Multimodal Brain Signal Acquisition Cap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies cannot simultaneously and accurately monitor the same brain part using both functional near infrared spectroscopy (FNIRS) and electroencephalogram (EEG) due to spatial limitations and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal brain function signal acquisition device and method that integrates FNIRS and EEG signal acquisition on the same cap, utilizing a support member with acquisition tentacles for EEG and a light guide column with a photodiode for FNIRS, along with analog and digital signal processing circuits to enhance signal accuracy and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If FNIRS and EEG detection devices are placed adjacent to each other to monitor brain activity separately, then the monitoring coverage is expanded, but the spatial resolution and accuracy for monitoring the same brain part deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines FNIRS and EEG detection devices into a single integrated cap structure, where both detection systems are positioned to simultaneously monitor the same brain region. This merging of detection systems resolves the contradiction by maintaining close proximity for high spatial resolution while expanding overall monitoring coverage through the cap's distributed sensor array.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses both FNIRS and EEG detection devices, provides a common mounting platform for both systems, and enables coordinated monitoring of the same brain area. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both expanded coverage and maintained precision.
2Device complexity
If separate FNIRS and EEG devices are used to monitor brain activity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the signal interference and accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating both FNIRS and EEG detection devices into a single cap unit, the patent reduces the number of separate devices while improving signal accuracy through coordinated monitoring. The integrated structure enables better signal synchronization and reduced interference between detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap structure acts as an intermediary platform that houses both detection systems and facilitates their coordinated operation. It provides a common reference frame and mounting structure that reduces spatial variability and interference between the FNIRS and EEG measurements.
3Device complexity
If a single monitoring technology is used to monitor brain activity, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the monitoring accuracy for the same brain part deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated cap structure performs multiple monitoring functions simultaneously - both FNIRS and EEG detection - while maintaining a unified, simple cap design. This multi-functionality allows the system to monitor the same brain area with multiple technologies without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two different monitoring technologies (FNIRS and EEG) into a single integrated cap, enabling simultaneous measurement of the same brain region. This combination improves monitoring accuracy by providing complementary information from both optical and electrical measurement approaches.
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 simultaneous and accurate monitoring of the same brain part by combining EEG and FNIRS data, improving the understanding of brain activity situations with enhanced accuracy and reduced interference.
Implementation Method 1
the photodiode receives the unabsorbed near infrared light which is scattered and arrives at the photodiode through the light guide column, and converts the unabsorbed near infrared light into a current signal
Implementation Method 2
after near infrared light emitted by the near infrared light source arrives at the user's cerebral cortex through the light guide column and the near infrared light with a specific wavelength is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin in the user's cerebral cortex
Implementation Method 3
a transimpedance amplifier connected to the photodiode and configured to convert the current signal into an analog voltage signal
Implementation Method 4
the acquisition tentacles are in contact with a user's scalp to acquire the user's EEG signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A multimodal brain function signal acquisition device and method are provided. The device comprises: a cap; an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal acquisition device which comprises a support member and a plurality of acquisition tentacles; the support member is a hollow cylinder, the acquisition tentacles are disposed along a circumference of a first port of the support member, and the first port is connected to the cap; a near-red signal acquisition device which comprises a light guide column, a near infrared light source and a photodiode; the light guide column is a transparent hollow cylinder disposed within an inner periphery of the support member, the near infrared light source and the photodiode are disposed at a second port of the light guide column, and the first port of the light guide column is fixed on the cap; a transimpedance amplifier connected to the photodiode; a first analog-to-digital converter connected to the EEG signal acquisition device; a second analog-to-digital converter connected to the photodiode; and a micro-control unit connected to the first analog-to-digital converter and the second analog-to-digital converter.