Headphone-type EEG acquisition device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a headphone-type EEG acquisition device that does not require the application of conductive paste and adopts a headphone-like shape and an adjustable bracket. It is ready for use and supports mobile work, thereby greatly improving the portability of the device and effectively broadening the application scenarios of EEG measurement. In addition, the EEG acquisition device of the present invention also has signal processing (including amplification and filtering), A / D conversion and Bluetooth communication functions, and is compatible with a variety of EEG electrodes (including wet electrodes, dry electrodes, semi-dry electrodes and capacitive electrodes, etc.). The EEG device is suitable for measuring EEG data under most non-violent movements, avoiding the limitation that traditional EEG measurements need to be carried out in a laboratory.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of medical device design, and in particular relates to an earphone-type electroencephalogram (EEG) acquisition device. Background Art

[0002] EEG waves reflect the sum of the electrophysiological activity of brain nerve cells, and EEG monitoring is widely involved in clinical practice. However, the wet electrodes used in traditional EEG caps (such as the Chinese patented technology with publication number CN218075019U) require a coating of conductive paste, which is very cumbersome when using multi-channel electrodes. Furthermore, most wet electrode EEG caps use a bulky wired design, which greatly limits the implementation scenarios of EEG monitoring. Furthermore, during long-term EEG monitoring, the conductive paste gradually dehydrates, which leads to a rapid decline in signal quality and increases the difficulty of later EEG signal analysis.

[0003] In recent years, capacitive dry electrodes have developed rapidly. These electrodes do not require the application of conductive paste and can effectively avoid direct contact with the scalp. Different from the design concept of traditional wet electrodes, the capacitive dry electrodes proposed in the Chinese patent application with publication number CN114343652A use infinite coupling impedance to ensure signal quality, thereby having a good inhibitory effect on artifacts caused by movement; through improved design, the capacitive dry electrodes proposed in the Chinese patent application with publication number CN213722033U have gotten rid of the bulky wired design. Therefore, these new electrodes have significant advantages over traditional wet electrodes, both in terms of portability and the duration of measurement. In addition, combined with the mobile power design, the EEG cap can also have its own signal processing (including amplification and filtering), A / D conversion and Bluetooth communication functions, thereby improving the quality of the original EEG signal and reducing the difficulty of later analysis of EEG.

[0004] In summary, the development of a new EEG cap based on capacitive dry electrode design enables portable and mobile collection of EEG signals, which can significantly broaden the application scenarios of EEG measurement and improve the quality of EEG data. Therefore, it has important scientific research significance and great commercial value. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, the present invention provides an earphone-type EEG acquisition device, which uses a new capacitive dry electrode and adopts an earphone-like form and an adjustable bracket. It is ready for use and is suitable for EEG data measurement under most non-violent movements, avoiding the limitation that traditional EEG measurements need to be carried out in a laboratory.

[0006] A headphone-type EEG acquisition device is used to measure EEG, which includes two left and right support bodies, an L-shaped support structure, a U-shaped frame, an adjustable EEG frame, EEG electrodes and a circuit system. The two support bodies are earmuff-type structures and are connected by the U-shaped frame. The circuit system is arranged in the support body. One end of the L-shaped support structure is fixed to the right support body, and the other end is connected to the adjustable EEG frame so that it can be laterally translated on the L-shaped support structure. The EEG electrodes are arranged in the adjustable EEG frame and connected to the circuit system.

[0007] Furthermore, the adjustable EEG stand includes a square sliding frame, a support spring and an electrode disc, wherein the square sliding frame is arranged at the other end of the L-shaped support structure and can be laterally translated on the L-shaped support structure within a certain range. The EEG electrode is placed on the electrode disc, and the electrode disc is arranged on the square sliding frame through the support spring and is aligned with the user's forehead.

[0008] Furthermore, the EEG electrodes may be wet electrodes, semi-dry electrodes, capacitive dry electrodes, etc.

[0009] Furthermore, a π-shaped slot is provided inside the L-shaped support structure, and the slot is used to accommodate connection wiring between the EEG electrodes and the circuit system.

[0010] Furthermore, a sponge body is provided on the U-shaped skeleton, and the support body adopts a multi-layer PCB design and is provided with a sponge earmuff on the inner side, which can provide support for the device while ensuring that it fits the top of the head and the ears; a reference electrode and a ground electrode are provided in the sponge earmuff of the right support body.

[0011] Furthermore, the support body is provided with four grooves, which cooperate with the column feet on the sponge earmuffs to make the sponge earmuffs detachable and replaceable; the grooves of the right support body and their corresponding column feet use metal interfaces, which can connect the reference electrode and the ground electrode to the circuit system when connected, further improving the signal quality.

[0012] Furthermore, the circuit system includes an amplifying and filtering circuit, an A / D converter, a main processor (single-chip microcomputer), a Bluetooth module, a lithium battery and its power management circuit, wherein the amplifying and filtering circuit and the A / D converter are arranged in the right support body, and the main processor, the Bluetooth module, the lithium battery and its power management circuit are arranged in the left support body. The two circuits are connected through the wiring in the U-shaped skeleton. The U-shaped skeleton is divided into two wirings, one is the power wiring and the other is the signal wiring, to ensure that they do not interfere with each other.

[0013] Furthermore, a type-C interface is provided on the left support body, which can realize lithium battery charging and serial communication.

[0014] The EEG acquisition device of this invention adopts a headphone-like design, which improves wearer comfort and facilitates long-term, high-quality EEG detection. The front end of the right support body has an L-shaped support structure, which uses a spring-loaded clamp to ensure that the device rests against the subject's forehead during use. This front spring-loaded clamp can also be translated laterally to accommodate detection needs in various scenarios. The EEG electrodes are connected to the circuitry within the ear support body through the L-shaped support structure.

[0015] The EEG acquisition device of the present invention is designed in combination with a mobile power supply, and has its own signal processing (including amplification and filtering), A / D conversion and Bluetooth communication functions to improve the quality of the original EEG signal. The circuit adopts an integrated design of amplification and filtering to reduce the use of electrical components. The present invention can independently complete EEG acquisition and storage through the storage unit in the single-chip microcomputer. With the support of subsequent algorithms, it can effectively improve the quality of EEG signals, and is particularly suitable for solving problems such as fatigue and sleep that require long-term EEG monitoring. The present invention can also send EEG data to a mobile phone through a Bluetooth module, and monitor the EEG signal online at the mobile terminal. A USB type-C interface is also retained in the design to facilitate data transmission and post-processing.

[0016] The EEG acquisition device designed by the present invention does not require the application of conductive paste, and adopts an earphone-like form factor and an adjustable bracket, which is ready for use and supports mobile work. Therefore, the portability of the device is greatly improved, and the application scenarios of EEG measurement are effectively broadened. In addition, the EEG acquisition device of the present invention also has signal processing (including amplification and filtering), A / D conversion and Bluetooth communication functions, and is compatible with a variety of EEG electrodes (including wet electrodes, dry electrodes, semi-dry electrodes and capacitive electrodes, etc.). This EEG device is suitable for measuring EEG data under most non-violent movements, avoiding the limitation that traditional EEG measurements need to be carried out in a laboratory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the headphone-type EEG acquisition device of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the connection interface between the ear support body and the sponge earmuff.

[0019] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustable EEG stand.

[0020] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the assembly of the adjustable EEG stand and the L-shaped support structure.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the type-C interface of the headphone-type EEG acquisition device of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of wearing the headphone-type EEG acquisition device of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a communication diagram of the intelligent terminal of the headphone-type EEG acquisition device of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit system structure of the headphone-type EEG acquisition device of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a circuit structure diagram of the preprocessing circuit in the circuit system.

[0026] In the figure: 1—square sliding frame, 2—support spring, 3—electrode disk, 4—L-shaped support structure, 5—sponge body, 6—U-shaped connecting frame, 7—left support body, 8—left sponge earcup, 9—ground electrode, 10—reference electrode, 11—right support body, 12—right sponge earcup, 13—groove, 14—connecting column, 15—auxiliary axis, 16—π-shaped inner groove, 17—support connector, 18—type-C interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to describe the present invention more specifically, the technical solution of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] The headphone-type EEG acquisition device of the present invention adopts a headphone-like design, which improves the comfort of wearing the EEG cap, which will facilitate long-term, high-quality EEG detection.

[0029] There is an L-shaped support structure at the front end of the right earmuff-type support body. This structure uses a spring compression device to ensure that the device can be pressed against the subject's forehead when in use. At the same time, the front spring compression device can also be translated laterally to adapt to the detection needs in various scenarios; the EEG electrodes can be routed through the inner groove of the L-shaped support structure and connected to the circuit inside the ear support body.

[0030] The EEG electrodes are placed in the adjustable EEG stand. Considering the versatility and scalability of the device, various forms of EEG electrodes can also be placed in this EEG stand, such as wet electrodes, semi-dry electrodes, capacitive dry electrodes, etc.

[0031] The circuit system is placed in two earmuff-type support bodies, of which the circuit amplification, filtering and analog-to-digital conversion circuits are placed in the right earmuff-type support body, and the lithium battery (mobile power supply), power management circuit and single-chip microcomputer (used to drive the digital-to-analog conversion circuit and Bluetooth module) are placed in the left earmuff-type support body; there are sponge earmuffs on the inside of the earmuff-type support bodies on both sides (the part close to the ear) to ensure the fit, and two electrodes are placed in the upper left corner and lower right corner of the right sponge body respectively to provide a reference electrode and a ground electrode.

[0032] The two sponge earmuffs are connected by four cylindrical feet, which can be separated from the earmuff-type support body. The right cylindrical foot (corresponding to the EEG electrode) uses a metal interface, which can connect the reference electrode and the ground electrode to the signal processing circuit when connecting to the earmuff-type support body, thereby further improving the signal quality.

[0033] The ear support structure adopts a multi-layer PCB design to improve space utilization. The upper support structure is divided into two lines: one is the power path and the other is the signal path to ensure non-interference; the circuit adopts an integrated amplification and filtering design to reduce the use of electrical components.

[0034] This invention utilizes the memory unit within the microcontroller to independently collect and store EEG data. This, coupled with subsequent algorithmic support, effectively improves EEG signal quality, making it particularly suitable for addressing issues such as fatigue and sleep that require prolonged EEG monitoring. The invention also allows for online monitoring of EEG signals by transmitting EEG data to a mobile phone via a Bluetooth module. A USB Type-C port is also included to facilitate data transmission and post-processing.

[0035] Example

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the headphone-type EEG acquisition device of the present invention includes two earmuff-type support bodies, an L-shaped support structure 4, a U-shaped connecting frame 6, an adjustable EEG frame, EEG electrodes and a circuit system; wherein the two earmuff-type support bodies are divided into a left support body 7 and a right support body 11, which are fixed at the two ears of a person; there is a spongy body 5 on the U-shaped connecting frame 6, which provides support for the EEG cap while ensuring that it fits the top of the head, reducing the supporting pressure on both ear sides; the U-shaped connecting frame 6 connects the left support body 7 and the right support body 11, which is a hollow material to ensure the current and information communication between the left and right support bodies; the L-shaped support structure 4 is connected to the right support body 11, and one side of it extends to the front of the human forehead, and the adjustable EEG frame can be installed on the L-shaped support structure 4.

[0037] The overall design of the headphone-type EEG acquisition device of the present invention refers to the mainstream head-mounted earmuff design on the market. In the actual design, the size of the earmuff-type support body is enlarged so that the circuit part can be directly placed inside the earmuff-type support body. Soft sponge earmuffs 8 and 12 are designed on both sides to ensure the comfort of wearing time. At the same time, the ground electrode 9 and the reference electrode 10 are embedded in the right sponge earmuff 12. Figure 2As shown, there are four grooves 13 and four connecting posts 14 between the earmuff-type support body and the sponge earmuff for matching fixation. The connection strength is moderate and the sponge earmuff can be replaced. In the right support body 11 and the right sponge earmuff 12, the grooves 13 and connecting posts 14 corresponding to the ground electrode 9 and the reference electrode 10 are metal conductors, and the grooves 13 are directly connected to the preprocessing amplifier circuit in the right support body, which can further improve the signal quality.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the adjustable EEG stand is composed of an electrode disc 3, a support spring 2, and a square sliding frame 1. The EEG electrodes can be equipped with wet electrodes, dry electrodes, capacitive electrodes, etc. The square sliding frame 1 can be fixed on the L-shaped support structure 4 to ensure that the required target position can be accurately measured. The present invention can place different types of EEG electrodes on the electrode disc 3 of the adjustable EEG stand. The support spring 2 can give the electrode disc 3 a force perpendicular to the forehead to ensure a close fit. The square sliding frame 1 and the L-shaped support structure 4 can be assembled together to ensure movement and adjustment within a certain range of the forehead; the auxiliary axis 15 in the spring can ensure that the contraction direction of the spring is always vertical. As Figure 4 As shown, the L-shaped support structure 4 is connected to the right support body 11 through an external support connector 17. The π-shaped inner groove 16 in the L-shaped support structure 4 provides storage space for EEG electrode connection wiring, while reducing the weight of the external support structure.

[0039] like Figure 8 As shown, the circuit system of the present invention mainly consists of three parts: the first is the EEG information preprocessing circuit, which includes functions such as acquisition, amplification, filtering, and analog-to-digital conversion; the second is the single-chip microcomputer circuit, integrated analog-to-digital conversion module power supply, digital information acquisition, temporary storage, USB serial port, Bluetooth, WiFi and other functions; the third is the power supply supporting circuit including lithium batteries and positive and negative voltage divider circuits. At the same time, the power supply supporting circuit is divided into two sets, A and B, which respectively power the preprocessing circuit and the single-chip microcomputer circuit; the single-chip microcomputer circuit and power supply supporting circuit are integrated in the left support body 7, and the preprocessing circuit is integrated in the right support body 11. In addition, the present invention uses a ground electrode 9 to calibrate the zero potential of the two power supplies. The designed circuit is packaged through a PCB, with the preprocessing circuit placed in the right support body 11 and the single-chip microcomputer circuit and power supply circuit packaged in the left support body 7. The communication is connected through the wiring of the U-shaped connecting skeleton 6 in the middle.

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown, there is a type-C interface 18 on the lower side of the left earmuff support body, which can realize lithium battery power supply and serial communication. Figure 9 As shown, the pre-processing circuit built into the right earmuff in this embodiment adopts a two-stage amplification and an integrated design of amplification and filtering circuit, which reduces the complexity of the EEG electrode pre-processing circuit.

[0041] Figure 6 The following shows a basic wearing situation of the headphone-type EEG acquisition device of the present invention. The steps for using it are as follows:

[0042] Step 1: Clean the skin around your forehead and right ear;

[0043] Step 2: Wear the EEG cap on your head, ensuring that the upper cavernous body presses against your hair and the electrodes on the front of your forehead are in close contact with your scalp.

[0044] Step 3: Turn on the power switch and turn on the mobile device. Figure 7 As shown, data communication is saved;

[0045] Step 4: Perform the required tasks or tests;

[0046] Step 5: Turn off the power.

[0047] The above description of the embodiments is intended to facilitate understanding and application of the present invention by those skilled in the art. It is apparent that those skilled in the art can readily make various modifications to the above embodiments and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without requiring creative effort. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Any improvements or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present invention should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An earphone-type EEG acquisition device for measuring EEG, characterized by: It includes two left and right support bodies, an L-shaped support structure, a U-shaped frame, an adjustable EEG frame, EEG electrodes, and a circuit system. The two support bodies are earmuff-type structures and are connected by the U-shaped frame. The circuit system is arranged in the support body. One end of the L-shaped support structure is fixed to the right support body, and the other end is connected to the adjustable EEG frame so that it can be translated laterally on the L-shaped support structure. The EEG electrodes are arranged in the adjustable EEG frame and connected to the circuit system. The adjustable EEG stand includes a square sliding frame, a support spring, and an electrode disc. The square sliding frame is arranged at the other end of the L-shaped support structure and moves laterally on the L-shaped support structure within a certain range. The EEG electrodes are placed on the electrode disc, which is arranged on the square sliding frame by the support spring and is aligned with the user's forehead. A π-shaped slot is provided inside the L-shaped support structure, which is used to accommodate the connection wiring between the EEG electrodes and the circuit system. The U-shaped frame is provided with a sponge body, and the support body adopts a multi-layer PCB design and is provided with a sponge earmuff on the inside, which can provide support for the device while ensuring that it fits the top of the head and the ear; the sponge earmuff on the right side of the support body is provided with a reference electrode and a ground electrode; The support body has four grooves, which are connected to the column feet on the sponge earmuffs, allowing the sponge earmuffs to be separated and replaced; the grooves of the right support body and their corresponding column feet use metal interfaces, which connect the reference electrode and the ground electrode to the circuit system when connected, further improving the signal quality; The circuit system includes an amplifying and filtering circuit, an A / D converter, a main processor, a Bluetooth module, a lithium battery and a power management circuit thereof, wherein the amplifying and filtering circuit and the A / D converter are arranged in the right support body, and the main processor, the Bluetooth module, the lithium battery and the power management circuit thereof are arranged in the left support body. The two circuits are connected through the wiring in the U-shaped frame. The U-shaped frame is divided into two wirings, one is the power wiring and the other is the signal wiring, to ensure that they do not interfere with each other.

2. The headphone-type EEG acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The EEG electrodes are wet electrodes, semi-dry electrodes or capacitive dry electrodes.

3. The headphone-type EEG acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left support body is provided with a type-C interface, which can be used to charge the lithium battery and perform serial communication.

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