Patent No. 5330414 Brain wave inducing apparatus
Patent No. 5330414
Brain wave inducing apparatus (Yasushi, Jul, 1994)
Abstract
A random signal generator outputs a random noise signal to a band pass filter which selectively passes frequency components in the frequency range of a desired brain wave from a subject. The output of the band pass filter is supplied to an automatic level controller. The automatic level controller sets the output of band pass filter to a predetermined amplitude. Then, the output of the automatic level controller is fed to a stimulating light generator, which converts the output of the automatic level controller into a light signal for stimulating the subject in order to induce the desired brain wave from the subject. The light signal is then emitted into the subject's eyes.
Notes:
BACKGROUND
OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a brain wave inducing apparatus for inducing brain
waves such as .alpha., .beta., and .theta. waves from a human body through optical
stimulation.
2. Related Art
It is well known that there is a close relationship between the brain waves
of a person and his or her biological, psychological conditions. For example,
.alpha. waves (about 8-13 Hz) are dominantly developed when a person is relaxed,
.beta. waves (about 14-30 Hz) are dominant when mentally and physically active,
and .theta. waves (about 4-7 Hz) are dominant when the person is sleepy.
Conversely, if a specific brain wave is induced dominantly, then the person
will enter the corresponding physical and psychological condition. Therefore,
the use of the relationship between these brain waves and their corresponding
physical, psychological conditions may be useful in controlling physical and
psychological conditions in human beings.
Laid Open Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-87165 discloses a "relaxing apparatus."
With this apparatus, a white noise outputted from a random signal generator
is directed to a filter having a 1/f characteristic that produces a fluctuation
signal of 1/f characteristic. A reference frequency set within the .alpha. frequency
range (about 8-13 Hz) is frequency-modulated by the fluctuation signal. This
frequency-modulated signal Vp drives a light emitting device to cycle on and
off so as to produce a stimulating light whose time interval fluctuates with
1/f characteristic. Thereby, this stimulating signal is used to induce .alpha.
waves in a patient. The frequency modulated signal Vp has a constant amplitude
and a regular waveform.
.alpha. waves as well as other brain waves, are usually not uniform in waveform
and amplitude. It is known that brain waves have a so-called "pull-in phenomenon"
where a specific brain wave is "pulled in" or induced in response to an optical
stimulation. When effectively inducing a specific brain wave by using the pull-in
phenomenon, an optically stimulating signal should have a waveform as close
to an actual brain wave as possible. From this point of view, the waveform of
the frequency-modulated signal Vp of the relax apparatus disclosed by Laid Open
Japanese Patent No. 62-87165 is too simple and not satisfactory. Thus, the use
of the brain wave of a patient is the most efficient way of inducing a desired
brain wave from that patient. However, picking up the brain waves from the patient
will usually require electrodes and cords as well as many accessory circuits
such as signal processing circuits, which makes the apparatus complex, large
and burdensome.
SUMMARY
OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a brain wave inducing apparatus
where a simple circuit configuration makes it possible to induce brain waves.
A further object is to provide a brain wave inducing apparatus that uses an
optically stimulating signal having a waveform that is more closely tied to
actual brain waves than the related art discussed above.
According to the invention, a random signal generator outputs a random noise
signal to a band pass filter which selectively passes frequency components in
the frequency range of a brain wave to be induced from a subject. An automatic
level controller sets the output of band pass filter to a predetermined amplitude.
Then, a stimulating light generator converts the output of the automatic level
controller into a light signal for stimulating the subject to induce the desired
brain wave from the subject.
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A brain wave inducing apparatus according
to the invention does not require electrodes and cords for picking up a subject's
brain waves, or circuits for processing such brain waves. This greatly simplifies
the overall circuit configuration of the circuit providing the stimulating light.
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