With the miniaturization of sensors and technological innovations such as IoT, the need to better understand human interfaces with “things” has been increasing every year. With this in mind, visualizing brain activity data in everyday environments, such as checking cognitive function, brain training, creative process in manufacturing, and so forth, and the ability to “know” people has never been more important. In response, NeU’s HOT-2000 features easy brain activity measurements in a comfortable, portable and lightweight design. In addition, the HOT-2000 can acquire multi-modal data such as heart rate, head acceleration and cerebral blood flow data simultaneously.
The HOT-2000 is a user-friendly headset that measures two points of the forehead region using weak near infrared light. At only around 129 grams, measurement can start immediately and the device is equipped with an easy-to-use adjustment cable to secure the headset to the forehead. Moreover, a built-in lithium ion battery gives the HOT-2000 4 hours of continuous use. Lastly, the 6-axis acceleration sensors also provides the user with detailed movement data of the head that can be used to analyse body movements.
1. HOT-2000 main specifications
Number of channels: 2 channels (60 mm with horizontal adjustment).
Light source: LED
Wireless communication system: Bluetooth
4.0 EX output: brain activity index, heart rate and 6 axis acceleration.
Weight: Approximately 129 grams.
Power source: Built-in lithium ion battery (continuous measurement of around 4 hours) & a USB power supply.
Compatible OS: Android OS Version 7.0 or higher.
Application software: Measure 3.0 and Analysis 3.0
2. HOT Measure Version 3.0
Android Application (Android OS Version 7.0 or higher).
Brain activity measurement data, heart rate and acceleration in real-time.
CSV measurement data display and measurement design.
3. HOT Analysis Version 3.0
Recommended Browser: Google Chrome
Simple Analysis of Brain Activity Data (Noise Processing, Blocking and Baseline Correction)
Edit and Save measurement design function.
*This product is not meant for medical use.
NeU’s XB-01 is an integrated sensor-type device that weighs only 30 grams and measures 80 × 40 × 13 mm. In addition, Bluetooth capabilities to transfer data to any smartphone or tablet in real-time allows the XB-01 to be used in any environment. Moreover, its unique “butterfly-style” design that bends in the middle, allows the XB-01 to conform to any forehead shape and size.
The XB-01 includes a built-in battery that lasts up to 3 hours, a USB charging terminal, easy to use buttons and switches, a handy holder and a designated headband.
Brain activity measurements were conventionally done in controlled settings such as research laboratories, but the XB-01 with its ultra-compact design can be used in any environment (such as at home or at work). In conjunction with a band-type holder, the XB-01 can be comfortably attached or detached for use in scenarios such inside the hat of a transport driver, or a work site helmet, and so forth, to help prevent accidents and improve work productivity.
The ultra-compact design of the XB-01 can provide solutions for various usage scenarios such as Cognitive function training, Movement + cognitive function training, Stress coping, Learning and the Utilization of IoH.
1. Cognitive function training
In recent years, it has been found that the higher the activity of the prefrontal cortex during cognitive function training, the afterward effects of improving cognitive function was much higher. It has also revealed that cognitive function training can contribute to maintaining the health of the brain as well.
By using the XB-01 in conjunction with the latest cognitive training programs provided by NeU, users can easily monitor the activation level of their prefrontal cortex in real-time during training. This provides users with the world’s first “individualized optimization cognitive training” that allows a customized program to be selected that can continually load the prefrontal cortex according to the physical conditions of the day.
In addition, by performing real-time monitoring of prefrontal activities during cognitive training together with internal (mental) efforts to raise brain activity, a neuro-feedback effect occurs where higher cognitive functional improvements can be achieved.
2. Movement + cognitive function training
It is a well-known fact that the secretion of BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor), which is a growth factor of neurons, is carried out after aerobic exercise. By combining aerobic exercise with cognitive training and programming, a more effective cognitive function training can be achieved. The XB-01 also provides a heart rate monitoring function due to its ability to measure changes in blood flow rate, which makes it possible to quantify exercise load during aerobic exercises. With the use of this function, a combination of aerobic exercises with moderate load and cognitive function training can now be offered in one package.
3. Stress coping
By utilizing the features of the XB-01, stress coping training can now be performed easily at home or at the workplace by controlling and visualizing one’s brain activities, resulting in an overall reduction in the amount of stress hormones.
4. Learning
Being able to visualize brain activity during the learning process allows the learner to objectively know the degree of his/her concentration level. The learner can then and modify and make changes to his/her environment to better enhances concentration and memory abilities. This process can be applied not only to students, but also to professionals who want to improve their work productivity and performance.
5. Utilization of IoH
By monitoring brain activity in daily scenarios and environments, and collecting and analyzing its data in the cloud, it is possible to record the brain’s load status of (for example) drivers and workers, to encourage moderate breaks and avoid unnecessary work-related stress, contributing to an improvement in society’s overall quality of life.
*This product is not meant for medical use.
Measurement [start-end] in conjunction with video and audio recording are linked when playing the measurement data, which works in conjunction with the scroll bar of the measurement controller. This function easily reproduces the video and sound section of any point of interest.
Easy setup with single cable connection (USB power supply). AC power supply not required.
Verifying the participants’s behavior and actions during brain activity measurements is now possible with video animation playback. The WOT video capturing system connects to a single user during a multiple-user simultaneous measurement. The images below show game progress and brain activity (left); and driving operation and brain activity (right).
*This product is not meant for medical use.
The user can easily create a stimulus presentation design using still images, movies and audio files. For example, an explanation can be added at the beginning of the experiment.
9 kinds of stimulus presentation patterns come pre-installed, allowing the user to immediately start the experiment. An example of a pre-installed stimulus pattern to examine the activity of linguistic working memory by learning the sound of words (hiragana) is shown below:
The SP-POST-1 also supports the randomization function used in brain science. Factors such as presentation time, order of presentation images, and so forth can be shown randomly.
The game pad allows recording the correct answer rate and reaction time. Moreover, once the experiment has concluded, data export is done immediately.
*This product is not meant for medical use.
Since the near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows for data to be displayed in real-time, collecting data while a user is, for example, drinking a beverage is now possible. Moreover, measurements can be taken for up to 4 users simultaneously while controlling the start and end of the operation all at once. Also, while the data is simultaneously being measured, it can be displayed in real-time on a screen such as the one shown below:
One controller can collectively gather and simultaneously measure up to 4 users and display the data in real-time on a single display screen, increasing measurement efficiency in a multi-user environment. Please note: simultaneous measurement by combining the WOT-220 / WOT-100 is not possible in this set-up.
*This product is not meant for medical use.
The HOT-1000 is powered with either AAA batteries or via USB, and Bluetooth connectivity makes this unit completely wireless. Moreover, since there are no cables attached, user feel no restrictions in movement or behavior, improving the nature of experimental designs.
The HOT-1000 when connected to a smartphone or tablet, users can easily measure cerebral blood flow changes anywhere, such as during shopping, driving a motor vehicle, outdoor areas, and so forth.
It can be installed easily by wirelessization. Raise the bangs and hit the HOT – 1000 to the forehead , turn the rubber strap to the back and adjust the length and the installation is completed. It can be installed easily even by one person..
Overall size reduction of the headset was achieved by focusing on just two measurement areas of the forehead. The measurement position can also be adjusted laterally, and with a lighter headset, user fatigue is significantly reduced, especially for extended periods of measurements.
The HOT-1000 measures the state of the brain while a participant undergoes tasks such as remembering displayed image patterns and characters. This information is saved and compared to the next set of data around 10 seconds later when new image patterns and characters are displayed. For example, when the memory task is repeated 15 times, it is clear how blood flow increases during memory as seen in the graphs below:
For brain function measurements, participants’ brain activities are observed while fulfilling experimental tasks. Based on the results, we analyse potential relationships between experimental tasks and brain functions, where changes in the brain’s activities cause changes in the brain’s hemodynamics (detected by blood flow increases to areas where the brain is activated).
The HOT-1000 uses light with a wavelength of around about 800 nm that is easily absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood. Light scattered from above the scalp will diffuse and return to the detector. In the case where there is a good amount of hemoglobin in the region, much of the diffused light is absorbed.
The headset’s detector position is around 3 cm from the light irradiation point. When the part of the brain that corresponds to the path of the light is activated, blood flow and light absorption increases, and the amount of light returning to the detector decreases. The rate that the light decreases when returning to the detector is the principle behind how the HOT-1000 measures brain activity.
The Brain Computer / Machine Interface (BCI / BMI) kit analyzes the signal output from the HOT-1000 and converts it into the movement of “Webmo(motor)”. Changes in brain activity and heart rate signals measured by the HOT-1000 are transmitted from the HOT Measure application to the IP address every 100 milliseconds. With the supplied Python sample code, we can analyse the data in almost real-time and then convert it to “Webmo’s” movement. This starter kit is ideal for researchers who want to begin conducting brain activity research. “Webmo” can be purchased from their website where you can download a sample code after your purchase. In addition, the HOT Measure (UDP supported version) can also be downloaded after purchasing.
*Webmo is a product of Cidre Interaction Design Corporation. The “IoT motor” contains the Wi-Fi connection and the IP. For inquiries about Webmo, please contact Cidre Interaction Design Corporation.
*The target region for measurement of the HOT-1000 is limited to the forehead area and is not intended for areas with hair.
*This product is not meant for medical use.
NeU has independently developed a fiberless optical laser source and optical receiver that allows for a much smaller and light-weigh headset; and with wireless LAN communication, it is now possible to observe and check data in real time during the measurement process. Moreover, with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the headset can perform measurements without the connection of a power cable.
Real time simultaneous measurements of up to 4 users with wireless LAN can be used in research such as measuring brain functions during communication.
The WOT-220 and WOT-100 can be used in several scenarios such as BMI (Brain Machine Interface) and BCI (Brain Computer Interface) research.
*This product is not meant for medical use.
Adopting the avalanche photodiode (APD) greatly improves light receiving sensitivity, allowing the WOT-HS the ability to measure both the forehead and temporal areas with our newly developed light source and high sensitivity sensor blocks. Therefore, we can now perform measurements of areas related to language understanding and auditory areas. Since the headset is completely wearable in almost any environment, it is ideal for “understanding language during conversations in everyday environments”, “rehabilitation research”, and so forth.
Overall weight reduction was achieved by using small fiberless capsule units, which allows us to increase the measurement range by increasing the number of sensors from 16 to 34 units. Even with more sensors, the weight has been reduced by about 25%, putting less burden on the user. A small capsule unit pictured below:
Reduction in biological noise derived from skin blood flow improves freedom in real time measurements.
In addition to the grid-like arrangement of the conventional light emitting and receiving sensors, a light receiving unit is added and arranged at the center (show below with dotted lines) to support the multi-distance system.
The LED built-into the small capsule unit allows users to quickly verify the sensor’s positions, making adjustments and confirmation of the headset’s fitting position more efficient.
Equipped with an acceleration sensor in the headset allows X, Y, and Z measurements in movement change with the changes in cerebral blood flow.
*This product is not meant for medical use.