AU2021106555A4 - Public health screening for cognitive health using silicone based eeg dry sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods are furnished for performing neurometric evaluation of Electro Encephalogram (EEG) data, derived using Silicone-based Dry Sensor technology, instead of using any types of conventional sensors. The proposed individuals who these screening procedures would help are identified. Sheet Iof 5 k05YftN6s 1W 11 0 RAIIf F: cc Figure1I

Description

Sheet Iof 5

k05YftN6s 1W 11 0

RAIIf F: cc

Figure1I

PUBLIC HEALTH SCREENING FOR COGNITIVE HEALTH USING SILICONE BASED EEG DRY SENSOR

The present invention is niched to collect and analyze electroencephalogram data from subjects using silicone-based dry electrode sensors. Silicone-based dry electrode sensors .0 provide an easier and faster method for performing a diagnostic EEG than conventional type sensors. The invention design requires a system calibration before testing, baseline readings of system noise floor and artefact profiling. At accession time, the system stores the possessed raw EEG data and systematizes them into frequency bins. Power range tables relate phase affiliations among the signals maintained and displayed in topographic mode. The .5 collected data can then be compared realistically to a normative database and assigned relative and absolute scores to assess the subject's neurophysiological health, both as a direct measurement and adjunct to other screening modus, such as classical psychometric testing. At present, there are no known normative EEG systems inferred from silicone dry sensor technology. However, this barrier may only be interim. It is conceivable that the data possessed through this system can be categorized and composite into internally evolved, Databases that can be validated for diagnostic utility. To ensure a high level of measurement accuracy and repeatability, the issues of artefact control and other origins, Of data noise will be carefully planned. A sizable number of laboratory studies have shown a high resemblance of the signal position among two different Z5 dry and wet sensors. Still, there have not been enough clinical data to mention that the quality extends to non-experimental participants. This system, through calibration of the signal path, before use, through extensive signal processing methods, through montage selection concerning distinct, viewpoints of testing and finally through validation evaluation when compared to prevalent, wet sensors will deliver means for a more productive EEG assessment than presently exists. The methods and system described here shall be used for diagnostic/evaluative purposes or to generate normative data only about neurofeedback applications. The real-time refining and suggestion of brainwave data are apprehensively dependent on the suspension time between the computer concert and the subject. There have been significant conflicts of signal calibre in the many types of conventional sensors presently in use, so much so that any different system cannot be legitimate to be a consideration to the level of where it is proper for neurofeedback training. As shown in Figure. 1, the system of the proposed the invention shows a model consisting of three dry sensor channels attached frontally to active amplifiers for EEG deposits. .0 However, based on the situation and test needs, extend as 10 + electrodes may be used. Along with the existing active channels, other reference electrodes shall be used to record muscle artefact and electrocardiogram response. Every other track is enhanced by the active probes, converting the RAW EEG analogue voltage into digital signals and then transformed into a power spectrum using the Fast Fourier Transform technique. After the power spectrum .5 has been post-processed and visualized in terms of the clusters of interest, it is ready for evaluation; The FFT Power Spectrum is then compared to an EEG database of the strength of similar subjects in age but also included to represent a distribution of normality. Additionally, the raw data can be assessed for measurements related to proportion, and asymmetry. There are several readily available systems suits for the event of the EEG accumulations. For .0 example, the system is presently available with up to 12 selectable channels in the International 10/20 system.

Figure 2 shows a diagram of a subset of the 10/20 System, with ellipses allotted venues that would be required to provide for the diagnosis of a targeted array of provisions, such as Autism. In a network with less than 19 channels, these centrally located venues (Fz, Cz, Pz, F3, F4, 01) are normally less affected by stirring artifacts. Locations Fpl and FP2 are more subject to blinking and eye twitches. Still, they are also essential for several prefrontal EEG signals involved with executive functioning and control. Depending on the series of available channels, other locations can be picked by the clinician, as is shown in the selective secondary channel locations (sites F7/F8, C3/C4, P3/P4). In the case of the earlier proposed practice of a "mini-Q" consideration, it is sometimes opting for the clinician to take signal markings from one of the 10-20 locations on the parallel sides towards the midline axis.

Figure. 3 shows the entire sites for the global 10-20 system as well as the preauricular areas for the attachment of a reference sensor. Measuring 19 sites at one time is a preferred embodiment of this system, but the present invention as designed should not be considered limited to this implementation, as other dry sensor systems may require or prefer alternate sensor locations or references setups (such as linked ears, common average, bipolar, and so on) for the type of signal analysis desired. FIG. 5 shows an example of another embodiment, a six sensor arrangement of the left frontal midline area using only the left earlobe/Ml location as a reference. In the preferred system and method of the present invention, measurement validation is .0 critical to ensuring high signal quality and repeatable data. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a calibration setup that injects a series of sinusoid signals into the input electrodes of the system and records the response curves for power, frequency response, the phase error between channels. A calibration unit evaluates the responses and determines if variables such as signal sampling rate, FFT algorithm, digital filtering or other selectable controls can be .5 optimized. This functional test, routinely performed with conventional EEG devices, becomes essential to accepting the data it provides during human testing. A suitable example of a test signal generator is the TG315 Function Generator. However, functionally it would need a modification to be compatible with some ultra-high impedance dry sensors. In addition to this type of testing, performed on a yearly basis to sanction the system's operation, additional internal calibration testing shall be completed prior to subject testing. The self test/calibration can be done before any client testing is done to ensure response accuracy for the test system. If this built-in test is successful, then further client testing can proceed. one model in which a client will be tested in a controlled setting, such as a school system screening program, professional sports team facility or a company-sponsored test program. Upon entry into the test site, a number of screening procedures shall have been completed, which include but are not limited to: information provided to the client about the procedure and get conveyed to the client or their representative (parent, guardians). A determination that the client will receive some benefit from the procedure of gathering the EEG data, such as an evaluation for a condition or a return to work indication. At this time, it should also be predetermined what is the appropriate montage and number of sensors to be used for the testing process. When the client is seated for the beginning of testing, it would not be unusual to use a neck brace or other support to assist the client in remaining motionless during the testing procedure. This method would be more appropriate for younger children who may need additional reassurance or instruction with the procedure at the start. It is also possible in one embodiment to use a pneumatic hand pump to fill the neck brace with air and allow the child to control this pump to allow for a feeling of greater control and participation in the process. Following this initial explanation of the procedures, the client is asked to cooperate and generate a number of artifacts for the clinician performing the test so that examples of the artifacts can be used to assist with a noise removal procedure. The client will be asked to generate eye blinks, up and down eye movements, jaw clenching, mouth twitching, swallowing, tongue motions and quiet lip movements (such as "YES", "OK"). At this point the client is comfortable, and the dry sensors can be attached, normally through some sort of headset or helmet. The testing begins, using trained operators or clinicians to .0 make some initial pretests to establish a baseline electrical connection and measure the signal noise floor with at zero input. Then there is another collection of artifacts, to be stored in digital memory for later reference if necessary. In a proposed embodiment of the system, the typical acquisition shall consist of at least 60 to 120 intervals of from 2.0 to 4.0 seconds long of artefact-free data. Acquisitions shall be made for both eyes closed, and eyes opened .5 conditions from the client. In other embodiments, designed to focus on specific client needs or clinicians interests, the intervals may be longer or shorter. At the botomline of the test session, a topographical summary of the test session will be provided on the computer used during the test to provide immediate visual test feedback as to the accuracy and validity of the data collection. The data can be reviewed and saved, and the session completed. .0 Finally, the invention also encompasses program products comprising a computer-readable file format which is transportable to other mediums for translation. These embodiments, as listed above, are not intended to be a limitation of the scope of the invention. The disclosed invention considers the embodiments presented as providing a variety of choices for algorithm selection, noise attenuation technique, signal processing method repertoire .5 (window size, power spectrum measurement method, filtering method), as well as the selection of the dry sensor implementation technology, in keeping with the spirit and form of the design.

Claims (5)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows: 1. A modus for assessing brain functioning, to market and advance screenings, said modus comprising of 1) active electrode (also called Silicone dry sensor) technology for performing the signal acquisition, 2) at specific placement or predetermined placement locations on the scalp, and 3) incorporating EEG statistical methods to derive predictive data that will assist in planning treatments.
2. 2. Using the tactic claimed in 1:Use of device for pre and post-testing, and collection of EEG data for athletes in contact sports, including, but not limited to, Football, hockey, wrestling,baseball, soccer at the professional level.
3. 3. Using the method claimed in 1:The use of this device to test young preschool children at risk for various types of behavioural, cognitive, learning and developmental delays:neurodevelopmental conditions including but not restricted to Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and other conditions.
4. 4. Using the tactic claimed in 1:The use of this device to detect changes within the EEG associated with performance-enhancing training like neurofeedback training for executive functioning, sensory-motor conditions, OT (Occupational therapy treatment), as well as personal, professional counselling, or other therapies such as relaxation training and physiological biofeedback. And to guage the treatments on their efficacy for the user.
5. 5. Using the method claimed in 1:The use of this device to detect abnormalities in the EEG related to chronic pain conditions which includes the following but not restricted to such as migraine headaches, tension headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety disorders and fibromyalgia. Additionally, using the findings for providing interventions/neurofeedback pieces of training. And to guage the treatments on their pre and post efficacy of therapy for the user.

   Figure 1 Sheet 1 of 5

   Figure 2 Sheet 2 of 5

   Figure 3 Sheet 3 of 5

   Figure 4 Sheet 4 of 5

   Figure 5 Sheet 5 of 5