Wearable BCI Headband with Hair-Engaging Sensor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brain activity monitoring systems, particularly EEG monitoring devices, are not mobile and obtrusive, restricting users to fixed locations and attracting attention, making them unsuitable for daily activities.
Innovation Solution
A wearable and mobile Brain Computer Interface (BCI) device with upward-extending members that engage hair to position sensors, allowing them to be partially hidden within the hair, providing a more discreet and ambulatory solution for measuring electromagnetic brain activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional EEG monitoring devices are used, then brain activity can be measured, but the devices are obtrusive and require fixed location
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple arcuate members that can be separately positioned on different regions of the head (front-to-back, side-to-side, radial extensions). These segmented members work together to hold sensors while distributing the structural complexity across multiple components rather than requiring a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device extends into three-dimensional space around the head with arcuate members positioned at different orientations (front-to-back, side-to-side, radial extensions). This spatial distribution allows the sensors to be positioned effectively while maintaining a less obtrusive profile compared to traditional EEG setups.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional EEG monitoring systems are used, then brain activity measurement is achieved, but users attract attention and cannot engage in normal activities
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be worn like a hat or head covering, making it suitable for various daily activities rather than being restricted to clinical settings. The arcuate members can be positioned to accommodate different head shapes and hair types, enhancing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple wearable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate members are positioned to engage with specific local regions of the head (forehead, temples, sides, rear) rather than requiring comprehensive coverage. This localized approach reduces the overall structural complexity while maintaining effective brain activity measurement through strategically positioned sensors.
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 users to measure electromagnetic brain activity while being mobile and engaging in daily activities without the appearance of traditional, obtrusive monitoring systems, offering a more discreet and practical solution.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electromagnetic energy sensor which collects data concerning electromagnetic brain activity
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is a wearable and mobile Brain Computer Interface (BCI) device which can be embodied in a head-worn undulating band. This band can have an ear-engaging segment, a side segment which spans the side part of a person's forehead and/or face, and a top segment which spans the top of the person's head. This band can encircle a person's head and include an ear prong. This band can include a movable loop which can be moved to span across a person's forehead.