A brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of brain-computer interfaces, and specifically to a fixed interconnection device for a brain-computer interface, comprising a headband with an interaction hole formed thereon, a mounting bracket fixedly connected to the outside of the headband, a first telescopic member and a plurality of second telescopic members provided on the side of the mounting bracket near the interaction hole, the output end of the first telescopic member fixedly connected to an electrode mounting base for mounting non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes, and the output end of the second telescopic member fixedly connected to a pressure sensor; a controller and a power supply fixedly connected to the headband, the controller being used to obtain pressure data detected by the pressure sensor, and controlling the expansion and contraction of the first telescopic member and the second telescopic member based on the pressure data, thereby adjusting the pressure value between the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes and the user's head. The technical solution of the present invention is adopted, and through a decoupling design, non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes of different manufacturers and models can be paired, thereby facilitating later upgrades to the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of brain-computer interface, and in particular to a brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device. Background Art

[0002] Research into brain-computer interface (BCI) technology originated in the 1960s, when scientists attempted to control robotic limbs by monitoring brain waves. With the development of computer technology, BCI technology has further advanced. In the 21st century, with the cross-integration of multiple disciplines, including brain science, neuroscience, and information science, BCI technology has made significant progress. Today, BCI technology has become a hot research field, attracting the attention of numerous research institutions and technology companies. BCI technology works by bypassing peripheral nerves and muscles, establishing a new communication and control channel directly between the brain and external devices. It achieves information transmission and control by capturing brain signals (such as brain waves) and converting them into electrical signals or other signals that can be recognized by external devices.

[0003] Brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies can be categorized into various types, primarily invasive and non-invasive, depending on the signal acquisition method. Invasive BCIs require the direct implantation of signal acquisition devices (such as electrodes) into the cerebral cortex to capture high-quality neural signals. Non-invasive BCIs, on the other hand, do not require implantation and instead acquire signals directly from outside the brain. Commonly used methods include scalp electroencephalography (EEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

[0004] In the prior art, for example, patent publication number CN114447725B discloses a brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device that improves the connection stability by rotating the connector, and CN109062406B discloses a brain-computer interface device that reduces the slippage during movement by using a clamping wheel. However, different users have different head shapes, and it is difficult to ensure sufficient fit when applied to users with different head shapes. In addition, the lack of standardized module design makes it impossible to interchange or be compatible between devices of different manufacturers and models. This limits the user's ability to choose different manufacturers or upgrade equipment. In addition, in terms of wearing comfort, a comprehensive consideration should be made in terms of comfort and stability. For example, after high-intensity brain use, the brain will become hot and accompanied by a feeling of swelling. This feeling of swelling is a subjective feeling. At this time, the head may not actually swell, but it is also necessary to reduce the pressure on the user's head to improve the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device, which uses a decoupled design to pair non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes of different manufacturers and models, thereby facilitating subsequent upgrades to the equipment.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device, comprising a headband, an interaction hole being formed on the headband, a mounting bracket being fixedly connected to the outside of the headband, a first telescopic member and a plurality of second telescopic members being provided on a side of the mounting bracket close to the interaction hole, the output end of the first telescopic member being fixedly connected to an electrode mounting base, the electrode mounting base being used to mount a non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode, the output end of the second telescopic member being fixedly connected to a pressure sensor, the second telescopic member being used to adjust the pressure sensor to be aligned with a contact surface of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode, the first telescopic member and the plurality of second telescopic members being used to respectively drive the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode and the pressure sensor to probe into the interaction hole;

[0007] A controller and a power supply are fixedly connected to the headband. The controller is used to obtain pressure data detected by the pressure sensor, control the expansion and contraction of the first and second telescopic parts based on the pressure data, and adjust the pressure value between the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes and the user's head.

[0008] The above scheme has the following beneficial effects:

[0009] In this solution, the user wears a headband to establish contact between the BCI and the head. The electrode mounting base is used to mount the non-invasive BCI electrodes, which are then used to detect brain signals. A pressure sensor detects the contact pressure between the non-invasive BCI electrodes and the user, thereby controlling the first and second telescopic members to ensure that the non-invasive BCI electrodes maintain a certain contact pressure.

[0010] 2. In this solution, as technology advances or product diversity increases, the core component, the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode, may be replaced during iteration, and the replaced non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode may have a new shape and thickness. After replacing the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode, since the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode is inserted into the inside of the headband from the outside, the replacement will not reduce the contact diameter of the inner ring of the headband. The pressure sensor is paired with the second telescopic part so that the pressure sensor can be aligned with the contact surface of the replaced non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode, and the contact pressure of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode is controlled by the first telescopic part and several second telescopic parts, so as to adapt to different non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode models and have the ability to be upgraded later.

[0011] Furthermore, the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes are made of flexible conductive materials, and the pressure sensor is a flexible thin film sensor.

[0012] Beneficial effects: Both the flexible conductive material and the flexible film sensor can better fit the user's head, thereby achieving a more suitable detection effect.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes several accessory mounting plates, one side of the accessory mounting plate is provided with an accessory mounting base, the other side of the accessory mounting plate is provided with several protrusions, and the headband is provided with several engaging grooves that cooperate with the protrusions.

[0014] Beneficial effects: In addition to the core component, the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode, accessories such as signal amplifiers and external EEG analysis equipment may also be involved. Therefore, the installation and upgrade of various accessories are adapted through the accessory mounting base, and a detachable connection is provided through the bumps and snap-in slots.

[0015] Furthermore, the protrusion and the engaging groove are both T-shaped.

[0016] Beneficial effect: The T-shaped protrusion and the engaging groove have a better restraining effect, thereby reducing the possibility of unstable installation or shaking of the accessory.

[0017] Furthermore, the headband is provided with a tension adjuster, which is used to change the diameter of the headband.

[0018] Beneficial effect: Different users have different head circumferences, and the elastic adjuster can adjust the diameter of the headband to adapt to users with different head circumferences.

[0019] Furthermore, the first telescopic member is used to adjust the alignment of the contact surface of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode with the inner side of the headband;

[0020] When the headband is worn, the controller adjusts the diameter of the headband and the tightness of the headband according to the pressure data detected by the pressure sensor.

[0021] Beneficial Effects: During the headband wearing phase, the contact surface of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes can be adjusted to align with the inner side of the headband, thereby detecting the tightness of the headband. In subsequent use, the headband's light weight and minimal inertia influence minimize displacement, so ensuring the appropriate contact pressure of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes is sufficient.

[0022] Furthermore, the output shaft of the second telescopic member is also fixedly connected with a temperature sensor.

[0023] Beneficial effect: Since the second telescopic member is adjusted following the first telescopic member, the temperature sensor can always monitor the temperature of the contact part of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode.

[0024] Furthermore, the controller uses the head temperature detected by the temperature sensor as an evaluation value to reflect brain fatigue, anxiety and tension, brain swelling and pathological effects. When the head temperature exceeds a preset value, the controller controls the elastic adjuster to increase the diameter of the headband, and controls the first telescopic part and several second telescopic parts to increase the pressure value between the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes and the flexible film sensor and the user's head.

[0025] Beneficial Effects: A feverish head can cause temperature sensor readings to rise. Causes of a feverish head can include excessive stress, emotional agitation, excessive fatigue, a cold, and heatstroke. Therefore, a feverish head can be used to provide feedback on the user's brain condition. In most cases, a feverish head has a negative impact, affecting the transmission of brain signals. A feverish head can also be accompanied by a feeling of brain swelling. Therefore, the headband's diameter is loosened to alleviate this feeling of swelling, and the contact pressure of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes is increased to maintain fixation and improve the acquisition of brain signals from the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes.

[0026] Furthermore, an inertial sensor is detachably connected to the mounting frame, and the controller is used to obtain the acceleration monitored by the inertial sensor. When the acceleration exceeds a preset value, the tension adjuster is controlled to reduce the diameter of the headband, and the first telescopic member and several second telescopic members are controlled to increase the pressure value between the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes and the flexible film sensor and the user's head.

[0027] Beneficial effects: Users may exercise during the brain signal acquisition process. The inertial sensor can collect acceleration data during exercise. The controller will reduce the headband diameter according to the acceleration to improve the fixation effect, thereby preventing loosening during exercise.

[0028] Furthermore, the headband includes a band body, the tension adjuster includes a box body, one end of the band body is fixedly connected to the box body, the other end of the band body extends into the box body, a motor is fixedly connected to the box body, and one end of the band body extending into the box body is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor.

[0029] Beneficial effect: The output shaft of the motor can be rotated to wind the belt body onto the output shaft of the motor, thereby controlling the length of the loop formed by the belt body and adjusting the tightness of the headband.

[0030] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 This is an axonometric diagram of an embodiment of a brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a tension adjuster of an embodiment of a brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 A side view schematic diagram of an embodiment of a brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 The brain-computer interface fixing interconnection device of the present invention Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A.

[0035] The figure marks in the drawings of the specification include: 1. headband; 2. interaction hole; 3. mounting frame; 4. first telescopic member; 5. second telescopic member; 6. electrode mounting base; 7. non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode; 8. pressure sensor; 9. accessory mounting plate; 10. accessory mounting base; 11. bump; 12. snap-fit groove; 13. tension adjuster; 14. temperature sensor; 15. motor; 16. inertial sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of the present invention. They are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] The following is further described in detail through specific implementation methods:

[0040] Example 1: As shown in the attached Figures 1-4 As shown: A brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device includes a headband 1, an interaction hole 2 is opened on the headband 1, a mounting bracket 3 is bonded and fixed to the outside of the headband 1, a first telescopic member 4 and a plurality of second telescopic members 5 are fixed by bolts on the side of the mounting bracket 3 close to the interaction hole 2, the first telescopic member 4 and the second telescopic member 5 are both miniature electric push rods, the output end of the first telescopic member 4 is fixed by bolts to an electrode mounting base 6, and the electrode mounting base 6 is used to install a non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7.

[0041] A pressure sensor 8 is bonded and fixed to the output end of the second telescopic member 5. The second telescopic member 5 is used to adjust the pressure sensor 8 to be aligned with the contact surface of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7. The first telescopic member 4 and several second telescopic members 5 are respectively used to drive the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7 and the pressure sensor 8 to probe into the interaction hole 2.

[0042] A controller and a power supply are bonded and fixed to the headband 1. The controller is used to obtain pressure data detected by the pressure sensor 8, control the expansion and contraction of the first and second expansion parts 4 and 5 based on the pressure data, and adjust the pressure value between the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7 and the user's head.

[0043] It also includes several accessory mounting plates 9, one side of the accessory mounting plate 9 is provided with an accessory mounting base 10, the other side of the accessory mounting plate 9 is provided with several protrusions 11, and the headband 1 is provided with several snap-fitting grooves 12 that cooperate with the protrusions 11, and the snap-fitting grooves 12 and the protrusions 11 are both T-shaped.

[0044] The headband 1 is equipped with a tension adjuster 13 for adjusting the diameter of the headband 1. The headband 1 includes a band body, and the tension adjuster 13 includes a box body. One end of the band body is fixedly connected to the box body, and the other end of the band body extends into the box body. A motor 15 is bolted to the box body, and the end of the band body extending into the box body is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor 15.

[0045] The first telescopic part 4 is used to adjust the contact surface of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7 to be aligned with the inner surface of the headband 1. When the headband 1 is worn, the controller relaxes the headband 1 according to the pressure data detected by the pressure sensor 8, thereby adjusting the diameter of the headband 1 and controlling the tightness of the headband 1.

[0046] The user can wear the headband 1 and use the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes 7 on the electrode mounting base 6 to collect brain signals. The non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes 7 communicate with the brain by recording the discharge of the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of neurons on the surface of the brain, responsible for the brain's perception, movement, thinking and other activities. When the neurons in the cerebral cortex are active, weak electrical signals are generated. These signals can be collected by the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes 7 and converted into control signals through signal processing technology.

[0047] Before use, the user must install the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7 on the electrode mounting base 6 and adjust the position of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7 using the first telescopic member 4 and the plurality of second telescopic members 5, so that the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7 is aligned with the inner surface of the headband 1 and the pressure sensor 8 is aligned with the contact surface of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7. After alignment, the headband 1 is put on the head. The controller automatically adjusts the diameter of the headband 1 based on the detection data of the pressure sensor 8 to ensure that the headband 1 is firmly fixed on the user's head.

[0048] During use, since the contact of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7 will affect the use effect, it is necessary to keep the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7 in contact with the user's head at all times. Therefore, during use, the pressure sensor 8 will continuously monitor the fitting pressure with the user's head and always keep it aligned with the contact surface of the brain-computer interface electrode to ensure the contact effect.

[0049] As technology advances or product diversity increases, the core component, the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7, may be replaced during iteration, and the replaced non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7 may have a new shape and thickness. After replacing the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7, since the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7 is inserted into the inside of the headband 1 from the outside, the replacement will not reduce the contact diameter of the inner circle of the headband 1. The pressure sensor 8 is paired with the second telescopic part 5 so that the pressure sensor 8 can be aligned with the contact surface of the replaced non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7, and the contact pressure of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7 is controlled by the first telescopic part 4 and several second telescopic parts 5, so as to adapt to different models of non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes 7 and have the ability to be upgraded later.

[0050] In addition to the core component, the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7, accessories such as signal amplifiers and external EEG analysis equipment may also be involved. Therefore, the accessory mounting base 10 is adapted to the installation and upgrade of various accessories, and a detachable connection is provided through the protrusion 11 and the snap-in slot 12. The protrusion 11 and the snap-in slot 12 are both T-shaped, which has a better restraining effect and reduces the possibility of unstable or shaking accessory installation.

[0051] A temperature sensor 14 is also bonded to the output shaft of the second telescopic member 5. The controller uses the head temperature detected by the temperature sensor 14 as an assessment value for brain fatigue, anxiety, tension, brain swelling, and pathological effects. When the head temperature exceeds a preset value, the controller controls the tension adjuster 13 to increase the diameter of the headband 1 and controls the first telescopic member 4 and several second telescopic members 5 to increase the pressure between the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes 7 and the flexible film sensor and the user's head.

[0052] A feverish head can cause the temperature sensor 14 to read higher. This feverish head can be caused by excessive stress, emotional agitation, excessive fatigue, a cold, or heatstroke. Therefore, a feverish head can be used to provide feedback on the user's brain condition. In most cases, a feverish head has a negative impact, affecting the propagation of brain signals. For example, neural signal amplitude decreases after brain fatigue, and emotional agitation increases the amount of detected noise.

[0053] At the same time, a hot head may be accompanied by a feeling of brain swelling. The main causes of the feeling of brain swelling are excessive mental activity, mental stress, insufficient brain rest, pathological factors, etc., which are highly similar to the causes of a hot head and often occur together.

[0054] The feeling of head swelling is subjective, and research shows that it may occur even when head circumference remains unchanged. However, loosening the diameter of the headband 1 can reduce its contribution to the feeling, thereby alleviating the sensation and improving user comfort.

[0055] In addition, due to reasons such as the decrease in the amplitude of the neural signal, the contact pressure of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7 is increased to maintain the fixation effect and improve the brain signal collection effect of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7.

[0056] An inertial sensor 16 is detachably connected to the mounting frame 3. The controller is used to obtain the acceleration monitored by the inertial sensor 16. When the acceleration exceeds a preset value, the tension adjuster 13 is controlled to reduce the diameter of the headband 1, and the first telescopic member 4 and several second telescopic members 5 are controlled to increase the pressure value between the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7 and the flexible film sensor and the user's head.

[0057] One use of brain-computer interfaces is to control mechanical limbs to perform or coordinate certain movements on behalf of the user. However, during movement, inertia can cause some drift in the contact between the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes 7 and the user's head. Therefore, an inertial sensor 16 is used to monitor whether the user is exercising and to tighten the diameter of the headband 1 to provide better contact between the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrodes 7.

[0058] Example 2: The difference from the above examples is that the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode 7 is made of flexible conductive material, and the pressure sensor 8 is a flexible thin film sensor.

[0059] Both flexible conductive materials and flexible film sensors can better fit the user's head, thereby achieving more suitable detection effects.

[0060] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for clarity of explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation methods. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other variations or modifications based on the above descriptions are possible. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all implementation methods here. Obvious variations or modifications arising therefrom remain within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a headband (1), wherein the headband (1) is provided with an interaction hole (2), a mounting frame (3) is fixedly connected to the outside of the headband (1), a first telescopic member (4) and a plurality of second telescopic members (5) are provided on a side of the mounting frame (3) close to the interaction hole (2), an output end of the first telescopic member (4) is fixedly connected to an electrode mounting base (6), the electrode mounting base (6) is used to mount a non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode (7), an output end of the second telescopic member (5) is fixedly connected to a pressure sensor (8), the second telescopic member (5) is used to adjust the contact surface of the pressure sensor (8) and the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode (7) to be aligned, and the first telescopic member (4) and the plurality of second telescopic members (5) are respectively used to drive the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode (7) and the pressure sensor (8) to penetrate into the interaction hole (2); A controller and a power supply are fixedly connected to the headband (1), and the controller is used to obtain pressure data detected by the pressure sensor (8), control the expansion and contraction of the first telescopic member (4) and the second telescopic member (5) based on the pressure data, and adjust the pressure value between the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode (7) and the user's head; The non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode (7) is made of a flexible conductive material, and the pressure sensor (8) is a flexible thin film pressure sensor; The headband (1) is provided with a tension adjuster (13), and the tension adjuster (13) is used to change the diameter of the headband (1); The output shaft of the second telescopic member (5) is also fixedly connected to a temperature sensor (14); The controller uses the head temperature detected by the temperature sensor (14) as an evaluation value for brain fatigue, anxiety and tension, brain swelling and pathological effects. When the head temperature exceeds a preset value, the controller controls the tension regulator (13) to increase the diameter of the headband (1), and controls the first telescopic member (4) and the plurality of second telescopic members (5) to increase the pressure value between the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode (7) and the flexible film pressure sensor (8) and the user's head.

2. The brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The headband (1) further comprises a plurality of accessory mounting plates (9), wherein one side of the accessory mounting plate (9) is provided with an accessory mounting base (10), the other side of the accessory mounting plate (9) is provided with a plurality of protrusions (11), and the headband (1) is provided with a plurality of engaging grooves (12) that cooperate with the protrusions (11).

3. The brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protrusion (11) is a T-shaped protrusion (11), and the engaging groove (12) is a T-shaped engaging groove (12).

4. The brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first telescopic member (4) is used to adjust the alignment of the contact surface of the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode (7) and the inner side surface of the headband (1); During the wearing stage of the headband (1), the controller adjusts and changes the diameter of the headband (1) according to pressure data detected by the pressure sensor (8), thereby adjusting the tightness of the headband (1).

5. The brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: An inertial sensor (16) is detachably connected to the mounting frame (3), and the controller is used to obtain the acceleration monitored by the inertial sensor (16). When the acceleration exceeds a preset value, the tension regulator (13) is controlled to reduce the diameter of the headband (1), and the first telescopic member (4) and the plurality of second telescopic members (5) are controlled to increase the pressure value between the non-invasive brain-computer interface electrode (7) and the flexible film pressure sensor (8) and the user's head.

6. The brain-computer interface fixed interconnection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The headband (1) includes a band body, and the tension adjuster (13) includes a box body, one end of the band body is fixedly connected to the box body, and the other end of the band body extends into the box body, a motor (15) is fixedly connected to the box body, and one end of the band body extending into the box body is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor (15).

Images