Brain Activity Estimation via Facial Skin Temperature Decomposition
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating human brain activity, such as electroencephalography, near infrared spectroscopy, and functional magnetic resonance imaging, require invasive procedures, complex operations, and limited conditions, making them cumbersome and burdensome for test subjects.
Innovation Solution
A brain activity estimation device that uses a facial skin temperature acquisition element to detect skin temperature data, which is then decomposed using singular value decomposition, principal component analysis, or independent component analysis to estimate brain activity without the need for attaching sensors, allowing for easier and more accurate assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electroencephalography or near infrared spectroscopy is used to detect brain activity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring electrode attachment and preparatory processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical system of electrode attachment with a thermal detection system using infrared cameras. Instead of mechanically attaching electrodes to the scalp, the system uses thermal imaging to detect temperature changes on the facial surface, thereby substituting a complex mechanical attachment process with a non-contact optical measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces facial skin temperature as an intermediary parameter between brain activity and measurement. Rather than directly measuring electrical brain activity through electrodes, the system measures temperature changes on the facial skin which are caused by brain activity, using the skin temperature as a mediator that translates internal brain processes into externally measurable thermal signals.
2Measurement precision
If functional magnetic resonance imaging is used to detect brain activity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and adaptability deteriorate due to requiring MRI room conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex MRI imaging system with a simple infrared thermal imaging camera system. Instead of using large, expensive, and environment-restricting MRI equipment, the invention uses portable infrared cameras that can operate in ordinary environments, substituting a complex medical imaging system with a simple thermal detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from magnetic resonance signals requiring specialized MRI conditions to thermal infrared signals that can be detected in ordinary environments. By measuring temperature changes rather than magnetic resonance responses, the system eliminates the requirement for controlled MRI room conditions and enables measurements in everyday settings.
3Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used to ensure accurate brain activity measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to preparatory processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for preliminary electrode attachment and skin preparation actions. By using non-contact infrared thermal imaging, the system removes all preparatory steps that would otherwise be required before measurement, allowing immediate data collection once the subject enters the measurement area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of electrode attachment with automated non-contact thermal imaging. The infrared camera automatically captures temperature data without requiring operators to physically attach sensors, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual preparation process while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy estimation of brain activity with reduced burden on test subjects and improved accuracy by identifying components correlated with brain rest and stimulation, while minimizing noise from extrinsic factors.
Implementation Method 1
a facial skin temperature acquisition element 20 for detecting skin temperature data
Data Source
AI summary
A brain activity estimation device includes a facial skin temperature acquisition element and a brain activity estimation element. The acquisition element detects a skin temperature of at least part of a human face, and acquires facial skin temperature data including detected temperature data and location data of a detection region in a time series manner. The estimation element estimates human brain activity based on the facial skin temperature data acquired. The estimation element decomposes the facial skin temperature data into a plurality of components, extracts a component as a determination component, and determines whether the determination component is related to the human brain activity based on a presence or absence of a temperature change in a prescribed region of the human face.