EEG Synchronization Module for Evoked Potentials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recording Evoked Potentials are hindered by expensive dedicated equipment with limited channels, high complexity, and synchronization errors, making them unsuitable for medical care and research due to high costs and technical requirements.
Innovation Solution
A device that synchronizes EEG signals with sensory, visual, and motor events using analog signals, allowing any digital EEG device to record Evoked Potentials by converting events into electrical triggers, eliminating the need for complex computer systems and expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated equipment is used for recording Evoked Potentials, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts standard EEG equipment to perform Evoked Potentials recording by adding a synchronization module that can process various stimulus types (visual, auditory, tactile) and behavioral responses. This allows existing multi-functional EEG devices to record Evoked Potentials without requiring dedicated single-purpose equipment, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining measurement precision through proper signal synchronization and marking.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated equipment with limited channels is used, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization module is designed to accept multiple types of stimuli (visual via photocell, auditory via microphone, tactile via pressure sensors) and behavioral responses (manual buttons, foot pedals, eye tracking) through a unified interface. This universal design allows the same EEG equipment to adapt to different Evoked Potentials protocols without requiring channel-specific dedicated equipment, thereby improving versatility while maintaining recording precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization module acts as an intermediary between diverse stimulus/response devices and the EEG recording system. It provides a standardized interface that translates various input types into unified trigger signals and markers, allowing the EEG equipment to handle multiple stimulus modalities and response types without requiring dedicated channels for each, thus enhancing adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If complex computer systems are used for synchronization, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex computer-based synchronization systems with an analog electronic synchronization module that directly generates trigger signals and markers. This analog approach uses simple electronic circuits to produce precise timing signals without requiring sophisticated computer processing, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining synchronization precision through direct electronic signal generation and marking.
4Reliability
If expensive dedicated equipment is used, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization module is designed as a simple, inexpensive add-on device that can be manufactured using standard electronic components. Rather than relying on expensive dedicated Evoked Potentials equipment, this approach uses affordable analog circuitry that can be easily manufactured and distributed, making the technology accessible while maintaining recording reliability through proper synchronization and marking capabilities.
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 accurate and cost-effective recording of Evoked Potentials using ordinary EEG equipment, reducing latency errors and making it accessible for neurological and psychiatric research and clinical applications, including monitoring patients with demyelinating diseases.
Implementation Method 1
light events, through a light sensor
Implementation Method 2
motor behaviour events in an analog signal
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2.1
Figure 2.2~2.3
AI summary
This invention relates to a device that is intended to synchronize electroencephalograms (EEGs), recorded by any digital equipment, to physical events (sensorial, visual or auditory stimuli) and behavioral events (motor response, vocal response), in order to allow EEG signal mediation for the purpose of visualizing Evoked Potentials or Event-Related Potentials, which are important research subjects in the neurosciences and clinical investigations into neurological and psychiatric pathologies. This invention allows any digital EEG device to be transformed into equipment that can record Evoked Potentials. This invention also provides a method for analog synchronization of EEGs with oscillating electric light-related events and motor behaviors.