The Research And Implementation Of A FMRI Stimulation System

As a new research method, the Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique is producing significant influence on the present status of brain science research. One direct effect of these researches is the achievement of various task-oriented experimental modes design with specific requirements.Currently, the research about the stimulation source for fMRI experiment is not perfect on the aspects of the type, realization methods, the intensity, and also the measurement. Laboratory experimental designs for the stimulation source are different based on their own experiences and the specific research purposes. This has greatly reduced the reproducibility of the experiments and made doubtful the reliability of the experimental results. Therefore, to establish the software/hardware technology platform is undoubtedly of great significance for the fundamental fMRI research in brain science.Based on the review of the visual, tactile and auditory stimulation pattern of fMRI experimental design from the aspects of basic principles of paradigm, in this paper we develop a set of fMRI stimulation source software platforms in the VC++ programming environment, for the seek of a flexible-control and multiple-functional platform which is suitable for various kinds of fMRI research. This work is in cooperation with the key project of science and technology of Hubei Province. Communication interface is utilized for signal acquisition at front and stimulus-driven of related instruments at back. In the design of the program, we consider the way of implementing the stimulation, the choice of the objects, the stimulation duration, the stimulation intensity, etc. The"fundamental"of the platforms is presented in the feature that: the content of stimulations can be adjusted arbitrarily, different stimulation can be classified, stimulation parameters can be user customized, and the stimulation process can be simultaneously recorded. As a fast advanced research method, the fMRI experimental stimulation mode itself still remains to be explored and optimized. While the new experimental designs values the individual features to achieve the anticipated purpose. The construction of software platforms values the common features shared by all kinds of experimental research. On the basis of the fundamental software platforms, models can be enriched; functions can be expanded and improved for practical application. This helps researcher to achieve faster, more accurate and repeatable fMRI research design and the future advance in brain science.