Multi-channel taste stimulation system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of multi-channel taste stimulation systems.The utility model discloses a kind of multi-channel taste stimulation systems include: multiple liquid storage modules;Multiple power modules, each power module is connected with corresponding liquid storage module by pipeline respectively;Power control module is connected with power module;Electroencephalogram trigger box, the input end of electroencephalogram trigger box is connected with power control module;Electroencephalogram acquisition module, the output end of electroencephalogram acquisition module is connected with electroencephalogram trigger box;And battery module, battery module is electrically connected with power module, power control module, electroencephalogram trigger box, for power module, power control module, electroencephalogram trigger box power supply;Power control module is used to trigger power module and electroencephalogram trigger box;Electroencephalogram trigger box is triggered after controlling electroencephalogram acquisition module acquisition electroencephalogram signal.The system can be realized anti-interference and realize accurate timing control, and high-quality, high signal-to-noise ratio taste event-related potential data can be obtained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electroencephalography (EEG) technology, and in particular to a multi-channel taste stimulation system. Background Technology

[0002] Taste is a crucial way for humans to perceive the external world. Umami and saltiness, as two basic taste types, significantly influence food acceptance, flavor perception, and even nutrient intake. EEG assessment of taste, simply put, involves placing different liquids on the tongue and collecting EEG changes over a short period (usually within 20 seconds) to find the logical relationship between the EEG signals and the stimulating liquids. The main method is to generate event-related potentials (ERPs) by superimposing repetitive EEG signals. The superposition of EEG signals requires precise timing of each trigger, but current taste stimulation systems have relatively poor acquisition accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-channel taste stimulation system that enables interference prevention and precise timing control, and can acquire high-quality, high signal-to-noise ratio taste event-related potential (ERP) data.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a multi-channel taste stimulation system, comprising:

[0005] Multiple liquid storage modules;

[0006] Multiple power modules, each of which is connected to a corresponding liquid storage module via a pipe, draw liquid from the corresponding liquid storage module and direct it to the subject's oral cavity;

[0007] A power control module, wherein the power control module is connected to the power module;

[0008] An EEG trigger box, wherein the input terminal of the EEG trigger box is connected to the power control module;

[0009] EEG acquisition module, wherein the output terminal of the EEG acquisition module is connected to the EEG trigger box; and

[0010] A battery module, which is electrically connected to the power module, the power control module, and the EEG trigger box, is used to supply power to the power module, the power control module, and the EEG trigger box;

[0011] The power control module is used to trigger the power module and the EEG trigger box; after the EEG trigger box is triggered, it controls the EEG acquisition module to acquire EEG signals.

[0012] Existing technologies typically rely on post-processing techniques such as software filtering to reduce noise, failing to address the problem at its source. This embodiment, through an innovative system architecture, achieves, for the first time, high signal-to-noise ratio and time accuracy in taste ERP data—a feat unattainable by traditional methods—through hardware-level electrical isolation and precise synchronization. This represents a breakthrough in design philosophy. It overcomes the technical shortcomings of existing taste stimulation devices in precision measurement scenarios such as event-related potential (ERP) research, including electromagnetic interference due to their structural design, insufficient time synchronization accuracy, and inconvenience in managing and cleaning multi-channel stimuli. Therefore, it provides a multi-channel stimulation system with optimized structure, high functional integration, reliable performance, precise timing control, and anti-interference characteristics.

[0013] In one embodiment, the power control module includes a microcontroller.

[0014] In one embodiment, the multi-channel taste stimulation system includes a shield, wherein the battery module, the power module, the power control module, the EEG trigger box, and the EEG acquisition module are all located within the area enclosed by the shield.

[0015] In one embodiment, the shielding element is a shielding mesh made of copper mesh.

[0016] In one embodiment, each of the power modules is connected to an output pipe; the multi-channel taste stimulation system further includes a sleeve, each of the output pipes is at least partially sleeved in the sleeve, and the outlet of each of the output pipes is located at the outlet of the sleeve, the sleeve being used to insert into the oral cavity of the subject.

[0017] In one embodiment, the multichannel taste stimulation system further includes a support, and the sleeve is disposed on the support.

[0018] In one embodiment, the bracket includes: a base, a support rod connected to the base, and an adjusting rod connected to the support rod, with the sleeve disposed on the adjusting rod; the support rod is vertically arranged, and the adjusting rod is arranged at a preset angle to the support rod.

[0019] In one embodiment, the support rod has a first rod connected to the base and a second rod connected to the first rod, a locking member that locks the first rod and the second rod, the second rod being slidably disposed along the height direction of the first rod, and being fixed by the locking member when slid to a preset position; and the adjusting rod is provided with a connecting ear, the connecting ear having a mounting hole, the sleeve being inserted into the mounting hole, and the connecting ear being movably connected along the length direction of the adjusting rod.

[0020] In one embodiment, the power module includes a peristaltic pump; a plurality of the power modules are placed inside a mounting housing.

[0021] In one embodiment, the battery module is mounted on a mounting housing. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a connection diagram of a multi-channel taste stimulation system module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the connection structure of the bracket, liquid storage module, power module, and battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the connection structure of the bracket, liquid storage module, power module, and battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention from another angle;

[0025] Reference numerals: 1. Liquid storage module; 2. Power module; 21. Mounting shell; 22. Peristaltic pump; 3. Pipeline; 4. Output pipeline; 5. Sleeve; 6. Bracket; 61. Base; 62. Support rod; 621. First rod; 622. Second rod; 623. Locking element; 6231. Locking sleeve; 6232. Knob; 63. Adjusting rod; 64. Connecting ear; 641. Mounting tube; 65. Angle adjustment element; 651. Connecting element; 652. Positioning sleeve; 653. Angle locking element; 6531. Handle; 7. Battery module. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the various embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been provided in the various embodiments of this utility model to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, the technical solutions claimed in the claims of this application can be implemented even without these technical details and with various variations and modifications based on the following embodiments.

[0027] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the word “comprising” and its variations, such as “including” and “having”, shall be understood to have an open, inclusive meaning, that is, to be interpreted as “including, but not limited to”.

[0028] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide a clearer understanding of the purpose, features, and advantages of this utility model. It should be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model, but are merely illustrative of the essential spirit of the technical solution of this utility model.

[0029] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of "in an embodiment" or "an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any manner in one or more embodiments.

[0030] The singular forms “a” and “the” used in this specification and the appended claims include plural references unless otherwise expressly stated herein. It should be noted that the term “or” is generally used to mean “and / or” unless otherwise expressly stated herein.

[0031] In the following description, in order to clearly demonstrate the structure and working method of this utility model, a number of directional terms will be used. However, terms such as "front", "back", "left", "right", "outside", "inside", "outward", "inward", "up", and "down" should be understood as convenient terms and not as limiting terms.

[0032] The embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] One embodiment of this utility model relates to a multi-channel taste stimulation system. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a multi-channel taste stimulation system includes: multiple liquid storage modules 1, multiple power modules 2, a power control module, an EEG trigger box, multiple power modules 2, a power control module, an EEG acquisition module, and a battery module 7. In this embodiment, four liquid storage modules 1 and four power modules 2 are used, arranged in a one-to-one configuration. In other embodiments, the number of liquid storage modules 1 and power modules 2 can be other numbers, such as six, seven, or eight. The EEG acquisition module can be an EEG cap with electrodes, and the EEG trigger box can be a control switch for the EEG acquisition module.

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, each power module 2 is connected to its corresponding liquid storage module 1 via a pipe 3, drawing liquid from the corresponding liquid storage module 1 and directing it into the subject's mouth. The power control module is connected to the power module 2. The input terminal of the EEG trigger box is connected to the power control module, and the output terminal of the EEG acquisition module is connected to the EEG trigger box. The battery module 7 is electrically connected to the power module 2, the power control module, and the EEG trigger box, providing power to these components. The power control module triggers the power module 2 and the EEG trigger box; once triggered, the EEG trigger box controls the EEG acquisition module to collect EEG signals. In this embodiment, the liquid storage module 1 can hold salty, fresh, sour, and clean water, respectively. After the subject receives a flavored liquid, they can rinse their mouth with clean water before receiving other flavors. The power module 2 may include a pump, and the power control module may include a microcontroller. The power control module and the EEG trigger box can be connected via USB or serial port.

[0035] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, during use, the computer controls the power control module to draw liquid from the reservoir module 1 into the subject's mouth via the power module 2. The power control module triggers the EEG trigger box, which in turn activates the EEG acquisition module. Thus, when the subject receives different liquids, the EEG acquisition module can collect the relevant EEG signals from that subject. Compared to existing technologies, where communication between the computer and power module 2 is affected by the operating system's scheduling, typically resulting in uncertain system delays such as 10ms, in this embodiment, power module 2 and the EEG trigger box are controlled by the power control module itself. The pump controller typically uses a microcontroller, achieving delays at the microsecond level. A crucial time for taste event-related potentials (ERPs) is the difference between the power module 2 delay and the trigger EEG delay. In this embodiment, both the power module 2 delay and the trigger EEG delay are generated by the power control module, avoiding the influence of computer system delays and improving the time repetition accuracy of taste EEG labeling. In other words, to achieve precise timing control, the power control module integrates a hardware trigger interface for high-precision time synchronization via physical electrical connections.

[0036] Furthermore, existing taste stimulators (such as those described by Chen, Z. et al. in Frontiers in Neuroscience) generally use mains power, and the 50 / 60Hz power line interference generated by their controllers is one of the main noise sources in electroencephalogram (EEG) data. This interference frequency overlaps with high-frequency brain activity (such as the gamma band), which can severely contaminate or even mask weak neurophysiological signals. In this embodiment, a pluggable battery module 7, i.e., an independent battery box, is used for power supply, achieving electrical isolation from the external power grid. This avoids the common frequency interference of power supplies in existing technologies. In this embodiment, all modules that require power supply are powered by battery module 7.

[0037] The implementation details of this embodiment are described below. The following content is only for the convenience of understanding the implementation details and is not necessary for implementing this solution.

[0038] Furthermore, the multi-channel taste stimulation system includes: a shield, a battery module 7 and a power module 2, a power control module, an EEG trigger box, and an EEG acquisition module, all located within the area enclosed by the shield.

[0039] Optionally, the shielding element is a copper mesh. The subject sits on the shielding mesh while using the multi-channel taste stimulation system, which relatively shields the subject's sampling environment. The shielding mesh blocks external signals to prevent interference.

[0040] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each power module 2 is connected to an output pipe 4. The multi-channel taste stimulation system also includes a sleeve 5. Each output pipe 4 is at least partially sleeved in the sleeve 5, and the outlet of each output pipe 4 is located at the outlet of the sleeve 5. The sleeve 5 is used to insert into the oral cavity of the subject.

[0041] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the multi-channel taste stimulation system also includes: a support 6, with a sleeve 5 disposed on the support 6.

[0042] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the bracket 6 includes: a base 61, a support rod 62 connected to the base 61, and an adjusting rod 63 connected to the support rod 62. The sleeve 5 is set on the adjusting rod 63. The support rod 62 is set vertically, and the adjusting rod 63 is set at a preset angle to the support rod 62.

[0043] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the support rod 62 has a first rod 621 connected to the base 61, a second rod 622 connected to the first rod 621, and a locking member 623 that locks the first rod 621 and the second rod 622. The second rod 622 is slidably disposed along the height direction of the first rod 621 and is fixed by the locking member 623 when it slides to a preset position. A connecting ear 64 is sleeved on the adjusting rod 63, and the connecting ear 64 has a mounting hole. The sleeve 5 is inserted into the mounting hole, and the connecting ear 64 is movably connected along the length direction of the adjusting rod 63. The locking member 623 includes: a locking sleeve 6231 sleeved and fixed to the top of the first rod 621, a knob 6232, and a bolt connected to the knob. The bolt is threadedly connected to the locking sleeve 6231, and rotating the knob 6232 changes the position of the bolt in the locking sleeve 6231. The second rod 622 is fitted inside the first rod 621. When height adjustment is needed, the adjustment knob is turned to loosen the locking piece 623. At this time, the second rod 622 is released from the first rod 621, and the position of the second rod 622 can be moved to achieve height adjustment. After adjusting to the preset position, the knob 6232 is turned again to make the bolt abut against the second rod 622, that is, the locking piece 623 is locked, so that the second rod 622 and the first rod 621 are positioned. In other embodiments, the height of the adjustable support rod 62 can have various structures, and the locking piece may not be present. The adjusting rod 63 can be a lightweight rod, and the sleeve 5 is also lightweight. The second rod 622 and the first rod 621 can be fitted tightly. Under the action of external force, the second rod 622 can be raised or the second rod 622 can be pressed into the first rod 621 to adjust the height of the support rod 62, so that the support height of the sleeve 5 can be adjusted, which is suitable for subjects of different heights. In use, the sleeve 5 is inserted into the mounting hole of the connecting ear 64. Depending on the application, the connecting ear 64 can be used to clamp the sleeve 5 at different positions, thus allowing the sleeve 5 to extend to different lengths. Simultaneously, the connecting ear 64, including the mounting tube 641, is fitted onto the adjusting rod 63. The mounting tube 641 can move on the adjusting rod 63. The mounting tube 641 and the adjusting rod 63 can be installed slightly tightly, but this will not affect the movement of the connecting ear 64 under external force. Moving the position of the connecting ear 64 on the adjusting rod 63 changes the position of the sleeve 5.

[0044] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the bracket 6 also includes an angle adjustment component 65 to adjust the angle of the adjustment rod 63. The angle adjustment component 65 includes: a connector 651 connected to the upper part of the support rod 62, a positioning sleeve 652 connected to the connector 651, and an angle locking component 653. The connector 651 is rotatably connected to the support rod 62 via a coupling. The adjustment rod 63 passes through the positioning sleeve 652. To fix the adjustment rod 63 in the positioning sleeve 652, the positioning sleeve 652 is provided with a locking structure similar to that on the support rod 62, which can lock the adjustment rod 63. This will not be described in detail here. The angle locking component 653 includes a handle 6531 and a screw connected to the handle 6531 that is inserted into the support rod 62. Rotating the handle 6531 allows the screw to be inserted into or partially unscrewed from the support rod 62, thereby changing the distance between the handle 6531 and the connector 651 and switching the locking and unlocking states of the connector 651. When the angle of the adjusting rod 63 needs to be adjusted, rotate the handle 6531 of the angle locking member 653 to loosen the handle of the angle locking member 653 from the connecting member 651, thus disengaging the connecting member. At this point, adjusting the adjusting member allows it to rotate relative to the support rod 62 along with the connecting member, thereby changing the angle between the adjusting rod 63 and the support rod 62. After adjustment, rotating the handle 6531 allows the angle locking member 653 and the connecting member 651 to be tightly locked together, achieving the angle positioning of the adjusting rod 63. Understandably, the angle adjustment structure of the adjusting rod 63 and the support rod 62 in the above embodiment is an example. There are various existing structures for adjusting the angle of the adjusting rod 63 and the support rod 62, which will not be described in detail here. Of course, the adjusting rod 63 can also be directly and fixedly connected to the support rod 62, with a fixed angle.

[0045] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the power module 2 includes a peristaltic pump 22, and multiple power modules 2 are placed inside the mounting housing 21.

[0046] Furthermore, to rationally plan the layout of the components, the battery module 7 is mounted on the mounting housing 21. In this embodiment, the battery module is located below the mounting housing; in other embodiments, it may be located above the mounting housing.

[0047] In summary, existing technologies typically rely on post-processing techniques such as software filtering to reduce noise, failing to address the problem at its source. This embodiment, through an innovative system architecture, achieves, for the first time, high signal-to-noise ratio and precise timing accuracy in taste ERP data—a feat unattainable by traditional methods—through hardware-level electrical isolation and precise synchronization. This represents a breakthrough in design philosophy. This embodiment overcomes the technical shortcomings of existing taste stimulation devices in precision measurement scenarios such as event-related potential (ERP) research, including electromagnetic interference, insufficient timing synchronization accuracy, and inconvenience in managing and cleaning multi-channel stimuli due to their structural design. It provides a multi-channel stimulation system with optimized structure, high functional integration, reliable performance, precise timing control, and anti-interference characteristics.

[0048] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but it should be understood that, if necessary, aspects of the embodiments can be modified to utilize aspects, features, and concepts from various patents, applications, and publications to provide other embodiments.

[0049] In light of the detailed description above, these and other changes can be made to the embodiments. Generally, the terminology used in the claims should not be considered limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be understood to include all possible embodiments together with the full scope of equivalents enjoyed by these claims.

[0050] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific examples of implementing the present invention, and in practical applications, various changes can be made to them in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-channel taste stimulation system, characterized in that, include: Multiple liquid storage modules; Multiple power modules, each of which is connected to a corresponding liquid storage module via a pipe, draw liquid from the corresponding liquid storage module and direct it to the subject's oral cavity; A power control module, wherein the power control module is connected to the power module; An EEG trigger box, wherein the input terminal of the EEG trigger box is connected to the power control module; An EEG acquisition module, wherein the output terminal of the EEG acquisition module is connected to the EEG trigger box; as well as A battery module, which is electrically connected to the power module, the power control module, and the EEG trigger box, is used to supply power to the power module, the power control module, and the EEG trigger box; The power control module is used to trigger the power module and the EEG trigger box; after the EEG trigger box is triggered, it controls the EEG acquisition module to acquire EEG signals.

2. The multi-channel taste stimulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power control module includes a microcontroller.

3. The multi-channel taste stimulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-channel taste stimulation system includes a shield, and the battery module, the power module, the power control module, the EEG trigger box, and the EEG acquisition module are all located within the area enclosed by the shield.

4. The multi-channel taste stimulation system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The shielding component is a shielding mesh made of copper mesh.

5. The multi-channel taste stimulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the power modules is connected to an output pipe; the multi-channel taste stimulation system also includes a sleeve, each of the output pipes is at least partially sleeved in the sleeve, and the outlet of each of the output pipes is located at the outlet of the sleeve, the sleeve being used to insert into the oral cavity of the subject.

6. The multi-channel taste stimulation system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The multi-channel taste stimulation system also includes a support, and the sleeve is disposed on the support.

7. The multi-channel taste stimulation system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bracket includes: a base, a support rod connected to the base, and an adjusting rod connected to the support rod, with the sleeve disposed on the adjusting rod; the support rod is vertically arranged, and the adjusting rod is arranged at a preset angle to the support rod.

8. The multi-channel taste stimulation system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support rod has a first rod connected to the base and a second rod connected to the first rod, a locking device for locking the first rod and the second rod, the second rod being slidably disposed along the height direction of the first rod, and being fixed by the locking device when slid to a preset position; and the adjusting rod is provided with a connecting ear, the connecting ear having a mounting hole, the sleeve being inserted into the mounting hole, and the connecting ear being movably connected along the length direction of the adjusting rod.

9. The multi-channel taste stimulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power module includes a peristaltic pump; multiple power modules are placed inside the mounting housing.

10. The multi-channel taste stimulation system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The battery module is mounted on the mounting housing.

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