Biofeedback and Stress Management

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Biofeedback and Stress Management

• BME 400
• Fall 2003

2
Overview

• Problem Statement
• Background
• Previous Work
• Design Improvements
• Future Work

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Problem Statement

• Design electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Inexpensive
• Portable
• Detects alpha and theta brain waves
• Help achieve optimal meditation
• Design Electrodes and Gel
• Design Brain wave Detection Circuitry
• Design Optimal Feedback

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Background

• Benefits of Meditation
• Brain Waves/States
• Beta gt 13 Hz
• Alpha 8 13 Hz
• Theta (Meditation) 4 7 Hz
• Delta lt 4 Hz
• Electroencephalogram
• Detects potential differences in brain

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Previous Work

• Circuit Design
• Head band
• Electrode Design
• Electrode Placement
• Feedback

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Problems with Current Prototype

• Feedback
• Distracting
• Tones not easily distinguishable
• Circuit
• Switch limits user to single frequency
• Electrodes
• Wire arrangement
• Gel solution

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Design Improvements
Feedback

• LED Eyepiece - Visual feedback using
  colored LEDs - Less distracting to user
  - Different feedback for both a ?
• Headband - Visual feedback - Less total
  equipment

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Design Improvements

• Circuit

• Change manual to automatic switch - No user
  dependence during use - Simultaneous
  feedback of a ? states
• Add feedback circuitry

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Design Improvements

• Electrodes

• Electrode gel testing - Low resistance
  solution - Non-irritating
• New electrode designs - Coiled wire -
  Probe array
• Verify placement

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Questions?
Special thanks to Dan Muller Ankur Sharma