Part 2: Introduction to NIRx Hardware and
Software
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NIRS SOFTWARE BASICS
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NIRx Software
NIRStar Instrument-Control Software
nirsLAB Topographic Analysis Software
NAVI Tomographic Imaging Software
NIRStar Software – Instrument Control & Recording
• Open license
• BCI/Neurofeedback
• Real-time cortical viewing
• Real-time data streams
• Real-time block averages
• Hyperscanning
• Optode position registration
NIRStar realtime
cortical activation
viewing.
NIRSTAR CHANNEL SETUP
The NIRStar Channel Setup gives users
the chance to precisely define an
illumination pattern: the timemultiplexing order which the sources
illuminate in one full scan
Sources used in
measurement
Steps used per
full scan
Illumination
pattern of sources
firing per scan
Detectors used in
measurement
Scans per sec. (sampling
rate/ temporal resolution)
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NIRSTAR TOPO LAYOUT
The topolayout gives a
simple 2D representation of
the montage layout,
facilitating easy viewing of
channel activity.
Numbering is issued with
sources listed first, then
detectors (e.g., 1-2 is
source #1 paired with
detector #2, etc.)
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NIRSTAR PROBE SETUP ULTILITY
The probe setup utility gives a 3D representation for the channel
activation.
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NIRStar Realtime Block Averages
NIRStar Realtime Data Streams
NIRStar Realtime BCI/SDK
NIRx Product Overview
Software – Topographic Analysis
• nirsLAB
• Open licensed
• Sophisticated topographic data analysis
• Detailed cortical views with activation maps
• Flexible options for data manipulation (spike removal, filtering, etc.)
• SPM1 and SPM2 (group-level) analysis
Software – nirsLAB - Topographic Analysis
NIRx Product Overview
Software – nirsLAB - Topographic Analysis
SPM results shown right for
right-leg balance.
The results can be viewed in
multiple images, with or
without probe and standard
EEG locations.
Probes are shown in red
(sources) and yellow
(detectors).
Right: 2D layout
NIRx Product Overview
Software – nirsLAB - Topographic Analysis
SPM results shown right for
right-leg balance.
3D layout
NIRx Product Overview
Software – nirsLAB - Topographic Analysis
SPM results shown right for
right-leg balance.
High-resolution brain with
glass head layout
NIRx Product Overview
Software – nirsLAB - Topographic Analysis
SPM results shown right for
right-leg balance.
MNI brain with glass head
layout
NIRx Product Overview
Software – nirsLAB - Topographic Analysis
In addition to SPM1 and
SPM2, nirsLAB allows block
average viewing at any
given relative time (to the
event onset time = 0),
including full animations.
NIRx Product Overview
Software – Tomographic Analysis
• NAVI
• Open licensed
• Sophisticated tomographic data analysis
– Source analysis from from discrimination
• Flexible options for data manipulation (spike removal, filtering, etc.)
• Detailed cortical views with activation maps
NIRx Product Overview
NAVI – Tomographic Analysis – fNIRS activation on MR scans
NAVI Analysis Software
NIRS HARDWARE OVERVIEW
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fNIRS – Hardware Overview
Probes (optodes) for sending (sources)
and receiving (detectors) light.
Note: sources may be LED or Laser,
depending on the system and application.
Calibration Phantom for testing and
setting proper gain settings for detectors
(and sources, in some cases)
detector
(LED) source
fNIRS – Hardware Overview
Headgear – Retains probes
for steady and orthogonal
placement against skin.
Amplifier – this unit both powers the
sources and detectors. It also digitizes
the detector signal.
Also, in some cases, sends and receives
TTL trigger pulses
NIRX HARDWARE:
SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS
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NIRx Development
2004
2000
2012
Hyperscanning
2013
Mobile Studies
NIRx Hardware
• Headgear = NIRScap
• Systems = NIRS Imaging Systems
- NIRSport
- NIRScout and NIRScout Extended
NIRScap - Headgear Concept
Optodes:
- low profile
- variety of solutions
- organized cables
Retaining layer:
- outer cap compression
- adjustable shape
- whole head
Conforming cap:
- free configurations
- multi-modal
- Comfortable
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NIRScap - Subject Preparation
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Optodes
LED Illuminator
(2-Wavelength -> 760nm &
850nm
Fiber optic Detectors
Optode Placement
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Applying the retaining cap
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INSTRUMENT ACCESSORIES
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Fiber support arm
The fiber support arm system is
highly-flexible and relieves cable
tension on optodes, increasing
comfort and maintaining data quality.
Fiber support arm - adjustments
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Static test phantom
All NIRx systems use the NIRx static
phantom for automated procedures that
ensure that the system and its
components are working properly.
The black case (shown above) provides a
dark environment for testing detector and
source performance.
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NIRx SYSTEMS
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Technical basis of instrumentation
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CW measurement (DC Intensity changes)
• Most economic, compact, robust technology
• Adequate for hemodynamic activation measures
• Scalable modularity – from 8-64 detector ch., & 8-128 source ch.
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Simultaneous wavelength illumination
• Frequency modulated – 760nm (1.0kHz) & 850nm (1.3KHz) -> Hb/HbO
(more, other WL custom options)
• Oxy and deoxy => strength over fMRI (only deoxy)
•
Source switching – Time- Multiplexing
• Dynamic measuremement (no competing sources)
• Scan rate typically 4-15Hz (62.5Hz max.)
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Source-Switiching/Time-multiplexing
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Setup capabilities
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Tandem mode
• Two identical instruments (any model)
• Channel number doubled
• Integration in software, seamless operation as one instrument
NIRSport Tandem Setup (pictured
left) for 16-source and 16detector measurements
NIRScout Extended Tandem Setup
(pictured right) for a maximum of
128-source and 64-detector
measurements
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NIRx Product Overview
NIRSport 8-8 and NIRSport 16-16 Tandem
Portable/Wearable System
NIRSport Mobile NIRS System
- 8 Active LED sources
- 8 Active Detectors
- 6-hour battery
- Runs on power
as well
- Can be used in
Tandem for 16/16
measurements
Ideal for:
- Mobile or movementbased studies
- Studies requiring
extremely lightweight
headgear
- Child
- ASD
NIRScout High-Density NIRS System
- Up to 64 sources and 32 detectors
- 8-bit trigger input and output
- Options for Hybrid LED/Laser
sources
- Can have as few as 8 sources and
4 detectors
- Can be used in tandem operation
for doubling sources and detectors
on a single subject
NIRScout High-Density NIRS System
Ideal for:
- full-head monitoring
- high-density/maximum spatial
resolution recordings
- Hyperscanning
- Multi-modal studies
- Animal studies
NIRScout Extended 8-bit Trigger OUTPUT
EEG
EMG
Brain stimulation
(TMS, etc.)
Direct, programmable digital (TTL) control of other systems
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NIRScout High-Density NIRS System
LED/Laser Hybrid System
• Lasers capable of 4-wavelength measurements
• Use of new port (shown here) allows choice of either LED or Laser sources
NIRScout High-Density NIRS System
LED/Laser Hybrid System
• Lasers capable of 4-wavelength measurements
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Standard set:
• 685nm
• 780nm
• 808nm
• 830nm
NIRS Instrumentation Highlights
• Comprehensive:
- Wearable  Large-scale/High-density
- Wide range of accessories
• Scalable:
- Upgradeable, Tandem Mode
- Hyperscanning
• Integrated:
- Experimental control (Trigger I/O)
- Single cross-platform control software
- Multi-modal ready (EEG, fMRI, TMS, …)
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Thanks!
... Questions?
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