Electroencephalography headset and system for collecting biosignal data
Inventors
Gunasekar, Aswin • Braun, Gabor • Benedek, Ferenc • Kokavecz, János • Morenstein, Joshua • Hibmacronan, Christopher • Putterman, Drew • Fruhauf, Chris • Tachibana, Brian • Chen, Max Guangqun • Margolin, Lauren
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11471104-B2
Publication Date
2022-10-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
One variation of a system for collecting biosignal data includes: a left junction; a right junction; a first band spanning the left and right junctions; a first band adjuster configured to adjust a length of the first band between the left and right junctions; a second band spanning the left and right junctions and radially offset from the first band about a lateral axis spanning the left and right junctions; a second band adjuster configured to adjust a length of the second band between the left and right junctions; a first electrode fixedly mounted to the first band and centered between the left and right junctions; a second electrode mounted to the first band offset from the first electrode and laterally-adjustable along the length of the first band; and a third electrode mounted to the second band and laterally-adjustable along the length of the second band.
Core Innovation
The invention is an electroencephalography biosignal data collection system implemented as a headset defining a first junction and a second junction, and comprising a band extending between the first junction and the second junction. The headset includes one or more electrode-supporting structures that establish a portion of the headset weight resting on a head of a user.
A support block is arranged on the band and comprises a distal surface configured to be inwardly offset from the band by a fixed distance so as to rest against a head of a user while supporting a portion of the headset weight on the head. A first electrode includes an electrode body and a first electrode tip having a first set of contact surfaces configured to contact a scalp of the user, and the electrode body communicates a sense signal from the first electrode tip to a controller.
A spring element is coupled to the electrode body and is configured to locate the first set of contact surfaces of the first electrode tip inwardly past the distal surface of the support block in a resting position. In a compressed position responsive to contact between the first electrode tip and the scalp of the user, the spring element displaces the first electrode toward the band, and embodiments further include electrode tips transiently coupled to a first magnetic element via a kit of electrode tips with a secondary magnetic element.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three main inventive feature clusters across a biosignal data collection system: a headset band with first and second junctions combined with a support block inwardly offset from the band, electrode mechanics using a spring element that locates an electrode tip inwardly at rest and displaces it toward the band upon scalp contact, and electrode tip coupling including optional magnetic transient coupling via a kit of electrode tips.
Headset band with first and second junctions
A headset defining a first junction and a second junction and comprising a band extending between the first junction and the second junction of the headset.
Inwardly offset support block supporting headset weight
A support block comprising a distal surface inwardly offset from the band by a fixed distance, configured to rest against a head of a user and configured to support a portion of a weight of the headset on the head of the user.
Spring element locating electrode tip inward at rest and displacing toward the band on scalp contact
A spring element coupled to the electrode body, configured to locate the first set of contact surfaces of the first electrode tip inwardly past the distal surface of the support block and configured to, in a compressed position, displace the first electrode toward the band responsive to contact between the first electrode tip and the scalp of the user.
Magnetic transient coupling between electrode body and kit of electrode tips
An electrode body arranged on a headset band comprising a first magnetic element arranged on a distal end of the electrode body and comprising a conductive surface, and a kit of electrode tips in which each electrode tip comprises a secondary magnetic element configured to transiently couple the electrode tip to the first magnetic element.
Across the independent claims, the coverage is centered on a banded headset with a support block inwardly offset from the band and a spring element that positions electrode tips inwardly at rest and displaces them toward the band responsive to scalp contact. One independent claim further adds magnetic transient coupling using a kit of electrode tips with a secondary magnetic element that transiently couples to a first magnetic element on the electrode body.
Stated Advantages
Provides consistent scalp pressure by displacing the electrode toward the band when compressed responsive to contact between the electrode tip and the scalp.
Enables secure electrode tip placement/retention using magnetic transient coupling between a first magnetic element and a secondary magnetic element in a kit of electrode tips.
Allows contacting the scalp while positioning electrode contact surfaces inwardly past the distal surface of the support block in a resting position.
Documented Applications
Electroencephalography (EEG) biosignal data collection using an EEG biosignal headset/system that acquires and transmits sense signals from electrode tips to a controller.
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