Peri-auricular brain-computer interface system
The periauricular brain-computer interface system, which combines reference electrodes and active electrodes on the ear pad with a control unit, solves the problems of wet electrodes relying on conductive gel and being bulky. It achieves highly reliable and portable EEG signal acquisition, making it suitable for daily wear.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN SHENYI TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing brain-computer interface devices require conductive gel for their wet electrodes, which are greatly affected by the condition of the scalp. They are also bulky and inconvenient for daily wear, affecting the portability and comfort of the devices.
Adopting a periauricular design, it uses reference electrodes and active electrodes to directly contact the skin on the ear pads to collect signals. Combined with the control unit, the signals are processed to achieve an over-ear fit, reducing dependence on the condition of the scalp, and the design of the ear pads ensures a tight fit.
It improves the reliability and continuity of EEG signal acquisition, reduces the size of the device, makes it easy to wear daily and conceal, and enhances the user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN224417268U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of brain-computer interface technology, specifically to a periauricular brain-computer interface system. Background Technology
[0002] In related technologies, brain-computer interface devices use wet electrodes to collect signals. Wet electrodes need to be used with conductive gel. The reliability of EEG signals is greatly affected by the condition of the scalp. In addition, brain-computer interface devices are large in size, conspicuous in appearance, and inconvenient for daily wear. Utility Model Content
[0003] This application provides a periauricular brain-computer interface system that is easy to wear and use in daily life and has high reliability of EEG signals.
[0004] Specifically, this application provides a periauricular brain-computer interface system, comprising:
[0005] A periauricular wearable device includes at least one earcup, at least one reference electrode, at least one active electrode, and a control unit. The earcup includes a housing portion and an ear pad portion. The ear pad portion is disposed inside the housing portion and forms an ear receiving cavity. The reference electrode is disposed on the ear pad portion, and the active electrode is disposed on the ear pad portion and spaced apart from the reference electrode. The control unit is disposed within the housing portion and electrically connected to the reference electrode and the active electrode. The control unit controls the reference electrode to acquire reference signals, controls the active electrode to acquire active signals, and determines electroencephalogram (EEG) signals based on the reference signals and the active signals.
[0006] The diagnostic module includes a control unit and / or an evaluation unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the control unit and is used to form a closed-loop intervention and control of brain activity based on the EEG signals. The evaluation unit is electrically connected to the control unit and is used to generate a brain activity monitoring report based on the EEG signals.
[0007] In one possible implementation, the at least one earmuff includes a left earmuff and a right earmuff. The left earmuff includes a first housing portion and a first ear pad portion. The first ear pad portion is disposed inside the first housing portion. A first surface of the first ear pad portion forms a first ear receiving cavity. A second surface of the first ear pad portion is opposite to the first surface. The right earmuff includes a second housing portion and a second ear pad portion. The second ear pad portion is disposed inside the second housing portion. A third surface of the second ear pad portion forms a second ear receiving cavity. A fourth surface of the second ear pad portion is opposite to the third surface. The at least one reference electrode includes a first reference electrode and a second reference electrode. The first reference electrode is disposed on the first ear pad portion, and the second reference electrode is disposed on the second ear pad portion. The at least one active electrode includes at least one first active electrode and at least one second active electrode. The first active electrode is disposed on the first ear pad portion, and the second active electrode is disposed on the second ear pad portion.
[0008] In one possible implementation, there are multiple first active electrodes arranged at intervals, and multiple second active electrodes arranged at intervals.
[0009] In one possible implementation, the periauricular wearing device further includes a first grounding electrode and a second grounding electrode, wherein the first grounding electrode is disposed on the first ear pad and grounded, and the second grounding electrode is disposed on the second ear pad and grounded.
[0010] In one possible implementation, the first reference electrode, the at least one first active electrode, and the first ground electrode are evenly arranged along the circumference of the first ear pad portion, and the second reference electrode, the at least one second active electrode, and the second ground electrode are evenly arranged along the circumference of the second ear pad portion.
[0011] In one possible implementation, the first reference electrode extends radially from the bottom end of the first surface to the bottom end of the second surface along the first ear pad portion; the first active electrode extends radially from the bottom end of the first surface to the bottom end of the second surface along the first ear pad portion; the second reference electrode extends radially from the bottom end of the third surface to the bottom end of the fourth surface along the second ear pad portion; and the second active electrode extends radially from the bottom end of the third surface to the bottom end of the fourth surface along the second ear pad portion.
[0012] In one possible implementation, the first reference electrode is embedded in the first ear pad portion, or the first reference electrode is integrated into the first ear pad portion, or the first reference electrode is attached to the surface of the first ear pad portion; the first active electrode is embedded in the first ear pad portion, or the first active electrode is integrated into the first ear pad portion, or the first active electrode is attached to the surface of the first ear pad portion; the second reference electrode is embedded in the second ear pad portion, or the second reference electrode is integrated into the second ear pad portion, or the second reference electrode is attached to the surface of the first ear pad portion; the second active electrode is embedded in the second ear pad portion, or the second active electrode is integrated into the second ear pad portion, or the second active electrode is attached to the surface of the second ear pad portion.
[0013] In one possible implementation, the periauricular wearing device further includes at least one sensor, and the control unit is electrically connected to the sensor for controlling the sensor to collect vital signs signals.
[0014] In one possible implementation, the periauricular wearing device further includes at least one speaker disposed within the housing portion, the control unit being electrically connected to the speaker, and the control unit being configured to control the sound output of the speaker under the action of the control unit.
[0015] In one possible implementation, the periauricular wearing device further includes at least one signal indicator light disposed on the housing portion. The control unit is electrically connected to the signal indicator light and controls the signal indicator light to provide signal indication based on the operating status of the active electrode and the operating status of the speaker.
[0016] In one possible implementation, the periauricular wearing device further includes a headband that is slidably connected to the earcups.
[0017] In one possible implementation, the control unit is wirelessly connected to the control unit, and the evaluation unit is wirelessly connected to the control unit.
[0018] The periauricular brain-computer interface system provided in this application includes a periauricular wearable device and a diagnostic module. The periauricular wearable device includes at least one earmuff, at least one reference electrode, at least one active electrode, and a control unit. The reference electrode and the active electrode are located on the ear pad of the periauricular wearable device. When worn, the ear pad forms an ear-receiving cavity that covers the user's ear. The active electrode located on the ear pad directly contacts the user's skin to collect signals from the ear or the area around the ear. The control unit determines the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal based on the reference signal collected by the reference electrode and the active signal collected by the active electrode. In this way, while realizing the acquisition of EEG signals, the acquisition of active signals is not affected by the scalp condition, and the design of the ear pad can ensure a tight fit with the user's ear. Therefore, the continuity and stability of active signal acquisition are high, and the reliability of the EEG signal determined based on the reference signal and the active signal is also high. In addition, since the periauricular brain-computer interface system is worn as an over-ear headphone, the reference electrode and active electrode collect signals from the ear or the area around the ear. Furthermore, the periauricular wearable device is set up separately from the diagnostic module. Therefore, while ensuring high reliability of EEG signals, it is also convenient to miniaturize the periauricular wearable device and make the reference electrode and active electrode invisible, thus facilitating daily wear and use. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.
[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a periauricular brain-computer interface system provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a periauricular wearable device in a periauricular brain-computer interface system.
[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of one earcup in the periauricular wearing device shown;
[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows another structural schematic of the periauricular wearable device in the periauricular brain-computer interface system.
[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of one earcup in the periauricular wearing device shown;
[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The diagram shows another structural schematic of the periauricular wearable device in the periauricular brain-computer interface system. Detailed Implementation
[0026] Traditional brain-computer interface (BCI) systems are mostly multi-lead systems, typically using wet electrodes (requiring conductive gel) or claw-shaped dry electrodes for data acquisition. While these technologies have achieved good signal acquisition results, they still have significant shortcomings in terms of portability, comfort, and long-term wear. The application of conductive gel is cumbersome, difficult to clean, and may cause skin irritation, limiting the widespread adoption of these devices. Claw-shaped dry electrodes offer poor comfort during long-term wear. These shortcomings significantly hinder the promotion and application of BCI technology in daily health monitoring. Furthermore, forehead-attached BCI systems require fitting against the forehead or covering the head, making them visually noticeable and reducing users' willingness to use them in daily life.
[0027] This application aims to solve these problems by combining a brain-computer interface system with headphones to achieve a brain-computer interface system that is easy to use, comfortable to wear, and convenient for daily use.
[0028] The technical solutions provided in this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described in this application are only a portion of the embodiments, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described in this application without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.
[0029] In this application, the terms "implementation" and "example" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described may be included in at least one implementation of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same implementation, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative implementation. Those skilled in the art will explicitly and implicitly understand that the implementations described in this application can be combined with other implementations.
[0030] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, an assembly or device that includes one or more components is not limited to the one or more components listed, but may optionally also include one or more components not listed but inherent to the exemplified product, or one or more components that it should have based on the described function.
[0031] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a periauricular brain-computer interface system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 for Figure 1This diagram illustrates a structural design of the periauricular wearable device 10 within the periauricular brain-computer interface system 100. The periauricular brain-computer interface system 100 includes the periauricular wearable device 10 and a diagnostic module 20. The periauricular wearable device 10 is used to acquire electroencephalogram (EEG) signals from the ear and surrounding area. The diagnostic module 20 uses these EEG signals to diagnose and treat brain activity. The periauricular wearable device 10 can be used independently or in conjunction with the diagnostic module 20. The diagnostic module 20 can be either a portable or a non-portable diagnostic module.
[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the periauricular wearable device 10 includes at least one earcup, at least one reference electrode 103, at least one active electrode 104, and a control unit. The earcup includes a housing portion 110 and an ear pad portion 112. The ear pad portion 112 is disposed inside the housing portion 110 and forms an ear receiving cavity. The reference electrode 103 is disposed on the ear pad portion 112, and the active electrode 104 is disposed on the ear pad portion 112, spaced apart from the reference electrode 103. The control unit is disposed within the housing portion 110 and electrically connected to the reference electrode 103 and the active electrode 104. The control unit controls the reference electrode 103 to acquire reference signals, controls the active electrode 104 to acquire active signals, and determines the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal based on the reference signal and the active signal.
[0033] In one possible embodiment, the periauricular wearing device 10 may include an earmuff, a reference electrode 103, a plurality of active electrodes 104, and a control unit. In this embodiment, the number of active electrodes 104 is greater than or equal to two.
[0034] In another possible embodiment, the periauricular wearing device 10 may include two earcups, a plurality of reference electrodes 103, a plurality of active electrodes 104, and a control unit. In this embodiment, the number of reference electrodes 103 is greater than or equal to two, and the number of active electrodes 104 is greater than or equal to two.
[0035] Both the reference electrode 103 and the active electrode 104 are made of conductive materials, including but not limited to metallic conductive materials. In one possible embodiment, the reference electrode 103 is made of the same material as the active electrode 104, thus avoiding the influence of electrode materials on the accuracy of EEG signals.
[0036] The reference electrode 103 can be a rigid electrode or a flexible electrode. The active electrode 104 can be a rigid electrode or a flexible electrode. In one possible embodiment, both the reference electrode 103 and the active electrode 104 can be flexible electrodes. Flexible electrodes are advantageous because they can fit more closely to the surface of the ear pad 112 when placed on it, and the fact that both the reference electrode 103 and the active electrode 104 are flexible electrodes can avoid the influence of the electrode substrate on the accuracy of the EEG signal.
[0037] The reference electrode 103 provides a reference point and can be located away from the region of interest. In this application, the reference electrode 103 can be used to acquire signals from the earlobe or the mastoid region. In other words, the reference electrode 103 can be positioned on the ear pad 112 corresponding to the earlobe or the mastoid region. The active electrode 104 is an electrode that can acquire active signals directly in contact with the skin without the need for additional conductive media (such as conductive paste, gel, saline, etc.). The active electrode 104 can be used to acquire signals from the temporal lobe region. In other words, the active electrode 104 can be positioned on the ear pad 112 corresponding to the temporal lobe region. Under the control of the control unit, the active electrode 104 can reduce the impedance between itself and the skin by transmitting a weak current, thereby achieving high-quality active signal acquisition.
[0038] The housing portion 110 includes, but is not limited to, a circular housing portion, an elliptical housing portion, a triangular housing portion, a rectangular housing portion, a square housing portion, other polygonal housing portions, or an irregularly shaped housing portion. The material of the housing portion 110 includes, but is not limited to, one or more of plastic, metal, and glass. The ear pad portion 112 includes, but is not limited to, a circular ear pad portion, an elliptical ear pad portion, a triangular ear pad portion, a rectangular ear pad portion, a square ear pad portion, other polygonal ear pad portions, or an irregularly shaped ear pad portion. In this application, the ear pad portion 112 is annular. The material of the ear pad portion 112 includes, but is not limited to, one or more of sponge, fabric, and protein leather. The ear pad portion 112 is located on the side of the housing portion 110 facing the ear. When the periauricular wearing device 10 is worn, the ear receiving cavity formed by the ear pad portion 112 surrounds the user's ear, that is, the ear pad portion 112 encircles the user's ear.
[0039] The reference electrode 103 is fixed to the ear pad portion 112. The active electrode 104 is fixed to the ear pad portion 112. This application does not specify the spacing between the active electrode 104 and the reference electrode 103, and it can be designed according to the required number of active electrodes 104 and the size of the ear pad portion 112.
[0040] When viewed from the outside of the periauricular wearing device 10, the control unit disposed within the housing portion 110 is not visible. In one possible embodiment, the periauricular wearing device 10 further includes a circuit board disposed within the housing portion 110, and the control unit disposed within the housing portion 110 may be mounted on the circuit board. The control unit and the reference electrode 103 may be directly or indirectly electrically connected. The control unit and the active electrode 104 may be directly or indirectly electrically connected. In embodiments where the control unit and the reference electrode 103 are directly electrically connected, the reference electrode 103 and the control unit may be soldered together. In embodiments where the control unit and the reference electrode 103 are indirectly electrically connected, the reference electrode 103 and the control unit may be electrically connected via one or more electrical connection elements such as conductive wires, conductive posts, or circuit boards. In embodiments where the control unit and the active electrode 104 are directly electrically connected, the active electrode 104 and the control unit may be soldered together. In embodiments where the control unit and the active electrode 104 are indirectly electrically connected, the active electrode 104 and the control unit may be electrically connected via one or more electrical connection elements such as conductive wires, conductive posts, or circuit boards.
[0041] Optionally, the control unit controls the reference electrode 103 to acquire reference signals. This can be done by the control unit receiving an acquisition command and controlling the reference electrode 103 to acquire reference signals once, or by the control unit receiving an acquisition command and controlling the reference electrode 103 to acquire reference signals continuously, or by the control unit receiving an acquisition command and controlling the reference electrode 103 to acquire reference signals intermittently multiple times.
[0042] Optionally, the control unit controls the active electrode 104 to perform active signal acquisition. This can be done by the control unit receiving an acquisition command and controlling the active electrode 104 to perform active signal acquisition once, or by the control unit receiving an acquisition command and controlling the active electrode 104 to perform active signal acquisition continuously, or by the control unit receiving an acquisition command and controlling the active electrode 104 to perform active signal acquisition intermittently multiple times.
[0043] The control unit may receive a data acquisition command indicating that the periauricular wearable device 10 is powered on, or it may receive a data acquisition command sent by the diagnostic module 20.
[0044] Optionally, the control unit can simultaneously control the reference electrode 103 to acquire reference signals and control the active electrode 104 to acquire active signals.
[0045] The control unit determines the EEG signal based on the difference between the active signal acquired by the active electrode 104 and the reference signal acquired by the reference electrode 103.
[0046] The diagnostic module 20 can be a standalone small or large medical device, or it can be integrated into a terminal (e.g., mobile phone, tablet, etc.) or a wearable device (e.g., watch, bracelet, etc.).
[0047] The diagnostic module 20 includes a control unit and / or an evaluation unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the control unit and is used to form a closed-loop intervention control of brain activity based on the EEG signals. The evaluation unit is electrically connected to the control unit and is used to generate a brain activity monitoring report based on the EEG signals.
[0048] In one possible embodiment, the diagnostic module 20 includes a control unit. This embodiment utilizes the periauricular wearable device 10 to acquire electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, and the transmission of signals between the control unit and the periauricular wearable device 10 enables intervention and control therapy of brain activity.
[0049] In another possible embodiment, the diagnostic module 20 includes an assessment unit. This embodiment enables the acquisition of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals via the periauricular wearable device 10, and the state assessment of brain activity can be achieved through signal transmission between the control unit and the periauricular wearable device 10.
[0050] Of course, in other possible embodiments, the diagnostic module 20 may include both a control unit and an evaluation unit.
[0051] The electrical connection between the control unit and the control unit can be either a wired connection between the periauricular wearing device 10 and the diagnostic module 20, or a wireless connection. Similarly, the electrical connection between the evaluation unit and the control unit can also be either a wired connection between the periauricular wearing device 10 and the diagnostic module 20, or a wireless connection.
[0052] In an embodiment where the periauricular wearable device 10 and the diagnostic module 20 are connected by wired electrical connection, the periauricular wearable device 10 is provided with a first electrical connection port, the diagnostic module 20 is provided with a second electrical connection port, and the periauricular brain-computer interface system 100 further includes an electrical connector, one end of which is electrically connected to the first electrical connection port, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the second electrical connection port.
[0053] In embodiments where the periauricular wearable device 10 is wirelessly connected to the diagnostic module 20, the connection between the periauricular wearable device 10 and the diagnostic module 20 includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth connection, or RFID connection, or WIFI connection, or Zigbee connection, or Z-Wave wireless networking connection.
[0054] In this application, the control unit forms a closed-loop intervention and control of brain activity based on EEG signals, including but not limited to closed-loop intervention and control of attention, fatigue, emotion, or other brain function based on EEG signals. The evaluation unit generates a brain activity monitoring report based on EEG signals, including but not limited to a focus monitoring report, fatigue monitoring report, emotion monitoring report, or other brain function monitoring report based on EEG signals.
[0055] The periauricular brain-computer interface system 100 provided in this application includes a periauricular wearable device 10 and a diagnostic module 20. The periauricular wearable device 10 includes at least one earmuff, at least one reference electrode 103, at least one active electrode 104, and a control unit. The reference electrode 103 and the active electrode 104 are disposed on the ear pad 112 of the periauricular wearable device 10. When worn, the ear pad 112 forms an ear cavity that covers the user's ear. The active electrode 104 disposed on the ear pad 112 can directly contact the user's skin to collect signals from the ear or the area around the ear. The control unit determines the EEG signal based on the reference signal collected by the reference electrode 103 and the active signal collected by the active electrode 104. In this way, while realizing the acquisition of EEG signals, the acquisition of active signals is not affected by the scalp condition, and the design of the ear pad 112 can ensure a tight fit with the user's ear. Therefore, the continuity and stability of active signal acquisition are high, and the reliability of the EEG signal determined based on the reference signal and the active signal is also high. In addition, since the periauricular brain-computer interface system 100 is worn as an over-ear headphone, the reference electrode 103 and the active electrode 104 collect signals from the ear or the area around the ear, and the periauricular wearing device 10 is set up separately from the diagnostic module 20, it can ensure high reliability of EEG signals while facilitating the miniaturization of the periauricular wearing device 10, the invisibility of the reference electrode 103 and the active electrode 104, and the integration of the diagnostic module 20, thus making it convenient for daily use.
[0056] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 2As shown, the at least one earmuff includes a left earmuff 101 and a right earmuff 102. The left earmuff 101 includes a first shell portion and a first ear pad portion. The first ear pad portion is disposed inside the first shell portion. A first surface of the first ear pad portion forms a first ear receiving cavity. A second surface of the first ear pad portion is opposite to the first surface. The right earmuff 102 includes a second shell portion and a second ear pad portion. The second ear pad portion is disposed inside the second shell portion. A third surface of the second ear pad portion forms a second ear receiving cavity. A fourth surface of the second ear pad portion is opposite to the third surface. The at least one reference electrode 103 includes a first reference electrode and a second reference electrode. The first reference electrode is disposed on the first ear pad portion, and the second reference electrode is disposed on the second ear pad portion. The at least one active electrode 104 includes at least one first active electrode and at least one second active electrode. The first active electrode is disposed on the first ear pad portion, and the second active electrode is disposed on the second ear pad portion.
[0057] The first ear pad is located on the side of the first housing facing the left ear. The second ear pad is located on the side of the second housing facing the right ear. When the periauricular wearing device 10 is worn, the first ear receiving cavity receives the left ear, that is, the first ear pad surrounds the left ear, and the second ear receiving cavity receives the right ear, that is, the second ear pad surrounds the right ear. In the embodiments of this application, the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface are all annular surfaces.
[0058] In this embodiment, there are two reference electrodes 103, namely a first reference electrode and a second reference electrode, and the first reference electrode and the second reference electrode are respectively disposed on the first ear pad portion of the left earmuff 101 and the second ear pad portion of the right earmuff 102.
[0059] Optionally, the periauricular wearing device 10 includes one first active electrode and one second active electrode; alternatively, the periauricular wearing device 10 includes multiple first active electrodes and multiple second active electrodes; furthermore, the periauricular wearing device 10 includes one first active electrode and multiple second active electrodes; or, the periauricular wearing device 10 includes multiple first active electrodes and one second active electrode. Here, "multiple" means two or more. In embodiments where the periauricular wearing device 10 includes multiple first active electrodes, adjacent first active electrodes may be spaced apart. In embodiments where the periauricular wearing device 10 includes multiple second active electrodes, adjacent second active electrodes may be spaced apart.
[0060] This embodiment can acquire EEG signals by collecting reference signals from the left ear, the area around the left ear, the right ear, and the area around the right ear, as well as by collecting active signals from the left ear, the area around the left ear, the right ear, and the area around the right ear. Because there are more acquisition sites and they are evenly distributed, the reliability of the acquired EEG signals is also higher.
[0061] In one possible implementation, there are multiple first active electrodes arranged at intervals, and multiple second active electrodes arranged at intervals.
[0062] Optionally, the number of first active electrodes is greater than or equal to four. For example, the number of first active electrodes may be four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or twelve, etc. Optionally, the number of second active electrodes is greater than or equal to four. For example, the number of second active electrodes may be four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or twelve, etc. In one possible embodiment, the number of first active electrodes and the number of second active electrodes may be the same, for example, both being ten.
[0063] This application does not impose a specific limit on the spacing between two adjacent first active electrodes or between two adjacent second active electrodes. The spacing can be designed according to the required number of first active electrodes, the size of the first ear pad, the number of second active electrodes, and the size of the second ear pad. In one possible embodiment, the first and second active electrodes can be symmetrically arranged about the central axis of the earcup.
[0064] In this configuration, multiple first active electrodes are electrically connected to a control unit to acquire active signals under the control of the control unit, and multiple second active electrodes are electrically connected to a control unit to acquire active signals under the control of the control unit.
[0065] Optionally, the control unit may simultaneously control all the first active electrodes and all the second active electrodes to acquire active signals; or, the control unit may first control all the first active electrodes to acquire active signals and then control all the second active electrodes to acquire active signals; or, the control unit may first control all the second active electrodes to acquire active signals and then control all the first active electrodes to acquire active signals; or, the control unit may first control some of the first active electrodes and some of the second active electrodes to acquire active signals and then control another part of the first active electrodes and another part of the second active electrodes to acquire active signals.
[0066] In this embodiment, the number of first and second active electrodes is relatively large, which further increases the number of acquisition sites and helps to improve the reliability of EEG signals.
[0067] In one possible implementation, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The periauricular wearing device 10 further includes a first grounding electrode 106 and a second grounding electrode. The first grounding electrode 106 is disposed on the first ear pad and grounded, and the second grounding electrode is disposed on the second ear pad and grounded.
[0068] The first grounding electrode 106 and the second grounding electrode are both made of conductive materials, including but not limited to metallic conductive materials. In one possible embodiment, the materials of the first grounding electrode 106 and the second grounding electrode are the same as the material of the reference electrode 103.
[0069] The first grounding electrode 106 can be a rigid electrode or a flexible electrode. The second grounding electrode can be a rigid electrode or a flexible electrode. In one possible embodiment, both the first grounding electrode 106 and the second grounding electrode can be flexible electrodes. Flexible electrodes are advantageous because they can fit more closely to the surface of the ear pad 112 when installed on the ear pad 112.
[0070] The first ground electrode 106 may be located on the first ear pad portion between the first reference electrode and the first active electrode, or between two adjacent first active electrodes. The second ground electrode may be located on the second ear pad portion between the second reference electrode and the second active electrode, or between two adjacent second active electrodes.
[0071] The first grounding electrode 106 can be grounded by connecting to the metal on the first housing part, and the second grounding electrode can be grounded by connecting to the metal on the second housing part.
[0072] By setting a first grounding electrode 106 on the first ear pad and a second grounding electrode on the second ear pad, it is beneficial to form grounding protection and ensure the stability and accuracy of the system's electrical signals.
[0073] In one possible implementation, the first reference electrode, the at least one first active electrode, and the first ground electrode 106 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the first ear pad portion, and the second reference electrode, the at least one second active electrode, and the second ground electrode are evenly arranged along the circumference of the second ear pad portion.
[0074] In this embodiment, the spacing between any two adjacent electrodes is the same. The first earpad portion includes a first reference electrode, a first ground electrode 106, and one or more first active electrodes. The second earpad portion includes a second reference electrode, a second ground electrode, and one or more second active electrodes.
[0075] Of course, in other possible implementations, the first reference electrode, at least one first active electrode, and the first ground electrode 106 may be arranged non-uniformly, and the second reference electrode, at least one second active electrode, and the second ground electrode may be arranged non-uniformly.
[0076] By arranging the first reference electrode, at least one first active electrode, and the first ground electrode 106 evenly along the circumference of the first ear pad, and the second reference electrode, at least one second active electrode, and the second ground electrode evenly along the circumference of the second ear pad, it is beneficial to improve the design uniformity of the left ear pad 101 and the right ear pad 102 and optimize the appearance of the left ear pad 101 and the right ear pad 102.
[0077] In one possible implementation, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first reference electrode extends radially from the bottom end of the first surface to the bottom end of the second surface along the first ear pad portion; the first active electrode extends radially from the bottom end of the first surface to the bottom end of the second surface along the first ear pad portion; the second reference electrode extends radially from the bottom end of the third surface to the bottom end of the fourth surface along the second ear pad portion; and the second active electrode extends radially from the bottom end of the third surface to the bottom end of the fourth surface along the second ear pad portion.
[0078] The bottom ends of the first surface and the second surface are connected to the first housing portion. The bottom ends of the third surface and the fourth surface are connected to the second housing portion. It can be understood that the first reference electrode extends from the bottom end of the first surface to the bottom end of the second surface on the first ear pad portion; the first active electrode extends from the bottom end of the first surface to the bottom end of the second surface on the first ear pad portion; the second reference electrode extends from the bottom end of the third surface to the bottom end of the fourth surface on the second ear pad portion; and the second active electrode extends from the bottom end of the third surface to the bottom end of the fourth surface on the second ear pad portion. In other words, the first reference electrode penetrates the first ear pad portion radially, the first active electrode penetrates the first ear pad portion radially, the second reference electrode penetrates the second ear pad portion radially, and the second active electrode penetrates the second ear pad portion radially.
[0079] Furthermore, the first grounding electrode 106 can extend radially from the bottom end of the first surface to the bottom end of the second surface along the first ear pad portion, and the second grounding electrode can extend radially from the bottom end of the third surface to the bottom end of the fourth surface along the second ear pad portion.
[0080] This embodiment helps to increase the contact area between the first reference electrode and the detection site, the contact area between the first active electrode and the detection site, the contact area between the second reference electrode and the detection site, and the contact area between the second active electrode and the detection site, thereby enabling the acquisition of more accurate reference and active signals.
[0081] In one possible implementation, the first reference electrode is embedded in the first ear pad portion, or the first reference electrode is integrated into the first ear pad portion, or the first reference electrode is attached to the surface of the first ear pad portion; the first active electrode is embedded in the first ear pad portion, or the first active electrode is integrated into the first ear pad portion, or the first active electrode is attached to the surface of the first ear pad portion; the second reference electrode is embedded in the second ear pad portion, or the second reference electrode is integrated into the second ear pad portion, or the second reference electrode is attached to the surface of the first ear pad portion; the second active electrode is embedded in the second ear pad portion, or the second active electrode is integrated into the second ear pad portion, or the second active electrode is attached to the surface of the second ear pad portion.
[0082] In embodiments where the first reference electrode is embedded in the first ear pad portion, the surface of the first reference electrode may be flush with the surface of the first ear pad portion, or the surface of the first reference electrode may protrude relative to the surface of the first ear pad portion. In embodiments where the first reference electrode is integrated into the first ear pad portion, a portion of the first ear pad portion forms the first reference electrode. In embodiments where the first reference electrode is attached to the surface of the first ear pad portion, the surface of the first reference electrode protrudes relative to the surface of the first ear pad portion. In embodiments where the first active electrode is embedded in the first ear pad portion, the surface of the first active electrode may be flush with the surface of the first ear pad portion, or the surface of the first active electrode may protrude relative to the surface of the first ear pad portion. In embodiments where the first active electrode is integrated into the first ear pad portion, a portion of the first ear pad portion forms the first active electrode. In embodiments where the first active electrode is attached to the surface of the first ear pad portion, the surface of the first active electrode protrudes relative to the surface of the first ear pad portion.
[0083] In embodiments where the second reference electrode is embedded in the second ear pad portion, the surface of the second reference electrode may be flush with the surface of the second ear pad portion, or the surface of the second reference electrode may protrude relative to the surface of the second ear pad portion. In embodiments where the second reference electrode is integrated into the second ear pad portion, a portion of the second ear pad portion forms the second reference electrode. In embodiments where the second reference electrode is attached to the surface of the second ear pad portion, the surface of the second reference electrode protrudes relative to the surface of the second ear pad portion. In embodiments where the second active electrode is embedded in the second ear pad portion, the surface of the second active electrode may be flush with the surface of the second ear pad portion, or the surface of the second active electrode may protrude relative to the surface of the second ear pad portion. In embodiments where the second active electrode is integrated into the second ear pad portion, a portion of the second ear pad portion forms the second active electrode. In embodiments where the second active electrode is attached to the surface of the second ear pad portion, the surface of the second active electrode protrudes relative to the surface of the second ear pad portion.
[0084] In one embodiment where both the first reference electrode and the first active electrode are embedded in the first ear pad, the first reference electrode and the first active electrode can be metal electrodes or conductive ink electrodes. In another embodiment where both the first reference electrode and the first active electrode are integrated into the first ear pad, the first reference electrode and the first active electrode can be conductive fabric electrodes. In yet another embodiment where both the first reference electrode and the first active electrode are attached to the surface of the first ear pad, the first reference electrode and the first active electrode can be metal electrodes, conductive ink electrodes, or conductive fabric electrodes.
[0085] In embodiments where both the second reference electrode and the second active electrode are embedded in the second ear pad, the second reference electrode and the second active electrode can be metal electrodes or conductive ink electrodes. In embodiments where both the second reference electrode and the second active electrode are integrated into the second ear pad, the second reference electrode and the second active electrode can be conductive fabric electrodes. In embodiments where both the second reference electrode and the second active electrode are attached to the surface of the second ear pad, the second reference electrode and the second active electrode can be metal electrodes, conductive ink electrodes, or conductive fabric electrodes.
[0086] In one possible implementation, the periauricular wearing device 10 further includes at least one sensor, and the control unit is electrically connected to the sensor for controlling the sensor to collect vital signs signals.
[0087] Optionally, the sensor can be a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, an accelerometer, or an attitude sensor (e.g., a gyroscope). The sensor can be located on the left earcup 101 or the right earcup 102. In one possible embodiment, the sensor can be located within the first housing portion. In another possible embodiment, the sensor can be located within the second housing portion.
[0088] This implementation combines EEG signal acquisition with the acquisition of vital sign signals by sensors. It can collect EEG signals from the ear and periauricular region, as well as other vital sign signals. Thus, based on EEG signals and vital sign signals, it is possible to more accurately intervene, regulate, or monitor attention, fatigue, emotions, and other brain functions.
[0089] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the periauricular wearing device 10 also includes at least one speaker 107, which is disposed inside the housing portion 110. The control unit is electrically connected to the speaker 107 and is used to control the sound output of the speaker 107 under the action of the control unit.
[0090] In one possible embodiment, the speaker 107 and the control unit may both be located in the first housing portion, or both may be located in the second housing portion. By locating the speaker 107 and the control unit in the same housing portion 110, it is advantageous to achieve electrical connection between the speaker 107 and the control unit.
[0091] In this embodiment, the speaker 107 is jointly controlled by the control unit and the modulation unit. When the modulation unit forms a closed-loop intervention modulation of brain activity, the control unit can control the speaker 107 to output sound, thus realizing sound intervention modulation. The sound output by the speaker 107 includes, but is not limited to, reminder voice or music.
[0092] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 6 As shown, the periauricular wearing device 10 also includes at least one signal indicator light 108, which is disposed on the housing portion 110. The control unit is electrically connected to the signal indicator light 108, and the control unit controls the signal indicator light 108 to provide signal indication according to the working state of the active electrode 104 and the working state of the speaker 107.
[0093] The control unit and the indicator light 108 can be directly or indirectly electrically connected. In one possible embodiment, the control unit is located inside the first housing, and the indicator light 108 can be located on the first housing. In another possible embodiment, the control unit is located inside the second housing, and the indicator light 108 can be located on the second housing. This facilitates the electrical connection between the control unit and the indicator light 108.
[0094] The number of indicator lights 108 can be one or more. In one possible embodiment, the number of indicator lights 108 is one. When the active electrode 104 is in the working state, that is, when collecting active signals, the indicator light 108 can light up green. When the speaker 107 is in the working state, that is, when outputting reminder voice or music, the indicator light 108 can light up red. In another possible embodiment, the number of indicator lights 108 can be multiple. When the active electrode 104 is in the working state and the speaker 107 is in the working state, the number of indicator lights 108 lit up can be different, and / or the colors of the indicator lights 108 can be different.
[0095] The working status of the periauricular brain-computer interface system 100 can be indicated by setting the signal indicator light 108.
[0096] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 6 As shown, the periauricular wearing device 10 also includes a headband 109, which is slidably connected to the earmuff.
[0097] Understandably, the earcups can slide relative to the headband 109. Sliding connections include, but are not limited to, sliding connections via the cooperation of sliders and slide rails. In this embodiment, the position of the earcups is adjustable, and the distance between the left earcup 101 and the right earcup 102 is also adjustable, making it suitable for users with different head circumferences.
[0098] In one possible implementation, the control unit is wirelessly connected to the control unit, and the evaluation unit is wirelessly connected to the control unit.
[0099] Understandably, the periauricular wearable device 10 is wirelessly connected to the diagnostic module 20. In this embodiment, the diagnostic module 20 can also be designed for portability, thereby improving the overall portability of the periauricular brain-computer interface system 100.
[0100] The features mentioned above in the specification, claims, and drawings can be arbitrarily combined with each other, provided they are meaningful within the scope of this application. Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application, and such improvements and refinements are also considered to be within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. An around-the-ear brain-computer interface system, comprising: include: A periauricular wearable device includes at least one earcup, at least one reference electrode, at least one active electrode, and a control unit. The earcup includes a housing portion and an ear pad portion. The ear pad portion is disposed inside the housing portion and surrounds an ear receiving cavity. The reference electrode is disposed on the ear pad portion, and the active electrode is disposed on the ear pad portion and spaced apart from the reference electrode. The control unit is disposed inside the housing portion and electrically connected to the reference electrode and the active electrode. The control unit controls the reference electrode to acquire reference signals, controls the active electrode to acquire active signals, and determines electroencephalogram (EEG) signals based on the reference signals and the active signals. and The diagnostic module includes a control unit and / or an evaluation unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the control unit and is used to form a closed-loop intervention and control of brain activity based on the EEG signals. The evaluation unit is electrically connected to the control unit and is used to generate a brain activity monitoring report based on the EEG signals.
2. The periauricular brain-machine interface system of claim 1, wherein, The at least one earmuff includes a left earmuff and a right earmuff. The left earmuff includes a first shell portion and a first ear pad portion. The first ear pad portion is disposed inside the first shell portion. A first surface of the first ear pad portion forms a first ear receiving cavity. A second surface of the first ear pad portion is opposite to the first surface. The right earmuff includes a second shell portion and a second ear pad portion. The second ear pad portion is disposed inside the second shell portion. A third surface of the second ear pad portion forms a second ear receiving cavity. A fourth surface of the second ear pad portion is opposite to the third surface. The at least one reference electrode includes a first reference electrode and a second reference electrode. The first reference electrode is disposed on the first ear pad portion, and the second reference electrode is disposed on the second ear pad portion. The at least one active electrode includes at least one first active electrode and at least one second active electrode. The first active electrode is disposed on the first ear pad portion, and the second active electrode is disposed on the second ear pad portion.
3. The periauricular brain-machine interface system of claim 2, wherein, The number of first active electrodes is multiple and they are spaced apart, as is the number of second active electrodes.
4. The periauricular brain-machine interface system of claim 2, wherein, The periauricular wearing device further includes a first grounding electrode and a second grounding electrode. The first grounding electrode is disposed on the first ear pad and grounded, and the second grounding electrode is disposed on the second ear pad and grounded.
5. The periauricular brain-machine interface system of claim 4, wherein, The first reference electrode, the at least one first active electrode, and the first ground electrode are evenly arranged along the circumference of the first ear pad portion, and the second reference electrode, the at least one second active electrode, and the second ground electrode are evenly arranged along the circumference of the second ear pad portion.
6. The periauricular brain-machine interface system of claim 2, wherein, The first reference electrode extends radially from the bottom end of the first surface to the bottom end of the second surface along the first ear pad portion; the first active electrode extends radially from the bottom end of the first surface to the bottom end of the second surface along the first ear pad portion; the second reference electrode extends radially from the bottom end of the third surface to the bottom end of the fourth surface along the second ear pad portion; and the second active electrode extends radially from the bottom end of the third surface to the bottom end of the fourth surface along the second ear pad portion.
7. The periauricular brain-machine interface system of claim 2, wherein, The first reference electrode is embedded in the first ear pad portion, or the first reference electrode is integrated into the first ear pad portion, or the first reference electrode is attached to the surface of the first ear pad portion; the first active electrode is embedded in the first ear pad portion, or the first active electrode is integrated into the first ear pad portion, or the first active electrode is attached to the surface of the first ear pad portion; the second reference electrode is embedded in the second ear pad portion, or the second reference electrode is integrated into the second ear pad portion, or the second reference electrode is attached to the surface of the first ear pad portion; the second active electrode is embedded in the second ear pad portion, or the second active electrode is integrated into the second ear pad portion, or the second active electrode is attached to the surface of the second ear pad portion.
8. The periauricular brain-machine interface system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The periauricular wearing device also includes at least one sensor, and the control unit is electrically connected to the sensor for controlling the sensor to collect vital signs signals.
9. The periauricular brain-machine interface system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The periauricular wearing device also includes at least one speaker, which is disposed within the housing portion. The control unit is electrically connected to the speaker and is used to control the sound output of the speaker under the action of the control unit.
10. The periauricular brain-computer interface system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The periauricular wearing device also includes at least one signal indicator light, which is located on the housing portion. The control unit is electrically connected to the signal indicator light and controls the signal indicator light to provide signal indication based on the working status of the active electrode and the working status of the speaker.
11. The periauricular brain-machine interface system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The periauricular wearing device also includes a headband, which is slidably connected to the earcups.
12. The periauricular brain-machine interface system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The control unit is wirelessly connected to the control unit, and the evaluation unit is wirelessly connected to the control unit.