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Webster Biofeedback

The document summarizes a project by an engineering group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to design and build a portable, inexpensive electroencephalogram (EEG) device to enable users to monitor their brain waves during meditation. The device aims to measure and provide feedback on the strength of alpha and theta brain wave states. Subgroups are working on electrodes, electronics, and feedback systems. The current design concept involves dry electrodes placed at locations associated with alpha and theta waves. Tests show the amplifier and filters distinguish the brain wave frequencies as intended. Changing the pitch of an auditory tone is proposed as feedback, with the pitch varying based on the strength of the desired meditative state.

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33 views

Webster Biofeedback

The document summarizes a project by an engineering group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to design and build a portable, inexpensive electroencephalogram (EEG) device to enable users to monitor their brain waves during meditation. The device aims to measure and provide feedback on the strength of alpha and theta brain wave states. Subgroups are working on electrodes, electronics, and feedback systems. The current design concept involves dry electrodes placed at locations associated with alpha and theta waves. Tests show the amplifier and filters distinguish the brain wave frequencies as intended. Changing the pitch of an auditory tone is proposed as feedback, with the pitch varying based on the strength of the desired meditative state.

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أنس الجعدي
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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University of Wisconsin – Madison

Engineering Projects In Community Service


BIOFEEDBACK / STRESS MANAGEMENT

May 9, 2001

Professor John Webster, Advisor


Department of Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Dan Muller, Client
Department of Medicine and Med Micro/Immunology
Group Members
Electrodes: Electronics:
Ben Birkenstock Steve Almasi
Ji Choe Jacob Feala
Elizabeth Nee William Lau
Christy Palmer Sarah Michaels

Feedback:
Chris Koenigs
Amy Li
Problem Statement
To design and build a portable, inexpensive
electroencephalogram (EEG) device that
would enable users to monitor brain states
during meditation.
Meditation
 Self-induced calming of mind and body
 Linked to health benefits
 ADD

 Blood pressure

 Creativity
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
 Electrodes attached to
scalp
 Action potentials of
cells amplified and
averaged
 Oscilloscope provides
visual representation
of brain wave signals
Brain Wave States
 Beta: waking activity
(above 13 Hz)
 Alpha: relaxed, eyes
closed (8-13 Hz)
 Theta: drowsy,
dreamlike (4-7 Hz)
 Delta: deep sleep
(below 4 Hz)
 Meditation can alter
brain waves over time
Subgroups

 Electrodes
Determine number, type, placement and
attachment of electrodes
 Electronics
Design and build circuitry
 Feedback
Determine system of feedback to user
Basic Design Concept
Electrodes

Elizabeth Nee
Electrode Selection
 Style  Type of electrolyte
 Reusable  Gel

 Disposable  Paste

 Dry/active  Saline

 Hydrogel
Electrode Placement
theta—central

alpha—occipital
Current Design
 Pros  Cons
 Inconspicuous  Possible noise
 Not distracting to user
 Problems
 Adjustable
achieving good
 Easy to place properly
contact through
long hair

side view
rear view
Accomplishments This Semester
 Research
 Full EEG electrode set-up not necessary

 Placement of electrodes confirmed

 Existing products
 Ordered FlexTrodes system

 Investigated HydroDot electrodes

 Tested device
Electronics

Steve Almasi
General Specifications
 Portable
 Small
 Lightweight
 Battery powered
 Inexpensive
 Most existing products > $700
 Measure strength of alpha ( a) and theta (J)
 Provide feedback
 Dominant state
 Strength of dominant state
Signal Flow Diagram
rectifier voltage- audio output
 filter + controlled
(4-8 Hz) averager oscillator

electrodes amplifier
rectifier
 filter +
(8-13 Hz) averager

[from Gevins, 1994].


Signal Processing

v(t)
original signal filtered signal rectified signal averaged signal

[from Gevins, 1994].

t
Amplifier Specifications
 High input impedance
 High noise rejection
 Amplify 10-100 V input signal
 Minimal power consumption
 Low cost
Amplifier Design
Test Results
 Gain of approximately 19,000 at 10 Hz

 High common mode rejection ratio

 Attenuated DC offset
Filter Specifications
 Distinguish alpha, theta bands
 Low complexity
 Minimal power consumption
 Low cost
Alpha Circuit
Theta Circuit
Test Results
Frequency Response of Theta Filter

600
500
Ampitude (mV)

400
300
200
100
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Hz
Feedback

Amy Li
Specifications
 Make meditation more fulfilling
 Pleasant, easy to understand feedback
 Low cost
 Technically feasible
Feedback Essential Points

 Starts with high pitched tone


 User chooses to train for alpha or theta state
 Pitch varies in proportion to strength of
desired state
Feedback Target
Strategy
1. High pitch 3.
2. *Attained Ideal Deep
Meditative State*
High Volume Lower pitch
Lower Volume Silence

4.
If
Pitch and meditative
volume increases state is lost
5. again
01/25/24
Feedback Circuit - Summing
Amplifier
Feedback Circuit - Variable Gain
Amplifier
Research Results
 Best performed with eyes closed
 Auditory signals most effective
 Volume change difficult to detect

 Pitch change easy to detect

 Vibrations, thermal signals, artificial tones


less effective
Changing Tone
 Pros  Cons
 Technically simple  “tone deafness”

 Less distracting  Intrusive sound

than music
 Easy to detect pitch

change
Questions?

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