US 4,928,704 A · EEG biofeedback method and system for training voluntary control of human EEG activity

Abstract

A biofeedback method and system for use to train a person to develop useful degrees of voluntary control of personal electroencephalogram (EEG) activity. A plurality of EEG potentials from a plurality of locations on the head are individually amplified and filtered in accordance with strict criteria intended for processing in accordance within time constraints limited by natural neurological reactivity. Each resultant signal is processed to provide objective data on brain energies as a function of frequency. Data are presented in real time to the trainee in the form of preselected auditory tones and/or vibro-tactile stimuli indicating with high fidelity the details of EEG activity at a multiplicity of cortical sites. Features of auditory feedback promote learning as well as identification and elimination of spurious artifact states. At periodic intervals, the auditory feedback is supplemented by sensory presentation of digital scores summarizing performances in a metric proportional to brain energy output in the feedback parameters. The scores may be presented as illuminated numerical displays, aurally or both. The system is preferably in an environment designed to control the arousal level of the trainee and the degree of distractibility so as to maximize the learning of voluntary self-control.

Claims37

Dependent claims

A method for training a person to develop useful degrees of voluntary control of personal electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) placing a plurality of EEG sensors at a plurality of cortical sites on a head of said person;
(b) placing said person in an environment of controlled light and sound to control the arousal level and the distractibility of the person;
(c) sensing electric potentials from said plurality of cortical sites to obtain a plurality of channel signals in a plurality of channels;
(d) individually filtering said channel signals within predefined frequency subbands, each said predefined frequency subband having an abrupt cutoff at a low-frequency skirt, an abrupt cutoff at a high-frequency skirt and near instantaneous propagation for processing in accordance within time constraints limited by natural neurological reactivity to obtain a resultant signal for each said channel;
(e) processing each said resultant signal to obtain objective data on brain energies as a function of channel;
and
(f) presenting said objective data substantially instantaneously as feedback to said person to indicate to said person personal EEG activity at a said plurality of cortical sites within said predefined frequency spectra in order to facilitate voluntary conscious and unconscious control over said personal EEG activity.

4 more elements

An apparatus for training a person to develop useful degrees of voluntary control of personal electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a plurality of EEG sensors, said sensors being for placement at a plurality of cortical sites on a head of said person;
(b) an environmental chamber of controlled light and sound enclosing said person to control the arousal level and the distractibility of the person;
(c) means coupled to said EEG sensors for measuring electric potentials sensed by said EEG sensors from said plurality of cortical sites to obtain a plurality of channel signals in a plurality of channels;
(d) a plurality of bandpass filters coupled to said measuring means, at least one bandpass filter means for each one of said channels, each said bandpass filter means having a passband characteristic of a predefined frequency spectra having an abrupt cutoff at a low-frequency skirt, an abrupt cutoff at a high-frequency skirt and near instantaneous propagation for processing in accordance within time constraints limited by natural neurological reactivity to obtain a resultant signal for each said channel;
(e) means coupled to said bandpass filter means for processing each said resultant signal to obtain objective data on brain energies as a function of channel;
and
(f) means coupled to said processing means for presenting said objective data substantially instantaneously as feedback to said person to indicate to said person personal EEG activity at a said plurality of cortical sites within said predefined frequency spectra in order to facilitate voluntary conscious and unconscious control over said personal EEG activity.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

EEG biofeedback method and system for training voluntary control of human EEG activity

Life of this patent

EEG biofeedback method and system for training voluntary control of human EEG activity

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims37