Head-mounted device

Abstract

There is described a device for positioning a sensor in an opposite area of a head, the device being characterized by comprising: a head support designed to extend at least partially around the head; a plurality of sensor caps disposed in opposite areas of the head support, each sensor cap for housing at least one sensor; and a nose support connected to the head support and configured to support the head support on a back of a nose of the head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device for positioning sensors in opposing areas of the head, a sensor cap for housing at least one sensor, a method for manufacturing the device or for manufacturing the sensor cap, and uses of the device. Background Art

[0002] In certain medical fields, placing one or more sensors on the head for non-invasive diagnostic examinations is a very practical approach. Non-invasive diagnostics allow head conditions to be diagnosed without requiring any major intervention. The type of sensor used isn't limited to a specific application; rather, it depends on the type of disease, pathology, symptoms, and diagnosis.

[0003] In conventional methods, sensors are secured to the head for diagnostic testing using a headband. This headband is elastic and can be worn around the head. Due to its elasticity and restorative force, the headband is compressed around the head's circumference, more or less securing it. The headband preferably fits snugly around the forehead, back, and opposite sides of the head above the ears.

[0004] At least two sensor caps are also provided, each with openings on opposite sides for guiding the headband through. The headband and sensor caps are configured so that the sensor caps, with their embedded sensors, are pressed between the headband and the head through the headband. This allows the sensor caps and sensors to be secured and positioned on the head.

[0005] However, such headbands have proven to be problematic for a variety of reasons.

[0006] First, it's difficult to reproducibly position the sensor cap with the sensors on the same patient's head. In the case of head injuries, it's necessary to observe the head parameters of the same patient over a relatively long period of time. To achieve this, measurements must be taken on the same patient's head at regular intervals to determine how the condition changes over time. To do this, the headband must be removed from the patient's head and re-placed multiple times for new measurements. Subsequent measurements may not successfully replicate the sensor position from the previous measurement. Inaccuracies or lack of repeatability in sensor placement can distort the measured values ​​across a measurement series and potentially lead to medical miscalculations.

[0007] Furthermore, the relative positioning of the sensors on the head has proven to be inaccurate because the position of the sensors on the headband and the position of the headband on the head can vary. This results in inaccurate relative alignment of the sensors, making it impossible to precisely set the sensor's signal field or field of view.

[0008] Secondly, the sensor cannot be effectively coupled to the head. The headband distributes contact pressure evenly around the head. This results in only a small amount of contact pressure being applied to the sensor. To couple the sensor, a higher contact pressure than usual must be applied. This is particularly disadvantageous in the event of a head injury.

[0009] Furthermore, the contact pressure described above depends on the configuration of the headband and therefore varies from one measurement to another, which is detrimental to the comparison of the measured values.

[0010] Furthermore, the use of such headgear has proven disadvantageous because the patient's head must be lifted to fit the headgear. This practice is undesirable, particularly in the setting of head injuries, as it may cause further injury and pain to the patient or interfere with life-sustaining treatments (e.g., intubation). Summary of the Invention

[0011] Based on this background, the object of the present disclosure is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, in particular to enable better non-invasive diagnostic examinations of a patient's head.

[0012] This object can be achieved by a device for placing sensors in relative areas of the head, wherein the device is characterized in that it includes: a head support, which is designed to extend at least partially around the head; sensor caps, which are arranged on relative areas of the head support, each sensor cap is used to accommodate at least one sensor; and a nose support, which is connected to the head support and is designed to support the head support on the back of the nose of the above-mentioned head.

[0013] The inventors have discovered that positioning the sensors in predetermined areas of the head and aligning the sensors with respect to each other has a significant impact on the results of the diagnostic examination.

[0014] The head bracket and its attached sensor caps determine the position of the sensors on the head. Because the sensor caps are located in opposing areas of the head bracket, the sensors in the sensor caps can be ensured to rest against opposing areas of the head and be aligned with each other.

[0015] The head support is supported on the back of the nose by a connected nose support. This allows the position of the head support and the sensor cap mounted thereon to be calibrated based on a predetermined reference point on the patient's head (i.e., the nose). Consequently, using the disclosed device, the sensor can be more accurately positioned at a predetermined location on the head.

[0016] Furthermore, because the reference point (i.e., the location of the nose) remains constant for each patient, the repeatability of the sensor's contact area on the head based on this reference point is also improved. Furthermore, the location of the reference point (i.e., the nose) on the head is very similar for different patients with similar head sizes, enabling repeatable sensor placement across patients with similar head sizes.

[0017] In addition, the inventors have also discovered that the contact pressure applied by the sensor on the head often has a significant impact on the results of the diagnostic examination.

[0018] According to the device disclosed herein, the contact pressure exerted by the sensor in the sensor cap on the head is primarily predetermined by the head mount. Because the head diameter does not vary from patient to patient and the position of the sensor on the head is reproducible, the contact pressure exerted by the sensor on the head is easily reproducible across multiple examinations of the patient's head. Furthermore, the head diameters of patients within the same category (e.g., children or adults) are at least similar, and therefore, the contact pressures exerted by different patients within the same category are also at least similar.

[0019] Furthermore, this head support has proven to be particularly effective for patients with head injuries. It can be worn from the side, eliminating the need to lift the patient's head when wearing the head support, which is particularly beneficial for patients with head injuries.

[0020] The sensor in the present disclosure can include, for example, a transmitter for outputting a signal and a detector for receiving the output signal. Based on the interaction between the signal and the head, conclusions about parameters of the head (especially inside the skull) can be drawn. In some aspects, the transmitter is located on one side of the head and the detector is located on the other side of the head to detect the signal emitted by the head. In other aspects, the transmitter and the detector can be located on one side of the head.

[0021] The disclosed device has been shown to be particularly useful in the exemplary application of non-invasive intracranial pressure measurement. To determine intracranial pressure, the sensor includes a transmitter for outputting an ultrasonic signal and a detector for receiving the output ultrasonic signal, which can be positioned at opposing regions of the head using the device. The intracranial pressure can be categorized based on the ultrasonic signal's transit time through the head.

[0022] Further preferred aspects of the device are described below.

[0023] According to a preferred aspect, the nose support is connected to the head support in an area approximately centrally between the sensor caps.

[0024] Due to this relative arrangement of the head support, the device can adapt to the anatomy of the head, allowing the sensor caps to be symmetrically arranged in opposing regions of the head. This is particularly true because the nose is located approximately in the center of the face. Since the nose support is positioned approximately in the center between the sensor caps on the head support, the head support can be positioned in a central position on the head.

[0025] According to a preferred aspect, the head support extends at least partially around the axis in a first plane perpendicular to the axis, wherein the nose support intersects the first plane, preferably intersects the first plane in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first plane.

[0026] When in use, the head support partially extends around the head and the nose support rests against the back of the nose, which arrangement enables the relative arrangement of the head support and nose support to be particularly effectively adapted to the anatomy of the head.

[0027] In some particularly preferred aspects, the nose support can extend from the head support in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane. For example, the nose support can extend in a direction substantially coaxial with the direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane.

[0028] According to these aspects, when the nose support is supported on the back of the nose, the head support extends approximately around the front area of ​​the head, preferably around the forehead area of ​​the head. Thus, the upper part of the head is free to accommodate other medical measurement equipment or invasive equipment for treating injuries.

[0029] In this way, the length of the nose support can be configured to be particularly short, thereby increasing the stability of the device, in particular the stability of the nose support.

[0030] According to a preferred aspect, the nose support has an end piece at an end opposite to the head support, wherein the end piece has a preferably generally arched recess that is generally aligned along the axis and is configured to prevent the nose support from moving relative to the back of the nose in a direction parallel to the frontal plane of the head and parallel to the first plane.

[0031] By configuring the end piece in this manner, movement of the device relative to the head is reduced, thereby improving the stability of the device's alignment on the head and, therefore, reducing the likelihood of the device's position on the head changing.

[0032] According to a preferred aspect, the length of the nose support starting from the connection with the head support is 2 cm to 7 cm, preferably about 5 cm or less.

[0033] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the length of the nasal support is measured in a direction roughly transverse to the first plane, and is between an area roughly centered between the sensor caps on the head support and an area of ​​the nasal support that needs to rest against the back of the nose during use.

[0034] The head support and the sensor cap's position on the head are predetermined, at least in part, by the length of the nasal support. The inventors have discovered that this configuration of the nasal support allows for clear imaging of the head anatomy of a wide range of patients. Consequently, for most patients, the sensor can be positioned at a predetermined location on the head.

[0035] According to a preferred aspect, the distance between the sensor cap and the nose support is 10 cm-17 cm, 11 cm-16 cm or about 13 cm.

[0036] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the distance is the distance between the sensor cap and the nose support measured along the head support.

[0037] The distance between the sensor cap and the nose support predetermines the sensor cap's position relative to the nose on the head. The inventors have further discovered that this configuration of the head support allows for accurate imaging of the head anatomy of a wide range of patients, facilitating accurate placement of the sensor cap. Consequently, for most patients, the sensor cap can be positioned in the desired location on the head.

[0038] For example, the head support can be configured so that it is worn approximately parallel to the cross-section of the head, so that the sensor caps are placed in opposing regions of the head approximately above the ear canal. In some particularly preferred aspects, the head support can be configured so that one sensor cap is placed in the region between T3 and T5, preferably 3.5-4.5 cm from T3, and one sensor cap is placed in the region between T4 and T6, preferably 3.5-4.5 cm from T4. Specifically, the sensor caps can be placed in the temporalis fascia region.

[0039] According to a preferred aspect, each sensor cap comprises a preferably approximately cylindrical recess for accommodating the sensor, the recess having an opening on one side and being at least partially defined by a bottom surface of the sensor cap opposite the opening and at least one side surface of the sensor cap.

[0040] During use, the sensor is inserted through the opening in the sensor cap into the recess of the cap. Once inserted, the sensor rests in the recess. The front of the sensor is exposed through the opening in the cap, allowing it to rest directly against the head. The sensor cap at least partially surrounds the sensor on all other sides, securing the sensor in the cap and pressing it against the head.

[0041] In some particularly preferred aspects, the depth of the groove from the opening to the bottom surface is dimensioned such that a sensor inserted into the groove at least partially protrudes beyond an edge of the sensor cap extending around the opening.

[0042] Therefore, the contact pressure applied by the head support to the head can be concentrated on the sensor in the sensor cap.

[0043] According to a preferred aspect, the openings of the plurality of sensor caps are opposite to each other.

[0044] According to the above aspect, the sensors disposed within the recesses of the sensor caps in opposing regions of the head are aligned with each other. Because the sensors in the sensor caps directly contact the head through the openings, signals emitted and detected by the sensors can be ensured to pass directly through the head to the corresponding opposing sensors without passing through other parts, such as the sensor caps.

[0045] According to a preferred aspect, the sensor cap has a preferably substantially hemispherical protrusion facing the opening at a preferably substantially central position of the bottom surface, which can constitute a stopper and / or an adjustment aid for the sensor.

[0046] According to the above aspect, the orientation of the sensor can be adjusted based on the head surface, ensuring optimal contact with the head surface. The sensor, located within the recess, is pressed against the head via a sensor cap connected to the head support. In this case, the raised portion forms a stop that holds the rear side of the sensor away from the head. Consequently, a portion of the sensor's rear side rests against the raised portion, while the remaining rear side, not resting against the raised portion, is exposed toward the bottom surface through the raised portion. Consequently, when the head surface applies pressure to the front side of the sensor, the sensor can adjust its orientation so that the flat surface rests against the head.

[0047] According to a preferred aspect, each sensor cap has at least one guide opening that opens into the groove through at least one side surface, wherein the guide opening opens into the opening of the groove via the guide region.

[0048] The sensor can communicate with the computing unit, for example by exchanging signals via a sensor cable. The sensor cable can be connected or connectable to the sensor. The sensor has a front side for abutting the head and a rear side opposite the front side. The cable can extend from the sensor in a direction generally perpendicular to a direction perpendicular to the front side and the rear side.

[0049] If a sensor connected to a sensor cable is inserted into the sensor cap through the opening of the groove, the sensor cable can be simultaneously inserted into the groove while passing through the guide area and into the guide opening. This facilitates guiding the sensor cable through the sensor cap and out of the sensor in the groove. Furthermore, the cable is at least partially restrained by the circumference of the sensor cap, thereby limiting the movement of the sensor in the groove. For example, this prevents rotation perpendicular to the front and rear sides.

[0050] According to a preferred aspect, the guide-through region has a conical structure relative to the diameter of the guide-through opening.

[0051] If a sensor connected to a sensor cable is inserted into the groove while the sensor cable connected to the sensor is simultaneously inserted through the guide-through area into the guide-through opening, the sensor cable exerts a force that overcomes the tapered structure. If the sensor is positioned in the groove and the sensor cable is positioned in the guide-through opening, the tapered structure prevents the sensor cable from slipping out of the guide-through opening. This prevents the sensor connected to the sensor cable from slipping out of the groove of the sensor cap.

[0052] According to a preferred aspect, each sensor cap has an additional opening that at least partially exposes the groove through at least one side surface and / or bottom surface.

[0053] According to this aspect, the sensor mounted in the recess is at least partially exposed to the side and / or back surfaces of the sensor cap surrounding the sensor through the additional opening. Therefore, the sensor area exposed by the additional opening is accessible from the outside of the sensor cap. This makes it easier to remove the sensor from the recess of the sensor cap.

[0054] According to a preferred aspect, each sensor cap has an additional groove for accommodating a magnet on opposite sides of the groove opening.

[0055] The sensor preferably has a paramagnetic structure and preferably has a paramagnetic back surface. By placing a magnet on the side of the sensor cap opposite the recess opening, the magnet and sensor cap are magnetically attracted to each other, thereby applying a force toward the bottom surface of the sensor, thereby securing the sensor in the recess of the sensor cap.

[0056] According to a preferred aspect, the device comprises a magnet which can be fastened to one of the sensor caps, preferably to the additional recess.

[0057] According to a preferred aspect, the magnet can be fixed to the rear side of the sensor cap by a clamp-like bracket. According to a preferred aspect, the magnet can be fixed in the additional groove, for example, by an adhesive or a cover covering the additional groove.

[0058] According to a preferred aspect, the device has at least three, preferably clip-shaped, markers which can be fixed to different areas of the nose support, the head support and / or the sensor cap.

[0059] These markers can be identified in various imaging methods, allowing the position of the device relative to the head to be reconstructed in images of the device being worn on the head.

[0060] For example, the markers are formed in such a way that they are visible in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of a head on which the device is worn. Therefore, the position of the device on the head is visible in the MRI scan. This allows the examined region of the head to be correlated with the spatial plane of the MRI scan.

[0061] Furthermore, a three-dimensional view of the area visible to the head wearing the device can be recorded. Such a view is preferably recorded and created using a stereo camera or cameras filming from different angles.

[0062] Next, the 3D view of the visible area of ​​the head wearing the device can be superimposed with an MRI image of the head wearing the device based on the markers. This provides information about the device's location and the area of ​​the head through which the signal passed.

[0063] According to a preferred aspect, each marker has a marker body made of the same material as the nose support, the head support and / or the sensor cap.

[0064] Preferably, the marker body, nose support, head support and sensor cap may be made of the same material.

[0065] In an MRI, the material in the marker body allows the marker or its body to be better distinguished from the sensor, allowing the location of the device or sensor to be determined three-dimensionally on the head.

[0066] According to a preferred aspect, the device further comprises at least one, preferably approximately disc-shaped, gasket that can be fastened to the sensor cap and / or head support and has a hole such that, when the gasket is fastened to the sensor cap and / or head support, the hole aligns with the opening of the sensor cap, allowing the sensor disposed in the recess of the sensor cap to pass through or through the opening and to rest against the head or scalp through or through the hole. The edge of the gasket's hole can completely surround or extend around the opening of the sensor cap; for example, the outer diameter of the opening can be smaller than the inner diameter of the hole. The hole and / or opening can be circular. Preferably, the gasket can be removably fastened to the sensor cap and / or head support, for example, by an adhesive. Preferably, the gasket is configured to adhere to the scalp, for example, by an adhesive.

[0067] Depending on the specific application, the gasket is configured to be supported between the head and the sensor cap. The sensor in the recess of the sensor cap is exposed to the outside through the hole in the gasket. For example, the gasket can be bonded to the sensor cap and / or the sensor bracket.

[0068] This spacer can enhance the fit of the sensor cap against the head, thereby reducing the risk of the device shifting on the head. The spacer preferably has a relatively high coefficient of friction with the head (particularly the scalp). Furthermore, the spacer can be designed with an elastic structure so that it compresses under the force applied by the sides of the head and the sensor cap, thereby allowing the sensor to rest against a certain area of ​​the head. This spacer can be made of, for example, silicone.

[0069] According to a preferred aspect, the spacer preferably protrudes beyond the side edge of the sensor cap and has a gap through which a portion of the head or scalp can be marked when the spacer is fixed to the sensor cap and / or the head mount.

[0070] When the device with the spacer is placed against the head, the area of ​​the head exposed by the gap is marked. Even if the device is removed from the head, the mark remains clearly visible, so after removing the device, it can be replaced on the head in the same position according to the mark.

[0071] According to a preferred aspect, the head support includes: a curved section, which preferably extends approximately semicircularly around the axis in a first plane; two approximately straight sections, each of which is fused with the curved section at a first end and is provided with a sensor cap at a second end opposite to the first end; wherein the two approximately straight sections extend toward each other starting from their respective first ends.

[0072] The above aspects ensure that the contact pressure applied by the head support is concentrated on the sensor cap and the sensor therein.

[0073] According to a preferred aspect, the two approximately straight segments respectively make an angle of 75°-85°, 77°-83° or approximately 80° with the second plane, wherein the second plane is perpendicularly aligned with the first plane passing through the first ends of the two approximately straight segments.

[0074] The present inventors have discovered that such an angle has the following effect: when the head support extends in a substantially semicircular shape between the first ends, sufficient contact pressure can be provided for each patient while preventing the head support from abutting against the head.

[0075] According to a preferred aspect, the head support is an elastic structure, preferably a curved spring structure.

[0076] For example, the device may be configured such that the distance measured between opposing sensor caps is less than the transverse diameter of the head, preferably in the area above the ear canal.

[0077] The elasticity and corresponding restoring force of the head support ensure that the head support presses the sensor cap and the sensor therein against the lateral area of ​​the head. Thus, the device can be fixed at least temporarily to the patient's head.

[0078] According to a preferred aspect, the head support, nose support and sensor cap are preferably integrally formed from the same material. In other preferred aspects, the head support, nose support and sensor cap can also be made of different parts and / or different materials and can be fixed to each other.

[0079] This results in sufficient device rigidity to prevent the sensor cap from changing its position between individual measurements.

[0080] The device is preferably designed so that the relative positions of the sensor cap, head support, and nose support remain unchanged between measurements. This means that the positions of the sensor cap, head support, and nose support remain consistent at least between measurements. To this end, according to a preferred aspect, the sensor cap, head support, and nose support are integrally formed, or at least can be fixed to one another.

[0081] According to a preferred aspect, the material is a biocompatible material, preferably polyamide PA12, particularly preferably PA2200.

[0082] Biocompatible materials do not trigger any toxicological processes. Therefore, they have good compatibility and can adhere to the skin relatively easily. This is particularly advantageous if the device needs to be worn on the head for extended periods of time.

[0083] Furthermore, since this material is neither magnetic nor paramagnetic, it is suitable for performing head MRI measurements while the device is worn on the head.

[0084] In other aspects, a particularly advantageous sensor cap for mounting a sensor on a head is provided.

[0085] According to a preferred aspect, a sensor cap for accommodating at least one sensor is provided, wherein the sensor cap comprises: a preferably approximately cylindrical recess for accommodating the sensor, wherein the recess has an opening on one side and is at least partially defined by a bottom surface of the sensor cap at the sensor opposite to the opening and at least one side surface of the sensor cap.

[0086] The sensor cap is configured to house a sensor in a recess. The front side of the sensor is exposed through the opening so that the front side can rest against the patient's head. The sensor is defined by a bottom surface and at least one side surface within the recess and is fixed in place.

[0087] According to a preferred aspect, the sensor cap has a preferably substantially hemispherical protrusion pointing toward the opening at a preferably substantially central position of the bottom surface.

[0088] When the front side of the sensor rests against the head surface, the sensor can adjust its orientation to fit the head surface.

[0089] According to a preferred aspect, the sensor cap has a guide-through opening extending through at least one side surface into the groove, wherein the guide-through opening opens into the opening of the groove via the guide-through region.

[0090] If a sensor connected to a sensor cable is inserted into the sensor cap through the opening of the groove, the sensor cable can be inserted through the lead-in area and into the guide opening simultaneously with the sensor being inserted into the groove. Consequently, the sensor cable is advantageously guided out of the sensor in the groove through the sensor cap. Furthermore, the cable is at least partially restrained along the circumference of the sensor cap, thereby limiting the movement of the sensor in the groove. For example, this prevents rotation perpendicular to the front and rear sides.

[0091] According to a preferred aspect, the guide-through region has a conical structure relative to the diameter of the guide-through opening.

[0092] The sensor cable connected to the sensor is held in the guide-through opening by the tapered structure. Thus, the sensor connected to the sensor cable can be held in the groove.

[0093] According to a preferred aspect, the sensor cap has an additional opening, which at least partially exposes the groove through at least one side surface and / or through the bottom surface.

[0094] The areas of the sensor exposed by the additional openings are accessible from the outside of the sensor cap. This makes it easier to remove the sensor from the recess in the cap. Furthermore, since these areas are not surrounded by the cap, heat dissipation from the sensor is improved.

[0095] According to a preferred aspect, the sensor cap has an additional groove with a magnet on a side opposite to the groove opening.

[0096] By placing the magnet on the side of the sensor cap opposite to the groove opening, the magnet and the sensor cap are attracted to each other by magnetic force, thereby applying a force toward the bottom surface to the sensor, so that the sensor is fixed in the groove of the sensor cap.

[0097] Furthermore, the object mentioned at the outset can be achieved by a method for producing the above-mentioned device or for producing a sensor cap, which method comprises producing the device or the sensor cap by 3D printing.

[0098] With this manufacturing method, both the device and the sensor cap can be manufactured particularly efficiently and individually for the patient. In particular, the device or the sensor cap can be formed in one piece particularly efficiently by 3D printing.

[0099] Furthermore, this object can be achieved by the use of the device described at the beginning of this article, comprising the following steps: inserting at least one sensor into a groove in a sensor cap; placing the device on the head so that the sensors in the sensor cap rest against the head on opposite sides and the nose support rests on the back of the nose.

[0100] By using such an arrangement, the sensor provided in the sensor cap can be positioned at the opposite area of ​​the head for measurement.

[0101] According to a preferred aspect, inserting the at least one sensor into the groove of the sensor cap includes: during the insertion of the at least one sensor into the groove of the sensor cap, introducing a sensor cable connected to the sensor through the guide passage area into the guide passage opening so as to lock the cable by the tapered structure.

[0102] Thereby, the sensor can be retained in the recess of the sensor cap.

[0103] According to a preferred aspect, inserting the at least one sensor into the groove of the sensor cap includes: inserting the at least one sensor into the groove of the sensor cap until a rear side of the sensor abuts against the bottom surface or the protrusion.

[0104] By abutting against this protrusion, the sensor can adjust its orientation under conditions of pressure exerted on the sensor by the head. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0105] Other properties, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become clear from the following description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure based on the exemplary drawings, in which:

[0106] Figure 1 A perspective view of the device is shown exemplarily;

[0107] Figure 2 A plan view of the device is shown exemplarily;

[0108] Figure 3 An enlarged view of the sensor cap is exemplarily shown;

[0109] Figure 4 A perspective view of a device with a marker is shown as an example.

[0110] The features disclosed in the above description, the drawings and the claims can be of significance, both individually and in any desired combination, for the realization of the present disclosure in its various configurations.

[0111] Identical reference symbols in the figures refer in each case to identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0112] Figure 1 An example of a configuration of an apparatus 1 for positioning sensors on opposing areas of the head is shown.

[0113] The device 1 includes a head support 2 that extends at least partially around an axis A in a first plane perpendicular to the axis A. Two sensor caps 3, each for accommodating at least one sensor, are located at opposite ends of the head support 2. Furthermore, the device 1 includes a nose support 4 that extends from a substantially central area between the two sensor caps 3 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the head support 2. The nose support 4 has a preferably arcuate end piece 5 at the end opposite the head support 2 for accommodating the back of the nose of the head.

[0114] The head support 2 is sized so that when the head support 2 is at least partially extended around the head and the nose support 4 is supported on the back of the nose by the end piece 5, the sensor cap 3 is located on opposite areas of the head, preferably in the area between the T3 and T5 positions in the 10-20 system and the area between the T4 and T6 positions in the 10-20 system, respectively.

[0115] According to a preferred aspect, the distance between the two sensor caps 3 is smaller than the transverse diameter of the head, which is preferably measured between the area between the positions T3 and T5 and the area between the positions T4 and T6 in the 10-20 system.

[0116] Furthermore, the head support 1 is an elastic structure, preferably formed in one piece, so that the sensor cap 3 equipped with the sensor can be pressed laterally against the opposite area of ​​the head.

[0117] The sensor cap 3 is designed to accommodate an approximately cylindrical sensor. To accommodate such a sensor, the sensor cap 3 has a recess 6 that is delimited by an opening 7 in the head direction, is defined by the sensor cap 3 on a side surface 9 that extends at least partially around the recess, and is defined by the sensor cap 3 on a bottom surface 8 of the sensor cap 3 that is opposite the opening 7.

[0118] The opening 7 is designed so that the sensor can be inserted through it into the groove 6. The sensor arranged in the groove 6 is exposed toward the head through the circumferential opening 7, so that the front side of the sensor can be placed against the head, wherein the lateral boundaries of the sensor are defined by the side faces 9 of the sensor cap 3 and the bottom face 8 of the sensor cap 3. Thus, when the device 1 is placed against the head, the sensor is retained in the sensor cap 3.

[0119] In the example shown, the openings 7 of the two sensor caps 3 are opposite to each other. Therefore, the sensors arranged in the grooves 6 can be aligned with each other.

[0120] Furthermore, the sensor cap 3 is provided on its side with at least one (preferably two) guide openings 11 for connecting a sensor cable to the sensor. The guide openings are used to guide the sensor cable connected to the sensor through the sensor cap from the side.

[0121] The two guide-through openings 12 can be spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, so that different radial arrangements of the sensors within the recess 6 are possible.

[0122] The guide-through opening 11 leads into the opening 7 of the sensor cap 3 via the guide-through area 12. The guide-through area 12 and the guide-through opening 11 are configured so that when the sensor is pushed into the groove 6 through the opening 7, the sensor cable connected to the sensor can be pushed from the opening 7 through the guide-through area 12 into the guide-through opening 11. As a result, the sensor cable connected to the sensor is led out of the sensor laterally through the sensor cap 3.

[0123] In this case, the sensor cable is at least partially circumferentially constrained by the sensor cap 3 , thereby holding the sensor in place.

[0124] The guide opening 11 has a tapered structure 13 relative to its diameter so that the sensor cable cannot slide directly out of the guide opening 11 through the guide area 12 in the direction of the opening 7. Thus, a sensor connected to the sensor cable can be fixed in the groove 6.

[0125] Furthermore, the sensor cap 3 has an additional opening 14 which at least partially exposes the recess 6 through the side surface 9 of the sensor cap 3 and the bottom surface 8 of the sensor cap 3. Thus, the sensor arranged in the recess 6 is at least partially exposed.

[0126] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A plan view of the device 1 in FIG.

[0127] The head support 2 has a curved section 16 that extends at least partially within a first plane about the axis A. The curved section 16 is preferably formed in a semicircular shape. Furthermore, the head support 2 has two approximately straight sections 17 that extend within the first plane. The two approximately straight sections 17 merge with the curved section 16 at a first end and open into the sensor cap 3 at a second end opposite the first end.

[0128] As can be seen in plan view, two approximately straight sections 17 extend towards each other in a first plane starting from respective first ends.

[0129] Based on the plan view, it can be seen that the distance measured between the sensor caps 3 is smaller than the radial diameter of the curved segments 16 measured between the first ends of the corresponding approximately straight segments 17 .

[0130] Therefore, the contact pressure applied to the head is concentrated on the sensor cap 3 or the sensor in the sensor cap 3 .

[0131] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 or Figure 2 A perspective view of the sensor cap 3 of the device 1 is shown.

[0132] As shown in the figure, the sensor cap 3 has an approximately cylindrical recess 6, one side of which is defined by a circumferential opening 7, the other side opposite to the opening 7 is defined by a bottom surface 8 of the sensor cap 3, and the side surfaces are defined by circumferential side surfaces 9 of the sensor cap 3. The recess 6 formed on the sensor cap 3 is used to accommodate a sensor.

[0133] Furthermore, the sensor cap 3 has an approximately hemispherical projection 10 on the bottom surface 8 pointing in the direction of the opening, which forms a stop for the sensor.

[0134] If the rear side of the sensor abuts against the approximately hemispherical protrusion 10 in the first area, the remaining area of ​​the rear side of the sensor surrounding the first area will maintain a certain distance from the bottom surface 8 of the sensor cap 3. If the head applies pressure to the sensor toward the bottom surface, the sensor can adjust its orientation within the groove 6.

[0135] Furthermore, a guide passage opening 11 can be seen through the side surface 9 of the sensor cap 3 , which opens into the opening 7 via a guide passage region 12 .

[0136] The guide-through region 12 has a conical structure 13 . The conical structure 13 is formed by opposing regions of the sensor cap 3 , which are spaced apart from one another by a smaller distance than the diameter of the guide-through opening 11 .

[0137] To form a conical structure, the opposite lateral areas of the sensor cap may have a slope in the direction toward the opening 7, so that during insertion through the guide-through area 12 into the guide-through opening 11, the sensor cable can be more easily introduced from the opening 7 into the guide-through opening 12 in the direction of the guide-through opening 12.

[0138] Furthermore, it can be seen that the sensor cap 3 has an additional recess 14 which at least partially exposes the recess 6 via the bottom side 8 of the sensor cap 3 and the side faces 9 of the sensor cap 3 .

[0139] Figure 4 A perspective view of the device 1 in combination with a marker 15 is shown.

[0140] The marker 15 is substantially in the form of a clip and can be fixed to different areas of the device 1. In this case, the marker 15 is preferably made of the same material as the device 1.

[0141] In some examples, one marker 15 can be affixed to the approximate center of the nose support 4, and at least two other markers 15 can be affixed to different areas of the head support 2. In further examples, at least two markers 15 can be affixed to the side of the sensor cap 3 facing away from the head. In further examples, multiple markers 15 can be affixed to different areas of the device 1, such as the sensor cap 3, the head support 2, and the nose support 4.

[0142] Specifically, these markers 15 are visible in an MRI scan of the head on which the device 1 is worn, so that the position of the device 1 and its relationship to the head information can be set in the MRI scan.

[0143] The various exemplary aspects and embodiments described above can be combined to create additional embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific aspects and embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be construed to encompass all possible embodiments and the full scope of equivalents to which these claims are entitled.

[0144] Reference Signs List

[0145] 1. Device

[0146] 2. Head support

[0147] 3.Sensor cap

[0148] 4. Nasal support

[0149] 5. End pieces

[0150] 6. Grooves

[0151] 7. Open your mouth

[0152] 8. Bottom surface

[0153] 9. Side

[0154] 10. Bump

[0155] 11. Guide through the opening

[0156] 12. Guide through the area

[0157] 13. Conical structure

[0158] 14. Additional openings

[0159] 15. Tokenizer

[0160] 16.Bend section

[0161] 17. Straight segment

[0162] A. Axis

Claims

1. A device (1) for placing a plurality of sensors in opposite areas of the head, characterized in that include: - a head support (2) configured to extend at least partially around the head; - a plurality of sensor caps (3) arranged at opposite areas of the head support (2) for respectively accommodating at least one of the sensors; as well as - a nose support (4) connected to the head support (2) and configured to support the head support (2) on the back of the nose of the head.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The nose support (4) is connected to the head support (2) at a region of the head support (2) approximately in the center between the plurality of sensor caps (3).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The head support (2) extends at least partially around an axis (A) in a first plane perpendicular to the axis (A), and the nose support (4) intersects the first plane, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane.

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The nose support (4) has an end piece (5) at an end opposite to the head support (2) for accommodating the back of the nose of the head.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein The end piece (5) has a recess configured to inhibit or prevent movement of the nose support (4) relative to the back of the nose.

6. The device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The recess is generally aligned along axis (A) and is configured to prevent movement of the nose support (4) relative to the back of the nose in a direction parallel to a frontal plane of the head and parallel to the first plane.

7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein The recess is arcuate.

8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The length of the nose support (4) starting from the connection with the head support (2) is 2 cm to 7 cm, preferably about 5 cm or less.

9. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The distance between the plurality of sensor caps (3) and the nose support (4) is 10 cm to 17 cm, preferably 11 cm to 16 cm.

10. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Each sensor cap (3) comprises a preferably approximately cylindrical recess (6) for accommodating a sensor, the recess having an opening (7) on one side and being at least partially delimited by a bottom surface (8) of the sensor cap (3) opposite the opening and at least one side surface (9) of the sensor cap (3).

11. The device (1) according to claim 10, wherein The openings (7) of the plurality of sensor caps (3) face each other.

12. The device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein The sensor cap (3) has, at a preferably approximately central position on the bottom surface (8), a preferably approximately hemispherical projection (10) pointing in the direction of the opening (7), which constitutes a stop and / or adjustment aid for the sensor.

13. The device (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: Each sensor cap (3) has at least one guide opening (11) which opens into the groove (6) through the at least one side surface (9), wherein the guide opening (11) opens into the opening (7) of the groove (6) via a guide area (12).

14. The device (1) according to claim 13, wherein The guide passage area (12) has a conical structure (13) relative to the diameter of the guide passage opening (11).

15. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein Each sensor cap (3) has an additional opening (14) which at least partially exposes the groove (6) through the at least one side surface (9) and / or through the bottom surface (8).

16. The device (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein Each of the sensor caps (3) has an additional groove for accommodating a magnet on the side opposite to the opening (7) of the groove (6).

17. The device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a magnet which can be fastened to one of the plurality of sensor caps (3), preferably in the additional groove (6).

18. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The device (1) has at least three, preferably clip-shaped, markers (15) which can be fastened to the nose support (4), the head support (2) and / or the plurality of sensor caps (3) at mutually different regions.

19. The device (1) according to claim 18, wherein Each of the markers (15) has a marker body which is made of the same material as the nose support (4), the head support (2) and / or the plurality of sensor caps (3).

20. The device (1) according to claim 10 further comprises at least one preferably approximately disc-shaped gasket, which can be fastened to one of the plurality of sensor caps (3) and / or the head support (2) and has a hole, so that when the gasket is fastened to the sensor cap (3) and / or the head support (2), the hole is aligned with the opening (7) of the sensor cap (3), so that the sensor arranged in the groove (6) of the sensor cap (3) is pressed against the scalp through the opening (7) and the hole.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein The spacer preferably protrudes beyond the side edge of the sensor cap (3) and has a gap through which a portion of the head can be marked when the spacer is fastened to the sensor cap (3) and / or the head support (2).

22. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The head support (2) comprises: - a curved section (16) which preferably extends approximately semicircularly around the axis (A) in a first plane; - two approximately straight sections (17) each merging with the curved section (16) at a first end and each provided with a sensor cap (3) at a second end opposite to the first end, The two approximately straight sections (17) extend toward each other starting from the respective first ends.

23. The device (1) according to claim 22, wherein The two approximately straight sections (17) each form an angle of approximately 75°-85°, preferably approximately 80°, with a second plane that is perpendicularly aligned with the first plane through the first ends of the two approximately straight sections (17).

24. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The head support (2) is formed as an elastic structure, preferably a bending spring structure.

25. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The head support (2), the nose support (4) and the plurality of sensor caps (3) are preferably integrally formed from the same material.

26. The device (1) according to claim 25, wherein: The material is a biocompatible material, preferably polyamide PA12, particularly preferably PA2200.

27. A sensor cap (3) for accommodating at least one sensor, comprising: A preferably approximately cylindrical recess (6) for accommodating a sensor, wherein the recess (6) has an opening (7) on one side and the opening (7) is at least partially delimited by the sensor cap (3) at a bottom surface (8) of the sensor cap (3) opposite the opening (7) and at least one side surface (9) of the sensor cap (3).

28. The sensor cap (3) according to claim 27, wherein The sensor cap (3) has a preferably substantially hemispherical projection (10) pointing in the direction of the opening (7) at a preferably substantially central position of the bottom surface (8), the projection constituting a stop for the sensor.

29. The sensor cap (3) according to claim 27 or 28, wherein The sensor cap (3) has a guide opening (11) which opens into the groove (6) through the at least one side surface (9), wherein the guide opening (11) opens into the opening (7) of the groove (6) via a guide area (12).

30. The sensor cap (3) according to claim 29, wherein The guide passage area (12) has a conical structure (13) relative to the diameter of the guide passage opening (11).

31. The sensor cap (3) according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein: The sensor cap (3) has an additional opening (14) which at least partially exposes the groove (6) through the at least one side surface (9) and / or through the bottom surface (8).

32. The sensor cap (3) according to any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein The sensor cap (3) has an additional groove with a magnet on the side opposite to the opening (7) of the groove (6).

33. The device of any one of claims 1 to 26 or the sensor cap of any one of claims 24 to 29, further comprising at least one sensor disposed in one of the plurality of sensor caps or in the sensor cap.

34. A method for manufacturing a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26 or claim 33, or for manufacturing a sensor cap (3) according to any one of claims 23 to 30, the method comprising manufacturing the device (1) or the sensor cap (3) by 3D printing.

35. Use of the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26 or claim 33, comprising the following steps: - inserting at least one sensor into the groove (6) of the sensor cap (3), - Positioning the device (1) on the head so that the sensors in the sensor cap (3) rest against the head on opposite sides and the nose support (4) rests against the back of the nose.

36. The use according to claim 35, wherein Inserting at least one sensor into the groove (6) of the sensor cap (3) comprises: During the insertion of the at least one sensor into the recess (6) of the sensor cap (3), a sensor cable connected to the sensor is guided through the guide-through area (12) into the guide-through opening (11) so as to lock the cable by the tapered structure.

37. The use according to claim 35 or 36, wherein Inserting at least one sensor into the groove (6) of the sensor cap (3) comprises: The at least one sensor is inserted into the recess (6) of the sensor cap (3) until the rear side of the sensor abuts against the bottom surface (8) or the projection (10).

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