Flexible electroencephalography headset
Inventors
Kele, Peter • Kokavecz, Janos • Braun, Gabor • Gunasekar, Aswin
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11744504-B2
Publication Date
2023-09-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
One variation of a system for locating electrodes on a head of a user includes a headset defining a set of electrode bodies elastically interconnected by a unique set of spring elements configured to locate the set of electrode bodies at electrode positions of the international 10-20 standard, irrespective of the size of the head of the user. The spring elements are configured to carry electrical signals between interconnected electrode bodies and ultimately to a controller. An electrode tip is mechanically and electrically coupled to each electrode body. The electrode tip comprises a thin conductive probe mounted at the distal end of an elastic beam and is configured to extend from a base of the electrode tip, bypass hair, and electrically couple to the head of the user, and an insulative boss, configured to rest on and transfer the weight of the headset to the head of the user.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a flexible EEG headset system for locating electrodes on a head of a user using a set of electrode bodies configured to detect electroencephalographic signals. The headset includes a set of spring elements interconnecting the electrode bodies and elastically locating them on the head while elastically deforming to accommodate a size of the head of the user. The system maintains relative positions of the electrode bodies to an electroencephalography standard.
Each spring element includes a first spine defining a first serpentine geometry comprising an even quantity of loops and a second spine defining a second serpentine geometry comprising an odd quantity of loops. The springs are characterized by different spring rates, including a first spring rate and a second spring rate less than the first spring rate. Flexible circuit boards are arranged along respective sides of spring segments, with conductive transfer elements electronically interposed between circuit board segments and extending over an edge of the spine.
Electrode bodies include electrode tips with a conductive probe that extends through hair to contact the scalp, and an insulative boss with a larger contact area that transfers headset weight and reduces probe force. Electrode bodies further include internal electrical circuits and interfaces that receive electrode tips, and may include electromagnetic shields to reduce artifacts.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claims cover a flexible EEG headset system that elastically locates electrode bodies on a user’s head to an electroencephalography standard using serpentine spring elements with even/odd loop geometries, distinct spring rates, and flexible circuit boards bridged by conductive transfer elements; additional independent claim coverage specifies relative electrode-body positioning among multiple electrode bodies.
Elastically locating electrode bodies with serpentine spring geometries
A system for locating electrodes on a head of a user comprising a headset with a set of electrode bodies to detect electroencephalographic signals and a set of spring elements interconnecting and elastically locating the set of electrode bodies on the head while elastically deforming to accommodate a size of the head of the user.
Even and odd serpentine loop spines with paired flexible circuit boards
First spine defining a first serpentine geometry comprising an even quantity of loops; a first flexible circuit board comprising a first circuit board segment arranged along a first side of the first spring segment and a second circuit board segment arranged along a second side of the second spring segment; and a conductive transfer element electronically interposed between the first circuit board segment and the second circuit board segment, extending over an edge of the first spine and between the first side of the first spring segment and the second side of the second spring segment.
Maintaining relative positions using different spring rates
A second spring element coupling the first electrode body to a third electrode body characterized by a second spring rate less than the first spring rate, comprising a second spine defining a second serpentine geometry comprising an odd quantity of loops and a second flexible circuit board arranged along a first side of the second spring, cooperating with the first spring to maintain relative positions of the first electrode body and the second to an electroencephalography standard.
Across the independent claims, the inventive concept is maintaining relative electrode-body positions on a user’s head by elastically coupling electrode bodies with serpentine spring spines having even/odd loop quantities, using different spring rates and flexible circuit boards bridged by conductive transfer elements that extend over spine edges.
Stated Advantages
Maintains relative positions of the electrode bodies to an electroencephalography standard.
Elastically deforms to accommodate a size of the head of the user.
Electromagnetic shielding is configured to reduce artifacts.
Electrode tips are sanitary single-use tips.
Provides comfort for long wear.
Uses minimal part count and supports quick assembly without reconfiguration.
Documented Applications
Locating electroencephalography electrodes on a user’s head according to an electroencephalography standard (International 10-20 positions).
EEG signal detection using a headset with electrode bodies configured to detect electroencephalographic signals, with signal acquisition/processing performed by an external controller.
Interested in licensing this patent?