EEG system

Abstract

Disclosed is an EEG system comprising: a housing configured to be worn on a user's head, wherein the housing is designed in the shape of a human head to at least partially encircle the user's head; a plurality of dry EEG electrodes configured to detect EEG signals of the user; and a circuit board housed inside the housing. The circuit board comprises: one or more electrode pads to accommodate the plurality of dry EEG electrodes; an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the EEG signals to digital EEG data; a digital signal processing unit in electrical communication with the analog-to-digital converter to process the digital EEG data to obtain processed digital EEG data; and a data transfer module connected to the digital signal processing unit for transferring the processed digital EEG data to the one or more computing devices.

Description

EEG SYSTEMBACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0001] The invention presented herein is generally directed toward an electroencephalogram (EEG) system and a related method. More particularly, but not limited to, the present invention relates to an integrated wearable and wireless EEG system that also integrates seamlessly for example with virtual reality (VR) and / or mixed reality (XR) headsets.Description of the Related Art

[0002] Modem high-resolution EEG systems face several challenges that hinder their widespread adoption across various applications. First, these systems often demand specialized skills for setup, which can limit their accessibility to experts in the field. Moreover, they are characterized by a profusion of wires carrying signals and / or power, which not only contributes to their complexity and creates high electrical parasitics coupling noise between those wires, hence compromising the signals’ integrity and sensitivity, but also compromises user comfort and ease of use. Additionally, a significant drawback is their lack of real utility and seamless integration with other devices, resulting in limited practicality for users seeking interconnected solutions.

[0003] Further complicating matters, these systems tend to be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods, impeding their use in scenarios that require prolonged monitoring. In cases where these issues have been addressed, some solutions can only accommodate a limited number of electrodes, limiting their capacity to capture comprehensive data. Furthermore, the challenges extend to manufacturing and assembly processes, which are both intricate and costly, even in the context of do-it-yourself kits like OpenBCI®.

[0004] In essence, the impediments to the widespread adoption of modern high-resolution EEG systems encompass a range of factors, such as setup complexity, limited utility and integration, discomfort during extended usage, excessive wiring, electrode constraints, and challenges related to manufacturing. These collective obstacles underscore the need for advancements in design, functionality, and affordability to propel EEG systems into more accessible and practical realms.

[0005] Thus, in view of the above, there is a long-felt need to address one or more of the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

[0006] The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but these are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.SUMMARY

[0007] A wireless EEG system is provided, as shown in and / or described in connection with at least one of the figures.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an EEG system as recited in claim 1.

[0009] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it provides an integrated wearable and wireless EEG system that also integrates seamlessly with most VR / XR headsets or with other types of computing devices, such as in the healthcare field, and can fit enough electrodes to provide meaningful data-insight signs into neural activity. Furthermore, excessive wiring can be avoided and thus noise and parasitics due to wires can be minimized.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method of operating an EEG system as recited in claim 19.

[0011] Other embodiments and advantages will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon viewing the drawings and reading the detailed description hereafter, all without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. The drawings and detailed description presented are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not in any way as restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings illustrate the embodiments of systems, methods, and other aspects of the present invention. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent an example of the boundaries. In some examples, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another and vice versa. Furthermore, the elements may not be drawn to scale.

[0013] Various embodiments will hereinafter be described in accordance with the appended drawings, which are provided to illustrate, not limit, the scope, wherein similar designations denote similar elements, and in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an EEG system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a shell of the EEG system, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2B illustrates the EEG system of FIG. 2A in a side view.

[0017] FIG. 2C illustrates the EEG system of FIG. 2A in a frontal view.

[0018] FIG. 2D illustrates the EEG system of FIG. 2A in a top view.

[0019] FIG. 3 A illustrates a side view the EEG system integrated with an AR / VR headset, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0020] FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate in different perspective views the arrangement of FIG. 3A.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart describing an algorithm to optimize an EEG electrode position, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0022] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate flow charts describing algorithms for EEG hardware and / or software tuning based on detecting changes in the user’s biological parameters, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

[0023] FIGS. 6A to 6D illustrate in side, cross-sectional, bottom and perspective views, respectively, the dry EEG electrodes and their biasing mechanism in more detail.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present description is best understood with reference to the figures and detailed description set forth herein. Various embodiments of the present system and method are disclosed with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description and the figures are merely for explanatory purposes, as the present system and method may extend beyond the described embodiments. For instance, the teachings presented, and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternatives and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail of the present systems and methods described herein. Therefore, any approach to implement the present system and method may extend beyond certain implementation choices in the following embodiments.

[0025] According to an embodiment herein, the methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing the methods manually, automatically, and / or acombination of thereof. The term “method” refers to manners, means, techniques, and procedures for accomplishing any task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques, and procedures either known to the person skilled in the art or readily developed from existing manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the present invention belongs. The persons skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations within the scope of the present system and method described herein.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an EEG system 100, which may be a wireless EEG system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The EEG system 100 comprises a housing, casing or shell 102, a set of electrodes 108, in particular dry EEG electrodes, and a circuit board 104, which in this example is a flexible circuit board, and in particular a flexible printed circuit board (PCB). The EEG system in this example further comprises one or more computing devices 118, data processing devices or electronic devices, which, however, may instead be considered not to be part of the EEG system, but rather external devices. The shell 102, which together with the electrodes 108, and the circuit board 104 may be understood to form an EEG device, is configured to be worn on a user’s head. The shell 102, which in this example is flexible, is designed in the shape of a human head to at least partially encircle the user’s head. In this example, the shell encircles substantially a half of the user’s head. Furthermore, the shell 102 is ergonomically designed to provide optimal comfort and functionality for the user. Thus, the shell 102 is contoured to match the natural shape of a human head, taking into consideration various factors such as head size, shape, and proportion. In another embodiment, the design of the shell 102 may include mechanisms for adjustability that enable users to customize the fit according to their specific head size or preferences. This ensures a comfortable and secure fit for a diverse range of users. In this example, the design of the shell 102 is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, it includes features or adjustment means that allow users to customize the fit of the shell 102. This could involve adjustable straps, padding, or other elements that cater to individual variations in head size and shape. Additionally, the shell 102 may include a head adjustment mechanism that facilitates adjustments specifically related to the user’s head. This could be a system allowing users to modify the fit, tightness, or position of the headgear, contributing to an improved and personalized experience.

[0027] The PCB 104 is housed inside the shell 102. The PCB 104 in this example comprises one or more electrode pads 106, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 110, a digital signal processing unit, such as a field-programmable gate array or a microcontroller 112, and a data transfer module 114, which in this example is a wireless data transmitter 114. The electrode pads 106 are electrically conductive contact elements or points on the PCB for theelectrodes and are thus configured to accommodate a plurality of dry electrodes 108 that detect EEG signals of the user when the shell 102 is positioned on the head of the user. The electrode pads 106 are shaped and placed on the PCB to accommodate a plurality of sizes and placements of the dry EEG electrodes 108. In this example, one electrode pad is configured to accommodate one electrode. In this example, the dry EEG electrodes or some of them are brush-type electrodes, also known as brush electrodes. However, other electrode types could instead or in addition be used. Examples of dry EEG electrodes 108 include but are not limited to brush-type electrodes, pin-type electrodes, spring-loaded electrodes, foam-pad electrodes, silver / silver chloride (Ag / AgCl) electrodes, and needle electrodes. Typically, brush-type electrodes are used to facilitate their easy application and removal from the PCB during EEG recordings. They typically feature multiple protrusions (which may be bristle-like) that make direct contact with the scalp. The brush design ensures efficient electrical contact and allows for quick and simple placement on the scalp. Further, pin-type electrodes involve a pointed metal pin that penetrates the outer layer of the skin to establish a direct connection with the scalp. The sharp point ensures a reliable and low-impedance connection, resulting in high- quality EEG signals. Spring-loaded electrodes as better illustrated in Figures 6A to 6D incorporate a mechanism that allows for controlled pressure during application. These electrodes may use a spring to adjust the force applied to the scalp, ensuring optimal contact without causing discomfort. The adjustable spring-loaded feature, which may optionally be used also with the other electrode types, is particularly useful when dealing with individual differences in scalp morphology, contributing to more consistent and reliable EEG recordings. Foam-pad electrodes are designed with a soft and flexible foam material that is saturated with a conductive gel. These electrodes conform to the scalp’s contours, providing good surface contact. They are known for their comfort during extended EEG recordings and are often used for routine clinical assessments. The foam-pad design ensures even distribution of the conductive gel, maintaining consistent electrical contact for reliable signals. Silver / silver chloride (Ag / AgCl) electrodes are commonly used for clinical EEG recordings that provide good conductivity and stable recordings. Further, needle electrodes are applied directly to the scalp for specific recordings and provide high-resolution signals.

[0028] The ADC 110 converts the EEG signals to digital EEG data. In operation, the process of converting analog EEG signals to digital EEG data involves several stages, such as signal acquisition, amplification, filtering, analog-to-digital conversion, and data processing. The signal acquisition stage involves capturing electrical signals produced by the brain (EEG signals). However, the acquired signals are weak and analogous. Thus, in the amplificationstage, the amplitude of the acquired EEG signals is increased by using signal amplifiers or operational amplifiers (op-amps). Then in the filtering stage unwanted noise and frequencies from the EEG signals are removed by using a filter arrangement, which in this example comprises one or more high-pass filters, low-pass filters, and notch filters. Then the ADC is used to convert analog EEG signals into digital form for computer processing. The ADC quantizes the continuous analog EEG waveforms into discrete digital values. Once the EEG signals are in digital form, various computational techniques can be applied for further analysis and data processing. This includes filtering (digital filtering for additional noise reduction), feature extraction, and advanced signal processing methods to extract meaningful information about brain activity, such as event-related potentials or frequency components.

[0029] The digital signal processing unit 112 is in electrical communication with the ADC 110 to process the digital EEG data. The digital signal can be processed by the digital signal processor in a number of ways, including using a time-domain analysis of signal properties, a frequency-domain analysis using techniques like Fourier transforms to examine spectral content, a time-frequency analysis to capture temporal changes in frequency components or a nonlinear dynamic analysis. In particular, one of the techniques that could be used is to take the digital signal coming out of the ADC, use it as the input of an electronics circuit (for example a microcontroller or a microprocessor) that has the capability to perform digital signal processing on that digital signal, and inside this electronics circuit actually perform the above- mentioned signal processing steps like Fourier transform or others. A way to perform those is for example by using in-electronics digital circuit chip comparators circuit, differentiator circuit, programmable delays, and memory blocks. According to this example, the digital signal processing unit 112 can be programmed to provide low-latency and / or real-time feedback to the user based on the processed digital EEG data. In operation, the digital signal processing unit provides feedback based on the processed digital EEG data to offer diverse applications to the user, thereby enhancing various fields, such as neurofeedback, cognitive load monitoring, sleep monitoring, and interactive learning. The neurofeedback field involves providing individuals with low-latency and / or real-time information about their brain activity. The digital signal processing unit can process EEG data and provide immediate feedback to users, helping them learn to control or modify their brainwave patterns. In the cognitive load monitoring field, the digital signal processing unit analyzes EEG signals to estimate cognitive load levels. Feedback can then be presented to users, helping them adjust their cognitive efforts based on the task at hand. In the sleep monitoring field, the digital signal processing unit processes EEG data to identify different sleep stages (e.g., rapid eye movement (REM), deep sleep). Feedbackcan be used to provide insights into sleep quality, helping individuals or healthcare professionals make adjustments for better sleep. Lastly, in the interactive learning field, the digital signal processing unit can process EEG data to gauge the user’s level of engagement or attention. Feedback can then adapt the learning content or gaming challenges to maintain an optimal level of engagement.

[0030] The data transmitter 114 is connected to the digital signal processing unit 112 for transmitting the processed digital EEG data to the one or more computing devices 118. Examples of the computing devices 118 include but are not limited to an XR headset, and a VR headset. The digital signal processing unit 112 may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system-generated requests. The digital signal processing unit 112 may comprise specialized processing units, such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating-point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc.

[0031] In this example, the data transmitter 114 employs Bluetooth® technology to establish a wireless connection with the one or more computing devices 118. However, instead, or in addition, the data transmitter may employ one or more other wireless technologies. These technologies include but are not limited to Zigbee®, Z-Wave®, near-field communication (NFC), radio-frequency identification (RFID), Long Range (LoRa), Sigfox®, and infrared (IR). The data transmitter 114 may employ a plurality of wireless technologies for the transmission of digital EEG data as processed or unprocessed. The data transmitter may also employ an encryption technique to ensure a secure transmission of the digital EEG data. The PCB 104 may additionally comprise one or more amplifiers 116 for amplifying the EEG signals.

[0032] FIGS. 2A to 2D illustrate in different views the shell 102 of the wireless EEG system 100, in accordance with the present embodiment. FIGS. 2 A to 2D are explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. In this example, the shell 102, which is configured as an elongate element, comprises a first or inner shell 202, and a second or outer shell 204. In this example, the first and second shells are physically separate elements, but this does not have to be the case. When in use, of the two shells, the inner shell is configured to be closest to the user’s head. The shell 102 has a first, or proximal end 210 and a second or distal end 212. The proximal end 210 includes a first coupling arrangement or feature, which in this example is a first slot 206 for mechanically coupling the shell to the one or more computing devices, such as a VR or XR headset. The distal end 212 in this example includes a second coupling arrangement or feature, which in this example is a second slot 208 for mechanically couplingthe shell to the one or more computing devices. However, it is to be noted, that the shell may comprise only one coupling arrangement and it does not have to be located at one end of the shell. In the present example, the shell comprises the first and second slots to receive a rail or lip of the one or more computing devices to couple the shell and the one or more computing devices together. Alternatively, the first end and / or the second end may comprise a rail or lip to be received in a respective slot of the one or more computing devices to couple the shell and the one or more computing devices together. However, other coupling arrangements are equally possible. More specifically, the coupling arrangement is configured to mechanically couple the housing to the one or more computing devices by a screw-in connection, a form-fit connection, a press-fit connection, a slot connection, a snap-in connection, a clip connection, a magnetic connection, or by any combination thereof.

[0033] The dry EEG electrodes 108 in this example act as fastening elements, such as screws or nails. In this particular example, the dry EEG electrodes or at least some of them are configured as screws to be electrically and mechanically connected to the electrode pads 106 and thereby to the PCB 104. The electrodes may optionally be mechanically coupled to the shell, and in particular to the inner shell and optionally also to the outer shell. As is visible in FIG. 2 A, they extend from the PCB 104 through the inner shell towards the user’s head when in use. For this purpose, at least the inner shell comprises a set of holes to allow the electrodes to pass through the inner shell. It is to be noted that the EEG system 100 may also comprise one or more additional fastening elements, which may also be screws, optionally used together with bolts, but which are not electrodes, to couple the inner and out shells together and / or to mechanically fix the PCB 104 in place inside the shell, i.e. the housing. The fastening elements may be mechanical or motorized fastening elements, for example piezo-based actuated fastening elements.

[0034] In the present example, one of the shells, for example the outer shell 202, defines a space, which in this case is an open space, i.e., an enclosure with at least one open side, to house the PCB 104. The outer shell 204 may at least partially enclose the inner shell 202, or vice versa. In this example, the shell 102 is made of a flexible material. Furthermore, the shell 102 may be equipped with a cushioning layer 124, which may be detachable, on the side facing the user’s head to enhance user comfort during prolonged usage. In this example, the shell 102 also comprises a power socket, such as a USB port 122, to power the PCB 104 and provide a bidirectional data-transfer capability. This port 122 may also be used to facilitate the user to connect the shell 102 with the one or more computing devices via a wire for the transmission of the digital EEG data as processed or unprocessed.

[0035] FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrates a headset system 300 in different views. The headset system comprises the AR / VR headset 302 and the EEG system 100 integrated with, or connected to the AR / VR headset 302, in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIGS. 3A to 3C are explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1, and 2A to 2D. The shell 102 operatively integrates seamlessly with most AR / VR headsets 302 and can fit enough dry electrodes to provide meaningful data-insight signs into neural activity. At least two electrodes are provided. The number of electrodes is preferably between 2 and 20, and more specifically between 4 and 14, and in particular between 6 and 12. Further, the coupling arrangement in the shell 102 universally connects to most AR / VR headsets. Moreover, the shell 102 covers a specific area of the brain depending on the features the wireless EEG system is aiming to provide (for instance Motor cortex, Visual cortex, etc.) and allows placement of any number of electrodes within itself. Since the shell and the PCB are preferably both flexible, the device 100 and thus the headset system 300 can adjust to various head sizes.

[0036] In various embodiments, the device utilizes a plurality of EEG screws (manual version or motorized version) for fine positioning and establishing stable connections. In an embodiment, the EEG screws with the motorized version have a forward error correction algorithm or feedback loop, and in case the quality, e.g., the amplitude or the noise level, of the measured EEG signal deviates from the targeted values, the control firmware 128 actuates motors to adjust positions of some or all of the electrodes to eliminate connection issues. FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart describing the feedback loop, in accordance with at least one embodiment. In practice, the procedure is the following: in step 401, a motorized EEG screw 126 is initialized in a predefined position determined during a calibration step, afterwards in step 402, the motor starts moving the screw 126 towards the skull and as soon as the pressure reading of a pressure sensor reaches a predefined value the motor stops. In step 403, an EEG signal is measured. After that the control firmware 128 is continuously analyzing the EEG signal from the EEG screw and checks in step 404 if the signal amplitude or frequency or the noise level deviate from the predefined ranges. In other words, in this step it is determined whether or not the EEG signal is of sufficient quality. In case a deviation is detected, in step 405, the screw position (i.e. its tightness in the circuit board) is adjusted accordingly to bring the deviating parameter into the predefined range. In in step 404 it was determined that the monitored parameter values are sufficiently good, then in step 406, the screw positions are maintained.

[0037] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate flow charts describing an algorithm for EEG hardware tuning based on detecting changes in the user’s biological markers, in accordance with at leastone embodiment. In one embodiment as shown in FIG 5A, the control firmware 128 is connected to a bio-detector patch 130 for detecting and measuring in step 501 sweat levels, skin humidity levels, or a combination of both. In this embodiment, the bio-detector patch 130 functions as a sweat / humidity level detector and / or a sweat ion-measurement system that can adjust the motorized screw(s) based on the measurements. Thus, if in step 502 it is detected that skin sweat / moisture level of the user changes, then in step 503 the position(s) of the EEG electrode(s) is / are adjusted accordingly. If no changes are detected in step 502, then the current EEG electrode positions are maintained in step 504. In practice, if the bio-detector patch 130 detects that the user is sweating, the EEG screw(s) can be unscrewed due to increased conductivity, thus maintaining the EEG signal at a stable amplitude for a given brain activity. The implementation of the bio-detector patch 130 provides highly efficient fine-tuning of the EEG and is suitable for use with various head sizes. Furthermore, incorporating the bio-detector patch 130 eliminates the need for manual intervention to position the helmet. The bio-detector can also provide information about specific biomarkers including hormones, ions and proteins. For example, cortisol stress hormone level can be measured and used to fine-tune the reference value expected for the EEG signal and can therefore provide more accurate data to the motorized, or non-motorized screw adjustment. In practice stress hormones are typical precursors of sweat and can help to prepare the system in advance, such as waking up the electronics, to be ready to adjust the screw(s) accordingly and keep an optimum signal. In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 5B, those bio-markers can be used to adapt the sensing chain of the EEG as stress level will impact signal frequency, on top of signal amplitude. In practice, in case of the presence of stress hormone, the ADC can be dynamically set up to adjust its intrinsic parameters, such as the number of bit resolution and / or frequency range and / or resolution. This will provide a more accurate measurement of more environmental and / or human conditions, such as stress, physical effort, calm or excitement as all of those conditions can be measured by the bio-detector and used as input to the EEG sensing chain. This embodiment is summarized in the flow chart of FIG 5B. In step 601, the bio-markers’ output signal, and in particular the stress hormone level, is measured. If in step 602 it is determined that there are no changes in the bio-marker signal, then in step 603, then current EEG electrode positions are maintained. If on the other hand in step 602 it was determined that the output signal has changed, then in step 604 it is determined whether or not the sweat / moisture level has changed. If the sweat / moisture level has not changed, then in step 603, the EEG electrode positions are maintained. If in step 604 it was determined that the sweat / moisture level has changed, then in step 605, the EEG electrode positions are adjustedaccordingly. Furthermore, if in step 602, it was determined that the bio-marker signal has changed, then the process further continues in step 606, where the ADC and / or the sensing chain of the digital signal processing unit is / are adjusted accordingly to correspond to the changed bio-marker signal.

[0038] Figures 6A to 6D illustrate in different views the dry EEG electrodes 108 and their incorporation into the circuit board 104. In this embodiment, the electrodes are electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit board by a biasing means 320, which in this case is a spring mechanism, and in particular an elastic arm. The respective electrode and its corresponding electrode pad are provided at a first end (distal end) of the arm, while a second, opposite end (proximal end) of the arm is coupled to the circuit board 104. The elastic arms thus form suspended (screw mount) electrode holders. These spring-loaded electrodes thus incorporate a mechanism that allows for controlled pressure during application. In this manner the spring mechanism is used to adjust the force applied to the scalp, ensuring optimal contact without causing discomfort. The arms may or may not be part of the shell, and in particular the inner shell.

[0039] The EEG device 100 can connect to the XR device 302 or to any other computing device either wirelessly, due to the built-in wireless data transmitter (BLE / Wi-Fi), or with a short wire that goes into the computing device, thus allowing the EEG device to be powered and to transmit data, allowing the weight and costs of the shell to be decreased. Further, the integration of a VR / XR device with the EEG device enables new use cases like brain-computer interface with imagery movements or other brain signals. Additionally, the present EEG device makes VR / XR interfaces more robust for a wide range of use cases and environments to solve a lot of problems associated with hand-tracking, such as costly cameras, more processing power, larger batteries, privacy, and so on.

[0040] One or more of the computing devices 118 may include an application 134, such as a mobile application, that interfaces with the data transmitter 114 to display and analyze digital EEG data on either a smartphone or a tablet device 132, or on any other device, which may be an external device. In this case, the application 134 is executable on the smartphone or tablet device 132 and implemented on one or more operating systems such as Android®, iOS®, Windows®, etc. The users may have to register themselves on the application by providing their credentials, including at least one of the following: a username, password, age, gender, phone number, email address, location, etc.

[0041] In implementation, the wireless EEG system 100 is designed through a meticulous process. The dry EEG electrodes 108 are selected to capture precise insights into particularneural activities or are chosen based on specific functions. This selection adheres to international EEG electrode standards, such as the 16-32-64-128 electrode count configurations. Subsequently, the shell is designed to envelop the chosen electrode area, ensuring that the device’s shape mimics that of a human head. Furthermore, the flexible circuit board is designed to incorporate the electrode pads such that the circuit board aligns seamlessly with the contours of the device. Moreover, the design incorporates optimal connection points for VR / XR headsets, either tailored to a specific model or utilizing universal connection slots that offer compatibility across various VR / XR headset types. Within the shell, meticulously engineered connections are incorporated, secured for instance using screws and bolts that also serve as electrode components. These electrodes may not only fasten the two components of the shell together but also establish a connection with the circuit board housed therein. When worn on the head, the electrodes also make direct contact with the wearer’s skin or head, forming a crucial link for accurate signal capture and signal transfer.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this disclosure have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It is to be understood that the phrases or terms employed in the present disclosure are for description purposes and not limiting. As will be appreciated by a skilled person in the field, the present invention may be embodied as a device, system, and method, or computer program product. Further, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium. The present systems and methods have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, other embodiments and examples than the above description are equally possible within the scope of the present invention. The scope of the disclosure may only be limited by the appended patent claims. Even though modifications and changes may be suggested by persons skilled in the art, it is the intention of the inventors and applicants to embody within the patent warranted heron all the changes and modifications that reasonably and properly come within the scope of the contribution the inventors and applicants. The scope of the embodiments of the present invention is ascertained with the claims to be submitted at the time of filing the complete specification.

[0043] In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that different features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be advantageously used.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An EEG system, comprising: a housing configured to be worn on a user’s head, wherein the housing is designed in the shape of a human head to at least partially encircle the user’s head; a plurality of dry electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes configured to detect EEG signals of the user; and a circuit board housed inside the housing, wherein the circuit board comprises: one or more electrode pads to accommodate the plurality of dry EEG electrodes; an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the EEG signals to digital EEG data; a digital signal processing unit in electrical communication with the analog-to- digital converter to process the digital EEG data to obtain processed digital EEG data; and a data transfer module connected to the digital signal processing unit for transferring the processed digital EEG data to one or more computing devices.

2. The EEG system, according to claim 1, wherein the housing and / or the circuit board is / are flexible.

3. The EEG system, according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a coupling arrangement for mechanically coupling the housing to one or more computing devices, and wherein the coupling arrangement is configured to mechanically couple the housing to the one or more computing devices by a screw-in connection, a form-fit connection, a press-fit connection, a slot connection, a snap-in connection, a clip connection, a magnetic connection, or by any combination thereof.

4. The EEG system, according to claim 1, wherein the housing is configured as an elongate element having a first end and a second, opposite end, and wherein at least one of the first and second ends comprises a slot to receive a rail or lip of the one or more computing devices to couple the housing and the one or more computing devices together, or at least one of the first and second ends comprises a rail or lip to be received in a slot of the one or more computing devices to couple the housing and the one or more computing devices together.

5. The EEG system according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the dry EEG electrodes are replaceably coupled to the one or more electrode pads to make a mechanical and electrical connection to the circuit board.

6. The EEG system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of dry EEG electrodes are configured as fastening elements to be replaceably coupled to the one or more electrode pads to make a mechanical and electrical connection to the circuit board, and wherein the fastening elements pass through at least one side of the housing and make a mechanical connection with the housing.

7. The EEG system according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a first shell defining a space to house the circuit board, and a second shell mechanically coupled to the first shell, and wherein one of the shells optionally at least partially encloses the other shell.

8. The wireless EEG system according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a data communication port to power the circuit board and to provide a bidirectional data transfer capability, wherein the data communication port is optionally a USB port, and wherein the data communication port is optionally configured to connect the housing with the one or more computing devices via a wire for the transfer of the processed digital EEG data.

9. The EEG system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more computing devices comprise an extended reality headset and / or a virtual reality headset.

10. The EEG system according to claim 1, wherein the digital signal processing unit is programmed to provide low-latency feedback to the user based on the processed digital EEG data.

11. The EEG system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of dry EEG electrodes are brush-type electrodes.

12. The EEG system according to claim 1, wherein the data transfer module employs one or more wireless communication technologies to establish a wireless connection with the one or more computing devices for transmission of the processed digital EEG data.

13. The EEG system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing comprises one or more biasing mechanisms to elastically connect the dry EEG electrodes through the electrode pads to the circuit board.

14. The EEG system according to claim 1, wherein the housing is equipped with a detachable or non-detachable cushioning layer to enhance user comfort during prolonged usage and distribute pressure of the electrodes on the user’s head.

15. The EEG system according to claim 1, wherein the dry EEG electrodes are configured as motorized fastening elements, and wherein the position of which with respect to the user’s head is configured to be automatically adjusted based on the EEG signals as processed or unprocessed and / or based on (a) user bio-marker value(s) received from a biodetector element on the user’s skin.

16. The EEG system, according to claim 1, wherein the dry EEG electrodes are configured as motorized fastening elements, wherein the EEG system further comprises a fastening element manipulation element, and a bio-detector element on the user’s skin configured to measure a user sweating level, humidity level, one or more additional user biomarkers and / or a combination thereof to form user bio-data, wherein the bio-detector element is in data communication with the fastening element manipulation element to automatically adjust the position of the dry EEG electrodes with respect to the user’s head based on the user bio-data.

17. The EEG system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more computing devices comprise an application interfacing with the data transfer module to display, acoustically output and / or analyze the processed digital EEG data.

18. The EEG system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more electrode pads are configured to accommodate a plurality of sizes and / or placements of the plurality of dry EEG electrodes.

19. A method of operating an EEG system comprising: a housing configured to be worn on a user’s head, wherein the housing is designed in the shape of a human head to at least partially encircle the user’s head; a plurality of dry electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes configured to detect EEG signals of the user; and a circuit board housed inside the housing, wherein the circuit board comprises: one or more electrode pads to accommodate the plurality of dry EEG electrodes; an analog-to-digital converter; a digital signal processing unit in electrical communication with the analog-to-digital converter; and a data transfer module connected to the digital signal processing unit, the method comprising: the plurality of dry EEG electrodes detecting EEG signals of the user; the analog-to-digital converter converting the EEG signals to digital EEG data; the digital signal processing unit processing the digital EEG data to obtain processed digital EEG data; and the data transfer module transferring the processed digital EEG data to one or more computing devices.

20. The method, according to claim 19, wherein the dry EEG electrodes are configured as motorized fastening elements, and wherein the method further comprises adjusting the position of the EEG electrodes with respect to the user’s head based on the EEG signals as processed or unprocessed and / or based on (a) user bio-marker value(s) received from a biodetector element on the user’s skin.

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