EEG Headset with Olfactory Stimulus for Early COVID-19 Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting COVID-19 early are inadequate, as they lack a simple, resource-efficient, and widely applicable solution for identifying olfactory and gustatory disturbances, which are early symptoms of the disease, especially before noticeable symptoms appear.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a head attachment or virtual-reality glasses with electrodes and a control unit that records EEG signals, using olfactory stimuli to detect chemosensory potentials, allowing for early detection of COVID-19 through analysis of event-related potentials before symptoms manifest.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current COVID-19 detection methods are used, then detection can be performed, but they are not simple, resource-efficient, or widely applicable for early detection before symptoms appear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveearly detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/chemical testing systems with an electrical field-based EEG detection system. By using electrodes to record brain electrical activity and analyzing chemosensory evoked potentials, the system achieves early COVID-19 detection through electrical signal processing rather than complex mechanical testing procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from symptom-based clinical observation to EEG signal analysis. By monitoring specific electrical parameters in the brain (chemosensory evoked potentials) in response to olfactory stimuli, the system detects early COVID-19 infection before symptoms manifest, transforming the detection approach from clinical to electrophysiological.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If EEG recording with olfactory stimuli is used, then early COVID-19 detection is enabled, but the device and method complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveearly symptom detection accuracyVSAvoidEEG recording system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-functional integrated device that combines EEG recording capabilities, olfactory stimulus delivery system, and automated signal analysis software into a single unit. This universal device can perform multiple functions: baseline EEG recording, stimulus presentation, artifact detection, and early COVID-19 detection, thereby reducing the need for multiple separate complex systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automated artifact detection and rejection algorithms that self-correct for common EEG artifacts without requiring manual intervention. The software automatically identifies and excludes artifact-contaminated trials, performs baseline correction, and generates detection results, reducing the complexity burden on operators while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 the detection of COVID-19-related EEG abnormalities before noticeable symptoms appear, providing a reliable and resource-efficient method for early warning systems, especially useful in non-clinical settings.

Implementation Method 1

electrodes for receiving cerebral electrical activity or brain potentials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

recording signals from the electrodes in a time-related manner via an analog-to-digital converter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnalog-to-digital conversion:

Implementation Method 3

releasing a fragrance in pulses as a stimulus in a flow from at least one pressurized cartridge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20230293118A1Technical device and method for generation, recording and identification characteristic pattern in physiological and pathological data for an off-line comparison with previously collected data

Publication Date: 2023.09.21 TRINKAUS HANS L

AI summary

An easily manageable device and a method used as an early warning system would be desirable. The device should be usable at virtually any location and operable with little proficiency, and it should be sterilizable, resource-saving and inexpensive. This is achieved by the following: an attachment for the head of a person, the attachment coupled to a first control unit (T) and comprising electrodes (E1 to E4) for receiving cerebral electrical activity or brain potentials, wherein the electrodes lead to the first control unit (T). The first control unit (T) has a microprocessor which is capable of recording signals from the electrodes (E1 to E4) in a time-related manner via an analog-to-digital converter. The first control unit (T) is coupled to or actuates an actuator element (A1), which is capable (LDZ1) of releasing a fragrance in pulses as a stimulus in a flow from at least one pressurized cartridge (K1). The signals of the electrodes (E1 to E4) have an EEG signal level in order to record (FIG. 5, FIG. 6) a group of chemosensorically evoked potentials or at least the chemosensorically-influenced temporal sections thereof in a time-related manner and to analyze them not on the human head.