Multi-purpose Ear Apparatus for EEG Signal Measurement and Audio Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The placement of sensors on a person's ears to measure electrical signals can prohibit the use of headphones and introduces noise from audio signals, affecting the quality of the reference signal.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose ear apparatus that combines the functions of measuring electrical signals, producing sound, and measuring biometric characteristics, using a housing with flexible conductive polymer portions to contact the ear and shielded wires to reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed on the person's ear to measure electrical signals, then the reference signal quality is improved, but the use of headphones is prohibited and noise from audio signals affects measurement quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single ear-mounted device: electrical signal measurement (EEG reference), audio playback (speaker driver), and biometric sensing (photoplethysmography). This integration allows the device to simultaneously provide reference signals for brain-computer interfaces while delivering audio output, eliminating the need to choose between EEG accuracy and headphone functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The ear apparatus serves multiple purposes: it acts as an electrode for measuring electrical signals from the ear, a speaker driver for producing sound, and a biometric sensor carrier. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the ear device versatile enough to handle both measurement and audio output tasks that previously required separate devices.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed on the person's ear to measure electrical signals, then the reference signal is obtained, but noise from audio signals interferes with the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the audio output function (speaker driver) from the electrical signal measurement function (electrode), placing them as distinct components within the ear apparatus. This physical segmentation allows independent optimization of each function and reduces interference between audio signals and EEG measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces shielding around the electrode and uses the ear apparatus housing as an intermediary barrier to block electromagnetic interference from the speaker driver and external audio signals. This intermediary shielding protects the sensitive electrical signal measurements from noise contamination.
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
The ear apparatus enables the simultaneous measurement of electrical signals and biometric characteristics while allowing for sound production, reducing noise interference and allowing headphone use.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode may be configured to measure an electrical signal from the ear. The electrical signal may include a reference signal or a ground signal.
Implementation Method 2
In some implementations, the biometric sensor may include a photoplethysmography sensor.
Implementation Method 3
The speaker driver may be carried by the housing. The speaker driver may be configured to produce sound.
Implementation Method 4
The housing may include a flexible portion made of conductive polymer. The flexible portion of the housing may be configured to contact back, earlobe, and/or mastoid of the ear when the housing is attached to the ear.
Data Source
AI summary
An ear apparatus may comprise one or more of a housing, an electrode, a biometric sensor, a speaker driver, and/or other components. The housing of the ear apparatus may be configured to be attached to an ear. The electrode may be carried by the housing. The electrode may be configured to measure an electrical signal from the ear. The electrical signal may include a reference signal, a ground signal, or a bias signal. The biometric sensor may be carried by the housing. The biometric sensor may be configured to measure one or more biometric characteristics from the ear. The speaker driver may be carried by the housing. The speaker driver may be configured to produce sound.