Whatâ€™s New? - Biofeedback Training and Equipment from Stens

BioTrace+ Software Documentation WWW.MINDMEDIA.INFO

© Mind Media B.V. Netherlands – March 2012 1

What’s New?

in version V2012 of the

BioTrace+ Software…

BioTrace+ is a product of

Mind Media B.V Netherlands © 2004-2012

For more information: WWW.MINDMEDIA.INFO

Note: Please read the BioTrace+ Software manual before using the software!

http://www.mindmedia.info/�



~ Contents ~

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 5 HOW TO UPDATE YOUR SOFTWARE: ..................................................................................................... 5 VERSION 2012 NEW FUNCTIONS ........................................................................................................... 7

NeXus-10 Mark II USB 2.0 support .............................................................................................. 7 New drivers for Windows 7, 64 bit operating system ................................................................... 7 50/60 Hz Notch filter ..................................................................................................................... 7 Printed ERP report ......................................................................................................................... 8

VERSION 2012 IMPROVEMENTS ............................................................................................................ 9 Improved connectivity ..................................................................................................................... 9 Improved EDF and EDF+ export .................................................................................................... 9 New computations ........................................................................................................................ 10 Repair of zero length sessions ..................................................................................................... 10 Windows-7 service pack 1 problem ............................................................................................ 10 Downsampling error fixed ............................................................................................................ 10 NeXus-10 Mark II firmware update ............................................................................................. 10 New Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Protocols ......................................................................... 11 Example of the Biofeedback Protocol Suite: ................................................................................ 12 Example of the Neurofeedback Protocol Suite ............................................................................ 18 Other new functions in V2010\V2011 ........................................................................................ 22 New Functions in V2010a and V2009a: ..................................................................................... 23 Event related potentials (ERP/EP): ............................................................................................... 26 HRV: Automatic PACER stepping: ................................................................................................ 28 Trend Report: more graphic options ............................................................................................ 29 Report: printing and Logo images................................................................................................ 30 Feedback options: threshold crossing .......................................................................................... 31 Extended time scale on linegraphs .............................................................................................. 31

VERSION 2009A SOFTWARE IMPROVEMENTS ........................................................................................... 32 List of improvements: ................................................................................................................... 32 Known issues: ............................................................................................................................... 32

VERSION 2008A NEW FUNCTIONS ......................................................................................................... 33 User Interface: more point and click protocols ............................................................................ 33 Point & Click protocols: easier signal checking ............................................................................ 36 100 extra Videos, Animations and images for Biofeedback training .......................................... 38 Quicker real time Frequency control ............................................................................................ 40 Editing of (secondary) client screens on the fly ........................................................................... 40 Longer session recordings of up to 24 hours.............................................................................. 41 An example of an 8 hour ECG HRV recording ............................................................................. 42 Colored segments ......................................................................................................................... 42 More segments types ................................................................................................................... 43 Automatic Artifact Rejection ......................................................................................................... 43 New data channel functions for HRV and Respiration ................................................................ 45 Intra-session reports (trends) ...................................................................................................... 47 Session IMPORT, EXPORT and backups ...................................................................................... 48

VERSION 2008A SOFTWARE IMPROVEMENTS ........................................................................................... 51 List of improvements: ................................................................................................................... 51

VERSION 1.18 SOFTWARE IMPROVEMENTS .............................................................................................. 51 List of improvements: ................................................................................................................... 51



VERSION 1.10 ...................................................................................................................................... 52 SOFTWARE IMPROVEMENTS .................................................................................................................... 52

List of improvements: ................................................................................................................... 52



NEW FUNCTIONS OF VERSION 1.10 ......................................................................................................... 53 Trend Reports ............................................................................................................................... 53 HRV 3D Spectrum (0-0.4Hz) ....................................................................................................... 56 The programmable Respiration Pacer: ........................................................................................ 57 New Shortcut Keys ....................................................................................................................... 58 Overview Screen: Locking of Markers and Segments ................................................................. 60 HRV: Automatic Artifact rejection ................................................................................................ 60 Printing of Statistical Reports ...................................................................................................... 61 Printing of Segment Data Tables ................................................................................................. 62 Additional Reward Counters ......................................................................................................... 64 New BioTrace+ Screens ............................................................................................................... 66



BioTrace+ Software

Opens up new Dimensions of Flexibility for your NeXus Physiological Monitoring & Feedback platform, including the new:

NeXus-10 mark II

NeXus is a family of products and currently consists of the NeXus-4, NeXus-10 and NeXus-32. All NeXus systems are shipped with our BioTrace+ software.



Introduction This document lists the new functions and improvements that have been implemented in the BioTrace+ software since its release of version 1.0 in 2004, with the latest changes listed at the start of the document.

- improvements mostly deal with functions that have improved or been corrected.

- new functions are features that have been added to the software.

How to update your Software: You can update your BioTrace+ Software in two ways: The preferred way to update BioTrace+ is download the redistributable update software (executable) from the service page of the Mind Media website. (http://www.mindmedia.nl/CMS/en/support/software-updates.html) on a computer that is connected to the Internet. Then copy this executable onto your computer and run it there. It will search for an installation of BioTrace and update it automatically. Always first close BioTrace+ before you update it! (An example of the website page is shown below, please note that content will change over time)

http://www.mindmedia.nl/CMS/en/support/software-updates.html�



You can also get to the service page through the BioTrace Software:

In case you have no internet access:

Alternatively you can ask your local reseller to ship you an update CD, which contains the update software. (executable) You may be charged a shipping and handling fee for this. Option 1 is free of cost. Mind Media doesn’t charge any fee for the regular BioTrace+ software updates.

When you download a BioTrace+ update from the service page, you can choose from the following options:

a) Type of device: Please select NeXus-4, NeXus-10 etc… b) Type of update: Application only (smaller) or FULL update (large file) c) if FULL update: Select the language with the country code (DE,UK,US)



Version 2012 new functions NeXus-10 Mark II USB 2.0 support With the introduction of the new NeXus-10 mark II, we now have also included USB 2.0 support for the mark II. The main advantage of using USB is that it provides higher samplerates for some applications. (up to 8192 samples per seconds on the four EXG inputs A,B, C and D). Otherwise we advise to use BlueTooth for the NeXus-10 mark II as it provides more freedom to move. Please note that it does not have any impact for NeXus-10 mark I (the classic NeXus-10) users. New drivers for Windows 7, 64 bit operating system In version 2012, the drivers have been updated, so they will support Windows 7 in 64 bit mode for USB, fiber and Bluetooth connections. Previously only Bluetooth would work in 64 bit Windows 7. This improvement goes for all NeXus systems that have a wired connection on top of the Bluetooth wireless. 50/60 Hz Notch filter NeXus technology has ultra wide bandwidth DC amplifiers with active noise cancellation which significantly reduces external noise and artifacts. On the request of some users however, we have included a notch filter function in the BioTrace+ software. This filter does not change the raw signal storage and can always be turned off to return to the original data. Default the notch filter is OFF. You can set the notch filter On/Off in the properties of the sensor input channels. (example below shown for the NeXus-32). Attenuation of 50/60 Hz is over 60 dB.



Printed ERP report After computing an ERP averaged response (like the P300), the user can now print an ERP report. An example below is shown for the NeXus-10. An ERP report on the NeXus-32 will show up to 21 EEG channels. Reminder: make sure to set the low end of the bandpass filters of the EEG channels to 0.1 Hz. eG. 0.1-40 Hz.



Version 2012 improvements Improved connectivity BioTrace+ now uses a smarter way of connecting to the BlueTooth COM ports, so it will find a connected device quicker. We advise to use Windows 7 (64 bit or else 32 bit) if possible, as its Bluetooth functions are improved, compared to Windows Vista and XP. Improved EDF and EDF+ export The EDF data format was created to export/import physiological signals like EEG between systems from different manufacturers. Unfortunately the developer limited the output to 16 bit integers. We now included a dynamic range option which allows better scaling of the output. Also some EDF+ export bugs were solved. The image below demonstrates this (choose FILE -> Export function). When the option use maximum range has been checked, it will scale the entire variable EEG-DC range of the signal to 16 bit, but lose resolution if the DC variation is high. If left unchecked (better suited for export of non-DC EEG) it will map a fixed range of + and – 750 microvolt (EEG) to 16 bit. If levels are higher, the signal would clip.



New computations Some new computational functions have been added, such as the ABS (absolute value) the EMG amplitude by measurement of the AVR (average rectified value) and we have introduced custom computations which can be added in the form of plug-in DLL’s for special research applications. (not recommended for standard biofeedback and neurofeedback applications) In the HRV report we have included the computation of the stress index also called SI (R.M. Baevsky) which derives a measure of variability from the shape of the distribution of the HRV samples. Repair of zero length sessions In case a session was incorrectly closed by a user or protocol, the stored length of the session end up as 0 samples which resulted in the display of an empty session, although all session signals had been stored. BioTrace+ now repairs such sessions. Windows-7 service pack 1 problem Microsoft releases updates for their Windows OS on a regular basis. Unfortunately one of them had an impact on the database we use and caused an (DB2) error when opening the database. This has now been solved. Downsampling error fixed An error in downsampling data into samplerates lower than the highest available rate (usually 2048/sec) was fixed. This error introduced some digital noise into EXG signals samples and in some cases caused EXG noise levels to be about twice as high as they actually were. It had the greatest impact on the new NeXus-10 Mark II. We therefore strongly advise all Mark II users to update to the new V2012 version. Users of other NeXus systems, should also update to the new V2012 to fix this problem. NeXus-10 Mark II firmware update BioTrace will check the firmware version of the NeXus-10 mark II and instruct you if it needs to be updated. Please contact your local NeXus reseller who can provide you with this update or check the Mind Media website. (www.mindmedia.info)



Version 2010 and 2011 new functions New Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Protocols BioTrace+ has been extended with two protocol suites, one for Biofeedback applications and one for Neurofeedback applications. Unlike some of our competitors, we do not charge for these. They are included in the new 2010 update, and are free of charge. To start the new protocol menu, click in the button ‘Start Protocol’

New protocols will be created in 2010 and beyond, most of which are also free and can be downloaded one by one. Version 2010a contains some new functions, but most of all, new content (protocols). The new functions will be listed after the next pages, where we show some screenshots from the new protocols. We advise you to click on the ‘Start Protocol’ button and try these protocols out yourself. They have been created to provide beginning users a quick and easy entry into the world of Biofeedback, but we are sure many advanced users will also find the new screens contained in them, very useful. The new protocols work both on a dual monitor setup (preferred) or on a single monitor. Now follow some examples (screenshots) from the new protocols.



Example of the Biofeedback Protocol Suite:

Example #1 of the HRV protocol:



Example #2 of the HRV protocol:

Example of the HRV master screen:



Example of a Abdominal Breathing Training screen:

Example of a migraine training instruction screen:



Another example of a migraine training instruction screen:

Example of a migraine vasoconstriction training screen (client)



Example of a chronic tension headache instruction screen:

Example of a chronic tension headache training screen (client)



Example of the Neurofeedback Protocol Suite

A two channel EEG signal check screen:



An example of an Theta/SMR instruction screen:

An example of a electrode placement instruction screen:



An example of the Theta/SMR training masterscreen (clinician)

An instruction screen for Gamma Wave training:



A screen for Theta/Beta power ratio training. (client)

An EEG signal test screen:

(The traffic lights show the quality of electrode contact, 50/60 Hz and EMG artifact)



Other new functions in V2010\V2011 New shortcuts: The ‘V’ key can now be used on the keyboard, to set the video (file) that the client is watching. This is particularly useful in a dual monitor setup. This way the client will not notice when you set up or select a new video (file). The ‘+’ and ‘-‘ key can be used to speed up or slow down the HRV pacer (abdominal breathing) settings while a session is running. In the protocols a PACER button has been added to have quick access to the pacer settings.

In the ERP averaged response the pre-stim period can now be set and the artifact rejection has been enabled for rejection of epochs.



New Functions in V2010a and V2009a: Z Score function: BioTrace+ now supports the Z Score from Applied Neuroscience, Inc. (USA) This is an add-on to BioTrace+ that is provided with BioTrace+ version 2009 and upwards. In order to use it however, the user must purchase a license key and activate it! In other words, this add-on must be bought by the user. License keys can be obtained from Mind Media (by email: [email protected]) or your local reseller. Z Score is designed for Neurofeedback applications and enables the user to view the EEG as a normative database comparison for absolute power, power ratios, relative power, coherence, phase delays and amplitude differences. The Z Score is computed from a database of over 600 people. By pressing the ‘Z’ key on your keyboard, you can open the Z Score Channels and Client information. In order to use Z Score you must enter the subjects Age, Condition (eyes open/closed) and Electrode positions.

However, you first will need to register. Press the Register button at the bottom and mail the security key A (which identifies your computer) to us or your reseller. After the payment has been arranged, you will get a Security key B back by email that will activate the Z Score function. Once the security B has been accepted, you can use the special Z Score screens, included with BioTrace+.

Note: NeXus-4 and NeXus-10 users can use the standard NX-EXG2 cable (two bipolar channels) with the black electrode on the earlobes or mastoids (single ear reference) for the Absolute power, Relative power, and the Power ratios. However if you want to use all

mailto:[email protected]�



ZScore channels, including the Amplitude Asymmetry, Coherence and Absolute Phase, a linked ear reference cable is required for optimal precision. You place this cable in between the NeXus and the EXG2 cable and it will shorten the negative (black) leads. You can obtain this linked ear reference cable from your NeXus reseller+. Z Score Screens BioTrace+ version 2009 includes several Z Score screens (Screen browser: category EEG ZScore). The first screen shows an overview of all ZScores for 2 channels, which would typically be used by the clinician.

The second screen shows a training screen. Instead of bargraphs, also video, animations or sound are available for ZScore feedback.



Event related potentials (ERP/EP): BioTrace+ now supports ERP (event related potentials) and EP (evoked potentials) functions. These functions are mostly used for research (neuroscience, neuro-psychology, psychophysiology).

The picture above shows a BioTrace+ VEP screen design on a PC with dual monitors and the wireless NeXus-10. This is a 10

channel physiological monitoring and feedback platform that includes a trigger input, for high precision event/stimulus synchronization.

Event-related potentials (ERPs) are physiological responses in the EEG which are time locked to an ‘event’ (also called stimulus) which is frequently presented (typically 50-500 times) to a human subject and which requires some form of response and/or cognitive processing. By studying ERP’s we can observe how the human brain processes information. The events or stimuli are usually presented in an audio or visual form and involve a task such as recognizing a (rare) target stimulus within many (frequent) non-target stimuli. Each time the subject recognizes an event, a specific response is required, like pressing a button. BioTrace+ has its own built-in event generator, which generates audio-visual stimuli, to which the subject should respond. This makes it very easy to set up an ERP or EP experiment. Through the NeXus trigger interface, the generated stimuli are monitored and fed back to the NeXus, so that very high precision (up to 1 ms) in the synchronization of the events/stimuli with the EEG is realized. For the purpose of demonstration of the principle (low precision) a user could experiment with ERP and EP without the NeXus trigger interface, but in all other cases the NeXus Trigger Interface is a must for doing ERP and EP with NeXus. Please contact your reseller for price information.



Please note: since the NeXus-4 does NOT have a trigger input, it can not be used for ERP or EP applications. NeXus-10, 16 and 32 all have trigger inputs and support EP/ERP.

The next picture demonstrate some data from a ERP P300 experiment:

The built-in ERP/EP event generator support the following options: In the type of presentation, you may choose from:

A) ERP presentation B) VEP presentation

In the type of paradigm you may choose from:

A) ERP: Single stimulus (1 GO event only) B) ERP: Oddball paradigm (GO and NOGO events) C) ERP: CNV Oddball with fixed warntone

A) VEP: checkerboard pattern reversal B) VEP: monitor flash stimulus C) VEP: plug-in DLL photic stimulation (Optional: only available as add-on!)

In the type of Stimulus you may choose from:

A) Visual stimulus B) Audio stimulus C) Plug-in DLL for external stimulation (Optional: only available as add-on!)



You can find more detailed information in a white-paper that mind media created in the following location:

http://www.mindmedia.nl/english/pdf/biotrace-nexus-erp-ep-functions.pdf HRV: Automatic PACER stepping: The BioTrace+ breathing pacer function has been extended in order to improve the automatic detection of HRV statistics and the resonant frequency. Besides being able to change your pacer settings on the fly (by pressing the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ key on the keyboard) and setting the time for inhalation, sustain, exhalation and pause up to the ms precision, you can make the pacer automatically step from a given start rate (say 9 breaths per minute) to another rate/ (say 5 breaths per minute).

When this ‘auto-step’ function is enabled, the pacer will automatically step (say every 2 minutes) to the next rate and set a marker in the data, so you know which rate the pacer was set at, at that given moment in time.

http://www.mindmedia.nl/english/pdf/biotrace-nexus-erp-ep-functions.pdf�



Trend Report: more graphic options The trend reports have been extended with auto scaling options on the output (formerly only manual scaling). The numerical tables now contain Session dates, rather than just session numbers.



Report: printing and Logo images In general printing is extended with a user selectable LOGO image, which can be selected under “Clinical Management” in the client and session dialog box.



Feedback options: threshold crossing The feedback function has been extended by using the “required time in milliseconds” such that:

1) a feedback type (say a tone) is only switched on when it has been below/above threshold long enough

2) the opposite state that switches off that feedback, now also uses that ‘required time” criterion.

Example: formerly a MIDI tone that was playing above threshold, would immediately switch off once the signal went below threshold. With version 2009a this is no longer the case, if the required time for switching off (below threshold) is set to value greater than zero. Extended time scale on linegraphs BioTrace+ can now display up a maximum of to 6 minutes of data (depending on monitor resolution) of signals. This used to be limited to 1 minute. An example of 4m30sec of data is shown below on a 1280x1024 screen resolution.



Version 2009a software Improvements Release date: Version 2009a is released in May 2009 List of improvements:

1) Printout: on some color printers or PDF writers, the (line) graphics would not show. This has now been fixed.

2) MIDI tones: on some computers, mostly laptops, the MIDI sound would sometimes disappear after the system has been used for over 10 minutes. This has now been fixed. Also some new MIDI sounds have been added.

3) Automatic scaling/ranging: the Auto FIT to MIN/MAX and 0-MAX has been improved. The Auto FIT every 2 seconds (and sweep refresh) now bases the automatic range on 15 second statistics, so the signal will always fit. This is particularly handy for signals like RSP, BVP, SC/GSR and TEMP.

4) Audio files: more audio files have been added for background music and volume based feedback

5) Some small bugs have been removed that could lead to instability of the system on some computers.

Known issues:

1) On computers running the Microsoft Vista ® OS, the screen preview (thumbnail) sometimes does not show in the screen browser, when a new screen is saved, but rather a black thumbnail is presented. A work around is to resize the main screen (double click on the caption twice) or press the ‘f’ key twice (resize to full screen and back) which will rebuild the preview image.

2) On some computers the WMF video files that we supply with the software do not play on the secondary monitor. This can usually be solved by disabling the video hardware acceleration in Windows. Another work around is to convert the video files from WMV to another format like AVI or DIVX.



Version 2008a NEW functions User Interface: more point and click protocols The look and feel of the software user interface has been updated aswell as expanded. More point and click protocols have been added. Below an example of the Sensor demo protocols is shown. The point and click protocols are targeted at first time users

(Please note: actual screen display may vary depending on which NeXus device you use) We advise first time users to try out the Sensor demo protocols and view the sensors, signals and functionality that they present. The Sensor demo protocols were developed for beginning users to learn the sensors, signals and the way BioTrace+ uses these signal for display, analysis and feedback training.



Below two examples are shown from the sensor demo protocols. The first example is for the sEMG protocol where electrode placment is explained.

The second example is a screen designed to train Respiration with a programmable pacer. Please feel free to take a look at the new sensor demo protocols in BioTrace+.



Point & Click protocols: easier signal checking It has been made easier to do signal checking such as for EEG, through point and click protocols. These check levels are shown through graphics (traffic lights) and numerical instruments. Below an example is shown where three checks for EEG are shown, all availble ONLINE so during a session recording, without the need to stop:

1) The quality of the electrode contact. NeXus can do this online through DC offset monitoring. Offset should be below 25000 microvolt.

2) 50/60Hz. The level of this should generally be less than 5-10 microvolt 3) EMG artifact levels: should generally be less than 5-10 microvolt\

Green traffic lights indicate that acceptable levels have been reached for:

A) Electrode contact (low DC offset) B) 50/60 Hz interference levels C) EMG artifact levels

The spectral analysis and raw EEG traces can be used to visually inspect the EEG signals. We advise users to use this kind of signal checking before starting Neurofeedback training.



100 extra Videos, Animations and images for Biofeedback training The amount of videos and animations for Biofeedback/Neurofeedback training has been expanded by 100+ new content files. These are selected from several categories, both for children and adults. Below a Space-tunnel effect is shown, where the user flies through a tunnel and keeps moving as long a criteria are met.

The screenshot below shows a waterfall that responds to SC/GSR levels. You can modify the BioTrace+ screens by selecting your own video or animation files.



The new images are stored in \BioTrace\Images, animation are stored in \BioTrace\Animations, the new videos are Windows media files stored in the \BioTrace\Video directory. You can use these videos, animations and images with BioTrace+ in any way you see fit. However these files are only licensed to be used with BioTrace+ on a single computer. Please do not copy these files.

Video files:

Animations:



Quicker real time Frequency control It was always already possible to set and change frequencies on the fly, but in version 2008a we have introduced a special ‘frequency control panel’. This panel is a ‘floating’ dialogbox which can be placed anywhere on the computer monitor and stay open while the session is running. Press SHIFT + C to open it, and click in the ‘X’ with the mouse to close it.

This panel enables the user to easily change the individual frequeny start and end points, or shift a whole band in steps of 1Hz, 0.5 Hz, 0.25Hz or 0.1 Hz. Editing of (secondary) client screens on the fly While recording a session with two monitor display, users sometimes want to make a quick change on a client screen (like color, sound or size) without the client seeing the editing. This can now be done quickly by pressing the ‘<’ key. (which copies the contents of the secondary monitor to the primary screen where it can be edited. Now the user can edit on the primary monitor without the client noticing it. By pressing the ‘>’ key, the edited contents can be placed back to the secondary screen, while the primary screen that was previously there, is restored.



Longer session recordings of up to 24 hours The 1.X versions of BioTrace were limited to 1.5 hours (90 minutes) of recording. This has now been extended to a range between 1.5 to 24 hours, depending on how much system memory your Windows ™ computer has. This setting can be accessed through the system settings dialog box: (under the configuration drop down menu)

NOTE: we do advise to expand your system memory, if you plan to record more than 90 minutes with BioTrace. A minimum of 2 GB is advised, although on some computers with XP (SP2) 1 GB may provide room for up to a few hours. Windows Vista ™ requires more memory for running applications than XP. After setting a new maximum session recording time, you need to restart BioTrace+.



An example of an 8 hour ECG HRV recording The screenshot below (taken from the overview screen) shows a ECG heart rate recording used for HRV (heart rate variability) of 8 hours. It has been combined with the respiration sensor, so the coherence between respiration and HRV can be monitored over time. (notice the coloration of the segments)

Colored segments The user can now select colors for separate types of segments.



This bring’s up the segment definition box where you can add and define new segments:

More segments types The user can now create up to 128 segment types. Before this was 64 types. Automatic Artifact Rejection Manual artifact rejection has always been a part of BioTrace+, and automatic rejection was thus far only available for HRV and IBI table generation. Now it is available as a general feature for all statistics computations. Note: artifact rejection means: skipping data, when computing statistics. To get there: right click the session overview screen and choose the option from the drop down menu:



Notice that the manual artifact areas are marked as always, with red diagonal lines in a rectangle(marked M). The automatic rejection areas are marked with solid red and smaller rectangles (marked A).

This way EMG artifact or eye blinks can be removed (example shown for EEG data). Notice that ANY data channel can be used for de-artifacting. You can combine up to two data channels for artifacting, with a logical OR or AND condition. The example above will mark data as artifact when the THETA amplitude level is greater than 25 microvolts OR the EMG artifact level is greater than 5. The data in the session for which this condition is true, will be marked as artifact and skipped during the statistical computations.



New data channel functions for HRV and Respiration New data channels have been defined, like RSP amplitude and HRV amplitude, which are RMS computations over longer periods (up to 16 seconds) These are channels 59 and 60 for a NeXus-10 and NeXus-4. Below an example is shown of new data that can be computed and derived from just 2 sensors: BVP and RSP.

Data channels shown here are: 5 the raw SC/GSR signal in micromho. 6 the skin temperature signal 8 the raw respiration waveform 33 the BVP based HR (heart rate) 36 the EMG amplitude 49 RSP rate (breathing frequency) 51 HRV LF% (percentage of LF activity in the HRV spectrum) 59 RSP amplitude (relative depth of breathing) 60 HRV amplitude (mean variability in beats per minutes, plotted over time) 70 RSP-HRV coherence. (linear correlation between the 2 signals -1 to 0 to +1) Note: For these data channels to be implemented, you will need to install the new “default.channels“ channel set. This may mean that if you have changed the default channel set and not saved it under another name, your changes to the default set



may be lost. Therefore we advise to make a backup of your channel set first, if you wish to keep a copy of the old settings, before installing the update.



Intra-session reports (trends) By right-clicking on the session overview, the user can now generate intra-session reports which are based on the segments, rather then fixed time intervals (like 1 minute)

Below an example is shown of ASCII file output, where the segment based statistics (trend) is exported in min, max, mean , standard deviation or HRV based RMSDD or SDNN statistics. This data can also be copy/pasted with option number 1.



Session IMPORT, EXPORT and backups BioTrace 2008a now has functions to import and export single sessions, or sets of sessions, so these can be sent over the internet to other users. This function can also be used for backing up sets of sessions and importing from Flash memory.

Notice the two buttons in the Client and Session database dialog box:

Clicking the EXPORT option will bring up a dialog box that guides you step by step, by asking you each time what you want to do.



In the example shown, above a single session will be exported into a single biotrace compressed data (BDC) file. Selecting ‘Entire Database” will compress all sessions and this may take quite a lot of time if you have many clients and sessions! This BCD file is much smaller than the original data and can be sent (email) or stored as a single data file. A typical example would be to sent this data file by email to another researcher or clinican for review. Such a single BCD file can contain mupltiple sessions.

By default these compressed data files are stored in the \BioTrace\Export folder, but you can browse to any location with the dialog box shown above. Session import goes in the reverse way:



After choosing an option here, you will need to browse (select) the location of the biotrace compressed data (BCD) file that you want to import.



Version 2008a software Improvements Release date: Version 2008a is released in June 2008. List of improvements:

6) The marker problem has been handled, where event markers could disappear after a session was loaded for review..

7) The recomputation of LF% power (HRV) in the overview was incorrectly displayed. This has been fixed.

8) RMS computations now can be defined from 1/32 of a second to 16 seconds of data. This means that (relative) amplitude of respiration and HRV amplitude (in beats per minute) now can be computed.

9) The reward counters have been improved, they are now inhibited (stop counting) when the global inhibit is set. (Theta above threshold, EMG too high etc.) The counters are updated (displayed) directly in the numerical instrument, rather then with a refresh rate of once per second.

10) Changing IIR or FIR frequencies on the fly above 1 Hz, no longer causes a big DC dip in the signal. (dc offset used to cause a filter adjustment time of 1 or 2 seconds)

11) Using the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ keys on the keyboard, will now increase and decrease the respiration pacer frequency in discrete steps of 0.5 breaths per minute.

Version 1.18 software Improvements Release date: Version 1.18 has been released in the Summer of 2007. List of improvements:

12) Some stability issues have been solved, like the problem that on some computers a crash could occur in the first 15-30 minutes of recording.

13) System settings have been added, like the ability to switch languages and enable or disable the battery low indication.

14) The name of the clinic is printed in the reports.

Version 1.16 software Improvements Release date: Version 1.16 has been released in November 2006. List of improvements:



15) An error in the Trend Report which makes it looks the system has ‘frozen’ (escape will get out of that) is now fixed. The Trend report are printed normally.

16) Some stability issues have been solved. (such as a error message appearing at the end of the closing the application and some memory leaks)

17) The Session Notes are now saved correctly when pressing the OK button. 18) The LOOP function of a list of waves has been improved.

Version 1.12 software Improvements Release date: Version 1.12 has been released in August 2006. List of improvements:

19) An error in the pacer function which could halt the program has been corrected. The minimum cycles per minute now has been limited to 2 and the maximum to 50.

20) An error in the initialization of a list of WMA/MP3/WAVE biofeedback sounds has been corrected. (it would only play the first sound) The list is now reset once just before recording and plays the entire list.

21) A time limit has been removed which was accidentally left in the software for internal testing purposes. This time limit would limit the use of the software up to the date of September 1, 2006. By updating to version 1.12 (and later) this time limit will be removed.

Version 1.10

software Improvements Release date: Version 1.10 has been released in July 2006. List of improvements:

22) During recording (a live session) the software can no longer be exited (close application) while the software is still recording. The user has to first stop the session and select OK/Cancel when asked to save the session. Only after that, can the application be closed.

23) The Auto-Threshold function has been improved. It now more accurately approximates a target percentage above or below threshold-1 by analyzing the last 30 seconds of a signal. In most cases it gets close to 2% on target within 2 minutes. The new Auto-threshold function only uses the last 30 seconds to base its threshold value on.

24) Under the display options of a linked numerical instrument, (linked to another instrument displaying a data channel) one can now choose to



display the percent above/below threshold based on the data that has been recorded so far, or on the data of the last 30 seconds.

25) In some cases a session overview would not show data beyond the 21 minutes. This has been fixed. Version 1.10 allows session overviews up to 90 minutes.

26) During session recomputations, the software sometimes created a Windows error. This has been corrected.

27) When the software was exited, sometimes a (non-fatal) Windows error appeared. This has been corrected.

28) The client confidentiality setting was not always maintained. This has been corrected.

29) The current session and client information (header) on a printed report was not shown correctly after a session recording had just been completed. This has been corrected.

30) A list of Audio files would only play the first file in the list. The entire list will now be played.

31) The client list is now alphabetized. By pressing the first character of a clients last name, the cursor will move there automatically.

32) The HEG sensor from Biocomp Research Institute , Herschel Toomim is now supported by NeXus-10 and BioTrace+.

Note: Windows and Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

New Functions of version 1.10 Release date: Version 1.10 has been released in July 2006. Trend Reports The generation and printing of Trend Reports has been extended. BioTrace+ contains a built-in report generator and printing function. There is no need to have a word-processor or spreadsheet installed. Press the ‘O’ key on your keyboard in order to open the database. Then click with your mouse in the ‘Trend Reports’ button



You will first be shown a dialog box where the previously generated reports are shown. Any generated report will be saved.

When viewing a (new) report, you can choose from 6 graphic output options:



The options are:

1) Print the numerical tables only (just the numbers in a table) 2) Print individual linegraphs. (every linegraph will display one statistic for one

channel in a linegraph) 3) Print individual histograms. (every linegraph will display one statistic for one

channel in a histogram) 4) Combine statistics in one linegraph. (Example: all the ‘Mean’ statistics of the

2 EMG channels are combined in one graph and all the Standard deviations are combined in another)

5) Combine the channels in one linegraph. (Statistics are combined in 1 graph) 6) Output the numerical table to a TAB separated ASCII file that you can read

or import with a spreadsheet or word processor. This option will prompt you to enter a file name (for instance “trend-data1.txt) and choose the directory where the (txt) file will be saved. By default it will be saved in the EXPORT directory of BioTrace.

Note: if you have the Adobe Acrobat Writer/Distiller software installed, you can output (print) these reports to PDF files. Microsoft in the mean time has started offering XPS file output, which offers similar functionality. However so far the standard still is PDF.



HRV 3D Spectrum (0-0.4Hz) The 3D spectral instrument has been improved. (See example below)

This instrument now has a special setting for the display of 0-0.4Hz HRV spectral analysis. The VLF, LF and HF frequency zones are color-marked. Right-click the 3D spectrum with the mouse, in order to change the ‘Display Options & Ranges’.



The programmable Respiration Pacer: BioTrace+ now contains a built-in programmable ‘Pacer’ function, that can be used to generate a sample ‘rhythm’ or ‘template’ for training physiological signals like Respiration. (This option can be found under ‘Configuration’ in the main menu bar)

It is possible to change the pacer setting online, during a live session recording. The pacer signal is stored in the session, so you can ‘review’ the signal later on.



New Shortcut Keys Shortcut keys allow for quick and on the fly changes of settings and loading of screens. A number of new short-cut keys have been added: ‘+’ The plus key speeds up the Pacer function. (during recording) ‘-’ The minus key slows down up the Pacer function. (during recording) <Enter> The Enter key now Starts a new recording when you are in review

mode. When the recording has started it will set (text) markers ‘{‘ This key can be used to Hide the threshold line on an instrument.

Put your mouse over the instrument and press the key. ‘}’ This key can be used to switch (toggle) the feedback function of an

instrument ON and OFF during replay/record mode. Put your mouse over the instrument and press the key.

‘Ctrl’ The key can now be used to set (align) all the thresholds of a certain

data channel. (e.g.Theta Amplitude). Move the mouse over an instrument (Bargraph), left click and drag the mouse in order to set/change the threshold. If you do this while holding the Ctrl key all instruments that are connected to the same data channel. (e.g. Theta) will update their threshold to the same value.



‘Ctrl-Z’ Control+’Z’ will now also undo changes in the Session Review mode. So when a marker or segment has accidentally been shifted/changed, this key will undo the change.



Overview Screen: Locking of Markers and Segments In the session overview screen, the segments and markers can now be LOCKED. That means that after locking the user can not move them anymore. After unlocking the markers and segments are editable again.

Right click the overview screen and choose the Event Markers or Segment Options item in the drop-down menu. When the segments/markers are locked, a checkmark will appear. HRV: Automatic Artifact rejection In the HRV analysis function, a ‘Set Artifact Criteria’ function has been added. This function allows you to automatically detect artifacts and remove ‘bad IBIs’.



Printing of Statistical Reports The built-in BioTrace+ printing functions have been extended. BioTrace now prints out statistical results over multiple segments types.

Right click in the Overview screen and choose Compute Statistics: -> On all segments. Then choose the ‘Print’ button in the Session Statistics Dialog box.



Printing of Segment Data Tables BioTrace Can now print out a data table from a segment. Right click a segment and choose: ‘Print Segment Data Table’.

After that you will be asked to select a statistic and the ‘time steps’

The print preview will present the data tables for all data channels in the overview.



Additional Reward Counters Under the Feedback Options & Thresholds (right click an instrument) you will now find a total of eight Reward Counters.

By clicking on the “Select Counter” button you can switch between counter #1 -

#8.

Under the display options of the instruments (like the numerical instruments) you can choose to display a COUNTER value, rather than the (actual) data channel value.



New BioTrace+ Screens A number of new screens have been created and added to the Version 1.10 update. This includes screens in the ‘[Respiration and HRV]” category and the “[EEG Master Screens]” category. Some examples are shown in the pages below.

This screen shows a combination of a ECG/EKG derived HR signal and 3D spectrum of HRV (heart rate variability) and respiration and skin conductance signals.



A sample of a HRV training screen using nature sounds, music and graphical feedback.



An example of a new EEG ‘master’ screen:

This screens show a 3D spectral array and spectrogram of the raw EEG signal, monitored at input A on the NeXus-10. In ‘Overview mode’ (press the TAB key) it shows the trends of Theta, Alpha, SMR and Beta, plus the median frequency, Theta/Beta Power ratio and the level of EMG artifact in the EEG. (bottom graph)



Some other new screens: The active HEG sensor made by the Biocomp Research Institute, is now supported by the NeXus-10 and BioTrace+ software. This sensor requires two of the Aux inputs on the NeXus-10. (inputs E and F). A training screen displaying the HEG signal combined with respiration and HRV is shown below.

Below a new SCP (slow cortical potential) training screen is shown. This is a ‘free exercise screen’ for training cortical activation (negativity) and positity.



For more information about the BioTrace+ Software for the NeXus series (NeXus-4, NeXus-10, NeXus-16 and NeXus-32) of BlueTooth Wireless physiological monitoring and feedback products, please visit our website at:

WWW.MINDMEDIA.INFO

Or visit our booth at international conferences and fairs in Europe and the USA.

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Whatâ€™s New? - Biofeedback Training and Equipment from Stens

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