A headrest integrated with a brain-computer interface and a seat, a car comprising the same

Abstract

The application provides a headrest integrated with a brain-computer interface, a seat and a car comprising the same, comprising: a headrest body; a headband, which is divided into two sections, a first end of a first section of the headband being connected to a first side of the headrest body via a first pivot, and a first end of a second section of the headband being connected to a second side of the headrest body via a second pivot; a magnetic buckle being arranged at a second end of the first section of the headband and a second end of the second section of the headband; an electrode assembly being arranged inside the headband and the headrest body, comprising a first electrode group for collecting brain wave signals and a second electrode group for emitting current signals; and a control module being arranged inside the headrest body and connected to the electrode assembly, for controlling the first electrode group to collect brain wave signals and / or controlling the second electrode group to emit current signals. According to the scheme, the headband and the electrode assembly of the brain-computer interface device are integrated with the headrest as a whole, which can not only detect abnormal states, but also output current to relieve abnormal states, thereby enriching the function of vehicle health monitoring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive seat accessories technology, specifically to a headrest integrating a brain-computer interface and a seat and automobile including the headrest. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with increasing user demand, some cars are equipped with health monitoring functions. Current automotive health functions mainly revolve around physiological signal monitoring and environmental health, specifically: Physiological signal monitoring: Some models collect basic physiological data such as heart rate and respiratory rate through steering wheel sensors and seat pressure sensors to determine whether the user is fatigued and issue an alarm when the user is fatigued. However, it is difficult to identify emotional problems such as anxiety and tension.

[0003] Environmental health functions: mainly air purification, fragrance system and seat massage, which indirectly relieve user discomfort by improving the physical environment inside the car. However, it is a passive relief and cannot make precise intervention based on the user's real-time status. Moreover, physical methods such as massage have limited effect on relieving psychological anxiety.

[0004] Some car models are equipped with existing brain-computer interface devices. However, most of these devices are general-purpose wearable designs that do not take into account the user's posture in a car. When wearing a brain-computer interface device, if the head is resting on a headrest, the range of head movement is limited, and the contact stability between the electrodes of the brain-computer interface device and the skin is poor, resulting in frequent interruptions in the acquisition of brain wave signals. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem this application aims to solve is that existing automotive health monitoring functions are limited and it is difficult to ensure contact reliability. Therefore, this application provides a headrest that integrates a brain-computer interface and a seat and car including the headrest.

[0006] In a first aspect, the technical solution of this application provides a headrest integrating a brain-computer interface, comprising: headrest body; The headband is divided into two sections. The first end of the first section of the headband is connected to the first side of the headrest body via a first pivot, and the first end of the second section of the headband is connected to the second side of the headrest body via a second pivot. Magnetic buckles are provided at the second ends of the first and second sections of the headband. An electrode assembly, disposed inside the headband and the headrest body, includes a first electrode group for collecting brainwave signals and a second electrode group for transmitting current signals. A control module, located inside the headrest body and connected to the electrode assembly, is used to control the first electrode group to collect brainwave signals and / or control the second electrode group to emit current signals.

[0007] Preferably, in the headrest with the fusion brain-computer interface, the first pivot and the second pivot are electrically controlled components; The control module is connected to the controlled ports of the first pivot and the second pivot. After the control module outputs a start signal, the first pivot and the second pivot rotate synchronously. After the control module outputs a stop signal, the first pivot and the second pivot stop synchronously.

[0008] Preferably, the headrest with integrated brain-computer interface further includes: A pressure sensor is disposed in the first headband section and / or the second headband section to detect the contact pressure between the object being tested and the first headband section and / or the second headband section and to feed back the contact pressure to the control module; When the contact pressure is within a set range, the control module controls the first electrode group to collect brainwave signals or controls the second electrode group to emit current signals.

[0009] Preferably, in the headrest that integrates a brain-computer interface, the control module receives a vehicle status signal and enters a sleep state when the vehicle status signal indicates that the vehicle is not in P gear or the handbrake is not engaged.

[0010] Preferably, the headrest with integrated brain-computer interface further includes: A position sensor, disposed inside the headrest body, is used to detect the distance between the object being measured and the headrest body and send the distance to the control module; A voice player is installed in the headband; When the distance exceeds a set distance threshold, the control module controls the voice player to play a prompt sound.

[0011] Preferably, in the headrest with the fusion brain-computer interface, the first headband and / or the second headband are provided with nested sliding parts, and the length of the first headband and / or the second headband is adjusted during the sliding process of the nested sliding parts.

[0012] Preferably, the headrest with integrated brain-computer interface further includes: An emergency stop button is located on the headrest body and connected to the control module; When the emergency stop button is triggered, the control module controls the first electrode group and / or the second electrode group to stop operating.

[0013] Preferably, in the headrest that integrates a brain-computer interface, after the control module controls the first electrode group to collect brainwave signals, it determines the state of the tested object based on the brainwave signals, and controls the second electrode group to emit current signals of different frequencies based on the state; wherein, the state includes: anxiety state and fatigue state; Preferably, when the state is an anxiety state, the control module controls the second electrode group located inside the headband to output a current signal with an amplitude of 0.8-1.2mA and a frequency of 0.5-1Hz. When the state is fatigued, the control module controls the second electrode group located inside the headrest body to output a current signal with an amplitude of 1.2-1.5mA and a frequency of 1-5Hz.

[0014] Secondly, the present application provides a chair, including a headrest with a fused brain-computer interface as described in any of the first aspects.

[0015] Thirdly, the present application provides an automobile that includes the seat described in the second aspect.

[0016] The technical solution provided in this application has the following technical effects compared with the prior art: This application provides a headrest integrating a brain-computer interface (BCI) and a seat / vehicle thereof. The headband and electrode assembly of the BCI device are integrated with the headrest into a single unit. The headband has a two-section design, with each section connected to a side of the headrest at one end. A portion of the electrode assembly is housed within the headrest itself. Therefore, the headband and headrest together constitute the BCI device. The magnetic design allows for easy opening and closing. When wearing the headband, the head can rest directly against the headrest without causing inconvenience or affecting the reliability of the fit. Simultaneously, the control module can control the first electrode group to collect brainwave signals and control the second electrode group to emit current signals. Therefore, this solution can detect abnormal states such as fatigue or anxiety in the wearer and can also output current to alleviate these states, enriching the vehicle's health monitoring functions. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the headrest and seat structure of the fused brain-computer interface according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the control module and the electrode assembly according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the control module, electrode assembly, and pivot component according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the headband structure according to one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The specific embodiments of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] It is readily understood that, based on the technical solution of this application, various structural and implementation methods can be interchanged by those skilled in the art without altering the essential spirit of this application. Therefore, the following detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative examples of the technical solution of this application and should not be considered as the entirety of this application or as limitations or restrictions on the technical solution of the application.

[0020] The brain-computer interface (BCI) involved in the following embodiments of this application mainly falls into two categories in existing related devices: Medical-grade BCI devices, including invasive and non-invasive types, can achieve high-precision EEG acquisition (signal resolution up to 0.1μV) and neurostimulation therapy, mainly used in epilepsy monitoring, adjunctive treatment of depression, and motor function rehabilitation. However, these devices are large (some require dedicated amplifiers and computers), expensive (single unit price ranges from 100,000 to 500,000 yuan), and require operation by professional medical personnel, making them unsuitable for civilian mobile applications such as automobiles.

[0021] Consumer-grade BCI devices, primarily non-invasive headbands and helmets, primarily function as EEG signal acquisition and basic state analysis (such as assessing attention span and fatigue). Some products integrate simple audio-visual feedback (e.g., issuing alarms when fatigued). However, they suffer from two major technical limitations: first, low acquisition accuracy (mostly single-channel or dual-channel electrodes, only capable of capturing signals from a single area of ​​the forehead or back of the head), making it unable to accurately identify complex emotions such as anxiety; second, lacking neuro-electrical stimulation intervention capabilities, only able to monitor the state, unable to actively provide relief, and requiring manual wearing and charging by the user, resulting in extremely low integration with automotive applications. The solution described in this application integrates the aforementioned consumer-grade BCI device with a headrest and can control its output current within a safe range, thereby achieving a relief function.

[0022] This embodiment provides a headrest that integrates a brain-computer interface, such as... Figure 1 As shown in Figure 2, it includes a headrest body 100 and a headband 200: The headrest body 100, in this design, maintains the support and safety functions of a traditional automotive headrest while incorporating internal cavities and cable channels to integrate and protect the electronic components of the brain-computer interface. The outer shell of the headrest body 100 is made of engineering plastic, filled with soft polyurethane foam to ensure comfort and cushion the internal electronic components. Because the headrest body 100 is ergonomically designed, it effectively wraps around and supports the back of the head. Therefore, this design selects an area corresponding to the back of the head to house electrode groups, enabling the acquisition of electrical signals from the back of the head and physical intervention.

[0023] The headband 200 is divided into two sections. The first end of the first section 201 is connected to the first side of the headrest body 200 via a first pivot 301. The first end of the second section 202 is connected to the second side of the headrest body 200 via a second pivot (symmetrically arranged on both sides of the headrest body with the first pivot 301). Magnetic buckles are provided at the second ends of both the first and second sections. The headband 200 adopts a two-section independent design, avoiding the shortcomings of a one-piece headband in terms of adjustability, and can better adapt to different users' head shapes and sizes. Figure 1 As shown, the first headband 201 is connected to the left side (first side) of the headrest body 100 via a first pivot 301 (such as a damped miniature rotating shaft or a miniature stepper motor); the first end of the second headband 202 is connected to the right side (second side) of the headrest body 100 via a second pivot. The pivot can control the headband to retract to the rear or top of the headrest body 100 when not in use, without affecting the user. When in use, it can rotate to move the headband forward and downward until it wraps around the user's head. The magnetic design makes the headband easy to wear; the user only needs to bring the two ends close together for automatic fastening. Especially when the inner diameter of the headband is slightly small, the magnetic resistance is very small when it wraps around the user's head, making it easy to pop open without causing discomfort to the user's head. In addition, the main structure of the headband 200 in this design is made of glass fiber reinforced nylon through injection molding to provide the necessary hardness and durability. A soft silicone pad or thin layer of foam is applied to the inner side that contacts the skin for a skin-friendly effect.

[0024] Electrode assembly 400, disposed within the headband and the headrest body, includes a first electrode group 401 for acquiring electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and a second electrode group 402 for transmitting electrical signals. The electrode assembly 400 is distributed and embedded within the headband 200 and the headrest body 100 according to function and brain region localization. The first electrode group 401 mainly consists of highly sensitive dry electrodes or fabric electrodes, distributed in the areas corresponding to the forehead and temporal lobe skin on the inner side of the headband 200, and in the area contacting the back of the head on the inner side of the headrest body 100. The function of the first electrode group 401 is to acquire high-quality EEG signals for subsequent state analysis. The second electrode group 402 is mainly used to transmit transcranial electrical stimulation signals and is also distributed within the headband and the headrest body. By outputting specific, safe, low-intensity microcurrents, neuromodulation is performed on corresponding functional areas of the brain (such as the prefrontal cortex and motor cortex) to achieve the effect of relieving anxiety or refreshing the mind. The electrode group disposed within the headband can be implemented using a flexible electrode array. This involves fabricating multiple electrodes on a flexible printed circuit board, which is flexible enough to conform to the curved design of the headband or headrest. In the above solution, the first and second electrode groups inside the headband and the headrest body constitute the whole of the head-mounted brain-computer interface device. Alternatively, this can be achieved by separating the existing head-mounted brain-computer interface device into the back of the head and the forehead, and placing them separately inside the headrest body and the headband.

[0025] A control module 500, located inside the headrest body 100 and connected to the electrode assembly 400, is used to control the first electrode group 401 to acquire brainwave signals and / or control the second electrode group 402 to emit current signals. The control module 500 is integrated into the internal cavity of the headrest body 100. It establishes an electrical connection with the electrode assembly 400 and possibly other sensors through internal wiring. Specifically, the control module 500 drives the activation / dormancy of the first electrode group 401 and performs preliminary amplification and filtering of the acquired signals to ensure the quality of the raw brainwave data. The control module 500 integrates signal processing algorithms, enabling feature extraction of the acquired brainwaves (such as energy spectrum analysis of alpha, beta, and theta waves), and online identification and classification of the user's real-time state (such as fatigue, anxiety, and focus) using a built-in machine learning model. Based on the state recognition results, the control module 500 drives the second electrode group 402 to output current. For example, when anxiety is detected, the electrodes in the forehead region are controlled to output a low-intensity, soothing current; when fatigue is detected, the electrodes in the occipital region are controlled to output a slightly higher-intensity, stimulating current. It is understood that the various algorithms pre-installed within the control module 500 can be implemented with reference to existing brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies. The main improvement of this solution lies in integrating the BCI with the headrest. The headrest in the above embodiments of this application integrates non-invasive BCI technology, providing the wearer with a stable, comfortable, and proactive state monitoring and intervention solution.

[0026] Preferably, in the above scheme, the first pivot member 301 and the second pivot member are electrically controlled components; such as Figure 3As shown, the control module 500 is connected to the controlled ports of the first pivot 301 and the second pivot 302. After the control module 500 outputs a start signal, the first pivot 301 and the second pivot 302 rotate synchronously. After the control module 500 outputs a stop signal, the first pivot 301 and the second pivot 302 stop synchronously. In specific implementation, the control module 500 can establish an electrical connection with the controlled ports of the first pivot 301 and the second pivot 302 through a wiring harness or flexible circuit. When the control module 500 receives a start command (such as being triggered by a user through the control interface on the dashboard, or by a switch directly configured by the control module 500 that is exposed to the outside being triggered), the control module 500 sends a synchronous start signal (such as a set of pulse sequences or a specific control voltage) to the output ports of the first pivot 301 and the second pivot 302. Upon receiving a signal, the two pivoting components rotate synchronously and in the same direction, thereby smoothly unfolding the first headband 201 and the second headband 202 from both sides of the headrest body forward and downward, ensuring that the headbands do not twist or deviate during unfolding. Specifically, a small stepper motor can be used as the power source for the two pivoting components. The motor's output shaft is connected to a set of planetary gears or worm gears, increasing torque through gear reduction. The shaft end connected to the gears has two headband sections, which rotate synchronously with the gear shaft end after gear reduction. When headband rotation is required, the control module 500 sends pulse signals to the stepper motor driver. Each pulse corresponds to a fixed angle of motor rotation. By controlling the number of pulses, the rotation angle of the headband can be precisely controlled, and by controlling the pulse frequency, the rotation speed can be controlled.

[0027] Preferably, the above solution further includes a pressure sensor disposed within the first headband segment 201 and / or the second headband segment 202, used to detect the contact pressure between the test subject and the first headband segment 201 and / or the second headband segment 202 and to feed back the contact pressure to the control module 500; the control module 500 controls the first electrode group 401 to collect brainwave signals or controls the second electrode group 402 to emit current signals when the contact pressure is within a set range. With this solution, after the test subject wears the headband, the pressure sensor continuously detects the contact pressure between the headband and the user's scalp in real time, avoiding situations where the headband is too loose to detect accurate brainwave signals, or too tight to affect comfort. The control module 500 only sends an action signal to the first electrode group 401 and the second electrode group 402 when it confirms that the contact pressure is stably within a set effective range (e.g., stably within 15-25 kPa). In this solution, the user can adjust the inner diameter of the headband by changing the contact length of the two headband segments by adjusting the overlapping area of ​​the magnetic part. This solution overcomes problems such as signal interruption and excessive noise caused by poor contact between the headband and the object being tested.

[0028] Furthermore, in the above solution, the control module 500 is also used to receive vehicle status signals. When the vehicle status signal indicates that the vehicle is not in P gear or the handbrake is not engaged, it enters a sleep state. Specifically, the control module 500 can communicate with the vehicle controller to obtain the corresponding vehicle status signals. That is, this solution follows the principle of safety first; the control module 500 is only activated when both a P gear signal and a handbrake engaged signal are detected simultaneously. If a non-parking state is detected (such as D gear, R gear, or handbrake not engaged), the control module 500 remains in sleep mode, and the device does not activate any functions, thus mitigating driving safety risks at the source.

[0029] Preferably, the above solution also includes a position sensor disposed inside the headrest body, used to detect the distance between the object being measured and the headrest body 100 and send the distance to the control module 500; and a voice player disposed in the headband 200; when the distance is greater than a set distance threshold, the control module 500 controls the voice player to play a prompt sound, the prompt sound of which may be "To ensure the best effect, please rest your head on the headrest". The position sensor can be a GP2Y0A21YK infrared distance sensor, and the set distance threshold can be 2cm.

[0030] In the above schemes, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first headband segment 201 and / or the second headband segment 202 are equipped with nested sliding parts, such as the first nested sliding part 2011 and the second nested sliding part 2021 in the figure. The nested sliding parts adjust the length of the first headband segment 201 and / or the second headband segment 202 during sliding. In this application, as mentioned above, a magnetic attraction method is used to combine the two headband segments. The inner diameter of the headband can be adjusted by adjusting the overlap length of the magnetic attraction position, in order to meet the needs of a wider range of head and neck movement. Specifically, the nested sliding part is essentially a telescopic structure. Each headband segment can be designed to consist of an inner sliding section and an outer sliding section. A groove is formed on the inner wall of the outer sliding section, and a guide rail is provided on the outside of the inner sliding section. The groove and the guide rail can achieve a short-range relative sliding motion. A ratchet is provided on the groove of the outer sliding section to achieve positioning and locking. The trigger end of the ratchet is located on the outer surface of the outer sliding section. By pressing the trigger end, the ratchet lock is released, allowing for sliding adjustment. After releasing, the ratchet automatically locks the inner sliding section in the new position. This design, through the additional length adjustment function, allows the headband to adapt to different head circumferences.

[0031] The above-described solution of this application also includes an emergency stop button, which is located on the headrest body 100 and connected to the control module 500. When the emergency stop button is triggered, the control module 500 controls the first electrode group 401 and / or the second electrode group 402 to stop operating. That is, when the user presses the emergency stop button (protruding design, supporting blind operation) on the side of the headrest body, the device immediately cuts off brainwave signal acquisition or current output, ensuring the user's autonomy.

[0032] As a preferred embodiment, in the above embodiment, after the control module 500 controls the first electrode group 401 to collect brainwave signals, it determines the state of the subject based on the brainwave signals and controls the second electrode group 402 to emit current signals of different frequencies according to the state. The states include anxiety and fatigue. Preferably, when the state is anxiety, the control module 500 controls the second electrode group 402 located inside the headband to output a current signal of 0.8-1.2 mA; when the state is fatigue, the control module 500 controls the second electrode group 402 located inside the headrest to output a current signal of 1.2-1.5 mA. During brainwave signal collection, the first electrode group 401 inside both the headband and the headrest performs actions, covering the brainwave collection of the posterior brain, occipital lobe, and anterior lobe. For different states, the second electrode group 402 in different areas can be controlled to output currents of different frequencies. Typically, during anxiety, a low-frequency current signal (0.8-1.2 mA, 0.5-1 Hz) is output to the prefrontal cortex for 10-15 minutes to regulate prefrontal cortex activity and alleviate anxiety. During fatigue, a mid-frequency current signal (1.2-1.5 mA, 1-5 Hz) is output to the occipital cortex for 8-12 minutes to promote alertness. The duration of these signals is not fixed. In practice, the duration of the second electrode group 402 can be adjusted based on changes in the EEG signals collected by the first electrode group 401. For example, if the subject recovers to normal (e.g., alpha wave proportion > 50% during anxiety), the second electrode group 402 can be immediately stopped outputting current.

[0033] This application also provides a seat, including a headrest with a brain-computer interface as described in any of the above embodiments. This application also provides a vehicle, including the seat described in the above embodiments. The seat and vehicle provided in this application integrate the brain-computer interface with the headrest, solving the problems of inconvenience and unstable signal of general-purpose brain-computer interface devices when used in vehicles in the prior art.

[0034] As needed, the above technical solutions can be combined to achieve the best technical effect.

[0035] The above are merely the principles and preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several other modifications can be made based on the principles of this application, and these modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A headrest integrating a brain-computer interface, characterized in that, include: headrest body; The headband is divided into two sections. The first end of the first section of the headband is connected to the first side of the headrest body via a first pivot, and the first end of the second section of the headband is connected to the second side of the headrest body via a second pivot. Magnetic buckles are provided at the second ends of the first and second sections of the headband. An electrode assembly, disposed inside the headband and the headrest body, includes a first electrode group for collecting brainwave signals and a second electrode group for transmitting current signals. The control module is located inside the headrest body and is connected to the electrode assembly; A pressure sensor is disposed in the first headband section and / or the second headband section to detect the contact pressure between the object being tested and the first headband section and / or the second headband section and to feed back the contact pressure to the control module; When the contact pressure is within a set range, the control module controls the first electrode group to collect brainwave signals or controls the second electrode group to emit current signals. Furthermore, after the first electrode group collects brainwave signals, the state of the tested subject is determined based on the brainwave signals, and the state includes: anxiety state and fatigue state; When the state is an anxiety state, the second electrode group located inside the headband is controlled to output a current signal with an amplitude of 0.8-1.2mA and a frequency of 0.5-1Hz; when the state is a fatigue state, the second electrode group located inside the headrest body is controlled to output a current signal with an amplitude of 1.2-1.5mA and a frequency of 1-5Hz.

2. The headrest with integrated brain-computer interface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first pivot and the second pivot are electrically controlled components; The control module is connected to the controlled ports of the first pivot and the second pivot. After the control module outputs a start signal, the first pivot and the second pivot rotate synchronously. After the control module outputs a stop signal, the first pivot and the second pivot stop synchronously.

3. The headrest with integrated brain-computer interface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module receives vehicle status signals. When the vehicle status signal indicates that the vehicle is not in P gear or the handbrake is not engaged, it enters a sleep state.

4. The headrest with integrated brain-computer interface according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A position sensor, disposed inside the headrest body, is used to detect the distance between the object being measured and the headrest body and send the distance to the control module; A voice player is installed in the headband; When the distance exceeds a set distance threshold, the control module controls the voice player to play a prompt sound.

5. The headrest with integrated brain-computer interface according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first headband segment and / or the second headband segment are provided with nested sliding parts, which adjust the length of the first headband segment and / or the second headband segment during sliding.

6. The headrest with a fusion brain-computer interface according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Also includes: An emergency stop button is located on the headrest body and connected to the control module; When the emergency stop button is triggered, the control module controls the first electrode group and / or the second electrode group to stop operating.

7. A type of seat, characterized in that, The headrest comprising the fusion brain-computer interface as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. A car, characterized in that, Includes the seat as described in claim 7.

Images