| Stim2 |
Stim2 is the next
evolutionary step in stimulus presentation and experimental
design. Running within the the Windows XP (only)enviroment, Stim2
retains the functionality and timing of the original DOS-based
STIM, but with a contemporary user interface and numerous
expanded features.
Stim2 is a complete software environment for
custom stimulus and task design as well as presentation. The Stim2
system can be integrated in fMRI, MEG, and other functional
neuro-imaging applications, and is therefore a powerful part of
your functional imaging system. The software provides a familiar
menu-driven interface in which to design and present visual and
auditory stimulation paradigms.
Stim2's powerful and intuitive design
translates into a short learning curve and quick implementation.
The modules make it easy to design and execute your stimuli with
the greatest precision, and the wide array of pre-packaged
stimuli ensures fast integration into your research.
Contact sales@neuroscan.com for
upgrade information or to order the Stim2
system.
Changes from STIM:
• Runs completely in Windows (XP).
• Support for all common graphics file types, and SND or WAV
sound files.
• A reorganized interface allows easier task configuration and
eliminates redundant settings.
• Mouse and keyboard responses - as well as STIM Response Pad
responses - are sent to SCAN.
• Behavioral results files are more easily accessed and color
coded.
• HTML description regions are presented in many modules,
explaining in the software the function of the various
parameters or settings.
• A new Gentask Editor that facilitates creating, modifying
and debugging sequence files.
Gentask (Generalized Task Editor): An interface for
creating and presenting almost any type of visual, auditory, or
combined task and recording behavioral responses. Here are just
a few of the features GENTASK provides that make designing
complex tasks simple: calibration to ensure precise timing of
stimulus presentation and EP/ERP acquisition system triggering;
all common graphics file types supported; 16 bit sound support
(Neuroscan SND and WAV file types); present pictures and sounds
in the same task, even simultaneously; display pictures for as
little as two screen refreshes; flip between pictures with
virtually no delay; plus many more too numerous to name. Gentask
has been used for a variety of experiments including auditory
N400, MMN, CNV, picture memory, and many more. A new Gentask
Editor makes creating, modifying and debugging sequences files
much easier. Many sequence files created in STIM will play
correctly in Stim2. In some cases, you may need to
make minor modifications to allow for some programming changes.
Motor Tasks
Tap: A motor performance task modeled after the finger
tapping test commonly employed in neuropsychological assessment.
Track: A visual tracking task useful in measuring
visual-motor tracking ability. Precise triggering is provided
for neurophysiological recording systems such as SCAN.
Perceptual Tasks
Contrast: A unique interface for performing contrast
reversal stimulation with evoked potential recording systems
such as SCAN. CONTRAST features a simultaneous fixation task to
ensure foveation, repositioning of pattern relative to fixation,
vertical/horizontal bars, radial patterns and gradients,
selective masking, and task suspension during inattentive
periods.
Naming: A flexible interface for presenting visual
stimuli and recording verbal responses. NAME allows you to
configure tasks with almost any visual stimuli (including text
and pictures), digitally record verbal responses, and score
responses for both accuracy and latency. Precise triggering is
also provided for neurophysiological recording systems such as
SCAN.
Stroop: A version of the Stroop neuropsychological test
modified for evoked potential recordings.
Attentional Tasks
Cued: A visual cued attention switching task. CUED
provides central “arrow” and peripheral “highlighted
box” cues and is commonly used as an index of ability to
release and reorient visual attention. Triggering is provided
for external devices such as SCAN ER/ERP system.
CONCPT: A “go/no-go” visual continuous performance
task in which the subject’s response to the target should be
contingent upon the appearance of a cue stimulus. CONCPT also
provides triggering for evoked potential recording systems.
VISCPT: A visual continuous performance task widely used
in the assessment of sustained attention. VISCPT provides
precise triggering for evoked potential recording systems such
as SCAN and is an appropriate interface for visual P300 and
related experiments.
AUDCPT: an auditory continuous performance task. AUDCPT
provides an interface similar to VISCPT, wherein you assign
probabilities to up to 10 different auditory events. Provides
precise triggering for evoked potential recordings and is
perfect for P300 and MMN experiments.
Memory Tasks
Spatial Memory: A battery designed to assess static and
sequential visual spatial memory.
VLT (Verbal Learning Task): A flexible interface for
presenting a variety of verbal learning, verbal memory, and
other language paradigms. VLT provides precise triggering for
ERP systems and is well suited to N400 and other
language-related ERPs.
SPR (Serial Probe Recognition): A visual memory task that
can be used in a variety of experiments in which serial position
effects are of interest. SPR can be used with provided
“normed” pictures or your own. SPR provides precise
triggering for ERP systems and is well suited to Sternberg
memory scanning experiments.
Cognitive Tasks
Card Sorting: Similar to the card sorting test used in
neuropsychological batteries, CARDSORT is widely used in
behavioral and imaging research studies on concept formation.
Categories: CATEGORY is similar to the widely used
neuropsychological test, and is useful as an activation task in
imaging studies or as a behavioral measure of problem solving
ability.
Utilities
Sound Editor: A program for recording, editing, and
presenting digital sound segments. The Sound Editor has
programmable attenuation in .75 dB steps, a dynamic range from 0
to 130 dB, 16 bit CD quality digital sampling, customizable
digital filtering, mono or stereo processing, and a variety of
windowing options. Sounds can be synthesized (i.e. pure tone,
noise, click) or digitally sampled from a microphone or line
input. Precise triggering is also provided for external devices
such as SCAN EP/ERP system. The module is commonly used to
present click stimuli for ABR or BAER recording, and to create
sound files used in other Stim2 modules.
Image Converter: Stim2 will present the
commonly encountered types of graphics files (BMP, JPG, PNG,
TIF, etc.). However, should you have files that cannot be
displayed, the Image Converter may be used to convert them to a
form that can be presented.
The Stim2 Audio System and
Response Interface
Each Stim2 Complete system is provided with
precision hardware for recording sounds from a microphone or
line input with 16 bit A/D conversion, playing back mono or
stereo sounds at SPL calibrated levels (HL also possible),
recording manual responses with push buttons or optional
finger-lift LED photocells, recording verbal responses with
millisecond accuracy, and measuring reaction time with an
independent clock in case stimulus and response occur
simultaneously. Other features of the STIM Audio System include
anti-aliasing filters, audiometric quality insert earphones,
independent left and right channel gain levels, and more. |
| Specifications: |
- TIMING & ACCURACY SPECIFICATIONS
-
- AUDIO
- Stimulus onset to trigger pulse below 220µs* allowing
acquisition of Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
-
- VIDEO TIMING
- Stimulus onset duration limited to two refresh cycles. For
example, a 100Hz refresh rate will generate minimum stimulus
duration = 20ms
-
- Trigger to video onset reliability ± 100µs
|
| Configuration: |
There are two versions of Stim2:
Stim2 Complete, which uses the existing STIM
hardware, and a Software Only version that uses the
hardware in the computer. The Complete system includes the
4-button STIM Response Pad, software/hardware control of the
decibel levels (precise dB levels), and the STIM microphone.
Keyboard and mouse responses are available with both systems;
the STIM Response Pad provides the most accurately timed
responses. The Software Only version may be adequate for some
situations; however, the Complete system is generally preferred.
It has additional flexibility and control, and it is likely that
long range development will favor the Complete system.
Stim2 interfaces seamlessly with SCAN and any
of our amplifiers: SynAmps, SynAmps2, or NuAmps. |
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+ 55 11 3662-0762
+ 55 11 3825-7311
