JPH023623B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a myoelectric biofeedback device for living bodies.

Conventional biofeedback devices can only be used for a single type of training method, and the training method that is suitable for the trainee who performs muscle tension training and the trainee who performs relaxation training is selected and adapted to the training method. The drawback was that once the biological feedback device was programmed, it could not respond at all.

The present invention eliminates the conventional drawbacks and provides a myoelectric biofeedback device that can appropriately set an effective training program according to the training purpose of the trainee and change the setting of training goals according to the training purpose. It is intended to.

That is, the present invention provides an electrode 1 for detecting myoelectric signals of a living body.
A preamplifier 9 preamplifies the myoelectric signal obtained from the electrode 1, and the output signal of the preamplifier 9 is connected to a rectifier circuit 13 through a hum filter 10, a bandpass filter 11, and a gain control circuit 12, and then rectified and integrated. A myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2 is constituted by an A/D converter 14 that performs /D conversion, and the instantaneous value and the average value of the myoelectric signal of the output signal of the A/D converter 14, which change every moment, are respectively calculated. The visual display mechanism 3 is composed of a CRT display 8 that displays visual feedback as characters 25 on the X-Y coordinates, and an auditory feedback that changes the scale, pitch, melody, etc. by correlating the myoelectric signal with its magnitude. The auditory display mechanism 4 is composed of a speaker 28 that displays the information as shown in FIG. In the first stage, the I/O unit 6 has a function of converting myoelectric signals into input signals for the computer 7, and the computer 7
The output signal of is driven by a battery power source 15, and a photocoupler 19 transfers data and control signals between the myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2 and the I/O unit 6.
This is a myoelectric biofeedback device characterized by the following.

Also, the keyboard 18 of the microcomputer 7
The target value for tension training and the target value for relaxation training are changed according to It is characterized by having a gain control function that takes in the myoelectric potential of the living body and sets the baseline of the myoelectric potential of the living body.Furthermore, after the end of the training session, the I/O unit 6 receives the myoelectric signal every second during the training period. This myoelectric biofeedback device is characterized in that it is connected to a printer 20 that prints values and average values of myoelectric signals per arbitrary time in numerical values and graphs.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail using FIGS. 1 and 2.

The conductive wire of the electrode 1 attached to the trainee is connected to the input end of a myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2 that converts the amplitude of the myoelectric signal into binary data, and the output end of the myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2 is connected to a photocoupler. 19 and connected to the input end of the I/O unit 6.

The myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2 includes a preamplifier 9 for amplifying the myoelectric signal introduced from the electrode 1, a hum filter 10 for removing hum noise included in the myoelectric signal, and a hum filter 10 for removing only the myoelectric signal within a predetermined frequency band. A bandpass filter 11 for extraction, a gain control circuit 12 for amplifying and controlling the myoelectric signal, and a rectifier circuit 13 consisting of an integrator for rectifying the myoelectric signal.
An A/D converter 14 for converting an analog myoelectric signal into a digital myoelectric signal is connected in sequence, and a battery power source 15 serves as a driving power source for the myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2. Said I/
A control signal is sent from one output end of the O unit 6 to the hum filter 10, bandpass filter 11, and gain control circuit 12 of the myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2, and from the myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2 to the I/O unit 6. The exchange with the data signal is relayed by a photocoupler 19 for optical connection.

The I/O unit 6 includes an input device that converts a digital myoelectric signal, that is, a data signal, obtained from the A/D converter 14 into an input signal to the microcomputer 7, and an input device that converts the output signal from the microcomputer 7 into the myoelectric information. It consists of an output device that converts a control signal to the preprocessing unit 2, an operation signal for the auditory display mechanism 4, and an operation signal to the printer 20 for printing and displaying.

A main board 1 that is connected to the I/O unit 6 and performs secondary calculation processing such as real-time and statistical processing.
6, a keyboard 18 that generates a signal that instructs the main board 16 to change the autonomic training program and change the parameters of the myoelectric signal processing system, and a data cassette 17 that generates a signal that instructs the main board 16 to change the autonomic training program. The program mechanism 5 is constituted by a microcomputer 7 consisting of.

The visual display mechanism 3 consists of a CRT display 8 which receives signals from the main board 16 of the microcomputer 7 and displays visual feedback.

Connected to one output terminal of the I/O unit 6 is a printer 20 on which the learning level, training effects, and accompanying data are printed.

The operation of the configuration described above will be explained in detail.

A myoelectric signal is introduced by the electrode 1 attached to the trainee's living body, and the myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2 removes noise from the myoelectric signal, selects a predetermined frequency, amplifies, rectifies, A/D converts, etc. The digital myoelectric signal, which has been processed and has become a signal suitable for autonomous training by the trainee, is input to the I/O unit 6. The digital myoelectric signal is converted into an input signal for the microcomputer by the I/O unit 6, and then input to the microcomputer 7 for arithmetic processing.

Through calculations by the microcomputer 7, the trainee's myoelectric signals are displayed as movement of the character 25 on the CRT display 8 for visual feedback. The ever-changing myoelectric signals are converted to myoelectric signal values every second and displayed on the CRT display 8.
Corresponding to the X coordinate 22 above, the average value of the myoelectric signals for the past minute is the character 25 corresponding to the Y coordinate.
is displayed. Also, by the calculation of the computer 7, the value of the myoelectric signal changes in scale, pitch, melody, etc. in correlation with the value, and the auditory display mechanism 4
This provides feedback to the sense of hearing.

The data cassette 17 of the microcomputer 7 is used to set the repetition time and number of repetitions of training and pauses during an autonomous training session using the visual display mechanism 3 and auditory display mechanism 4.

In addition, as a safety measure for trainees, the preamplifier 9, hum filter 10, bandpass filter 11, gain control circuit 12, rectifier circuit 13, and A/D converter 14 that constitute the myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2 are powered by a battery power source 15. The I/O unit 6, which is driven and transmits control signals and data signals to the myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2, is optically connected by a photocoupler 19, so that it can be transmitted to the trainee through the electrode 1. Measures have been taken to prevent leakage current from the power supply.

The CRT display 8 is displayed by operating the keyboard 18 attached to the microcomputer 7.
The position of the target value 26 of the instantaneous value of the myoelectric signal displayed above and the target value 2 of the average value of the myoelectric signal for the past minute
The position of 7 can be changed.

Furthermore, a gain control function consisting of a microcomputer 7 and a gain control circuit 12 senses and sets the myoelectric potential baseline of the trainee based on the myoelectric data of the trainee in a normal posture for 1 minute immediately before the start of autonomic training. At the start of training, the myoelectric signal is always optimally amplified and gain control is performed to sufficiently increase the biofeedback effect, so the shaping method (training method of gradually increasing the target value) in training is automatically performed. can be done.

In addition, I/O unit 6 was used to create materials for continued training.
At the end of one training session, the printer 20 connected to the printer 20 prints the magnitude of myoelectric potential every second during the training period in numerical values and a graph, and also prints the average value for any given time in numerical values and graphs. Furthermore, accompanying data such as the trainee's name and training date and time are also printed at the same time.

The training method using the apparatus of the present invention in the above embodiments is a biofeed method in which the trainee auditorily and visually senses changes in the generation state of myoelectric signals introduced by the electrode 1 attached to the trainee's living body. In back training, especially the visual feedback display mechanism.
It is composed of a CRT display 8, and the X-Y coordinate 22 of the X-Y coordinates on the CRT display 8 corresponds to the magnitude of the myoelectric signal for one second, and the Y coordinate 21 is the average magnitude of the myoelectric signal for the past one minute. The character 25 is displayed at the point indicated by the XY value in correspondence with the value, and the character 25 is trained to be positioned within the range of the set target value while visually observing the character 25.

The set target is set by a preset instantaneous value target value 26 and an average value target value 27. Trainees whose purpose is relaxation training train to keep the value of the myoelectric signal as low as possible, so they train so that the character 25 remains within the range 23 of the relaxation training target value, and whose purpose is tension training. The trainee trains to keep the value of the myoelectric signal as high as possible, and therefore trains so that the character 25 remains within the tension training target value range 24. The target value for relaxation training and the target value for tension training can be switched and changed as appropriate using the keyboard 18 attached to the microcomputer 7.

The auditory feedback display mechanism 4 is comprised of a speaker 28, etc., and the trainee trains while listening to audio signals such as scales, pitches, melodies, etc. The feedback audio signal as a reward for training of the trainee emits a sound when the character 25 falls within the relaxation training target value range 23 of the visual feedback display mechanism, and when the character 25 falls within the tension training target value range 24.
When the number 5 is entered, it makes a sound and is effectively produced accordingly.

The effect of the present invention with the above configuration is that the myoelectric biofeedback device, which conventionally could only be used for a single fixed training method, can be used to store programs for various training methods in a data cassette. It is possible to perform various feedback methods on one device without any hardware changes by simply exchanging data cassettes. Also, while using the device of the present invention,
While observing the trainee's situation, the trainer can easily change the training flow and parameters according to the situation, and also change the training methods and target values for tension training and relaxation training by operating the keyboard. In other words, the present invention provides an apparatus that is extremely flexible and allows a high degree of freedom in selecting training methods.

Next, a visual display mechanism using a CRT display displays the training situation as the instantaneous value of the myoelectric signal and the average value over a unit time as simple symbols on the X-Y coordinates, so that the trainee can It is possible to reduce as much as possible the attention and consideration that impede training, and by making each target value clear by setting a baseline, the operant conditioning of the trainee can be made more powerful, and training can be improved. It increases motivation, has great effects on early recovery of abnormal muscles, and early removal of abnormal tension in mind and body.

In addition, since the input data and training result data are printed out, the trainer can easily keep a record of the materials used to select the most suitable training method for the trainee, and can also create and save records of training results. This makes evaluation and analysis extremely easy, and has the effect of greatly increasing the work efficiency of trainees.

Furthermore, by making the myoelectric information preprocessing unit battery-driven and optically connecting the myoelectric information preprocessing unit and the I/O unit, data signals,
When transferring control signals, the myoelectric information preprocessing unit and the I/O unit are electrically isolated, which not only protects the trainee from electric shock but also prevents AC induced noise (such as hum) from mixing in the minute myoelectric potential. This allows use not only in special shield rooms but also in ordinary training rooms.

As described above, the effects of the present invention are that optimal training can be carried out according to the training purpose, the target value is clarified by setting the baseline, and the shaping method in training is automatically performed. Target values can be set and changed as appropriate, and feedback audio signals are provided as rewards when the target value is reached and achieved, which increases motivation for training. Because it is displayed in symbols and figures, trainees can clearly see how they apply force to their muscles, that is, how to control their own muscle strength, which increases their desire to train and helps them quickly recover abnormal muscles and reduce abnormal mental and physical tension. It has a great effect on removal.

Furthermore, the trainer can easily select the optimal training method for the trainee, and furthermore, it is extremely easy to create, store, evaluate, and analyze training effects, which has the effect of greatly increasing the work efficiency of the trainee.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figure 1 is a block diagram of the present invention, Figure 2 is a CRT
It is a display diagram of a display. 1... Electrode, 2... Myoelectric information preprocessing unit,
3...Visual display mechanism, 4...Auditory display mechanism, 5...
...Program mechanism, 6...I/O unit, 7...
...Microcomputer, 8...CRT display, 20...Printer.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A preamplifier 9 that includes an electrode 1 that detects a myoelectric signal of a living body and that preamplifies the myoelectric signal obtained from the electrode 1; An A/D converter 14 connected to a rectifier circuit 13 through a filter 11 and a gain control circuit 12 to perform A/D conversion after rectification and integration.
This constitutes a myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2, which converts the instantaneous value and the average value of the myoelectric signal of the output signal of the A/D converter 14, which change every moment, into characters 25 on the X-Y coordinates. A visual display mechanism 3 is constituted by a CRT display 8 that displays the myoelectric signals as visual feedback, and an auditory display mechanism is constituted by a speaker 28 that displays the myoelectric signals as auditory feedback that changes in scale, pitch, melody, etc. in correlation with the magnitude of the myoelectric signals. A program mechanism 5 is constituted by a microcomputer 7 which sets the time and number of repetitions of training and rest as a session of autonomic training, and further performs secondary calculations for statistical processing using data of myoelectric signals. However, at the stage before the microcomputer 7, an I/O unit transmits myoelectric signals to the computer 7.
function to convert the output signal of the computer 7 into a control signal for the myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2, the auditory display mechanism 4, and the printer 20 that prints the calculation results of the microcomputer 7. The myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2
A myoelectric biofidback device characterized in that the myoelectric information preprocessing unit 2 and the I/O unit 6 exchange data and control signals using a photocoupler 19. 2. The myoelectric biofeedback device according to claim 1, wherein the target value for tension training and the target value for relaxation training are changed using the keyboard 18 of the microcomputer 7. 3. The microcomputer 7 and the gain control circuit 12 take in normal state myoelectric signal data for a predetermined period immediately before training to provide a gain control function for setting the baseline of the body's myoelectric potential. A myoelectric biofeedback device according to claim 1. 4 Printer 20 connected to I/O unit 6
1 during the training period after the end of the training session.
The myoelectric biofeedback device according to claim 1, characterized in that the myoelectric signal value per second and the average value of the myoelectric signal value per arbitrary time are printed in numerical values and graphs. .