JP5792437B2 - Brain activity measurement device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a brain activity state measuring apparatus.

  When measuring the relationship between the olfactory sense of a subject and the activity state of the brain, it is known that the subject is set on the MRI and the subject smells a predetermined odor, and at this time the brain activity of the subject is measured by the MRI. ing.

  In the conventional example, when a subject smells a predetermined smell, a palm-sized card on which a molecule of a predetermined smell is printed is handed over to the subject and pressure is applied to the card with a finger, thereby causing the card to have a predetermined smell. The smell is pushed out, and the subject sniffs this smell (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

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  In the above conventional example, there is a problem that the odor once generated cannot be erased.

  In other words, when a certain smell is generated and the subject smells the subject, the subject smells a new smell. The first smell remains in the vicinity of the subject's nose. However, this is the same as when the subject smells another smell, and there is a problem that the accuracy of the data on the activity state of the subject's brain with respect to the smell cannot be ensured.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a brain activity state measuring apparatus capable of ensuring the accuracy of data of a brain activity state of a subject with respect to the odor when the subject smells a plurality of smells sequentially.

The brain activity state measuring apparatus of the present application forms a path for supplying a predetermined odor to the position of the subject's nose in the MRI, NIRS, or MEG, and the MRI, NIRS, or MEG for acquiring the brain activity state data of the subject A non-magnetic supply tube and supplying a predetermined odor to the subject's nose for a predetermined time, and then erasing the predetermined odor present in the vicinity of the subject's nose a deodorizing means, possess a discharge pipe for discharging the air present in the position of the nose of the subject, the deodorizing means, the light guided by the light guide for guiding light in the vicinity of the nose of the subject It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, when a smell is generated and the subject smells the subject, and the subject smells the subject, the first smell does not remain in the vicinity of the subject's nose. There is an effect that the accuracy of the data of the activity state of the brain of the subject can be ensured.

1 is a diagram showing a brain activity state measuring apparatus 100 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows the detail of the smell processing apparatus 10 in the brain activity state measuring apparatus 100 with the test subject P. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control apparatus 50 in the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows another operation | movement of the control apparatus 50 in the said Example. It is a flowchart which shows another operation | movement of the control apparatus 50 in the said Example. It is sectional drawing which shows the odor processing apparatus 10a which is a modification of the odor processing apparatus 10 in the said Example. It is sectional drawing seen from the VII-VII line of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the odor processing apparatus 10b which is another modification of the odor processing apparatus 10 in the said Example. It is sectional drawing seen from the IX-IX line of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the odor processing apparatus 10c which is another modification of the odor processing apparatus 10 in the said Example. It is sectional drawing seen from the XI-XI line of FIG.

  The mode for carrying out the invention is the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a brain activity state measuring apparatus 100 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The brain activity state measuring apparatus 100 includes a preparation room R1 and an MRI room R2. In the preparation room R1, an odor treatment device 10, a storage device 30, and a display device 40 are provided.

  The MRI room R2 is provided with an MRI 20, in which a subject P lies. The MRI 20 is also called nuclear magnetic resonance or magnetic resonance.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing details of the odor processing apparatus 10 in the brain activity state measuring apparatus 100 together with the subject P.

  In the following description, the odor does not exist alone, and the odor molecule is contained in the air, passes through the supply pipe 12, the openings H1 and H2, reaches the inside of the nose of the subject P, and the subject's exhalation. At the same time, the air that reaches the suction device 14 via the discharge pipe 13 but contains odor molecules is simply expressed as “odor” for convenience of explanation.

  In general, f-MRI (functional MRI) is MRI that acquires tomographic data in synchronization with a stimulating device that gives a stimulus to a subject, and the brain activity state measuring device 100 performs visual stimulation as the stimulating device. Is. Further, the MRI 20 acquires one piece of tomographic data on the order of μ seconds.

  The odor treatment device 10 includes an odor generating device 11, a supply pipe 12, a discharge pipe 13, and a suction device 14.

  The odor generating device 11 includes a ceramic 111 and an odor generating member 112.

  A supply pipe 12 is connected to the odor treatment apparatus 10, openings H 1 and H 2 are provided in the supply pipe 12, and the openings H 1 and H 2 are inserted into the nose of the subject P.

  The supply tube 12 is a tube that forms a path for supplying a predetermined odor to the position of the nose of the subject P in the MRI 20, and is a non-magnetic tube. That is, the supply pipe 12 is a pipe provided in a route from the odor generating device 11 to the position of the nose of the subject P in the MRI 20.

  Instead of the odor generating device 11, an odor storage tank may be provided. The supply pipe 12 has an inlet end 121 and openings H1 and H12. The discharge pipe 13 has an outlet end 131.

  The inlet end 121 is one end of the supply pipe 12 and is connected to the casing of the odor generating device 11.

  The openings H1 and H12 are provided in the middle of the supply pipe 12. The vicinity of the openings H1 and H12 has a protruding shape, and the tip thereof has a slightly narrow trapezoidal shape, and is inserted into the nose of the subject P. In addition, a hole is provided in the projecting tip portion, and an odor component present in the supply pipe 12 enters the nose of the subject P through the hole, and the subject P detects the odor with an olfactory sense. Moreover, the exhalation of the subject P is absorbed from the nose through the hole. Further, the shape in the vicinity of the openings H1 and H12 has a curved surface, and may be, for example, hemispherical (the cross section is semicircular).

  The outlet end 131 is the other end of the discharge pipe 13 and is connected to the suction device 14.

  The suction device 14 has a pump function, and sucks the odor component present in the supply pipe 12 and the breath of the subject P. Further, an odor particle adsorbing member such as activated carbon 141 is provided inside the suction device 14. The activated carbon 141 is a deodorizing unit that eliminates a predetermined odor present in the vicinity of the subject's nose, and is an example of an odor particle adsorbing member that adsorbs the predetermined odor.

  The storage device 30 receives odor ID information, which is an odor ID generated by the odor processing device 10, from the odor processing device 10 or the control device 50 and stores it. The storage device 30 also receives brain activity state data from the MRI 20 when the subject P smells the odor generated by the odor processing device 10, and stores the brain activity state data and the corresponding odor ID. To do.

  The display device 40 displays a tomographic photograph of the brain corresponding to the brain activity state data stored in the storage device 30.

  The control device 50 includes a CPU and the like, and controls the entire brain activity state measuring device 100. The control device 50 is a control unit that causes the MRI 20 to acquire data on the activity state of the brain of the subject P in synchronization with the breathing of the subject P. Further, the control device 50 is a control means for causing the MRI 20 to acquire data on the activity state of the brain of the subject P in synchronization with the inhalation of the subject P. In this case, in synchronization with the start of inspiration of the subject P, it is desirable to have the MRI 20 acquire data on the brain activity state of the subject P, but in synchronization with a predetermined timing between the start and end of inspiration, Data on the brain activity state of the subject P may be acquired by the MRI 20.

  The control device 50 is a control unit that causes the MRI 20 to acquire data on the activity state of the brain of the subject P in synchronization with the heartbeat of the subject P. In this case, it is desirable to have the MRI 20 acquire data on the brain activity state of the subject P in synchronization with the contraction of the heart of the subject P.

  In addition, when the subject P smells the odor, the odor is supplied to the nose of the subject P only during a period when the healthy person sniffs the odor. In other words, the odor generating device 11 generates odor only during a period of time when the healthy person sniffs the odor, and the suction device 14 sucks the odor for a time obtained by adding some time to the above time.

  Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 50 in the above embodiment.

First, pre-processing is executed at S0. In other words, in order to calm the mind of the subject P, for example, the smell of lavender is sent to the openings H1 and H2 through the supply pipe 12, and then washed with air (scentless air is sent to the openings H1 and H2 ). In order to send odor of lavender and odorless air to the openings H1 and H2 , the inlet end 121 of the supply pipe 12 is connected to a lavender storage case (not shown) and an odorless air storage case (not shown), and the suction device 14 When the air cleaning is finished, the suction is finished. In the pretreatment, other fragrance may be used instead of lavender.

  In S1, the control device 50 controls an energizing means (not shown) to energize the ceramic 111 in the odor treatment apparatus 10, the ceramic 111 starts to vibrate, and the odor generating member 112 generates odor. In S2, the suction device 14 starts suction. In S3, after the first predetermined time has elapsed since the start of suction, the brain activity state data (tomographic image) is output to the MRI 20. That is, the operation in which the subject P smells a predetermined smell is synchronized with the operation of outputting brain activity state data (operation for taking a tomographic photograph of the brain).

  In S4, the odor ID, which is the ID of the generated odor, and the brain activity state data corresponding thereto are stored in the storage device 30. In S5, after the second predetermined time has elapsed from the start of suction, energization of the ceramic 111 is terminated, and the vibration of the ceramic 111 is stopped.

  After that, if it is determined in S6 that it is not necessary to acquire brain activity state data for other odors, the suction device 14 terminates the suction in S7.

  In addition, when making a subject smell the smell, the said smell is supplied to the nose of the subject P only for a time when a healthy person sniffs the smell. In other words, the odor generating device 11 generates odor only during a period of time when the healthy person sniffs the odor, and the suction device 14 sucks the odor for a time obtained by adding some time to the above time.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the path for supplying a predetermined odor to the position of the nose of the subject P in the MRI 20 is configured by the nonmagnetic tube, so that no magnetic noise is generated in the operation of the MRI 20. In addition, since the path for supplying a predetermined odor to the position of the nose of the subject P in the MRI 20 is a closed space by the supply pipe 12, the odor can be quantitatively supplied to the subject P. It is easy to keep the distance constant, it is easy to keep the concentration (amount) of odor reaching the nose constant, and furthermore, it is possible to make the timing of generating odor constant, and therefore The accuracy of the data of the activity state of the brain of the subject P with respect to the odor can be ensured.

  Moreover, in the said Example, since the deodorizing means is provided, after generating a certain smell and making the subject P smell the new smell after making the subject P smell, the first smell Does not remain near the nose of the subject P, the accuracy of the data of the activity state of the brain of the subject P with respect to the odor can be ensured.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the subject P smells a predetermined odor, the odor or odorless air such as lavender is supplied to the subject P's nose before the scent to be first smelled is supplied to the subject's nose. Therefore, the sense of smell of the subject P can be reset.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S6 that it is necessary to acquire brain activity state data for other odors, the processing in steps S1 to S5 is executed for different odor generating members 112 in S8. Return. For example, the odor processing apparatus 10 includes a plurality of odor generating apparatuses 11 and the odor generating members 112 installed therein are different from each other. For example, the first odor generating member 112 is a member that generates lemon odor, and the second odor generating member 112 is a member that generates banana odor. As the odor, various odors such as not only the odor of fruits but also the smell of flowers such as lavender, the smell of liquor, the smell of perfume, and the smell of chemicals such as ammonia may be prepared.

  If a plurality of smells are used in this way, data on the brain activity state when the subject P sniffs each of the plurality of smells can be individually acquired.

  When measuring a plurality of odors, the same processing as the preprocessing (S0) may be executed every time before a new odor is generated (before S1). In this case, it is possible to perform only air washing without generating a lavender odor to the subject P before generating a new odor (before S1).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another operation of the control device 50 in the embodiment.

  The operation shown in FIG. 4 is basically the same as the operation shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the process of S13 is executed instead of the process of S3. In S13, after the start of suction and in synchronization with the breathing of the subject P, the MRI 20 outputs brain activity state data (tomographic picture). In this case, it is necessary to provide the subject P with a respiration sensor that detects the respiration of the subject P, and to detect the respiration state of the subject P from the respiration sensor. In this case, in synchronization with the inhalation of the subject P, the brain activity state data of the subject P may be acquired by the MRI 20. In addition, in synchronization with the start of the inhalation of the subject P (or the timing after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of expiration), if the MRI 20 acquires data on the activity state of the brain of the subject P, the odor of the subject is obtained. Since it is highly possible that the subject P sufficiently inhales and the odor molecule is adsorbed to the receptor in the nose, it synchronizes with the start of the inhalation of the subject P (or the timing after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of expiration). Thus, it is desirable to cause the MRI 20 to acquire data on the activity state of the brain of the subject P. However, the brain activity state data of the subject P may be acquired by the MRI 20 in synchronization with a predetermined timing between the start and end of inspiration.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing still another operation of the control device 50 in the above embodiment.

  The operation shown in FIG. 5 is basically the same as the operation shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the process of S23 is executed instead of the process of S3. In S23, after the start of suction and in synchronization with the heartbeat of the subject P, the MRI 20 causes the brain activity state data (tomographic picture) to be output. In this case, it is necessary to provide the subject P with a heart rate sensor that detects the heart rate of the subject P, and to detect the heart rate of the subject P from the heart rate sensor. In this case, in synchronization with the contraction of the heart of the subject P, data on the activity state of the brain of the subject P may be acquired by the MRI 20.

  Instead of the MRI 20, an NIRS (Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy near-infrared light brain functional imaging apparatus) may be used. In this NIRS, when the nerve activity increases, the relative amount of oxygenated hemoglobin increases. Therefore, the relative amount of oxygenated hemoglobin was detected by near infrared light (wavelength 700 to 900 nm), and the relative amount of oxygenated hemoglobin increased. When this is detected, the device determines that the neural activity has increased. Specifically, the NIRS is a device that irradiates a hydrogen element with radio waves (near infrared light).

  Further, instead of the MRI 20, an MEG (magnetoencephalograph) may be used.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an odor treatment apparatus 10a which is a modification of the odor treatment apparatus 10 in the above embodiment.

  7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG.

The odor treatment apparatus 10 a includes an optical fiber 60 , a concave lens 51 , an inner tube 70, and an outer tube 80 . The optical fiber 60 is an optical path that guides light to the vicinity of the human nose N. A light source (not shown) is provided, and this light source is a light source that supplies light to the optical fiber 60 . The light is a so-called photocatalyst, and ultraviolet rays are used. In addition, you may make it use visible light instead of an ultraviolet-ray.

The inner pipe 70 is a supply pipe that forms a path for supplying a predetermined odor to the position of the person's nose N. The outer tube 80 is a discharge tube that discharges air when it exists at the position of the nose N of a person.

Further, the nose N and the outer tube 80 are bonded to each other so that the gas in the inner tube 70 and the gas in the outer tube 80 do not leak outside. The adhesive means between the nose N and the outer tube 80, in close contact with the nose N and the outer tube 80, the gas in the inner tube 70, if the structure gas in the outer tube 80 does not leak out, how It may be a simple means.

  Next, the operation of the odor processing apparatus 10a will be described.

Before supplying the smell to the person's nose N, the following preparations are made. That is, the end of the optical fiber 60 (the end opposite to the nose N) is connected to a light source (not shown). An end of the inner tube 70 (an end opposite to the nose N) is connected to an odor generating source (not shown), and an opening for introducing air is provided in a part of the inner tube 70 . Further, the end of the outer tube 80 (the end opposite to the nose N) is connected to a suction pump (not shown).

And when supplying an odor to a person's nose N, after the said preparation is prepared, suction is started with the pump for suction. As a result, a predetermined odor reaches the nose N of the person via the inner tube 70 from the odor source, and the person feels the odor. After supplying the odor for a predetermined time, the door (not shown) of the odor source is closed and only air is supplied to the human nose N. Here, a light source (not shown) generates ultraviolet rays and reaches the concave lens 61 via the optical fiber 60 . The concave lens 61 diffuses ultraviolet rays, irradiates around the nostrils N1 and N2, decomposes odor elements (odor molecules) existing near the nostrils N1 and N2, and erases the odor. To do. Ultraviolet rays serve as a photocatalyst to eliminate odors, that is, deodorize.

The odor treatment apparatus 10a is an apparatus used when a person can smell a specific odor. For example, it is used when a person smells a specific smell and examines the reaction. When examining the reaction, MRI may be used. In this case, if the inner tube 70 and the outer tube 80 are made nonmagnetic, the MRI is not adversely affected.

  Moreover, not only using the odor treatment apparatus 10a only for supplying odor to the nose, but also when administering a medicine to a patient. For example, an analgesic such as a headache drug, a muscle relaxant, a drug (medicine) such as a sleeping pill can be administered. In this case, particles (chemicals) such as liquid and powder may be used in addition to gas.

In the odor treatment apparatus 10a, a plurality of optical fibers 60 may be provided. Further, the optical fiber 60 may be bonded to the inner tube 70 or may be bonded to the outer tube 80 .

In the odor processing apparatus 10a, the concave lens 61 may be deleted. Alternatively, the concave lens 61 may be deleted and a concave lens shape may be formed at the tip of the optical fiber 60 .

In odor processor 10a, smell, the air is supplied from the inner pipe 70 to the nose N, smell through the outer tube 80, but is discharged exhalation, on the contrary, from the outer tube 80 to the nose N Odor and inhalation may be supplied, and the odor may be discharged via the inner pipe 70 to be discharged.

Further, in the odor treatment apparatus 10a, the cross sections of the inner tube 70 and the outer tube 80 are substantially elliptical, but may be other than elliptical.

  In addition, if a lavender etc. are used as said smell, a patient will relax.

FIG. 8 shows an odor treatment apparatus which is another modification of the odor treatment apparatus 10 in the above embodiment.
It is sectional drawing which shows 10b .

  9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG.

The odor treatment apparatus 10b is an apparatus in which a transparent sheet 90 and titanium dioxide (TiO2) 100 are added to the odor treatment apparatus 10a.

The transparent sheet 90 has a thickness of, for example, 10 μm to several mm and is fixed to the end portion of the outer tube 80 although omitted in FIG.

Titanium dioxide 100 is a photocatalyst and is provided in the vicinity of a human nose. Although ultraviolet rays alone have an effect of eliminating odors, when the titanium dioxide 100 is irradiated with light, the effect of the photocatalyst is promoted. Incidentally, titanium dioxide 100 is applied to the transparent sheet 90, optical fiber 60 is provided on the concave lens 61, the position where the light passing through the transparent sheet 90 is irradiated. If coated titanium dioxide 100 to the optical fiber 10 side of the transparent sheet 90, need not transparent sheet 90 is transparent.

The operation of the odor processing apparatus 10b is basically the same as the operation of the odor processing apparatus 10a, but the deodorizing operation is slightly different. In other words, in the odor treatment apparatus 10b, when the titanium dioxide 100 is exposed to ultraviolet rays, electrons are ejected from the surface of the titanium dioxide 100 , and the holes from which the electrons have escaped are called holes and have a positive charge. Yes. The holes have a strong oxidizing power and take electrons from OH- (hydroxide ions) and the like existing in water. The OH− from which the electrons have been removed becomes OH radicals that are in a very unstable state. Since this OH radical has a strong oxidizing power, it takes an electron from an organic substance existing nearby and tries to stabilize itself. Then, the organic substance from which the electrons have been deprived breaks the bonds, and eventually becomes carbon dioxide or water.

  Since one of the organic substances has an odor, the odor molecule is broken in its bond to carbon dioxide or water. Also, malodors such as acetaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, etc. are decomposed.

As described above, in the odor treatment apparatus 10b, since the titanium dioxide 100 is provided, the effect of the photocatalyst is promoted, the deodorization is performed in a shorter time than the odor treatment apparatus 10a, and the deodorization is performed more than the odor treatment apparatus 10a. Large amount.

Instead of titanium dioxide 100 , another photocatalyst may be provided.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an odor treatment apparatus 10c which is still another modification of the odor treatment apparatus 10 in the above embodiment.

11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG.

In the odor treatment apparatus 10 b, the odor treatment apparatus 10 b is provided with a sheet 91 instead of the transparent sheet 90 and a titanium dioxide 101 instead of the titanium dioxide 100 .

The sheet 91 may not be transparent, but is a sheet having a large number of through holes 91h and made of ceramic or the like. The titanium dioxide 101 is also provided with a large number of through holes 91h . The titanium dioxide 101 may not have a through hole.

  In the odor treatment apparatus 10c, the ceramic is provided with a large number of through holes 41h, and the light emitted from the optical fiber 10 reaches the titanium dioxide 51 through the through holes 41h, and acts as a photocatalyst. Is erased.

  In the above embodiment, instead of using light or a photocatalyst, air charged with positive ions or air charged with negative ions may be applied to the odor.

  That is, a supply pipe that forms a path for supplying predetermined particles to the position of the person's nose, and an ion supply means that supplies air charged with positive ions or air charged with negative ions to the vicinity of the human nose. And a particle supply device having a discharge pipe for discharging particles present at the position of the person's nose.

100: brain activity state measuring device,
10: Odor treatment device,
11 ... Odor generating device,
12 ... supply pipe,
13 ... discharge pipe,
14 ... suction device,
20 ... MRI,
30 ... Storage device,
50: Control device.

Claims (6)

With MRI, NIRS or MEG to obtain data on the brain activity of the subject;
A non-magnetic supply tube that forms a path for supplying a predetermined odor to the position of the subject's nose in the MRI, NIRS, or MEG;
Deodorizing means for erasing the predetermined odor present in the vicinity of the subject's nose after supplying a predetermined odor to the subject's nose for a predetermined time;
An exhaust tube for exhausting air present at the nose of the subject;
Have a, the deodorizing means, active measuring device of the brain, characterized in that the light guided by the light guide for guiding light in the vicinity of the nose of the subject. In claim 1 ,
A brain activity state measuring apparatus comprising a light source for supplying light to the optical path. In claim 1,
The brain activity state measurement, wherein the deodorizing means is light guided by an optical path that guides light to the vicinity of the subject's nose and a photocatalyst provided in the vicinity of the human nose Equipment . In claim 3 ,
An apparatus for measuring a brain activity state , wherein the photocatalyst is applied to a sheet, and the applied photocatalyst is irradiated with the light. In claim 4 ,
The brain activity state measuring device , wherein the sheet is a transparent sheet or a sheet having a through hole. In claim 1,
When the subject smells the subject, the brain activity state measurement has means for supplying scented air to the subject's nose before supplying the subject's nose to the subject's nose. apparatus.

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