JP7339083B2 - Electroencephalogram measurement device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electroencephalogram measurement device.

An electroencephalogram is an electrical signal produced by human brain activity. The electroencephalogram measurement device measures electroencephalograms through electroencephalogram electrodes attached to the surface of the subject's head. The electroencephalogram to be measured differs depending on the position on the head surface. Therefore, when measuring electroencephalograms, it is necessary to arrange a large number of electroencephalogram electrodes at predetermined positions on the head surface. The international 10-20 electrode placement method is known as an example of placement of electroencephalogram electrodes.

In the electroencephalogram measurement apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a large number of electroencephalogram electrodes are supported on a head cap attached to the head of the subject. Electroencephalogram electrode placement is defined to comply with the International 10-20 Electrode Placement Code.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,867

In recent years, diagnosis based on electroencephalogram measurement has been expected also in the field of emergency medicine. However, in the case of the electroencephalogram measuring apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it takes time to arrange a large number of electroencephalogram electrodes at all predetermined positions, and there is a possibility that it will not be able to respond to emergencies.

It is an object of the present invention to assist in faster and easier acquisition of electroencephalograms.

One aspect for achieving the above object is an electroencephalogram measurement device,
a first electrode positioned at a first location on the subject's head;
a second electrode positioned at a second position of the subject;
a body supporting at least the first electrode and having a portion held by a user's hand during measurement;
It has

Electroencephalography based on the International 10-20 Electrode Placement Method is time-consuming to place a large number of electroencephalogram electrodes at all predetermined locations. In fields such as emergency medicine, where rapid recognition of abnormalities in the brain of a patient is required, quicker and easier acquisition of electroencephalograms is desired.

According to the configuration as described above, the first electrode and the second electrode can be easily attached to the subject's head by a simple operation of attaching the second electrode to an appropriate position and then arranging the first electrode at the first position on the subject's head. An electroencephalogram of the subject corresponding to the potential difference between the two electrodes can be obtained. Also, the first position can be freely changed by the user's hand holding the main body during measurement. Therefore, it is possible to support quicker and easier acquisition of electroencephalograms, which is especially required in the field such as emergency medical care.

1 shows a functional configuration of an electroencephalogram measurement device common to each embodiment. 1 shows an electroencephalogram measurement device according to a first embodiment. 2 shows an electroencephalogram measurement device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a modification of the electroencephalogram measurement device of FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 4 shows a modification of the electroencephalogram measurement device of FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows an electroencephalogram measurement device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 shows an electroencephalogram measurement device according to a fourth embodiment; FIG.

Exemplary embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the scale is appropriately changed in order to make each element to be explained recognizable.

FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration of an electroencephalogram measurement device 10 common to each embodiment. The electroencephalogram measurement device 10 includes a first electrode 21 , a second electrode 22 , a third electrode 23 , a signal processing circuit 31 , a power supply 32 and an output interface 33 .

The first electrode 21 has conductivity. The first electrode 21 is arranged at a site on the subject's head where electroencephalogram measurement is desired, and detects the first potential V1 at that site.

The second electrode 22 has conductivity. The second electrode 22 is placed on the subject's body to detect the second potential V2 at that location. A specific location where the second electrode 22 is arranged will be described later.

The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are electrically connected to the signal processing circuit 31 . A first potential V<b>1 detected by the first electrode 21 and a second potential V<b>2 detected by the second electrode 22 are input to the signal processing circuit 31 .

The signal processing circuit 31 is configured to acquire the potential difference between the first potential V1 and the second potential V2. A change in the potential difference over time corresponds to the electroencephalogram of the subject. The signal processing circuit 31 can appropriately include an amplifier circuit and a filter circuit for obtaining a desired output signal. The power supply 32 supplies power for the signal processing circuit 31 to perform predetermined processing.

The third electrode 23 has conductivity. The third electrode 23 is arranged at an arbitrary location and provides a potential that serves as a reference for the potential difference between the first potential V1 and the second potential V2.

The signal output from the signal processing circuit 31 is referred to as an electroencephalogram signal S in the following description. The electroencephalogram signal S is output to the external device 50 via the output interface 33 . Examples of the external device 50 include an electroencephalograph, a biological information monitor, and the like. A wired connection may be made between the output interface 33 and the external device 50, or wireless communication may be possible.

The electroencephalogram measurement device 10 has a main body 40 . The first electrode 21 is supported by the body 40 . A signal processing circuit 31 , a power supply 32 , and an output interface 33 are housed within the main body 40 . In this case, the power source 32 can be a primary battery or a secondary battery. At least one of the signal processing circuit 31 , the power supply 32 and the output interface 33 may be arranged outside the main body 40 . When the power source 32 is arranged outside the main body 40 , a commercial power source, a generator, or the like can be used as the power source 32 .

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the electroencephalogram measuring device 10. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the main body 40 has a pen-like appearance. The main body 40 has a holding portion 40a that is held by the user's hand during measurement.

The first electrode 21 is supported at the tip of a pen-shaped main body 40 . The second electrode 22 is connected to the main body 40 via a signal line 22a. The third electrode 23 is connected to the main body 40 via a signal line 23a.

The second electrode 22 is attached, for example, to the subject's earlobe. The third electrode 23 is attached to a stable site that does not move much, such as the forehead. The user presses the first electrode 21 against the position P where the brain wave is to be measured on the subject's head. The illustrated position P is an example of a first position. An earlobe is an example of a second position.

Thus, an electroencephalogram at position P is obtained. A signal representing the brain wave (brain wave signal S in FIG. 1) is output through the output interface 33 .

Electroencephalography based on the International 10-20 Electrode Placement Method is time-consuming to place a large number of electroencephalogram electrodes at all predetermined locations. In fields such as emergency medicine, where rapid recognition of abnormalities in the brain of a patient is required, quicker and easier acquisition of electroencephalograms is desired.

According to the configuration as described above, the first electrode 21 can be simply placed at an arbitrary position P on the subject's head after the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 23 are mounted at appropriate positions. Through the operation, an electroencephalogram of the subject corresponding to the potential difference between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can be obtained. Further, the position at which the first electrode 21 is arranged can be freely changed by the hand of the user holding the holding portion 40a even during measurement. Therefore, it is possible to support quicker and easier acquisition of electroencephalograms, which is especially required in the field such as emergency medical care.

In this embodiment, the main body 40 is provided with the first electrode 21 at the distal end that is thinner than the holding portion 40a. However, the main body 40 may have a configuration in which the first electrode 21 is provided at the distal end portion wider than the holding portion 40a, like a probe of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of an electroencephalogram measuring device 10 having such a tip. In this embodiment, the first electrode 21 , the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 23 are supported by the main body 40 . The main body 40 has a holding portion 40a that is held by the user's hand during measurement.

The user presses the first electrode 21 to a position on the subject's head where the electroencephalogram is desired to be measured. A second electrode 22 and a third electrode 23 are also pressed against the subject's head. Thereby, an electroencephalogram corresponding to the potential difference between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 is obtained. A signal representing the brain wave (brain wave signal S in FIG. 1) is output through the output interface 33 .

According to such a configuration, the user holds the holding portion 40a by hand and pushes the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 23 supported by the main body 40 onto the subject's head. An electroencephalogram corresponding to the potential difference between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can be obtained by a simple operation of applying the electrodes. Further, the position at which the first electrode 21 is arranged can be freely changed by the hand of the user holding the holding portion 40a even during measurement. Therefore, it is possible to support faster and easier acquisition of electroencephalograms.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, either the second electrode 22 or the third electrode 23 can be connected to the main body 40 via a signal line. When the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are supported by the main body 40, an electroencephalogram corresponding to the potential difference between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 is acquired while securing the degree of freedom in the mounting position of the third electrode 23. can. When the first electrode 21 and the third electrode 23 are supported by the main body 40, an electroencephalogram corresponding to the potential difference between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 is acquired while securing the degree of freedom in the mounting position of the second electrode 22. can.

The shapes of the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 23 can be determined appropriately, but in the example shown in FIG. , project from the body 40 .

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the subject's hair from interfering with the measurement. Therefore, it is possible to support faster and easier acquisition of electroencephalograms.

In this case, the first electrode 21 can be displaceable along the projection direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first electrode 21 can be slidably supported within a hole 40b formed in the main body 40. As shown in FIG. A conductive spring 21a is accommodated in the hole 40b. The conductive spring 21a is always in contact with the first electrode 21 and urges the first electrode 21 toward its distal end side. The first electrode 21 is electrically connected to the signal processing circuit 31 via the conductive spring 21a.

When the first electrode 21 is pressed against the head surface of the subject, the first electrode 21 slides toward the base end side in the hole 40b due to the resistance from the head surface, compressing the conductive spring 21a. The first electrode 21 remains at a position where the elastic restoring force of the conductive spring 21a and the resistance from the head surface are balanced. Such a configuration can also be applied to at least one of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 23 supported by the main body 40 .

According to such a configuration, by displacing at least one of the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 23 along the projecting direction, it is possible to cope with the difference in head surface shape for each subject. Therefore, it is possible to support faster and easier acquisition of electroencephalograms.

Furthermore, the first electrode 21 can also be displaceable in a direction intersecting the projecting direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, an elastic sleeve 40c can be accommodated in the hole 40b. The first electrode 21 is supported by the main body 40 while being slidable along the inner circumference of the sleeve 40c.

When the first electrode 21 is pressed against the subject's head surface, the first electrode 21 receives a resistance force from the head surface. The drag force may also include a component in a direction intersecting the projecting direction of the first electrode 21 . The first electrode 21 can tilt from the initial position while elastically deforming the sleeve 40c by the component. The first electrode 21 remains at a position where the elastic restoring force of the sleeve 40c and the resistance from the head surface are balanced. Such a configuration can also be applied to at least one of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 23 supported by the main body 40 .

According to such a configuration, displacement (inclination) in a direction that intersects the projecting direction of at least one of the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 23 changes the shape of the head surface of each subject. I can handle the difference. Therefore, it is possible to support faster and easier acquisition of electroencephalograms.

In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 5B, the configuration that allows the displacement along the projecting direction of the first electrode 21 can be omitted.

FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the electroencephalogram measurement device 10. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the electroencephalogram measurement device 10 has an appearance like a glove. The user can hold the electroencephalogram measurement device 10 by putting his or her hand inside the glove-shaped main body 40 . The expression "held by the user's hand during measurement" in this specification includes such a mode of holding.

The first electrode 21 is supported at the tip of the main body 40 where the index finger is inserted. The second electrode 22 is supported at the tip of the portion of the main body 40 into which the thumb is inserted. The third electrode 23 is supported at the tip of the portion of the main body 40 into which the ring finger is inserted.

The user presses the first electrode 21 to a position on the subject's head where the electroencephalogram is to be measured via the index finger. A second electrode 22 and a third electrode 23 are also pressed against the subject's head via the thumb and ring finger, respectively. Thereby, an electroencephalogram of the subject corresponding to the potential difference between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 is obtained. A signal representing the brain wave (brain wave signal S in FIG. 1) is output through the output interface 33 .

According to such a configuration, the user can easily detect the potential difference between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 by simply pressing his or her finger against the subject's head via the glove-like main body 40 . EEG of the subject corresponding to . Further, the position where the first electrode 21 is arranged can be freely changed even during measurement by changing the position of the index finger. Therefore, it is possible to support faster and easier acquisition of electroencephalograms.

The positions of the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 23 are not limited to the portions of the main body 40 where the user's index finger, thumb, and ring finger are inserted, and can be changed as appropriate.

Alternatively, at least one of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 23 may be connected to the body 40 via a signal line as in the example shown in FIG. When the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are supported by the main body 40, while suppressing the displacement of the third electrode 23 during measurement, the subject's potential difference corresponding to the potential difference between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 EEG can be obtained. When the first electrode 21 and the third electrode 23 are supported by the main body 40, while suppressing the displacement of the second electrode 22 during measurement, the potential difference between the position of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 is measured. It is possible to obtain the brain waves of a person. When only the first electrode 21 is supported by the main body 40, the displacement of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 23 during measurement is suppressed, and the potential difference between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 is reduced. EEG can be acquired.

For each of the above embodiments, the electroencephalogram measurement device 10 can include a notification unit 34 as shown in FIG. The notification unit 34 is configured to output a sound corresponding to the change over time of the potential difference between the first potential V1 and the second potential V2 (that is, the electroencephalogram signal S). Specifically, the magnitude (volume) of the output sound can be represented by the amplitude of the time-dependent change in the potential difference, and the pitch (pitch) of the output sound can be represented by the frequency of the time-dependent change in the potential difference. It may be configured to output a specific sound when an electroencephalogram signal S indicating brain abnormality is acquired.

According to such a configuration, the user can be assisted in grasping the subject's condition through the sound output from the notification unit 34 . Therefore, even in situations where it is difficult to secure an environment in which brain waves can be visually confirmed, it is possible to support quicker and easier acquisition of brain waves.

A skilled medical worker can know the state of the subject's brain from the sound recorded by the pen of the electroencephalograph. As used herein, the term "sound recorded by the pen of an electroencephalograph" means a frictional sound generated between the tip of the pen and the recording paper when the pen records an electroencephalogram waveform on the recording paper of the electroencephalograph. Therefore, it is preferable that the sound output from the notification unit 34 is a sound imitating the sound recorded by the pen of the electroencephalograph. This makes it easier to grasp the subject's condition in a situation where it is difficult to ensure an environment in which an electroencephalogram can be visually confirmed.

The notification unit 34 may be implemented by a speaker built into the main body 40, or may be implemented in the form of earphones or headphones having a portion worn by the user's ears. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily distinguish between the sound output from the notification unit 34 and ambient noise. Moreover, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the sound output from the notification unit 34 reaches the surroundings and is recognized as noise.

FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the electroencephalogram measurement device 10 in which the notification unit 34 has a portion worn on the user's ear as described above. In this embodiment, the electroencephalogram measurement device 10 has an appearance like a stethoscope. A body 40 shaped like a stethoscope chestpiece has a holding portion 40a that is held by the user's hand during measurement. The first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 23 are supported on the opposite side of the main body 40 from the holding portion 40a.

The user presses the first electrode 21 to a position on the subject's head where the electroencephalogram is desired to be measured. A second electrode 22 and a third electrode 23 are also pressed against the subject's head. Thereby, an electroencephalogram of the subject corresponding to the potential difference between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 is obtained. A signal representing the brain wave (brain wave signal S in FIG. 1) is output through the output interface 33 .

The notification part 34 has an ear attachment part 34a shaped like an ear tip of a stethoscope. The ear-mounted portion 34a is an example of a portion that is worn on the user's ear. The user can listen to the sound corresponding to the electroencephalogram signal S through the ear-mounted portion 34a.

According to such a configuration, the user holds the holding portion 40a by hand and pushes the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 23 supported by the main body 40 onto the subject's head. An electroencephalogram corresponding to the potential difference between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can be obtained by a simple operation of applying the electrodes. Further, the position at which the first electrode 21 is arranged can be freely changed by the hand of the user holding the holding portion 40a even during measurement. Therefore, it is possible to support faster and easier acquisition of electroencephalograms.

At least one of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 23 may be connected to the body 40 via a signal line as in the example shown in FIG.

The above embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention. The configurations according to the above embodiments can be modified and improved as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The electroencephalogram measurement device 10 according to each of the above embodiments includes a third electrode 23 that provides a potential that serves as a reference for the potential difference between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 . With such a configuration, it is easy to suppress the influence of common-mode noise on electroencephalogram measurement. However, the third electrode 23 may be omitted. In this case as well, the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 21 can be attached to the subject's head by a simple operation of attaching the second electrode 22 to an appropriate position and then arranging the first electrode 21 at an arbitrary position on the subject's head. An electroencephalogram of the subject corresponding to the potential difference of the electrodes 22 can be obtained. Further, the position where the first electrode 21 is arranged can be freely changed by the hand of the user holding the main body 40 even during the measurement. Therefore, it is possible to support quicker and easier acquisition of electroencephalograms, which is especially required in the field such as emergency medical care.

10: electroencephalogram measurement device, 21: first electrode, 22: second electrode, 23: third electrode, 34: notification part, 34a: ear attachment part, 40: main body, 40a: holding part

Claims (12)

a first electrode positioned at a first location on the subject's head;
a second electrode positioned at a second position of the subject;
a third electrode that provides a potential that serves as a reference for the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode;
a body supporting the first electrode and having a portion held by a user's hand during measurement of the potential difference ;
and
By connecting the second electrode and the third electrode to the main body via a signal line, the relative positions of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode can be changed.
Electroencephalogram measurement device. a first electrode positioned at a first location on the subject's head;
a second electrode positioned at a second position of the subject;
a third electrode that provides a potential that serves as a reference for the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode;
a body having a portion held by a user's hand during measurement of the potential difference;
and
the first electrode and the third electrode are supported by the body with their relative positions unchanged;
The second electrode is connected to the main body via a signal line, so that the relative position of the first electrode and the third electrode can be changed.
Electroencephalogram measurement device. the first electrode and the third electrode protrude from the body;
The electroencephalogram measurement device according to claim 2 . The first electrode and the third electrode are supported by the main body so as to be displaceable along the projecting direction,
The electroencephalogram measurement device according to claim 3 . The first electrode and the third electrode are supported by the main body so as to be displaceable in a direction intersecting the projecting direction,
The electroencephalogram measurement device according to claim 3 or 4 . a first electrode positioned at a first location on the subject's head;
a second electrode positioned at a second position of the subject;
a third electrode that provides a potential that serves as a reference for the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode;
a body having a glove shape for receiving a user's hand during measurement of the potential difference and supporting at least the first electrode;
is equipped with
Electroencephalogram measurement device. Each of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode is supported by a portion of the main body where the user's finger enters,
The electroencephalogram measurement device according to claim 6. A notification unit that outputs a sound according to the change in the potential difference over time,
The electroencephalogram measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . The magnitude of the sound is expressed by the amplitude of the change over time, and the pitch of the sound is expressed by the frequency of the change over time.
The electroencephalogram measurement device according to claim 8 . The sound is a sound imitating the sound recorded by the pen of an electroencephalograph,
The electroencephalogram measuring device according to claim 8 or 9 . The notification unit is configured to output a specific sound when the change in the potential difference over time corresponds to an abnormality in the brain.
The electroencephalogram measurement device according to any one of claims 8 to 10 . The notification unit has a portion that is worn on the user's ear,
The electroencephalogram measurement device according to any one of claims 8 to 11 .

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