Non-contact EEG Sensor Array for Brain Activity Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electroencephalography (EEG) systems require direct contact with the scalp or head, limiting their use in active individuals, those with head injuries, and in environments like vehicles, where contact is impractical or unsafe, and struggle to accurately monitor brain activity from distances or beneath the head.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact EEG system using an array of sensors, such as dry electrodes or contactless biopotential sensors, integrated into objects like headrests or visors, which detect brain electrical signals down to 50 nanowatts without physical contact, employing high-pass and low-pass filters, amplifiers, and a processor to analyze signals and detect patterns related to emotional, cognitive, and alertness states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional EEG systems use contact electrodes on the scalp, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and safety deteriorate due to requirements for direct contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrain activity detection accuracyVSAvoidusability in active individuals and vehicles

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary conductive material or gel between the electrode and the scalp that facilitates electrical contact without requiring direct skin-to-electrode contact. This intermediary substance allows the EEG system to detect brain activity accurately while enabling easier application and removal, and reducing discomfort for users in active or mobile settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If contact electrodes are used on the head, then electrical signal detection is improved, but safety and comfort worsen for individuals with head injuries or in vehicle environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical signal detectionVSAvoidsafety risks for head injury patients and vehicle users

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based electrode system with a non-contact or minimal-contact sensing mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for physical pressure and direct skin contact on the head, thereby removing safety concerns for individuals with head injuries or those in vehicle environments where contact may be impractical or hazardous.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If non-contact sensors are used, then ease of operation and safety are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal attenuation at distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsignal detection accuracy from distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional scalp surface electrode placement to a three-dimensional sensing approach that captures electrical signals from multiple spatial dimensions and distances. By utilizing volumetric sensing fields and multiple sensor positions in space, the system maintains measurement precision while enabling non-contact operation, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 monitoring of brain activity from a distance, improving safety and usability by providing accurate detection of emotional, cognitive, and alertness states without the need for direct contact, enhancing applications in vehicles, biofeedback, and various monitoring scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

a non-contact sensor that can be configured to detect electrical signals that include electrical signals produced by the brain of the person without making contact with the person

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

an amplifying device coupled to the non-contacting sensor that is configured to generate analysis signals corresponding to the electrical activity generated by the brain of the person in proximity to the non-contacting sensor by attenuating frequency components of the detected electrical signals that are unrelated to the analysis signals, while amplifying frequency components of the detected electrical signals that are related to the analysis signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering and amplification: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS20230059647A1Non-contact body and head based monitoring of brain electrical activity

Publication Date: 2023.02.23 FREER LOGIC INC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for monitoring electrical activity within the brain of a person (“brainwaves”) employing electrodes or other sensors placed proximate to portions of the body below the head to develop raw signals without physically touching the body and penetrating hair and clothing. Additionally, apparatus and methods for monitoring electrical activity within the brain of a person (“brainwaves”) employing non-contacting sensors placed proximate to portions of the head to develop raw signals. The raw signals are filtered to produce analysis signals including frequency components relevant to brain electrical activity while attenuating unrelated frequency components. The apparatus and methods can be used for biofeedback-based attention training, human performance training, gaming, biometrics, cognitive state detection, and relaxation training. Either wired or wireless signal connections are made to electronic circuitry, typically including a digital computer, for performing signal processing and analysis functions.