Hoa Silver Edition Manual V1 5-0-120308 en

MANUAL
silver edition v.1.5EN

Train your Mind
2011 home-of-attention Limited, 69 Great Hampton Street, Birmingham B18 6EW UK, Co. 07803536, Registered in England and Wales
eMail: info@home-of-attention.com - www.home-of-attention.com phone: +49 (0) 6403 6099362 fax: +49 (0) 6403 6099301
This home-of-attention product is powered by NeuroSky, USA
Contents
Quick Start ............................................................................................................................................... 3
1. home-of-attention Introduction ....................................................................................................... 5
1.1. Possibilities of home-of-attention ................................................................................................ 5
1.2. Things to keep in mind ................................................................................................................. 5
1.3. What are brainwaves?.................................................................................................................. 5
1.4. Frequency bands and their meaning ............................................................................................ 6
1.5. Muscle artifacts ............................................................................................................................ 8
2. Safety notes ......................................................................................................................................... 8
3. Installation ........................................................................................................................................... 9
3.1. System requirements ................................................................................................................. 10
3.2. Software registration .................................................................................................................. 10
3.3. Starting home-of-attention ........................................................................................................ 11
4. Training with home-of-attention....................................................................................................... 13
4.1. Signal .......................................................................................................................................... 13
4.2. Time Success ............................................................................................................................ 14
4.3. Training ....................................................................................................................................... 14
4.4. Test screen ................................................................................................................................. 15
4.5. EEG feedback .............................................................................................................................. 15
4.6. EEG raw signal ............................................................................................................................ 16
4.7. EEG spectrum ............................................................................................................................. 16
4.8. Videos, music and games ........................................................................................................... 17
4.9. Help ............................................................................................................................................ 18
4.10. Window movement .................................................................................................................. 18
4.11. Training evaluation ................................................................................................................... 18
5. Using videos, games and music ......................................................................................................... 20
5.1. Videos ......................................................................................................................................... 20
5.2. Music .......................................................................................................................................... 20
5.3. Games ......................................................................................................................................... 20
6. Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting ............................................................................. 21
7. Hotline, technical support, legal information ................................................................................... 23
Quick Start
home-of-attention is a software based on scientific methods of neurofeedback
and enables you to train your attention and relaxation levels. When trying to
influence your state of mind you will receive direct feedback whether you are
succeeding or not. This is one of the basic principles of neurofeedback during
your different trials you will learn how to train successfully.
Installation and system requirements

To install home-of-attention double click the setup file and follow the given
instructions. Make sure that a headset and the accompanying software are
already installed.
System requirements: DirectX compatible graphics card and DirectX 9.X or higher; Windows
XP, Vista or 7 (32bit recommended), Additionally for Netbooks: 1.6 Ghz Atom processor.
The following 10 simple steps will allow you to directly start training:
1. Turn on the headset and position it correctly on your forehead (see
headset instructions)
2. Double click on the home-of-attention icon on your desktop to start the
program
Next, follow the steps given in the program:
3. Click on Step 1 connect your headset
4. Click on Step 2 enable training selection
5. Click on Step 3 turn on EEG feedback display
6. Click on the P button to go to the pregenerated trainings
7. Select training 1 (attention training for beginners)
8. Click on the button and follow onscreen instructions to start the test
program
9. Begin training by clicking on the start button
10.Choose videos or music to support your training (Step 4)
NOTICE: If no or no sufficient signal is received from the headset, training selection is not visible.
Check your headset connection and start again to continue.
Overview on frequency bands

Frequency band
Frequency range
Behaviour
Delta
1-3 Hz
Deep sleep, hypnosis, (muscle artifacts)
Theta
4-7 Hz
Drowsiness, inattentiveness, deep relaxation
Alpha1
8-9 Hz
Relaxation
Alpha2
10-12 Hz
Relaxation, attention
Beta1
13-17 Hz
High attention, motoric rest
Beta2
18-30 Hz
Very high attention, information processing
Beta3
31-40 Hz
Tension
Beta4
41-50 Hz
Tension, (panic), (muscle artifacts)
1. home-of-attention Introduction
This chapter provides an overview over home-of-attentions
possibilities and explains the most important principles and terms of
neurofeedback.
1.1. Possibilities of home-of-attention
home-of-attention is a software specially tailored for NeuroSky

headsets. home-of-attention is based on scientific methods of
neurofeedback and enables you to train your attention and
relaxation levels.
1.2. Things to keep in mind
Training with home-of-attention is among other things to learn

what to do while using the software. When trying to influence your
state of mind you will receive direct feedback whether you are
succeeding or not. If you are not yet successful, keep trying. This is
one of the basic principles of neurofeedback during your different
trials you will learn how to train successfully. The integrated videos,
music and games will help you by providing direct feedback. As long
as you keep the video moving, keep the music steady and keep the
alpha2-rocket in the lead you are on the right way.
1.3. What are brainwaves?
The human brain consists of a huge network of neurons. Every

neuron transmits information via electrochemical activity that
produces tiny electrical fields. When hundred thousands of neurons
release their energy simultaneously, the resulting electrical fields are
big enough to be measured outside the skull. This measurement
process is called electroencephalography (EEG). As different mental

states are characterized by different patterns of neural activity, they
can be analyzed as different patterns in the EEG signal. By measuring
these brain waves, the headsets of NeuroSky are able to deduce the
users mental state.
1.4. Frequency bands and their meaning
The activity of neurons in the neocortex (the top layer of nerve cells
in the brain) is captured, converted and displayed as the "speed" with
which the nerve cells communicate inside of functional units ("speed"
= frequency in hertz (Hz) = 1 / s). The more neurons are involved in
such a process, the higher the corresponding frequency value
displayed.
Next you find an overview over the meaning of the single frequency
bands:
Delta: A higher value of delta waves is registered when you are very
tired. For example, when you are in deep sleep the brain almost
entirely works in the delta range. High delta-values can also
represent muscle artifacts (see chapter 1.5).
Theta: Theta waves could be intensified briefly by slow movements,
similar to the delta value. If theta waves are high and no movements
are performed simultaneously, this is usually a sign for greater
inattention or beginning fatigue. You can perceive this fatigue as
pleasant deep relaxation. Thus, usually theta is trained down in order
to achieve a better attention level - that is to prepare you for
situations in which deep relaxation is not desired.
Alpha1: Alpha1 waves indicate relaxation states that are not as
intense as in the theta range. One perceives stimuli from the

environment that have a certain strength or relevance. The alpha
waves are trained down if relaxation is not required and trained up
when one cannot relax easily.
Alpha2: Alpha2 indicates a state of awareness in which one is not
focused on specific things in the environment. Thus, alpha2 is trained
up when a mental pause is required.
Beta1: Usually, beta1 increases when focused on specific things.
Therefore, beta1 is trained up in order to achieve a better processing
of environmental stimuli.
[Table: Frequency ranges (in Hz) of the frequency bands]
Frequency band
Delta
Theta
Alpha1
Alpha2
Beta1
Beta2
Beta3
Beta4
Frequency range Behaviour

1-3 Hz
Deep sleep, hypnosis, (muscle
artifacts)
4-7 Hz
Drowsiness, inattentiveness,
deep relaxation
8-9 Hz
Relaxation
10-12 Hz
Relaxation, attention
13-17 Hz
High attention, motoric rest
18-30 Hz
Very high attention,
information processing
31-40 Hz
Tension
41-50 Hz
Tension, (panic), (muscle
artifacts)
Beta2: Usually, beta2 increases when one is very closely engaged

with certain things. Therefore, beta2 is trained up in order to achieve
a better processing of environmental stimuli. In everyday language,
the term for beta1 and beta2 is "concentration".

Beta3 and beta4: Beta3 and beta4 are also called gamma1 and
gamma2. They are relatively difficult to interpret and to train. Muscle
tension can distort the values. If these ranges are trained up for too
long, a feeling of tension or panic can arise. Generally, these are not
desirable states. Thus, beta3 and beta4 are only trained down in all
training programs. High beta4-values can also represent muscle
artifacts (see chapter 1.5).
NOTICE: You have to wear the headset properly in order to get
correct dates and measurements.
1.5. Muscle artifacts
Muscle artifacts are muscle movements that influence EEG

measurement. E.g. muscle tension influences the measurement
when you wrinkle your brow or clench your teeth. The nerve cells
measured electrical activity is overlaid by the stronger signal of
muscle movements.
It is important to remain calm and to keep still as much as possible.
2. Safety notes
SEIZURE WARNING
Some people may have seizures or blackouts triggered by light
flashes or patterns, such as while watching TV or playing video
games, even if they have never had a seizure before. Anyone who has
had a seizure, loss of awareness, or other symptom linked to an
epileptic condition should consult a doctor before playing a video
game.
Stop playing and consult a doctor if you or your child has any of the
following symptoms: Convulsions, eye or muscle twitching, loss of
awareness, altered vision, involuntary movements, disorientation.
Please take notice of the following security advice:

! Sit in a reasonable distance from the screen!
! Please use the headset in a room with good light!
! Make sure not to train more than 40 minutes at the time!
HEADSET: SAFETY NOTES
! Do not disassemble or try to repair the headset, components or
accessories. Doing so voids your warranty.
! Do not store the headset in a humid place, on the floor or in any
location where it may contact moisture, dirt, dust, lint, or other
foreign material.
! Do not drop, hit or otherwise abuse the headset, components or
accessories. This may damage the precision components of the
headset.
! Do not spill liquids on the Headset, components or accessories. If
the headset comes into contact with liquids, wipe clean with a
soft, slightly damp cloth. Remove the battery cover and battery. If
liquid came into contact with the battery, do not reuse it.
3. Installation
NOTICE: You need a headset by NeuroSky in order to use home-ofattention. Please consult NeuroSkys product information an manuals
for anything related to headset setup and installation of
accompanying software.
NOTICE: Make sure that the headset and the accompanying
software are installed successfully on your computer, before
installing home-of-attention.
For installing home-of-attention, run the setup file and follow the
instructions on your screen. Windows XNA will be installed when
running the setup file, if not installed on your computer already.
If not already installed, it is required to install DirectX prior to running
home-of-attention. DirectX is not included in the installation package
but is available for free download.
3.1. System requirements
- DirectX compatible graphics card and DirectX 9.X or higher

- Windows XP, Vista or 7 (32bit recommended, see chapter 6 for
further information)
- Additionally for Netbooks: 1.6 Ghz Atom processor
3.2. Software registration
The software is registered for 10 days after installation. To activate

the unlimited licence for your home-of-attention silver edition, just
follow the steps as presented on the licensing screen.
10
1. Request hardware key

The first step of registration requires you to check the hardware
key of your computer. To do so, just press the Request
hardware key-button. The code will then show in the text box.
2. Send hardware key
Now copy this code into an email to be sent to the specified
email-address.
3. Receive licence key
You will now receive a licence key from our support department
which is associated to your hardware key.
4. Copy and enter licence key
Now copy this licence key from the email and enter it in the
licence key field and confirm by pressing the respective button.
After completing these steps home-of-attention can be used without
time limitation. It is recommended to use the product activation
within 10 days after the first installation.
3.3. Starting home-of-attention
Click on the home-of-attention-icon on your desktop to launch the

program. Once started, you will see the information screen that
explains the user interface of home-of-attention.
11
You can use a four-step process (step 1 to step 4 on screen) to

familiarize yourself with the functions of home-of-attention and to
test your first training.
Step 1: Turn on the headset and place it in the correct position on
your forehead. As soon as you receive a sufficient signal continue
with step 2.
Step 2: Select the desired training. Trainings 1 to 3 are especially

suitable for beginners, while trainings 4 and 5 are designed for
advanced users.
NOTICE: If no or no sufficient signal is received from the headset,

training selection is not visible. Check your headset connection and
start again to continue.
Step 3: Activate the EEG feedback screen.
Step 4: Choose a video, audio or a game to support the training.
12
4. Training with home-of-attention
In this chapter you will find an overview of the functions and

meanings of the main screen and the various settings.
4.1. Signal
This display shows whether the headset is connected to the

computer and the signal quality. A red display indicates that the
connection is bad or not established, a yellow display indicates an
existing connection that is not sufficient for hoa, a green display
shows that the signal is optimal for the use of home-of-attention.
Possible connection errors related to the headset are also shown in
the text box.
NOTICE: Training selection is only enabled, if a sufficient signal is

provided by the headset.
13
4.2. Time Success
The percentage displayed indicates how successful you are. For a

training period of about 5 minutes, the success value should not be
less than 60 per cent - due to the advanced learning process of your
brain. Otherwise, please select a different or easier workout!
4.3. Training
NOTICE: At the beginning of the training 30 seconds can be used

to familiarize yourself with the selected
training. Afterwards home-of-attention
will detect the baseline of your brain, i.e.
your specific brainwave parameters and
then the actual measurement begins.
Please choose a training mode, after you
have turned on your headset and
started
home-of-attention.
After
pressing the P button you can choose between 5 different
pregenerated trainings or you can arrange an individual training.
For example when you are using training no. 5 and want to switch to
a different training, click on the 5 button again in order to see all
five training options.
You can choose between theta, alpha2 and beta2 training, as well as
between alpha2+theta and theta+alpha2+beta2 training. The more
14
frequency parameters you train, the more challenging, but also more
targeted, the training is. Afterwards click on the start button to
begin training or on the button to test the training.
If you wish to arrange a custom tailored training, select up to three
parameters you would like to train. Decide for each parameter
whether you would like to increase or decrease it. Some frequency
bands (e.g. beta4) can only be decreased since no positive effect can
be achieved by increasing them.
Afterwards click on the start button to begin training or on the
button to test the training.
NOTICE: It is recommended to start training with the pregenerated
trainings before advancing to arranging your own trainings.
For a description of the frequency ranges, see chapter 1.4.
4.4. Test screen
After selecting a training it is recommenced to test the parameters

with the included test screen. The test screen can be accessed by
clicking on the button and testing will begin automatically after 30
seconds. This test is meant to measure the specifics of your brain
without using a supporting stimulus like a video, music etc.
Additionally the test screen can be used in regular intervals (e.g. after
3 or 5 training sessions) to visualize training
progress.
4.5. EEG feedback
The EEG feedback display shows if you meet

the set training ranges and parameters
15
successfully during training. As long as the colored ball is moving

inside the black box, you are in your calculated training zone.
Otherwise, red arrows indicate the direction of the desired EEG
components changes.
4.6. EEG raw signal
The raw signal displays the raw data of the EEG sensor. It is not
divided into frequency bands. The graphics and the underlying
algorithm adjust the resolution continuously to the respective
measured values of the EEG, so that the entire display area of the
graphics is used. The highest value determines the resolution.
NOTICE: Particularly strong oscillations usually represent muscle

artifacts (see chapter 1.4.).
Click on the scrolling text above the raw signal indicator to turn the
text display on or off. The right info box contains information about
the EEG raw signal. Click on the text to show or hide it. You can
switch between views for EEG spectrum and raw signal by clicking on
the spectrum => raw signal button.
4.7. EEG spectrum
The spectrum display provides a more detailed representation of

brain waves. The raw signal is broken down into individual frequency
ranges (alpha1, beta2, delta, etc.).
16
Click on the scrolling text on the EEG spectrum display to turn it on or

off.
The right info box contains information about the EEG spectrum and
frequency ranges. Click on the text to show or hide it. If you display
the text in the info box and then pass the cursor over the frequency
names (e.g. theta), information about the individual frequency ranges
are displayed in the info box.
A description of the frequency ranges can be found in Chapter 1.4.

You can switch between views for EEG spectrum and raw signal by
clicking on the spectrum => raw signal button.
4.8. Videos, music and games
NOTICE: home-of-attention provides videos, music and a game

that you can use.
You can integrate a video, piece of music or game into the training.
Select the desired video, music or game. The video, song or game
runs smoothly, as long as the parameters are trained optimally.
17
More information about using videos, music and games with homeof-attention can be found in chapter 5.
4.9. Help
Click the
button to access the help screen anytime for getting
further information on any part of the software.
4.10. Window movement
My moving the mouse over the

button and holding the left
mouse key you can freely move the training screen.
4.11. Training evaluation
After completing a training session, all details of it can be analyzed on

the training screen of home-of-attention.
A calendar with direct access to your training dates is provided in the
upper left corner of the training evaluation. After selecting a date you
can open a specific training in the area right of the calendar. You will
also find information on the chosen parameters, training support and
your success rate here.
By clicking on the graphics button you can open a visual
representation of your session. It shows progress of your parameters
during the training session as well as the times you were successful.
NOTICE: You can use the Y scale to adjust the presentation to the
height of the EEG peaks.
18
In addition, you can add further parameters to the presentation by

checking the respective boxes. This way you can have a broader view
on your training, e.g. to check for muscle artifacts at very high peaks.
Furthermore, you can compare two different trainings by selecting a
second training date. You can now see the progress of both trainings
(training 1 with straight lines, training 2 with dashed lines).
The data of your trainings are filed as a text document at the /data
folder in your home-of-attention directory.
Further information and a step by step guide to the use of the
training evaluation can be found in our overview on the training
evaluation, available for download at www.home-of-attention.com.
19
5. Using videos, games and music

To optimize your training, you can include videos, music or a game.
5.1. Videos
You can choose between three different videos. Click the "Video"
button to activate or deactivate the video field. Click on the speaker
icon to turn the sound on and off. To adjust the volume, click the
arrow keys. Click on the gray button on the top right side to enlarge
the graphical representation. With a right click on the video,
additional options of the integrated media player are displayed. You
can add your own videos by copying them into the respective folder
in the home-of-attention directory.
5.2. Music
In the trial version, you can choose between three different pieces of
music. Click the Audio-Button, to activate or deactivate the audio
field. Click on the speaker icon to turn the sound on and off. To adjust
the volume, click the arrow keys. Click on the gray button on the top
right side to enlarge the graphical representation. You can add your
own music by copying it into the respective folder in the home-ofattention directory.
5.3. Games
You can choose the included game for training. Click on the Game
button to activate or deactivate it. Choose a training containing three
parameters (training 5) in order to use the game for training. Click on
the gray button on the top right side to enlarge the game.
20
6. Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting

Problem
Ursache
Lsung
The device has poor
contact with the skin.
Reasons:
Clean or moisten
- Remnants of
your skin.
makeup on the skin
- Oily skin cream on
the skin
Avoid excessive
Disturbing muscle
blinking or
artifacts. If you blink
unnecessary
several times, the
movements. A
delta value and
normal movement,
The delta frequency occasionally the theta
performed every now
value increase and
band is in the high
and then, does not
alter the EEG
range permanently
interfere with the
measurement.
training.
You are very tired.
Thus, an increased
delta value is
recorded. E.g. in deep Continue with the
sleep the brain works training when you
almost exclusively in arent so tired
the delta range. This anymore.
is only eligible if the
previous points were
ruled out.
The headset is not
The software is not
Turn on the headset
turned on.
receiving a signal
from the headset.
The battery is dead.
Install a new battery
21
The USB adapter is

not installed.
The sensor is not
placed on the
forehead or the ear
clip is not attached
properly.
You are using a

Bluetooth headset
(e.g. a MindBand)
either together with
a MindWave or
exclusively.
The video, music or

game only runs in
stop and go.
You do not meet the

set training
requirements.
Install the USB

adapter and try to set
up the headset again
by using the
accompanying
software.
Please put on the
headset correctly.
To switch between
the MindBand and
MindWave or to use
a Bluetooth headset
for hoa the correct
ports have to be
entered. You can find
a step by step guide
for this procedure in
our separate
connectivity
document, included
in the software
package or available
for download at
www.home-ofattention.com.
Once you are in the
required frequency
range, the medium is
running smoothly,
again.
22
The program doesnt

execute
There might be a
problem with your
operation system
(64bit Windows)
[go to the system
menu at your control
panel to check your
system version]
Right click on the

home-of-attention
desktop icon. Click on
properties and
select the
compatibility tab.
To solve this problem
you can check run in
compatibility mode
(Vista SP2) and / or
run as
administrator.
7. Hotline, technical support, legal information

For further questions about home-of-attentions products, you can
contact us via email: support@home-of-attention.com
If you couldnt find a solution to a problem, please contact our
technical support: (0049) (0)6403-6099362,
Mon-Fri 9-12 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
www.home-of-attention.com
2011 all rights reserved by home-of-attention Limited. The duplication of the software is
prohibited. Violators will be prosecuted under civil and criminal penalties.
23

Hoa Silver Edition Manual V1 5-0-120308 en

Enviado por

Dados do documento

Título original

Direitos autorais

Formatos disponíveis

Compartilhar este documento

Compartilhar ou incorporar documento

Opções de compartilhamento

Você considera este documento útil?

Este conteúdo é inapropriado?

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

Hoa Silver Edition Manual V1 5-0-120308 en

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

MANUAL

silver edition v.1.5EN

Installation and system requirements

Overview on frequency bands

Deep sleep, hypnosis, (muscle artifacts)

Drowsiness, inattentiveness, deep relaxation

High attention, motoric rest

Very high attention, information processing

Tension, (panic), (muscle artifacts)

1.1. Possibilities of home-of-attention

home-of-attention is a software specially tailored for NeuroSky

1.2. Things to keep in mind

Training with home-of-attention is among other things to learn

1.3. What are brainwaves?

The human brain consists of a huge network of neurons. Every

process is called electroencephalography (EEG). As different mental

1.4. Frequency bands and their meaning

intense as in the theta range. One perceives stimuli from the

Frequency range Behaviour

Beta2: Usually, beta2 increases when one is very closely engaged

the term for beta1 and beta2 is "concentration".

1.5. Muscle artifacts

Muscle artifacts are muscle movements that influence EEG

Please take notice of the following security advice:

3.1. System requirements

- DirectX compatible graphics card and DirectX 9.X or higher

3.2. Software registration

The software is registered for 10 days after installation. To activate

1. Request hardware key

3.3. Starting home-of-attention

Click on the home-of-attention-icon on your desktop to launch the

You can use a four-step process (step 1 to step 4 on screen) to

Step 2: Select the desired training. Trainings 1 to 3 are especially

NOTICE: If no or no sufficient signal is received from the headset,

4. Training with home-of-attention

In this chapter you will find an overview of the functions and

This display shows whether the headset is connected to the

NOTICE: Training selection is only enabled, if a sufficient signal is

4.2. Time Success

The percentage displayed indicates how successful you are. For a

NOTICE: At the beginning of the training 30 seconds can be used

After selecting a training it is recommenced to test the parameters

4.5. EEG feedback

The EEG feedback display shows if you meet

successfully during training. As long as the colored ball is moving

4.6. EEG raw signal

NOTICE: Particularly strong oscillations usually represent muscle

4.7. EEG spectrum

The spectrum display provides a more detailed representation of

Click on the scrolling text on the EEG spectrum display to turn it on or

A description of the frequency ranges can be found in Chapter 1.4.

4.8. Videos, music and games

NOTICE: home-of-attention provides videos, music and a game

4.10. Window movement

My moving the mouse over the

4.11. Training evaluation

After completing a training session, all details of it can be analyzed on

In addition, you can add further parameters to the presentation by

5. Using videos, games and music

6. Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting

The USB adapter is

You are using a

The video, music or