Device for providing a virtual environment for measuring rodent behavior along with recording and manipulating brain signals and its control method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for providing a virtual environment for measuring rodent behavior, measuring and controlling brain signals, and a method for controlling the same. By using the device and control method of the present invention, it is possible to measure the behavior of a test subject using an electrical circuit, and at the same time, measure brain signals through photometric methods by connecting an optical fiber to the head of the test subject, or control brain activity through optogenetics. In addition, since the rodent test subject can rotate 360 ​​degrees, it is possible to measure behavior in an environment similar to moving in real life.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for providing a virtual environment and a control method for measuring rodent behavior and measuring and controlling brain signals. Background Technology

[0003] Virtual environment systems were developed to understand the information processing processes in the brain for decision-making based on visual stimuli while animals move in space, and they can replace maze environments traditionally used in cognitive neuroscience to study the neurological mechanisms of memory and learning. Furthermore, virtual environment experiments are gaining attention as a new experimental paradigm in memory and learning research because they can overcome the limitations of maze size and visual stimuli that existed in real-world experiments.

[0004] A virtual environment system is a system capable of measuring the activity of neurons in specific brain regions, such as the hippocampus, using electrodes while an animal performs a spatial memory task in a virtual environment, measuring action potentials using electrodes, or recording cell activity with a high-resolution microscope.

[0005] Most existing experimental devices capable of two-dimensional mouse movement in virtual reality utilize air pressure to support a spherical ball, with the mouse moving on top of the ball. However, because a ball supported by air pressure experiences almost no friction, it fails to provide the mouse with a sensation similar to actually walking on the ground.

[0006] In addition, there are disadvantages such as the need for a large-capacity air tank, which requires sufficient space in the laboratory for installation, and the high cost burden associated with using large volumes of air. Along with the space issue, experiments are typically only possible if the building itself is equipped with a large-capacity high-pressure air tank, making it difficult for individual researchers to manage in terms of facilities. Furthermore, there are limitations to experiments using heavy animals (rats) due to the high pressure of the air.

[0007] Meanwhile, regarding brain signal measurement, although brain activity has been observed electrophysiologically, the application of photometric techniques to observe the activity of specific brain regions as optical signals in freely rotatable virtual reality systems is currently difficult due to the challenges of using specialized slip ring components. Furthermore, optogenetics, a technology capable of controlling brain activity using light, is one of the most widely used experimental methods in rodent studies; however, its application in rotatable virtual reality systems is similarly difficult due to the challenges of using specialized slip ring components.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to develop a device capable of measuring the movement of a test subject, measuring optical signals, and modulating neural signals using optogenetic methods, without using pneumatic support structures or special slip ring components. Prior art literature

[0010] Republic of Korea Published Patent No. 10-2020-0038509 (Published on April 13, 2020) The problem to be solved

[0011] Some embodiments of the present invention are created to solve the aforementioned problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for providing a virtual environment for measuring behavior and brain signals of rodents or controlling brain signals while a test subject rolls over a running part and moves around a space projected through a display, and a method for controlling the same.

[0012] However, the technical problems that this embodiment aims to solve are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems may exist. means of solving the problem

[0014] As a technical means for achieving the aforementioned technical task, a virtual environment providing device for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a head fixing part for fixing a test subject; a running part on which the test subject rolls along a surface; a connecting part connected to the head fixing part; a food reward part; a display part; and a central control device for controlling the running part, the food reward part, and the display part.

[0015] The running section includes a ball on which a test subject rolls along a surface, a roller disposed on the lower surface of the ball to allow the ball to rotate, a sensor for measuring the movement of the ball, and a plurality of supports for supporting the roller and the sensor.

[0016] The above connecting part includes a fiber-optic compatible slip ring connected to the head fixing part, an upper fixing bearing and a lower fixing bearing connected to the upper and lower ends of the fiber-optic compatible slip ring, and a support column connected to the upper fixing bearing and the lower fixing bearing.

[0017] The above optical fiber compatible slip ring includes an optical fiber, a slip ring support, a wire, a second conductor, a second conductor ring, an insulating member, and a first conductor.

[0018] The above-mentioned food compensation unit includes a compensation control valve for regulating food supply, a compensation storage container for storing food, and a compensation delivery unit connected to the compensation control valve and delivering food to a test subject.

[0019] The display unit is positioned to surround the test subject, and the display unit is configured to include the viewing angle of the test subject.

[0020] The central control unit above includes a memory in which a virtual environment providing program is stored, and a processor that executes the program stored in the memory.

[0021] The processor, in accordance with the execution of the program, varies the image output from the display unit based on the rotation value of the sensor of the running unit according to the rotation of the sphere, determines whether the image task has been performed, and if it is determined that the test subject has correctly completed the image task, opens the compensation control valve of the food compensation unit to provide food through the compensation delivery unit, thereby providing feedback to the test subject.

[0022] A control method for a virtual environment providing device for measuring rodent behavior, measuring and controlling brain signals, by a central control device according to another embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a step of varying the image according to the rotation of a sphere by linking the image output from a display unit based on the rotation value of a sensor of a running unit; and a step of determining whether an image task is performed, wherein if it is determined that the subject has correctly completed the image task, the compensation control valve of a compensation delivery unit of a food compensation unit is opened to provide water stored in a food storage container through the compensation delivery unit, wherein the virtual environment providing device for measuring rodent behavior, measuring and controlling brain signals comprises a head fixing unit for fixing the subject, a running unit on which the subject rolls along the surface of a sphere, a connecting unit connected to the head fixing unit, a food compensation unit that provides a reward to the subject according to whether an image task output from the display unit is performed, the display unit, and a central control device. Effects of the invention

[0024] The features and advantages of the present invention are summarized as follows:

[0025] (a) The present invention provides a device for providing a virtual environment for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling.

[0026] (b) The present invention provides a control method for a virtual environment providing device for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling.

[0027] (c) By using the device and control method of the present invention, a large-capacity compressed air tank is not required because the sphere is supported using rollers instead of compressed air, thereby reducing costs. In addition, since the test subject can rotate 360 ​​degrees, the behavior of the test subject can be measured in an environment similar to actual movement, and the brain signals of the test subject can be measured by connecting an optical fiber. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for providing a virtual environment for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the running section of a virtual environment providing device for measuring rodent behavior, measuring and controlling brain signals according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the running section of a virtual environment providing device for measuring rodent behavior, measuring and controlling brain signals according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the connection part and the food reward part of a virtual environment providing device for measuring rodent behavior, measuring and controlling brain signals according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection part and the food reward part of a virtual environment providing device for measuring rodent behavior, measuring and controlling brain signals according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a fiber-optic compatible slip ring of a virtual environment providing device for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a fiber-optic compatible slip ring of a virtual environment providing device for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating a central control unit of a virtual environment providing device for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 shows the results of measuring the behavior of rodents using an experimental technique. Figure 10 shows the results of measuring rodent behavior using another experimental technique. Figure 11 is the result of measuring the behavior of rodents using a virtual environment providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is the result of measuring brain signals of rodents using a virtual environment providing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0031] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected" but also cases where they are "electrically connected" with other elements interposed between them. Furthermore, when a part is described as "including" a component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but rather allows for the inclusion of additional components; it should be understood that this does not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0032] In this specification, the term "part" includes a unit realized by hardware or software, or a unit realized using both; a single unit may be realized using two or more pieces of hardware, or two or more units may be realized by a single piece of hardware. Meanwhile, "part" is not limited to software or hardware; a "part" may be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium or configured to run on one or more processors. Accordingly, as an example, a "part" includes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functions provided within the components and "parts" may be combined into a smaller number of components and "parts" or further separated into additional components and "parts." In addition, the components and '~parts' may be implemented to regenerate one or more CPUs within the device.

[0033] A network refers to a connection structure capable of exchanging information among individual nodes, such as terminals and devices, and includes local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), the internet (WWW: World Wide Web), wired and wireless data communication networks, telephone networks, wired and wireless television communication networks, etc. Examples of wireless data communication networks include, but are not limited to, 3G, 4G, 5G, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), WIMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth communication, infrared communication, ultrasonic communication, visible light communication (VLC), and LiFi.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a virtual environment providing device for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] As described above, the virtual environment providing device (10) for measuring rodent behavior, measuring and controlling brain signals includes a head fixing part (100), a running part (200), a connecting part (300), a food reward part (400), a display part (500), and a central control unit (600).

[0037] For example, a virtual environment providing device (10) for measuring rodent behavior, measuring and controlling brain signals includes a head fixing part (100) for fixing a test subject, a running part (200) on which the test subject rolls along a surface, a connecting part (300) connected to the head fixing part (100), a food reward part (400) that provides a reward according to the test subject's task performance, a display part (500) that presents a virtual environment space to the test subject, and a central control device (600) that controls the running part (200), the head fixing part (100), the connecting part (300), and the display part (500).

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the running unit (200) includes a ball (210) on which a test subject rolls along a surface, a roller (220) disposed on the lower surface of the ball (210) to allow the ball (210) to rotate, and a sensor (230) for measuring the movement of the ball (210).

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting part (300) is configured to be combined with the head fixing part (100) so that an optical fiber and a wire, etc., can be connected to the head of the test subject.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the food compensation unit (400) is configured to be combined with the head fixing unit (100) to provide compensation to the test subject.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display unit (500) may be arranged to surround the test subject, and the display unit may be configured to include the viewing angle of the test subject. The display unit (500) may be configured as a polygonal prism-shaped face to surround the test subject, or as a cylindrical curve to surround the test subject. Additionally, the display unit (500) may be configured by combining a plurality of displays or by being configured as a single flexible display, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] Accordingly, the virtual environment providing device (10) for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling the present invention has the effect of being able to measure the behavior and brain signals of rodents without limitation during the process of performing tasks provided to the display unit (500) because only the head of the test subject is fixed, allowing the test subject to rotate 360 ​​degrees and move in all directions. In addition, since the sphere (210) is supported using a roller (220) instead of compressed air in the existing virtual environment system, a large-capacity compressed air tank is not required, which has the effect of reducing costs and noise. Furthermore, by using a fiber-optic compatible slip ring (310), it is possible to simultaneously implement behavior measurement and control using an electrical circuit, as well as neural signal measurement through photometric measurement and neural signal control using optogenetics.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, a virtual environment providing device (10) for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling other rodent behaviors may be configured such that an external support (700) to support the entire device surrounds a sphere (210) and a floor structure. The external support may be provided to fix at least one display and may be made of a material having rigidity, such as iron, aluminum, or wood.

[0044] As another example, the external support (700) may be configured to form a rectangular prism with a bottom structure as its underside, and one side may be configured to open and close to make it easy to insert or remove the test object from the device, but is not limited thereto. In this case, the display unit (500) may also be configured with four sides surrounding the test object.

[0045] The head fixing part (100), the food compensation part (400), and the support column (340) can be fixed to the ceiling of a steel frame structure. The head fixing part (100), which is the part where the head of the test subject is fixed, is positioned so as to be spaced at an appropriate height from the sphere (210) so that the rotation axis of the entire structure coincides with the center axis of the sphere (210). A display to show the virtual reality space can be positioned at an appropriate height on the external support (700). A structure capable of blocking light can be added to the outside of the device so that light from outside the device does not interfere with the test subject perceiving the virtual reality. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the structure capable of blocking light may be a wall made of black foam board, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] The wire (312) inside the device may be connected to the outside of the device through a hole separate from the small hole made to align with the rotation axis of the device ceiling through which the optical fiber (316) passes to connect to the outside of the device.

[0048] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, the detailed configuration of each part of the virtual environment providing device (10) will be described.

[0050] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are a front view and a perspective view of a running section (200) of a virtual environment providing device (10) for measuring rodent behavior, measuring and controlling brain signals according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] As described above, the running section (200) of the virtual environment providing device (10) for measuring rodent behavior, measuring and controlling brain signals is configured to allow a test subject to walk or run along the surface of a sphere (210) or to roll the sphere, and includes a sphere (210) on which the test subject walks or runs along the surface, a plurality of rollers (220) placed on the lower surface of the sphere (210) to allow the sphere (210) to rotate, a sensor (230) for measuring the movement of the sphere (210) on the lower surface of the sphere (210), and a plurality of supports (240) supporting the rollers (220) and the sensor (230).

[0052] The sphere (210) serves as a floor for the test subject to walk on when moving in a virtual environment and as a wheel for two-dimensional movement. The sphere (210) may be made of spherical styrofoam and may be formed to have a hollow space in the center. The styrofoam surface of the sphere (210) may be coated with silicone or urethane rubber, etc., to provide surface friction.

[0053] The plurality of rollers (220) support the sphere (210) so that the sphere (210) can roll with appropriate friction. A sensor (230) is positioned at the center of the plurality of rollers (220) to read the movement of the sphere (210). The plurality of rollers (220) and the sensor (230) are supported by a plurality of supports (240). The sensor (230) is located on the central axis of the sphere (210) and can be fixed at a position 1 mm to 2 mm away from the bottom surface of the sphere (210). A wire (312) is connected to the sensor (230) and runs along the bottom of the device to an external central control unit (600). When the sensor (230) sends the movement of the sphere (210) read as the test subject rolls the sphere (210) to the central control unit (600), the central control unit (600) enables the displacement changed by the movement of the test subject in the virtual environment to be reflected in the virtual environment.

[0054] The sing sensor (230) may include phototransistors, optical fiber sensors, photogates, optical switches, optical pulse sensors, color sensors, and photon detectors, and is not limited to any configuration capable of recognizing the movement of the sphere.

[0055] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a roller (220) is provided on the top of a support (240) and can be positioned on the lower surface of the sphere (210) so that the sphere (210) can rotate. At this time, four rollers (220) and supports (240) can be positioned at a distance of 90 degrees from the center point of the sphere (210). The roller (220) can be positioned at a distance of about 2 / 3 of the radius of the sphere (210) from the center point of the sphere (210) and can be fixed while maintaining a 30-degree angle with respect to the floor.

[0056] At this time, the support member (240) may be formed in a bent shape such that its upper end is tilted toward the center point so that it does not fall out of the circular roller (220) range when a portion of the surface of the sphere (210) is rotated in contact with the roller (220) on which it is placed. That is, since the four rollers (220) provided on the four support members (240) installed on the floor support the weight of the sphere (210), the test subject can overcome friction and roll the sphere (210) with less force. The test subject can roll the sphere (210) in all directions (straight, left, right, backward).

[0057] In the running section (200) of the virtual environment providing device (10) for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling according to one embodiment of the present invention, the roller (220) supporting the side and bottom surfaces of the sphere (210) may be composed of 4, and the support (240) supporting the roller (220) and the sensor (230) may be composed of 5, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] FIGS. 4 and 5 are enlarged and enlarged perspective views of a connection part (300) and a food reward part (400) of a virtual environment providing device (10) for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] As described above, the connection part (300) of the virtual environment providing device (10) for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a fiber-optic compatible slip ring (310) connected to a head fixing part (100), an upper fixing bearing (320) and a lower fixing bearing (330) connected to the upper and lower ends of the fiber-optic compatible slip ring (310), and a support column (340) connected to the upper fixing bearing (320) and the lower fixing bearing (330).

[0061] The above fiber-optic compatible slip ring (310) may include a power slip ring, a data slip ring, a rotary encoder slip ring, a fiber-optic slip ring, a fluid slip ring, or a hybrid slip ring, and there are no limitations as long as it is a configuration that does not cause twisting of the internal optical fiber.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an optical fiber (316) is connected to the head fixing part (100) of a test subject to measure an optical signal from the head of the test subject. At this time, when the test subject rotates and the head fixing part (100) and the food compensation part (400) rotate together, a slip ring support part (311) may be provided to prevent twisting of the optical fiber (316) connected to the head fixing part (100). The slip ring support part (311) is located at the center of the optical fiber compatible slip ring (310) to prevent twisting of the optical fiber (316). Additionally, by sending light of a specific wavelength that regulates neural signals through the optical fiber, the same device may be used to regulate neural activity in a specific area of ​​the brain.

[0063] The slip ring support (311) of the above fiber-optic compatible slip ring (310) is fixed to a support column (340), an upper fixed bearing (320), and a lower fixed bearing (330) for rotation, and the support column (340) is connected to the ceiling of the device.

[0064] The lower fixing bearing (330) supporting the lower end of the slip ring support (311) is connected downward to the head fixing part (100) and the food compensation part (400). At this time, when the test subject rotates, the head fixing part (100) and the food compensation part (400) move, and as a result, the slip ring support (311) moves together.

[0065] As described above, the food compensation unit (400) of the virtual environment providing device (10) for measuring rodent behavior, measuring and controlling brain signals according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a compensation control valve (410) for controlling the food supply, a compensation storage container (420) for storing food, and a compensation delivery unit (430) connected to the compensation control valve (410) and delivering food to a test subject.

[0066] In order to deliver water through the compensation delivery unit (430) while the test subject is rotating, the compensation delivery unit (430) is connected to the compensation storage container (420) and the compensation control valve (410).

[0067] The above-mentioned reward storage container (420) may store food and water, and may store any composition that acts as a reward to the test subject without limitation.

[0068] The above-mentioned compensation delivery unit (430) can be configured in various forms, including a tube or tubing for oral or intravenous administration to the test subject, to deliver compensation to the test subject, and there are no limitations on the configuration for delivering compensation.

[0070] FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 are enlarged and enlarged perspective views of a fiber-optic compatible slip ring (310) of a virtual environment providing device (10) for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] As described above, the optical fiber compatible slip ring (310) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an optical fiber (316), a slip ring support (311), a wire (312), a second conductor (314), a second conductor ring, an insulating member (315), and a first conductor (313).

[0072] A slip ring is a rotary connector that enables the transmission of power or electrical signals to rotating equipment without twisting of the wires. The fiber-optic compatible slip ring (310) prevents not only the twisting of the wires but also the twisting of the optical fibers, thereby enabling the transmission of laser signals.

[0073] For example, a wire (312) coming out of the upper end of the slip ring support (311) is fixed to a second conductor (314), and the second conductor (314) may be a copper tape made of copper.

[0074] The second conductor (314) is connected along the outer surface of the slip ring support (311) to form a second conductor ring at the bottom of the slip ring support (311).

[0075] The first conductor can be fixed to the surface of the insulating member (315) and electrically connected to the second conductor ring. Additionally, the first conductor can be electrically connected to a stripped wire to transfer power supplied from the outside to the second conductor.

[0076] The second conductor can be attached to the slip ring support (311) and electrically connected to the stripped wire. Additionally, the second conductor can be extended along the slip ring support (311) and electrically connected to the first conductor (314). Accordingly, even if the slip ring support (311) rotates, power can be supplied from the first conductor and power can be supplied to the wire (312) connected to the second conductor.

[0077] Accordingly, the rodent virtual environment providing device according to the present invention can transmit external power into the device without twisting of the wires, despite the rotation of the head fixing part (110) and the slip ring support part (311) due to the movement of the test subject.

[0078] n second conductor rings connected to a total of n wires (312) are each electrically connected to necessary parts, such as the head fixing part (100) of the test subject and the compensation transmission part (430) (n = 3 to 5). The device can be manufactured with different numbers of n depending on the task performed by the test subject and the electrical signal measurement required.

[0079] For electrical connection of the second conductor (314), n first conductors (313) are fixed in position using an insulating member (315), and the insulating member (315) may be fixed to a support column in a shape with a split end like a fork. At each split end of the insulating member (315), appropriately protruding first conductors (313) are fixed using an insulator, with a second conductor ring connected to a wire (312) in the corresponding number. The insulating member (315) is fixed to a support column (340) so that the protruding first conductor (313) contacts the second conductor (314) of the optical fiber compatible slip ring.

[0080] The second conductor (314) in contact with the first conductor (313) is connected to the bottom of the slip ring support (311) to form a second conductor ring at an appropriate location. The outer surface of the slip ring support (311) may be wrapped with insulating tape so that the connection between the second conductor (314) and the wire (312) that is bonded on the slip ring support (311) is not interfered with by other parts.

[0081] Inside the slip ring support (311) above, a slip ring support (311) with a smaller diameter is additionally configured to separate the space so that the optical fiber (316) passes through a space separate from the wires (312). At this time, the wires (312) are located in the space between the outermost slip ring support (311) and the inner slip ring support (311), and the optical fiber (316) is located in the inner space of the inner slip ring support (311).

[0082] The wire (312) extending from the bottom of the slip ring support (311) and the wire (312) connected to the first conductor (313) of the insulating member (315) maintain an electrical flow as the head fixing structure and the slip ring support (311) rotate. The wire (312) fixed to the first conductor (313) and the insulating member (315) is connected to a central control unit (600) outside the device. The optical fiber (316) is connected from the central control unit (600) outside the device through the ceiling of the device, passes through the center space of the slip ring support (311), and is connected to the head of the test subject.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the insulating member (315) may be composed of a plastic fork, and the slip ring support (311) may be composed of a thick straw, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating a central control device (600) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] As described above, the central control unit (600) includes a communication module (630), a memory (610) in which a program for controlling a virtual environment providing device (10) is stored, a processor (620) for executing the program stored in the memory (610), and a database (640).

[0087] The communication module (630) processes data communication with the running unit (200), the food compensation unit (400), and the display unit (500), respectively. The communication module (630) provides a communication interface necessary to provide signals transmitted to and received by each unit (100, 200, 400, 500, 600) in the form of packet data in conjunction with a communication network. Here, the communication module (630) may be a device including hardware and software necessary to transmit and receive signals, such as control signals or data signals, through a wired or wireless connection with another network device.

[0088] A program for controlling a virtual environment providing device (10) is stored in memory (610), and the program for controlling a virtual environment providing device (10) stored in memory (610) can be driven by a processor (620).

[0089] Additionally, the memory (610) performs the function of temporarily or permanently storing data processed by the processor (620). Here, the memory (610) may include a volatile storage media or a non-volatile storage media, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0090] The memory (610) may store a separate program, such as an operating system for processing and controlling the processor (620), and may also perform the function of temporarily storing input or output data.

[0091] The memory (610) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM, and ROM. Additionally, the user terminal may operate a web storage that performs the storage function of the memory (610) on the internet.

[0092] The processor (620) executes a program that controls a virtual environment providing device (10) stored in memory (610), and controls the overall operation for controlling the virtual environment providing device (10) for rodents.

[0093] To this end, the processor (620) may be implemented to include at least one processing unit (CPU, microprocessor, DSP, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), etc., and may read a program stored in memory (610) into RAM and execute it through at least one processing unit. Additionally, depending on the embodiment, the term 'processor' may be interpreted as having the same meaning as terms such as 'controller (220)', 'arithmetic unit', 'control unit', etc.

[0094] The general procedure for controlling the virtual environment providing device (10) through a program that controls the virtual environment providing device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention is as follows.

[0095] The processor (620), in accordance with the execution of the program, can vary the image output from the display unit (500) based on the rotation value of the sensor (230) of the running unit (200) according to the rotation of the sphere (210), and determine whether the image task is performed. When it is determined that the test subject has correctly completed the image task, the compensation control valve (410) of the food compensation unit (400) can be opened to provide food through the compensation delivery unit (430).

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12 below, the application of an experiment using a virtual environment providing device (10) will be explained.

[0098] When conducting an experiment using the virtual environment providing device (10) of the present invention, the following steps are performed. First, the head of a rodent, which is the subject of the test, is fixed to the head fixing part (100) and positioned on the sphere (210), and then a virtual environment is visually provided through a display surrounding the rodent.

[0099] When the test subject rotates and moves on the sphere (210), the movement of the test subject is reflected in virtual reality, so the test subject has an experience similar to actually moving in virtual reality.

[0100] According to one experimental technique, a visually distinguishable pillar-shaped target is placed in a virtual space, and a reward is provided when a test subject approaches the target.

[0101] Figure 9 shows the results according to one experimental method, where the red circle indicates the location and cross-section of the target, and the circle marked with a dotted line around the red circle indicates the range of the space where the test subject can receive compensation. The first number inside the red circle in Figure 9 indicates the order of the experiment, and the second number indicates that the target was at that location for the number of times.

[0102] Figure 10 shows the results of an experiment in which a test subject starts from the top right corner of a virtual space (coordinates (40.40)) and moves toward a target placed at one of five random locations. As shown in Figure 10, it was confirmed that the test subject performs the task excellently even when the location of the target changes randomly.

[0104] Using the virtual environment providing device (10) of the present invention, a test subject performs a cognitive task within the device, and at the same time, the head of the test subject is connected to an optical fiber (316) to measure the signal using a photometric method and analyze the results. The results are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0105] Figure 11 shows the movement path of the test subject, and Figure 12 shows the measured brain signals of the test subject. The black solid line in the center of Figure 12 indicates the point in time when the test subject received water as a reward within one trial of the task. In this embodiment, the test subject was administered a virus exhibiting fluorescence of different intensities depending on the amount of dopamine in the brain several weeks prior to the experiment, and a short optical fiber was inserted. The principle is that when the animal consumes water while thirsty, dopamine is secreted, causing an increase in fluorescence intensity, and this increased fluorescence intensity is measured through the device. The measured fluorescence intensity was plotted over time in colors ranging from indigo (low dopamine secretion) to yellow (high dopamine secretion). As shown in Figure 12, it was confirmed that the test subject exhibited high dopamine signals after the point in time when it received the reward.

[0106] In summary, it was confirmed that by using the virtual environment providing device (10) of the present invention, the behavior of a test subject moving in various directions and at various speeds within the virtual environment providing device (10) can be measured, and at the same time, brain signals can be measured excellently using photometric methods. Explanation of the symbols

[0109] 10: Virtual environment device for rodents 100: Head fixing part 200: Running Club 210: Old 220: Roller 230: Sensor 240: Support 300: Connection 310: Fiber Optic Compatible Slip Ring 311: Slip ring support 312: Frontline 313: First conductor 314: Second conductor 315: Insulating member 316: Optical Fiber 320: Top fixed bearing 330: Bottom fixed bearing 340: Support column 400: Food Reward Section 410: Compensation control valve 420: Reward Storage Container 430: Compensation Delivery Unit 500: Display section 600: Central Control Unit 610: Memory 620: Processor 630: Communication module 640: Database 700: External support

Claims

Claim 1 A virtual environment providing device for measuring rodent behavior, measuring brain signals, and controlling the device comprises: a head fixing part for fixing a test subject; a running part on which the test subject rolls along a surface; a connecting part connected to the head fixing part; a food compensation part; a display part; and a central control device for controlling the running part, the food compensation part, and the display part, wherein the connecting part comprises a fiber-optic compatible slip ring connected to the head fixing part, an upper fixing bearing and a lower fixing bearing connected to the upper and lower ends of the fiber-optic compatible slip ring, and a support column connected to the upper fixing bearing and the lower fixing bearing. Claim 2 The device according to claim 1, wherein the running part comprises a ball on which a test subject rolls along a surface, a roller disposed on the lower surface of the ball to allow the ball to rotate, a sensor for measuring the movement of the ball, and a plurality of supports for supporting the roller and the sensor. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A device according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber compatible slip ring comprises an optical fiber, a slip ring support, a wire, a second conductor, a second conductor ring, an insulating member, and a first conductor. Claim 5 The device according to claim 1, wherein the food compensation unit comprises a compensation control valve for controlling the food supply, a compensation storage container for storing food, and a compensation delivery unit connected to the compensation control valve and delivering food to a test subject. Claim 6 A device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is arranged to surround the test subject and the display unit is configured to include the viewing angle of the test subject. Claim 7 A device according to claim 1, wherein the central control device comprises a memory in which a virtual environment providing program is stored, and a processor that executes the program stored in the memory. Claim 8 A device according to claim 7, wherein the processor, in accordance with the execution of the program, varies the image according to the rotation of the sphere by linking the image output from the display unit based on the rotation value of the sensor of the running unit, and determines whether the image task is performed, and when it is determined that the test subject has correctly completed the image task, opens the compensation control valve of the food compensation unit to provide food through the compensation delivery unit to provide feedback to the test subject. Claim 9 A control method for a virtual environment providing device for measuring rodent behavior, measuring and controlling brain signals, by a central control unit, comprising the step of varying the image according to the rotation of a sphere by linking the image output from a display unit based on the rotation value of a sensor of a running unit; A control method for a virtual environment providing device for rodent behavior measurement, brain signal measurement, and control, wherein the device determines whether a video task is performed, and if it is determined that the test subject has correctly completed the video task, the device includes the step of opening the compensation control valve of the compensation delivery unit of the food compensation unit to provide water stored in a compensation storage container through the compensation delivery unit, wherein the device for providing a virtual environment for rodent behavior measurement, brain signal measurement, and control comprises a head fixing unit for fixing the test subject, a running unit for the test subject to roll along the surface of a sphere, a connecting unit connected to the head fixing unit, a food compensation unit that provides a reward to the test subject according to whether a video task output from the display unit is performed, the display unit, and a central control unit, wherein the connecting unit includes a fiber optic compatible slip ring connected to the head fixing unit, an upper fixing bearing connected to the upper and lower ends of the fiber optic compatible slip ring, a lower fixing bearing, and a support column connected to the upper fixing bearing and the lower fixing bearing. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 A control method according to claim 9, wherein the optical fiber compatible slip ring comprises an optical fiber, a slip ring support, a wire, a second conductor, a second conductor ring, an insulating member, and a first conductor. Claim 12 A control method according to claim 9, wherein the display unit is arranged to surround the test subject and the display unit is configured to include the viewing angle of the test subject.

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