JPH0368391B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method for obtaining information that a person wants to learn by using a main unit or by playing back sound such as magnetic recording. This invention relates to a learning aid for improving efficiency. Specifically, it detects the psychological and physiological state of a person that is most suitable for learning, notifies the learner, and encourages the realization of the optimal state for learning.
The present invention relates to a learning aid device that presents learning information in an optimal learning state.

In general, a person's learning efficiency depends on the degree of concentration on the learning subject. The more one's attention is focused on the learning object, the higher the learning efficiency will be; conversely, if one's concentration is scattered, little learning will take place. However, even if you are consciously focused, learning efficiency will be extremely low if you are under psychological or physiological tension. On the other hand, it is common knowledge that the so-called relaxed concentration of consciousness, which is psychologically and physiologically relaxed, has the highest learning efficiency.

It is possible to estimate to some extent whether a person is in a psychologically and physiologically relaxed state based on electroencephalograms, electrodermal reflexes, skin temperature, etc. In other words, in a relaxed state with no tension, brain waves mainly contain many frequency components in the alpha wave region between 7Hz and 14Hz, and the electrical resistance of the skin at the site of mental sweating is relatively high, and the skin potential The absolute value of becomes smaller. It also improves blood circulation in capillaries and increases skin temperature. It is possible to monitor such physiological reactions and self-regulate to a state without relaxation, and it is a biofeedback training method that is well known in the fields of medical, psychological research, and clinical medicine. It is becoming. Using a monitor signal that reflects such a physiological state, it is possible to control the drive of an individual learning aid device such as a magnetic tape recorder, and to drive the learning aid device when a person is in a state where learning efficiency is high.

Conventionally, in learning aids with this kind of intention, regardless of the learning content, for example, in the case of brain waves, when alpha waves of brain waves reach a certain strength or alpha waves are detected for a predetermined period of time, When the magnetic tape drive device operates, and the strength of the alpha wave weakens, the magnetic tape drive stops. With this kind of method,
Learning content is often interrupted midway through, which may psychologically reduce motivation to learn.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a learning auxiliary device that eliminates such disadvantages and further improves learning efficiency.

That is, in the method of the present invention, for example, a timing signal is recorded over a well-defined part of the learning content recorded on a magnetic tape, or a track dedicated to the timing signal is provided in a part of the tape, and the timing signal is applied to that part. A recording blank portion of a predetermined time or a portion where the recording level is significantly lowered is provided for each recording or learning content break, and this timing signal is detected when the tape is driven. Appropriately, the interval between these timing signals is about 4 to 6 seconds. When this timing signal is detected,
For example, when the intensity or duration of the alpha wave of the brain wave is determined and either of them is determined to be within a predetermined range, the determination output signal is used as the next timing signal and the alpha wave at that time is determined. The memory is held until the state is determined, and at the same time, the tape is driven by the stored judgment output signal. At least until the next timing signal is detected by tape drive, the tape continues to be driven and learning information continues to be provided regardless of the continuously changing state of the brain waves. Furthermore, when the timing signal is detected and the state of the alpha wave of the brain wave is determined, if the intensity or duration is not within a predetermined range, no determination signal is output and tape drive is stopped. This state is maintained until the alpha wave state of the brain waves is determined and the state reaches a predetermined range. When it is determined that the state of the alpha wave has reached a predetermined range, a determination signal is output, and the determination signal is stored and held until the next timing signal is detected, and the tape is driven.

With this method, once the tape is driven to provide learning information, regardless of the state of the brain waves after that, it will continue to move until it reaches a good separation, and the brain waves will be judged again and the tape will be driven or waited. can be determined automatically. Therefore, the learning information is not divided in a half-finished state. In this system, information is provided regardless of the state of the brain waves while the tape is being driven, and even if the tape loses concentration midway through, the tape will continue to be driven until the next timing signal is detected. However, if the time interval of the timing signal is shortened to about 4 seconds to 6 seconds, this will not cause a substantial problem. In fact, it would be much more of a problem if the information was interrupted. Furthermore, by superimposing learning information and announcing a feedback signal correlated to the state of alpha waves of brain waves, it is possible to indicate whether or not concentration of consciousness has been broken while the tape is being driven.

Although alpha waves of brain waves have been described above as an example of electrical signals that reflect human psychological and physiological behavior, the present invention can be similarly applied to electromyograms, electrodermal reflexes, skin temperature, and the like. In addition, although a magnetic tape device has been explained as an example of a sound generating device in the audible frequency range, there are also speech synthesis devices using semiconductor memory, magnetic disks, electro-optic storage devices, etc.
It can also be applied to

Next, specific examples will be described using figures. 1st
The figure shows a specific example of detecting alpha wave components of brain waves as electrical fluctuations that reflect a person's psychological and physiological behavior. In FIG. 1, an electrical signal containing brain waves derived from the epidermis of a person's head is amplified by a preamplifier circuit 10, and then a frequency selective amplifier circuit 20 is used to amplify the alpha wave components of the brain waves. Selectively extract. The selectively extracted alpha wave signal is compared with the signal set in the comparison reference signal generation circuit 40 in a comparison determination signal generator circuit 30 for determining its strength, and
It is converted into a determination signal as to whether or not the amount is within a preset amount range. The determination signal is preferably in a binary signal format, for example, "1" when the intensity of the extracted alpha signal is within a preset amount range, and "0" when it is outside the range.

There is an audio signal generating device at an audible frequency that includes learning content that can be audible to the learner, such as a magnetic tape player 80, and a timing signal generating device circuit that generates a timing signal using a reproduction signal output from the magnetic tape player. 70
, a timing signal determining the timing of taking in the alpha wave strength determination signal is output, the switch circuit 50 is opened and closed by this timing signal, and the alpha wave strength determination signal is stored and held in the signal storage holding circuit 60. Ru. The operation of the switch circuit 50 becomes conductive when the timing signal is input, and the judgment signal is taken into the signal storage holding circuit 60. However, when the judgment signal is taken as "1", the signal storage holding circuit 60 is turned on. A signal is generated from circuit 60 which renders switch circuit 50 non-conductive and at the same time drives magnetic tape player 80. This state continues regardless of the continuously changing alpha wave intensity determination, and the switch circuit 50 becomes conductive due to the input of the timing signal, and a new determination signal is taken in. When the judgment signal is "0", the switch circuit 50 maintains the conductive state, and "0" is taken into the signal storage and holding circuit 60, but at this time, the switch circuit 50 is kept in a non-conductive state. is not generated, and at the same time, the magnetic tape player is not driven. This state is maintained until the continuously changing alpha wave intensity determination signal becomes "1", and the signal storage holding circuit 60 stores "1".
When the timing signal is input, the switch circuit 50 becomes non-conductive and the magnetic tape player is driven until the next timing signal is input.

The playback signal output from the magnetic tape player is used by the audio frequency sound generator 90 to enable the learner to hear sounds containing the learning content.

These preamplifier circuit 10, frequency selective amplifier circuit 20, comparison signal generator circuit 30, comparison reference signal generator circuit 40, switch circuit 50, signal storage holding circuit 60, timing signal generator circuit 70,
The acoustic signal generator 80 and the acoustic generator 90 can be easily constructed using well-known electronic circuits or integrated circuits.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a signal waveform for clarifying the operating situation of the specific embodiment shown in FIG. A in FIG. 2 is an output waveform of the preamplifier circuit 10, which is a human brain wave derived and amplified. This output waveform contains frequency components approximately from 0.4Hz to 30Hz. b in Figure 2 is
This brain wave signal is transmitted to the frequency selective amplifier circuit 20.
Only the alpha wave component is extracted, starting from 7Hz.
Contains only the 14Hz frequency component. c in Fig. 2 is a comparison judgment signal generator circuit having a function of generating a judgment signal of "1" when the amplitude intensity of the alpha wave component shown in Fig. 2 is within a preset amount range. A preset amount of the output waveform of 30 is generated by the comparison reference signal generation circuit 40, and the size of the set amount is converted to the size of the input signal of the preamplifier circuit 10 as follows. Selected between 10 microvolts and 100 microvolts. It is practical to make the selection method variable depending on the learner. As an example, it is shown by a dotted line superimposed on the waveform b in FIG.

d in FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a reproduction signal of an acoustic signal generating device, for example, a magnetic tape player 80. e in Fig. 2 is a timing signal formed from the reproduced signal of c in Fig. 2, and f in Fig. 2 is
The determination signal shown in c in the figure is taken in by the timing signal shown in e in the figure, and is held in the memory holding circuit 60.
It is also a signal for controlling the drive of the switch circuit 50 and the magnetic tape player 80. Further, g in FIG. 2 is an acoustic signal that the learner actually listens to, and shows an example of the output waveform of the acoustic generator 90.

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention,
In the conventional method, the learning content was often interrupted midway depending on the content of the alpha wave component in the learner's brain waves, a defect that significantly reduced the motivation to learn. , it is possible to control the drive of the magnetic tape player at a good point in the learning content.

In the specific example, we have explained how to detect alpha waves of brain waves and control the drive of a magnetic tape player. In addition, similar control is possible by detecting galvanic skin reflexes and skin temperature, and the same effects as magnetic tape players can be achieved with semiconductor voice synthesizers, magnetic disks, optical disks, capacitive disks, etc. It can also be applied to output control of audiovisual equipment. Alternatively, the timing signal may be generated by an internal clock and detected to control the audiovisual equipment.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a specific embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 a to 2 g are signal waveform diagrams illustrating its operation. 10... Preamplifier circuit, 20... Frequency selection amplifier circuit, 30... Comparison/judgment signal generator circuit,
40... Comparison reference signal generation circuit, 50... Switch circuit, 60... Signal storage holding circuit, 70... Timing signal generator circuit, 80... Sound signal generator, 90... Sound generator.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A means for deriving, from the human epidermis, electrical fluctuations that reflect psychological and physiological behavior or fluctuations that can be converted into electrical signals via a transducer; Comparative judgment output means that outputs a judgment output signal when the magnitude of the fluctuation reflecting the behavior or the duration of the fluctuation is within a preset amount range; a recording medium having recorded therein a signal that determines a predetermined timing for each portion; and an audio signal generating device that is driven in response to the determination output signal and generates a sound that includes the timing signal and the learning content, and each of the timing signals reads the judgment output signal, and when it is judged by the read judgment output signal that the magnitude or duration of the fluctuation is within the set amount range, the fluctuation continues until the next timing signal is detected. Continues to play the learning content by driving the acoustic signal generator regardless, and when it is determined that the variation is outside the range, indicates that the magnitude or duration of the variation is within the set amount range. A learning auxiliary device characterized in that driving of an acoustic signal generator is stopped and playback of learning content is stopped until the next determination output signal is obtained. 2. When the electrical fluctuation reflecting the psychological/physiological behavior is detected as a brain wave with a frequency component in the alpha wave region, and its amplitude and duration of appearance exceed a predetermined amount, the determination is made. Claim 1, characterized in that the output signal is generated.
Learning aids as described in section. 3 Judgment output when the electrical fluctuation reflecting the psychological/physiological behavior is the skin potential at the area of psychogenic sweating, and a change in amount of a predetermined percentage relative to the initial measurement value is detected. The learning aid device according to claim 1, wherein the learning aid device generates a signal. 4. The fluctuation that can be converted into an electrical signal via the transducer is the skin surface temperature,
The learning aid device according to claim 1, which generates a determination output when a temperature increase of a predetermined amount relative to the initial measurement value is detected. 5. The acoustic signal generating device is a magnetic or optical recording/reproducing device,
A learning aid device according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4. 6. Claims 1, 2, and 3, characterized in that the signal determining the predetermined timing is generated by driving an acoustic signal generator.
or the learning aid device according to item 4.