Method and system for training of perceptual skills using neurofeedback

Abstract

Method for training of a perceptual skill, e.g. using a brain computer interface, which method comprises measuring electrophysiological activity in reaction to a sequence of perceptual stimuli. Furthermore, matching the measured electrophysiological activity signal with a predefined electrophysiological signature signal is performed, in which the predefined electrophysiological signature signal corresponds to an early electrophysiological component. Feedback is provided when a match is detected.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A method for training a perceptual skill, comprising:
 (a) measuring electrophysiological activity in reaction to a sequence of perceptual stimuli,   (b) matching the measured electrophysiological activity signal with a predefined electrophysiological signature signal, in which the predefined electrophysiological signature signal corresponds to an early electrophysiological component, and   (c) providing feedback when a match is detected, wherein the sequence of perceptual stimuli comprises a number of stimuli of a first category and a stimulus of a second type occasionally appearing in the sequence of stimuli, and   (d) generating a new sequence of perceptual stimuli, in which the difference between stimuli of the first type and the stimulus of the second type is dependent on the strength of the measured electrophysiological signal.   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , in which the measured electrophysiological activity signal is an electro-encephalogram (EEG) signal. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , in which the early electrophysiological component comprises an EEG signal related to perception. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 11 , in which the early electrophysiological component comprises an EEG signal related to attention. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 11 , in which multiple sequences of stimuli are used to determine the predefined electrophysiological signature signal from a number of electrophysiological activity measurements. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 11 , in which the feedback is dependent on the strength of the measured electrophysiological signal. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 11 , in which the perceptual stimuli relate to one of the group of a category of pitch patterns, a category of timing patterns, a category of music patterns. 
     
     
         18 . A brain computer interface learning device comprising:
 (a) a stimuli generator for providing perceptual stimuli to a test subject,   (b) a sensor assembly for measuring electrophysiological activity on the test subject,   (c) a processing unit connected to the sensor assembly, and   (d) a feedback unit connected to the processing unit for providing perceptual feedback to the test subject,   wherein the processing unit is arranged to control the stimuli generator, sensor assembly and feedback unit.