Stimulation system for coordinated functions of the brain and body

Abstract

A stimulation system for the coordinated functioning of the brain and body according to the invention comprises: a contact sensor that senses the input of a user when at least a part of the user's body contacts at least one predefined area of the sensor and transmits the detected input signal; a stimulation pattern generator that contains instructions to guide the user to contact the sensor in a predefined pattern; a stimulation pattern display unit that displays instructions corresponding to the stimulation pattern for the user; a synergy processor that processes the efficiency of the synergy of the brain and body, and the stimulation pattern generator, wherein the synergy processor is configured to receive contact data from the contact sensor, check the relationship between the data and the pattern defined by the stimulation pattern generator, and process the relationship in the form of a relationship score based on a predefined relationship level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a stimulation system for the coordinated functioning of the brain and body. Background Technology

[0002] Following observations of physical and mental health issues in older adults, a research team from the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with a team from the Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, and the Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Operations Laboratory of the Biomedical Electronics and Systems Research Laboratory at the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre, conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the effects of exercise on brain function in older adults. Their findings revealed a significant impact of exercise on brain function. Therefore, they envision organizing research into systems and methods for promoting skill-related physical fitness, supporting and enabling effective exercise and the recovery of cognitive abilities in older adults, thereby enhancing cognitive and learning potential, short-term memory, and planning and problem-solving skills.

[0003] A search of existing technologies reveals that while some works disclose stimulation of cognitive levels in older adults, these works are specific and do not comprehensively cover this application. In particular, existing technologies do not disclose mixed stimuli suitable for different levels of cognitive development at different stages of old age. Therefore, there is a need to invent a system capable of providing appropriate and clear stimulation and application. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of this invention is to provide older adults with a system and presentation program that allows them to utilize physical abilities in a way that relates to brain function. By employing various stimulation methods to enhance focus and maintain that focus for a given period of time, the disclosed systems and methods emphasize simultaneous training of the body and brain, as well as training for the coordinated operation of the brain and body, by improving cognitive abilities in areas such as attention, memory and psychomotor speed, executive function, socio-emotional cognition, physical fitness, strength, and balance.

[0005] A stimulation system for brain and body collaborative function according to the present invention comprises: a contact sensor that senses user input and transmits a detected input signal when at least a part of a user's body contacts at least one predefined area of ​​the sensor, wherein the sensor stores user contact data, the contact data including at least the difference between contact location and number of contacts and number of stimulation pattern displays; a stimulation pattern generator that includes at least a processor for generating stimulation patterns and a storage unit connected to the processor, the storage unit containing instructions instructing the user to contact the sensor with a predefined pattern; a stimulation pattern display unit that displays instructions corresponding to the stimulation pattern to the user, wherein the display unit is connected to the stimulation pattern generator and the contact sensor; a collaborative operation processor that processes the efficiency of brain and body collaborative operation and is connected to the contact sensor and the stimulation pattern generator, wherein the collaborative operation processor is configured to receive contact data from the contact sensor and examine the relationship between the data and a pattern defined by the stimulation pattern generator, and process the relationship in the form of a relationship score based on a predefined relationship level; and an efficiency display unit that is connected to the collaborative operation processor and displays the efficiency of brain and body collaborative operation based on the relationship score, characterized in that... A stimulus pattern generator generates multiple images, each image comprising at least one set of objects, each object having a predefined color, size, position, display order, and relationship of said characteristics to those of other objects in the image. This set of images is designated as the original pattern. Subsequent patterns are then generated that have predefined levels and numbers of differences compared to the characteristics of the original pattern. The stimulus pattern generator transmits the original and second patterns to a stimulus pattern display unit, which displays the patterns within a predefined time range based on the number of patterns to be displayed. The subsequent patterns generated by the stimulus pattern generator include more than one difference. These differences are grouped into primary differences and secondary differences, wherein secondary differences are differences within the defined area of ​​primary differences and include a predefined range of different characteristics and the number of said differences, wherein the cooperating processor processes the relationship by: assigning a first weight value to the relationship between contact data and stimulus pattern when a visual difference exists, and further assigning a second weight value to the relationship between contact data and stimulus pattern when the stimulus pattern includes primary and secondary differences, and further assigning a third weight value to the predefined difference in the number of contacts, wherein the second weight value is greater than the first weight value and the third weight value is less than the first weight value and the second weight value.

[0006] On one hand, the number of stimulus patterns can differ from the original pattern and include patterns with primary and secondary differences ranging from 20% to 40% of the total number of patterns, preferably 30% of the total number of patterns. In this respect, the secondary difference is the reversed characteristic of the primary characteristic.

[0007] On the other hand, the stimulus pattern generator changes the defined relationship to be different from or opposite to the original predefined relationship.

[0008] On the other hand, when the efficiency of subsequent calculations by the cooperating processor is lower than that of previous calculations, the stimulus pattern generator reduces the number of differences in the subsequently generated stimulus patterns.

[0009] In addition, the stimulus pattern generator can specify differences based on conditional information provided by the user, including predefined age and education level information.

[0010] The stimulation system for the coordinated functioning of the brain and body also includes an electroencephalogram (EEG) detector and an EEG processor connected to at least a part of the body to receive EEG signals, and a storage unit connected to the EEG processor, wherein the EEG signals are stored in the storage unit, the EEG processor processes the stored EEG signals based on a predefined range of EEG signals, and transmits a value based on the difference between the value of the detected signal and the value of the predefined signal to a stimulation pattern generator.

[0011] In this respect, the predefined range of EEG signals includes more than one range, and each range corresponds to the level of relationship between patterns and the number of differences between patterns to be generated by the stimulus pattern generator.

[0012] On the other hand, the collaborative processing processor handles data by classifying the relationship into at least three levels. The collaborative processing processor can process aggregated relational data based on a predefined quantity of data to be processed and categorize them according to the levels described above.

[0013] When no relationship is found, the cooperating processor can also reduce the amount of data to be processed.

[0014] On the other hand, the image group is a set of related images displayed in succession, and the display unit can display stimulus patterns including the image group, each group lasting 3 minutes.

[0015] The display unit may also include an image-to-audio converter, which converts visual differences into audio data and generates corresponding audio signals for the user.

[0016] On the other hand, contact data also includes: data on body parts contacting predefined areas and corresponding positioning data set to initial positions, or information about contact force levels calculated and stored based on predefined weights for each data type, or both positioning data and force level data.

[0017] On the other hand, contact sensors include multiple objects arranged and positioned on a base attached to the ground, and each object includes at least one area for sensing user contact. Such objects can be dome-shaped objects arranged in a circular pattern on the ground with the user's standing position as the center.

[0018] On the other hand, the number of dome-shaped objects is 6, the radius distance between the center and the position of the dome-shaped object is in the range of 30cm to 80cm, the diameter of the dome-shaped object is in the range of 8cm to 20cm, and the height from the base is in the range of 15cm to 50cm. However, if the number of dome-shaped objects is 12, the distance and radius can be changed.

[0019] The objectives, unique features and other aspects of the present invention will be described in more detail through the included embodiments and drawings, and the preferred embodiments will also be described further. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 An image of a template that differs from the original template and has the differences according to Example 1 is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 An image of a template that differs from the original template according to Example 2 is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 An image of a template that differs from the original template according to Example 3 is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 An image of a template that differs from the original template according to Example 4 is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 One possible implementation of a contact sensor and its arrangement is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 An embodiment of the system according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To better understand the preferred embodiments and illustrate how they can be implemented, they will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. Components shown in the drawings will be indicated using reference numerals. However, this description is not intended to be limiting, and the scope of the invention will be defined by the claims appended herein.

[0027] A stimulation system for brain and body collaborative function according to the present invention comprises: a contact sensor that senses user input and transmits detected input signals when at least a portion of a user's body contacts at least one predefined area of ​​the sensor, wherein the sensor stores user contact data, the contact data including at least the difference between contact location and number of contacts and number of stimulation pattern displays; a stimulation pattern generator that includes at least a processor for generating stimulation patterns and a storage unit connected to the processor, the storage unit containing instructions instructing the user to contact the sensor with predefined patterns; a stimulation pattern display unit that displays instructions corresponding to the stimulation patterns to the user, wherein the display unit is connected to the stimulation pattern generator and the contact sensor; a collaborative operation processor that processes the efficiency of brain and body collaborative operation and is connected to the contact sensor and the stimulation pattern generator, wherein the collaborative operation processor is configured to receive contact data from the contact sensor and examine the relationship between the data and patterns defined by the stimulation pattern generator, and process the relationship in the form of a relationship score based on a predefined relationship level; and an efficiency display unit that is connected to the collaborative operation processor and displays the efficiency of brain and body collaborative operation based on the relationship score, characterized in that... A stimulus pattern generator generates multiple images, each image comprising at least one set of objects, each object having a predefined color, size, position, display order, and relationship of said characteristics to those of other objects in the image. This set of images is designated as the original pattern. Subsequent patterns are then generated that have predefined levels and numbers of differences compared to the characteristics of the original pattern. The stimulus pattern generator transmits the original and second patterns to a stimulus pattern display unit, which displays the patterns within a predefined time range based on the number of patterns to be displayed. The subsequent patterns generated by the stimulus pattern generator include more than one difference. These differences are grouped into primary differences and secondary differences, wherein secondary differences are differences within the defined region of primary differences and include a predefined range of different characteristics and the number of said differences, wherein the cooperating processor processes the relationship as follows: when a visual difference exists, a first weight value is assigned to the relationship between contact data and stimulus pattern, and when the stimulus pattern includes primary and secondary differences, a second weight value is further assigned to the relationship between contact data and stimulus pattern, and a third weight value is further assigned to the predefined difference in the number of contacts, wherein the second weight value is greater than the first weight value, and the third weight value is less than the first weight value and the second weight value.

[0028] On the one hand, the number of stimulus patterns can differ from the original pattern and include major and minor differences in the number of patterns ranging from 20% to 40% of the total number of patterns, preferably 30% of the total number of patterns.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, the stimulus pattern generator generates, as shown in... Figure 1 The visual pattern shown differs from the original visual pattern. The display order and colors of a certain number of visual objects also differ from the display order and colors of the original pattern. For example... Figure 1 As shown in Figure A, the first object (101) is displayed first, followed by the second object (103) and the third object (105) in sequence. Each object has a different color. After display, as shown... Figure 1 As shown in Figure B, the object is configured to be altered. In this embodiment, the object is configured to be varnished. In this case, the instruction given to the user is to contact the contact sensor in a manner corresponding to the display order and color of the visual objects in the stimulus pattern associated with the original visual pattern.

[0030] Changes can be configured in more than one way. Another possible alternative is... Figure 2 As shown in Figure A, the first object (201) is displayed first. Then, the second object (103) and the third object (105) are displayed sequentially. Each object has a different color. After display, as shown... Figure 1 As shown in B, the object configuration is changed. Figure 2 As shown in Figure B, the third object (205) is displayed first. Then the second object (203) and the first object (201) are displayed in sequence. In this case, the user is instructed to contact the contact sensor in a manner corresponding to the display order and color of the visual objects in the stimulus pattern associated with the original visual pattern.

[0031] One of the unique features of this invention is the ability to modify the properties of objects. This can include changes in the number or size of objects. In the case of an increase, additional modifications can be made to the objects in Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, wherein the direction of the modification can correspond to or be opposite to the display order and color of the objects in the original pattern. Figure 3 As shown, the objects are displayed in sequence: the first object (301), the second object (303), and the third object (305). However, the fourth object (307), which was not configured in the original template, appears larger to attract the user's attention.

[0032] Among other possible alternatives to the change, such alternatives could cover changes in the characteristics and quantity of the object. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the provided visual image's sub-region includes multiple objects configured to change in a manner corresponding to visual objects in the original template, and the additional objects possess certain characteristics associated with the objects configured to be changed. These characteristics are designed to attract the user's attention. Based on... Figure 4In this embodiment, the objects to be displayed sequentially are a first object (401), a second object (403), and a third object (405). However, in a sub-region surrounding the first object, there exists an additional object (407) with characteristics different from those of the first object, such as using a different color in a text caption. This differs from the first object, which has varying shades of color.

[0033] When the efficiency of subsequent calculations by the cooperating processor is lower than that of previous calculations, the stimulus pattern generator can reduce the number of differences in subsequently generated stimulus patterns. The stimulus pattern generator can also specify differences based on user-provided conditional information, including predefined age and education level information.

[0034] A stimulation system for the coordinated functioning of the brain and body may further include an electroencephalogram (EEG) detector and an EEG processor connected to at least a part of the body to receive EEG signals, and a storage unit connected to the EEG processor. The EEG signals are stored in the storage unit. The EEG processor processes the stored EEG signals based on a predefined range of EEG signals and transmits a value based on the difference between the detected signal value and the predefined signal value to a stimulation pattern generator. When the stimulation pattern generator receives the signal, it generates a stimulation pattern that differs from the original pattern. The number of differences can be lower when the EEG signal is below a predefined threshold and higher when the signal is above the threshold. An optimal number of differences may be 3.

[0035] For the display, the display unit can continuously display stimulus patterns in the form of related image groups in an animated manner, and the display time can be set to 3 minutes per group.

[0036] On the other hand, the stimulus pattern generator can additionally set conditions to change the defined relationship between the stimulus pattern and the original pattern during use, so that some characteristics of the stimulus pattern are different from or opposite to the characteristics of the original predefined relationship. In this case, the display unit will display instructions to the user based on the changed relationship.

[0037] On the other hand, the display unit may further include an image-to-audio converter, which converts visual differences into audio data and generates a corresponding audio signal for the user. In this case, the user will receive instructions corresponding to the audio format of the visual image.

[0038] A cooperation processor for managing the efficiency of brain-body coordination is configured to connect to a contact sensor and a stimulus pattern generator. In this regard, the cooperation processor is configured to receive contact data from the contact sensor, examine the relationship between the data and a pattern defined by the stimulus pattern generator, and process the relationship in the form of a relationship score based on a predefined relationship level.

[0039] The cooperation processor handles this relationship as follows: when the stimulus pattern includes primary and secondary differences, a first additional weight value is assigned to the relationship between the contact data and the stimulus pattern; when the difference in the number of contacts is within a predefined range, a second additional weight value is assigned. The cooperation processor processes the relationship data by taking these weight values ​​into account. When there are more than one type of data difference and a time difference in contact, the cooperation processor again processes the relationship as aggregated data and categorizes and interprets this aggregated data according to predefined ranges as the level of brain and body coordination.

[0040] On one hand, the collaborative processing processor will process relationships into aggregated data based on predefined relationship levels. In this embodiment, there are four levels: above-average cognitive impairment, low-level cognitive impairment, normal level, and very good cognitive level.

[0041] On the other hand, efficiency can be measured based on statistical information, including percentiles of user groups, which can also be considered a standard for data classification. When the values ​​representing the above relationships and the assigned weights result in high accuracy, the corresponding percentile range can be used to judge whether the efficiency is high. However, various percentile ranges can also be used, and each range does not have to be equal. For example, percentile ranges can be 1-25, 26-50, 51-70, and 71-100.

[0042] On the other hand, contact data also includes data on body parts contacting predefined areas and corresponding positioning data considered as initial positions, or information about the contact force level calculated and stored based on predefined weights for each data type, or both positioning data and force level data.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown, the contact sensor includes multiple objects arranged and positioned on a base attached to the ground, and each object includes at least one area for sensing user contact. Such objects can be multiple dome-shaped objects arranged in a circular pattern on the ground with the user's standing position as the center.

[0044] With 6 dome-shaped objects, the radius distance between the center and the dome-shaped object is between 30cm and 80cm, the diameter of the dome-shaped object is between 8cm and 20cm, and the height from the base is between 15cm and 50cm. However, if there are 12 dome-shaped objects, the distance and radius can be changed.

[0045] The implementation of the system as a whole, for example Figure 6 As shown, users can interact with contact sensors connected to the stimulus pattern generator and cooperating processor, the stimulus pattern display unit, and the efficiency display unit. Such components can be housed within a single enclosure, and the display units are configured to connect to an external display.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that this invention is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described above. Rather, the scope of this invention includes combinations and sub-combinations of the features described above, as well as modifications and variations thereof that would occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and are not found in the prior art.

[0047] Best practice

[0048] As disclosed in the details of the preferred embodiments.

Claims

1. Stimulation systems for the coordinated functioning of the brain and body, including: A contact sensor that senses user input and transmits detected input signals when at least a part of a user's body contacts at least one predefined area of ​​the contact sensor, wherein the contact sensor stores user contact data, the contact data including at least the difference between the contact location and the number of contact times and the number of times a stimulus pattern is displayed; A stimulation pattern generator, comprising at least a processor for generating the stimulation pattern and a storage unit connected to the processor, the storage unit containing instructions for instructing a user to contact a sensor with a predefined pattern; A stimulation pattern display unit, wherein the stimulation pattern display unit displays instructions to the user corresponding to the stimulation pattern, and wherein the stimulation pattern display unit is connected to the stimulation pattern generator and the contact sensor; A cooperation processor, which processes the efficiency of brain and body coordination and is connected to the contact sensor and the stimulation pattern generator, wherein the cooperation processor is configured to receive contact data from the contact sensor, examine the relationship between the contact data and a pattern defined by the stimulation pattern generator, and process the relationship in the form of a relationship score based on a predefined relationship level. An efficiency display unit is connected to the collaborative operation processor and displays the efficiency of the brain and body's collaborative operation based on the relationship score; Its features are, The stimulus pattern generator generates multiple images, each image including at least one group of objects, each object having predefined colors, sizes, positions, display orders, and relationships between these characteristics and the characteristics of other objects in the image. These multiple images are designated as the original pattern. Subsequently, subsequent patterns with predetermined levels and numbers of differences in characteristics compared to the original pattern are generated. The stimulus pattern generator transmits the original and second patterns to a stimulus pattern display unit, and the stimulus pattern display unit displays the patterns within a predetermined time range based on the number of patterns to be displayed. The subsequent patterns generated by the stimulus pattern generator include more than one difference, which is grouped into primary and secondary differences. The secondary differences are those within the defined region of the primary differences and include a predefined range of different characteristics and the number of the differences. The cooperative processing processor processes the relationship between the contact data and the pattern defined by the stimulus pattern generator by: assigning a first weight value to the relationship between the contact data and the stimulus pattern when a visual difference exists; further assigning a second weight value to the relationship between the contact data and the stimulus pattern when the stimulus pattern includes the primary difference and the secondary difference; and further assigning a third weight value to the predefined difference in the number of contacts. The second weight value is greater than the first weight value, and the third weight value is less than the first weight value and the second weight value.

2. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to claim 1, wherein the number of stimulation patterns different from the original pattern includes the number of patterns with primary and secondary differences ranging from 20% to 40% of the total number of patterns.

3. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to claim 2, wherein the number of stimulation patterns different from the original pattern comprises patterns with primary and secondary differences accounting for 30% of the total number of patterns.

4. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the secondary difference is the inverse characteristic of the primary characteristic.

5. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stimulation pattern generator modifies the defined relationship to be different from the original predefined relationship.

6. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to claim 5, wherein the stimulation pattern generator changes the defined relationship to the opposite of the original predefined relationship.

7. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stimulation pattern generator reduces the number of differences in subsequently generated stimulation patterns when the subsequent efficiency calculated by the cooperating processor is lower than the previously calculated efficiency.

8. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stimulation pattern generator specifies the differences based on user-provided conditional information, the conditional information including predefined age information and education level information.

9. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an electroencephalogram (EEG) detector and an EEG processor connected to at least a part of the body to receive EEG signals, and a storage unit connected to the EEG processor, wherein the EEG signals are stored in the storage unit, the EEG processor processes the stored EEG signals based on a predefined range of EEG signals, and transmits a value based on the difference between the value of the detected signal and the value of the predefined signal to the stimulation pattern generator.

10. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to claim 9, wherein the predefined range of the EEG signal includes more than one range, and each range corresponds to the level of relationship between patterns and the number of differences between patterns to be generated by the stimulation pattern generator.

11. The stimulation system for the collaborative function of the brain and body according to claim 1, wherein the collaborative operation processor processes data by classifying relationships into at least 3 levels.

12. The stimulation system for the collaborative function of the brain and body according to claim 1, wherein the collaborative operation processor processes aggregated relational data based on a predefined amount of data to be processed.

13. The stimulation system for the collaborative function of the brain and body according to claim 10, wherein the collaborative processor reduces the amount of data to be processed when no relationship is found.

14. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to claim 1, wherein the object group is a group of related images displayed in succession.

15. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to claim 1 or 14, wherein the stimulation pattern display unit displays stimulation patterns comprising groups of subjects, each group lasting 3 minutes.

16. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to claim 1 or 14, wherein the stimulation pattern display unit further comprises an image-to-audio converter that converts visual differences into audio data and generates a corresponding audio signal for the user.

17. The stimulation system for coordinated brain and body function according to claim 1, wherein the contact data further comprises: Data on body parts contacting a predefined area and corresponding positioning data set to the initial position, or information about the contact force level calculated and stored based on predefined weights for each data type, or both positioning data and force level data.

18. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to claim 1, wherein the contact sensor comprises a plurality of objects arranged and positioned on a base attached to the ground, and each object includes at least one area for sensing user contact.

19. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to claim 18, wherein the contact sensor comprises a plurality of dome-shaped objects arranged in a circular manner on the ground centered on the user's standing position.

20. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to claim 19, wherein the number of dome-shaped objects is 6, the radial distance between the center of the dome-shaped object and the position of the dome-shaped object is in the range of 30 cm to 80 cm, the diameter of the dome-shaped object is in the range of 8 cm to 20 cm, and the height from the base is in the range of 15 cm to 50 cm.

21. The stimulation system for the coordinated function of the brain and body according to claim 19, wherein the number of dome-shaped objects is 12.

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