Brain wave measurement device

Abstract

A brain wave measurement device (10) comprises: a support body (110) that is attached to a head; a first through-hole (support body through-hole (114)) that is provided to the support body (110); an elastic member (130) that is embedded in the first through-hole (support body through-hole (114)) and that has a first recess (elastic member recess (131), elastic material through-hole (135)) that faces the bottom surface from the surface; and an electrode unit (brain wave electrode member (120)) that is held by the elastic member (130).

Description

EEG measuring device

[0001] The present invention relates to an electroencephalogram measuring device.

[0002] In electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements, electrodes are placed on the head to conduct electrical measurements.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes measuring electroencephalograms by bringing the tips of electrode pins supported by an elastic member into contact with the scalp.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-000268

[0005] However, hair may be interposed between the EEG electrodes and the scalp. Therefore, in order to ensure good contact between the EEG electrodes and the scalp, it is necessary to part the hair. The structure described in Patent Document 1 does not allow the EEG electrodes to move freely. Therefore, it is difficult to part the hair.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an electroencephalogram measuring device that can bring the electroencephalogram electrodes into stable contact with the scalp.

[0007] According to the present invention, the following techniques are provided: 1. An electroencephalogram measuring device comprising: a support to be worn on the head; a first through-hole provided in the support; an elastic member filled in the first through-hole and having a first recess facing from the top surface to the bottom surface; and an electrode unit held by the elastic member. 2. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to 1., in which the hardness of the elastic member measured by the following (method) is 10 N or more and 200 N or less. (Method) The hardness (N) of a test piece of the elastic member is measured in accordance with Method A specified in JIS K 6400-2:2012. 3. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to 1. or 2., in which the electrode unit is provided on the bottom surface side of the elastic member. 4. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to 3., further comprising a holding section located on the bottom surface of the elastic member and holding the electrode unit, wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface of the first recess has a second through-hole passing through the elastic member, and the holding section has a second recess in a region of the surface facing the elastic member that overlaps with the second through-hole. 5. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to 4., wherein the holding section holds the electrode unit on a surface opposite to the elastic member. 6. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to 5., wherein the electrode unit has a third through-hole, and the second recess has a fourth through-hole in its bottom that communicates with the third through-hole. 7. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to 4., wherein the cross-section of the second recess becomes smaller as it approaches the electrode unit from the elastic member.

[0008] According to the present invention, an electroencephalogram measuring device can be provided that can stably bring the electroencephalogram electrodes into contact with the scalp.

[0009] 9 is a diagram illustrating a partial cross section of an EEG measurement device according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an EEG measurement device according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a support according to an embodiment is attached to a person's head. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the state of the inside of a support according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of an EEG electrode member when an EEG measurement device according to an embodiment is attached to a head. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a partial cross section of an EEG measurement device when a holding member and an EEG electrode member according to an embodiment are detached from a support. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a liquid is supplied to the scalp through a tube when an EEG measurement device according to an embodiment is attached to a head. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an EEG measurement device according to an embodiment is attached to a head and EEG measurement is performed. FIG. 17 is a side view of an EEG electrode member according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 9 according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a convex portion of an electrode main body and a tube according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a signal processing unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a computer that realizes a signal processing unit in an embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and their description will be omitted where appropriate. In this specification, the electrode unit is also referred to as an EEG electrode member.

[0011] The electroencephalogram measuring device 10 of this embodiment includes a support body to be worn on the head, a first through-hole (support body through-hole 114) provided in the support body 110, an elastic member 130 filled in the first through-hole (support body through-hole 114) and having a first recess (elastic member recess 131, elastic member through-hole 135) extending from the surface to the bottom, and an electrode unit (EEG electrode member 120) held by the elastic member 130. The above configuration allows the EEG electrode to be in stable contact with the scalp.

[0012] <Overview> Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a partial cross section of an EEG measurement device 10 according to an embodiment. Figs. 2 to 4 are diagrams illustrating an overall view of the EEG measurement device 10. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the EEG measurement device 10 as seen from above. Fig. 3 is a front view of the EEG measurement device 10 worn on the head. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the state of the inside of a support 110 (the side into which the head 20 is inserted) of the EEG measurement device 10.

[0013] The EEG measuring device 10 includes a support 110, an elastic member 130, a holding unit 180, and an EEG electrode member 120. EEGs are measured by bringing the EEG electrode member 120 of the EEG measuring device 10 into contact with the head 20 (scalp 22). The EEG electrode member 120 is attached to the elastic member 130 via the holding unit 180 and is held by the support 110. Because the EEG electrode member 120 must be in contact with the subject's scalp 22, it is preferably provided on the bottom side of the elastic member 130. Here, the bottom side of the elastic member 130 refers to the side of the elastic member 130 that is closest to the subject's scalp 22.

[0014] Although details will be described later, the support 110 is, as an example, a helmet type that is worn on the head 20, and has a support through-hole 114 that penetrates from the inside to the outside, and an elastic member 130 embedded in the support through-hole 114. The EEG electrode member 120 is held on a bottom surface 132 of the elastic member 130 via a holding portion 180.

[0015] The elastic member 130 has an elastic member recess 131 recessed from the surface toward the bottom. The elastic member recess 131 communicates with the support through-hole 114. A finger or the like is inserted into the elastic member recess 131 through the support through-hole 114. The user then operates the elastic member 130 or the holding unit 180 (holding unit recess 188) attached to the elastic member 130. This allows the orientation of the EEG electrode member 120 to be adjusted, etc. The holding unit 180 is provided with a vibrating unit 190. The vibration of the vibrating unit 190 allows the EEG electrode member 120 to part hair, or adjust or change the contact state and contact position between the EEG electrode member 120 and the scalp 22.

[0016] The EEG electrode member 120 is provided with an electrode through-hole 121 (third through-hole) that penetrates from the support 110 toward the head 20. The support through-hole 114, the elastic member recess 131, and the electrode through-hole 121 (third through-hole) are connected to each other. A tube 151 is inserted into the electrode through-hole 121 (third through-hole) to supply a liquid 30 (see Figures 7, 8, etc.) that improves electrical contact between the scalp 22 and the EEG electrode member 120.

[0017] 2 to 4, the support 110 is helmet-shaped. When the support 110 is helmet-shaped, the support 110 has a recess into which the head 20 is inserted. When the support 110 is helmet-shaped, the EEG measuring device 10 is configured so that one or more EEG electrode members 120 come into contact with the head 20 (scalp 22) when the support 110 is attached to the head 20. The EEG measuring device 10 may include a belt 170 for fixing the support 110 to the head 20, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0018] Hereinafter, the side of the support 110 facing the head 20 (scalp 22) will be referred to as the inside of the support 110, and the side opposite the inside will be referred to as the outside of the support 110. In FIG. 1 , the direction from the inside to the outside of the support 110 is referred to as the z direction. The x direction, y direction, and z direction are perpendicular to each other. The z direction is generally the normal direction to the scalp 22. Note that the x direction, y direction, and z direction can be defined as different directions for each EEG electrode member 120 in the EEG measurement device 10.

[0019] In the examples of Figures 2 to 4, the support 110 holds multiple EEG electrode members 120. With the support 110 attached to the head 20, each EEG electrode member 120 can be brought into contact with a predetermined position on the head 20. EEG signals are then measured using the multiple EEG electrode members 120. For example, the support 110 can hold seven EEG electrode members 120. The positions of the seven EEG electrode members 120 may correspond to positions F3, F4, C3, C4, P3, Pz, and P4 in the International 10-20 electrode placement system. The number and positions of the EEG electrode members 120 provided on the support 110 are not particularly limited and can be set according to the application, etc. The EEG signals measured by each EEG electrode member 120 are transmitted to the signal processing unit 160.

[0020] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the EEG electrode member 120 has an electrode through-hole 121. The electrode through-hole 121 is a hole for supplying the liquid 30 to the head 20. The electrode through-hole 121 communicates with the holding portion through-hole 189 (also referred to as the fourth through-hole) of the holding portion 180 and the elastic member recess 131 of the elastic member 130. The provision of the electrode through-hole 121 in the EEG electrode member 120 allows the liquid 30 to be easily injected into the scalp 22 from outside the support 110. For example, supplying an auxiliary liquid (liquid 30) containing an electrolyte to the head 20 prior to EEG measurement can improve electrical contact between the scalp and the EEG electrode member 120. The EEG electrode member 120 and a method for measuring EEGs will be described in detail below.

[0021] In the example of FIG. 1 , the electroencephalogram measuring device 10 further includes an elastic member 130 and a holding unit 180. The elastic member 130 is elastically deformable. The elastic member 130 has a recess (hereinafter referred to as an "elastic member recess 131") that is recessed from the outside toward the inside. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the elastic member recess 131 has a second through-hole (hereinafter also referred to as an "elastic member through-hole 135") that penetrates the elastic member 130. In this embodiment, a configuration is illustrated in which substantially the entire bottom surface of the elastic member recess 131 is formed as the elastic member through-hole 135. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the elastic member recess 131 and the elastic member through-hole 135 are considered to be the same.

[0022] The shape of the support 110 is determined based on, for example, an average head shape. However, head shapes vary greatly from person to person, and an element that can absorb these differences is necessary. In an EEG measurement device 10 in which the EEG electrode member 120 is held on the support 110 via an elastic member 130, the elastic member 130 elastically deforms when the support 110 is attached to the head 20. This allows the EEG electrode member 120 to be stably brought into contact with the scalp, allowing EEG measurements to be performed, even if there are individual differences in head shape (irregularities and surface angles).

[0023] As described above, a finger 99 or the like is inserted into the support 110 through the support through-hole 114 provided in the covering member 112 of the support 110 to operate the elastic member 130 (elastic member recess 131) and the holding portion 180 (holding portion recess 188). Since a structure protruding from the inside of the support 110 to the outside is not required to adjust the orientation of the EEG electrode member 120, the center of gravity can be stabilized when attached to the head 20. In addition, the subject can lie down while wearing the support 110, reducing noise caused by body movement and the like. EEG measurement can also be performed while the subject is moving around.

[0024] Furthermore, the EEG electrode member 120 is detachable from the support 110. This allows the EEG electrode member 120 to be replaced as needed, or different types of EEG electrode member 120 to be used for different measurements. Each component of the EEG measurement device 10 will be described in detail below.

[0025] <Details of Each Component of the EEG Measuring Device> Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the EEG electrode member 120 when the EEG measuring device 10 is attached to the head, and corresponds to Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the state from Fig. 1 with the EEG electrode member 120 removed. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the state in which the EEG measuring device 10 is attached to the head and liquid 30 is supplied to the scalp 22 by the tube 151 and the injection member 152. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the state in which the EEG measuring device 10 is attached to the head and brain waves are measured.

[0026] <Support Body> The support body 110 has a shape that can cover at least a portion of the head 20. The support body 110 only needs to be attachable to the head 20, and may be made of, for example, cloth or rubber. The support body 110 may be, for example, helmet-shaped, hat-shaped, or band-shaped. In this embodiment, the support body 110 includes a base body 111 and a covering member 112. The base body 111 is located on the head 20 side when the support body 110 is attached to the head 20. The covering member 112 is located on the opposite side from the head 20 side when the support body 110 is attached to the head 20.

[0027] The base 111 is made of, for example, polystyrene foam. The base 111 is provided with a plurality of (seven in this case) holes 115 that penetrate vertically at positions corresponding to F3, F4, C3, C4, P3, Pz, and P4 in the International 10-20 electrode arrangement method described above. Elastic members 130 are housed in the holes 115. The covering member 112 is made of, for example, resin. The covering member 112 is harder than the base 111 and can protect the head 20. However, the support 110 does not necessarily have to include the covering member 112.

[0028] <Elastic Member> The elastic member 130 is housed in a hole 115 provided in the base 111 of the support 110. The outer shape and size of the elastic member 130 are approximately the same as the inner shape and size of the hole 115 provided in the support 110, and the elastic member 130 is fitted into the hole 115 of the support 110.

[0029] When the support body 110 is not attached to the head 20, the elastic member 130 may fill the entire hole 115 provided in the support body 110 except for the elastic member recess 131. The covering member 112 is provided with a support body through-hole 114. The elastic member recess 131 provided in the elastic member 130 and the support body through-hole 114 provided in the covering member 112 are in communication with each other.

[0030] 6, the diameter d2 of the support through-hole 114 is preferably larger than the diameter d1 of the elastic member recess 131. By making the diameter d2 of the support through-hole 114 larger in this manner, it becomes easier to access the elastic member recess 131 and the holding portion recess 188 (cone-shaped recess). As a result, it becomes easier to adjust the orientation of the EEG electrode member 120, etc.

[0031] The elastic member 130 is made of an elastic material. The elastic material may be one or more selected from the group consisting of urethane sponge, polyethylene sponge, polypropylene sponge, and silicone rubber sponge. The elastic material may be a foam, and examples of the foam include low-resilience sponge and low-resilience elastic foam.

[0032] The elastic member 130 may be configured without a spring. When a spring is used, the repulsive force of the spring increases in proportion to the deformation of the spring. Therefore, when the deformation is large, excessive repulsive force is generated, making the subject more likely to feel pain. On the other hand, when a foam elastic material is used, there is a range of displacement in which the repulsive force does not increase significantly (is not proportional) with an increase in the deformation. By configuring the elastic member 130 to be usable within this range of displacement, an appropriate repulsive force can be obtained even if the deformation varies depending on the position of the EEG electrode member 120.

[0033] The hardness of the elastic member 130, as measured by the following method, is preferably 10 N or more and 200 N or less. From the viewpoint of further reducing the burden on the subject, the hardness of the elastic member 130 is more preferably 150 N or less, and even more preferably 100 N or less. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of more stably pressing the EEG electrode member 120 against the scalp 22, the hardness of the elastic member 130 is more preferably 30 N or more and even more preferably 50 N or more. Therefore, from the viewpoint of further reducing the burden on the subject and more stably pressing the EEG electrode member 120 against the scalp 22, the hardness of the elastic member 130 is preferably 10 N or more and 200 N or less, more preferably 30 N or more and 150 N or less, and even more preferably 50 N or more and 120 N or less. (Method) The hardness (N) of a test specimen of the elastic member 130 of this embodiment is measured in accordance with Method A specified in JIS K 6400-2:2012.

[0034] The thickness t of the elastic member 130 is, for example, 10 mm or more and 100 mm or less when the support 110 is not attached to the head 20. Here, the thickness t refers to the thickness of the elastic member 130 in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 132 of the elastic member 130 that faces the head 20. The elastic member 130 is fixed to the support 110 at one end, and the thickness t of the elastic member 130 is variable depending on the force it receives in the thickness direction. Specifically, the elastic member 130 is fixed to the support 110 at the surface (top surface 133) opposite the bottom surface 132. The thickness t of the elastic member 130 is preferably 20 mm or more and 60 mm or less when the support 110 is not attached to the head 20. The lower limit of the thickness t is preferably 25 mm or more, more preferably 30 mm or more. The upper limit of the thickness t is preferably 55 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or less. By setting the thickness t within the above range, it is possible to appropriately compress the electrode member 120 according to the shape of the head 20, and the EEG electrode member 120 can be appropriately pressed against the scalp 22 while minimizing discomfort to the subject.

[0035] The thickness t of the elastic member 130 may be thicker or thinner than the thickness of the base 111. If the thickness t of the elastic member 130 is made thicker than the thickness of the base 111, the compressibility of the elastic member 130 can be increased, and the force pressing the EEG electrode member 120 against the scalp 22 can be strengthened. If the thickness t of the elastic member 130 is made thinner than the thickness of the base 111, the elastic member 130 is completely housed in the hole 115, and movement when compressed in the thickness direction is stabilized.

[0036] The area of ​​the bottom surface 132 of the elastic member 130 facing the head is, for example, 3 cm ２ 25cm or more ２ The lower limit is preferably 5 cm. ２ More preferably, 7 cm ２ This ensures an appropriate size for the EEG electrode member 120, and allows for a stable posture (direction). The upper limit is preferably 20 cm. ２ More preferably, it is 15 cm or less. ２The shape is as follows. This prevents the orientation of the EEG electrode member 120 from moving too much, making adjustment difficult. The shape of the bottom surface is not particularly limited. Examples of the shape of the bottom surface include a circle, a square, an egg shape, an ellipse, etc. From the viewpoint of making it easier to rotate the EEG electrode member 120, a circle is preferable. On the other hand, if it is not desirable to rotate the EEG electrode member 120, a shape other than a circle is preferable.

[0037] <Holding section> The holding section 180 is provided on the bottom surface 132 of the elastic member 130. The holding section 180 holds the EEG electrode member 120 on the surface (bottom surface 183) opposite to the elastic member 130. In other words, the EEG electrode member 120 is attached to the elastic member 130 via the holding section 180. The holding section 180 may be detachable from the elastic member 130.

[0038] The holding portion 180 integrally includes a base portion 181 and a protrusion portion 182. The holding portion 180 is made of, for example, hard plastic.

[0039] The base 181 is generally disk-shaped (flange-shaped) with a predetermined thickness. The base 181 includes a conductive portion 164, a circuit 162, and a vibrating portion 190. Specifically, the bottom surface 183 of the base 181 includes a first housing portion 185 recessed to accommodate the conductive portion 164, a second housing portion 186 recessed to accommodate the circuit 162, and a third housing portion 187 recessed to accommodate the vibrating portion 190. The first housing portion 185 is located at the center of the disk. The positions of the second housing portion 186 and the third housing portion 187 are not particularly limited, but are positioned so that the housed circuit 162 and vibrating portion 190 function appropriately. The functions of the circuit 162 and vibrating portion 190 will be described later.

[0040] The protrusion 182 is cylindrical and protrudes upward (in the z direction) from the center of the upper surface 184 of the base 181 (i.e., the center of the disk shape). The protrusion 182 is fitted into the elastic member recess 131 (elastic material through-hole 135) of the elastic member 130 from the bottom side of the elastic member recess 131.

[0041] A holding portion recess 188 recessed in the vertical direction is provided on the upper surface of the convex portion 182. A holding portion through-hole 189 communicating with the electrode through-hole 121 is provided at the bottom of the holding portion recess 188.

[0042] The holding portion recess 188 overlaps with the elastic member recess 131 (elastic member through-hole 135). As a result, the holding portion recess 188 can be operated from outside the support body 110 with a finger 99 or the like via the support body through-hole 114 and the elastic member recess 131.

[0043] The holding portion recess 188 preferably has a shape in which the cross section becomes smaller from the elastic member 130 toward the EEG electrode member 120 (so-called mortar-shaped). This shape makes it easy to operate the holding portion recess 188 with the finger 99. Furthermore, when inserting the tube 151 into the holding portion through-hole 189, the slant of the holding portion recess 188 guides the tube 151 into the holding portion through-hole 189, making insertion easy. Note that the shape of the holding portion recess 188 is not limited to a mortar-shaped shape, and various shapes may be used as long as they are suitable for operation with a finger and can guide the tube 151 into the holding portion through-hole 189.

[0044] <Circuit> The circuit 162 includes, for example, a preamplifier that amplifies the electrical signal from the EEG electrode member 120, and is also referred to as an active electrode. The circuit 162 is electrically connected to the conductive portion 164 by wiring 163, and acquires the EEG signal from the EEG electrode member 120 via the conductive portion 164. The circuit 162 performs amplification processing according to predetermined settings, and transmits the signal to the signal processing unit 160 (data processing unit 210) via wiring 165. The specific configuration of the signal processing unit 160 will be described later.

[0045] <Vibration Unit> The vibration unit 190 is, for example, an eccentric motor. Vibration is generated by rotating an eccentric weight attached to the rotation shaft of the motor. The vibration unit 190 is connected to the signal processing unit 160 (vibration control unit 220) via wiring 166. The vibration control unit 220 vibrates the vibration unit 190. The vibration unit 190 is not limited to an eccentric motor, and various devices can be used as long as they can generate vibration. For example, a piezoelectric actuator that generates vibration using a piezoelectric element can be used.

[0046] The vibrations of the vibrating unit 190 are transmitted to the EEG electrode member 120 held by the holding unit 180. The vibrations can part the hair on the scalp 22, improving the contact state between the EEG electrode member 120 and the scalp 22. Furthermore, when EEG measurement is performed for a long period of time, for example, itching may occur or blood flow may be restricted at the part where the convex portion 123 is in contact with the scalp. However, the vibrations change the contact area, alleviating itching and providing a massage effect to improve blood flow. Specific processing of the vibrating unit 190 will be described later.

[0047] <EEG electrode member> Fig. 9 is a diagram (bottom view) illustrating the structure of the side of the EEG electrode member 120 that faces the head 20. Fig. 10 is a side view of the EEG electrode member 120. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 9. In this embodiment, the EEG electrode member 120 further includes an electrode main body 125, a conductive member 124, wiring 127, and a cover 129. The electrode main body 125 includes a base 122 and one or more protrusions 123 provided on the base 122. The electrode through-hole 121 is provided in the base 122.

[0048] The conductive member 124 is made of, for example, a conductive metal and has a first portion 124 a and a second portion 124 b. The first portion 124 a and the second portion 124 b are integrally formed. Examples of such metals that can be used include copper, aluminum, silver, and alloys thereof.

[0049] 11 , a through-hole 121 a provided in the conductive member 124 and a through-hole 122 a provided in the base 122 are in communication with each other, and these through-holes 121 a and 122 a form the electrode through-hole 121. A thread groove is provided on the outside of the first portion 124 a.

[0050] The second portion 124b is, for example, disk-shaped. In the example of Fig. 11, the cover 129 covers a part of the conductive member 124 and a part of the base 122. The cover 129 is made of, for example, resin and is insulating. The base 122 is fixed to the main surface 124c of the second portion 124b.

[0051] The convex portion 123 has a first portion 123a, a conductive portion 123b, and a second portion 123c. A plurality of convex portions 123 are provided on the surface of the base portion 122 opposite the conductive member 124 side. The base portion 122 and the first portion 123a are integrally formed using a rubber-like elastic body. Ten or more convex portions 123 may be provided. The first portion 123a may have a shape such as a cone or a polygonal pyramid. The conductive portion 123b is provided so as to cover the first portion 123a. The tip of the first portion 123a is covered with the second portion 123c. The second portion 123c is a spherical member made of a gel-like material (also known as hydrogel) containing water inside, and is attached so as to pierce the tip of the first portion 123a.

[0052] When the EEG electrode member 120 is pressed against the head 20 to measure EEG, the second portion 123c comes into contact with the head 20. At this time, electrolytes (generally salt) from the scalp 22 are absorbed into the second portion 123c. As a result, the EEG electrode member 120 and the scalp 22 are electrically connected. The shape of the second portion 123c is not limited to a sphere. The gel material constituting the second portion 123c is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of sufficient water absorption and has sufficient strength and flexibility when pressed against the head 20; for example, an acrylic hydrogel or a silicone hydrogel can be used.

[0053] The materials of the base 122 and the first portion 123a will be described. The base 122 and the first portion 123a are configured to have a rubber-like elastic body. Specific examples of the rubber-like elastic body include rubber and thermoplastic elastomer (also simply referred to as "elastomer (TPE)"). Examples of rubber include silicone rubber. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include styrene-based TPE (TPS), olefin-based TPE (TPO), vinyl chloride-based TPE (TPVC), urethane-based TPE (TPU), ester-based TPE (TPEE), and amide-based TPE (TPAE).

[0054] The conductive portion 123b is formed using a paste containing a highly conductive metal, such as copper, silver, gold, nickel, tin, lead, zinc, bismuth, antimony, or an alloy thereof.

[0055] Wiring 127 connected to conductive portion 123b is provided inside first portion 123a. Wiring 127 electrically connects conductive portion 123b and conductive member 124. Wiring 127 may be made of, for example, conductive fiber. The conductive fiber may be one or more types selected from the group consisting of metal fiber, metal-coated fiber, carbon fiber, conductive polymer fiber, conductive polymer-coated fiber, and conductive paste-coated fiber. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0056] The EEG electrode member 120 is attached to the conductive portion 164 by screwing the first portion 124a of the conductive member 124 into the conductive portion 164 of the holding portion 180. In this way, the EEG electrode member 120 is attached to the elastic member 130.

[0057] <Tube 151, Injection Member 152> Injection member 152 is, for example, a syringe and has a liquid storage portion. Tube 151 is made of, for example, metal. With tube 151 attached to injection member 152, tube 151 is inserted into holder through-hole 189 and electrode through-hole 121. A structure for limiting the insertion depth of tube 151 is provided at the lower end of injection member 152 or the outer periphery of tube 151. When fully inserted, tube 151 penetrates base 122, but the tip of tube 151 is positioned above (in the +Z direction) the lower end of convex portion 123. This prevents tube 151 from coming into contact with scalp 22. Liquid 30 extruded from injection member 152 is supplied to scalp 22 through tube 151.

[0058] 12 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the convex portion 123 and the tube 151. When the tube 151 is inserted into the electrode through-hole 121 of the EEG electrode member 120, the protruding height h1 of the tube 151 from the base 122 is smaller than the protruding height h2 of the convex portion 123 from the base 122. This prevents the tip of the tube 151 from touching the scalp 22 and causing injury.

[0059] <Electrical Connection Relationships in the EEG Measuring Device> The electrical connections in the EEG measuring device 10 will be described below. The EEG measuring device 10 further includes wires 163, 165, 166, a circuit 162, a signal processing unit 160, and a reference potential measuring wire 161 (see FIG. 4). Of these, the conductive portion 164, wires 165, 166, and circuit 162 are provided for each EEG electrode member 120. The wire 163 and circuit 162 are fixed to the holding portion 180 together with the conductive portion 164.

[0060] When the scalp 22 comes into contact with the second portion 123c, an electrical signal from the scalp 22 is transmitted to the conductive member 124 via the second portion 123c, the conductive portion 123b, and the wiring 127. The electrical signal obtained in each EEG electrode member 120 in this manner is sent from the conductive member 124 of the EEG electrode member 120 to the signal processing unit 160 via the conductive portion 164, the wiring 163, the circuit 162, and the wiring 165.

[0061] <Signal Processing Unit> Fig. 13 is a block diagram focusing on the functions of the signal processing unit 160. The signal processing unit 160 has a main control unit 201, an operation processing unit 202, a communication unit 203, a data processing unit 210, and a vibration control unit 220. The main control unit 201 comprehensively controls each component of the signal processing unit 160. The operation processing unit 202 is an interface that accepts user operations, such as a switch or a touch panel. The communication unit 203 connects to an external device via a communication line, wirelessly, or the like. The connection to the external device may be direct or via a network such as the Internet.

[0062] The data processing unit 210 is connected to the circuit 162 of the EEG electrode member 120 (holding unit 180), and acquires data measured by the EEG electrode member 120 via the circuit 162. The data processing unit 210 performs processes such as amplification of the EEG electrical signal, analog-to-digital conversion, and frequency filtering. The data processing unit 210 can also record the EEG signal data obtained by these processes in a recording unit provided within the signal processing unit 160. The data processing unit 210 can also transmit the EEG signal data to an external device via the communication unit 203 by wired or wireless communication.

[0063] The vibration control unit 220 is connected to the vibration unit 190 of the EEG electrode member 120 (holding unit 180) and drives the vibration unit 190 to generate vibrations. The vibration control unit 220 controls the vibration unit 190 to vibrate according to a preset vibration pattern. The vibration pattern to be generated may be determined by a user's operation of the operation processing unit 202, or may be specified by an external device via the communication unit 203. Note that during vibration, the contact state and contact resistance with the scalp 22 (skin) fluctuate significantly. This may increase noise in the EEG, potentially preventing normal EEG measurement. Therefore, the data processing unit 210 may reflect information indicating that the vibration unit 190 is vibrating. In other words, in analyzing EEG signal data, data during which the vibration unit 190 is vibrating can be excluded from EEG analysis. This improves the accuracy of EEG analysis.

[0064] The vibration patterns include vibration timing (start and end timing), vibration duration, vibration frequency, vibration amplitude, and combinations thereof.

[0065] For example, the vibration control unit 220 repeatedly vibrates the vibration unit 190. Specifically, during EEG measurement, the vibration unit 190 is vibrated for a predetermined time every certain period of time. The "every certain period of time" may be, for example, 30 to 120 minutes after the start of EEG measurement or after the end of vibration at a certain timing. This interval is set appropriately based on the user's attributes (e.g., age, gender, condition of the scalp 22, etc.) and the user's preferences. The intervals may also vary. For example, the interval at one timing may be set to 30 minutes, and the interval at the next timing may be set to 45 minutes. The vibration lower limit is preferably 45 minutes or more, more preferably 60 minutes or more. Setting the lower limit in this manner enables continuous, long-term EEG measurement. The upper limit is preferably 105 minutes or less, more preferably 90 minutes or less. Setting the upper limit in this manner prevents the EEG electrode member 120 from continuously contacting the same position on the scalp 22, which could adversely affect the scalp 22 or cause itching.

[0066] For example, the vibration control unit 220 controls the duration of a single vibration by the vibration unit 190 to a predetermined time. The duration of a single vibration can be, for example, 2 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less. The lower limit of the duration of a single vibration is preferably 5 seconds or more, more preferably 10 seconds or more. The upper limit is preferably 25 seconds or less, more preferably 20 seconds or less. If the duration of a single vibration is short, the hair-parting effect of the vibration may not be sufficient. If the duration of a single vibration is long, the exclusion period for EEG analysis during vibration becomes long, which may result in insufficient accuracy in EEG analysis. The duration of a single vibration may be the same regardless of the vibration period, or may vary from one vibration period to another. For example, the vibration period may be 5 seconds at one vibration timing and 10 seconds at the next vibration timing.

[0067] For example, the vibration control unit 220 controls the amplitude of vibration of the vibration unit 190. That is, the vibration control unit 220 controls the magnitude of vibration by the vibration unit 190, causing the vibration unit 190 to vibrate strongly or weakly. A different amplitude may be used for each duration of one vibration, or a combination of different amplitudes may be used during the duration of one vibration.

[0068] For example, the vibration control unit 220 controls the frequency of vibration of the vibration unit 190. That is, the vibration control unit 220 controls the frequency of vibration by the vibration unit 190, causing the vibration unit 190 to vibrate finely or slowly. The vibration may be at a different frequency for each continuous vibration period, or a combination of periods of different frequencies may be used during each continuous vibration. The vibration frequency is, for example, 1 Hz or more and 100 Hz or less. The lower limit of the frequency is preferably 5 Hz or more, and more preferably 10 Hz or more. The upper limit of the frequency is preferably 75 Hz or less, and more preferably 50 Hz or less. The frequency is set taking into consideration the ability to brush aside hair and the need to avoid causing discomfort to the person being measured.

[0069] For example, the vibration control unit 220 may vibrate the vibration unit 190 in a vibration pattern that combines the interval when repeatedly vibrating the vibration unit 190, the duration of one vibration, the amplitude of vibration, the vibration frequency, etc. For example, a vibration pattern that is set in advance as a default value may be selected, or a desired vibration pattern may be set by the user operating the operation processing unit 202, or the vibration pattern may be selected from vibration patterns pre-recorded in the operation processing unit 202. Furthermore, the vibration pattern may differ depending on the electrode position of the EEG electrode member 120.

[0070] It is preferable that the signal processing unit 160 has a built-in battery. This eliminates the need to connect a power line to the signal processing unit 160 to supply power. This allows the subject to move and be active to a certain degree during measurement. It also prevents noise dependent on the power supply frequency. The reference potential measurement wiring 161 connects the signal processing unit 160 to a reference electrode (not shown). The reference electrode is an electrode used to obtain a reference potential that serves as a reference for measuring EEG signals. The reference electrode is attached, for example, with a clip to the earlobe or the top of the outer ear, or attached around the bone on the back of the outer ear to obtain the reference potential.

[0071] 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer 1000 for realizing the signal processing unit 160. The computer 1000 may be any of various computers. For example, the computer 1000 may be a personal computer (PC), a server machine, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a terminal device. The computer 1000 may be a dedicated computer designed to realize the signal processing unit 160, or may be a general-purpose computer.

[0072] The computer 1000 includes a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060. The bus 1010 is a data transmission path through which the processor 1020, the memory 1030, the storage device 1040, the input / output interface 1050, and the network interface 1060 transmit and receive data to and from each other. The processor 1020 is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory 1030 is a main storage device formed of RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like. The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device formed of a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a memory card, a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like. However, the storage device 1040 may also be formed using RAM or the like. The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 to input / output devices. For example, input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse and output devices such as a display device are connected to the input / output interface 1050. The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting to a communication network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or a LAN (Local Area Network). The storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the signal processing unit 160. The processor 1020 reads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them to realize each function corresponding to the program module.

[0073] <Method of Using the EEG Measuring Device> The method of using the EEG measuring device 10 configured as described above will be described below. First, as shown in Fig. 3, the support 110 with the EEG electrode members 120 attached is worn on the head 20. The EEG electrode members 120 are provided on the bottom surface 132 side of the elastic member 130 via a holding portion 180.

[0074] At this time, as shown in Fig. 5, for example, the elastic member 130 contracts in the thickness direction depending on the state of the head 20, and the EEG electrode member 120 is pressed against the scalp 22. That is, the elastic member 130 deforms depending on the position and angle of the scalp 22 relative to the support 110. Furthermore, the EEG electrode member 120 is pressed against the scalp 22 by a force according to the elasticity of the elastic member 130. That is, as the elastic member 130 contracts, the position and angle of the tip of the EEG electrode member 120 relative to the support 110 change to fit the shape of the head 20.

[0075] If there is any discomfort in the contact state between the EEG electrode member 120 and the scalp 22, a finger 99 or the like can be inserted through the support through-hole 114 to manipulate the elastic material through-hole 135 of the elastic member 130 or the holding portion recess 188 of the holding portion 180, thereby adjusting the orientation of the EEG electrode member 120. This manipulation can part the hair on the scalp 22 and improve the contact state between the EEG electrode member 120 and the scalp 22. At this time, the vibration unit 190 can be vibrated. Vibrating the vibration unit 190 can part the hair and improve the contact state between the EEG electrode member 120 and the scalp 22.

[0076] Next, as shown in FIG. 7 , the operator attaches the tube 151 to the EEG measurement device 10. Specifically, the tube 151 is inserted through the support through-hole 114, the elastic member recess 131, and the holder through-hole 189 into the electrode through-hole 121 of the EEG electrode member 120. The operator manipulates the injection member 152. The liquid 30 (here, auxiliary liquid, as an example) contained in the injection member 152 is supplied from the tip of the tube 151 to the scalp 22 to wet the scalp 22. The auxiliary liquid is not particularly limited as long as it can reduce the electrical resistance between the EEG electrode member 120 and the scalp 22, but it can include, for example, an electrolyte. However, EEG measurement can also be performed using the EEG measurement device 10 without supplying auxiliary liquid. Next, the operator removes the tube 151 and begins EEG measurement. Furthermore, during EEG measurement, the EEG electrode member 120 may be vibrated by generating vibrations in the vibration unit 190 at preset timing.

[0077] According to this embodiment, the EEG measuring device 10 includes an EEG electrode member 120 having an electrode through-hole 121. A tube 151 is passed through the electrode through-hole 121, and auxiliary liquid can be efficiently supplied to the area where the EEG electrode member 120 and the scalp 22 come into contact.

[0078] Furthermore, after the EEG electrode member 120 is brought into contact with the scalp 22, the auxiliary liquid can be supplied immediately before measurement. Therefore, a low-viscosity liquid can be used as the auxiliary liquid. For example, if the auxiliary liquid is applied before placing the EEG electrode member on the head, there is a risk that the auxiliary liquid will run off or evaporate before measurement begins, necessitating the use of a paste or gel-like auxiliary liquid. When using a paste-like auxiliary liquid, the extremely high viscosity of the auxiliary liquid necessitates manually parting the hair to apply it, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, when using a gel-like auxiliary liquid, the hair can interfere with its ability to reach the scalp, and excessive application can lead to dripping and short-circuiting between the electrodes. On the other hand, these concerns are eliminated when the auxiliary liquid can be supplied immediately before measurement. With the EEG measurement device 10 according to this embodiment, the elastic member 130 and the holding unit 180 can be manipulated in advance to part the hair and inject a small amount of auxiliary liquid immediately adjacent to the scalp. Furthermore, by using an auxiliary liquid with a low viscosity equivalent to that of water, it is less susceptible to the effects of hair and can significantly reduce contact resistance with a small amount of liquid.

[0079] The features of this embodiment can be briefly summarized as follows: 1. An electroencephalogram (EEG) measuring device 10 comprising: a support 110 to be attached to a head 20; a first through-hole (support through-hole 114) provided in the support 110; an elastic member 130 filled in the first through-hole (support through-hole 114) and having a first recess (elastic member recess 131, elastic member through-hole 135) extending from the surface to the bottom; and an electrode unit (EEG electrode member 120) held by the elastic member 130. This allows a finger or the like to be inserted through the support through-hole 114 to manipulate the elastic member 130, thereby adjusting the orientation of the EEG electrode member 120 attached to the elastic member 130 and improving the contact state between the EEG electrode member 120 and the scalp 22. 2. The electroencephalogram (EEG) measuring device 10 described in 1., wherein the hardness of the elastic member 130 measured by the following method is 10 N or more and 200 N or less. (Method) The hardness (N) of a test piece of the elastic member 130 is measured in accordance with Method A specified in JIS K 6400-2:2012. By setting the hardness of the elastic member 130 within the above range, it is possible to reduce the burden on the subject when the EEG electrode member 120 is pressed against the head, and an appropriate pressing force can be obtained, enabling stable EEG measurement. 3. The EEG electrode member 120 is provided on the bottom side of the elastic member 130, as described in 1. or 2. The EEG measurement device 10. 4. 5. The EEG measurement device 10 described in 3. further includes a holding portion 180 positioned on the bottom surface of the elastic member 130 and holding an electrode unit (EEG electrode member 120), wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface of the first recess (elastic member recess 131) has a second through-hole (elastic material through-hole 135) penetrating the elastic member 130, and wherein the holding portion 180 has a second recess (holding portion recess 188) in an area of ​​its surface (upper surface 184) facing the elastic member 130 that overlaps with the second through-hole (elastic material through-hole 135). A finger 99 can be inserted through the support member through-hole 114, and the second recess (holding portion recess 188) can be manipulated to adjust the orientation of the EEG electrode member 120 attached to the holding portion 180. As a result, stable EEG measurement can be achieved. 4. The electroencephalogram measuring device 10 according to item 4, wherein the holding portion 180 holds the electrode unit (EEG electrode member 120) on a surface (bottom surface 183) opposite to the elastic member 130.6. The EEG measurement device 10 described in 5., in which the electrode unit (EEG electrode member 120) has a third through-hole (electrode through-hole 121), and the holding portion recess 188 has a fourth through-hole (holding portion through-hole 189) at its bottom that communicates with the third through-hole (electrode through-hole 121). This allows a tube 151 to pass through the support through-hole 114 and penetrate the electrode through-hole 121. As a result, the liquid 30 can be supplied to the scalp 22 using the tube 151 to wet it. This enables stable EEG measurement. 7. The EEG measurement device 10 described in 4., in which the cross-section of the second recess (holding portion recess 188) decreases as it approaches the electrode unit (EEG electrode member 120) from the elastic member 130. This structure makes the holding portion 180 easy to operate. Furthermore, when the tube 151 is passed through the holding portion through-hole 189 , the holding portion recess 188 can guide the tube 151 into the holding portion through-hole 189 .

[0080] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-118434, filed on July 24, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0081] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 EEG measuring device 20 Head 22 Scalp 110 Support 111 Base 112 Covering member 114 Support through-hole 115 Hole 120 EEG electrode member (electrode unit) 121 Electrode through-hole 121a Through-hole 122 Base 122a Through-hole 123 Convex portion 123a First portion 123b Conductive portion 123c Second portion 124 Conductive member 124a First portion 124b Second portion 124c Main surface 125 Electrode body 127 Wiring 129 Cover 130 Elastic member 131 Elastic member recess 132 Bottom surface 133 Top surface 135 Elastic material through-hole 151 Tube 152 Injection member 160 Signal processing unit 161 Wiring for measuring reference potential 162 Circuit (active electrode) 163, 165 Wiring 164 Conductive portion 170 Belt 180 Holding portion 181 Base portion 182 Convex portion 183 Bottom surface 184 Top surface 185 First housing portion 186 Second housing portion 187 Third housing portion 188 Holding portion recess 189 Holding portion through-hole 190 Vibration portion (motor) 201 Main control portion 202 Operation processing portion 203 Communication portion 210 Data processing portion 220 Vibration control portion 1000 Computer 1010 Bus 1020 Processor 1030 Memory 1040 Storage device 1050 Input / output interface 1060 Network interface

Claims

1. A support that is attached to the head, The first through-hole provided in the support, An elastic member embedded in the first through hole and having a first recess extending from the surface to the bottom surface, The electrode unit held by the elastic member, An electroencephalogram (EEG) measuring device.

2. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the hardness of the elastic member, as measured by the following (method), is 10 N or more and 200 N or less. (method) The hardness (N) of the test specimen of the elastic member is measured in accordance with Method A as specified in JIS K 6400-2:2012.

3. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic member is made of an elastic material.

4. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the elastic material consists of one or more selected from urethane sponge, polyethylene sponge, polypropylene sponge, and silicone sponge.

5. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the elastic material is a foam.

6. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic member does not include a spring.

7. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness t of the elastic member is 10 mm or more and 100 mm or less when the support is not attached to the head.

8. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrode unit is provided on the bottom side of the elastic member.

9. The elastic member is located on the bottom surface and further has a holding portion for holding the electrode unit, At least a portion of the bottom surface of the first recess has a second through-hole that penetrates the elastic member, The electroencephalogram measuring device according to claim 8, wherein the holding portion has a second recess in a region of the surface facing the elastic member that overlaps with the second through hole.

10. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the holding portion holds the electrode unit on the side opposite to the elastic member.

11. The electrode unit has a third through hole, The electroencephalogram measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the second recess has a fourth through-hole at its bottom that communicates with the third through-hole.

12. The electroencephalogram measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the cross-section of the second recess decreases as it approaches the electrode unit from the elastic member.