Electroencephalogram signal acquisition helmet

Abstract

The utility model provides an electroencephalogram signal acquisition helmet, which belongs to the technical field of electroencephalogram signal acquisition, specifically comprises a plurality of electrode modules for acquiring electroencephalogram signals, the electrode modules are arranged on the inner wall of the helmet, and is characterized in that the helmet comprises a head ring, a connecting bracket and 1-5 pairs of electrode brackets which are symmetrically arranged left and right, the motor module can move on the electrode supports, the head ring is annular, the connecting support is fixedly connected with the head and the pillow of the head ring respectively, each pair of electrode supports are symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the connecting support, the electrode supports are connected with the connecting support, and the electrode module is arranged on the inner walls of the connecting support and the electrode supports. The electrode module can move along the electrode support, the position of the electrode module can be adjusted according to the head structure of a detected person, and the accuracy of electroencephalogram signals can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition technology, and more specifically to an EEG signal acquisition helmet. Background Technology

[0002] Electroencephalographic biofeedback therapy, also known as neurofeedback or brainwave biofeedback, is a treatment method that helps individuals regulate their physiological and psychological states by monitoring and providing feedback on brain electrical activity.

[0003] 1. Treatment principle:

[0004] Electroencephalography (EEG) biofeedback therapy is based on the premise that electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns reflect individual behavior. It modifies behavior by training individuals to control these brain electrical activities (such as inhibiting theta wave activity and enhancing beta wave production). This therapy is an operant conditioning process that can alter the amplitude, frequency, or coherence of the brain's neurophysiological dynamics.

[0005] 2. Clinical applications:

[0006] Electroencephalography (EEG) biofeedback therapy is used clinically to treat a variety of diseases, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, migraine, sleep disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

[0007] In particular, for ADHD and learning disabilities, studies have found that children with these conditions may have EEG abnormalities, including increased theta waves (associated with sleepiness) and reduced beta waves (associated with attention and memory processes).

[0008] 3. Treatment process:

[0009] During treatment, visual and auditory stimuli are used to make individuals aware of their physiological processes, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and skin temperature, and they learn to regulate these processes in a regular training process to affect symptoms.

[0010] Through training, patients can learn to enhance brainwave frequencies associated with concentration and suppress frequencies associated with distraction, thereby improving attention and focus, and enhancing learning and work efficiency.

[0011] 4. Treatment efficacy:

[0012] For emotional problems such as anxiety and depression, EEG biofeedback therapy helps patients relax their mind and body by regulating the brain's neural electrical activity, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of anxiety and depression.

[0013] In more serious neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, EEG biofeedback therapy can be used as an adjunct treatment to help patients detect early signs of seizures and take appropriate measures to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

[0014] 5. Scientific validity and effectiveness:

[0015] The scientific validity and effectiveness of EEG biofeedback therapy have been supported by numerous studies, especially in the treatment of ADHD, where the effectiveness rate can reach 60% to 70%, which is as effective as central nervous system stimulants.

[0016] In existing technologies, such as CN118787367B (a scalp EEG surface positioning helmet) and CN202410716020.2 (a multi-lead EEG acquisition helmet), the EEG acquisition helmets are mostly in a fixed position. However, different users have different head shapes and sizes, and a fixed electrode position can easily reduce the accuracy of the acquired signals. To address this problem, CN201921385711.X describes a VR device based on brain signal control. Multiple elastic fabric bands are installed on the inner surface of the head-mounted device, forming a grid pattern with the inner surface of the head-mounted device. Multiple electrodes are fixed to the elastic fabric bands, and an auxiliary electrode pressing device is provided between the electrodes and the inner surface of the head-mounted device to accommodate scalp changes and address the issue of electrode position variations. However, the elastic bands are made of flexible material and may shift or flip during use, leading to inaccurate EEG signal acquisition. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The purpose of this invention is to provide a helmet for acquiring electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0019] A helmet for acquiring electroencephalogram (EEG) signals includes several electrode modules for acquiring EEG signals. The electrode modules are disposed on the inner wall of the helmet. The helmet is characterized by comprising a headband, a connecting bracket, and 1 to 5 pairs of symmetrical electrode supports. The electrode modules are movable on the electrode supports. The headband is annular. The connecting bracket is fixedly connected to the head and occipital regions of the headband. Each pair of electrode supports is symmetrically disposed on both sides of the connecting bracket. The electrode supports are connected to the connecting bracket. The electrode modules are disposed on the inner walls of the connecting bracket and the electrode supports.

[0020] The size and shape of the heads of subjects vary, and fixed electrodes can lead to inaccurate EEG signal acquisition. By adopting the above structure, the electrode module can move along the connecting support and electrode holder, allowing for flexible adjustment of the electrode module's position according to the subject's head structure. The electrode module also remains stationary during use, improving the accuracy of EEG signal acquisition. Furthermore, the individual electrode module design allows for easy removal and replacement for repair or replacement in case of malfunction, reducing maintenance costs.

[0021] Preferably, the electrode module comprises, from bottom to top, interconnected electrode head, active electrode, spring, electrode seat, and spring seat.

[0022] The electrode module has spring-assisted support, which can achieve a telescopic effect and adjust the position by changing the height. At the same time, it can also make the electrode fit closely to the scalp, thereby achieving a good connection.

[0023] Preferably, the electrode head is detachably connected to the active electrode, allowing for the replacement of electrode heads with different lengths and different contact angles.

[0024] Preferably, one or two electrode modules are provided on each electrode holder.

[0025] Those skilled in the art can select one or two electrode modules based on the actual EEG signals required for 10-20 leads.

[0026] Preferably, a sliding groove is provided on the inner wall of the connecting bracket and / or the electrode bracket, and a sliding cover adapted to the sliding groove is provided on the electrode module, and a limit ring is also provided on the sliding groove.

[0027] Preferably, a plurality of electrodes are also provided on the inner wall of the connecting bracket.

[0028] Preferably, a VR host is detachably connected to the head of the helmet.

[0029] VR can provide an immersive interactive experience, and by combining it with EEG signals, it can achieve the therapeutic effects of EEG biofeedback.

[0030] Preferably, an electromyography sensor and / or a blood oxygen sensor are provided on the connecting bracket.

[0031] Because of the above structure, electromyography (EMG) signals and blood oxygen content of the head can be acquired simultaneously during the acquisition of EEG signals. Compared with signals acquired from other parts such as the hands, this solves the errors caused by time and distance, improves the accuracy of EMG and blood oxygen signals, and is beneficial for brain signal analysis.

[0032] Preferably, the helmet also includes 1-2 ear clips, which are located on both sides of the helmet and are connected to the connecting bracket via cables.

[0033] The ear clip is used to clip onto the earlobe of the test subject and can collect W1 and W2 EEG signals. It can also be used as a ground electrode and a reference electrode.

[0034] Preferably, the pillow portion of the connecting bracket is provided with two breathing belt connection ports.

[0035] The breathing belt sensor contains a piezoelectric element that provides a linear response to changes in respiratory amplitude, used to measure changes in chest or abdominal circumference during respiration. These measurements display inspiratory, expiratory, and respiratory intensity, and can be used to deduce respiratory rate. The breathing belt connector is used to connect the breathing belt and monitor changes in the respiratory signal.

[0036] Preferably, a power control board, a power supply, and a power interface are provided inside the pillow portion of the connecting bracket.

[0037] The VR host, ear clips, electrodes, and electrode modules are all connected to the process control block and power supply via cables. These cables are housed within the connecting bracket and electrode bracket, making the setup safer and more aesthetically pleasing.

[0038] Preferably, an adjustment structure for adjusting the length of the headband is provided at the occipital portion of the headband.

[0039] Preferably, the headband consists of two headbands, each with an upper and lower rack at its tail. The adjustment structure includes a gear meshing with the rack and a knob connected to the gear. The rack and gear are located inside the headrest of the connecting bracket, and the knob is located outside the headrest.

[0040] Preferably, the connecting bracket includes a first connecting bracket and a second connecting bracket, which are connected by a connecting strap made of an elastic material.

[0041] Preferably, a head pad and a pillow pad are respectively provided at the head and the pillow part of the connecting bracket, and the head pad and the pillow pad are made of flexible material.

[0042] Rotating the knob causes the gears to turn, driving the upper and lower racks to move, causing the headband to retract inward or extend outward from the posterior head structure, thus adjusting the head circumference. The connecting brackets are linked by elastic material, providing greater adjustment space for the helmet. This not only allows the electrode module to better fit the heads of different users but also improves wearing comfort. Additionally, the flexible materials in the headrest and pillow also enhance wearing comfort.

[0043] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0044] 1. This utility model allows for adjustment of the electrode module's position according to different user head structures, ensuring the electrode module remains stable during use and improving the accuracy of EEG electrode positioning and EEG signal transmission. The adjustable headband and connecting bracket ensure a better fit for different users' heads during wear and use, enhancing comfort. Furthermore, the flexible materials in the headrest and pillow also contribute to wearing comfort.

[0045] 2. The electromyography (EMG) sensor and blood oxygen sensor installed on the helmet head of this utility model can simultaneously collect EMG signals and blood oxygen content of the head during the acquisition of EEG signals. Compared with signals collected from other parts such as the hands, this solves the errors caused by time and distance, improves the accuracy of EMG and blood oxygen signals, and is beneficial for brain signal analysis. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first overall structure of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second overall structure of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 3 This is a top view of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 4 This is the right view of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode support structure;

[0051] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the electrode module;

[0052] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the power supply installation.

[0053] Figure 8 This is an image of an ear clip exploding. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0055] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0056] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly; for example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they may refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0057] Example 1

[0058] like Figures 1-4 As shown, a brainwave signal acquisition helmet includes a VR host 1 and a helmet for acquiring brainwave signals. The VR host 1 is detachably mounted on the head of the helmet. Masks 11 are also provided on both sides of the VR host 1. The masks 11 can block the user's vision and make the immersive experience better.

[0059] The helmet includes a headband 5 that surrounds the outside of the head, a connecting bracket 2 set on the top of the head, and 1 to 5 pairs of electrode brackets 3 connected to the connecting bracket 2. The headband 5 is ring-shaped, and the connecting bracket 2 is fixedly connected to the head and the back of the headband 5 respectively. Each pair of electrode brackets 3 is symmetrically arranged on both sides of the connecting bracket 2. Electrode modules 4 for collecting electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are provided on the inner wall of the helmet, that is, on the inner wall of the connecting bracket 2 and the electrode brackets 3. 1 to 2 electrode modules 4 are provided on each electrode bracket 3. A main control board 16 is provided inside the connecting bracket 2.

[0060] In this embodiment, three pairs of electrode supports 3 are used, each electrode support 3 is equipped with an electrode module 4, which collects EEG signals of Fp1, Fp2, C3, C4, F3 and F4 respectively. Two electrode modules 4 are set on the connecting support 2 to collect EEG signals of Pz and Cz respectively.

[0061] In other embodiments, two electrodes 12 are also provided on the inner wall of the front end of the connecting bracket 21 for collecting EEG signals of Fp1 and Fp2. Two electrodes can also be provided at the rear end of the connecting bracket 22 for collecting EEG signals of O1 and O2. Those skilled in the art can select the number of electrode brackets 3 and electrode modules 4 according to the 10-20 lead system and the number of EEG electrodes to be detected.

[0062] In this embodiment, the connecting bracket 2 includes a first connecting bracket 21 and a second connecting bracket 22. The first connecting bracket 21 and the second connecting bracket 22 are connected by a connecting strap 7, which can be an elastic material such as an elastic rope. The connecting bracket 2 and the electrode bracket 3 are preferably made of plastic, which can deform to adapt to changes in the shape of the head contour.

[0063] A head pad 81 and a pillow pad 82 are respectively provided at the head and the pillow part of the connecting bracket 2. The head pad 81 and the pillow pad 82 are made of flexible materials such as sponge.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, a sliding groove 9 is provided on the inner wall of the electrode support 3, and a sliding cover 41 adapted to the sliding groove 9 is provided on the electrode module 4. A limit ring is also provided on the sliding groove 9.

[0065] like Figure 6 The diagram shows an exploded view of electrode module 4. From bottom to top, electrode module 4 includes an electrode head 46, an active electrode 45, a spring 44, an electrode seat 43, and a spring seat 42 that are connected to each other. The spring 44 is disposed inside the electrode seat 43.

[0066] An adjustment structure for adjusting the length of the headband 5 is provided at the headrest portion of the headband 5. In this embodiment, the headband 5 consists of two headbands, and an upper rack 51 and a lower rack 52 are provided at the tail of the two headbands. The adjustment structure includes gears that mesh with the racks and a knob 6 connected to the gears.

[0067] The connecting bracket 2 is equipped with a power supply 101, a power control board 104, and a power interface 102 at its head.

[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, there is a power supply 101, a power control board 104, and a battery mounting bracket 103. The power supply 101 and the power control board 104 are located in the pillow part of the connecting bracket 2. The electrode module 4 and the VR host 1 are all connected to the power supply 101 through cables, which are located inside the connecting bracket 2 and the electrode bracket 3.

[0069] Example 2

[0070] To detect more physiological signals, the helmet can also collect electromyography signals, blood oxygenation signals, and respiratory signals.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, two electromyography sensors 13 and a blood oxygen sensor 14 are provided at the head of the connecting bracket 2.

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown, ear clips 15 are provided on both sides of the helmet. The ear clips 15 include an upper ear clip cover 151, a process control block 152, a metal electrode 153, a torsion spring 154, a pin 155, and a lower ear clip cover 156.

[0073] Two breathing belt sensor connection ports 11 are provided at the occipital part of the connecting bracket 2, which can be connected to the breathing belt sensor to collect breathing signals and breathing fluid. The breathing belt sensor is existing technology, and the connection diagram is omitted in this embodiment.

[0074] Those skilled in the art can select different combinations to collect different physiological signals as needed.

Claims

1. An electroencephalogram acquisition helmet comprising a number of electrode modules (4) for acquiring electroencephalogram signals, said electrode modules (4) being arranged on the inner wall of the helmet, characterized in that, The helmet comprises a head ring (5), a connecting support (2), 1-5 pairs of left-right symmetrical electrode supports (3), and the electrode module (4) can move in the helmet, the head ring (5) is annular, the connecting support (2) is fixedly connected with the head part and the pillow part of the head ring (5) respectively, each pair of the electrode supports (3) is symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the connecting support (2), the electrode support (3) is connected with the connecting support (2), and the electrode module (4) is arranged on the inner wall of the connecting support (2) and the electrode support (3).

2. The electroencephalographic signal acquisition helmet of claim 1, wherein, 1-2 electrode modules (4) are arranged on each electrode support (3).

3. The electroencephalographic signal acquisition helmet of claim 1, wherein, The electrode module (4) comprises, from bottom to top, an electrode head (46), a driving electrode (45), a spring (44), an electrode seat (43) and a spring seat (42) which are connected with each other, and the spring (44) is arranged in the electrode seat (43).

4. The electroencephalographic signal acquisition helmet of claim 3, wherein, The inner wall of the connecting support (2) and / or the electrode support (3) is provided with a sliding groove (9), the electrode module (4) is provided with a sliding cover (41) matched with the sliding groove (9), and the sliding groove (9) is further provided with a limiting ring.

5. The electroencephalographic signal acquisition helmet of claim 3, wherein, The electrode head (46) is detachably connected with the driving electrode (45).

6. The electroencephalographic signal acquisition helmet of claim 1, wherein, The pillow part of the connecting support (2) is provided with a power control panel (104), a power supply (101) and a power supply interface (102).

7. The electroencephalographic signal acquisition helmet of claim 1, wherein, The head ring (5) is composed of two headbands, the tail part of the two headbands is provided with an upper rack (51) and a lower rack (52), the pillow part of the head ring (5) is provided with an adjusting structure for adjusting the length of the head ring, the adjusting structure comprises a gear engaged with the rack and a knob (6) connected with the gear.

8. The electroencephalographic signal acquisition helmet of claim 1, wherein, The connecting support (2) comprises a first connecting support (21) and a second connecting support (22), and the first connecting support (21) and the second connecting support (22) are connected through a connecting belt (7).

9. The electroencephalographic signal acquisition helmet of claim 1, wherein, The head pad (81) and the pillow pad (82) are made of flexible material.

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