Old people cognitive impairment detection device based on specific four-channel electroencephalogram

Abstract

The invention discloses an elderly cognitive impairment detection device based on specific four-channel electroencephalogram, and belongs to the technical field of electroencephalogram signal detection and cognitive function evaluation. The device comprises a signal acquisition module, a stimulation control module, a data processing module, a communication and control module, a user interaction module and a power supply and management module. The signal acquisition module adopts four electrodes FP1, FP2, F3 and F4 arranged in a forehead and frontal lobe area to acquire electroencephalogram signals; and the stimulation control module switches F3 and F4 into stimulation electrodes during a transcranial electrical stimulation task, and starts standby channels O1 and O2 to perform electroencephalogram acquisition, so that stimulation interference is avoided. And the data processing module carries out filtering, denoising and quality detection on the signals. By optimizing the electrode layout and the channel switching mechanism, compatibility of electroencephalogram detection and transcranial stimulation is achieved under the limited channel condition, and the system has the advantages of being easy and convenient to wear, convenient and fast to operate, reliable in signal and the like and is particularly suitable for family screening and monitoring of senile cognitive impairment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of EEG signal detection and cognitive function assessment technology, specifically to a device for detecting cognitive impairment in the elderly based on a specific four-channel EEG. Background Technology

[0002] Most existing EEG monitoring devices employ a multi-channel layout, typically with 16 or more electrodes, sometimes even reaching 32 or 64. While this multi-channel arrangement can cover more brain regions and provide higher spatial resolution, the wearing process is complex and time-consuming, requiring a high level of user skill. Furthermore, the maintenance and contact stability of the conductive adhesive between electrodes are problematic, making it unsuitable for everyday home use. For the elderly, prolonged wear of multi-electrode headgear not only causes significant discomfort but may also affect signal quality due to electrode slippage and poor contact, thus limiting the widespread adoption of these devices in home health monitoring.

[0003] On the other hand, transcranial electrical stimulation (tES, tDCS, etc.), as a non-invasive neuromodulation method, has been shown to have potential value in improving cognitive function and neurorehabilitation. However, current transcranial electrical stimulation devices and EEG detection systems are mostly designed independently, lacking compatibility in terms of electrode placement, signal interference, power isolation, and data synchronization. Especially when detection and stimulation are performed simultaneously, the stimulation current can easily cause saturation or noise pollution in the EEG acquisition channel, affecting signal accuracy.

[0004] Therefore, achieving high-quality EEG signal detection and transcranial stimulation simultaneously under "limited channel conditions" has become a key issue in promoting the application of cognitive impairment detection devices for the elderly from the laboratory to the home. Through innovations in electrode placement, signal switching mechanisms, and modular design, data stability and reliability can be ensured while significantly improving wearing comfort and ease of operation, thus providing a new technological approach for early screening and long-term home monitoring of cognitive impairment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing EEG detection devices, such as a large number of electrodes, complex wearing, separation of detection and stimulation systems, and poor compatibility, and to provide a cognitive impairment detection device for the elderly based on a specific four-channel EEG. This invention optimizes the electrode layout and system module design, achieving compatibility between EEG signal detection and transcranial stimulation functions under limited channel conditions, thereby improving the device's feasibility for home use and the reliability of detection, making it particularly suitable for cognitive impairment screening and daily health monitoring in the elderly.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the apparatus of the present invention includes:

[0007] The signal acquisition module is used to acquire brain signals through four EEG acquisition electrodes (FP1, FP2, F3, F4) arranged in the forehead and frontal lobe regions, and to amplify and convert the signals into analog and digital signals.

[0008] The stimulation control module is used to switch between detection and stimulation modes. When performing transcranial electrical stimulation tasks, channels F3 and F4 are switched to stimulation electrodes, while backup channels O1 and O2 are enabled to perform EEG acquisition to avoid interference from stimulation signals.

[0009] The data processing module is used to filter, denoise, detect signal quality, and extract features from the acquired EEG signals, and output effective signals that can be used for cognitive state assessment.

[0010] The communication and control module is used for centralized scheduling and status management of each module, and enables data communication with external terminals or cloud platforms via Bluetooth and / or WiFi.

[0011] The user interaction module, including indicator lights, buttons, and mobile application interface, is used to realize mode switching, status indication, and data visualization display.

[0012] The power supply and management module is used to provide power to the whole machine and perform power detection, charge and discharge protection and low power consumption control.

[0013] The signal acquisition module includes an automatic contact detection unit. When the electrode contact resistance exceeds a preset threshold, the system issues a prompt signal to remind the user to adjust the electrode position.

[0014] The data processing module includes a bandpass filtering unit, an adaptive artifact removal unit, and a signal quality detection unit, wherein:

[0015] Furthermore, the bandpass filter unit is used to filter out DC drift below 0.5Hz and high-frequency noise above 45Hz;

[0016] Furthermore, the adaptive artifact removal unit is used to identify and suppress blinking, electromyography, and motion artifact signals;

[0017] Furthermore, the signal quality detection unit is used to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio, channel impedance, and data packet loss rate, and dynamically adjusts the acquisition parameters based on the detection results to ensure the stability and reliability of the EEG signal.

[0018] The communication and control module is equipped with a low-power microcontroller (MCU) for task scheduling, mode switching, current output control and data synchronization management.

[0019] The stimulation control module has a built-in constant current source circuit, which can output DC or low-frequency pulse stimulation signals in the range of 0.5 to 2mA to perform transcranial DC or transcranial AC stimulation tasks.

[0020] The power supply and management module includes a lithium battery, a power detection unit, and a low-power sleep unit. When the system is in a non-working state for more than a set time, it automatically enters sleep mode to extend the battery life.

[0021] The headband structure uses flexible conductive electrodes and elastic support materials, allowing the electrodes to adaptively conform to the head contour, thereby reducing contact resistance and improving wearing comfort.

[0022] This invention achieves adaptive control of system integration and task switching through modular design, balancing detection accuracy and stimulation function under limited channel conditions, and provides an efficient and portable solution for home-based monitoring and early screening of cognitive impairment in the elderly.

[0023] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has significant advantages. By adopting a specific four-channel EEG layout (FP1, FP2, F3, F4), the number of electrodes is significantly reduced while ensuring coverage of key brain regions. The overall system achieves integrated detection and stimulation functions, is lightweight and easy to operate, and can complete cognitive function detection and intervention tasks in a home environment. It provides an intelligent, low-cost and highly reliable technical solution for early screening and continuous health management of cognitive impairment in the elderly.

[0024] Illustrations (not required for the invention)

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system module structure of the device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the technical solution of the present invention clearer, the functions of each module, signal acquisition process, and system control logic of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments. It should be understood that the following embodiments are only used to illustrate the principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection.

[0027] The cognitive impairment detection device for the elderly based on specific four-channel EEG of this invention adopts an integrated headband design, with a lightweight overall structure. It can communicate wirelessly with mobile terminals or host computers to realize the acquisition, processing, and cognitive state assessment of EEG signals. The system consists of a signal acquisition module, a stimulation control module, a data processing module, a communication and control module, a user interaction module, and a power supply and management module.

[0028] (I) Signal Acquisition Module

[0029] This module includes four EEG acquisition electrodes (FP1, FP2, F3, and F4), a reference electrode, and a ground electrode. FP1 and FP2 are located on both sides of the forehead, while F3 and F4 are located in the frontal lobe region. They are used to acquire EEG signals related to cognitive activities, attention, and working memory.

[0030] During the data acquisition process, the system performs high-impedance amplification and analog-to-digital conversion on the signals from each channel, with a sampling frequency range of 250Hz to 1000Hz to ensure the time resolution of the signals. The module has an automatic contact detection function; when the electrode contact impedance exceeds a set threshold, the system automatically issues a prompt to remind the user to adjust the wearing position.

[0031] (II) Stimulus Control Module

[0032] The stimulation control module is primarily responsible for the execution and management of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES, tDCS). The system has a built-in current source drive circuit that can output DC or low-frequency pulse stimulation signals in the range of 0.5–2 mA.

[0033] When the user activates the stimulation mode, the system control logic automatically switches F3 and F4 to the stimulation electrodes and simultaneously pauses the acquisition task of that channel. To ensure the integrity of the acquired signal, the system simultaneously activates backup channels O1 and O2 to perform redundant acquisition, thereby avoiding interference from the stimulation current on the acquired signal.

[0034] (III) Data Processing Module

[0035] This module enables real-time processing and quality monitoring of the acquired signals. The system first performs bandpass filtering (0.5–45 Hz) on the raw EEG signals to remove power frequency interference and high-frequency noise. Then, an adaptive noise suppression algorithm and notch filtering technology are used to remove artifact signals (such as blinking and electromyography).

[0036] The processed signal enters the feature extraction and data caching unit, providing high-quality data input for upper-level cognitive evaluation algorithms or cloud analysis. The module has built-in signal quality detection indicators, such as channel signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contact impedance change trend, and data packet loss rate, which are used to dynamically adjust the system acquisition parameters.

[0037] (iv) Communication and Control Module

[0038] This module is the core control unit of the system, responsible for coordinating and transmitting data among various functional modules. The control unit embeds a low-power microcontroller (MCU) to handle task scheduling, parameter management, and status monitoring. The communication section supports both Bluetooth and WiFi dual-mode communication, automatically switching based on network conditions to enable real-time data upload and remote control. The system can be used in conjunction with mobile applications for device initialization, mode switching, data display, and cloud synchronization.

[0039] (V) User Interaction Module

[0040] The user interaction module includes buttons, indicator lights, and a mobile application interface. Users can activate detection or stimulation modes with a single button press, and the system indicates the current status (e.g., data acquisition, stimulation, charging, etc.) through light color changes. The mobile interface displays real-time EEG waveforms and device status, and provides historical data browsing and export functions, making it convenient for elderly users and caregivers.

[0041] (vi) Power Supply and Management Module

[0042] This module provides a stable power supply for the entire device. The system is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery and features overvoltage, overcurrent, and short-circuit protection, as well as a low-power sleep mechanism. The power detection unit monitors the remaining power in real time and uploads the data to the control module for dynamic power status management.

[0043] Finally, after the system is powered on, the control module first completes electrode contact detection and self-test; when the detection mode is started, the signal acquisition module begins to acquire FP1, FP2, F3, and F4 signals and transmits them to the data processing module in real time; the processed data is then uploaded to the terminal for display via the communication module.

[0044] When the user selects the transcranial stimulation function, the system automatically executes the channel switching logic: F3 and F4 switch to stimulation mode, and the acquisition module uses the backup O1 and O2 channels to continue acquiring EEG signals, ensuring synchronization between detection and stimulation. Throughout the process, the control module dynamically monitors signal quality and current output status to ensure safe and stable operation of the equipment.

[0045] Through the modular design and channel switching mechanism described above, this invention achieves compatibility between EEG signal acquisition and transcranial stimulation, maintaining high signal quality and a good user experience while reducing the number of channels. It is particularly suitable for home-based detection and long-term monitoring of cognitive impairment in the elderly.

Claims

1. A device for detecting cognitive impairment in the elderly based on a specific four-channel EEG, characterized in that, The device includes: (1) Signal acquisition module, used to acquire brain signals through four EEG acquisition electrodes (FP1, FP2, F3, F4) arranged in the forehead and frontal lobe region, and amplify and convert the signals into analog and digital signals; (2) Stimulation control module, used to switch between detection and stimulation modes. When performing transcranial electrical stimulation, channels F3 and F4 are switched to stimulation electrodes, and backup channels O1 and O2 are enabled to perform EEG acquisition to avoid interference from stimulation signals. (3) Data processing module, used to filter, denoise, detect signal quality and extract features of the collected EEG signals, and output effective signals that can be used for cognitive state assessment; (4) Communication and control module, used for centralized scheduling and status management of each module, and to realize data communication with external terminals or cloud platforms via Bluetooth and / or WiFi; (5) User interaction module, including indicator lights, buttons and mobile application interface, used to realize mode switching, status indication and data visualization display; (6) Power supply and management module, used to provide power to the whole machine and perform power detection, charge and discharge protection and low power consumption control.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal acquisition module includes an automatic contact detection unit. When the electrode contact resistance exceeds a preset threshold, the system issues a prompt signal to remind the user to adjust the electrode position.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data processing module includes a bandpass filter unit, an adaptive artifact removal unit, and a signal quality detection unit, wherein: the bandpass filter unit is used to filter out DC drift below 0.5Hz and high-frequency noise above 45Hz; The adaptive artifact removal unit is used to identify and suppress blink, electromyography and motion artifact signals; the signal quality detection unit is used to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio, channel impedance and data packet loss rate, and dynamically adjust the acquisition parameters according to the detection results to ensure the stability and reliability of the EEG signal.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication and control module is equipped with a low-power microcontroller (MCU) for task scheduling, mode switching, current output control and data synchronization management.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stimulation control module has a built-in constant current source circuit, which can output DC or low-frequency pulse stimulation signals in the range of 0.5 to 2mA to perform transcranial DC or transcranial AC stimulation tasks.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply and management module includes a lithium battery, a power detection unit, and a low-power sleep unit. When the system is in a non-working state for more than a set time, it automatically enters sleep mode to extend the battery life.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The headband structure uses flexible conductive electrodes and elastic support materials, allowing the electrodes to adaptively conform to the head contour, thereby reducing contact resistance and improving wearing comfort.

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