PhysioLab Software Guide Contents  2011
                       MBP-SG102204     
Installation and Update Instructions. 2
Configuring the Software. 5
Choosing a Color Scheme. 8
Overview of the Software Interface. 9
Recording Data. 17
Event Marking. 17
Setting Up Tasks. 17
Managing Data. 23
Adding and Deleting Client Information.. 28
Display Types. 34
EEG Displays. 41
Recording EEG Data. 47
EMG Displays. 49
ECG, HR, and HRV Displays. 53
Respiration Displays. 54
Breathing Pattern. 55
Skin Conductance and Skin Resistance Displays. 56
Temperature Displays. 56
Audio Features. 58
Setting Up Windows Media Player Feedback. 61
 
 
Installation and Update Instructions
 
System Requirements
The operating system requirement is Windows 98 Second Edition or later with all Microsoft updates and Media Player 9 installed (WindowsXP recommended).  The minimum hardware requirements are a processor speed of 1 Gigahertz, 512 MB of RAM and a video card with 64 MB RAM.  In order to use the optional dual monitor mode, you will need to run the software on either a laptop computer or on a desktop computer with a dual head video card.
 
Previously Installed Version Instructions
If you have a previous version of USE3 Physiolab software installed, you do not need to uninstall it before performing a new installation.  Your client data will be safely retained.  NOTE: Any customized settings, such as saved settings files and protocols, will be lost whenever you perform a new install or update the software with a download from the J&J Engineering website.  You can save customized files by going to the C:\Program Files\J&J Engineering\Physiolab folder and renaming the .mdb file for each application you wish to save.  These renamed customized applications will be retained in their current version and not updated.
 
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Installing Windows USE3 Physiolab Software from CD-ROM
Click Start, then My Computer. Then  double-click on the letter of your CD-ROM drive. Double click the blue Setup icon. You will then get a series of screens.
Welcome screen - click  Next.
Software License Agreement – click  Yes
User Information – type in your name and company and then click  Next.
Destination Location – defaults to C:\Program Files\Physiolab\ Physiolab. Please accept the default location because future upgrades will automatically install to this location.  Click  Next
Accept the default Program Folder, click  Next
Files are then copied.
When setup is complete, click  Finish
Click the X to close the window.
 
Downloading Updates From Our Website
The update at jjengineering.com on the Tech Support page replaces only some of the files of your original CD-ROM installation – please do not uninstall the software before downloading an update.
 
If you already have the software installed and have created customized settings and tasks, you will have to re-create these after upgrading.  If you wish to save customized settings and protocols, you must rename the application file name. (For instructions, please see “NOTE” near the top of this page.)
 
 
 
Contacting J+J Engineering Technical Support
 
Please visit J+J Engineering on the World Wide Web at www.jjengineering.com.  Here you can see the latest equipment, download software upgrades and view technical support information.
 
Please feel free to contact J&J Engineering whenever you feel that you need help.  Also, if you would like to see something different in a program or have product development ideas, we would appreciate your suggestions.
 
Phone:            1-360-779-3853
Fax:                 1-360-697-4435
Email:             engineer@jjengineering.com
 
Send letters to J+J Engineering at:
J+J Engineering, Inc.
22797 Holgar Ct. NE
Poulsbo, WA98370
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Configuring the Software
 

Setting Up the Software to Detect Your Hardware Model
You will need to follow the instructions below after your initial installation and after each software upgrade.
If Physiolab is not already running, click on the Physiolab desktop icon to get to the opening window.  Click  Run Session to bring up the Select Application window.
IMPORTANT:
Click on the drop-down arrow in the Hardware Type box  and select the type of J&J device that you have connected.  (The USE3 software supports many different hardware devices so it is important that you have selected the specific hardware that you are using.)  In the application list, click on the name of the application you plan to run.  Next click Setup. 
 











In the Hardware Setup window,  be sure that the correct port (COM or USB) that you used to connect your device is selected.  If you are using a COM port connection, be sure the COM port number matches the one you are using.  NOTE: This window displays the application date and currently installed version date (MBP Version)
THE LATEST VERSION IS 7-11-2007. There was a USB update in 2009, but it did not include Physiolab.
 
Eliminating Electrical Line Frequency Noise
In North America the electrical line frequency is 60Hz, but in many countries line frequency is 50 Hz. The notch filter is defaulted to 60Hz so, if you live in a country where the electrical line frequency is 50 Hz, you will need to configure the software for your area.  In the Hardware Setup window (pictured above) check to see that the line frequency for your area is selected in the Notch filter box.  If the setting is incorrect you will see noise appearing as spikes at regular frequencies in the signal FFT displays. (For additional information please see the “Artifact Detection” section in your Hardware Manual.)
 
Setting Up Dual Screen Mode
Many laptop computers support a second monitor with two different simultaneous displays.  Many desktop computers can be upgraded to this capability with the addition of a dual-monitor video card available at most computer stores.
 
The optional Dual Screen Mode feature allows you to have a Master Screen with all the controls for the trainer  and a separate Dual Screen with just  a simple feedback display or game for the client.
 
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Set-Up and Testing of Dual Monitor Displays
If you have this capability on your computer, it can be turned on as follows:
Right-click on the desktop, then click Properties, then Settings.  Right-click on “2”, then click Attached. (A check mark should appear next to “Attached”.) Check the box labeled Extend my Windows Desktop.  Set the screen resolution to the same resolution as primary screen #1, preferably 1024x768.  Please see your computer owner’s manual for help with this set-up.
 
When this is set up properly, your computer should boot-up with your normal desktop on Monitor #1 and the desktop background picture without any icons on Monitor #2.  You should be able to run USE3 software with dual displays.  If you have trouble getting the dual monitor desktop function working, please check with your computer supplier.
 
Using Dual Display Mode with USE3 Physiolab Software
The USE3 software supports dual monitors on specific screens that are marked in the screen name with letter D or Dual.  To enable this feature in USE3, from the USE-3 Sign-On Screen click on Options and check mark Dual.  Do not do this unless you are sure dual monitor mode with extended desktop is working on your computer.   
Click the Dual Display Icon   to see a list of all available Dual Screen Displays in an application, To select a feedback screen to appear on a second monitor, click on a dual screen display name and click APPLY. 
 
The second monitor display will have a feedback only with no controls or mouse functions.  All the settings on the feedback screen will be slaved to a display on Monitor #1.  (The exception to this is Windows Media Player used as a feedback screen.)
 
In Dual Mode on laptop computers you may notice a speed reduction when the screen is updating.  This is due to your computer’s display driver limitations.  It should not affect feedback.
 
In most applications the feedback display on Monitor #2 will also be shown on Monitor #1 as a smaller sub-display.  To make changes in the feedback display, you need to highlight the display and signal on Monitor #1 and use the left-hand tool bar to make changes.  These changes will be reflected in the feedback display on Monitor #2.
 
Below is a list of several recommended video cards which provide the dual display mode feature on desktop PCs that have an AGP video card slot.  Check with your computer supplier or on-line suppliers such as compuplus.com, compuvest.com, Spartan Technologies, etc.
 
VisionTek  XTASY GeForce4 MX440 64MB DDR AGP
Model 30001520      Approx. price: $120.00
 
Matrox Millennium G550 AGP 32MB DDR 2D/3D Dual DVI
Model G55+MDHA32DR  Approx. price: $120.00.   NEEDS ADAPTER.
 
Matrox Millenium G450  Dual Heal 32MB
Model G45+MDHA32DLXB   Approx. price: $90.00.  NEEDS ADAPTER.
 
ATI Radeon VE AGP 32MB Dual Display  VGA & DVI
Model 100430119  Approx. price: $60.00.  NEEDS ADAPTER.
 
 
VIDEO CABLE ADAPTER: DVI 24-PIN MALE TO VGA 15-PIN FEMALE.
 

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Choosing a Color Scheme
Physiolab has been designed to mirror the colors of your chosen desktop color scheme.  If you wish to change the color scheme for all of your Windows applications including Physiolab, right-click on an icon-free area of your desktop and choose Properties.  Click on the Appearance tab.  Then click on the down arrow in the “Color Scheme” box and select a color scheme to see a preview of it in the Display Properties window. When you find a color scheme you like, click “OK” at the bottom of the Properties window.
NOTE: While you can alter the Windows Color Scheme somwhat, you can not alter signal colors or graph colors.
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Overview of the Software Interface
 
This section is an overview of the toolbars and signal controls common to all Physiolab applications.
 
Starting an Application
To begin running an application click on the USE3 Physiolab icon  from your desktop.  The program will load to the Main Menu.
 
Click on Select Client.  Select a client name in the “Select Client” Window. Recorded session data will be saved under this client name. Click the “Select” button.  If you skip this step, you will be prompted later to select a client if you record data.  (For information on adding new clients, editing, and deleting client records, please see the “Adding and Deleting Client Information” section.)
 
Next, click on Run Session. This will bring up the Select Application window.
 
Make sure that the J&J device that you have connected to your computer is selected in the “Hardware Type” drop-down box.  Each hardware type has its own unique application list.  Click on the name of the application that you wish to run.  Click Start.
 
If you receive an error message, click OK, check the connection to your computer, then retry. If you have trouble starting a session, please refer to the “Troubleshooting” section in your Hardware Guide. 
IMPORTANT: Once you have started an application you must exit it using the arrow in the lower left-hand corner, NOT the red X in the upper right-hand corner.
 
Ensuring a Good Connection
In every application session, the first screen you will see is the Sensor Test Screen. Hook up the sensors using the picture as a guide.  Please refer also to your Hardware Guide for information on cable/electrode configurations for your device and connection tips for different modalities.
 
The Sensor Test Screen displays the impedance of each EMG/ECG/EEG electrode as a bar graph.  The digital bar values are in K Ohms (K=1000 Ohms).  J&J’s impedance testing feature is important because it enables you to determine the quality of your signals. High impedance levels allow environmental electrical noise to contaminate your signals.  Values in the green range indicate optimal functioning, yellow indicates marginal functioning and red indicates that the connection is inadequate and needs attention.  (Please see the “Impedance Testing” section of your Hardware Guide.) The bar colors are intended as guidelines only.  The values needed to ensure good signals are dependent upon the amount of electrical noise in your location and the signal level of interest.  (For more information please see the “Artifact Detection” section in your Hardware Guide.)
 
Signal bars for modalities other than EMG/ECG/EEG display green for normal operation, yellow for needing adjustment, and red for disconnected or broken.
 
For devices powered by batteries, a digital battery indicator display near the bottom of this screen tests and displays the remaining voltage.
 
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Checking For Good Signal Data
Click on Check Signals. This screen displays all signals available in the application and currently being acquired so that you can inspect them to verify that they appear in normal ranges.  It is not intended for feedback.  In Applications with EMG or ECG, it includes a frequency spectrum (FFT) display which is particularly useful for detecting environmental electrical noise.  (Please see the “Artifact Detection” section in your Hardware Guide.) A Check Signals 2 screen provides a screen without the FFT display for slower computers.
 
The Sensor Test and Check Signals screens are unique to J&J and are designed to ensure the quality of your data.  You should check these screens each time you start an application.
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Select A Protocol - Signal Control Windows
 Click on Select Protocol. This screen displays many Signal Control Windows, one for each signal eligible for feedback. Use this Screen to set up which signals will be used for 'feedback and which signals will be excluded. If you are setting up biofeedback for Respiration, look for a Signal Contol Window like this:
Each Window has Activation controls on the left and Direction controls on the right:
ACTIVATION BUTTON: Signal ON/OFF:Here is where you select or de-select a signal for feedback.
     DIRECTION BUTTON:
* If you have de-selected this signal, the Signal ACTIVATION BUTTON is OFF, and the Threshold Direction Light on the upper right will turn Grey.
* If you have selected this signal, the Signal ACTIVATION BUTTON is ON, and the Threshold Direction Light on the upper right will turn Green or Red.
            Adjust the DIRECTION BUTTON. Select 'On Above Threshold'  or  'Off BelowThreshold'.
             The Threshold Activated light on the upper  right will turn Green if the Threshold condition is met, and Red if not achieved.

There are other buttons on the Signal Control Window. They will be explained in the Signal Threshold section.
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 Select A Protocol - Pre-Set Protocols                                                     
Pre-set protocols are also available in the application so that you can select the combination of signals to activate for feedback from a list.
Click on this icon on the lower toolbar.

The Export Settings Windows opens.

Highlight a menu item and select Import.
NOTE:If this screen is blank, no protocols are available.
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Select A Task- Task Control Buttons
This screen selects a task or tasks from big buttons on the screen.
For example, a button may say, 'If EMG is ON, Select EMG Task.'
Once a Task Button is selected, several events occur:
* The screen changes. This new screen is either a specific 'feedback screen task, or a data entry screen.
* Depending on the Task, the program then pauses for you to enter data, then records.
* Recording is set up by the Task. Tasks can vary from 30 seconds to  30 minutes. 
   Timing is changed by toggling the Select Time Button on most screens.
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Toolbars Overview
Signals and Session Properties are controlled by Toolbars.
 



VIEW TOOLBARS
You can increase display screen area and minimize distraction by hiding toolbars that you are not using.  Simply click View, then click next to the names of the toolbars you wish to hide. This will remove the checkmark next to the toolbar name and make the toolbar disappear from view.  You can retrieve toolbars individually by again clicking View, then clicking the names of the toolbars you wish to reinstate OR you can retrieve all of the toolbars at once by clicking All Bars On.
 
 
Selecting Display Screens
The top Screen Select Toolbar lists all of the available display screens in an application.  Use this toolbar to select a specific display screen.
 
 
The screen button which is highlighted shows the name of the current screen being displayed. Most of the top buttons have pull down menus (as shown above) of alternate screen choices. Clicking on the down arrow next to the screen name activates this pull down menu. Whenever you select a screen from the pull down menu, it is assigned to the top menu button.  This ensures that your favorite screen in each menu group will be only one click away.  On slower computers, click on the drop-down arrow and hold it down while mousing over the drop-down menu area, if the drop-down menu doesn’t at first appear.
 
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Modifying Signals - Signal Control Toolbar

Use the left edge Signal Control Toolbar buttons to change display characteristics.  These buttons will modify only one display or signal at a time.  To select an individual display from a multi-display screen, click on the display. The display will become highlighted with light blue to indicate it has been selected and that the Signal Control buttons have been assigned to it.  Modify the signal using the icons to the left.
 
If more than one signal appears in the same display and the signal names are clickable, it means that separate scales are available for each signal and that signals can be manipulated separately. Select the signal you wish to modify by clicking on the tiny colored square next to the name of the signal within the top of the display. 
 
             
  
A white dot in the center of the square indicates that particular signal is selected.  Use the Signal Control Toolbar to modify the selected signal. If the signal names are not clickable, it means that the signals have the same scale and are locked together so that the signal controls modify all signals together.
 
The Signal Up button  and the Signal Down button  are used to move the signal line higher or lower on the display.
 
The Auto-offset button  toggles on and off the Autocenter feature which automatically keeps the signal centered on the screen.  To manually adjust the signal higher or lower on the screen, click Auto-offset OFF and use the above Signal Up and Signal Down buttons.
 
The Gain Up button  is used to increase signal size and sensitivity.  Spaces between scale units increase indicating greater signal sensitivity.  
The Gain Down button  is used to decrease signal size and sensitivity.
 
The combination of Gain Up and Gain Down plus the Signal Up and Down arrows allow you to size and position the signal anywhere on the display. 
 
The Autogain button  toggles the Autogain feature on and off.  For your convenience you can leave Autogain on or you have the option of turning this feature off and manually adjusting the gain according to your preference.  After you click Autogain on, wait up to 30 seconds for the signal to self-adjust.
 
Turning the Autogain or Autocenter features on or off for one signal will not change the settings for the other signals on the screen.  Each signal’s settings are adjusted individually.
 
The Faster Graph    and Slower Graph    buttons are used to increase and decrease sweep speed for all signals except FFT.  This increases/decreases the time span that can be displayed within a single window. 
 
For FFT displays the Faster Graph & Slower Graph buttons change the frequency span of the FFT displays.  It is recommended that you leave FFT displays at the maximum frequency scale.
 
The Averaging Interval    button changes signal appearance.  This button brings up the Select Averaging Interval window which allows you to increase or decrease the averaging interval by seconds or fractions of seconds. Increasing the averaging interval smoothes the selected signal.  Decreasing the interval makes signal detail more visible.  DO NOT change the default settings for RAW signals.
 
The Zoom button  is used to magnify any individual display to fill up the entire screen.  Simply click on the desired display to select it, then click on the Zoom button.  To return to the original display, re-click the Zoom button.  This feature is particularly useful for simplifying feedback to one signal, then toggling back to a multi-signal display.
 
Clicking on the Adjust Threshold button  is enabled if “THR” is in the signal name of one of the available signals for a particular display.  This button brings up the Threshold Control window.  An empty checkbox indicates that Auto Threshold is OFF. To turn this feature ON, click in the checkbox next to “Enable Auto Threshold”. To manually set the threshold, click on the check mark next to “Enable Auto Threshold” in order to deselect it.  Click on the Down/Up arrows next to the “Level” box or type a numerical value in the box.  Close the control box by clicking on the small x. 
 
Alternatively, you can drag and drop the threshold line on the display screen.  Place the cursor in the display area and click the mouse once to activate the drag-and-drop feature for that display. As you move the cursor over the threshold line, a hand appears. Hold down the left mouse button when the hand appears and drag the threshold line up and down on the screen, releasing the button at the point where you want the threshold line to stay.
 
The Show/Hide Signal button  brings up a control box to turn on or off the display of a signal on the selected display.  Simply click on the check marks of each signal you wish to hide.  To make the signals reappear, again click on the Show/Hide signal icon and click on the empty boxes next to the names of the signal(s) to you wish to re-display. Close the control box by clicking on the small x.
The Select Sound button  brings up the Audio Control Window.  Please see the Audio Features section for information on the use of audio controls.
 
The Sound button  toggles the speakers on and off.  This button must be down in order for Media Player feedback screens to work.
 
The Modify Settings button  is used to specify numerical parameters, such as breathing rate, duration of inhale/exhale and hold times for the Breathing Pacer or to specify the degree of smoothing (signal running average) using an EMG filter. It is also used to set time over threshold discreet reward feedback .
The Select Second Screen    button for Dual Screen Mode will open a window with a list of available second screen displays.  To select a feedback screen to appear on a second monitor, click on a display name and click APPLY.  You can run Dual Screen Mode IF your computer is Dual Monitor enabled AND the USE3 software is set to Dual Screen Mode AND a second screen display is available in the application you are using (For more information see the section in this manual on setting up Dual Screen Mode).
 
The Show/Hide Subwindows  button allows you to hide and restore subwindows in “All Signal” displays. This allows you to custom configure a display of any combination of the available signals.
 
With the Game Files  button you can select still and animated images when you are on a game screen.
The Task Averaging   button opens a window that lists the mean average for each signal and each task as it is recorded.
 
If any of the above buttons are turned off they will appear darker and less colorful.  This indicates that the button’s feature is enabled for that display, but is merely OFF, and the feature will be available if the button is clicked ON.  Not all features are available for all displays.  Decisions have been made as to which features are feasible and/or useful for each  display.  If a feature is not available for a particular display, its button will appear grayed out instead of “off” (darker).
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Session Control Toolbar
The Session Control Toolbar at the bottom of your screen provides controls for specifying tasks, recording data, marking events in the data, and for invoking various screen features such as screen freeze and sweep reset.
 

 
Accessing Online Help
Click on the help icon  near the bottom of your screen to access a hyperlinked Table of Contents to an electronic version of this manual.
 
Exiting a Session
Exit each session using the arrow in the lower left hand corner  
In order to review data, generate reports, export data into a database, manage client or session data, or to quit the program, you must first exit the session.  In order to exit the software both the Pause and the Record buttons must be OFF. If you have recorded data, the Save Session Data window will automatically open when you exit the software (See the Saving Session Data section).
 
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Saving Signal Settings
Settings from the Signal Control Windows can be saved [exported] an recalled [imported].


This is how you save and recall these settings.


The EXPORT Settings button   brings up the Export Settings Window which allows you to save all signal adjustments and settings as the defaults for future sessions.   If you wish to use the current settings, type in a protocol name, and click EXPORT to save. Many setting combinations may be saved for each application.  To recall a previously saved protocol, click the Import Settings button to reset the controls in the Signal Control Windows.
 
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Reset and Freeze Features
The Reset Screen button  refreshes all of the displays on the screen.  Resetting the screen has no effect on data recording.
The Freeze Screen button  freezes all screen displays to allow for discussion of the signals with the client while USE3 Physiolab continues to monitor and record data.
The AutoFreeze button  freezes all graph displays when the selected signal display reaches the end of its signal sweep.  This does not affect data recording.  To restart the signal display, click the Freeze Screen button.
The Pause Game Windows button  pauses certain game and feedback screens without affecting data recording.  To resume the game, re-click the button.
The Pause Task button  pauses both the data recording and the feedback screen.  The Unpause Task button resets the feedback screen and resumes recording of the current task.
The Pause Game button  does not effect recording.  It merely freezes the feedback screen while the underlying data recording continues.
 
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Printing Screens During the Session
The Print Screen button   allows you to print the current screen. Click this icon and wait a few moments for the screen image to appear. Click “Print” in the top menu, modify printer settings as needed, and click OK.  You are given the opportunity to abort without printing by selecting “Close” instead of “Print”.
 
Recording Data
The Record button  toggles recording on and off.
 
The Pause button  pauses data recording. Re-click it to resume recording.
 
The Menu button  allows you to specify the erase time interval invoked by the Record Backup button.
The Record Backup button  erases a specified time interval of recorded data, and records over the erased portion so that the data record is seamless.  You can change the Backup interval using the Menu button.
The Task Averaging   button opens a window that lists the mean average for each signal and each task as it is recorded.  It verifies what is being recorded.
 
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Event Marking
The Event Mark button  enables you to add data markers into the recorded data when significant events occur during the session.  The button pops up a window into which you can type a name or brief comment which is inserted with the marker into the data record.
NOTE: Event Marking is also done as an event on a window, such as a Stress Scale.
 
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Setting Up Tasks
 
Tasks are data recording intervals which can be named to enable interpretation of session data.  Task interval marks and color-coded time interval bars are inserted into the graphic record.  Task labels are inserted into the recorded data file. 
 
Specifying Tasks Manually
To manually set up tasks, click on the Select Task icon  in the bottom Session Control Toolbar. 
In the Programmed Task Schedule window, you can select different task labels manually at whatever time intervals you wish. In the lower left-hand corner click Manual Task to create a check mark. Click on the desired task name to highlight it, then click Run Selected Task.  The task name will appear in the task progress bar at the bottom of your screen and will be inserted into the recorded data.  When you are ready to change tasks, repeat the above steps, highlighting a new task name.  Click the record icon to start recording the task.  You can change the task name while recording or you can opt to click the Pause button between tasks.
 
Running Preset Programmed Tasks
Click on the Select Task button  in the bottom Session Control Toolbar to bring up the Programmed Task Schedule window.   In the Select Schedule drop-down box select a Task Schedule name. 
The list of tasks in that schedule will appear in the large task status box.  Click on a task name in the list and click Run Selected Task.
Scheduled tasks are set to either progress on to the next task immediately or to pause before starting the next task.  Check marks will appear in the task list next to each task that has been run and recorded in the session.  If a preset task stops recording and the green “Pause” status message is flashing, you can opt out of the timed pause by clicking the Pause ON/OFF button to immediately run the next task.
 
To manually pause while a task is running click the Pause ON/OFF button.  Re-click the Pause button to the resume the task. 
 
To stop a task before it is finished and move on to the next task or to skip to a later task, click Record ON/OFF, then the Select Task button. Click on the name of the task you wish to run, then click Run Selected Task.
 
To cancel a task schedule before it is finished and exit the session, click  Record OFF. Then exit the session using the lower left-hand exit arrow and either save or discard the data.
 
When a schedule of tasks finishes running, the final task will remain paused until you click the exit arrow.
 
You may run each task once per session.  To maintain data integrity, the data must then be saved and the session exited before you can run the same tasks again. 
 
Customizing Programmed Tasks
You can create multiple task schedules with unique customized tasks in each.  
The easiest way to start is to modify an existing task schedule for your own unique needs.  When you finish modifying tasks as outlined below, be sure and
click Update Schedule to save all of your changes.
To begin, first click on the Task  button, then click Edit Mode On. 
Click the Select Schedule drop-down box and click on the task schedule name  that most closely matches the list of customized tasks you wish to create.

You may move tasks up or down in the list, add new tasks to this list, delete tasks from the list, and modify the remaining tasks.  Each task must be customized individually.  (If  the task you want to modify has already been run during the session the Task Properties button will be grayed out and you must exit the session and re-enter a new session before modifying the task.)  Highlight the name of the task you wish to customize, then click Task Properties. Click Advanced to expand the window.
 
In the Task Properties window you can edit  the name of a task by simply typing over the existing task name (TIP: This task name may function as an instruction to the client since the task name is displayed at the bottom of the feedback screen) .  “Category” is an optional sort field not used in the current USE3 View function.
The Start Screen drop-down box should be left at NONE unless you want the program to jump to a pre-selected screen at the beginning of the task.  If you do wish to jump to a particular screen, select the screen name in the Start Screen drop-down box.  Specify a Task Record Time in seconds.  Choose “This task bar only”  to display the progress bar for this single task across the entire width of the screen.  Choose “All task bars” if you wish the progress bar to show progress through all of the tasks in the task schedule.
 
You can loop through a single task or through a series of tasks a specified number of times. Check Loop then select the name of the task that you wish to have as the start of your loop.  You may only loop back to tasks in the list that are above the currently selected task. (NOTE: You will need to click the drop-down arrow and the tiny scrollbars to see all the tasks in the list.) 
Type in a Number of Loops to indicate the number of times you want the program to loop through the tasks before it moves beyond the loop to the next task in the list.
 
If Pause Record On Start is unchecked, recording will automatically start at the beginning of the task and continue for the number of seconds you specify in the top right Task Record Time box.
 
You may set a pause at the beginning of the task and let the task autorun so that the task begins recording after the time interval that you specify.  Check Pause Record On Start and specify a  number of seconds in the Pause and Text Time box in the middle of the window.   If you wish to manually start each task, you will want to specify a long pause time at the beginning of each task.  When you run the task, click the Pause ON/OFF button to manually override the pause and begin the task. 
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Programmed Tasks: Instructional Text Boxes
If you wish for a text box with instructions to appear at the beginning of the task, you can select one of the text instruction files in the Select Name drop-down box.  Click Test Text to position and resize the window and to view the text.  USE3 Physiolab comes with a large selection of instruction text files but, if you wish to add your own, you can create text files and save them into the C:\Program Files\J&J Engineering\Physiolab\Text folder.  These files must be in .rtf file format and must have unique file names.  If you wish to change the wording of J&J’s instruction files, click Edit Text after selecting the filename that you wish to edit.  Be sure to click Save As and change the file name so that your customized files will not be overwritten during software updates.
 
Check End text window on pause or record click if you wish the test instruction window to close when recording begins (either an autorun pause times out or you click Pause ON/OFF to manually override the pause).
If End text window on pause or record click is unchecked the text window will appear during the entire length of the task.  NOTE: You must click Test Text and resize the window in order for the text to display properly. 
 
If you wish a task to be instructional only, with no data recording, check the Record Off box.
 
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Programmed Tasks: Audio Files
 Physiolab comes with many audio files which you may elect to play when the task starts, when recording starts or at the end of the task.
Text Window Start files are alert beeps or verbal instructions up to one minute in length.  To play an audio file at the beginning of the task, check Text Window Start and select an audio file name in the drop-down box to the right.
Record Start audio files may be used as alert tones or as stressors (i.e. baby crying) in a stress profile task.  To play an audio file at the beginning of recording, check Record Start and choose an audio file name in the drop down list.
 
If Pause Record on Start is checked, you may specify both Text Window and Record Start sounds since the text window will appear at the beginning of the task and recording will start later.  If Pause Record on Start is unchecked, then the text window will display at the same time that recording starts and only the Text Window Start audio file will be heard.
 
Task End should be used with care.  You may not have both an ending audio file for the current task and a beginning audio file for the following task.   If you specify both an ending sound for the current task and a beginning sound for the following task, then the ending sound file will be overriden by the following start task audio file.
 
The easiest way to become familiar with USE3 Physiolab audio files is to go to the C:\Program Files\J&J Engineering\Physiolab\Sounds folder and double-click on each WAV format audio file to play it. The subfolders are sounds that are used in game feedback screens and are not available as task sounds.  You may add your own files to the Sounds folder.  They must be WAV format audio files and have unique names so that they will not be overwritten during software upgrades.
 
Creating Your Own Programmed Tasks
Start by clicking on the Select Task icon to open the Programmed Task Schedule window. Click Edit Mode On.  Click in the top Select Schedule box and type a new unique name for your task.  (Naming Tips: This name cannot be edited so choose carefully. If you want a particular Schedule to appear at the top of the list keep in mind that schedule names are arranged alpha-numerically in ascending order.)  Click Add Task.  Then follow the same process for each task as outlined in the section on Customizing Programmed Tasks above.  If you wish to add a new task in the middle of the task list, click on an existing task name above which you want the new task to appear. Click Insert Task and proceed to create the task in the same manner as for adding a new task.
After you have specified settings for each task, click OK in the middle of the Task Properties window.  When you have finished setting up all tasks, click Add As New Schedule in the Programmed Task Schedule window to save your settings.
 
Saving Programmed Tasks
After you finish modifying or creating each task you must click OK in the upper portion of the Task Properties box.  If you click Cancel or close the window with the X your settings will be lost.  If you are finished modifying tasks for an existing task schedule, click Update Schedule.  If you are finished adding new tasks to a new Task Schedule, click  Add As New Schedule at the bottom of the Programmed Task Schedule window.
 
The settings for Task Schedules will be lost when you upgrade your software since they are part of the updated application. You can keep your current (older)  version of the application with your customized tasks by going to the C:\Program Files\J&J Engineering\Physiolab folder and renaming the .mdb file for each application you wish to save.  These renamed customized applications will be not be updated.  When you start USE3 Physiolab and click Run Session, two identical application names will appear in the application list.  Find the one with your customized tasks and run that one until you have time to customize your newer version of the software. 
 
We recommend that you print screen captures of Task Properties windows for all of your customized tasks so that you can re-create them in the upgraded software. (Instructions: Open the Task Properties window for each task and click Alt+Print Screen on your keyboard, then open Start> Programs> Accessories > Paint.  In the Paint program click Edit, then Paste.  Click File, then Print.) 
 
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Saving Session Data & Verifying Client Names

 
If you have recorded any data, the Save Session Data window will automatically open when you exit the software (using the lower left-hand Exit Arrow).  You have the option of discarding the data or saving the data to a specific client name file.  The names displayed in the dropdown box are alias names.  You may select any alias name in the drop down box.  In order to verify that the alias refers to the client that you intend, click Verify Name. 
If you did not select a client name before you ran the session, you can click New Client and enter client information after exiting the session.  For directions on entering client data see the “Managing Client Information” section)
 
Signal names that are checked will be saved.  You may uncheck those signals that you do not wish to save.
 
Click Save to Database.  After saving or discarding data, click the X to close the Save window.
 
If you click Export before closing the Save window, you have the option of exporting the current session data to Excel or to another database as described in the Exporting Data section.
 
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Managing Data

If you are running a session, stop data recording, exit the session to the Physiolab Main Menu and click Manage Data.

In the View Session window, select a client alias in the top drop-down box. If you wish to see the client name, click Verify Name.  Select the application you used to record data in the second drop down box, then click on a session date and time to select it.    At this point you can view data and generate reports, export data to Excel or another database, delete data or archive data.   (Troubleshooting Tip: If  the session data you are looking for is not present in the session window, it was probably collected under a different application name. Select a different application in the second drop-down window.)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  You can View, Export, ot Delete the Data.

Deleting Session Data
If you wish to discard session data follow the steps above to get to the View Session window, highlight the session date and time, then click Delete. To delete an entire client record including all session data for that client, see the “Adding and Deleting Client Information” section.
 
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Viewing Session Data and Generating Reports
The View function gives you the ability to review session data in a graphical environment, replay signals, print screens and generate reports. Follow the instructions for selecting session data under Managing Data section above.  Then click View.
If a blank window comes up, click on it to view.

Report Screen Names are shown on the top Toolbar.


Saved Signal data is shown within each graph. Signal properties are manipulated by HIGHLIGHTING the signal and using the left toolbar incons.
The sweep time is changed using the horizontal arrows.
A new signal bar is shown on the bottom.

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Changing Signal Views
In the Session Review Window, you can replay the session signals, selecting and adjusting the signals using the buttons in the Signal Control Bar in the same way as if you were running a session. 
 
If more than one screen selection button is present at the top of the window, you can use them to select the signal grouping that you wish to view.
 
If the signals are against the top or bottom of the display area, you must select the signal by clicking on the colored box in front of the signal name, then use the Signal Up  or Signal Down button  to manually adjust the height of the signal.    (You must first turn Autogain and Auto-offset Off.)
 
Using the Faster Graph button  and Slower Graph button  you can change the amount of session time displayed within the window, from focusing on a small segment or single task to condensing an entire session onto one screen. 
Use the Show/Hide Signals button  to zero in on just one signal or any combination of signals.
 
With the  Averaging buttons in the bottom Review Session Bar, you can increase or decrease the smoothing of the signal. Click multiple times until you reach the desired degree of smoothing.
Use the Rewind, Scroll Forward, Scroll Back, and End buttons
to navigate through the recorded session.
 
You can hide and re-display:
§         Task Markers with the Task Mark button  
§         Event Markers with the Event Mark button   
§         Task Bar with the Task Bar button .
§         Digital Cursor with the Digital Cursor button .
 
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Printing Screen Images
When you have adjusted the signal displays as you want them to appear, click the Print Screen button  in the bottom toolbar.  Wait a few moments for the screen image to appear. Click “Print” in the top menu, modify printer settings as needed, and click OK.  You are given the opportunity to abort without printing by selecting “Close” instead of “Print”.
 
Saving Screen Images
In addition to printing a screen image, you have the option of saving a screen image as a graphics file.  Click on the Save Picture button .  In the window that appears, browse to the location where you want to save the image file in the top drop-down box.  Give the file a unique filename and click OK.
 
Printing Quick Reports
You can fine tune your data views by adjusting the signal displays then printing Quick Reports.  First select a client, an application, and a session as described above in the ”Managing Data” section.  Manipulate the signals to obtain the screen view to be inserted into your report as outlined above in the “Changing Signal Views” section.  Then, to print a pre-formatted Quick Report, click on the Generate Report button  button. This brings up the Generate Report window. Accept the defaults or use the checkboxes to designate the types of information to be included.  Select a different averaging interval or accept the default.  Accept the Average Only default or choose Basic Statistics.  Average Only includes mean averages for each signal over the selected interval.  Basic Statistics includes standard deviation, minimum and maximum for each interval.
Click “Print Quick Report”.
 
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Creating Excel Reports within View
Tis is a special button for Excel users.
Click on the Generate Report button .  Accept the default or select the desired averaging interval for your report, click  Excel Report. 
 
You will see a pre-formatted report generated in Excel with the current Session Review Screen image inserted into the report. You will be prompted to save your report.  Browse to the your desired folder location and give your Excel report a name, then click “Save”.  To view or print your report, insert text, or chart data you will need to re-open the report from the location where you saved it.
 
You can insert rows and merge cells to create text boxes for expanding and personalizing your Excel report. Click on the row number to the left above which you wish to insert rows of text. Click on Insert>Rows. Repeat this to insert as many rows as you wish. Left-click on the cell where you want the top left corner of your textbox to be. Holding the left mouse button down, drag the cursor down and to the right to highlight the number of rows and cells desired. In the top menu choose Format>Cells. Click the Alignment tab. In the “Horizontal” drop-down box choose “Left”.  In the “Vertical” drop-down box choose “Top”. Check “Wrap Text” and “Merge Cells”. Click OK. You now have a text box in which to insert paragraphs of text.  It is best to start with a text box slightly smaller than you think you will need.  If you need a larger box, click in the existing text box and, holding the left mouse button down, drag the cursor to highlight cells to the bottom and/or right. . In the top menu choose Format>Cells. On the Alignment tab, click “Wrap Text” and “Merge Cells”. Click OK.

 
You can use the Excel Chart Wizard to create graphs. Select single columns of signal data because Excel can only chart one scale at a time.
Click the Chart Wizard Icon  in the top menu.
 
Select the type of chart you want. You can try out different options and view them in the preview window to see which displays of the data are most effective. You may find that your sample rate is too high or too low to create a meaningful chart.  You can re-send the report to Excel at a different sample rate using the Excel Report button, resave it to a new filename, and re-chart it using the Excel Chart Wizard.
 
You can save your Excel report using the File>Save menu commands  and/or print out your report using the using the File>Print commands in the Excel menu bar.
 
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Exporting Data to Excel or Your Own Database
Exporting data does not affect the original data record.  It only exports copies of the data.   To export data, first follow the instructions for selecting session data under the Managing Data section above.  Then click Export.
 
In the right side of the Export Dialog window, uncheck any information you do not wish to include.
In the Update drop-down box, choose the update rate, which is the averaging interval time in seconds (decreasing the rate reduces file size and makes charting the data more feasible). 
Select either Average Only or Basic Statistic (described  in the Quick Reports section). 
If you don’t want to export all of the signals, highlight individual signals and move them into the Saved Signals box using the left-arrow.
 

 
If you wish to export to Excel, select Excel in the Export Type box and-click OK.  Click Yes in the save prompt pop-up window, browse to a folder location, type in a unique filename and click Save.  If you wish to include screen captures in your Excel report, or add textboxes or charts, you may want follow the directions in the Creating Excel Reports section instead of exporting data.
 
If you wish to have Physiolab automatically generate filenames and save to a pre-selected target location, check the Autosave checkbox, then follow the instructions below in the Automatically Generating Filenames section.
 
When Autosave is checked Excel will pop open and populate with data, then the save window will briefly appear and disappear as the file is automatically saved to your target location, and Excel will close.  It may take a few minutes for these steps to execute, especially with large files.
 
If you wish to export to another database, select Asci in the Export Type box.
You must click Change File to specify an initial target location.  In the pop-up window, browse to the folder into which you want to save the data. You must replace the asterisk(*) with a unique filename, then click Open. 
 
It is important to specify which symbols your database will be looking for in order to interpret divisions between data elements.  Click the radio button next to the appropriate symbol combination in the “Data Delimiter” box. 
 
Do not close the Export Dialog window using the X in the upper right corner. The file will not be saved until you click OK in the Export Dialog window.
 
If you are using your own database program, use the instructions supplied with that program for importing and manipulating data.
 
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Automatically Generating Filenames for Export Data
Once you have used Change File to specify an initial target location and filename, you can let Physiolab automatically generate a new filename and export to your initially specified location by default each time you export data.  When you click Export the next time, the target location and filename from your last export will be used again unless you specify something different. It is important to select Auto Increment in the Export Dialog window or the exported data will overwrite the previously saved file with the same filename.  When Auto Increment is checked, the number in the Auto Increment textbox will be added to your initial filename. When you click OK at the bottom of the Export Dialog window, the data will be exported and  the Auto Increment number will increase by one integer.  You can start Auto Increment over at zero or at any other number you choose by typing that number in the textbox to the right of the Auto Increment check box.
 
Even with Auto Increment selected, you always have the option of manually specifying a unique filename by clicking on the “Change File” button, typing your new filename, then clicking Open. The number in the Auto Increment textbox will be added to your manually typed filename when you click OK in the Export Dialog window to export your data.  This new filename will become the new default template filename unless you change it back.
 
To automatically generate data export filenames using a client name as the filename template, both the Use client name as Template and the Auto Increment checkboxes must be checked. Even if you have exported data before using “Change File” to specify a location, you must specify an initial target location again when switching to using the client name as a filename template. When “Use client name as a template” is checked, the “Change File” button opens a window to select a file export location only, without a textbox for specifying a filename.  Browse to the data destination folder of your choice, then click OK to confirm your target location and close the window.  Click  OK in the Export Dialog window to export your data.  For future data exports, once you have selected a data session and clicked Export, your target location and filename will be automatically set and you will need to simply click OK to export.
 
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Archiving Session Data
When  you have stored ½ gigabyte of data, you will start getting messages suggesting that you archive files.  It is important to respond to these prompts and archive data since you will not be able to access session data if the 1 gigabyte maximum database size is reached.

All patient data is saved into the same Physiolab data.mdb file.  This data is coded, and requires a special program to archive. That program is found within PhysioLab.
To archive data, click Manage Data on the main entry menu, then click Archive on the far right.

  The Archiving Widow is activated.

In the Archiving window, select a client alias name in the Main Database drop-down box. Select an application that has data for the client in the top drop-down box.  To select  a target folder location for your archived files, click the small button to the right of the Archive textbox.  Either select an archive file name in the Open window (if you have previously archived data) or browse to the folder location where you wish to create a new archive, type a new name in the “File name” box, and click Open.  You can choose to have a separate database file for each client or you can archive files by time period (quarterly, half-yearly, etc.)
 
Back in the Archiving window, click on the date of a session in the list to the left, then click the right arrow to move it into the list of files to be archived.  You can  select  and move all files in the list  or you can pick and choose sessions by holding down the Cntl key while clicking on  those you wish to archive. Finally, click Compact Databases to free up space in the Physiolab database, confirm by clicking Yes, and click Close to exit the window.
 
If you wish to copy a file into a new data location, while leaving the original file in place, follow the procedure for archiving files, but click  the Copy dot before you click the right arrow to move files into the right side of the Archiving window (This does not free up space in the data.mdb file). Click Close to exit the window.
 
At any time you can move archived files back into the original Physiolab database to view  them.  Follow the same procedure for archiving files, but select archived sessions in the right side of the Archiving window and use the left arrow to move them back into Physiolab.
 
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Adding and Deleting Client Information
 

To add a new client, on the main menu click Select Client, then click New.

 Enter the new client’s information. In the top textbox you have a choice of letting the program generate an alias name by leaving the box blank or of entering your own alias name. Automatically generated alias names consist of the first two letters of the last name followed by the first two letters of the first name.  If two clients have similar names so that identical aliases are generated, the program will add a number after the duplicate alias to differentiate them.  The alias name will be generated when you exit the window by clicking OK.
 
To edit a client record, click Select Client as above, then click Edit.  Modify the client information as desired, then click OK.
 
To delete a client  including all session data for that client: On the main Physiolab entry window click Select Client, highlight the client alias name, then click “Delete”.  Click “Yes” at the warning prompt to delete the record.
It is a good idea to click Edit to verify that you have the correct client name before deleting client records.
 
For information on viewing client data see the Managing Data section.

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 Overview of Screens and Displays
                                                           
At the top of the session window in each application is a Select Screen Bar with drop down lists of screen choices and hot key buttons that can change to provide a quick link to the most recently selected screen in each list.
 
Each Screen may contain a single display which fills the entire window or multiple displays tiled within the window.  A good example of a tiled multi-display screen is the Check Signals Screen in every application. Below is an example from the C2 EMG Application:

 
An individual display within the window can be selected by clicking on it and the Zoom button can be used to fill the entire window with the selected display. 
 
Each display may contain a single signal or multiple signals.  By the light blue highlight color surrounding it, you can see that the FFT_EMG A N display has been selected.  Since there is only one signal reflected in this display, selecting the display also selects the signal, which can then be modified using the Signal Control Bar.  (See “Modifying Signals”). The signals in FFT_EMG A N and FFT_EMG B N look quite different because they have been individually selected and their scales modified independently with gain and sweep speed controls.
 
The SR-C and TEMP-C displays above each contain multiple signals sharing the same space in a single line graph. Since these signals are of the same type and share the same scale, the Signal Control Bar buttons will modify all of the signals in these types of displays together.  For example, if the SR-C display were selected and the Gain Up button were clicked, gain would increase for both signals in the display. Multiple signals can also share space in scrolling charts.
 
In other multiple signal displays, signals of different types can share the same space in a single line graph or chart.  Since only one scale for one signal at a time may appear in this type of display, you can click on a signal name to change the display scale so that it matches the selected signal.  Notice in the example below that the HR signal has been selected, and that the scale to the left is in beats per minute to match the selected signal. Only the selected signal will be modified by the Signal Control Bar buttons. For example, to select and modify the Resp1 signal below, you would click on the small blue box next to “Resp 1”. Note that the second respiration channel is not being used, but the Resp 2 signal name is listed to show it is available. If a signal is not being used, as in the example below, or if it is accidentally adjusted off of the screen with the Signal Up/Down buttons, the signal is still present scrolling along the edge of the display so that you can locate it.  In the example below, the Resp 2 signal is present as a tiny red square just under the Resp 2 name.
 

 
In contrast to this display, in displays with the same kinds of signals sharing the same vertical and horizontal scales (as in the SR-C and TEMP-C examples above), individual signal names are not “clickable” and signals cannot be modified individually.
 
In still another type of multiple signal display, each signal has its own line graph, with the graphs stacked parallel to each other and a common time scale along the bottom. The EMG A N and EMG B  N signal graphs in the C2 EMG Application Check Signals Screen above are considered to be a single stacked graph display.  Clicking on either graph will highlight both, and the Signal Control Bar buttons will modify both signals together.
 
 In contrast to this notice the EMG A-N and ECG B (Raw) displays below which are completely separate displays with independent vertical and horizontal scales.
 
The Resp1 + Resp 2 display below is a slightly different variation of a stacked graph display in which the time scale is shared so that the sweep speed buttons will affect both signals, but the vertical scales are independent so individual signals may be selected and Signal Up/Down and Gain Up/Down controls are applied separately for each signal.
 

 
 
In the above overview of screens, displays and the signal configurations they can contain, you have seen line graph displays, FFT displays and, in the screen immediately above, a bar graph display.  The next section provides an overview of these display types plus the other display types you will encounter in Physiolab.
 
For detailed descriptions of the Sensor Test and Check Signals screens, please see the  “Ensuring a Good Connection” and “Checking for Good Signal Data” in the “Overview of the Software Interface” section.
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Display Types
The following display types may fill an entire screen or may be tiled together in any combination, depending upon screen space and the usefulness of correlating specific displays together. The same display type may have different signal, background and fill colors within different screens and/or in different applications.
 
Zooming In
Any of the displays described below may be selected and the Zoom button used to fill the entire screen with the selected display for focused feedback.
 
Line Graphs
Line graphs emulate an oscilloscope-type display, with one or more signals scrolling left to right. Since full descriptions were made of several types of line graphs above, a brief summary of line graph types follows:

1. Single line graph with multiple signals sharing the same space
   1. If all signals are the same modality with vertical and horizontal scales common to all signals, signal names are not clickable and Signal Control Bar buttons adjust all signals together.
   2. If signals are for different modalities with different scales, signal names are clickable and signals are adjusted individually.
2. Stacked parallel line graphs sharing a common time scale, with a single signal in each
   1. If signals are for the same modality so that the vertical scales are the same and the training purpose is to cause the signals to move in the same direction, signal names are not clickable and Signal Control Bar buttons adjust all signals together.
   2. If signals are for the same modality but the training purpose is to cause signals to move in opposite directions or the signals may be monitoring two different individuals, signal names are clickable and the signals are adjusted separately
   3. If signals are for different modalities with different scales, signal names are clickable and signals are adjusted individually

 
Pattern Displays
A pattern display is a special type of line graph that contains a Pattern Signal. The Pattern Signal does not reflect physiology but, instead, provides a guide with fully adjustable parameters set by the clinician.  Sharing the space in the graph with the Pattern Signal is a signal reflecting physiology. The goal is for the client/patient to modify his/her physiology to match the pattern signal as closely as possible.  An example of a pattern display is the Breathing Pattern display more fully described later in the “Respiration Displays” section.
 
Ghost Displays
The Ghost Display is another special type of line graph, which contains a single signal.  With each signal sweep across the screen, the previous sweep fades but remains visible for comparison with the new brighter signal sweep. You can see in the example below that multiple sweeps remain visible for comparison across time. 
 
Scrolling Chart Displays
Useful for showing trends over time, Chart Displays have a diamond-shaped tracer to the right which “draws” the signal as it scrolls to the left emulating a traditional paper chart.  Though the signals scroll in the opposite direction as line graphs, the oldest signals appear to the left, with the most recent signals to the right, consistent with line graph displays.  As with line displays, a chart display can contain a single chart with a single signal, multiple signals within a single chart, with or without fill colors, or stacked signal charts as in a History Chart example shown below.  All signals share a common time scale so that Faster Graph/Slower Graph buttons adjust all signals simultaneously. Vertical scales are individually adjustable.
 

 
Fill Graphs
Fill colors are used in both line graphs and in scrolling charts as shown above.  The fill colors used above are used to give the signal emphasis, especially in reference to zero or some lower point in the scale.  Fill colors can also be used as color rewards for achieving threshold goals as in the Threshold Up, Threshold Down, and Threshold Up/Down Displays below.  The Threshold Up display provides a color reward when a threshold is exceeded.  The Threshold Down display is useful when the goal is to modify physiology by bringing the signal down.  Fill and background colors may vary in different screens and applications.
 
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Threshold Up                                                   Threshold Down
                         
 
Threshold Up and Down
A dual-purpose display, which provides different fill colors above and below the threshold line.  It is structured like the Zero Point Fill Display pictured below except that the reference point for the change colors is the threshold line instead of zero.  It can be used as either a threshold up or threshold down display,  with the goal area color providing a reward and the out-of-goal area color providing a reminder.
 
Adjusting Thresholds
The threshold signal name is listed in the display but you cannot click on this signal name to select it because none of the Signal Control Bar buttons apply to the threshold signal except the Adjust Threshold button. In displays with thresholds, AutoThreshold is defaulted to ON so that it is at a known visible point in the display.  If you wish to disable AutoThreshold and manually set your own threshold, click on the Adjust Threshold button  to  bring up the Threshold Control window.  Next click on the check mark next to “Enable Auto Threshold” in order to turn the automatic threshold adjustment feature OFF.   Click on the Down/Up arrows next to the “Level” box or type a numerical scale value in the box.  The threshold line will move to point on the scale that you specify.  Close the control box by clicking on the small x.   If you want to turn the Auto Threshold feature back on, click on the Adjust Threshold button, click in the empty checkbox next to “Enable Auto Threshold”, then click on the x to close the pop-up window.
 
Another way to adjust the threshold is to drag and drop the threshold line on the display screen.  First put the cursor in the display area and click the mouse once to activate the drag-and-drop feature. Now as you move the cursor over the threshold line the arrow will turn into a hand.  When the hand appears, click-and- hold the left mouse button while dragging the threshold line up or down on the screen.  Release the button at the point where you want the threshold line to stay.
 
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The following are fill graphs without thresholds:
 
Differential Fill
The purpose of  the differential fill graph is to vividly distinguish between the activity of different signals.  Especially effective for differential muscle training.
 
 
Bottom Fill
The bottom fill graph is the same as above but the color of the signal with the higher value extends to the bottom line of the graph.
 
Zero Point Fill
This type of differential fill can be used in line graphs and in scrolling chart displays as shown below.   The zero reference point is useful for showing direction of change, for example in Temperature warming/cooling and Skin Conductance response displays.
 

 
Rainbow Fill

 
Especially effective in Temperature and Skin Conductance displays, Rainbow Fill graphs provide incremental color rewards.
 
 
 
 
Specialty Fill Graphs
The following are special purpose fill graphs developed for particular modalities. These displays are discussed in the sections below devoted to displays, settings and parameters specific to each modality.
 
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EMG Displays:
FFT and 3D FFT displays are discussed in the “EMG Displays” section below.
 
HR and HRV Displays:
ECG FFT,   DFT,   VLF,LF,HF  and  SDNN  displays are described in the “HR and HRV Displays” section below.
 
 
Bar Graphs
 
Standard Bar Graph
 A vertical bar graph displaying live signal values, pictured below left.
 
Threshold Bar Graph
 A standard bar graph with an adjustable threshold line, pictured below center.  Threshold adjustment instructions are the same as for line graphs with thresholds on page 21.
 
Zero Center Bar Display
Pictured to the right below, the center of the scale in this display is zero, with negative values below and positive values above.  The bar fills either up or down depending upon signal polarity.  It is used for displaying signals, such as rate of change, that can move in either positive or negative directions.
 
         
 
History Bar Display
30-sec averages are displayed in this scrolling bar graph display pictured below in the “History or Trend Displays” section.
 
Numerical Displays
These digital displays enable background monitoring of signals that are not the primary focus.

 
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History or Trend Displays
 
History Bars
This scrolling bar graph screen, with its combination of live signals and 30 second histograms, is useful for its ability to show trends over time.  As each signal completes one 30 second sweep, a bar is added to the graph showing the thirty-second average value of the signal.  We suggest that you leave the signal sweep interval at thirty seconds in order to match the bar graph update. The time interval is the same for each bar graph display so that the Faster/Slower Graph buttons change all graphs simultaneously. You can select and eliminate the signal sweep line graphs in order to provide more screen space for the history bars.  You can change the number of bars displayed using the Faster/Slower Graph buttons and can even condense the bars to view the entire session on a single screen. This screen resets when you begin recording a session.
 

 
History Graphs
Stacked Line graphs containing signal combinations moving at a sweep speed too slow for feedback, but very useful for seeing a long time interval of the session and viewing trends over time.
 
History Charts
An example of the History Chart Display is pictured in the “Scrolling Chart Displays” section in the discussion of display types above.  History Chart Displays are not meant for feedback, however they are much more useful than feedback screens for evaluating overall trends. By repeatedly clicking the Slower Graph button, you can display ever larger time segments, even the entire session, in a single display window.  Autogain is defaulted to ON for this screen. You can manually adjust individual signal magnification by clicking Autogain OFF and using the Gain Up/Down buttons. This screen resets when you begin recording a session.
 
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FEEDBACK INFORMATION GRAPHS
Data from the Signal Control Window is displayed several ways.


This is a Signal Control Bar for EEG:


Success at achieving the biofeedback response is indicated by a scroll bar.

When all criteria for a successful biofeedback response is met, the START bar turns green.
Whn the START Bar turns green, the Score or On Target Bar advances one step.
When the On Target Bar is full, it resetes an he LAPS Bar advances one step.

FEEDBACK SUCCESS GRAPHS

The success data is saved in the session file for playback.
When the graph turns green, the feedback criteria were achieved.

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EEG Displays
 
EEG Impedance Screen
This first screen is the hookup and electrode impedance screen.  The inputs to the EEG channels are shown as A+ B+ C+ and D+ for a four-channel application.  A four-channel application will have a Reference 1 and Reference 2 which will be connected as the monopolar reference.  A two-channel application will just have A+ and B+ and the references will be called A- and B-. In a two-channel application you have the option of switching between monopolar and bipolar configurations.  This impedance test screen is showing the live impedance of each electrode to ground.  In additional to the digital reading in K-Ohms there are red-yellow-green colored dots indicating: green -  under 5K, yellow - between 5 and 10K, and
red -  over 10K.  Instructional information, if provided, appears in a panel to the right with Previous and Next buttons to cycle through multiple pages. 

Some applications allow you to assign label names in this impedance screen.  In other applications you will need to click Check & Label in order to assign label names.  If the application allows, you can label the channels with the site name as you are hooking up electrodes by clicking the site on the headmap, then clicking on the white space next to the corresponding channel to the right.  After the impedances are satisfactory, click Check & Label to check raw signals and change site names if required.
 
EEG Setup
When you are satisfied with your label names and EEG waveforms, click EEG Setup.  This screen is the primary control screen for all EEG feedback.  The top display is the raw EEG waveform for one, two or four EEG channels.  Below are the EEG band and threshold control displays which will have between four and twelve functionally identical displays that can achieve very different effects depending upon how you set the adjustable features.  Most EEG protocols can be achieved by adjusting these individual bands and thresholds. 
 

 
Each EEG channel will have from two to four bands connected to it.  The bands are color-coded to match the trace color of the channel they are connected to.  They are further identified by name.  For example,  Band 2-A indicates that this trace represents the second band connected to the A channel.  This name will be used in feedback displays and in recorded data.
 
The Band ON/OFF button in the upper left corner of the band display controls whether the band is used as feedback.  If this button is toggled OFF, this band is not used for feedback and the top right color bar is grey.
 
In the three sets of  Arrow Up / Arrow Down buttons to the left, the leftmost arrows are used to specify the frequency of the bottom edge of the band (HP), the right-hand arrows are used to specify the frequency of the top edge of the band (LP), and the middle arrows move the entire band up or down by equal increments of .2 Hz.  The number in between “HP” and “LP” indicates your current setting for the band width.
 
The normal convention for setting up the bands is to use Band 1 for Reinforcement , Band 2 for Inhibit, and band 3 for artifact inhibit.  You should set up a minimum of two Inhibit bands to eliminate artifact as follows:
1.      Inhibit settings of 1-4 Hz for eyeblink and lead motion attached to a frontally located lead and
2.      Inhibit settings of 30-60 Hz for EMG attached to any site.
 
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EEG Band Threshold Overview
The two horizontal lines in the graph area are the physical positions of the EEG Band  threshold.  The threshold lines do not move.  Only the scale of the display changes.  The controls on the right side of the band are for setting threshold.  When the signal line crosses either of the threshold lines the threshold state changes.  The effect of this change is determined by the position of the THRESHOLD DIRECTION button.
 
A green color bar at the top of the controls to the right of the signal band indicates that your threshold target has been met.  Any red bar on the screen will inhibit feedback.  When all bands are within target for the length of time (step) that you specify, feedback is given.  Feedback will only occur if all bars are green or grey. 
 
If the signal has been inside the threshold lines for some time and it crosses outside either threshold line, the indicator will change state and hold state for .1 second regardless of what the signal does.  This prevents the indicator and feedback display from flickering. There is no delay when crossing the threshold in the success direction.
 
The number to the left of “SIG” indicates the amplitude of the signal in peak microvolts. The number to the left of “THR” indicates the amplitude of the target threshold.  Below this is the percentage of the time that threshold is achieved.
 
Threshold Above and Threshold Below Settings
 If the THRESHOLD DIRECTION button is toggled on to “Above Threshold”,  the signal line must extend beyond both the top and bottom threshold lines in order for the green indicator bar to show that the target threshold for this band has been met .
 
If the THRESHOLD DIRECTION button is toggled on to “Below Threshold”,  the signal line must remain within both threshold lines in order for the green indicator bar to show that the target threshold for this band has been met .
 
MAN vs. AUTO Threshold Mode
If “MAN” is selected, the up/down arrows to the right of the signal can be used to manually increase or decrease the threshold value.  You can manipulate the threshold according to the client’s signal amplitude to achieve a desired success average.
 
If AUTO is selected then the up/down arrows to the right adjust the desired success rate percentage and USE3 Physiolab adjusts the thresholds to enable the client to achieve this target success rate.  If Inhibit is selected, the success percentage needs to be set  much higher than if Reinforce is selected in order to compensate for the dropout delay.
 
Be sure that the Score/On Target Bar at the bottom of the screen is moving.  If it isn’t moving, you need to readjust the threshold controls appropriately for the client so that a reasonable success percentage is being achieved.
 
Threshold Average and Peak Average
At the bottom of the EEG setup screen two control functions called Threshold Average and Peak Average.
 
The up-down buttons to the left of the  “Thr Avg” changes the AUTO Threshold update rate.  Altering the Threshold Average changes how frequently in seconds the AUTO threshold is re-calculated. 120 seconds or more are used.
 
The up-down buttons to the left of the  “Peak Avg” label increase or decrease the averaging function (smoothing ) of all signals. 
 
Types of EEG Feedback
The EEG applications are set up to do two different types of feedback with different audio feedback and display options for each type.
 
The first is traditional threshold-driven continuous reinforcement with feedback consisting of MIDI synthesizer music, recorded voice or music WAV files, Media Player video files or music CDs.  This type of feedback is controlled using the Sound Select window described in the Audio Features section.  To control feedback you can use individual bands or you can combine all bands that are turned on into one signal (called “yoked thresholds”) by selecting “Audio All Thr Tune” or “All Bands”.  This type of continuously running feedback is turned on when all thresholds are grey or green and feedback turned off when any threshold turns red.
 
The second type of feedback is response-reward-timeout feedback with a beginning, discreet steps, and an end, which is a reward period after a fixed number of steps.  Progress is measured in rewards per minute.  Rewards consist of pictures revealed in steps or specialized AVI files that show one image frame per step.

Research by Dr. Barry Sterman indicates that learning is superior with response-reward-timeout feedback. It is now used exclusively in these applications.
 
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EEG Feedback Score Bar
The Score or On Target function is designed to provide a discreet reward (step) for holding a set of threshold conditions for an interval of time.  Examples  are: displaying a new portion of a larger picture puzzle or displaying the next picture in a sequence of pictures.  The bar to the right of the word Score at the bottom of your screen displays progress through completed steps  The number of steps represented in this bar is determined by the setting you choose in the Steps to Score drop-down box in the Score Properties window.
 
 
The Score function combines the threshold outputs from all EEG bands into a single output.  When all band indicators are either green or grey (off), indicating a threshold success state, the Score timer is started.  Feedback is provided after a time interval that you specify.  Each time feedback is provided the yellow Score bar moves one step to the right.
 
The Score function is not used for continuous running type rewards, such as cartoons.  These rewards are controlled by the Select Sound window described in the Audio Features section.
 
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Overview of Picture-Reveal Games
Each picture-reveal game screen consists of a grid of squares that can be uncovered to reveal a larger picture.  The picture is revealed in discreet steps with the final step completing the remainder of the picture.  The name of each game screen indicates the number of squares in the columns and rows of the screen grid.  Multiply the column number by the row number to determine the total number of squares in the grid.
 
Knowing the number of grid squares will help you to set an appropriate number of steps for the client to complete in order to fill one set (or image) for that screen.  For example, for picture-reveal type games the step number needs to be less than or equal to the number of grid squares. A higher step number reveals a smaller portion of each picture at each step.  A lower step number setting yields a higher reward rate because all the remaining squares are revealed on the final step.
 
In screens with fewer grid squares, more of each picture is revealed at each step.
Screens with a lower number of grid squares are appropriate for use with children, for example the 6X1 screen can be used for simple race games.  For adults, you may want to use art or travel photos with an 8X8 screen.
 
Feedback Time Settings for Games
To modify feedback parameters from the default preset values, click Score at the bottom of the screen, then the Modify Settings button  in the left toolbar.

In the Properties window you can set the number of steps to complete a screen, specify time intervals, and setup feedback sounds.
 
The top time variable, Steps to Score, is the number of success state intervals required to complete a set (fill the Score indicator bar).  An appropriate number Steps to Score is determined by the type of game being used.  Some games require a fixed number of steps to operate properly and, in many cases, the number of steps will be preset by the game.  We recommend you accept these default values.
 
The Response Time Per Step is the length of time in seconds that all thresholds must be continuously green to generate a step in the game and move one step- increment on the Score indicator bar.  The client must keep signals within threshold parameters for the interval you set in order for feedback to occur.  Response Time Per Step is normally set from .25 to .5 of a second. 
 
The Timeout Between Steps is the dead time after a step has been completed. 
The Timeout between steps is normally set from 0 to 1 second.
 
Timeout After Score is the timeout after a set has been completed.
 
Feedback Sound Settings for Games
The sounds associated with Score are selectable from pull-down lists and can be individually turned on and off for the following functions:
 
Start New Game sound occurs once only at the start of a Score set.  An example would be a game whistle.
 
Response Start sound is played any time all of the thresholds are simultaneously green with no time delay.  It indicates that the threshold conditions have been met.  This sound should be short (less than the Response Time Per Step).
Response Complete sound occurs when all of the thresholds have been held for the required time (Response Time Per Step).  This occurs at the same time that the feedback display is triggered.
 
Score sound occurs at the end of a Score set (Score Bar filled - feedback display completed)
 
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Selecting a Game Screen
The same game screens are available for single monitor display and dual screen display setups.  If you are using a single monitor, select a game screen from the drop-down menu in the top Screen Select Bar.  If you are using a two monitors  click the Dual Monitor button  to bring up the windows for selecting game screens for the second monitor, highlight your screen choice, then click Apply.

 
The Secondary Screen List contains all screens available for display on a second monitor, including game screens, bar and line graph displays, Media Player and AVI screens.  All of these same screens are available with single monitor display but the non-game screens are selected from other menus in the software.
 
Picture-Reveal Screen Types
The following screens randomly reveal one square of an image per step:
8X8 1  is a 64-square grid with the Score bar along the bottom.
8X8 2  is a 64-square grid with band output displays along the bottom showing band 1 from channels A&B as reinforcement and band 2 from channels A&B as inhibits. 
5x4 is a 20-square grid with the Score bar along the bottom.
13x4 is a 64-square grid with the Score bar along the bottom.
 
The following display screens reveal one entire picture or one square of a larger picture per step in a sequential order.  Vendors have developed specific games, such as races, to go with these screens.  Contact J&J for a game vendor list.
Games Sequential - reveals an entire image on each step.
6x1 is a 6-square grid especially suited for race games.
3x2 and 3x3 are displays in which pictures are revealed from left to right in rows.
 
EEG AVI Screen allows AVI files to be played one frame at a time. A sample AVI file is provided with the software to allow vendors to view the software  functionality for the purpose of developing and marketing games.
 
Selecting Game Images
Each screen type is designed to be used with a specific group of game pictures. 
 
All the pictures that are used for game feedback are in the GamePics folder.
The GamePics folder is already selected by default in applications that ship with the J&J software.  In the GamePics folder are sub-folders containing specific types of pictures.  You can select these subfolders by clicking the Game Windows button .   All of the subfolders with names, such as animals, travel, etc. are scenic images designed to be used with screens that reveal images randomly.
 
If you purchase games developed by other vendors for use with J&J applications you will need to click the Game Windows button and select a game picture folder provided by your vendor.  The game picture folder you choose should have the same name as the name of the Screen you select.
 
EEG Bar Displays, Peak Graphs,  Peak History Graphs
Bar Displays show peak microvolt values of individual bands.  All bar displays assume that band 1 is reinforcement, band 2 is inhibit and band 3 is artifact inhibit. 
 
There are two types of bar displays: with threshold and without threshold.  Displays with THR in the name indicate that the threshold is visible on the bar.  The threshold indicator line reflects the value of the threshold setting on the band associated with that bar.  In THR displays, the bar changes color when it crosses the threshold.
 
Peak Graphs are line graphs showing all of the bands in peak microvolts.
 
Peak History Graphs show live statistics of performance.  They show  overall success rate for the current task (the steps or reinforcements per minute called “Score Now”), the  overall score for the previous task (“Score Last”), and the peak microvolt averages for each band with markers to show task boundaries. 
 
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Recording EEG Data
To record EEG data on a continuous basis simply click the Start Task button at the bottom of your screen.  If you instead want to break the recording intervals into short segments that are sequenced automatically, first click on the Select Task button  , select the desired task(s), then click the Run Selected Task button. When you are ready to begin running your selected task(s), click Start Task.  The number to the left of Start/Running Task indicates the number of seconds the task will run unless you change it.  You can use the up/down arrows to the left of this number to increase or decrease the length of the task.  You can manually end the task at any time by clicking End Task.
The Task Averaging   button opens a window that lists the mean average for each signal and each task as it is recorded.
 
Pausing and Unpausing Feedback Screens
The Start Task/End Task buttons and Pause Task and Unpause Task  buttons have similar functionality.  Both the End Task and the Pause Task buttons pause the data recording and the feedback screen.  Both the Start Task and the Unpause Task buttons reset the feedback screen and restart recording.  But when Start Task is re-clicked, it increments to the next task (if a programmed task has been selected), while Unpause Task resumes recording of the same task.
The Pause Game button  does not effect recording.  It merely freezes the feedback screen while the underlying data recording continues.
 
In feedback screens only the Pause and Unpause Task  buttons and the Pause/Unpause Game button are visible.  This means that in dual screen mode both sets of controls will always be available, but in single monitor mode you will need to back out of the feedback screen if you want to end a task.
 
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EMG Displays
A “W” specified before a screen name in the Select Screen Bar indicates that a wide bandpass filter (20-400Hz) has been applied to EMG signals displayed in that screen. The wide bandpass filter eliminates artifact frequencies outside of the EMG range. If no “W” appears before a screen name, an additional narrow band filter (100-400 Hz) has been applied to EMG displays on that screen.  This narrow band filter eliminates heart artifact from the EMG signal.  Within the display, narrow band EMG signals will be labeled with an “N”.  For example, FFT_EMG A N or EMG-B RMS N.  The A or B refers to the input receiving the EMG signal.  Wide band EMG signals are labeled within displays with a “W” as follows: EMG-B W or EMG-A RMS W.
 
The signal is then passed through a 50 or 60 Hz notch filter to eliminate power line artifact. (For more information please see “Eliminating Electrical Line Frequency Noise” in the “Configuring the Software” section.
 
Unless the screen is labeled “Raw” or “FFT” it contains EMG RMS (Root Mean Square) signals.  Most EMG biofeedback screens display EMG RMS signals.  EMG RMS screens are defaulted to AutoOffset ON so that the Signal Up/Down buttons are disabled. This is because evaluating the signal in relation to zero is essential to EMG RMS measurements.  Moving the signal up so that the zero is no longer visible on the scale would not be desirable for this display. 
 
W-EMG Displays
The following display descriptions apply to both wide band and narrow band EMG displays.  The screen choices are identical, but a filter to eliminate heart artifact has been applied to the signals in the narrow band screens.  Wide band displays show a greater degree of muscle activity so normally you will want to use wide band displays unless the site you are monitoring is contaminated by heart muscle artifact.  Narrow electrode muscle placement and placement far from the heart will have less artifact than wide placement and electrode sites close to the heart. You can determine if heart artifact is a problem if there is an observable R-wave point in a raw EMG display and/or a rhythmic pulsing in the 100-400 Hz range of an EMG FFT display.  If heart artifact is present, use the screens without the “W” designation (the narrow bandpass screens).
 
Single Signal Displays
 
The following EMG displays contain only one signal per line graph space:
 
Raw EMG
A line graph display with vertical microvolt scale and horizontal time scale, which provides a very fast response display of raw EMG activity.  Because this display responds very fast to very small movements, it is useful for EMG activity that is fleeting or weak.  In multi-channel versions, the signals appear as parallel stacked line graphs with scales locked together so that the Signal Control Bar buttons modify all signals together. (Pictured top left in the “Check Signals” screen on page 16.)
 
RMS EMG With No Threshold
A line graph display with a single integrated EMG signal.  In multi-signal applications, each signal is displayed in its own graph with linked vertical scales in microvolts and one common horizontal scale in time units. 
 
RMS EMG With Threshold
EMG THR Down and EMG THR UP displays contain one signal and one adjustable threshold line.
 
In multi-channel displays for symmetrical muscle training, parallel line graphs, each with an RMS EMG signal and down threshold are displayed, with their amplitude and time scales linked together so that GainUp/Down and Faster/Slower Graph buttons modify all signals together. 
 
Thresholds may be adjusted individually for each signal. Autogain and Autothreshold are defaulted to ON for this display, but you can turn this feature off and manually adjust the signals. Background and fill colors may vary in different applications.
 
 
In multi-channel displays for non-symmetrical muscle training, parallel line graphs, each with an RMS EMG signal and down threshold signal are displayed as above so that the displays superficially look identical, but their amplitude and time scales are not linked so that all signal adjustments are performed independently.
 
FFT EMG
A two-dimensional fill graph on showing the frequency distribution of the EMG signal using a Fast Fourier Transform calculation.  The bottom scale represents frequency in Hz and the vertical scale represents amplitude. Useful for showing immediate frequency changes.  The display on the left shows a normal FFT signal, while the one on the right shows how effective this display is for revealing electrical line frequency signal contamination, which appears as regular 50 Hz or 60 Hz spikes within the display. (For more information, see “Artifact Detection” in your Hardware Guide.)

 
3D FFT EMG
 Same as above but shown in 3-D with a third axis representing units of time.  This display is particularly useful for highlighting even small frequency variations over time. This display is processor intensive and should be avoided if you have a slow computer.
 
EMG Bar With Threshold
In this display, an EMG signal is represented as a bar graph, with a vertical microvolt scale and a digital display of the current signal value at the bottom.  An adjustable threshold line bisects the bar.  In multi-channel displays, each channel is represented by another parallel bar graph in a different color.
 
Multiple Signal Displays
The following displays contain multiple signals within a single line graph.  These displays do not contain thresholds since it would be confusing to have multiple signals, each with its own threshold, sharing the same space. Signal, background and fill colors may vary in different screens and applications.
 
RMS EMG
A display of two EMG signals within a single line graph, color-coded to differentiate between the Input A signal and the Input B signal.
 
RMS EMG With Differential Fill
A vivid dynamic movement display of the difference in muscle activity of two different EMG sites. The color of the signal with greater muscle activity fills the area between the two signals.  Useful for evaluating/training opposing muscles or for evaluating/training symmetrical relaxation of two muscles or groups.  EMG Bottom Fill is an EMG Differential Fill display similar to the above except that the fill area of the stronger signal extends to the bottom of the display, instead of just filling the area between the two signals. 
 
EMG Pattern
Also referred to as “EMG Training”.  A display of two EMG signals with an adjustable pattern template for muscle training.  In this display, the Modify Signals button opens the Myo Parameter Box, which you can use to adjust the pattern template by entering values for Cycles per Minute, Valley-to-Peak Time, Hold-on-Peak Time, Peak-to-Valley Time, Hold-in-Valley Time.
 
EMG Display Features
The Signal Up, Signal Down and AutoOffset buttons are disabled in all EMG screens.  This is because EMG RMS displays and spectral displays are most useful with a fixed zero at the bottom of the scale, and Raw EMG displays have a fixed zero in the middle of the screen.
 
Smoothing the Signal
For display purposes you may want to smooth the signal.  The underlying data recording will not be affected.  In the EMG displays, the Modify Settings button opens the EMG Filter Dialog window.  Click on the Modify Settings button  and click on the Down/Up arrows next to the “EMG Filter” box or type a numerical value in the box. A good general purpose filtering range for EMG RMS signals is from 30-60.
 
Changing Sweep Speed
For all signals except FFT, the Faster Graph  and Slower Graph  buttons are used to increase/decrease the time span that is displayed on the screen.  For FFT displays the Faster Graph & Slower Graph buttons change the frequency span of the FFT displays.  It is recommended that you leave FFT displays at the maximum frequency scale.
 
Setting Thresholds
Please see the “Adjusting Thresholds” section.
 
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ECG, HR, and HRV Displays
 
Individual physiology may vary and some individuals may have an indistinct R-wave point in their ECG signal. The software needs to be able to detect the R-wave in order to calculate the IBI (Inter-Beat Interval) for HRV displays. If heart rate tracking appears to be unreliable, try a right ankle, left wrist placement with either gel-free or disposable electrodes instead of wrist-to-wrist placement.
 
RAW ECG 
Pictured to the left below, Raw ECG is a broadband signal display of electrical activity between the two electrodes, which includes the ECG waveform plus EMG activity at the electrode sites. The only purpose of this signal is to help you evaluate the quality of the ECG signal and the amount of artifact present in the signal.  This display is not used for feedback. If you get an unexpected reading on an HRV display, you can use the raw ECG signal to evaluate whether the anomaly is due to EMG artifact, indistinct R-wave, or missing or premature beats. 

 
ECG FFT
Not intended for feedback, this display is present on the Check Signals screen of HRV Breathing applications in order to evaluate electrical line frequency artifact, which appears as regular spikes at 50 or 60 Hz as shown below along with a contaminated Raw ECG signal display to the left. Please compare these with the uncontaminated Raw ECG and ECG FFT displays pictured above. (For more information on signal artifact, see “Checking For Good Signal Data” in the “Overview of the Software Interface” section and “Artifact Detection” in your Hardware Guide)
 

 
HR
The Heart Rate signal reflects beats per minute and is recalculated and updated in the display on each beat.  No averaging is performed. This produces a heart rate waveform display which is a good graphical representation of HRV (Heart Rate Variability).  This signal is used in line graph displays along with the Respiration waveform so that the impact of correct breathing on HRV can be easily observed as (1.) increases in variability in the HR waveform and in (2.) increased synchrony between the HR and Respiration waveforms.  (Examples are pictured in the HR+Resp1+Resp2 display in the “Overview of Screens and Displays” and under “Breathing Pattern” in the discussion “Respiration Displays” above)  The Breathing Pattern screen has a unique way of displaying HR that differs from the standard graph display. When a new heartbeat occurs, its value in beats per minute is plotted as a square dot and a line is drawn from each previous beat to each new beat, producing a graphing point display.
The Heart Rate signal is also found in bar displays (Pictured in the second Check Signals screen example in the “Overview of Screens and Displays” section) and in digital displays (Pictured under “Numerical Displays” above).
 
HRV_30
This is a display of heart rate variability averaged over 30 seconds.  The software measures the minimum and maximum heart rate values for 30 seconds, then averages the difference of these values and displays them in a line graph. HRV_30 is a good graphical display of increasing or decreasing HRV trends.
 
 DFT
The DFT (Discrete Frequency Transform) display is a spectral display for HR with a horizontal scale of 0 -.4 Hz.  All the peaks at different frequencies in this display represent the power of different rhythms present in the inter-beat interval (IBI) measurement.  The calculation always includes a fixed number of beats, either 64 or 128 beats depending upon the application, recalculated as each new IBI measurement is received.  For example, in a subject with a breathing rate of 6 breaths per minute (equaling one breath per 10 seconds =  .1 cycles per second = .1 Hz) a cyclic variation of heart rate every ten seconds would occur.  This would result in a peak in the DFT display in the green area at .1 Hz on the scale.

 
The bands of color in the DFT display represent the frequency ranges of the Very Low Frequency (VLF), Low Frequency (LF), and High Frequency (HF) signals as follows:
VLF= 0 - .05 Hz
LF = .05 - .15 Hz
HF = .15 - .4 Hz
The total power of all frequencies is related to autonomic balance ( for example, people suffering from depression tend to have lower total power).  VLF is thought to be influenced primarily by the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) with slight Parasympathetic, or Vagal, influence. The VLF value rises when people are intellectually engaged in activities such as thinking, worrying, or self-criticizing.  LF seems to be related to both SNS and Vagal activity associated with barorecepter regulation. The goal of breathing training is to achieve a peak in the .08 to .12 range of the LF band, allowing for variation in the breathing rate of the individual.  This peak indicates increased Vagal tone.  Respiration is a major influence over HF activity. Decreasing the breath rate causes this value to go down, while values of 10-24 breaths per minute cause the HF value to go up.
 
VLF,LF,HF
 
The values for each of these signals, which represent the summation of power in a particular band,  are displayed at the top of each DFT display (shown above) and are also used in line graph displays (shown below), bar graph displays (left)and digital number displays.
 

 
 
Respiration Displays
 
Respiration Line Graph
The respiration waveform displayed in a line graph has a 0-1000 scale used to depict the relative stretch of the respiration sensor belt. This signal may be displayed within in the following display formats:
1.      A single respiration waveform may appear in a single line graph
2.      Multiple respiration signals may appear in a single line graph (See  HR+Resp1+Resp2 display pictured and described in the “Overview of Screens and Displays” section above)
3.      Multiple respiration signals may appear separately in stacked line graphs (See Resp1+Resp2 display pictured within the second example Check Signals Screen and described in the “Overview of Screens and Displays” section above)
4.      A respiration signal may appear in combination with other types of signals as in the Breathing Pattern display below.
 
For those who prefer to do breathing training without a pacer, a  respiration  display is a good choice. 
 
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Breathing Pattern
Three different signals are displayed on this screen – a blue/orange breathing pacer, an aqua  respiration wave form, and a red heart rate variability wave form. 
The effect of correct breathing can be easily observed as an increase in heart rate variability and an increase in synchrony between the HR waveform and the Respiration signal.  The HR signal can be hidden with the Show/Hide button if just the pacer and Respiration signal are desired.
 

 
Adjusting the Breathing Pacer
 
To adjust the breathing pacer, click on the small green box near the top of your screen next to the word “Pattern”.  The white dot that appears indicates that the breathing pattern signal has been selected.  The buttons in the left hand signal control bar are used to modify all signals on all screens.  By selecting “Pattern” you have assigned the signal control bar to the breathing pattern signal so that you can modify it.  Click on the Modify Settings button    
In the Breath Parameter box, adjust the target breath rate and inhalation time.  These are expressed as percentages of the total breath time, with the sum of inhale time, inhale hold, exhale time and exhale hold equal to 100%.  By adjusting the inhale time the exhale time automatically adjusts, and adjusting the exhale time automatically alters the inhale time.  Also notice the changes in the wave form.  Click on the small x in the upper right hand corner of the Breath Parameter window to close it.
 
BPM Bar Graph
Physiolab detects the completed respiration cycle, re-calculates the BPM (Breaths Per Minute) each cycle and displays the result as a vertical bar graph.
 
BPM Numerical Display
Physiolab includes BPM as a digital value in Numerical Displays on screens where is may be of value but is not the main signal of interest.
 


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Skin Conductance and Skin Resistance Displays
Skin conductance is more commonly used to record data and display baseline information.  Skin Resistance is a more sensitive measure of small changes in arousal which enables more effective visual displays.  In the Sensor Test screen, Skin Resistance is used to test signal quality because it is a more sensitive measurement and because it is the signal directly measured by the instrument.  Skin Conductance is a mathematically derived value.
 
The scale for all Skin Resistance signals is in KOhms.  For Skin Conductance displays the scale is in MicroMhos.
 
In applications with EMG/ECG/EEG impedance testing, bouncing of the SR (Skin Resistance) Bar Graph is due to interference from the impedance testing function. This does not effect your ability to evaluate the signal quality based upon its bar graph color and this interference is not present in any of the feedback screens (because impedance testing is only a function of the Sensor Test Screen).  In applications without EMG/ECG/EEG signals, no impedance testing takes place.  For more information about the Sensor Test Screen, please see “Ensuring a Good Connection” in the “Overview of the Software Interface” Section.
 
The Check Signals screen displays all signals available in the application and currently being received. As in the Sensor Test screen, the Skin Resistance signal is also used in this screen. For more information about the Check Signals screen, please see “Checking for Good Signal Data” on page 5.
 
SR Graph
A line graph display with the Skin Resistance signal scrolling from left. In multiple signal applications, the SR Graph display is a stacked line graph, with one graph for each signal, with a common horizontal time scale and vertical scales in KOhms locked so that all signals are adjusted together.
 
Dual SR Graph
A single line graph with two Skin Resistance signals sharing the space. Signal controls adjust both signals together.
 
SR Bar
A vertical bar display with a Skin Resistance signal and an adjustable threshold line.  If the SR signal is too sensitive (large swings up and down), click AutoGain OFF and click the Gain Down button repeatedly until an acceptable range is achieved.
 
SC and SR Scroll
Scrolling chart displays of Skin Conductance are available combined with chart displays of Temperature or Skin Resistance values.
 
SCR Scroll
SCR (Skin Conductance Response) is the degree of change in the Skin
Conductance signal measured in MicroMhos per second.  Currently implemented in the software as a stacked scrolling chart display, along with charts of Skin Conductance values.
 
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Temperature Displays
Temperature can be represented in the following display formats discussed under “Display Types”: line graph, rainbow fill graph, scrolling chart, bar graph, scrolling history bar, and numerical display formats.  Specific examples are described below.
 
Fahrenheit-Centigrade Button
The toggle button   switches the display units between Fahrenheit and Centigrade.  The setting you are using when you exit a session is saved until you manually change it. 
TEMP Graph
A line graph display with a Temperature signal scrolling from left. In multiple signal applications, stacked line graphs, one for each signal, with a common horizontal time scale and vertical scales in degrees Fahrenheit locked so that all signals are adjusted together.
Dual TEMP Graph
A single line graph with two Temperature signals sharing the space. Signal controls adjust both signals together.
Dual Temp Scroll
A stacked chart display with a single temperature signal which scrolls to the left in each chart. Locked  vertical scales in degrees Fahrenheit and a common horizontal time scale. 
TEMP Bar
A vertical bar display with an adjustable threshold line.  Clicking the Zoom button to fill an entire screen with this display provides a simple effective feedback screen.  For threshold instructions, please see “Adjusting Thresholds” on pg. 21.
TEMP Numerical Display
A numerical digital value for Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit may be displayed in screens for which Temperature is not the modality of focus, but may be useful to monitor as an auxiliary measurement. For an example, see “Numerical Displays” in the Display Types” Section.

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Audio Features
There are two audio icons in the left control bar. The Sound ON/OFF button  toggles the speakers on and off.  IMPORTANT: This button must be ON in order for audio and video features to work. 
The Select Sound button  brings up the Sound and Game Control window. 
This window is used to set up three types of media feedback:
1.      the computer music synthesizer which generates audio pitches that change with the signal,
2.      pre-recorded audio files of spoken words or sound effects that are triggered when signal thresholds are crossed,
3.      pausing and unpausing Windows Media player audio-visual displays when thresholds are crossed. 
 
You may have up to three signals with audio feedback simultaneously functioning, each with a different type of media feedback. It is not possible to simultaneously run the same TYPE of media feedback on more than one signal in a display.  For example, you may have one signal with audio file feedback, one signal with synthesizer feedback and one signal with Media Player feedback, BUT NOT three signals all with simultaneous Media Player feedback.  IMPORTANT: If you set up Media Player for more than one signal in the Sound and Game Control window, Media Player will not work.
 
The top box displays the list of signals for which audio is available in the current display screen.  To enable sound for a particular signal, click on the empty check box next to the signal name. A checkmark will appear to indicate that sound is enabled for that signal. To disable sound for a particular signal, click on the check box to remove the checkmark next to that signal name.  A checkmark simply turns the sound on or off; it does not affect signal settings. 
Audio feedback must be set up separately for each signal.  To modify settings for a particular signal, click on that signal name to highlight it.  Click on the left-hand Event Control drop-down box.  Select ABOVE or BELOW threshold depending upon whether you wish audio feedback to sound when the signal crosses above or below the threshold line.  (NOTE: Some signals, such as EEG bands or a combination of skin resistance and temperature, have multiple thresholds yoked together so that together they are considered to be a single logical threshold. When all thresholds are simultaneously satisfied, audio-visual feedback is triggered.  For these displays you will select the name of the yoked threshold instead of ABOVE or BELOW.)
After selecting your threshold choice, click on one of the following three buttons: Voice and Music Files, Music Synthesizer or Media Player. For further instructions go to the section below which matches the button you have selected. (To change the signal threshold see the instructions for the Threshold button in the previous Modifying Signals section.)
 
Setting Up Music Synthesizer Audio Feedback

The Sound drop-down list displays all available built-in musical instrument sounds. These have a pitch scale similar to a piano keyboard.
The numbers in the Lowest/Highest Pitch boxes represent notes on the musical scale.  The usable range is approximately 20 for the lowest pitch to 100 for the highest pitch. The most audible and pleasant range will vary for each instrument. Each instrument has its own preset values, but you may wish to experiment and modify these to find a desirable range for each instrument. 
 
The current note played always represents the difference between two signal values -  the current signal value and one of three reference values listed below:
(1) the signal value at the point when you clicked “Adjust Reference”, or
(2) the scale value at the                                                                                                bottom of the display, or
      (3) the threshold value.
 
You can anchor the scale to either the “Fixed Signal Value”, the “Edge of Display” or the “Threshold Value” by clicking the small circle in front of your choice.  A dot will indicate your selection.
 
The Set Reference Pitch slider changes the value of the reference note (displayed in the small box to the right). The slider is only moveable between the values specified in the Lowest Pitch and Highest Pitch boxes.  The reference pitch is the note that will be played when the current signal value equals the selected reference value.  Musical pitches will go up or down from this reference pitch to the highest or lowest values specified in the Lowest Pitch and Highest Pitch boxes. 
 
The Fixed Signal Value is the signal value at the point when you click the “Adjust Reference” button. If Fixed Signal Value is selected, the reference pitch note will be re-set to the current signal value whenever you re-click the Adjust Reference button. The number in the box to the left of the Adjust Reference button is the value of the reference pitch note.  The number in the box to the right is the value of the current note.
 
If Edge of Display is selected, the reference pitch is anchored to the scale value at the bottom edge of the display, with musical pitches becoming higher from that point.
 
If Threshold Value is selected, the reference pitch (set with the slider) is anchored to the threshold so that the musical pitch goes up as the signal rises above the threshold and down as the signal falls below the threshold (unless Invert Pitch is selected).
 
Normally, if the signal goes up, the musical pitch goes up. Checking Invert Pitch causes the opposite: the musical pitch becomes higher as the signal values become lower and the musical pitch goes down as signal values go up.  With Invert Pitch selected the reference pitch should be set to a higher number.
 
The Signal Change Per Note Step value determines the number of units of change on the signal scale required to produce the next pitch.
 
The Delay Next Note value determines the time in seconds that must pass before the next note is played.
 
The length of the note is dependent upon the musical instrument selected and is a fixed value that cannot be changed.
 
If Repeat Note is checked, the same pitch will be repeated when there is no signal change greater than the Signal Change Per Note Step interval.  If unchecked, the signal must change the amount specified in the Signal Change Per Note Step box before the next note will be played.
 
If Don’t Skip Note is selected, each pitch in the musical scale will be played with the time interval delay specified in the “Delay Next Note” box between each note.  This provides a gradual, musically pleasing transition between pitches, but can cause the pitch to lag behind the signal during sudden large signal changes.
 
Setting Up Pre-Recorded Audio File Feedback
USE3 comes with a wide selection of WAV files with pre-recorded voice feedback and sound effects.  A WAV file is triggered when a threshold is crossed. The entire 1-3 second file is played.  If threshold is maintained, then next WAV file will play after your chosen delay time.
To set up audio file feedback, first enable (check) the signal you wish to set up, click on the signal name to highlight it, and make your threshold choice in the drop down box.  Then click the Voice and Music Files button.
Click the Folder button above.  Double-click the Sounds folder.  Click on a sound collection folder to select it, then click OK. 
 
You may choose to play all of the files in the folder in order, play all of the files randomly, or you may choose to play just one file from the folder.  Click the small circle in front of “Play All in Order”, “Play All Random” or “Play Selected” to indicate your choice.
If you choose “Play Selected”, you must click the drop-down box under Select Voice or Music Files and click on a specific file name. 
 
Setting Up Windows Media Player Feedback
To set up Media Player feedback, first enable (check) the signal you wish to set up, click on the signal name to highlight it, and make your threshold choice in the drop down box.  Then click the Media Player button and close the window.
If you are running single display mode, Media Player will be minimized in the task bar. It may not be visible until the connected signal crosses the threshold. Click on Media Player in the task bar to bring up the Media Player window.  If you are running dual display mode, next click the Select Second Screen Icon, then highlight media player in the Screen list and click Apply. 
Next click Open at the top of the Media Player window.  The top drop-down box in the “Open”  window defaults to the Physiolab Media Player folder.   Click on a file name to select it , then click Open.  You can add your own audio and video files to the C:\Program Files\J&J Engineering\Physiolab\Media Player folder or you can use the top drop-down arrow box in the Open window to browse to the location of any audio or video file that you wish to play either on your hard drive or on a CD in your CD-ROM drive.  Music files are normally stored in the folder My Documents\My Music.  In the “Open” window drop-down box you may have to go up several folder levels to get to your CD-ROM drive or music file folders. 
If you are playing a music file in Media Player, the background visualization will default to the settings from the last time you used Media Player.
Media Player Troubleshooting
Changes to the Select Sound window in Physiolab may deselect the play file in Media Player.  Click Open in the Media Player window and re-select the  audio or video file.
If your Media Player window does not appear to be functioning (clicking on Open does not work to select a file OR the screen appears frozen while a file is playing), click on MBP Media Player in the bottom task bar to make sure Media Player is selected as an active window.
If Media Player is running, you are getting no sound, and the Media Player window says “Paused” in the lower left-hand corner, then check the following:

1. Make sure the Sound ON/OFF   button is pressed.
2. Open the Select Sounds window with the Select Sound button  .  Make sure that Media Player is listed as the sound type for the signal you are expecting. If not, see the section above on setting up Windows Media Player feedback.

If Media Player is running, you are getting no sound, and the Media Player window says “Playing” in the lower-left hand corner, then check the following:

1. Windows Speaker volume controls in Start>Control Panel>Sounds
2. External Speaker connections to the computer and to the power outlet

MBP Player Error Message: Go to the Microsoft website and get the Media Player version 9 update. You need to have Windows98 Second Edition with all Microsoft update downloads or a later Windows operating system (WindowsXP recommended).