Earphone type brain-machine and method of using the same

Abstract

The application belongs to the field of brain-computer interaction, and particularly relates to an earphone type brain-computer and a use method thereof, wherein the brain-computer comprises an ear cover, an earphone module installed on the ear cover, and an integrated module installed on the ear cover; the earphone module comprises a microphone for audio input and installed on the ear cover and a loudspeaker for audio output and installed on the ear cover. The application integrates EEG collection, PPG, body position monitoring and earphone functions in a single device, avoids the cumbersome of users wearing multiple devices, improves the use convenience and comfort, corrects signals through EEG, PPG and body position fusion processing, reduces motion artifacts and environmental interference, realizes efficient wireless data transmission through low-power Bluetooth transmission, supports real-time monitoring and remote control, optimizes power management, prolongs the endurance time, and meets the daily continuous use demand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of brain-computer interface technology, and in particular to an earphone-type brain-computer interface and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] The most similar solutions in the existing technology fall into two categories: one is headphone-style devices that focus on electroencephalogram (EEG) acquisition, such as some commercial EEG head-mounted devices, for neurofeedback or brain-computer control; the other is smart headphones or earbuds that integrate photoplethysmography (PPG) and body position monitoring for health monitoring such as heart rate and motion tracking.

[0003] However, existing technical solutions have the following drawbacks: 1. Limited Functionality: Existing EEG acquisition devices typically focus solely on EEG signal acquisition, lacking monitoring of multimodal physiological parameters such as PPG and body posture, thus failing to provide comprehensive health status analysis. For example, some EEG headsets are only used for meditation or concentration training, but cannot simultaneously monitor cardiovascular indicators or body posture; 2. Low integration: Users need to wear multiple devices (such as an EEG headset + smart bracelet) to achieve EEG, heart rate and body position monitoring, which leads to inconvenience and poor comfort, and makes it difficult to synchronize data between devices; 3. Low data transmission efficiency: Existing devices mostly use wired transmission or inefficient wireless protocols, resulting in poor real-time performance, high power consumption, and difficulty in supporting long-term continuous monitoring. For example, some EEG devices connect via USB, limiting the user's range of motion; 4. Insufficient accuracy: When monitoring EEG or PPG alone, it is susceptible to motion artifacts or environmental interference, and lacks positional data correction, leading to a decline in signal quality. For example, when monitoring PPG at the ear position, if positional data is not combined, errors may occur due to head movements; Based on the above shortcomings, we propose an earphone-type brain-computer interface and its usage method. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention proposes an earphone-type brain-computer interface and its usage method to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An earphone-type brain-computer interface includes an earcup, an earphone module mounted on the earcup, and an integrated module mounted on the earcup. The earphone module includes a microphone for audio input mounted on the earcup and a speaker for audio output mounted on the earcup. The integrated module includes multiple sets of sensing electrodes arranged in a ring inside the earcup and in contact with the ear; a PPG module mounted inside the earcup and in contact with the ear canal or earlobe; a body position monitoring module integrated inside the earcup; a processing unit mounted inside the earcup; a Bluetooth transmission module mounted inside the earcup; and a power management module mounted inside the earcup.

[0006] Preferably, the earmuffs are made of lightweight materials, such as plastic or metal alloys, and control buttons and status indicator lights are installed on the outside of the earmuffs.

[0007] Preferably, the sensing electrodes employ dry or wet electrode technology to acquire electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The number of sensing electrodes can be 2-8 to cover key brain regions. The sensing electrodes include signal amplifiers, filters, and analog-to-digital converters.

[0008] Preferably, the PPG module employs photoplethysmography (PPG) technology, which includes an LED light source and a photodetector for collecting cardiovascular parameters such as blood oxygen saturation and heart rate. The PPG module modulates the light intensity to reduce ambient light interference.

[0009] Preferably, the body position monitoring module includes an inertial measurement unit, which is used to monitor the user's head posture and body movement, and can detect static body position and dynamic movement.

[0010] Preferably, the processing unit is a microcontroller or digital signal processor. The processing unit is responsible for coordinating the work of each module, performing preliminary processing on the collected EEG, PPG and body position data, and implementing a data fusion algorithm to improve signal accuracy.

[0011] Preferably, the Bluetooth transmission module adopts the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol, which establishes a wireless connection with external smart devices and transmits processed data in real time. The Bluetooth transmission module supports bidirectional communication.

[0012] Preferably, the power management module includes a rechargeable lithium battery and a charging circuit, supports USB-C or wireless charging, and provides up to several hours of continuous operation.

[0013] This invention proposes a method for using an earphone-type brain-computer interface, comprising the following steps: S1: After the user wears the earphone-type brain-computer interface, the monitoring is started through control buttons or instructions from external smart devices; S2: The earphone-type brain-computer interface automatically collects EEG, PPG and body position data through multiple sets of sensing electrodes. The processing unit then performs real-time analysis and transmits the data to an external smart device via a Bluetooth transmission module. S3: External intelligent devices can perform further analysis, storage, and visualization. Based on the data, external intelligent devices can also perform the following analyses, the specific analysis process of which is shown below: S301: Real-time detection and analysis of the theta, delta, alpha, beta, and gamma band power waves of EEG through Fourier transform, and long-term tracking of EEG status, heart rate variability, and body position changes; S302: The EEG power algorithm unit calculates the power within the EEG range based on Fourier transform, and its calculation formula is as follows: , Where f is the frequency, X[f] is the amplitude of frequency f, N is the total length of the signal, x is the timing signal, and n is the current time point; S303: Controls external smart devices through EEG signals and improves control accuracy by combining body position data. Body position data is used to control the direction of the wheelchair, while EEG focus beta waves are used to control the direction of the wheelchair. S304: Monitors heart rate and head posture during exercise, providing real-time feedback to prevent sports injuries.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, this invention integrates EEG acquisition, PPG, body position monitoring, and headphone functions into a single device, avoiding the inconvenience of users wearing multiple devices and improving ease of use and comfort. Through EEG, PPG, and body position fusion processing, signals can be mutually corrected to reduce motion artifacts and environmental interference. By adopting low-power Bluetooth transmission, efficient wireless data transmission is achieved, supporting real-time monitoring and remote control. At the same time, power management is optimized to extend battery life and meet the needs of continuous daily use. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Fig. 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an earphone-type brain-computer interface proposed in this invention; Fig. 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the usage method of an earphone-type brain-computer interface proposed in this invention.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Earcup; 2. Sensing electrode; 3. Speaker; 4. Integrated module. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0018] Reference Figs. 1-2 A headphone-type brain-computer interface includes an earcup 1, an earphone module mounted on the earcup 1, and an integrated module 4 mounted on the earcup 1. The earcup 1 is made of a lightweight material, wherein the lightweight material is plastic or metal alloy. Control buttons and status indicator lights are installed on the outside of the earcup 1. The earphone module includes a microphone for audio input mounted on the earcup 1 and a speaker 3 for audio output mounted on the earcup 1. The integrated module 4 includes multiple sets of sensing electrodes 2 arranged in a ring on the inside of the earcup 1 and in contact with the ear. A PPG module is mounted on the inside of the earcup 1 and in contact with the ear canal or earlobe. A body position monitoring module is integrated on the inside of the earcup 1. A processing unit is mounted on the inside of the earcup 1. A Bluetooth transmission module is mounted on the inside of the earcup 1. A power management module is mounted on the inside of the earcup 1. The sensing electrode 2 uses dry or wet electrode technology to collect EEG signals. The number of sensing electrodes 2 can be 2-8 to cover key brain regions. Sensing electrode 2 includes a signal amplifier, filter, and analog-to-digital converter. The PPG module uses photoplethysmography (PPG) technology, including an LED light source and photodetector, to collect cardiovascular parameters such as blood oxygen saturation and heart rate. The PPG module modulates light intensity to reduce ambient light interference. The posture monitoring module includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to monitor the user's head posture and body movement, detecting both static and dynamic postures. The processing unit uses a microcontroller or digital signal processor (DSP) to coordinate the work of each module, performing preliminary processing on the collected EEG, PPG, and posture data. The processing unit also implements a data fusion algorithm to improve signal accuracy. The Bluetooth transmission module uses the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol to establish a wireless connection with external smart devices and transmit processed data in real time. The Bluetooth transmission module supports bidirectional communication. The power management module includes a rechargeable lithium battery and charging circuit, supporting USB-C or wireless charging and providing up to several hours of continuous operation.

[0019] It should be noted that this embodiment integrates EEG acquisition, PPG, body position monitoring, and headphone functions into a single device, avoiding the inconvenience of users wearing multiple devices and improving ease of use and comfort. Through EEG, PPG, and body position fusion processing, signals can be mutually corrected to reduce motion artifacts and environmental interference. By adopting low-power Bluetooth transmission, efficient wireless data transmission is achieved, supporting real-time monitoring and remote control. At the same time, power management is optimized to extend battery life and meet the needs of continuous daily use.

[0020] This embodiment proposes a method for using an earphone-type brain-computer interface, including the following steps: S1: After the user wears the earphone-type brain-computer interface, the monitoring is started through control buttons or instructions from external smart devices; S2: The headphone-type brain-computer interface automatically collects EEG, PPG and body position data through multiple sets of sensing electrodes 2, then the processing unit performs real-time analysis and transmits the data to an external smart device via a Bluetooth transmission module. S3: External intelligent devices can perform further analysis, storage, and visualization. Based on the data, external intelligent devices can also perform the following analyses, the specific analysis process of which is shown below: S301: Real-time detection and analysis of the theta, delta, alpha, beta, and gamma band power waves of EEG through Fourier transform, and long-term tracking of EEG status, heart rate variability, and body position changes; S302: The EEG power algorithm unit calculates the power within the EEG range based on Fourier transform, and its calculation formula is as follows: , Where f is the frequency, X[f] is the amplitude of frequency f, N is the total length of the signal, x is the timing signal, and n is the current time point; S303: Controls external smart devices through EEG signals and improves control accuracy by combining body position data. Body position data is used to control the direction of the wheelchair, while EEG focus beta waves are used to control the direction of the wheelchair. S304: Monitors heart rate and head posture during exercise, providing real-time feedback to prevent sports injuries.

[0021] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A headphone-type brain-computer interface, comprising an earcup (1), an earphone module mounted on the earcup (1), and an integrated module (4) mounted on the earcup (1), characterized in that, The headphone module includes a microphone for audio input mounted on the earcup (1) and a speaker (3) for audio output mounted on the earcup (1). The integrated module (4) includes multiple sets of sensing electrodes (2) arranged in a ring inside the earcup (1) and in contact with the ear, a PPG module mounted inside the earcup (1) and in contact with the ear canal or earlobe, a body position monitoring module integrated inside the earcup (1), a processing unit mounted inside the earcup (1), a Bluetooth transmission module mounted inside the earcup (1), and a power management module mounted inside the earcup (1).

2. The earphone-type brain-computer interface according to claim 1, characterized in that, The earmuff (1) is made of lightweight material, which is either plastic or metal alloy. Control buttons and status indicator lights are installed on the outside of the earmuff (1).

3. The earphone-type brain-computer interface according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing electrode (2) adopts dry electrode or wet electrode technology and is used to collect EEG signals. The number of sensing electrodes (2) can be 2-8 to cover key brain regions. The sensing electrode (2) includes a signal amplifier, a filter and an analog-to-digital converter.

4. The earphone-type brain-computer interface according to claim 3, characterized in that, The PPG module uses photoplethysmography (PPG) technology, which includes an LED light source and a photodetector to collect cardiovascular parameters such as blood oxygen saturation and heart rate. The PPG module modulates the light intensity to reduce ambient light interference.

5. The earphone-type brain-computer interface according to claim 4, characterized in that, The posture monitoring module includes an inertial measurement unit, which is used to monitor the user's head posture and body movement, and can detect static posture and dynamic movement.

6. The earphone-type brain-computer interface according to claim 5, characterized in that, The processing unit employs a microcontroller or digital signal processor. It is responsible for coordinating the work of each module, performing preliminary processing on the collected EEG, PPG, and body position data, and implementing a data fusion algorithm to improve signal accuracy.

7. The earphone-type brain-computer interface according to claim 6, characterized in that, The Bluetooth transmission module uses the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol to establish a wireless connection with external smart devices and transmit processed data in real time. The Bluetooth transmission module supports bidirectional communication.

8. The earphone-type brain-computer interface according to claim 7, characterized in that, The power management module includes a rechargeable lithium battery and a charging circuit, supports USB-C or wireless charging, and provides up to several hours of continuous operation.

9. A method for using an earphone-type brain-computer interface, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: After the user wears the earphone-type brain-computer interface, the monitoring is started through control buttons or instructions from external smart devices; S2: The headphone-type brain-computer interface automatically collects EEG, PPG and body position data through multiple sets of sensing electrodes (2), and then the processing unit performs real-time analysis and transmits the data to an external smart device through the Bluetooth transmission module; S3: External intelligent devices can perform further analysis, storage, and visualization. Based on the data, external intelligent devices can also perform the following analyses, the specific analysis process of which is shown below: S301: Real-time detection and analysis of the theta, delta, alpha, beta, and gamma band power waves of EEG through Fourier transform, and long-term tracking of EEG status, heart rate variability, and body position changes; S302: The EEG power algorithm unit calculates the power within the EEG range based on Fourier transform, and its calculation formula is as follows: ， Where f is the frequency, X[f] is the amplitude of frequency f, N is the total length of the signal, x is the timing signal, and n is the current time point; S303: Controls external smart devices through EEG signals and improves control accuracy by combining body position data. Body position data is used to control the direction of the wheelchair, while EEG focus beta waves are used to control the direction of the wheelchair. S304: Monitors heart rate and head posture during exercise, providing real-time feedback to prevent sports injuries.

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