JP2010167039A - Apparatus for measuring brain function - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a brain function measuring apparatus using near infrared spectroscopy that can be easily and closely attached to the head and can easily measure brain function.
A brain function measuring apparatus 1 emits near infrared light toward a head 5 by near infrared spectroscopy, detects near infrared light diffusely reflected by the brain, and based on the detection result. Measure and transmit wirelessly. The brain function measuring device 1 constitutes one unit together with the light source unit 10 that emits near infrared light toward the head 5 and the light source unit 10, and detects near infrared light diffusely reflected by the brain. Unit 20, support unit 30 that supports light source unit 10 and detection unit 20 as one unit, leaf spring unit 40 that presses light source unit 10 and detection unit 20 against head 5, light source unit 10, and detection unit The support parts 30 are connected to each other in a daisy chain so that the contact pads 12 and 22 attached to the head 5 and the light source parts 10 and the detection parts 20 are alternately arranged. And a link mechanism 50 having a pivotability for pivoting 30.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a brain function measuring apparatus that measures brain function using near infrared spectroscopy.

  In general, near-infrared light (wavelength: 700 nm to 1000 nm) has a property of being transmitted through biological tissues such as muscles and bones and absorbed by hemoglobin in blood. For this reason, near-infrared spectroscopy (hereinafter referred to as NIRS) using this property is used to measure changes in blood flow.

  A brain function measurement system that measures brain function using this NIRS, for example, irradiates near infrared light from the head, receives light diffusely reflected by the brain, detects this light, and based on this detection result. In addition, the apparatus has a brain function measuring device that measures the oxygen state of hemoglobin in the blood flowing in the brain and measures the brain activity state (brain function) from the oxygen state of the hemoglobin. The brain function measurement system has a measurement main unit such as a personal computer for managing measurement results.

  The brain function measuring device is a mounting body mounted on the head. The brain function measuring device includes a light source unit that emits near infrared light toward the head, and a detection unit that receives near infrared light diffusely reflected by the brain and detects this light. The brain function measuring device is connected to the measuring main body device by wire such as an optical fiber. Therefore, this brain function measurement system is a stationary type.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electric pulse control device that can easily randomize the output of an electric pulse exhibiting an analgesic effect so as to generate a 1 / f fluctuation.

  Further, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a moldable transceiver used with apparel.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-154957 JP-T-2002-525904

  In the brain function measuring device mounted on the head described above, when the size and shape of the head are different, such as an adult and a child, the light source unit and the detection unit do not adhere to the head, and the light source unit and the detection unit May deviate from the head and brain function may not be easily measured. In addition, there is a possibility that the brain function measuring device cannot be easily attached to the head depending on the size and shape of the head.

  Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a brain function measuring apparatus using near infrared spectroscopy that can be easily attached and worn on the head and can easily measure brain function.

  In order to achieve the object, the present invention emits near-infrared light toward the head by near-infrared spectroscopy to a measurement main body device that manages measurement results of brain function, and diffuses and reflects the near-infrared light. A brain function measuring device that detects infrared light and wirelessly transmits the measurement result based on the detection result, a light source unit that emits the near infrared light toward the head, and the light source unit A detection unit for detecting the near-infrared light that is diffused and reflected by the brain after being emitted from the light source unit and constituting a single unit together with the light source unit, and the light source unit And a support unit that supports the detection unit as a unit, and the support unit is connected to the light source unit and the detection unit, and the light source unit and the detection unit are integrated, In order to bring the light source unit and the detection unit into close contact with the head, the light source unit When the pressing unit presses the light source unit and the detection unit against the head, the pressing unit presses the detection unit against the head, the light source unit, and the detection unit, respectively. The support portions are connected in a daisy chain so that the light source portions and the detection portions are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the head portion, and the light sources are connected through the support portions. And a link mechanism having a pivoting function for pivoting the connected support part in a circumferential direction of the head in order to bring the part and the detection part into close contact with the head. A function measuring device is provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the brain function measuring apparatus using the near-infrared spectroscopy which can be easily closely_contact | adhered and mounted | worn with a head and can measure a brain function easily can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a brain function measurement system having a brain function measurement device and a measurement main body device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a portable brain function measuring device using NIRS is mounted on the head. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an arrangement of light sources and detectors in the brain function measuring apparatus. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the flow of near-infrared light in the light source and the detector. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the brain function measuring apparatus viewed from the front. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the brain function measuring device in the vicinity of the power storage unit when the protection unit is removed from the brain function measuring device shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the brain function measuring device viewed from behind. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the light source unit and the detection unit. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the link mechanism. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing cable wiring in the brain function measuring apparatus. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the bundle member and the cable holding member. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the leaf spring portion corrects the deviation angle θ1 formed between the curvature and unevenness of the head portion 5 and the link mechanism to 0 by the twist of the leaf spring portion. is there. FIG. 9B shows that the leaf spring part is formed between the light source part and the head part due to unevenness in the inclination direction substantially orthogonal to the peripheral direction of the head part and the curvature of the head part such as the inclination of the head part in the forehead. It is a figure which shows the state correct | amended so that the shift | offset | difference angle | corner θ2 and the shift | offset | difference angle | corner (theta) 2 formed between the unevenness | corrugation and curvature which were mentioned above and formed between a detection part and a head may be set to 0. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the belt. FIG. 10B is a front view of the belt. FIG. 10C is a side view of the belt. FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing a brain function measuring device attached to a helmet. FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the brain function measuring device attached to the sports headgear.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the brain function measurement system 100 uses, for example, near infrared spectroscopy (hereinafter referred to as NIRS), for example, near infrared light having high transparency toward the head 5 shown in FIG. 2. (Wavelength: 700 nm to 1000 nm), receiving light diffusely reflected by the brain, detecting this light, and measuring the oxygen state of, for example, hemoglobin in the blood flowing to the brain based on the detected detection result, It has a brain function measuring device 1 that measures the activity state (brain function) of the brain from the oxygen state of this hemoglobin, and a measurement main body device 110 such as a personal computer that manages the measurement results.

  The brain function measuring apparatus 1 has a control unit 3 connected to the brain function measuring apparatus 1 through a wired cable 2 such as an optical fiber. The control unit 3 performs initial setting of the brain function measurement device 1, start and stop of measurement, acquisition and temporary storage of measurement results, power supply to the brain function measurement device 1, and wireless communication with the measurement main body device 110. Control communication. The brain function measurement device 1 is connected to the measurement main body device 110 wirelessly through the control unit 3.

  That is, the brain function measuring apparatus 1 emits near infrared light toward the head 5 by NIRS, receives near infrared light diffusely reflected by the brain, and detects the near infrared light. Then, the brain function measuring device 1 transmits the measurement result based on the detection result to the measurement main body device 110 wirelessly via the control unit 3. The measurement main body device 110 manages the detection result.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the brain function measuring device 1 is a band that is directly attached to the head 5 (attached body) of a child or an adult, and is portable. The brain function measuring apparatus 1 surrounds the head 5 when it is attached to the head 5. The brain in this embodiment indicates, for example, the frontal lobe, and the head 5 includes a forehead.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the brain function measuring device 1 detects a light source 10 that emits light toward the head 5 and light diffused and reflected by the brain after being emitted from the light source unit 10. The detection unit 20, the support unit 30 that supports the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 as one unit, and the support unit 30. The light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are connected to each other. A leaf spring portion 40 that is a pressing portion that presses the light source portion 10 and the detection portion 20 against the head portion 5 in order to bring the light source portion 10 and the detection portion 20 into close contact with the head portion 5 together with the detection portion 20. The contact pad is disposed on the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 and is a bonding pad that is attached to the head 5 when the leaf spring unit 40 presses the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 against the head 5. 12, 22, and the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 along the circumferential direction of the head 5. The support parts 30 are connected to each other in a daisy chain so as to be arranged in a different manner, and the light source part 10 and the detection part 20 are brought into close contact with the head part 5 through the support part 30. And a link mechanism 50 having a pivotability to pivot in the circumferential direction.

  The brain function measuring apparatus 1 includes a belt 60 that is connected to the support unit 30 and that allows the brain function measuring apparatus 1 to be attached to the head 5.

The relationship between the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 5. FIG.
The light emitted from the light source unit 10 is, for example, near infrared light having the wavelength of 700 nm to 1000 nm described above.

  The light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are integrated by a leaf spring unit 40 and face each other in the width direction of the belt 60. The width direction of the belt 60 is also the width direction of the brain function measuring apparatus 1 that is a belt. Thus, the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 have a paired relationship, constitute one unit, and are supported by the supporting unit 30 in the leaf spring unit 40 for each unit. Such a set of the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are alternately arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the belt 60 (around the head 5). The longitudinal direction of the belt 60 is also the longitudinal direction of the brain function measuring apparatus 1 that is a belt. That is, the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 supported by the support unit 30 in the leaf spring unit 40 are arranged in two rows along the width direction of the belt 60.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the detection unit 20 is disposed next to the light source unit 10 in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the belt 60. Therefore, the near infrared light emitted from the light source unit 10 is detected by the three adjacent detection units 20. In the longitudinal direction of the belt 60, near infrared light emitted from the light source units 10 disposed on both ends is detected by the two adjacent detection units 20. In addition, the number of the light source parts 10 and the detection parts 20 is not limited, Both should just be at least one.

  Next, the structure of the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The structure of the light source unit 10 and the structure of the detection unit 20 are substantially the same.

  The light source unit 10 has a cylindrical holder 11. In the light source unit 10, a ring-shaped contact pad 12 that is attached to and closely contacts the head 5 is disposed on the front surface 11 a of the holder 11.

  The contact pad 12 is disposed along the periphery of the front surface 11a. In addition, it is suitable for the contact pad 12 to be arrange | positioned at 11 d of plane parts other than the opening part 11b of the front surface 11a. The hollow part of the contact pad 12 and the opening part 11b are arranged in the same straight line. The shape of the contact pad 12 is not limited to a ring shape as long as it can be attached to the head 5 without blocking near infrared light emitted from a laser substrate 14 described later.

  The contact pad 12 has elasticity, a light shielding property for shielding external light, and a drug property, and is made of a material such as gel or silicon rubber. The contact pad 12 can be cleaned with alcohol or the like.

  At the center of the front surface 11a, an opening 11b for projecting a contact 13 described later is formed. A leaf spring portion 40 is disposed on the side surface 11 c of the holder 11.

  In the holder 11, a contact 13, a laser substrate 14, and a resin spring 15 are stacked and accommodated in order from the contact pad 12 side. The resin spring 15 biases the contact 13 and the laser substrate 14 toward the contact pad 12 side. The laser substrate 14 emits near infrared light. The contact 13 guides near-infrared light emitted from the laser substrate 14. The contact 13 protrudes from the opening 11 b by the elastic force of the resin spring 15 and contacts the head 5.

  The holder 11 is provided with a lid 16. The lid 16 protects the contact 13, the laser substrate 14, and the resin spring 15 accommodated in the holder 11.

  When the contact pad 12 sticks to the head 5 and the contact 13 contacts the head 5 through the opening 11b and the contact pad 12, the contact 13 and the laser substrate 14 are desired by the elastic force of the resin spring 15. Thus, the contact force to the head 5 is realized.

  When the laser substrate 14 emits near infrared light, the near infrared light is guided by the contact 13 and emitted toward the head 5. At this time, the light source unit 10 (contact pad 12) is attached to the head 5 by the leaf spring unit 40, the contact pad 12 has a light shielding property, and the contactor 13 guides near infrared light. Since the light is emitted through the opening 11b, only the near infrared light emitted from the laser substrate 14 is irradiated on the head 5, and the head 5 is irradiated with light other than the near infrared light. It is prevented.

  The detection unit 20 has a holder 21 similar to the holder 11. The detection unit 20 is provided with a ring-shaped contact pad 22 that is attached to and closely contacts the head 5 at the front surface 21 a of the holder 21.

  The contact pad 22 is disposed along the periphery of the front surface 21a. In addition, it is suitable for the contact pad 22 to be arrange | positioned in 21 d of plane parts other than the opening part 21b of the front surface 21a. The hollow portion of the contact pad 22 and the opening 21b are arranged in the same straight line. The shape of the contact pad 22 is not limited to a ring shape as long as it can be attached to the head 5 without blocking near-infrared light reflected from the head 5 (details will be described later).

  Further, the contact pad 22 has elasticity, light shielding properties, and drug resistance like the contact pad 12, and is made of a material such as gel or silicon rubber. The contact pad 22 can be cleaned with alcohol or the like.

  At the center of the front surface 21a, an opening 21b for projecting a contact 23 described later is formed. A leaf spring portion 40 is disposed on the side surface 21 c of the holder 21.

  In the holder 21, a contact 23, a light receiving substrate 24, and a resin spring 25 are stacked and accommodated in order from the contact pad 22 side. The resin spring 25 biases the contact 23 and the light receiving substrate 24 toward the contact pad 22. The contact 23 guides near-infrared light emitted from the laser substrate 14 through the contact 13 toward the head 5 and reflected from the head 5. The contact 23 protrudes from the opening 21 b by the elastic force of the resin spring 25 and contacts the head 5. The light receiving substrate 24 receives near infrared light through the contact 23.

  A lid 26 is disposed on the holder 21. The lid 26 protects the contact 23, the light receiving substrate 24, and the resin spring 25 accommodated in the holder 21.

  When the contact pad 22 sticks to the head 5 and the contact 23 comes into contact with the head 5 via the opening 21b and the contact pad 22, the contact 23 and the light receiving substrate 24 are desired by the elastic force of the resin spring 25. The contact force to the head 5 is realized.

  The detection unit 20 (contact pad 22) is in contact with the head 5 by the leaf spring unit 40, the contact pad 22 has light shielding properties, and the contactor 23 guides near infrared light through the contact pad 22 and the opening 21b. In order to emit light, the light receiving substrate 24 receives only near-infrared light emitted from the laser substrate 14 and reflected from the head 5. In addition, such a configuration prevents the light receiving substrate 24 from receiving external light.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7 described later, a cable 80 a is connected to the laser substrate 14, and a cable 81 a is connected to the light receiving substrate 24.

Next, the leaf spring portion 40, the support portion 30, and the link mechanism 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5, 6, 6, 9A, and 9B.
The leaf spring portion 40 is connected to the light source portion 10 and the detection portion 20 and is disposed on the support portion 30. The leaf spring portion 40 has a light source portion 10 through the contact pad 12 with respect to unevenness in the inclination direction substantially orthogonal to the peripheral direction of the head portion 5 and the curvature of the head portion 5 such as the inclination of the head portion 5 in the forehead. In order to bring the detection unit 20 into close contact with the head 5 through the contact pad 22, as shown in FIG. 9B, the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 have a pressing force (freedom) to press the head 5. It is a pressing part. It is preferable that the flexibility of the leaf spring portion 40 can be adjusted as desired so that the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are in close contact with the head 5 according to the heads 5 of adults and children.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, the support unit 30 supports the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 for each unit via the leaf spring unit 40. Therefore, the number of support units 30 is the same as the number of sets of light source units 10 and detection units 20. As described above, the support unit 30, and the pair of light source units 10 and the detection unit 20 supported by the support unit 30 constitute one unit. The support portion 30 is made of a hard material such as resin and metal.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the support portions 30 are arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the belt 60. The support parts 30 are connected by a rosary. Specifically, the adjacent support portions 30 (disposed adjacently along the longitudinal direction of the belt 60) are connected to each other so as to be rotatable in the peripheral direction of the head 5 by the rotation shaft 31. ing. In this way, the support portions 30 are connected to each other by the rotation shaft 31 so as to be rotatable, thereby forming a link mechanism (support frame structure) 50 that can be bent (turned).

  In other words, the link mechanism 50 connects the support portions 30 in a daisy chain so that the light source portions 10 and the detection portions 20 are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the head 5. Moreover, the link mechanism 50 has the support part 30, and can be rotated to the circumference direction of the head 5 with the rotating shaft 31, as shown to FIG. 9A. Therefore, the link mechanism 50 rotates the support unit 30 connected by the above-described rotation shaft 31 in the circumferential direction of the head 5 in order to bring the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 into close contact with the head 5 through the support unit 30. Therefore, it has a pivoting property.

  Thus, in the link mechanism 50, a pair of the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are alternately arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the belt 60 (around the head 5 (longitudinal direction of the link mechanism 50)). As shown in FIG. In other words, the link mechanism 50 is disposed in a band shape.

Next, the control board storage part 71a, the power supply storage part 71b, and the relay board storage part 72 will be described with reference to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the longitudinal direction of the belt 60, in the support portions 30 disposed at both ends, a control board storage portion 71 a is disposed in the support portion 30 disposed at one end and the other end. A power storage portion 71b is disposed in the support portion 30 disposed in the. The control board storage part 71a and the support part 30, and the power supply storage part 71b and the support part 30 are connected together in the same manner as the support parts 30. That is, the control board storage portion 71 a and the support portion 30, and the power supply storage portion 71 b and the support portion 30 are connected by the rotation shaft 31 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction of the head 5.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the control board storage section 71 a stores a light source control board 73 a that controls the light source section 10 through the laser board 14 and a detection control board 73 b that controls the detection section 20 through the light receiving board 24. . The light source control board 73a and the detection control board 73b are stacked and stored. As shown in FIG. 1, the control board storage part 71a is provided with a protection part 75a for protecting the light source control board 73a and the detection control board 73b.

  A power supply 74 that supplies power to the light source unit 10 through the laser substrate 14 and supplies power to the detection unit 20 through the light receiving substrate 24 is stored in the power storage unit 71b. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the power storage 71b is provided with a protection unit 75b for protecting the power supply 74.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, the belt 60 is connected to the support portions 30 disposed at both ends via the control board storage portion 71a and the power supply storage portion 71b.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, each support portion 30 is provided with a relay board storage portion 72. The relay board storage unit 72 relays the electrical connection between the light source units 10 arranged in a row and relays the electrical connection between the detection units 20 arranged in a row. The relay board 77 is accommodated. In the relay board storage part 72, a protection part 75c shown in FIG. 4A is arranged to protect the relay board 77.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the relay board storage section 72 is disposed between the control board storage section 71 a and the power supply storage section 71 b in the longitudinal direction of the belt 60. That is, the detection unit 20 corresponding to the relay substrate storage unit 72 and the light source unit 10 supported by the support unit 30 in a paired relationship with the detection unit 20 are also disposed between the control substrate storage unit 71a and the power supply storage unit 71b. Will be.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a cable 80 is connected to the light source control board 73a. The cable 80 is disposed in the link mechanism 50 through the support portion 30 along the longitudinal direction of the belt 60.

  This cable 80 is connected to the relay board 77. A cable 80 a connected to the laser substrate 14 is connected to the relay substrate 77. For the sake of simplification of illustration, illustrations of these descriptions are omitted. The light source control board 73a is connected to the laser board 14 via the cable 80, the relay board 77, and the cable 80a, and controls the light source unit 10.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a cable 81 is connected to the detection control board 73b. Similar to the cable 80, the cable 81 is disposed in the link mechanism 50 through the support portion 30 along the longitudinal direction of the belt 60. This cable 81 is connected to the relay board 77. A cable 81 a connected to the light receiving substrate 24 of the detection unit 20 is connected to the relay substrate 77. The detection control board 73b is connected to the light receiving board 24 via the cable 81, the relay board 77, and the cable 81a, and controls the detection unit 20.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a cable 82 is connected to the power source 74. Similar to the cables 80 and 81 a, the cable 82 is disposed in the link mechanism 50 through the support portion 30 along the longitudinal direction of the belt 60. This cable 82 is connected to the relay board 77. The power source 74 is connected to the laser substrate 14 and the light receiving substrate 24 via the cable 82, the relay substrate 77, and the cables 80a and 81a, and supplies power to the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20.

  It is preferable that the cables 80, 81, 82 have a length longer than that around the head 5. The cables 80, 81, 82 are disposed at substantially the same position as the bending radius of the link mechanism 50.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the cables 80, 81, 82 are bundled by a bundle member 84 such as a shear tube or a spiral tube. The bundle member 84 and the cables 80a and 81a are held together by a cable holding member 83 such as a cable clamp.

  Next, the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 that are in close contact with the head 5 by the link mechanism 50 and the leaf spring unit 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

  As described above, the link mechanism 50 can be rotated by the rotation shaft 31 in the peripheral direction of the head 5, and the peripheral direction of the head 5 in order to bring the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 into close contact with the head 5. It has a pivoting ability to pivot. The link mechanism 50 has a brain function measuring device that follows the circumference of the head 5 by the rotation of the link mechanism 50 with respect to a difference in size in the circumferential direction of the head 5 such as approximately 50 cm to approximately 62 cm. 1 is attached (attached).

  The leaf spring portion 40 corrects the deviation angle θ1 formed between the curvature (unevenness) of the head 5 having a large individual difference and the link mechanism 50 to 0 by the twist of the leaf spring portion 40.

  Further, as described above, the leaf spring portion 40 has a pressing force (freedom) for pressing the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 against the head 5. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9B, the leaf spring portion 40 is generated by unevenness in an inclination direction substantially orthogonal to the peripheral direction of the head 5 and a curvature of the head 5 such as an inclination of the head 5 in the forehead. 10 and the deviation angle θ2 formed between the detection unit 20 and the head 5 due to the deviation angle θ2 formed between the head 5 and the unevenness and curvature described above. to correct.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C, the belt 60 is attached to the convex and concave elastic member 61 that is attached to the inside of the belt 60 that contacts the head 5 and the convex portion of the elastic member 61. A hygroscopic member 62 that is attached and improves the adhesion to the head 5, an adjustment portion 65 having an adjustment hook 63 that adjusts the size of the belt 60 with respect to the head circumference to be mounted, a desired elastic force, It has a rubber band 67 that can expand and contract in the direction in which the portion 5 is tightened.

  The elastic member 61 is, for example, rubber, and has a ventilation groove 60a in the recess. The hygroscopic member 62 is an attestation sheet applied to the head 5. Further, the hygroscopic member 62 has hygroscopicity. The elastic member 61 and the hygroscopic member 62 may be formed simultaneously.

  The belt 60 can expand and contract in a direction in which the head 5 is fastened by a rubber band 67. The belt 60 can be replaced.

Next, a method for attaching the brain function measuring apparatus 1 to the head 5 and an operation method of the brain function measuring apparatus 1 in this embodiment will be described.
The light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are attached so as to be in close contact with the periphery of the head 5 including the forehead. At this time, the support portion 30 does not contact the head 5, and the contact pads 12 and 22 stick to the head 5.

  At this time, since the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are disposed between the control board storage part 71a and the power supply storage part 71b, the control board storage part 71a and the power supply storage part 71b are used as indicators. It is easily attached to the part 5. The control board storage portion 71 a and the power supply storage portion 71 b are disposed on the side surface side of the head 5.

  Further, the support portions 30, the support portion 30, the control board storage portion 71 a, the support portion 30, and the power supply storage portion 71 b are connected in a daisy chain (which are rotatably connected by the rotation shaft 31). That is, the link mechanism 50 can be bent by the rotating shaft 31 and has a rotating property. Moreover, the leaf | plate spring part 40 has a pressing force. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 can be easily and without gaps in the head 5 along the periphery of the head 5 by the link mechanism 50 and the leaf spring portion 40. Adheres closely to the head 5 without shifting. At this time, the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are improved in adhesion to the head 5 by the contact pads 12 and 22. Similarly, the hygroscopic member 62 is also in close contact with the periphery of the head 5.

  The belt 60 adjusts the size of the belt 60 by the adjustment hook 63 and freely expands and contracts in the direction in which the head 5 is tightened by the rubber band 67. Thereby, the brain function measuring apparatus 1 is easily detachably attached to the head 5 with improved adhesion.

  Further, as described above, when the brain function measuring device 1 is attached to the head 5 by the belt 60, the contact pads 12 and 22 are elastic, so that the leaf spring 40 needs to be applied to the head 5. Reduce the above pressing force. Thereby, the brain function measuring apparatus 1 reduces the pressing force more than necessary to the head 5 by the pressing force.

  Further, the head 5 is prevented from stuffiness and rash due to close contact by the ventilation groove 60a.

  In this state, near-infrared light is emitted from the laser substrate 14, guided by the contact 13, and emitted toward the head 5. At this time, the light source unit 10 (contact pad 12) is in contact with the head 5 by the leaf spring unit 40, the contact pad 12 has a light shielding property, the contactor 13 guides near infrared light, and near infrared. Light is emitted through the opening 11b. Therefore, only the near-infrared light emitted from the laser substrate 14 is irradiated on the head 5, and light other than this near-infrared light is prevented from being irradiated on the head 5.

  Thereafter, the near infrared light is diffusely reflected by the brain, guided by the contact 23, and received by the light receiving substrate 24. In addition, the detection part 20 (contact pad 22) contacts the head 5 with the leaf | plate spring part 40, and the contact pad 22 has light-shielding property. For this reason, the light receiving substrate 24 is prevented from receiving light other than near infrared light reflected from the head 5.

  Thereby, the brain function measuring apparatus 1 detects near-infrared light, and measures a brain function based on this detection result. The measurement result is transmitted from the brain function measuring apparatus 1 to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 transmits the measurement result to the measurement main body device 110 wirelessly. The measurement result is managed by the measurement main body device 110.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the support portions 30, the support portion 30, the control board storage portion 71 a, and the support portion 30 and the power supply storage portion 71 b are connected in a rosary manner (which can be rotated by the rotation shaft 31). Thus, the bendable link mechanism 50 is formed. Thereby, in this embodiment, the portable brain function measuring apparatus 1 can be easily adhered to the head 5 by the link mechanism 50 along the periphery of the head 5.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the leaf | plate spring part 40 has flexibility. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are pressed toward the head 5 by the leaf spring unit 40, and the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are stabilized without being displaced with respect to the head 5. It can be adhered.

  Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the brain function measuring device 1 can be easily attached to the head 5 and the brain function can be easily measured.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, even if the size and shape of the head 5 are different, such as the head 5 of an adult and the head 5 of a child, the light source unit 10 is detected by the link mechanism 50 and the leaf spring unit 40. The part 20 can be stabilized and brought into close contact with the head 5. Thereby, in this embodiment, even if it is an adult or a child, the brain function can be stably measured by the brain function measuring apparatus 1.

  In the present embodiment, the contact pads 12 and 22 enhance the adhesion of the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 to the head 5.

  In the present embodiment, since the pair of the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are arranged alternately and at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the belt 60, as shown in FIG. Near-infrared light can be irradiated toward the head 5 and the near-infrared light can be detected more reliably, so that the brain function can be measured with higher accuracy.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are arranged at equal intervals in advance, the entire brain can be measured evenly. In addition, it is not necessary to limit to equal intervals, You may arrange | position by the desired space | interval.

  In the present embodiment, the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are disposed between the control board storage unit 71a and the power supply storage unit 71b, and the light source unit 10 and the detection unit 20 are paired. The brain function measuring device 1 can be easily attached to the head 5 using the storage portion 71a and the power supply storage portion 71b as indexes.

  In the present embodiment, the light source unit 10, the detection unit 20, and the forehead are mounted, and the control board storage unit 71 a and the power supply storage unit 71 b are disposed on the side surface side of the head 5. Thereby, in this embodiment, the balance of the brain function measuring apparatus 1 at the time of mounting | wearing can be improved, and the fatigue to to-be-mounted bodies, such as an adult and a child, can be reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the support units 30, the support unit 30, the control board storage unit 71 a, the support unit 30, and the power supply storage unit 71 b are connected in a daisy chain, the link mechanism 50 can be rotated, and the brain function measuring device 1. The (link mechanism 50) is portable and belt-like. Therefore, in this embodiment, the brain function measuring device 1 can be reduced in weight compared to a brain function measuring device that covers the entire head 5 like a hat, for example, and fatigue on the mounted body can be reduced. .

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the link mechanism 50 is formed in a belt shape, it can be easily attached to and attached to the head 5 and the brain function can be easily measured.

  In the present embodiment, the brain function measuring device 1 and the measurement main body device 110 are wirelessly connected via the control unit 3. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the distance between the brain function measuring device 1 and the measurement main body device 110 is longer than the length of the cable compared to the case where the control unit 3 and the measurement main body device 110 are connected by a wired cable such as an optical fiber. The brain function can be measured without being influenced by this distance.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since it is not a stationary type but a portable type, it is easy to carry, and the space for measuring brain function can be reduced.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, even if the size and shape of the head 5 are different between the adjustment hook 63 and the rubber band 67, the portable brain function measuring device 1 can be easily attached to the head 5. In this embodiment, the brain function measuring device 1 can be brought into close contact with the periphery of the head 5 by the hygroscopic member 62. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the brain function can be easily measured by the brain function measuring apparatus 1.

  In the present embodiment, the brain function measuring device 1 can be easily attached and detached by the adjustment hook 63 and the rubber band 67.

  In the present embodiment, the brain function measuring device 1 can be brought into close contact with the head 5 by attaching the elastic member 61 to the inside of the belt 60 in contact with the head 5.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the ventilation groove 60a can prevent stuffiness and rash even when the brain function measuring device 1 is attached to the head 5 for a long time.

  In the present embodiment, when the brain function measuring device 1 is brought into close contact with the head 5, the hygroscopic member 62 can reduce pain in the head 5 caused by the brain function measuring device 1.

  In the present embodiment, since the belt 60 can be exchanged, the light source unit 10, the detection unit 20, and the support unit 30 can be reused even if the belt 60 deteriorates. Can be. In this embodiment, since the belt 60 can be replaced, the cleanliness of the head 5 can be maintained by always using the clean belt 60.

  In the present embodiment, the belt 60 is connected to the support portions 30 disposed at both ends, but it is not necessary to be limited to this. For example, in the present embodiment, the belt 60 may be connected to the control board storage portion 71a and the power supply storage portion 71b.

  Moreover, the brain function measuring apparatus 1 may be attached to the helmet 91 or the sports headgear 92 and indirectly to the head 5 as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Brain function measuring apparatus, 2 ... Wired cable, 3 ... Control part, 5 ... Head, 10 ... Light source part, 11 ... Holder, 12 ... Contact pad, 13 ... Contact, 14 ... Laser board, 15 ... Resin spring , 16 ... Lid, 20 ... Detector, 21 ... Holder, 22 ... Contact pad, 23 ... Contact, 24 ... Light receiving substrate, 25 ... Resin spring, 26 ... Lid, 30 ... Support, 31 ... Rotating shaft, 40 ... leaf spring part, 50 ... link mechanism, 100 ... brain function measurement system, 110 ... measurement main unit.

Claims (3)

A near-infrared light is emitted toward the head by near-infrared spectroscopy, and the near-infrared light diffusely reflected by the brain is detected on the measurement main body device that manages the measurement results of the brain function. A brain function measuring device for wirelessly transmitting the measurement result based on:
A light source unit that emits the near infrared light toward the head;
A detection unit that has a paired relationship with the light source unit, constitutes one unit with the light source unit, and detects the near infrared light diffused and reflected by the brain after being emitted from the light source unit;
A support unit that supports the light source unit and the detection unit as one unit;
In order to closely connect the light source unit and the detection unit to the head, the light source unit and the detection unit are integrated with the light source unit and the detection unit. A pressing unit that presses the light source unit and the detection unit against a head;
The light source unit and the detection unit, respectively, and when the pressing unit presses the light source unit and the detection unit against the head, the pasting unit that sticks to the head;
The support parts are connected in a daisy chain so that the light source parts and the detection parts are alternately arranged along the peripheral direction of the head, and the light source part and the detection part are connected through the support parts. A link mechanism having a turnability for turning the connected support portions in the circumferential direction of the head in order to closely contact the head;
A brain function measuring device comprising:   The brain function measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the link mechanism is arranged in a belt shape.   The brain function measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the sticking portion has elasticity.

Images