Active dry electrode and electroencephalogram acquisition system

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model discloses an active dry electrode and an electroencephalogram acquisition system, the active dry electrode comprises a shell with an accommodating cavity, a circuit board and an electrode assembly, the circuit board and the electrode assembly are arranged in the accommodating cavity, and a first end of the electrode assembly is electrically connected with the circuit board; the second end of the electrode assembly extends out of the containing cavity to make contact with the scalp to collect electroencephalogram signals, the electrode assembly comprises a plurality of elastic electrodes, the first end of one elastic electrode is electrically connected with the center of the circuit board, and the other elastic electrodes are arranged on the outer side of the elastic electrode located in the center in the circumferential direction. The active dry electrode can provide uniform and moderate pressure, the arrangement mode of the elastic electrode can ensure the stability of contact between the electrode and the skin, and the accuracy of signal acquisition of the electrode is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electroencephalogram (EEG) signal sensing, in particular to an active dry electrode and an EEG acquisition system. Background Art

[0002] EEG signals are a method of recording brain activity using electrophysiological indicators. They are a comprehensive reflection of the electrophysiological activity of brain nerve cells in the cerebral cortex and can truly reflect the commands and motivations "inside" the brain. Brain-computer interface devices can directly connect to the human brain via EEG electrodes. The EEG electrodes transmit the collected EEG signals to the BCI device, enabling the diagnosis of brain diseases and the monitoring of EEG signals.

[0003] EEG electrodes can be categorized as non-invasive, non-implantable electrodes or invasive, implantable electrodes, depending on whether they cause trauma or not. Implantable electrodes have issues with long-term biocompatibility and the formation of scar tissue, which can affect signal acquisition accuracy. Non-invasive electrodes, which collect EEG signals from the scalp surface, have high signal interference noise, and the fit between the electrode and the scalp is affected by hair, resulting in lower signal quality. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, an embodiment of the present invention provides an active dry electrode and EEG acquisition system, which can provide uniform and moderate pressure, ensure the stability of the contact between the electrode and the skin, and ensure the accuracy of the electrode acquisition signal.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an active dry electrode, the active dry electrode comprising:

[0006] A housing having a receiving cavity;

[0007] A circuit board is arranged in the accommodating cavity;

[0008] An electrode assembly is disposed in the accommodating cavity, the electrode assembly comprising a plurality of elastic electrodes, wherein a first end of one of the elastic electrodes is electrically connected to the center of the circuit board, the remaining elastic electrodes are circumferentially arranged outside the elastic electrode located in the center and the first ends of the remaining elastic electrodes are electrically connected to the circuit board, and the second ends of the plurality of elastic electrodes extend from the accommodating cavity to contact the scalp to collect EEG signals.

[0009] Optionally, the electrode assembly further includes a mounting seat disposed in the accommodating cavity, the first ends of the plurality of elastic electrodes being connected to the mounting seat, one elastic electrode being disposed at the center of the mounting seat, and the remaining elastic electrodes being circumferentially disposed on the outside of the elastic electrode located at the center.

[0010] Optionally, the housing comprises:

[0011] The main housing has a through accommodating cavity;

[0012] a cover body, detachably connected to the upper portion of the main shell, the cover body sealing the top of the accommodating cavity;

[0013] An elastic base is detachably connected to the bottom of the main shell, the elastic base seals the bottom of the accommodating cavity, and the elastic base includes a fixing hole. The electrode assembly is fixed in the fixing hole and the second end extends out of the elastic base.

[0014] Optionally, the main housing is provided with a plurality of slots communicating with the accommodating cavity;

[0015] The inner side surface of the cover body is convexly provided with a plurality of buckles;

[0016] When the cover body is connected to the main shell, the plurality of buckles extend into the accommodating cavity and are respectively buckled into the plurality of slots through elastic reset.

[0017] Optionally, the bottom end of the main housing is in a gradually expanding trumpet shape;

[0018] The elastic base includes an annular mounting groove with an upward opening and an escape groove with a downward opening. The fixing hole is communicated with the escape groove. The bottom end of the main shell is tightly fitted and inserted into the annular mounting groove.

[0019] Optionally, the active dry electrode further includes two connecting shafts coaxially fixed on the outside of the main housing.

[0020] Optionally, at least one disassembly hole is provided on the side surface of the main shell, and the disassembly hole is communicated with the accommodating cavity.

[0021] Optionally, the active dry electrode further includes:

[0022] a cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the circuit board and the other end of which extends from the housing;

[0023] A connecting buckle is electrically and physically connected between the circuit board and the electrode assembly.

[0024] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an EEG acquisition system, which includes a data processing device and the active dry electrode as described in the first aspect, and the active dry electrode is electrically connected to the data processing device.

[0025] Optionally, the circuit board is electrically connected to a signal amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, a controller and a communication module. The signal amplifier is used to amplify the EEG signal collected by the electrode assembly. The controller controls the analog-to-digital converter to convert the EEG signal and transmit it to the data processing device through the communication module. The data processing module is used to process the received EEG signal and then issue an operation command.

[0026] The active dry electrode of the present invention comprises a housing with a housing cavity, a circuit board, and an electrode assembly. The circuit board and electrode assembly are disposed within the housing cavity, with the first end of the electrode assembly electrically connected to the circuit board. The second end of the electrode assembly extends from the housing cavity to contact the scalp to collect EEG signals. The electrode assembly includes multiple elastic electrodes, one of which has a first end electrically connected to the center of the circuit board, and the remaining elastic electrodes are circumferentially arranged around the centrally located elastic electrode. This active dry electrode can provide uniform and moderate pressure, and the arrangement of the elastic electrodes ensures stable contact between the electrode and the skin, guaranteeing the accuracy of the signals collected by the electrodes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through the following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a front view of the active dry electrode of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a rear view of the active dry electrode of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 1 is a top view of an active dry electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the active dry electrode of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a left side view of the active dry electrode of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a right side view of the active dry electrode of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0034] Figure 7 is a three-dimensional diagram of an active dry electrode according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a circuit block diagram of the active dry electrode of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0036] Reference numerals:

[0037] 1-housing; 12-main housing; 121-card slot; 122-disassembly hole; 13-cover; 131-clip; 14-elastic base; 141-fixing hole; 142-annular mounting groove; 143-avoidance groove; 2-circuit board; 3-electrode assembly; 31-elastic electrode; 4-connecting shaft; 5-data processing equipment; 6-signal amplifier; 7-analog-to-digital converter; 8-controller; 9-communication module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present application is described below based on the following embodiments, but the present application is not limited to these embodiments. In the detailed description of the present application below, certain specific details are described in detail. Those skilled in the art can fully understand the present application without the description of these details. To avoid obscuring the essence of the present application, well-known methods, processes, procedures, components, and circuits are not described in detail.

[0039] Furthermore, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the figures provided herein are for illustration purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," and the like should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed or detachable connections, or integration; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, words like “include”, “comprising” and the like throughout this application should be interpreted as including rather than exclusive or exhaustive; that is, as meaning “including but not limited to”.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance. In addition, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0043] Figure 1-Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the active dry electrode of this embodiment. Figure 1-Figure 7 As shown, the active dry electrode includes a housing 1, a circuit board 2 (such as Figure 8The housing 1 has a receiving cavity, the circuit board 2 and the electrode assembly 3 are arranged in the receiving cavity, and the first end of the electrode assembly 3 is electrically connected to the circuit board 2, and the second end of the electrode assembly 3 extends from the receiving cavity to contact the scalp to collect brain electrical signals. Among them, the housing 1 is an insulating shell, which can provide protection during active dry electrode operation to prevent the circuit board 2 from being exposed. At the same time, the side of the housing 1 close to the skin is elastic, and can achieve good and stable contact with the skin through elastic deformation, which can avoid movement during operation and eliminate the pain problem caused by long-term movement.

[0044] In this embodiment, the electrode assembly 3 is a dry electrode that can directly contact the scalp to collect EEG signals, avoiding the skin discomfort and cleaning issues that may be caused by the use of conductive paste. At the same time, the electrode assembly 3 is a dry electrode, which can be easy to operate and simplify the use steps.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the electrode assembly 3 includes multiple elastic electrodes 31. The first end of one elastic electrode 31 is electrically connected to the center of the circuit board 2. The remaining elastic electrodes 31 are circumferentially arranged outside the centrally located elastic electrode 31, and their first ends are all electrically connected to the circuit board 2. The second ends of the multiple elastic electrodes 31 extend from the accommodating cavity and extend outside the housing 1 to contact the scalp and collect EEG signals. When in contact with the scalp, the elastic electrodes 31 can effectively contact the scalp through elastic deformation, reducing tenderness, etc.

[0046] In this embodiment, the arrangement of the multiple elastic electrodes 31 allows the active dry electrode to form a claw-like structure when attached to the scalp. Through simultaneous elastic deformation, the electrodes 31 can effectively and multi-directionally contact the scalp, enabling stable and reliable signal acquisition even with thick hair. Furthermore, the elastic electrodes 31 enhance wearing comfort.

[0047] In this embodiment, the elastic electrode 31 can be a pogo pin connector or an elastic electrode sheet, which effectively contacts the scalp and improves comfort. To ensure reliable electrical contact between the elastic electrode 31 and the scalp, a silver or gold coating can be applied to the surface of the elastic electrode 31. Furthermore, applying a silver or gold coating to the surface of the elastic electrode 31 improves the electrode's corrosion and wear resistance, ensuring that it maintains excellent functionality even during extended use, meeting the demands of frequent use. In one embodiment, the elastic electrode 31 utilizes a gold-plated pogo pin connector to ensure excellent conductivity and long-term stability.

[0048] Optionally, the electrode assembly 3 may further include a mounting base disposed within the accommodating cavity. The first ends of the multiple elastic electrodes 31 are connected to the mounting base, ensuring that the multiple elastic electrodes 31 are relatively fixed and form a single unit, facilitating contact with the scalp. One elastic electrode 31 is positioned at the center of the mounting base, while the remaining elastic electrodes 31 are circumferentially arranged around the outer edges of the centrally located elastic electrode 31. This ensures effective contact between the elastic electrodes 31 and the scalp, enabling stable and reliable acquisition of EEG signals.

[0049] like Figure 1-Figure 2 、 Figure 5-Figure 7 As shown, the housing 1 includes a main housing 12, a cover 13, and an elastic base 14. The main housing 12 has a through-hole containing a cavity. The cover 13 and elastic base 14 are detachably connected to the upper and lower parts of the main housing 12, respectively, to seal the cavity. The detachable connection between the cover 13 and elastic base 14 and the main housing 12 facilitates the installation, maintenance, or replacement of the circuit board 2 and electrode assembly 3.

[0050] like Figure 1-Figure 2 、 Figure 5-Figure 7 As shown, the main shell 12 is provided with a plurality of card slots 121 along the circumference, and the plurality of card slots 121 are all connected to the accommodating cavity. Among them, the plurality of card slots 121 are located near the top of the main shell 12. The inner side surface of the cover body 13 is convexly provided with a plurality of clips 131. The number of clips 131 is the same as the number of the card slots 121, and the positions correspond one to one. When the cover body 13 and the main shell 12 are connected, the plurality of clips 131 extend into the accommodating cavity and are respectively engaged in the corresponding plurality of card slots 121 through elastic reset, thereby realizing the connection between the cover body 13 and the main shell 12. In addition, the cover body 13 and the main shell 12 can also adopt other detachable connection methods in the prior art, such as bolt connection, magnetic attraction, etc.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the elastic base 14 includes fixing holes 141. The arrangement of the fixing holes 141 is consistent with the arrangement of the multiple elastic electrodes 31. The multiple elastic electrodes 31 of the electrode assembly 3 are fixedly connected to the multiple fixing holes 141, and their second ends extend from the elastic base 14. The elastic base 14 can define the position of the elastic electrodes 31 through the fixing holes 141, so that the multiple elastic electrodes 31 are fixed in place and maintain good contact with the scalp.

[0052] like Figure 7As shown, the elastic base 14 includes an upwardly opening annular mounting groove 142. The bottom end of the main housing 12 can be inserted into the annular mounting groove 142, thereby connecting the main housing 12 and the elastic base 14. The bottom end of the main housing 12 and the elastic base 14 form a tight fit. The elastic base 14 also includes a downwardly opening escape groove 143, which is located within the annular mounting groove 142. A fixing hole 141 is provided at the bottom of the escape groove 143, and a plurality of elastic electrodes 31 extend from the escape groove 143.

[0053] In this embodiment, the elastic base 14 is made of elastic materials such as silicone, rubber, etc. When the multiple elastic electrodes 31 are in contact with the scalp, the elastic base 14 deforms to maintain stable contact with the scalp, preventing movement during the process of collecting EEG signals.

[0054] Furthermore, the bottom of the main housing 12 is shaped like a gradually expanding trumpet, and the elastic base 14 is also trumpet-shaped. The annular mounting groove 142 is configured to match the trumpet shape of the bottom of the main housing 12, facilitating a tight fit between the two. The trumpet shape of the elastic base 14 allows the active dry electrode to be better fixed to the scalp, increasing the force-bearing area and reducing tenderness.

[0055] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 7 As shown, at least one disassembly hole 122 is provided on the side of the main housing 12, and the disassembly hole 122 is connected to the accommodating cavity. The disassembly hole 122 facilitates maintenance personnel to insert a tool therein to remove the electrode assembly 3 from the accommodating cavity for replacement.

[0056] Optionally, the active dry electrode may be further provided with a connecting buckle, which is disposed in the accommodating cavity. The connecting buckle is located between the circuit board 2 and the electrode assembly 3 and can electrically and physically connect the circuit board 2 and the electrode assembly 3.

[0057] Furthermore, the active dry electrode includes a cable. The main housing 12 is provided with a connection hole for the cable to pass through. One end of the cable extends from the connection hole into the accommodating cavity and is electrically connected to the circuit board 2. The other end of the cable is located outside the housing 1 and is used to connect to a data processing device 5 (such as an EEG receiving device), so that the EEG signals collected by the active dry electrode are transmitted to the data processing device 5 for processing.

[0058] Furthermore, the active dry electrode includes two connecting shafts 4 coaxially fixed to the outside of the main housing 12. The active dry electrode can be rotatably connected to other adjustable mounting components via the two connecting shafts 4, so that when the active dry electrode is mounted on the human head, the angle can be adjusted by rotating the two connecting shafts 4, facilitating a good and stable fixation of the active dry electrode on the human scalp.

[0059] The active dry electrodes in this embodiment provide uniform and moderate pressure, and the flexible electrode arrangement ensures stable contact between the electrodes and the skin, guaranteeing accurate signal acquisition. Furthermore, they offer more convenient installation and removal, enhancing user-friendly interaction and avoiding the skin discomfort and cleaning issues that can arise from the use of conductive paste. This ensures that the flexible electrodes perform well in a variety of hair conditions, delivering stable signal quality regardless of the user's hairstyle.

[0060] like Figure 8 As shown, this embodiment also provides an EEG acquisition system, which includes a data processing device 5 and active dry electrodes, which are electrically connected to the data processing device 5. The active dry electrodes are used to collect EEG signals and transmit them to the data processing device 5; the data processing device 5 is used to process the received EEG signals and issue operation commands. The active dry electrodes have the advantage of high input impedance, which is suitable for dry electrode EEG signal acquisition.

[0061] Furthermore, the circuit board 2 of the active dry electrode is electrically connected to a signal amplifier 6, an analog-to-digital converter 7, a controller 8 and a communication module 9, such as Figure 8 The signal amplifier 6 is used to amplify the EEG signal collected by the electrode assembly 3. The controller 8 controls the analog-to-digital converter 7 to convert the EEG signal and transmit it to the data processing device 5 through the communication module 9. The data processing device 5 is used to process the received EEG signal and then issue an operation command.

[0062] The communication module 9 can be wireless or wired. The signal amplifier 6 can be a low-noise amplifier, capable of amplifying weak EEG signals and improving the system's signal-to-noise ratio. Driven by the controller 8, the multi-channel analog-to-digital converter 7 can operate synchronously to achieve the simultaneous acquisition of multi-channel EEG signals. The collected EEG signals are ultimately transmitted to the data processing device 5 via the communication module 9, completing the EEG signal acquisition function.

[0063] The active dry electrodes in this embodiment, without the use of conductive paste, deliver signal quality comparable to traditional wet electrodes. This is due to their high input impedance, low noise, and high drive capability, enabling them to provide pure and accurate EEG signals. Active dry electrodes effectively suppress artifacts and external interference in a variety of environments, ensuring high-precision EEG data acquisition and providing stable and reliable data support.

[0064] The foregoing is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An active dry electrode, characterized in that: The active dry electrode comprises: A housing (1) having a receiving cavity; A circuit board (2) is arranged in the accommodating cavity; An electrode assembly (3) is arranged in the accommodating cavity, the electrode assembly (3) comprising a plurality of elastic electrodes (31), wherein a first end of one of the elastic electrodes (31) is electrically connected to the center of the circuit board (2), the remaining elastic electrodes (31) are circumferentially arranged outside the elastic electrode (31) located in the center and the first ends of the remaining elastic electrodes (31) are electrically connected to the circuit board (2), and the second ends of the plurality of elastic electrodes (31) extend from the accommodating cavity to contact the scalp to collect brain electrical signals.

2. The active dry electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that The electrode assembly (3) further comprises a mounting seat, which is arranged in the accommodating cavity. The first ends of the plurality of elastic electrodes (31) are connected to the mounting seat. One elastic electrode (31) is arranged at the center of the mounting seat, and the remaining elastic electrodes (31) are circumferentially arranged outside the elastic electrode (31) located at the center.

3. The active dry electrode according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The housing (1) comprises: The main housing (12) has a through accommodating cavity; a cover body (13) detachably connected to the upper portion of the main housing (12), the cover body (13) sealing the top of the accommodating cavity; An elastic base (14) is detachably connected to the bottom of the main shell (12), the elastic base (14) seals the bottom of the accommodating cavity, the elastic base (14) includes a fixing hole (141), the electrode assembly (3) is fixed in the fixing hole (141) and the second end extends out of the elastic base (14).

4. The active dry electrode according to claim 3, characterized in that The main housing (12) is provided with a plurality of slots (121) communicating with the accommodating cavity; The inner side surface of the cover body (13) is convexly provided with a plurality of buckles (131); When the cover (13) and the main shell (12) are connected, the plurality of buckles (131) extend into the accommodating cavity and are respectively buckled into the plurality of slots (121) through elastic reset.

5. The active dry electrode according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bottom end of the main housing (12) is in a gradually expanding trumpet shape; The elastic base (14) comprises an annular mounting groove (142) with an upward opening and a relief groove (143) with a downward opening; the fixing hole (141) is in communication with the relief groove (143); and the bottom end of the main housing (12) is tightly fitted and inserted into the annular mounting groove (142).

6. The active dry electrode according to claim 3, characterized in that: The active dry electrode further comprises two connecting shafts (4) coaxially fixed on the outside of the main housing (12).

7. The active dry electrode according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least one disassembly hole (122) is provided on the side surface of the main housing (12), and the disassembly hole (122) is communicated with the accommodating cavity.

8. The active dry electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that The active dry electrode further comprises: a cable, one end of which is electrically connected to the circuit board (2) and the other end of which extends from the housing (1); A connecting buckle is electrically and physically connected between the circuit board (2) and the electrode assembly (3).

9. An EEG acquisition system, characterized in that: The EEG acquisition system comprises a data processing device (5) and an active dry electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the active dry electrode is electrically connected to the data processing device (5).

10. The EEG acquisition system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The circuit board (2) is electrically connected to a signal amplifier (6), an analog-to-digital converter (7), a controller (8), and a communication module (9); the signal amplifier (6) is used to amplify the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal collected by the electrode assembly (3); the controller (8) controls the analog-to-digital converter (7) to convert the EEG signal and transmits the converted EEG signal to the data processing device (5) via the communication module (9); and the data processing device (5) is used to process the received EEG signal and then issue an operation command.

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