JP7353632B2 - Attention function training system, training processing device, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to training of attentional functions.

Attention function is one of the functions of the brain. There are two ways humans direct their attention: internal focus and external focus. Internal focus refers to directing attention to the human body or physical movement itself, and external focus refers to directing attention to the target, tool, or external environment (outside the body) that is the goal of the movement.

Non-Patent Document 1 discloses attention function training. The attention function training used in Non-Patent Document 1 is Trail Making Test (TMT) part A, TMT part B, which are attention function tests, and a kana picking test.

Minoru Yamada, Verification of the fall prevention effect of attention function training - Randomized controlled trial in community-dwelling elderly -, Physical Therapy Science Vol. 24, No. 1, PP.71-76, 2009 HirokazuKAWAGUCHI and TetsuoKOBAYASHI, Attention quantification based on steady-state somatosensory evoked petentials, IEICE Technical Report, MBE2011-34, PP.77-80,2011-07 Eiyu Sasayama, Jae-woo Jeong, Tetsuo Kobayashi, Attempt to differentiate attention to left and right index fingers based on frequency-labeled steady-state somatosensory evoked potentials, Journal of the Human Interface Society, Vol. 11, No. 2, 2009

Attention functions influence motor skills and other abilities. Therefore, it is desired to improve the attention function in order to take into account motor ability and other abilities.

Here, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses attention function training using TMT and a kana pick-up test, but the present inventor discovered a training method for attention functions using a different approach from Non-Patent Document 1. Ta.

In one form of the present disclosure, attention function training includes presenting a sensory stimulus to a trainee, and determining a feature amount related to the attention paid by the trainee to the sensory stimulus from a measurement result of the trainee's brain activity. This is accomplished by feeding back the features to the trainee for attention function training. Further details are described in the embodiments below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an attention function training system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the training processing device. FIG. 3 is a spectrum of brain waves. FIG. 4 is a spectrum of brain waves. FIG. 5 is a spectrum of brain waves. FIG. 6 is a spectrum of brain waves.

<1. Outline of attention function training system, attention function training method, training processing device, and computer program>

(1) The attention function training system according to the embodiment includes a stimulus presenter that presents sensory stimuli to a trainee. Sensory stimulation is stimulation given to the senses. Sensation includes, for example, somatic sensation, vision, or hearing. Somatic sensations include, for example, skin sensations. The somatosensory stimulus is, for example, a mechanical stimulus, more specifically a mechanical vibration stimulus. The visual stimulus is, for example, a light stimulus, more specifically a light flashing stimulus. The auditory stimulus is, for example, a sound stimulus.

The attention function training system according to the embodiment includes a measuring device for measuring the brain activity of the trainee. The measuring device measures fluctuations in brain activity of a trainee given sensory stimulation. Preferably, the measured brain activity is brain activity that varies depending on the degree of attention paid to the sensory stimulus.

Brain activity that varies with the degree of attention is, for example, a steady state somatosensory evoked potential (SSSEP) response, a steady state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) response, or a steady state auditory evoked potential (SSAEP) response. Note that non-patent document 2 discloses the quantification of attention using SSSEP, and non-patent document 3 discloses a brain-machine interface (BMI) using SSSEP. Does not disclose functional training.

SSSEP responses are elicited by somatosensory stimulation. When attention is directed to somatosensory stimuli, the SSSEP response increases. SSVEP responses are elicited by visual stimuli. When attention is directed to a visual stimulus, the SSVEP response increases. SSAEP responses are elicited by auditory stimuli. When attention is directed to the auditory stimulus, the SSAEP response increases.

People with good attentional functions have large SSSEP responses, SSVEP responses, and SSAEP responses. Therefore, the attention function can be trained by feeding back such attention-dependent brain wave modulation to the trainee as a feature quantity.

Measurement of brain activity is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to measure brain activity in response to attention directed to sensory stimulation. The measurement of brain activity is, for example, electroencephalogram measurement, but is not limited to electroencephalogram measurement, and may be an MEG test, an MRI test, or the like.

The attention function training system according to the embodiment includes a training processing device connected to the measuring device. The training processing device is configured to obtain a feature amount related to the attention paid by the trainee to the sensory stimulus from the measurement result of the brain activity. The feature amount indicates, for example, the degree of attention paid to the sensory stimulus.

When the sensory stimulus is a somatosensory stimulus, the feature amount is calculated from the SSSEP response, for example. When the sensory stimulus is a visual stimulus, the feature amount is calculated from the SSVEP response, for example. When the sensory stimulus is an auditory stimulus, the feature amount is calculated from the SSAEP response, for example.

The training processing device is configured to feed back the feature amount to the trainee for attention function training. So-called neurofeedback is performed by feeding back the feature amount related to the attention paid by the trainee to the sensory stimulus to the trainee. That is, the attention function training system according to the embodiment trains the attention function by using neurofeedback. It is difficult for trainees to directly perceive the strength of "attention," but by feeding back the above-mentioned attention-related features to trainees, trainees can direct themselves toward sensory stimuli. You can understand the strength of your attention. As a result, the trainee can train their attentional functions to induce a desired state of brain activity to improve their attention to sensory stimuli.

Feedback to the trainee is not particularly limited as long as the method allows the trainee to grasp the feature amount. Feedback may be provided visually, for example, through a screen display, or may be provided audibly through sound.

By improving the attention function, it is possible to maintain the quality of life (QOL) of elderly or disabled people or to support rehabilitation of patients. For example, by improving the ability to pay attention to one's own body, it is possible to improve walking behavior, reduce the risk of stumbling or falling, and maintain QOL in elderly people or people with impaired motor functions. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress learned non-use in stroke patients. Furthermore, it can help reduce phantom pain in amputees. Furthermore, by improving the ability to pay attention to a given space (external environment), it is possible to help improve unilateral spatial neglect in stroke patients.

(2) Feedback of the feature amount to the trainee may include the training processing device presenting the visualized variation of the feature amount to the trainee in real time.

(3) Preferably, the training processing device is configured to present to the trainee an instruction that urges the trainee to pay attention to the sensory stimulus presented by the stimulus presenting device.

(4) The sensory stimulus may include at least one stimulus selected from the group consisting of a somatosensory stimulus, a visual stimulus, and an auditory stimulus.

(5) Preferably, the stimulus presenting device is configured to present a plurality of different sensory stimuli to the trainee.

(6) The plurality of different sensory stimuli each include a first stimulus and a second stimulus for a first sensation, the first stimulus is a stimulus having a first frequency, and the second stimulus is a stimulus having a first frequency. is preferably a stimulus having a second frequency different from said first frequency;

(7) Preferably, the plurality of different sensory stimulations include a first sensory stimulation for a first sensation and a second sensory stimulation for a second sensation different from the first sensation.

(8) Preferably, the stimulus presenting device is configured to present each of the plurality of different sensory stimuli to different parts of the trainee.

(9) Preferably, the stimulus presenter is configured to present each of the plurality of different sensory stimuli at different positions in the external environment of the trainee.

(10) Preferably, the feature amount is a feature amount related to the trainee's attention directed toward a selected stimulus that is at least one sensory stimulus selected from the plurality of different sensory stimuli.

(11) Preferably, the training processing device is configured to instruct the trainee to direct attention to the selected stimulus.

(12) The feature amount is obtained based on the measurement results of brain activity caused by the selected stimulus and the measurement results of brain activity caused by non-selected stimuli other than the selected stimulus among the plurality of different sensory stimuli. is preferable.

(13) Preferably, the training processing device is configured to calculate a difference between the feature amount and a target value of the feature amount.

(14) Preferably, the training processing device is configured to calculate the amount of training required for the trainee from the difference.

(15) The attention function training method according to the embodiment presents a sensory stimulus to a trainee, measures the brain activity of the trainee to whom the sensory stimulus is presented with a measuring device, and results in the measurement of the brain activity. , the computer obtains a feature amount related to the attention paid by the trainee to the sensory stimulus from the measurement result of the brain activity, and the computer obtains the feature amount for training the attention function. Feedback is provided to the trainee.

(16) The training processing device according to the embodiment obtains a feature amount related to the attention paid by a trainee to a sensory stimulus from a measurement result of the brain activity of the trainee, and the training processing device is configured to feed back the information to the trainee.

(17) The computer program according to the embodiment is a computer program for causing a computer to operate as the training processing device described in (16). The computer program is stored on a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium.

<2. Examples of attention function training system, attention function training method, training processing device, and computer program>

Hereinafter, an attention function training system and the like according to an embodiment will be described in detail based on the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an attention function training system 10. As shown in FIG. The attention function training system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a training processing device 20, a stimulus presenting device 30, and an electroencephalogram measuring device 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, the training processing device 20 is constituted by a computer including a memory 25 and a processor 21 connected to the memory 25. A computer program 26 that causes the computer to operate as the training processing device 20 is stored in the memory 25 . The computer program 26 includes instructions for causing the processor 21 to execute processes 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D for training the attention function. Processor 21 reads computer program 26 from memory 25 and executes it. Details of the processes 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D will be described later.

The training processing device 20 shown in FIG. 2 includes an interface 27. The interface 27 is used for connection with external devices and the like. A stimulus presentation device 30 and an electroencephalogram measuring device 40 are connected to the interface 27 of the training processing device 20 . Further, a display 28 is connected to the training processing device 20. The display 28 displays a screen 28A for neurofeedback and the like.

The stimulus presenter 30 shown in FIG. 1 can provide stimuli for each of a plurality of different senses. More specifically, the stimulus presenter 30 shown in FIG. 1 includes a somatosensory stimulus presenter 130 that provides stimulation to the somatic sense (first sense), and a visual stimulus presenter that provides stimulation to the visual sense (second sense). A container 230 is provided. The stimulus presenter 30 may further include an auditory stimulus presenter (not shown). Note that the stimulus presenter 30 may provide a stimulus for a single sensation, for example, at least one of the somatosensory stimulus presenter 130, the visual stimulus presenter 230, and the auditory stimulus presenter. It is sufficient to have the following.

The somatosensory stimulus presenter 130 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of stimulus presenters 131 and 132. The plurality of stimulus presentation units 131 and 132 each provide the trainee T with a stimulus (first sensory stimulus) for somatic sensation (first sensation). In the embodiment, the plurality of stimulus presentation units 131 and 132 include a first stimulus presentation unit 131 and a second stimulus presentation unit 132. Both stimulus presentation units 131 and 132 are attached to different parts of the body of the trainee T, and provide stimulation to the attached parts. For example, the first stimulus presentation unit 131 applies vibration stimulation to the left hand of the trainee T, and the second stimulation presentation unit 132 applies vibration to the right hand of the trainee T. The stimulation presentation units 131 and 132 may apply stimulation to other parts of the trainee T, such as the lower limbs.

The first stimulus presentation unit 131 and the second stimulus presentation unit 132 provide the trainee T with vibration stimulation of different frequencies. For example, the first stimulus presentation unit 131 generates a vibration stimulus with a vibration frequency f1 of 22 Hz, and the second stimulus presentation unit 132 generates a vibration stimulation with a vibration frequency f2 of 25 Hz. In addition, below, the vibration stimulation of frequency (1st frequency) f1 is called 1st stimulation, and the vibration stimulation of frequency (2nd frequency) f2 is called 2nd stimulation.

The visual stimulus presenter 230 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of stimulus presenters 231 and 232. The plurality of stimulus presenting units 231 and 232 each provide a stimulus (second sensory stimulus) for visual perception (second sense) to the trainee T. In the embodiment, the plurality of stimulus presentation sections 231 and 232 include a first stimulus presentation section 231 and a second stimulus presentation section 232. Both stimulus presentation units 231 and 232 are installed at different positions in the visual field (external environment) of the trainee T, and provide visual stimuli to the trainee T at different positions (different external environment positions) in the visual field. For example, the first stimulus presentation section 231 generates blinking light that serves as a visual stimulus on the left side of the visual field, and the second stimulus presentation section 232 generates blinking light that serves as a visual stimulus on the right side of the visual field. The stimulus presentation units 231 and 232 may generate visual stimuli at other positions in the visual field.

The first stimulus presentation unit 231 and the second stimulus presentation unit 232 provide the trainee T with flashing light stimuli of different frequencies. For example, the first stimulus presentation section 231 generates light blinking (first stimulus) with a blinking frequency f1 of 12 Hz, and the second stimulus presentation section 232 generates light blinking (second stimulus) with a blinking frequency f2 of 15 Hz. occurs.

The frequencies f1 and f2 of the stimulation generated by each stimulation presentation unit 131, 132, 231, 232 may be fixed or variable. If the frequencies f1, f2 are variable, the frequencies f1, f2 are adjusted by the training processor 20. Further, ON/OFF of stimulus generation by each stimulus presentation section 131, 132, 231, 232 is controlled by the training processing device 20 connected to the stimulus presentation device 30.

The processor 21 of the training processing device 20 controls the stimulus presenter 30, such as ON/OFF of stimulus generation and frequencies f1 and f2, by each stimulus presenter 131, 132, 231, 232, as shown in FIG. This is achieved by executing process 21A.

The electroencephalogram measuring device 40 shown in FIG. 1 measures the brain activity of the trainee T. The electroencephalogram measuring device 40 measures the brain activity of the trainee T to whom sensory stimulation is applied, and outputs the measurement results to the training processing device 20 in real time.

The electroencephalogram measuring device 40 measures electroencephalograms near the somatosensory cortex of the brain so that brain activity when somatosensory stimulation is applied can be measured. Further, the electroencephalogram measuring device 40 measures electroencephalograms near the visual cortex of the brain so that brain activity when visual stimulation is applied can be measured. The electroencephalogram measuring device 40 may be configured to measure brain waves near the auditory cortex of the brain so that brain activity when auditory stimulation is applied can be measured. The electroencephalogram measuring device 40 also operates near the prefrontal cortex and posterior parietal association cortex, which are involved in attention functions, so as to measure brain activity when one or more of somatosensory stimulation, visual stimulation, and auditory stimulation is given. The device may be configured to measure the brain waves of the person. SSSEP, SSVEP, and SSAEP induced in the sensory cortex propagate in the brain, and characteristic brain activity may be observed in the prefrontal cortex or posterior parietal association cortex. Therefore, brain activity when sensory stimulation is applied can also be measured by measuring brain waves near the prefrontal cortex or posterior parietal association cortex.

The training processing device 20 receives measurement results output from the electroencephalogram measuring device 40 in real time while the trainee T is being given sensory stimulation. The training processing device 20 executes brain activity analysis processing 21B based on the received measurement results (see FIG. 2). The brain activity analysis process 21B is a process for determining brain activity in response to sensory stimulation given to the trainee T.

For example, when the sensory stimulus given to the trainee T is a somatosensory stimulus, the training processing device 20 determines the SSSEP frequency corresponding to the frequency of the somatosensory stimulus based on the measurement results of brain waves near the somatosensory cortex. Find the strength of the response. Furthermore, when the sensory stimulus given to the trainee T is a visual stimulus, the training processing device 20 determines the strength of the SSVEP response corresponding to the frequency of the visual stimulus from the measurement results of brain waves near the visual cortex. When the sensory stimulus given to the trainee T is an auditory stimulus, the training processing device 20 determines the strength of the SSAEP response corresponding to the frequency of the auditory stimulus from the measurement results of brain waves near the auditory cortex.

The training processing device 20 also executes attention feature amount calculation processing 21C (see FIG. 2). The attention feature calculation process 21C is a process for calculating a feature related to the attention paid by the trainee T to the sensory stimulus from the SSSEP response, SSVEP response, or SSAEP response.

When the sensory stimulus given to the trainee T is a somatosensory stimulus, the training processing device 20 obtains a feature amount related to the attention directed to the somatosensory stimulus from the strength of the SSSEP response. Further, when the sensory stimulus given to the trainee T is a visual stimulus, the training processing device 20 obtains a feature amount related to the attention directed to the visual stimulus from the strength of the SSVEP response. When the sensory stimulus given to the trainee T is an auditory stimulus, the training processing device 20 obtains a feature amount related to the attention directed to the auditory stimulus from the intensity of the SSAEP response. An example of how to obtain the feature amount will be described later. Note that even when electroencephalograms are measured in the vicinity of the prefrontal cortex or the occipital parietal association cortex, the feature amount related to the attention directed to the sensory stimulus may be obtained from the intensity of the propagation components of SSSEP, SSVEP, and SSAEP.

Here, FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the SSSEP response and an individual's attention ability. FIG. 3 shows a power spectrum that is the result of measuring brain waves near the somatosensory cortex when a 22 Hz vibration stimulus and a 25 Hz vibration stimulus were simultaneously applied to the subject. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis shows the frequency of brain waves, and the vertical axis shows the power.

The upper part of FIG. 3 shows the measurement results of a subject with a high somatosensory attention ability, and the lower part of FIG. 3 shows the measurement results of a subject with a low somatosensory attention ability. As shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 3, in the case of subjects with high attentional ability, sharp peaks occur at the vibration stimulation frequencies of 22 Hz and 25 Hz. The peaks occurring at 22 Hz and 25 Hz correspond to the SSSEP responses to the 22 Hz and 25 Hz vibration stimulation. The magnitude of the peak indicates the strength of the SSSEP response, and it can be seen that when the somatosensory attention ability is high, the SSSEP response to the vibration stimulation becomes stronger.

On the other hand, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 3, in the case of subjects with low attentional ability, no sharp peaks occur at the vibration stimulation frequencies of 22 Hz and 25 Hz. Therefore, it can be seen that when the somatosensory attention ability is low, the SSSEP response to vibration stimulation becomes weak.

In this way, it can be seen that the strength of the SSSEP response varies depending on the strength of attentional ability in somatosensation. Therefore, even in people with low somatosensory attention ability, it is possible to improve the somatosensory attention ability by training the brain activity state so that the SSSEP response becomes stronger as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 3. can.

Similarly, the strength of the SSVEP response varies depending on the strength of visual attention. Therefore, even a person with low visual attention ability can improve his/her visual attention ability by training to increase the SSVEP response. Furthermore, by training to strengthen the SSAEP response, auditory attention ability can be improved.

As described above, the feature amount calculated from the SSSEP response, SSVEP response, or SSAEP response is a feature amount related to the attention paid by the trainee T to the sensory stimulus. The feature amount can indicate the amount of attention that the trainee T pays to a given sensory stimulus. By providing neurofeedback of this feature value to trainee T in real time, trainee T can recognize the strength of attention he or she is paying to sensory stimulation, and can increase his or her attention. Can be trained.

Neurofeedback refers to adjusting brain activity by converting brain activity that is difficult for humans to perceive into light or sound so that they are aware of the activity.

The training processing device 20 according to the embodiment executes a training screen control process 21D for neurofeedback of feature amounts in real time. The training screen control process 21D causes the display 28 connected to the training processing device 20 to display the screen 28A to be presented to the trainee T for training. Training processing device 20 controls the content of screen 28A.

The screen 28A shown in FIG. 1 includes a graphic 51 that visualizes changes in feature amounts (changes in attention intensity) for neurofeedback. In FIG. 1, a graphic 51 for visualization is, for example, a circle. Changes in the feature amount are visualized by moving the figure 51. The figure 51 moves more as the variation in the feature amount increases. The trainee T can grasp the strength of his or her attention according to the amount of movement of the figure 51.

The screen 28A shown in FIG. 1 includes an instruction 52 urging the trainee T to pay attention. For example, when urging the trainee T to pay attention to the vibration stimulation generated by the first stimulation presentation unit 131 attached to the left hand, the instruction 52 includes a message to the effect of "Please pay attention to the left hand." Just include the text. The instructions 52 can include text that describes the desired movement of the graphic 51 when attention is directed according to the instructions 52. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, instructions 52 may include the following text: "Make sure the circle moves to the left." By following this instruction 52, the trainee T can train the ability to pay attention to the left hand.

The screen 28A shown in FIG. 1 includes a display 53 showing the difference between the attention function training goal and the current strength of the attention function. The difference is expressed, for example, as points to the goal. The strength of the current attention function is expressed, for example, by the feature amount described above. The training target is set as a target value of the feature amount. The training processing device 20 calculates the difference between the target value of the feature amount and the current feature amount, and outputs the difference as a display 53.

The screen 28A shown in FIG. 1 includes a display 54 indicating the amount of training required for the attention function. The required training amount is expressed, for example, by the number of required training days. The required amount of training may be expressed by the required training time or the required number of training times. The required amount of training is determined from the difference between the training goal of the attention function and the current strength of the attention function. For example, a function that models the relationship between the magnitude of the difference and the required number of training days is prepared in advance. The function, given the difference, outputs the number of training days required. After determining the difference, the training processing device 20 can output the required number of training days using a function.

[3. First example of neurofeedback of attention-related features]

A first example of neurofeedback of feature quantities related to attention will be described below. In this example, the first stimulus presentation unit 131 that provides a vibrational stimulus that is a somatic sensation is attached to the left hand of the trainee T. The frequency f1 of the vibration generated by the first stimulus presenting section 131 is 22 Hz. Here, no other stimulus is given to the trainee T.

In the training processing device 20, when the processes 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D for training the attention function are started, the training processing device 20 first causes the first stimulus presentation unit 131 to generate vibrations. Then, the training processing device 20 displays an instruction 52 on the screen 28A, as shown in FIG. 1, "Please turn your attention to your left hand and make the circle move to the left."

Trainee T directs his attention to his left hand in accordance with instruction 52. The figure 51 on the screen 28A moves in real time on the screen 28A depending on the intensity of attention directed to the left hand. The figure 51 moves more to the left as the attention to the left hand becomes stronger. By visually checking the movement of the figure 51 in real time, the trainee T can understand whether he or she is properly directing his or her attention to the left hand.

The amount of movement of the figure 51 is determined according to the above-mentioned feature amount. Here, since a vibration stimulus, which is a somatosensory stimulus, is given to the trainee T, the feature amount is determined from the intensity of the SSSEP response.

FIG. 4 shows a spectrum 100A of brain waves before the instruction 52 is given to the trainee T, and a spectrum 100B of the brain waves after the instruction 52 is given. Note that it is assumed that the vibration stimulation is given to the trainee T both before and after the instruction is given. In the spectra 100A and 100B before and after the instruction, the peak power values P1ref and P1 at 22 Hz corresponding to the vibration frequency f1 are the SSSEP responses before and after the instruction. In FIG. 4, peak values P1ref and P1 occur at 22 Hz, which corresponds to the vibration frequency f1, before and after the instruction, but the peak value P1 after the instruction is the peak value P1ref before the instruction because attention is strongly directed to it. It is larger than.

As an example, the training processing device 20 calculates the feature amount CL from the peak values P1ref and P1 before and after the instruction. The feature amount CL is calculated, for example, as the ratio of the peak values P1ref and P1 before and after the instruction. More specifically, the feature amount CL can be obtained by calculating CL=P1/P1ref, for example. Before the instruction 52 is presented, attention is hardly directed to the left hand, or even if it is directed, it is very weak, so the peak value P1ref before the instruction is small. By determining the feature amount CL after the instruction using the peak value P1ref before the instruction as a reference, it is possible to reflect the variation in the strength of attention before and after the instruction in the feature amount CL.

The training processing device 20 calculates the amount of movement of the figure 51 so that it increases in accordance with the size of the feature amount. Further, here, since vibration is applied to the left hand, the training processing device 20 determines the moving direction of the figure 51 as the left side on the screen 28A. Note that when vibration is applied to the right hand, the moving direction of the figure 51 is preferably set to the right. By changing the direction of movement of the figure 51 depending on the part to which stimulation is applied, the trainee T can easily recognize the figure.

Note that when determining the feature amount, instead of using the peak value P1ref (SSSEP response) before the instruction as a reference, the SSSEP response before the vibration is applied may be used as the reference. Further, the feature amount CL may be obtained only from the peak value P1 after the instruction, without using a reference value. When a visual stimulus or an auditory stimulus is given to the trainee, the feature amount is calculated in the same manner as above using the SSVEP response or the SSAEP response.

[4. Second example of neurofeedback of attention-related features]

A second example of neurofeedback of attention-related feature amounts will be described below. In this example, the trainee T's left hand is equipped with a first stimulus presentation unit 131 that provides vibration stimulation, and his right hand is equipped with a second stimulation presentation unit 132 that provides vibration stimulation. The frequency f1 of vibrations generated by the first stimulus presenting section 131 is 22 Hz, and the frequency f2 of vibrations generated by the second stimulus presenting section 132 is 25 Hz.

In the training processing device 20, when the processes 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D for training the attention function are activated, the training processing device 20 first causes both the stimulus presentation units 131 and 132 to generate vibrations. In other words, vibrations are applied to both hands.

The training processing device 20 calculates training results from the first stimulus (22 Hz vibration) presented by the first stimulus presenting section 131 and the second stimulus (25 Hz vibration) presented by the second stimulus presenting section 132. A process of selecting a stimulus (selective stimulus) to a target region is executed. The selection of the selected stimulus may be performed manually by the trainee T or the operator, or may be performed automatically by the training processing device 20.

The training processing device 20 presents a plurality of stimuli to the trainee T, and an instruction 52 that urges the trainee T to pay attention to some of the stimuli (selected stimuli). For example, while applying vibration stimulation to both the left and right hands, the vibration stimulation applied to the left hand is set as the selected stimulation. Thereby, a state is obtained in which the trainee T is given a stimulus (non-selected stimulus) to his right hand, which does not require his attention. The trainee T can train to pay attention to only one hand (the left hand) while both the left and right hands are being given vibrations.

When the left hand stimulus is a selection stimulus, the training processing device 20 displays an instruction 52 on the screen 28A, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, "Please direct your attention to your left hand so that the circle moves to the left." let

When the trainee T directs his/her attention to the left hand according to the instruction 52, the figure 51 on the screen 28A moves in real time on the screen 28A according to the intensity of the attention directed to the left hand.

The feature amount CL that determines the amount of movement of the figure 51 is determined from the strength of the SSSEP response.

FIG. 5 shows a spectrum 110A of brain waves before the instruction 52 is given to the trainee T, and a spectrum 110B of the brain waves after the instruction 52 is given. Note that it is assumed that the vibration stimulation is given to the trainee T both before and after the instruction is given. In the spectra 110A and 110B before and after the instruction, peak values P1 and P2 occur at 22 Hz, which corresponds to the vibration frequency f1 of the selected stimulus, and at 25 Hz, which corresponds to the vibration frequency f2 of the selected stimulus. The peak value P1 is the measurement result of the brain activity caused by the selected stimulus, and the peak value P2 is the measurement result of the brain activity caused by the non-selected stimulus.

When the trainee T, who has been given an instruction 52 to direct attention to the left hand, directs attention to the left hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the peak value P1 corresponding to the left hand to which attention was directed increases, and On the contrary, the peak value P2 corresponding to becomes smaller.

As an example, the training processing device 20 calculates the feature amount CL from the peak values P1 and P2. The feature amount CL is calculated, for example, as a ratio of peak values P1 and P2. More specifically, the feature amount CL can be obtained by calculating CL=P1/P2, for example. Here, the feature amount CL related to the attention directed to the selected stimulus is determined as a value with the peak value P2, which is the measurement result of the brain activity caused by the non-selected stimulus, as a reference value. Note that the feature amount CL may be obtained only from the peak value P1.

The training processing device 20 calculates the amount of movement of the figure 51 from the feature amount CL, and moves the figure 51 to the left according to the amount of movement.

Conversely, if the right hand stimulus is selected as the selected stimulus, the training processing device 20 causes the screen 28A to display an instruction 52 that reads "Please direct your attention to the right hand and make the circle move to the right."

When the trainee T turns his attention to his right hand, as shown in the spectrum 110C in FIG. 6, the peak value P2 corresponding to the right hand to which his attention is directed increases, and the peak value P1 corresponding to his left hand conversely decreases. . In this case, the feature amount CR can be obtained by calculating, for example, CR=P2/P1. Note that the feature amount CR may be obtained only from the peak value P2.

The training processing device 20 calculates the amount of movement of the figure 51 from the feature amount CR, and moves the figure 51 to the right according to the amount of movement.

<5. Additional notes>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

10: Attention function training system 20: Training processing device 21: Processor 21A: Stimulus presenter control processing 21B: Brain activity analysis processing 21C: Attention feature amount calculation processing 21D: Training screen control processing 25: Memory 26: Computer program 27: Interface 28: Display 28A: Screen 30: Stimulus presentation device 40: Electroencephalogram measuring device 51: Graphic 52: Instructions 53: Display 54: Display 100A: Spectrum 100B: Spectrum 110A: Spectrum 110B: Spectrum 110C: Spectrum 130: Somatosensory stimulus presentation Device 131: First stimulus presenting unit 132: Second stimulus presenting unit 230: Visual stimulus presenting unit 231: First stimulus presenting unit 232: Second stimulus presenting unit CL: Feature CR: Feature P1: Peak value P1ref: Peak Value P2: Peak value T: Trainee

Claims (13)

a stimulus presenter that presents a somatosensory stimulus to a trainee;
a measuring device for measuring the brain activity of the trainee;
a training processing device connected to the measuring instrument;
Equipped with
The training processing device includes:
presenting instructions to the trainee to encourage attention to the somatosensory stimulus presented by the stimulus presenter;
Determining a feature amount related to the attention paid by the trainee to the somatosensory stimulus from the measurement results of the brain activity before and after the instruction ,
An attention function training system configured to feed back the feature amount obtained from the measurement results of the brain activity before and after the instruction to the trainee for attention function training. The attention function training according to claim 1, wherein feeding back the feature amount to the trainee includes the training processing device presenting the visualized variation of the feature amount to the trainee in real time. system. a stimulus presenter that presents a plurality of different somatosensory stimuli to a trainee;
a measuring device for measuring the brain activity of the trainee;
a training processing device connected to the measuring instrument;
Equipped with
The training processing device includes:
Presenting instructions to the trainee to encourage attention to any one of the plurality of different somatosensory stimuli;
The trainee is able to calculate the feature amount related to the attention directed toward the somatosensory stimulus that the trainee is prompted to pay attention to in the instruction among the plurality of different somatosensory stimuli. Measurement results of brain activity caused by somatosensory stimulation, and measurement results of brain activity caused by somatosensory stimulation other than the somatosensory stimulus to which attention is prompted in the instruction among the plurality of different somatosensory stimuli. and,
Feedback the feature amount to the trainee
Attention function training system configured as follows. The plurality of different somatosensory stimuli include a first somatosensory stimulus and a second somatosensory stimulus,
The first somatosensory stimulus is a vibration stimulus having a first frequency,
The attention function training system according to claim 3 , wherein the second somatosensory stimulus is a vibration stimulus having a second frequency different from the first frequency. The attention function training according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stimulus presenting device is configured to further present a sensory stimulus for a sensation different from a somatic sensation to the trainee. system. The attention function training system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the stimulus presenter is configured to present each of the plurality of different somatosensory stimuli to different parts of the trainee. The attention function training according to claim 5 , wherein the stimulus presenting device is configured to present the sensory stimulus for the sensation different from the somatic sensation at different positions in the external environment of the trainee. system. The attention function training system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the training processing device is configured to calculate a difference between the feature amount and a target value of the feature amount. The attention function training system according to claim 8 , wherein the training processing device is configured to calculate the amount of training required for the trainee from the difference. Presenting instructions to the trainee to encourage attention to the somatosensory stimulus presented by the stimulus presenter;
Determining a feature amount related to the attention paid by the trainee to the somatosensory stimulus from the measurement results of the trainee's brain activity before and after the instruction ,
A training processing device configured to feed back, to the trainee, the feature quantity obtained from the measurement results of the brain activity before and after the instruction for the purpose of training an attention function. A computer program for causing a computer to operate as the training processing device according to claim 10 . Presenting instructions to the trainee to encourage attention to one of a plurality of different somatosensory stimuli presented by the stimulus presenter;
The trainee is able to calculate the feature amount related to the attention directed toward the somatosensory stimulus that the trainee is prompted to pay attention to in the instruction among the plurality of different somatosensory stimuli. Measurement results of brain activity caused by somatosensory stimulation, and measurement results of brain activity caused by somatosensory stimulation other than the somatosensory stimulus to which attention is prompted in the instruction among the plurality of different somatosensory stimuli. and,
Feedback the feature amount to the trainee
A training processing device configured to: A computer program for causing a computer to operate as the training processing device according to claim 12.

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