Torso-Based EEG Monitoring via Body-Conducted Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EEG monitoring technologies are limited by the need for electrode attachment to the head, which is impractical for active individuals, those with head injuries, and is hindered by signal interference and negative stereotypes, restricting their use in fields like attention training, human performance training, and gaming.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize sensors placed on the body below the head to capture and analyze EEG signals, employing wireless connections and body-attachment devices for signal processing and analysis, allowing for the isolation of relevant frequency components indicative of mental states and attention levels without the need for head-bound electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If EEG electrodes are placed on the scalp for monitoring brain electrical activity, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to impracticality for active individuals and those with head injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the torso as an intermediary body part to capture EEG signals. Instead of placing electrodes directly on the scalp, the system uses electrodes positioned on the torso (chest, abdomen, or back) to detect brain electrical activity through body-conducted signals, making the system practical for active individuals and those with head injuries while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional head-based EEG measurement to torso-based measurement, changing the spatial dimension of signal acquisition. This dimensional shift allows the system to capture brain electrical activity through a different anatomical pathway, avoiding the limitations of scalp electrode placement
2Reliability
If EEG electrodes are placed on the head, then brain electrical activity can be monitored, but device complexity increases due to signal interference and attachment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The torso acts as an intermediary that naturally filters and conducts brain signals to the electrode placement site. This intermediary pathway reduces direct interference from scalp artifacts and muscle activity, simplifying the signal processing requirements compared to traditional scalp EEG
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the EEG signal detection function from the head region and relocates it to the torso. This separation removes the source of many common EEG artifacts (scalp interference, eye movements, jaw clenching) from the measurement location, reducing the complexity of signal processing needed to obtain clean brain activity data
3Ease of operation
If sensors are positioned on the body below the head, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the torso as a signal transmission intermediary that conducts brain electrical activity to the electrode placement site. The body tissues in the torso serve as a natural signal pathway that maintains signal integrity over the distance from the brain to the torso electrodes, preventing significant attenuation
Solution Approach 2:
The torso electrode placement system serves multiple functions: it captures brain electrical activity, accommodates active movement, works for individuals with head injuries, and provides a stable measurement platform. This multi-functionality compensates for any potential signal attenuation by leveraging the robustness of torso-based measurement
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 monitoring of brain electrical activity and mental states without the limitations of head-bound electrodes, providing a more practical and user-friendly solution for various applications, including attention training and gaming, by using sensors on the body to capture and process EEG signals effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a unit including at least an amplifier connected for receiving signals from the sensors
Implementation Method 2
filtering the raw signals to produce analysis signals including frequency components relevant to EEG brain electrical activity while attenuating unrelated frequency components
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for monitoring electrical activity within the brain of a person (“brainwaves”) employing electrodes or other sensors connected or placed proximate to portions of the body below 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. Purposes include but are not limited to, biofeedback-based attention training, human performance training, gaming, 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.