Lightweight, portable electrooculography (EOG) signal analysis system with auricular reference electrode and external signal interpretation device for cost-effective external system control

Abstract

A lightweight, cost-effective electrooculography (EOG)-based signal analysis device designed for non-diagnostic, commercial communication and control of external devices. The device includes ocular electrodes (102a, 102b, 102c) for capturing vertical eye movement signals and an auricular reference electrode (300) to improve signal stability and comfort. These signals are processed by a microcontroller (202) and transmitted to an external signal interpreter (202), facilitating interaction with devices such as computers, robotic systems, and prosthetics. The invention addresses the challenge of providing accessible, portable communication solutions for individuals with neuro-motor impairments, ensuring practical use with minimal setup requirements. The primary applications include communication support for conditions like ALS, Locked-in syndrome, and cerebral palsy, enabling users to control external systems efficiently.

Description

[0001] Title of Invention

[0002] Lightweight, Portable Electrooculography (EOG) Signal Analysis System with Auricular Reference Electrode and External Signal Interpretation Device for Cost-Effective External System Control

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of Electrical Engineering and Electrooculography (EOG), specifically to a signal analysis device for capturing and processing EOG signals. The device is designed for non-diagnostic, commercial applications such as communication and control of external devices, particularly for individuals with neuro-motor impairments.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] Existing technologies for EOG signal analysis often focus on diagnostic applications in clinical settings, requiring complex and expensive setups. These systems are generally unsuitable for portable, everyday use due to their bulk and high cost. Prior art includes systems for neuro-motor communication, which lack user comfort, stability, and ease of use. The present invention addresses these limitations by providing a lightweight, cost-effective solution optimized for portability and practical application.

[0007] Relevant background references include:

[0008] 1. EOG-based systems for communication devices (e.g., devices targeting Locked-in Syndrome).

[0009] 2. Portable wearable devices that integrate signal acquisition and processing for

[0010] neuro-motor applications.

[0011] Cited research for device specification:

[0012] Heid, A. (2024). Development of a Digital Front-End for Electrooculography Circuits to Facilitate Digital Communication in Individuals with Communicative and Motor Disabilities. SSRN Electrical Engineering eJournal .

[0013] htps: / / doi.org / ! 0.2139 / ssrn.4990909

[0014] Disclosure of Invention

[0015] The invention is a lightweight and portable electrooculography (EOG)-based signal analysis device designed for non-diagnostic, commercial applications. It comprises:

[0016] • Three main ocular electrodes for capturing EOG signals corresponding to vertical eye movements.

[0017] • An auricular reference electrode positioned near the user's ear to enhance signal stability and user comfort.

[0018] • A microcontroller, configured to process the captured signals, filter out noise and artifacts, and prepare them for interpretation.

[0019] • A communication module, responsible for transmiting the processed signals to an external signal interpreter.

[0020] • An external signal interpreter, which decodes the transmited signals to facilitate control of external devices such as computers, robotic systems, and prosthetics.

[0021] • An ocular-auricular headpiece, which secures the electrodes in place, ensuring stable signal acquisition while maintaining portability and ease of use.

[0022] The invention provides a practical, accessible solution for users with neuro-motor impairments such as ALS, Locked-in Syndrome, and cerebral palsy. By simplifying setup requirements and enhancing portability, the device offers a cost-effective and user-friendly communication tool.

[0023] Brief Description of Drawings

[0024] 1 . Figure 1: Illustration of the signal analysis device, showing the placement of the ocular electrodes (102a, 102b, 102c) and signal transport ribbon (104).

[0025] 2. Figure 2: Block diagram of the external components, highlighting the microcontroller (202), communication module (101) and auricular positioning reference electrode device (201).

[0026] 3. Figure 3: Auricular external reference positioning device serving as an intermediate for the signal transmitted towards the external signal processing unit (400).

[0027] 4. Figure 4: External Signal Processing Unit composed of primary analytic circuitry (402, 403, 404), calibration system (405) and device signal output towards external devices. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] The best mode for implementing the invention involves a headpiece incorporating three ocular electrodes and one auricular electrode, configured to maximize signal stability and comfort. The microcontroller is preprogrammed with advanced noise- filtering algorithms, enhancing signal accuracy. Processed signals are transmitted via the communication module to the external interpreter, which interfaces seamlessly with a variety of external devices.

[0029] An example setup includes:

[0030] • Vertical signal capture using the ocular electrodes, as described in Claim 2.

[0031] • An adjustable mechanism in the headpiece, as per Claim 3, ensuring stable electrode placement for all users.

[0032] • A USB-C power source for continuous operation, as specified in Claim 5, done primarily for the purpose of data and power transfer at adequate processing speeds.

[0033] Industrial Applicability

[0034] The invention is applicable in various industries, including:

[0035] 1 . Healthcare: Assisting individuals with neuro-motor impairments to communicate and interact with their environments.

[0036] 2. Robotics: Enabling hands-free control of robotic systems.

[0037] 3. Consumer Electronics: Allowing interaction with computers and other devices via eye movements.

[0038] The lightweight, portable nature of the device ensures it can be manufactured cost-effectively and used across a wide range of non-diagnostic commercial applications.

Claims

Independent Claim 11. A signal analysis device, comprising:three main ocular electrodes, each configured to capture electrooculography (EOG) signals corresponding to vertical eye movements;an auricular reference electrode positioned near the user’s ear to provide a reference point, thereby enhancing signal stability and user comfort;a microcontroller configured to receive and process said EOG signals from said ocular electrodes and said auricular reference electrode, filtering out noise to improve signal clarity;a communication module in connection with said microcontroller, for transmitting processed signals from said microcontroller to an external signal interpreter;an external signal interpreter, also in connection with said microcontroller, configured to receive and decode said transmitted signals, facilitating the control of external devices such as computers, robotic systems, and prosthetics based on the user’s eye movement data; andan ocular-auricular headpiece for securing said ocular electrodes and said auricular reference electrode on the user's head, designed to facilitate lightweight and portable usage.Dependant Claims2. The signal analysis device of claim 1, wherein said ocular electrodes are arranged to capture signals related to vertical eye movements.

3. The signal analysis device of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable mechanism integrated into said ocular-auricular headpiece, configured to maintain the stability of said ocular electrodes and said auricular reference electrode on the user’s head.

4. The signal analysis device of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is configured to filter out noise and artifacts from environmental interference, enhancing the accuracy of the captured EOG signals.

5. The signal analysis device of claim 1, further comprising an external power source connection via USB-C, configured to provide energy for uninterrupted operation.

6. The signal analysis device of claim 1, wherein said communication module is configured for wired transmission, facilitating communication with external devices such as computers, robotic systems, and prosthetics.

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