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FAQ

Below you will find all the frequently asked questions. However, if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to:

FAQ

Device
CAN I INSTALL THE DEVICE MYSELF?

Yes, all our devices are delivered with detailed instructions for self-registration. There is also the possibility of attending training in the form and thematic scope that is tailored to the needs of our clients.

DOES BLUETOOTH COMMUNICATION AND THE WIRELESSNESS OF YOUR DEVICE CAUSE READING INTERFERENCES?

No, all components of our kits undergo rigorous testing to eliminate all possible sources of interference. This also applies to wireless communication modules. In addition, fNIRS technology is much less susceptible to electromagnetic interference from the environment than, for example, EEG devices.

WHAT IS YOUR SYSTEM COMPOSED OF?

The basis of each of our system is a wireless and fully mobile near infrared spectroscope with dedicated signal recording software. Depending on the version of the device, the set can be extended with additional elements. See the full specification of our devices in the PRODUCTS tab.

WHY DO YOU COMBINE YOUR SOLUTION WITH VR?

CortiVision SPOTLIGHT is the market’s first near infrared spectroscope fully integrated with virtual reality goggles. By combining VR and fNIRS technology in one device, it is possible to study brain activity in an environment that realistically reflects real situations and places. This is significant when it comes to creating engaging biofeedback training, usability and ergonomics studies, or simulating extreme training scenarios.

I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF SUCH SOLUTIONS ON THE MARKET. WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT?

Most of the commonly available solutions on the market are based on EEG technology, which has a number of limitations, such as susceptibility to interference, difficulty in locating the signal source, or poor compatibility of the results with other methods of recording the work of the brain, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). By choosing the fNIRS method in our systems, we provide a solution that is free from many EEG disadvantages, and is also fully mobile, easy to apply and applicable outside laboratory conditions.

We were the first to combine fNIRS and VR technology to create engaging and realistic biofeedback training. Our solutions are not only devices, but also proprietary software enabling signal processing for scientific or training purposes.

WHAT IS THE EFFECTIVENESS / ACCURACY OF YOUR DEVICE?

Our devices are validated under experimental conditions. For details please check our Data Quality section. We present the test results in scientific publications and at international conferences, e.g.:

  • Zapała, D., Augustynowicz, P., Porzak, R. & Karwacki, M. Correlation between frontal lobe oxygenation and temperament traits during phasic alertness state. An fNIRS study, Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy UK 2019, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK, September 26-27, 2019
  • Augustynowicz, P., Zapała, D. & Karwacki, M. Validation of fNIRS devices intended for monitoring the state of attention, ARTScientific 2019, Egmond-an-Zee, The Netherlands, May 9-11, 2019.
Technology
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT YOU RECEIVE INFORMATION SO QUICKLY ON THE BASIS OF BLOOD FLOW.

Our device, while working, for example, with a frequency of 10 Hz (CortiVision Photon C20), takes ten samples of the signal coming from the detectors within one second. This value is sufficient to record the signal with high accuracy.

HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM EEG?

EEG and fNIRS are two methods of monitoring the work of the brain, which differ in the type of the recorded signal. In the case of EEG, these are changes in the electric field generated by groups of neurons in the brain. Whereas, fNIRS is a technique that allows you to monitor the activity of selected areas of the brain, based on measuring the level of oxygen in the blood flowing through those areas.

WHY IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME TO FOCUS ON SUCH TECHNOLOGY?

FNIRS is the youngest method when it comes to studying the work of the brain and due to its advantages (mobility, resistance to interference, accessibility), in recent years there has been a significant increase in the interest of professionals from various fields of science, medicine and business.

You can read more about the current and future applications of fNIRS in the study of brain activity in the article: Pinti, P., Tachtsidis, I., Hamilton, A., Hirsch, J., Aichelburg, C., Gilbert, S., & Burgess, PW (2018). The present and future use of functional near ‐ infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for cognitive neuroscience. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. doi: 10.1111 / nyas.13948

CAN YOU PRECISE THE SOURCE OF THE SIGNAL?

Currently, the fNIRS technology enables the registration of the signal source from the areas of the cerebral cortex with an accuracy of 2-3 centimeters.

You can read more about how the signal is recorded with fNIRS and the accuracy of this method in the article: Pinti, P., Tachtsidis, I., Hamilton, A., Hirsch, J., Aichelburg, C., Gilbert, S., & Burgess, P. W. (2018). The present and future use of functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for cognitive neuroscience. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. doi: 10.1111/nyas.13948

WHY CAN YOUR DEVICE BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN THE CONTEXT OF BIOFEEDBACK?

Scientific publications indicate the effectiveness of the use of fNIRS and virtual reality for training and therapeutic purposes, e.g .:

  • Kohl, S. H., Mehler, D. M., Thibault, R. T., Konrad, K., Lührs, M., & Sorger, B. (2019). The potential of functional near-infrared spectroscopy-based neurofeedback – a systematic review and recommendations for best practice. https://psyarxiv.com/yq3vj/
  • Blume, F., Hudak, J., Dresler, T., Ehlis, A. C., Kühnhausen, J., Renner, T. J., & Gawrilow, C. (2017). NIRS-based neurofeedback training in a virtual reality classroom for children with attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 18 (1), 41.
Other
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Ask for a quote and our consultants will prepare you an offer tailored to your needs. 

I WANT TO TEST THIS DEVICE, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

There are two possible ways to test our devices. One is our CortiVision Pathfinder Program which provides a unique opportunity for access to our fully portable and wireless fNIRS Ecosystem CortiVision Photon. CPP participants will receive a Photon Cap spectroscope and full assistance from Cortivision experts to realize their research projects. This program aims to generate relevant scientific outcomes and share the results in high-quality journals or conferences. The CPP includes providing feedback to Cortivision for further evolution of the Photon ecosystem and documenting the project’s results. More details: https://www.cortivision.com/pathfinder/ 

The second option is to contact our local distributor who can prepare a product demonstration at your place of work. For details contact our distributors. How to find them.

IS IT SAFE?

FNIRS is a non-invasive method of examining the work of the brain. This means that the tissues of the examined person are not damaged during registration. So far, no negative impact of the use of near infrared spectroscopy on the human body has been found. Always use the device in accordance with the user manual.

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE?

Please find the General Terms and Conditions of Sale here. Acceptance of the conditions of sale is necessary to complete the order.

HOW DOES THE ORDERING OF YOUR PRODUCTS LOOKS LIKE?

The basis for the execution of the order is to fill out an order form, in which basic information about the buyer should be indicated, including the number of the quotation received. Based on this form and acceptance of the General Terms & Conditions of Sale, a proforma invoice is issued. Its payment is necessary to start the order processing. Depending on the contents of the order, the order queue and the market situation, products are delivered within a few days or a few weeks. A final invoice is delivered with the product.

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