next cognitive task.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a brain activity measurement system that can accurately measure the brain activity state in response to a task by ensuring a sufficient rest period to allow the brain to rest before the next task. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a brain activity measurement system in one aspect of the present invention comprises a brain activity measurement device that measures the activity state of a subject's brain by irradiating and receiving measurement light, a task presentation device that presents a task for measuring the activity state of the subject's brain using the brain activity measurement device, an input receiving unit that accepts input of the subject's answer to the task presented by the task presentation device, a time notification unit that notifies the subject of a time limit during which input of the answer from the subject can be accepted after the presentation of the task by the task presentation device has ended, and a control unit that, based on the elapse of the time limit, stops accepting answers from the subject and controls the subject to transition to a rest period in which the subject rests until the presentation of the next task is started by the task presentation device. Effect of the Invention

[0009] In the brain activity measuring system according to the first aspect, a control unit is provided that performs control to stop accepting answers from the subject based on the lapse of the time limit notified by the time notifying unit, and to transition to a rest period in which the subject is kept quiet until the task presentation device starts presenting the next task. This makes it possible to forcibly stop accepting answers from the subject based on the lapse of the answer input acceptance period, thereby avoiding a situation in which the subject's input of an answer to a task occurs at the end of the rest period and the rest period in which the brain is kept quiet cannot be sufficiently secured. As a result, by securing a sufficient rest period in which the brain is kept quiet before the next task, the brain activity state for the task can be accurately measured. In addition, by forcibly transitioning to the rest period after the time limit has elapsed, the subject can obtain a sufficient rest period without assistance from a measurer, etc., so that the subject can work on the next task after keeping the brain quiet. As a result, the influence of the brain activity state due to the previous task can be suppressed in the measurement of the brain activity state of the next task. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram showing an entire brain activity measuring system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a brain activity measurement control unit of a brain activity measuring system according to one embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control device of the brain activity measuring system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a stimulation task presentation device of a brain activity measuring system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a side view of a stimulation task presentation device of a brain activity measuring system according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a timing chart showing an example of brain activity measurement including a task period, a pre-rest period, and a post-rest period in the brain activity measuring system of one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a task screen in a first example of brain activity measurement of the brain activity measuring system of one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an answer screen in a first example of brain activity measurement of the brain activity measuring system of one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing tasks in a second example of brain activity measurement of the brain activity measuring system of one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an answer screen in a second example of brain activity measurement of the brain activity measuring system according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an answer screen in a third example of brain activity measurement of the brain activity measuring system of one embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an answer screen in a fourth example of brain activity measurement of the brain activity measuring system of one embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing tasks in a fifth example of brain activity measurement of the brain activity measuring system of one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a solution state in a fifth example of brain activity measurement of the brain activity measuring system of one embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a task screen of a reuse calculation task in a sixth example of brain activity measurement of the brain activity measuring system of one embodiment. [Figure 16] 1 is a flowchart showing a brain activity measuring method of the brain activity measuring system of one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] First, the configuration of a brain activity measuring system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] 1, brain activity measurement system 100 is a system for measuring the brain activity state of subject 10 when a task that requires the subject 10 to perform calculation, character recognition, etc. is presented to the subject 10. Brain activity measurement system 100 is configured to show measurement results of the brain activity state to subject 10, thereby allowing the subject 10 to recognize the brain activity state.

[0014] Specifically, the brain activity measuring system 100 includes an optical measuring device 1, a control device 2, and a stimulation task presentation device 3. The optical measuring device 1 is an example of a "brain activity measuring device" in the claims. The control device 2 is an example of a "control unit" in the claims. The stimulation task presentation device 3 is an example of a "task presentation device" in the claims.

[0015] (Optical measurement device) 1 and 2, the optical measurement device 1 is configured to measure the activity state of the brain of a subject 10 by irradiating and receiving measurement light. That is, the optical measurement device 1 is configured to optically measure the change in the amount of hemoglobin corresponding to the change in blood flow in the brain based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The optical measurement device 1 includes an optical measurement unit 11 and a brain activity measurement control unit 12.

[0016] <Optical Measurement Section> The optical measurement unit 11 is configured to measure the brain activity state of the subject 10 for the tasks presented by each of the control device 2 and the stimulus task presentation device 3. Specifically, the optical measurement unit 11 includes a plurality of light transmitting measurement probes 111, a plurality of light receiving measurement probes 112, a plurality of optical fibers 113, and a holder 114.

[0017] Each of the plurality of light transmitting measurement probes 111 is configured to irradiate the head of the subject 10 with measurement light, which is near-infrared light. Each of the plurality of light receiving measurement probes 112 is configured to receive the measurement light that has passed through and been reflected by the head of the subject 10. In this way, the brain activity state of the subject 10 is measured. The plurality of optical fibers 113 include a plurality of optical fibers 113a provided corresponding to each of the plurality of light transmitting measurement probes 111, and a plurality of optical fibers 113b provided corresponding to each of the plurality of light receiving measurement probes 112. The optical fiber 113a connects the light transmitting measurement probe 111 and the brain activity measurement control unit 12. The optical fiber 113b connects the light receiving measurement probe 112 and the brain activity measurement control unit 12. The holder 114 is a member for fixing the plurality of light transmitting measurement probes 111 and the plurality of light receiving measurement probes 112 at a predetermined position on the head surface of the subject 10.

[0018] Brain activity measurement control unit The control unit 12 for brain activity measurement is configured to control the optical measurement unit 11. Here, the control unit 12 for brain activity measurement is provided integrally with the stimulation task presentation device 3. That is, the control unit 12 for brain activity measurement is accommodated in a housing 33 of the stimulation task presentation device 3, which will be described later.

[0019] Specifically, the brain activity measurement control unit 12 includes a light output unit 121 , a light detector 122 , a probe control unit 123 , a main body control unit 124 , a storage unit 125 , and a communication unit 126 .

[0020] The optical output device 121 is configured to output measurement light irradiated from the transmitting measurement probe 111 via the optical fiber 113a. The optical detector 122 is configured to detect the measurement light incident on the receiving measurement probe 112 via the optical fiber 113b. The probe control unit 123 is configured to control the optical output device 121 and the optical detector 122 based on measurement parameters acquired from the main body control unit 124 via the communication unit 126. This controls the timing of turning on and off the optical output device 121, and acquires a signal of the measurement light received by the optical detector 122.

[0021] The main body control unit 124 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The storage unit 125 includes a non-volatile storage medium such as a memory. The storage unit 125 stores various programs for measuring the brain activity state using the optical measurement unit 11. The communication unit 126 is a device for communicating with the control device 2 by wire or wirelessly. The main body control unit 124 is configured to control the measurement of the brain activity state using the optical measurement unit 11 based on the various programs stored in the storage unit 125.

[0022] (Control device) As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 2 is configured to control the transmission of a trigger signal, measurement parameters, control parameters, etc. to the brain activity measurement control unit 12 and the stimulation task presentation device 3 via the communication unit 25 when measuring the brain activity state of the subject 10. The control device 2 is a portable computer. Specifically, the control device 2 has a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an operation unit 24, and a communication unit 25. The display unit 23 is an example of each of the "input reception unit," "task presentation device," and "time notification unit" in the claims. The operation unit 24 is an example of the "input reception unit" in the claims.

[0023] The control unit 21 has a CPU, a memory, and the like. The storage unit 22 includes a non-volatile storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 22 stores a brain activity measurement program that is applied when measuring the brain activity state using the optical measurement unit 11, and includes a pre-rest period 2a (pre-rest period 2d, pre-rest period 2g: see FIG. 6) in which the subject 10 is at rest, a task presentation period 2b (task presentation period 2e: see FIG. 6) in which a task is presented, and a post-rest period 2c (post-rest period 2f: see FIG. 6) in which an answer to the task is accepted. The brain activity measurement program will be described in detail later. Each of the pre-rest period 2a, pre-rest period 2d, and pre-rest period 2g is an example of a "rest period" in the claims.

[0024] The display unit 23 is a touch panel display. The display unit 23 is configured to present a task for measuring the brain activity state of the subject 10 by the optical measurement device 1. That is, the display unit 23 is configured to present a calculation task as a task for making the subject 10 perform a calculation. The display unit 23 is also configured to accept input of the subject 10's answer to each of the stimulation task as a task presented by the stimulation task presentation device 3 and the calculation task. The display unit 23 is configured to display an answer screen 202 (see FIG. 8) that accepts input of the subject 10's answer. The display unit 23 is also configured to display information related to the measurement of the brain activity state of the subject 10. The information related to the measurement of the brain activity state of the subject 10 includes the measurement procedure, the operation method of the equipment required for the measurement, and the measurement result of the change in the amount of hemoglobin corresponding to the change in blood flow in the brain obtained by the optical measurement unit 11 and the brain activity measurement control unit 12. The measurement result may be displayed on the display unit of a mobile terminal owned by the subject 10.

[0025] The operation unit 24 has a mouse, a keyboard, and the like that are operated by the subject 10. By operating the operation unit 24, the subject 10 can input answers to each of the stimulation tasks and the calculation tasks into an answer screen 202 (see FIG. 8).

[0026] The communication unit 25 is a device for communicating by wire or wirelessly with each of the brain activity measurement control unit 12 and the stimulation task presentation device 3. This enables the control device 2 to transmit and receive information required for measuring the brain activity state of the subject 10 to and from each of the brain activity measurement control unit 12 and the stimulation task presentation device 3.

[0027] (Stimulus task presentation device) 4, the stimulation task presentation device 3 is configured to present a task for measuring the brain activity state of the subject 10 by the optical measurement device 1. That is, the stimulation task presentation device 3 is configured to present a task for measuring the brain activity state of the subject 10 by the optical measurement unit 11 by stimulating the palm of the subject 10.

[0028] The stimulus task presentation device 3 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a housing 33, a stimulus providing mechanism , an attachment / detachment mechanism 35 (see FIG. 5), and a communication unit .

[0029] Specifically, the control unit 31 has a CPU, a memory, etc. The storage unit 32 has a non-volatile storage medium such as a memory. The storage unit 32 stores a program for controlling the stimulus mechanism 34. The control unit 31 is configured to control the stimulus mechanism 34 based on the program stored in the storage unit 32.

[0030] The housing 33 accommodates therein the control unit 31, the memory unit 32, the stimulus applying mechanism 34, the communication unit 36, etc. A plate-shaped member 33a (see FIG. 5) is detachably attached to the top surface of the housing 33. The plate-shaped member 33a is a member on which the palm of the subject 10 is placed when a task is presented by stimulating the palm of the subject 10.

[0031] The stimulating mechanism 34 is configured to stimulate the palm of the subject 10 in a stimulation region. Specifically, the stimulating mechanism 34 has a first linear movement mechanism 34a, a second linear movement mechanism 34b, an elevation mechanism 34c, and a contact member 34d (see FIG. 5).

[0032] The first linear movement mechanism 34a has a mechanism for moving the second linear movement mechanism 34b in one of the horizontal directions. The first linear movement mechanism 34a has, for example, a motor and a linear movement mechanism. The second linear movement mechanism 34b has a mechanism for moving the lifting mechanism 34c in another direction perpendicular to the one of the horizontal directions. The second linear movement mechanism 34b has, for example, a motor and a linear movement mechanism. The lifting mechanism 34c has a mechanism for moving the contact member 34d in an upward or downward direction. The lifting mechanism 34c has, for example, a motor and a lifting movement mechanism.

[0033] 5, the contact member 34d is configured to move in a protruding state through the opening 37, thereby pressing against the palm of the subject 10 covering the opening 37 to provide a stimulus (tactile stimulus). The contact member 34d is a protruding member that presses against the palm of the subject 10 to provide a stimulus. The contact member 34d is configured to elastically displace up and down to follow the unevenness of the palm of the subject 10 when pressing against the palm of the subject 10.

[0034] In this manner, the contact member 34d is configured to write a predetermined letter or symbol on the palm of the subject 10 by controlling each of the first linear movement mechanism 34a, the second linear movement mechanism 34b, and the lifting mechanism 34c by the control unit 31.

[0035] The attachment / detachment mechanism 35 is configured to easily install the stimulus task presentation device 3 not only in specialized medical facilities such as hospitals and laboratories, but also in facilities such as sports gyms and elderly care facilities. The attachment / detachment mechanism 35 is configured by a clamp mechanism that clamps the table top 40 of a desk, etc.

[0036] 4, the communication unit 36 ​​is a device for communicating with the control device 2 in a wired or wireless manner. This enables the stimulation task presentation device 3 to transmit and receive information required for measuring the brain activity state of the subject 10 to and from the control device 2.

[0037] (Brain activity measurement program) The brain activity measurement system 100 having the above-mentioned configuration is expected to be used not only in specialized medical facilities such as hospitals and laboratories, but also in facilities such as sports gyms and elderly care facilities. In the brain activity measurement system 100, not only the measurement value of the brain activity state of the subject 10 measured by the optical measurement device 1, but also the behavioral record (performance) associated with the measurement value is obtained. In addition to the measurement value and behavioral record of the brain activity state described above, the subject 10's questionnaire result regarding the measurement of the brain activity state is also obtained. The brain activity state of the subject 10 is evaluated by the measurer based on these measurement values ​​of the brain activity state, the behavioral record, and the questionnaire result. Here, the behavioral record is an example, but includes not only the above-mentioned calculation and character recognition correctness, but also reaction time until the answer, the correctness of recognition of stimuli and figures, and the correctness of the action recognized and performed by the subject 10 when given an instruction to perform the action. The measurer is an example of a "user" in the claims.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, in order to obtain the above-mentioned measurement values ​​of the brain activity state and the behavioral record, the brain activity measurement system 100 has the subject 10 perform a plurality of tasks associated with the behavioral record, sandwiched between a pre-rest period 2a (pre-rest period 2d, pre-rest period 2g) in which the subject 10 is at rest. Here, the measurement value of the brain activity state is a numerical value indicating the relative change between the brain activity state in the pre-rest period 2a (pre-rest period 2d, pre-rest period 2g) and the brain activity state in each of the plurality of tasks. For this reason, if the brain is not at rest but performs a task in an active state, the relative change cannot be obtained accurately, and a measurement value of the brain activity state that does not correspond to the task is obtained. Therefore, it is important to give the subject 10 a sufficient pre-rest period 2a (pre-rest period 2d, pre-rest period 2g).

[0039] When the brain activity measuring system 100 is used in a specialized medical facility such as a hospital or research institute, a doctor or other measurer assists the subject 10, so it is possible to ensure pre-rest period 2a (pre-rest period 2d, pre-rest period 2g) at any time. However, when the brain activity measuring system 100 is used in a facility such as a sports gym or elderly care facility, the subject 10 performs the measurement alone, so it is difficult to ensure pre-rest period 2a (pre-rest period 2d, pre-rest period 2g) at any time.

[0040] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, in the brain activity measuring system 100 of this embodiment, control is performed based on the brain activity measuring program to forcibly transition to a rest period 21d (rest period 21g) and put the subject 10 into a resting state.

[0041] Specifically, the control device 2 is configured to perform control to terminate the reception of answers from the subject 10 based on the end of the post-rest period 2c (post-rest period 2f) in which the input of answers from the subject 10 is accepted, and to transition to a rest period 21d (rest period 21g) in which the subject 10 is kept quiet until the display unit 23 (or the stimulus task presentation device 3) starts presenting the next task. Such control is performed every time before the pre-rest after each of the multiple tasks. Note that this control is not limited to a mode in which it is performed every time before the pre-rest after each of the multiple tasks, but may be a mode in which it is performed before the pre-rest after performing two tasks, and may be performed before the pre-rest after at least one of the multiple tasks. In addition, the tasks are set according to the behavioral record.

[0042] 6 to 8, the control based on the brain activity measuring program will be described. For convenience of explanation, the first embodiment will be described assuming that the subject 10 performs a calculation task as a task during the period from the start of the pre-rest period 2a to the start of the task presentation period 2e. Other embodiments will be described after the first embodiment.

[0043] First Example As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 2 is configured to control the start of the brain activity measurement program based on the reception of an operation of the subject 10. The control device 2 is configured to control the acquisition of each of the pre-rest period 2a, the task presentation period 2b, the post-rest period 2c, the pre-rest period 2d, and the time limit 21c from the storage unit 22, which are associated with the case where the subject 10 is made to perform a calculation task as a task. Here, each of the pre-rest period 2a, the task presentation period 2b, the post-rest period 2c, the pre-rest period 2d, and the time limit 21c is set according to a procedure (protocol) designed according to the brain activity state, behavioral record, and task based on the behavioral record of the subject 10 to be evaluated. Each of the pre-rest period 2a, the task presentation period 2b, the post-rest period 2c, and the pre-rest period 2d is, for example, about 15 seconds. Note that each of the pre-rest period 2a, the task presentation period 2b, the post-rest period 2c, and the pre-rest period 2d may be a period set to a different time according to the task. The time limit 21c is, for example, about 10 seconds. The time limit 221c may be set to a different time depending on the task.

[0044] The control device 2 is configured to perform control for acquiring measurements of the brain activity state of the subject 10 at rest during a pre-rest period 2a after the start of the brain activity measurement program.

[0045] The control device 2 is configured to control display of a task screen 201 (see FIG. 7) showing a calculation task on the display unit 23 based on the start time of the task presentation period 2b. The control device 2 is configured to control display of the task screen 201 from the start time to the end time of the task presentation period 2b. The task screen 201 has a screen in which task display areas 201a displaying calculation tasks are displayed side by side on the display unit 23. The task display areas 201a are arranged side by side in the center part of the display unit 23.

[0046] During the task presentation period 2b, the subject 10 is thinking about an answer to the calculation task. In addition, the control device 2 is configured to control the optical measurement device 1 to acquire a measurement value of the brain activity state of the subject 10 in parallel. The control device 2 is configured to control the display unit 23 to end the task screen 201 and transition to the answer screen 202 (see FIG. 8) based on the task presentation period 2b having elapsed (the end time having arrived). That is, the control device 2 is configured to control the display unit 23 to end the task screen 201 and transition to the answer screen 202 based on the task presentation period 2b becoming 0.

[0047] The control device 2 is configured to perform control to display the answer screen 202 (see FIG. 8) on the display unit 23 based on the start time of the post-rest period 2c. The control device 2 is also configured to perform control to display the answer screen 202 (see FIG. 8) within the time limit 21c in the post-rest period 2c based on the start time of the post-rest period 2c.

[0048] Here, the post-rest period 2c is a period after the end of the task presentation period 2b and before the pre-rest period 2d among the time until the start of the task presentation period 2e. The time limit 21c is a period after the end of the task presentation period 2b and shorter than the time until the start of the task presentation period 2e, and is a time for accepting the answer of the subject 10 on the answer screen 202. In order to reliably secure the pre-rest period 2d, it is preferable that the time limit 21c is set in the post-rest period 2c and is shorter than the post-rest period 2c. Note that the time limit 21c may be the same time as the post-rest period 2c. In addition, each of the start and end points of the time limit 21c is set to fall within the post-rest period 2c. In the following description, the time limit 21c is described assuming that the start point is set at the same time as the start of the post-rest period 2c and is shorter than the post-rest period 2c.

[0049] The answer screen 202 has an input receiving area 202a for receiving an answer input from the subject 10 via the display unit 23 (or the operation unit 24) and a screen displaying the remaining time 202b side by side on the display unit 23. The display unit 23 is configured to notify the time limit 21c in a manner that displays the remaining time 202b as information on the time limit 21c on the answer screen 202 of the display unit 23. The answer screen 202 is also a screen displaying a button area 202c for receiving an operation of the subject 10 to end the answer screen 202 side by side. The input receiving area 202a, the remaining time 202b, and the button area 202c are arranged side by side in the center of the answer screen 202. The input receiving area 202a, the remaining time 202b, and the button area 202c may be arranged side by side in a part other than the center of the answer screen 202.

[0050] Here, numbers are arranged in the input receiving area 202a for inputting the calculation results of the calculation task. The input receiving area 202a displays the result of the test subject 10 pressing the numbers arranged as the calculation results of the calculation task (the result of pressing "9" and "7" in FIG. 8). Furthermore, the remaining time 202b is the time from the current time to the end of the time limit 21c. The remaining time 202b is calculated based on the time limit 21c and the elapsed time from the start of the time limit 21c. Such remaining time 202b is information related to the time limit 21c that is set in advance depending on the task.

[0051] During the rest period 2c, the subject 10 enters the answer to the calculation task.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 2 is configured to control the subject 10 to stop accepting answers based on the end of the time limit 21c and to transition to a rest period 21d in which the subject 10 is kept quiet until the display unit 23 (or the stimulus task presentation device 3) starts presenting the next task. Here, the time from the end of the time limit 21c to the end of the post-rest period 2c is the time for the subject 10 to rest, and therefore is a time within the post-rest period 2c, but has the same purpose as the pre-rest period 2d. Therefore, the time from the end of the time limit 21c to the end of the post-rest period 2c is an example of the "rest period" in the claims. Therefore, the time from the end of the time limit 21c to the end of the post-rest period 2c plus the pre-rest period 2d is the rest period 21d. As a result, the rest period 21d is longer than the pre-rest period 2d, so the subject 10 can rest at least for the pre-rest period 2d.

[0053] That is, the control device 2 is configured to perform control to end the display of the answer screen 202 (see FIG. 8) on the display unit 23 and transition to the rest period 21d, based on the fact that the time limit 21c has elapsed. In this way, the control device 2 is configured to perform control to end the display of the answer screen 202 on the display unit 23 and transition to the rest period 21d, based on the fact that the remaining time 202b has reached 0.

[0054] The control device 2 is configured to perform control to transition to a rest period during which the subject 10 is to rest from a time before the preset rest period 21d based on receiving an operation of the subject 10 to end the acceptance of answers via the answer screen 202 before the time limit 21c has elapsed. That is, the subject 10 can end the acceptance of answers by pressing a button area 202c displayed as "Answer" on the answer screen 202.

[0055] In addition, even if the control device 2 does not receive answer input from the subject 10 within the time limit 21c, the control device 2 is configured to control the display of the answer screen 202 on the display unit 23 to end and transition to a rest period 21d based on the lapse of the time limit 21c.

[0056] This makes it possible to obtain results such as whether the calculation was correct or incorrect, or whether there was no answer.

[0057] Furthermore, the control device 2 is configured to perform control to display a task screen 201 showing the next task on the display unit 23 when the start time of the task presentation period 2e has arrived. In the brain activity measurement program, the above-mentioned control is repeated until all of the multiple tasks set in advance are completed.

[0058] Second Example Next, a second embodiment in which a stimulating task is performed by the subject 10 will be described with reference to Figures 6, 9, and 10. For the sake of convenience, the same parts as in the first embodiment will not be described, and only the period from the start of the pre-rest period 2a to the start of the task presentation period 2e will be described.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 6, the control device 2 is configured to control the presentation of a stimulating task by the stimulating task presentation device 3 based on the start time of the task presentation period 2b. That is, the control device 2 is configured to control the presentation of a stimulating task in which, from the start time to the end time of the task presentation period 2b, the contact member 34d of the stimulating mechanism 34 is moved while being in contact with the palm of the subject 10 to write a first character (for example, "su" of "su", "ma" and "nu") (see Fig. 9), and then the second character (for example, "ma" of "su", "ma" and "nu") (see Fig. 9).

[0060] During the task presentation period 2b, the subject 10 is thinking of an answer to the stimulation task. In parallel, the control device 2 is configured to control the optical measurement device 1 to acquire a measurement value of the brain activity state of the subject 10. The control device 2 is configured to control the termination of the stimulation task by the stimulation task presentation device 3 and transition to an answer screen 202 (see FIG. 10) based on the lapse of the task presentation period 2b (the end time).

[0061] The control device 2 is configured to perform control to display the answer screen 202 (see FIG. 10) on the display unit 23 based on the start time of the post-rest period 2c. The control device 2 is also configured to perform control to display the answer screen 202 (see FIG. 10) within a time limit 21c in the post-rest period 2c based on the start time of the post-rest period 2c. Here, the time limit 21c is a period during which input of an answer by the subject 10 can be accepted after the presentation of the stimulation task by the stimulation task presentation device 3 is ended.

[0062] The answer screen 202 also has an input receiving area 202a for receiving answer input from the subject 10 via the display unit 23 (or the operation unit 24), and a screen displaying remaining time 202b side by side on the display unit 23. The answer screen 202 also displays a button area 202c for receiving an operation by the subject 10 to end the answer screen 202. The remaining time 202b is an example of "information relating to the time limit" in the claims.

[0063] Here, in the input receiving area 202a, characters are arranged for inputting the first and second answers. In the input receiving area 202a, the result selected by the subject 10 is displayed by changing the display of the character selected by the subject 10 (displayed by hatching in FIG. 10). Furthermore, the remaining time 202b is the time from the current time until the end of the time limit 21c. In this way, the remaining time 202b is information related to the time limit 21c that is set in advance according to the task.

[0064] During the rest period 2c, the subject 10 enters the answer to the calculation task.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 6, the control device 2 is configured to control the display of the answer screen 202 (see Fig. 10) on the display unit 23 to end the display and transition to a rest period 21d based on the lapse of the time limit 21c. The control device 2 is also configured to control the transition to a rest period in which the subject 10 is at rest from a time before the preset rest period 21d based on the acceptance of an operation by the subject 10 to end the acceptance of answers via the answer screen 202 before the lapse of the time limit 21c. The control device 2 is also configured to control the display of the answer screen 202 on the display unit 23 to end the display and transition to the rest period 21d based on the lapse of the time limit 21c even if the control device 2 does not accept an input of an answer from the subject 10 within the time limit 21c.

[0066] This makes it possible to obtain results such as whether the stimulus was recognized correctly or incorrectly, or whether no response was given.

[0067] Third Example Next, a third embodiment in which a calculation task is performed by the subject 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 11. For the sake of convenience, the same parts as in the first embodiment will not be described, and only the period from the start of the pre-rest period 2a to the start of the task presentation period 2e will be described.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 11, in the third embodiment, the remaining time 202b on the answer screen 202 is represented by a figure rather than a number, unlike the first embodiment. Specifically, the circle is filled with the amount of time that has passed (shown by hatching in Fig. 11), and the time from the current time to the end of the time limit 21c is displayed in white. In this way, when performing a calculation task, the number showing the remaining time may affect the brain activity state of the subject 10, so the influence on the brain activity state is suppressed by showing it by a figure. Note that the figure may be a bar or a gauge instead of a circle.

[0069] During the time limit 21c, the subject 10 inputs the answer to the calculation task via a keyboard serving as the operation unit 24.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 2 is configured to perform control to terminate the display of the answer screen 202 (see FIG. 11) on the display unit 23 and transition to a rest period 21d, based on the lapse of the time limit 21c.

[0071] Fourth embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment in which a calculation task is performed by the subject 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 12. For the sake of convenience, the same parts as in the first embodiment will not be described, and only the period from the start of the pre-rest period 2a to the start of the task presentation period 2e will be described.

[0072] 12, in the fourth embodiment, the control device 2 has an answer screen 202 in which only an input receiving area 202a for receiving an answer input from the subject 10 via the display unit 23 (or the operation unit 24) and a remaining time 202b are displayed side by side on the display unit 23. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, the answer screen 202 does not display a button area 202c for receiving an operation by the subject 10 to end the answer screen 202. Note that the button area 202c does not have to be displayed in either the second or third embodiment.

[0073] Fifth Example Next, a fifth embodiment in which a task is an action task performed by the subject 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6, Fig. 13, and Fig. 14. For the sake of convenience, the same parts as in the first embodiment will not be described, and only the period from the start of the pre-rest period 2a to the start of the task presentation period 2e will be described.

[0074] As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, in the fifth embodiment, the subject 10 performs an action task called "last-minute rock-paper-scissors" with his eyes closed (Fig. 13 shows the subject 10 with his eyes closed). That is, the control device 2 is configured to control the display of the action task via a speaker (not shown) of the control device 2 as a task display device, based on the start time of the task display period 2b. In Fig. 13, a voice saying "I've put up scissors" is output. Although not shown, a voice saying "Please win the scissors" is also output. The speaker is an example of the "time notification unit" in the claims.

[0075] During the task presentation period 2b, the subject 10 is thinking about a solution to the movement task. In parallel, the control device 2 is configured to control the optical measurement device 1 to obtain a measurement value of the brain activity state of the subject 10.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 14, the control device 2 is configured to instruct the subject 10 to show the answer to the action task through an action via a speaker (not shown) of the control device 2 based on the lapse of the task presentation period 2b (the end time), and to control the subject 10 to be informed of the remaining time as information related to the time limit 21c by voice via the speaker. The speaker is configured to notify the subject 10 of the time limit by emitting a sound. At this time, the control device 2 is configured to control the subject 10 to photograph the action of the subject 10 via the camera of the control device 2. The camera is an example of an "input receiving unit" in the claims.

[0077] In the fifth example, the subject 10 performs an action (the action of throwing a rock in FIG. 14).

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 2 is configured to, based on the lapse of the time limit 21c, perform control to terminate the notification of the instructions and the remaining time by voice via the speaker, and to perform control to transition to a rest period 21d.

[0079] In this way, when an instruction to perform a movement is given, it is possible to obtain a result such as whether the movement performed by the subject 10 is correct or incorrect, or there is no answer, based on the movement of the subject 10 captured by the camera of the control device 2.

[0080] Sixth embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment in which a calculation task is performed by the subject 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 15. For the sake of convenience, the same parts as in the first embodiment will not be described, and only the period from the start of the task presentation period 2b to the end of the pre-rest period 2g will be described.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 15, in the sixth embodiment, the control device 2 is configured to control the display unit 23 to display a task screen 201 showing a calculation task based on the start time of the task presentation period 2b (2e). The calculation task in the sixth embodiment is a task in which the subject 10 memorizes the answer to the first calculation task (for example, see FIG. 7) during the task presentation period 2b (2e), displays a second calculation task (for example, see FIG. 15) using the answer to the first question, and reuses the answer to the second question. This process is repeated a predetermined number of times. Here, the task screen 201 in FIG. 15 displays a button area 211 called "Next problem" that accepts an input operation by the subject 10 to proceed to the next problem. When the subject 10 operates (presses) the button area 211, the next calculation task (for example, subtraction) using the previous answer is displayed.

[0082] The task presented by the display unit 23 in this manner is a reuse calculation task in which, when multiple calculation tasks have been set in advance for the task presentation period 2b (2e), a second calculation task that reuses the calculation result (answer) of the first calculation task is repeatedly performed after the first calculation task is performed.

[0083] The control device 2 is configured to perform control to end the task screen 201 on the display unit 23 and transition to the answer screen 202 (see FIG. 8) based on the lapse of the task presentation period 2e (the end time). That is, the subject 10 performs an operation to provide the final answer to the reuse calculation task on the answer input screen. The control device 2 is configured to perform control to end the display of the answer screen 202 (see FIG. 8) on the display unit 23 and transition to the rest period 21g based on the lapse of the time limit 21f.

[0084] This makes it possible to obtain results such as whether the calculation was correct or incorrect, or whether there was no answer.

[0085] (Method of measuring brain activity) Next, a brain activity measuring method performed in the brain activity measuring system 100 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 16, in step 1S, it is determined whether or not an operation to start measurement by subject 10 has been accepted. If an operation to start measurement by subject 10 has been accepted, the process proceeds to step 2S, and if an operation to start measurement by subject 10 has not been accepted, step 1S is repeated. In step 2S, it is determined whether or not task presentation period 2b (task presentation period 2e) has started. If task presentation period 2b (task presentation period 2e) has started, the process proceeds to step 3S, and if task presentation period 2b (task presentation period 2e) has not started, step 2S is repeated.

[0087] In step 3S, a task is presented (see Figs. 7, 9, 13, and 15). In step 4S, it is determined whether or not the task presentation period 2b (task presentation period 2e) has ended. If the task presentation period 2b (task presentation period 2e) has ended, the process proceeds to step 5S, and if the task presentation period 2b (task presentation period 2e) has not ended, the process returns to step 3S.

[0088] In step 5S, the post-rest period 2c (post-rest period 2f: answer input acceptance) is started (see Fig. 8, Figs. 10 to 12, and Fig. 14). In step 6S, it is determined whether or not the subject 10 has performed an answer input operation. If the subject 10 has performed an answer input operation, the process proceeds to step 8S, and if the subject 10 has not performed an answer input operation, the process proceeds to step 7S.

[0089] In step 7S, it is determined whether the time limit 21c (time limit 21f) has elapsed. If the time limit 21c (time limit 21f) has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 8S, and if the time limit 21c (time limit 21f) has not elapsed, the process returns to step 6S.

[0090] In step 8S, the rest period 21d (rest period 21g) starts. In step 9S, it is determined whether the pre-rest period 2d (pre-rest period 2g) has ended. If the pre-rest period 2d (pre-rest period 2g) has ended, the process proceeds to the next task, and if the pre-rest period 2d (pre-rest period 2g) has not ended, step 9S is repeated.

[0091] Such steps, steps 3S to 9S, are repeated until all of the multiple tasks that have been set are completed.

[0092] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0093] In this embodiment, as described above, the brain activity measuring system 100 includes a control device 2 that performs control to terminate the reception of answers from the subject 10 based on the lapse of the time limit 21c (time limit 21f) for receiving the input of an answer from the subject 10 and to transition to a rest period 21d (rest period 21g) in which the subject 10 is kept quiet until the display unit 23 (stimulation task presentation device 3 (task presentation device)) starts presenting the next task. This makes it possible to forcibly terminate the reception of answers from the subject 10 based on the lapse of the time limit 21c (time limit 21f), thereby avoiding a situation in which the subject 10 inputs an answer to a task at the end of the pre-rest period 2d (pre-rest period 2g) and the rest period 21d (rest period 21g) in which the brain is kept quiet cannot be sufficiently secured. As a result, by securing a sufficient time for the rest period 21d (rest period 21g) in which the brain is kept quiet before the next task, the brain activity state for the task can be accurately measured. Furthermore, by forcibly transitioning to the rest period 21d (rest period 21g) after the time limit 21c (time limit 21f) has elapsed, the subject 10 can obtain a sufficient rest period 21d (rest period 21g) without assistance from a measurer or the like, so that the subject 10 can work on the next task after resting his or her brain. As a result, the influence of the brain activity state of the previous task on the measurement of the brain activity state of the next task can be suppressed.

[0094] In this embodiment, as described above, the brain activity measuring system 100 includes the display unit 23 that displays the answer screen 202 that accepts input of the answer of the subject 10. The control device 2 is configured to perform control to end the display of the answer screen 202 on the display unit 23 and transition to the rest period 21d (rest period 21g) based on the lapse of the time limit 21c (time limit 21f). As a result, since the subject 10 cannot input an answer to the answer screen 202 after the time limit 21c (time limit 21f) has passed, it is possible to make the subject 10 give up on the answer to the previous task and not to make the subject 10 think about the answer to the previous task after the time limit 21c (time limit 21f). As a result, in the measurement of the brain activity state of the next task, the subject 10 can work on the next task after resting his / her brain.

[0095] In this embodiment, as described above, the control device 2 is configured to perform control to transition to the rest period 21d (rest period 21g) based on the lapse of the time limit 21c (time limit 21f) even if no answer is received from the subject 10 within the time limit 21c (time limit 21f). This makes it possible to end the reception of answers without waiting until the subject 10 answers, thereby preventing the post-rest period 2c (post-rest period 2f) from becoming unnecessarily long.

[0096] In this embodiment, as described above, the brain activity measuring system 100 includes the display unit 23 that displays the answer screen 202 that accepts input of an answer by the subject 10. The control device 2 is configured to control the display unit 23 to end the task screen 201 and transition to the answer screen 202 based on the lapse of the task presentation period 2b (task presentation period 2e) in which the task screen 201 showing the task is displayed on the display unit 23 as a task presentation device. This makes it possible to prevent the task presentation period 2b (task presentation period 2e) from becoming longer than necessary by forcibly transitioning to the post-rest period 2c (post-rest period 2f) after the task presentation period 2b (task presentation period 2e) has elapsed.

[0097] In this embodiment, as described above, the brain activity measuring system 100 includes the display unit 23 that displays the answer screen 202 that accepts the input of the answer from the subject 10. The answer screen 202 has a screen that displays an input receiving area 202a that accepts the input of the answer from the subject 10 via the display unit 23 (operation unit 24) and a remaining time 202b (information related to the time limit 21c (time limit 21f)) side by side on the display unit 23. This allows the subject 10 to easily visually recognize each of the input receiving area 202a and the remaining time 202b, so that the subject 10 can input an answer into the input receiving area 202a while checking the remaining time 202b.

[0098] In this embodiment, as described above, the brain activity measuring system 100 includes a display unit 23 that displays an answer screen 202 that accepts input of an answer from the subject 10. The control device 2 is configured to perform control to transition to the rest period 21d (rest period 21g) from a time before the preset time limit 21c (time limit 21f) based on receiving an operation of the subject 10 to end the acceptance of the answer via the answer screen 202 before the time limit 21c (time limit 21f) has elapsed. Here, if the subject 10 who has finished answering the task early is made to wait until the time limit 21c (time limit 21f), it is considered that the subject 10 feels stress and the brain does not rest. Thus, by performing control to transition to the rest period 21d (rest period 21g) from a time before the preset time limit 21c (time limit 21f) by the operation of the subject 10, the brain can be more reliably rested before the next task.

[0099] In the present embodiment, as described above, the brain activity measuring system 100 includes the display unit 23 that displays the answer screen 202 that accepts input of the answer of the subject 10. The display unit 23 (time notification unit) is configured to notify the subject 10 of the time limit 21c (time limit 21f) in a manner in which the remaining time 202b (information related to the time limit 21c (time limit 21f)) is displayed on the answer screen 202 of the display unit 23. The speaker (time notification unit) is configured to notify the subject 10 of the time limit 21c (time limit 21f) in a manner in which the remaining time (information related to the time limit) is notified by emitting a sound. As a result, in a manner in which the remaining time 202b is displayed on the answer screen 202 of the display unit 23, the subject 10 can visually recognize the remaining time 202b, so that the subject 10 can input an answer on the answer screen 202 while checking the remaining time 202b. In addition, in the mode in which the remaining time 202b is notified by emitting a sound, the subject 10 can be made aware of the remaining time 202b when performing the task with his / her eyes closed, so that the subject 10 can answer the question while checking the remaining time 202b.

[0100] In this embodiment, as described above, the tasks presented by the display unit 23 and the stimulus task presentation device 3 (task presentation device) include at least one of a stimulus task presented by stimulating a part of the body of the subject 10, a calculation task for making the subject 10 perform a calculation, and a diversion calculation task for performing a second calculation task that diversions the calculation result of the first calculation task after the first calculation task is performed when a plurality of calculation tasks are set in advance. This makes it possible to forcibly end the post-rest period 2c (post-rest period 2f) after each of the stimulus task, calculation task, and diversion calculation task, so that it is possible to prevent a situation in which the subject 10 inputs answers to each of the stimulus task, calculation task, and diversion calculation task at the end of the rest period 21d (rest period 21g).

[0101] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0102] For example, in the above embodiment, the calculation task, the stimulation task, the operation task, and the reuse calculation task are shown as the tasks, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the tasks may be other tasks such as a memory task. In addition, the tasks presented by the display unit and the task presentation device may include at least one of a stimulation task presented by stimulating a part of the subject's body, a calculation task that makes the subject perform a calculation, and a reuse calculation task that performs a second calculation task that reuses the calculation result of the first calculation task after the first calculation task is performed when multiple calculation tasks are set in advance.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the pre-rest period 2a, the task presentation period 2b, the post-rest period 2c, and the pre-rest period 2d are each designed in advance by the measurer (user), but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, each of the pre-rest period, the task presentation period, the post-rest period, and the pre-rest period that are set in advance may be changeable before the measurement of the brain activity state of the subject is started. Also, the time limit may be changeable based on the user's operation. The control unit is configured to perform control to change the time limit based on receiving an operation to change the time limit by the user before the measurement of the brain activity state of the subject is started. This allows the time limit to be adjusted to an appropriate time, so that the time limit can be set to a more appropriate time.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the time limit is indicated by voice through the speaker of the control device 2 as the task presentation device, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the time limit may be indicated by the volume of a sound through the speaker.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the stimulating mechanism 34 provides a tactile stimulus to the palm of the hand by the contact member 34d, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the stimulating mechanism may provide a sensation of warmth, coldness, pressure, or the like to a part of the hand, such as the fingertips.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the display unit 23 (time notification unit) displays the remaining time 202b as information regarding the time limit 21c (time limit 21f) on the answer screen 202 of the display unit 23 according to the task, or notifies the remaining time by emitting a sound, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the time notification unit may include both a mode in which the remaining time is displayed according to the task, and a mode in which the remaining time is notified by emitting a sound. Furthermore, the information regarding the time limit may notify the time limit by adding the elapsed time instead of the remaining time.

[0107] In the above embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the control process of the control device 2 (control unit) is explained using a flow-driven flowchart in which the process is performed in order according to the process flow, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control process of the control unit may be performed by an event-driven process in which the process is performed on an event-by-event basis. In this case, the control process may be performed completely event-driven, or may be a combination of event-driven and flow-driven.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the brain activity measuring system 100 includes an optical measuring device 1 (brain activity measuring device) that optically measures the change in hemoglobin amount corresponding to the change in blood flow in the brain based on near-infrared spectroscopy, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the brain activity measuring system may be a brain activity measuring device that measures brain activity based on functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).

[0109] [Aspects] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0110] (Item 1) A brain activity measuring device 1 that measures the brain activity state of a subject 10; a task presentation device 3 (23) that presents a task for measuring the brain activity state of the subject 10 by the brain activity measurement device 1; an input receiving unit 23 (24) that receives an input of an answer of the subject 10 to the task presented by the task presentation device 3 (23); a time notification unit 23 that notifies the subject 10 of a time limit 21c (21f) during which the input of the answer by the subject 10 can be accepted after the presentation of the task by the task presentation device 3 (23) is ended; and a control unit 2 that, based on the lapse of the time limit 21c (21f), stops accepting the answer from the subject 10 and controls the subject 10 to transition to a rest period 21d (21g) in which the subject 10 is kept quiet until the task presentation device 3 (23) starts presenting the next task.

[0111] (Item 2) A display unit 23 is provided for displaying an answer screen 202 for receiving input of the answer of the subject 10, The brain activity measuring system 100 described in item 1, wherein the control unit 2 is configured to control the display of the answer screen 202 on the display unit 23 to end and transition to the rest period 21d (21g) based on the lapse of the time limit 21c (21f).

[0112] (Item 3) The brain activity measuring system 100 described in item 1 or 2, wherein the control unit 2 is configured to control the transition to the rest period 21d (21g) based on the lapse of the time limit 21c (21f) even if the answer is not received from the subject 10 within the time limit 21c (21f).

[0113] (Item 4) A display unit 23 is provided for displaying an answer screen 202 for receiving input of the answer of the subject 10, The control unit 2 is configured to control the display unit 23 to terminate the task screen 201 and transition to the answer screen 202 based on the lapse of a task presentation period 2b (2e) during which a task screen 201 showing the task is displayed on the display unit 23 as the task presentation device 3 (23). The brain activity measurement system 100 described in item 1 or 2.

[0114] (Item 5) A display unit 23 is provided for displaying an answer screen 202 for receiving input of the answer of the subject 10, The brain activity measurement system 100 described in item 1 or 2, wherein the answer screen 202 has an input receiving area 202a that receives input of the answer from the subject 10 via the input receiving unit 23 (24), and information 202b regarding the time limit 21c (21f), displayed side by side on the display unit 23.

[0115] (Item 6) A display unit 23 is provided for displaying an answer screen 202 for receiving input of the answer of the subject 10, The brain activity measuring system 100 described in item 1 or 2, wherein the control unit 2 is configured to perform control to transition to the rest period 21d (21g) from a time before the preset time limit 21c (21f) based on receiving an operation of the subject 10 to end the acceptance of the answer via the answer screen 202 before the time limit 21c (21f) has elapsed.

[0116] (Item 7) A display unit 23 is provided for displaying an answer screen 202 for receiving input of the answer of the subject 10, The brain activity measuring system 100 according to item 1 or 2, wherein the time notifying unit 23 is configured to notify the subject 10 of the remaining time 202b in an aspect including at least one of an aspect of displaying information 202b regarding the time limit 21c (21f) on the answer screen 202 of the display unit 23 and an aspect of notifying the subject 10 of the information 202b regarding the time limit 21c (21f) by emitting a sound.

[0117] (Item 8) The time limit 21c (21f) is changeable based on a user operation, The brain activity measuring system 100 described in item 1 or 2, wherein the control unit 2 is configured to perform control to change the time limit 21c (21f) based on receiving an operation to change the time limit 21c (21f) by the user before starting measurement of the brain activity state of the subject 10.

[0118] (Item 9) The brain activity measurement system 100 described in item 1 or 2, wherein the tasks presented by the task presentation device 3 (23) include at least one of a stimulation task presented by stimulating a part of the body of the subject 10, a calculation task for having the subject perform a calculation, and a reuse calculation task for performing a second calculation task that reuses the calculation result of the first calculation task after a first calculation task is performed when multiple calculation tasks are set in advance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1. Optical measurement device (brain activity measurement device) 2 Control device (control unit) 2d, 2g Pre-rest period (rest period) 2b, 2e Task presentation period 3. Stimulus task presentation device (task presentation device) 10 Subjects 21c, 21f Time Limit 21d, 21g rest period 23 Display unit (input reception unit, task presentation device, time notification unit) 24 Operation unit (input reception unit) 100 Brain Activity Measurement System 201 Task Screen 202 Answer screen 202a Input reception area 202b Time remaining (information about time limit)

Claims

1. A brain activity measuring device that measures the brain activity of a subject; a task presentation device that presents a task for measuring the brain activity state of the subject by the brain activity measuring device; an input receiving unit that receives an input of an answer of the test subject to the task presented by the task presentation device; a time notification unit that notifies the subject of a time limit during which input of the answer by the subject can be accepted from the time when presentation of the task by the task presentation device is terminated; and a control unit that, based on the lapse of the time limit, stops accepting the answer from the subject and controls the subject to transition to a rest period in which the subject remains still until the presentation of the next task is started by the task presentation device.

2. A display unit that displays an answer screen that accepts input of the answer by the test subject, 2. The brain activity measuring system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the display of the answer screen on the display unit to end and transition to the rest period based on the lapse of the time limit.

3. 3. The brain activity measuring system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the transition to the rest period based on the lapse of the time limit, even if the answer is not received from the subject within the time limit.

4. A display unit that displays an answer screen that accepts input of the answer by the test subject, 3. The brain activity measurement system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the display unit to terminate the task screen and transition to the answer screen based on the lapse of a task presentation period during which a task screen showing the task is displayed on the display unit as the task presentation device.

5. A display unit that displays an answer screen that accepts input of the answer by the test subject, 3. The brain activity measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the answer screen has an input receiving area for receiving input of the answer from the subject via the input receiving unit, and a screen displaying information regarding the time limit side by side on the display unit.

6. A display unit that displays an answer screen that accepts input of the answer by the test subject, 3. The brain activity measuring system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the transition to the rest period from a time before the preset time limit based on receiving an operation by the subject to end the acceptance of the answer via the answer screen before the time limit has elapsed.

7. A display unit that displays an answer screen that accepts input of the answer by the test subject, 3. The brain activity measurement system of claim 1, wherein the time notification unit is configured to notify the subject of the time limit in a manner including at least one of a manner in which information regarding the time limit is displayed on the answer screen of the display unit and a manner in which information regarding the time limit is notified by emitting a sound.

8. The time limit is changeable based on a user operation, 3. The brain activity measuring system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control changing the time limit based on receiving an operation to change the time limit from the user before starting measurement of the subject's brain activity state.

9. 3. The brain activity measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the tasks presented by the task presentation device include at least one of a stimulation task that is presented by stimulating a part of the subject's body, a calculation task that has the subject perform a calculation, and a reuse calculation task that, when a plurality of the calculation tasks are set in advance, performs a second calculation task that reuses a calculation result of the first calculation task after a first calculation task is performed.

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