WO2022250424A1

WO2022250424A1 - Probe for measuring biosignals and biosignal measuring sensor unit comprising same

Info

Publication number: WO2022250424A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/007366
Authority: WO
Inventors: 강승완
Original assignee: 주식회사 아이메디신
Priority date: 2021-05-28
Filing date: 2022-05-24
Publication date: 2022-12-01
Also published as: KR102625028B1; KR20220161093A

Abstract

In one embodiment of the present invention, disclosed is a probe for measuring biosignals, comprising: a probe body; a first leg that extends from the probe body and has a first electrode at an end thereof; and a second leg that extends from the probe body and has a second electrode at an end thereof, wherein the second leg is disposed on an outer side of the first leg in a radial direction thereof.

Description

Probe for measuring bio-signal and sensor unit for measuring bio-signal including the same

The present invention relates to a bio-signal measuring probe and a bio-signal measuring sensor unit including the same.

As medicine develops, devices for detecting health conditions by measuring electroencephalogram (EEG) or photo-plethysmography (PPG) signals are being developed.

The EEG meter detects and analyzes the user's EEG at university hospitals and clinics, and objectively measures the cognitive strength, cognitive speed, concentration, and left/right brain activity detected from the EEG, thereby evaluating essential abilities required for learning and attention deficit hyperactivity. Behavioral Disorder (ADHD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Depression, Learning Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Insomnia, Autism, Dementia, etc. do.

However, conventional EEG monitors are composed of complex measuring devices, and do not provide various application services using them. There is a problem with not providing .

On the other hand, the pulse wave measuring device is a method of restoring a pulse wave of blood passing through the skin tissue by exciting a light source under the skin of a person and measuring a light source reflected from or penetrating the skin tissue. Therefore, it can be said that the light source/light-receiving sensor is a component required to construct a photometric pulse wave. In some cases, implementation of a light source is omitted and ambient light is used. However, in this case, since the signal is greatly affected by the change in ambient light, it is difficult to use in various environments.

Therefore, assuming a bio-signal measurement environment utilizing personalized electronic devices and wearable devices, the weight and volume of the system need to be minimized, and it is required to implement it with low power while saving power. do.

In addition, there is a demand for a technology capable of managing one's own health state while confirming at what stage one's health state is by comparing the body information and the like measured for oneself with those of other people.

The present invention may provide a bio-signal measuring probe capable of accurately measuring a bio-signal and a bio-signal measuring sensor unit including the same.

One embodiment of the present invention, a probe body, a first leg extending from the probe body and having a first electrode at an end thereof, and extending from the probe body and having a second electrode at an end portion of the first leg Provided is a probe for measuring a biosignal including a second leg disposed outside the radial direction.

The bio-signal measuring probe according to the present invention and the bio-signal measuring sensor unit including the probe can accurately measure the bio-signal of an object.

1 is a diagram showing an EEG measuring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a perspective view showing an EEG measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a bio-signal measuring sensor unit of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a view showing a cross section of FIG. 3 .

5 is a perspective view illustrating a probe for measuring a biosignal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of FIG. 5 .

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along VII-VII of Fig. 6;

8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a probe for measuring biosignals according to another embodiment of the present invention.

9 to 11 are cross-sectional views illustrating modified examples of the probe for measuring biosignals of FIG. 8 .

12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a probe for measuring a biosignal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

13 to 15 are cross-sectional views illustrating modified examples of the probe for measuring biosignals of FIG. 12 .

16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a probe for measuring a biosignal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the probe for measuring biosignals of FIG. 16 .

FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing some configurations of the EEG measuring device of FIG. 2 .

In addition, the probe body may have a center hole disposed in the center.

In addition, the second leg may be disposed between a pair of adjacent first legs.

In addition, at least one of the first leg and the second leg may have an inclination with respect to the longitudinal direction of the probe.

In addition, at least a portion of the first leg may extend toward the inside of the probe body, and the first electrode may be disposed inside a portion of the first leg connected to the probe body.

In addition, at least a portion of the second leg may extend outward from the probe body, and the second electrode may be disposed outside a portion of the second leg connected to the probe body.

In addition, at least one of the first leg and the second leg extends inward or outward of the probe body, so that when the probe is worn on an object, the position of the electrode may be adjusted.

In addition, the length of the first leg and the length of the second leg may be different.

In addition, one of the longer first leg and the second leg first contacts the target object, and then the shorter one of the first leg and the second leg contacts the target object. One contact position can be adjusted.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a body and a probe mounted on the body, wherein the probe includes a probe body, a first leg extending from the probe body and having a first electrode at an end, and A sensor unit for measuring a biological signal includes a second leg extending and having a second electrode at an end thereof and disposed outside the first leg in a radial direction.

Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims and detailed description of the invention.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings.

Since the present invention can apply various transformations and have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. Effects and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them will become clear with reference to the embodiments described later in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various forms.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and when describing with reference to the drawings, the same or corresponding components are assigned the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. .

In the following embodiments, terms such as first and second are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component without limiting meaning.

In the following examples, expressions in the singular number include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the following embodiments, terms such as include or have mean that features or components described in the specification exist, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of description. For example, since the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of description, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated bar.

In the following embodiments, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes of the Cartesian coordinate system, and may be interpreted in a broad sense including these. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be orthogonal to each other, but may refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

When an embodiment is otherwise implementable, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or may be performed in an order reverse to the order described.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the EEG measuring system may measure EEGs of users and diagnose cognitive disorders through the measured data. The brain wave measurement system may include an brain wave measurement device 1 , a diagnosis device 2 , and a user terminal 3 .

The brain wave measuring device 1 may measure the user's brain wave signal. EEG measurement device 1 refers to a device that is attached to the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe to measure EEG non-invasively, and the location of the EEG measurement terminal for EEG measurement can be freely changed and measured according to the user's head .

The terminals of the brain wave measuring device 1 may be provided connected by separate cables, or may be connected wirelessly and may be arranged at regular intervals in the band unit. The EEG signal measured by the EEG measuring device 1 may include information about connectivity between brain regions and/or information classified into delta waves, theta waves, alpha waves, beta waves, and gamma waves.

The diagnostic device 2 may diagnose the degree of cognitive impairment or the cause of the cognitive impairment of the user based on the EEG signal received from the EEG measuring device 1 . The diagnosis device 2 may determine the degree of cognitive impairment and the cause of the cognitive impairment of users by using a cognitive impairment diagnosis model generated by machine learning. Here, the degree of cognitive impairment is a scale representing the degree of cognitive impairment of the user, and may be expressed by evaluating from an initial stage to a severe stage, and may include a possibility of occurrence in the future. The degree of cognitive impairment may be determined using a causal relationship between biological information such as the user's age and gender and social information such as the user's living environment, occupation, and educational background.

The diagnosis device 2 may selectively provide information related to cognitive impairment selected by the access user. Cognitive disorder-related information may be provided to a user requesting cognitive disorder-related information, and drugs and treatment methods matched to the input degree and cause of cognitive disorder may be provided. Information related to cognitive impairment of the user may be retrieved from the input user information, and prediction information related to cognitive impairment may be provided if the user has mild cognitive impairment, as well as drugs and treatment methods corresponding to the information related to cognitive impairment.

The user terminal 3 is an electronic device that connects to the diagnosis device 2 and transmits a signal for the input/output device of the user's vehicle in a wired/wireless communication environment, such as a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile device, and the like. Mobile phone, video phone, e-book reader, desktop PC, laptop PC, netbook computer, workstation, server, PDA ( It may be at least one of a personal digital assistant, a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a mobile medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. The user terminal 3 includes a processor, a storage medium, a communication module, and an input/output device, and communicates with the diagnosis device 2 .

The user terminal 3 receives and outputs the output data from the diagnosis device 2 . The user terminal 3 may access the diagnosis device 2 using a pre-installed program or may execute a program distributed by the diagnosis device 2 . The user terminal 3 may pre-create an account (ID, biometric information, token, etc.) for a cognitive disorder diagnosis service, access a diagnosis device using the account, and receive information related to a user's cognitive disorder. Through the diagnostic device, the user may be provided with cognitive disorder-related information, including whether or not cognitive impairment has occurred, the degree of cognitive impairment, and the cause of cognitive impairment.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the EEG measuring device 1 is mounted on the head of a user (subject or object) and can measure EEG signals measured by the sensor unit 10 . EEG is a measurement of electrical signals generated when signals are transmitted between brain nerve cells. The brain wave measuring device 1 is in the form of an electroencephalography (electroencephalography) headgear, and can measure brain waves through electrodes of a probe described later.

The brain wave measuring device 1 has a plurality of bridges B, and a sensor unit 10 may be installed in each bridge B. Since the bridge B has a structure that can be extended in the longitudinal direction, the EEG measuring device 1 can adjust the length of the bridge B according to the size of the user's head.

The sensor unit 10 may be disposed at a standard measurement location for measuring brain waves. Electrode arrangement for measuring EEG follows the international 10-20 electrode arrangement, which is a standard measurement position, and when 19 electrodes are used, the sensor unit 10 is placed at a preset position to measure EEG. At this time, the electrode of each sensor unit 10 for measurement can be viewed as one channel.

Time-series data measured by the probe of the sensor unit 10 can be regarded as a sequence of signal information obtained from each channel. Data may be input in the form of a graph, but may be converted and input in the form of a matrix, that is, displaying single or multiple EEG channels X chronological data values. EEG images, which are another data format, may be in the form of a topological map or a time-frequency map.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the biosignal measuring sensor unit of FIG. 2 , and FIG. 4 is a view showing a cross section of FIG. 3 .

3 and 4, the biological signal measuring sensor unit 10 includes a cover 11, a first support block 12, an elastic part 13, a vibration part 14, and a second support block 15. , a lamp 16 and an inserter 17 may be provided.

Parts of the sensor unit 10 may be mounted in the inner space of the cover 11 and may be mounted on the bridge B. An end of the cover 11 has an opening into which the probe 100 can be installed, and the probe 100 can linearly move in an axial direction through the opening.

The first support block 12 is mounted in the inner space of the cover 11 and can support the probe 100 . An elastic part 13 is disposed above the first support block 12 , and a portion of the first support block 12 may be inserted into the center hole 114 of the probe 100 . Accordingly, when the EEG measuring device 1 is mounted on the object, the position of the probe 100 may be adjusted in the axial direction, and at this time, the restoring force of the elastic part 13 may be applied to the probe 100 .

The elastic part 13 is disposed above the first support block 12 and can provide elastic force to the probe 100 . The elastic part 13 is a component having a predetermined elastic force and is not limited to a specific component. However, for convenience of description, the elastic part 13 will be mainly described when it is a coil-shaped spring. When the probe 100 contacts the scalp of the object, the elastic force of the elastic part 13 moves the probe 100 in the axial direction, so that the probe 100 can adhere to the scalp of the object.

The vibration unit 14 may be mounted inside the sensor unit 10 to provide vibration to the probe 100 . The vibration unit 14 is disposed between the first support block 12 and the second support block 15, and vibration generated by the vibration unit 14 may be transmitted to the target object through the probe 100.

Since the vibration generated by the vibrating unit 14 generates stimulation on the scalp of the subject, activation of the brain wave signal can be promoted. When the scalp is stimulated by the vibration of the probe 100 and the EEG signal is further activated, the probe 100 can accurately measure the EEG signal.

The second support block 15 may be disposed to face the first support block 12 . The second support block 15 is disposed above the probe 100 and may support the vibration unit 14 .

The lamp 16 may be mounted inside the sensor unit 10 to radiate light to the scalp of the subject. The light emitted from the lamp 16 promotes the activation of EEG signals, so that EEG measurement performance of the sensor unit 10 may be improved.

The lamp 16 is mounted on the first support block 12 and may be inserted into the center hole 114 of the probe 100 . When the lamp 16 is driven, light may pass through the central hole 114 and be irradiated to the scalp.

The inserter 17 is inserted between the second support block 15 and the probe 100 . The inserter 17 may prevent the probe 100 from being separated from the sensor unit 10 by strengthening the coupling force between the probe 100 and the second support block 15 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a probe for measuring biosignals according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a plan view of FIG. 5 , and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6 .

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 , the probe 100 for measuring biosignals may include a probe body 110 , a first leg unit LU1 , and a second leg unit LU2 .

The probe body 110 may support the first leg unit LU1 and the second leg unit LU2 and may be mounted on the sensor unit 10 . The probe body 110 may have a first part 111 having a flange shape and a second part 112 protruding from the first part 111 .

The first part 111 may have a predetermined height and may extend in a radial direction. The first leg 120 and the second leg 130 may be supported on one surface of the first part 111 in the radial direction.

The second part 112 may protrude to one side of the first part 111 . The second part 112 is disposed on the other side of the first part 111 and may have a smaller diameter than the first part 111 . The second part 112 may form a step with the first part 111 to provide a space in which other parts of the sensor unit 10 can be mounted.

The second part 112 may include a protrusion 113 disposed on an outer circumferential surface. The protrusion 113 is press-fitted to the sensor unit 10, so that the probe body 110 can be firmly assembled to the sensor unit 10.

The first part 111 has a first height T1 along the axial direction of the probe body 110, and the second part 112 has a second height T2 along the axial direction of the probe body 110. can have The first height T1 may be set smaller than the second height T2. The first height T1 is set relatively smaller than the second height T2 to provide a space in which the first leg unit LU1 and the second leg unit LU2 can be mounted, but the probe body 110 By reducing the volume of the probe body 110 can be formed compactly. In addition, the second height T2 is set relatively longer than the first height T1 to increase the contact area with the internal parts of the sensor unit 10 so that the probe 100 is firmly attached to the sensor unit 10. can be fitted

As an alternative embodiment, the probe body 110 may have a center hole 114 extending along the center of the first part 111 and the second part 112 . The central hole 114 extends along the central axis of the probe body 110 and may provide a space in which the lamp 16 is mounted inside the probe body 110 .

The probe body 110 may transmit signals measured by the first leg 120 and the second leg 130 . The probe body 110 may be formed of a material capable of transmitting electrical signals between the first leg 120 and the second leg 130 . For example, the probe body 110 may include a metal-based material.

In the probe 100 , the first leg unit LU1 and the second leg unit LU2 are connected to the probe body 110 so that they can contact the user's scalp. The first leg unit LU1 and the second leg unit LU2 may measure the user's electrical signals with electrodes mounted on the ends. In the drawing, the probe 100 shows two groups of leg units, but is not limited thereto, and a plurality of leg units may be arranged in a radial direction. However, hereinafter, for convenience of description, the probe 100 will mainly describe an embodiment in which the first leg unit LU1 and the second leg unit LU2 are disposed.

The first leg unit LU1 may include a plurality of first legs 120 . The first leg unit LU1 may include a plurality of first legs 120 disposed inside the probe body 110 in the radial direction. Although FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which the first leg unit LU1 includes eight first legs 120, it is not limited thereto and may include various numbers.

The plurality of first legs 120 are disposed outside the center hole 114 and may maintain a predetermined spaced distance. A plurality of first legs 120 may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The distance between the neighboring first legs 120 may be set to be constant. The plurality of first legs 120 may set a first area AE1 in contact with the user's scalp and measure the user's EEG signal from the first area AE1.

The first leg 120 may include a first supporter 121 and a first electrode 122 . A first electrode 122 may be disposed at an end of the first supporter 121 .

The first supporter 121 is connected to the probe body 110 and may extend a predetermined length along the axial direction of the probe body 110 . In one embodiment, the first supporter 121 is formed of a material having a predetermined stiffness and may have a variable thickness.

In detail, the thickness of the first supporter 121 may decrease from the probe body 110 to the first electrode 122 . The portion of the first supporter 121 connected to the probe body 110 has a relatively large diameter, so that the first leg 120 can be firmly fixed to the probe body 110 .

The part connected to the first electrode 122 of the first supporter 121 has a relatively small diameter, so that the placement position of the first electrode 122 can be precisely set, and the end of the first supporter 121 It is possible to adjust the position of the first electrode 122 by forming a predetermined flexibility.

The first electrode 122 is mounted on an end of the first supporter 121 and can sense an electrical signal. The first electrode 122 may have an electrically conductive material, and may be coated on an end of the first supporter 121 or mounted on the first supporter 121 as a separate structure.

The second leg unit LU2 may include a plurality of second legs 130 . The second leg unit LU2 may include a plurality of second legs 130 disposed outside the probe body 110 in the radial direction. 6 shows an embodiment in which the second leg unit LU2 includes eight second legs 130, but is not limited thereto, and may include various numbers.

The plurality of second legs 130 are disposed outside the center hole 114 and may maintain a predetermined spaced distance. A plurality of second legs 130 may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction. A distance between neighboring second legs 130 may be set to be constant. The plurality of second legs 130 may set a second area AE2 that contacts the user's scalp and measure the user's brain wave signal from the second area AE2.

The second leg 130 may include a second supporter 131 and a second electrode 132 . A second electrode 132 may be disposed at an end of the second supporter 131 . Compared to the first leg 120, the second leg 130 has a difference in arrangement on the probe body 110, and the second supporter 131 is substantially the same as the first supporter 121 described above. , the second electrode 132 is substantially the same as the first electrode 122 described above. Therefore, hereinafter, redundant descriptions will be omitted, and the arrangement relationship between the first leg 120 and the second leg 130 will be mainly described.

In order for the probe 100 for measuring biosignals to efficiently measure biosignals, the first electrode 122 of the first leg 120 and the second electrode 132 of the second leg 130 are used to measure the signals. It should be intensively placed in the setting position. That is, the electrode of the probe 100 should be placed at a preset position according to the International 10-20 Electrode Arrangement Chart, which is a standard measuring position.

The second leg 130 is disposed in the space between the neighboring first legs 120 . The second leg 130 may be disposed radially outside between the pair of first legs 120 . Since the second leg 130 is disposed between the first leg 120, the ratio at which the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 132 are disposed per unit area is increased, so that the probe 100 can measure the biosignal Recognition efficiency can be improved.

The separation distance G2 between the second legs 130 may be set longer than the separation distance G1 between the first legs 120 . The second leg 130 is disposed outside the radial direction than the first leg 120, and the separation distance between the second legs 130 may be set longer.

The first leg unit LU1 and the second leg unit LU2 are disposed in the circumferential direction of the probe 100 to increase the efficiency of electrical signal measurement. The first leg unit LU1 and the second leg unit LU2 are densely arranged along the central axis of the probe body 110, so that a signal can be accurately sensed at a preset position of the sensor unit 10.

In detail, since the first electrode 122 is disposed in the first area AE1, the first leg unit LU1 may measure a signal in the first area AE1. The second leg unit LU2 may measure a signal in the second area AE2 since the second electrode 132 is disposed in the second area AE2.

The first leg unit LU1 and the second leg unit LU2 may expand an area where the probe 100 contacts the user's scalp. In particular, even if the first leg unit LU1 cannot measure a signal in the second leg unit LU2, the first leg 120 can sense the signal, and the second leg unit LU2 can sense the first leg unit ( Since the second leg 130 can sense the signal even if the signal is not measured by LU1), the first leg unit LU1 and the second leg unit LU2 can complement each other's functions.

In the biosignal measurement probe 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first leg unit LU1 has a plurality of first legs 120 and the second leg unit LU2 has a plurality of second legs ( 130), it is possible to increase the accuracy of bio-signal measurement. Since the first leg 120 can measure the biosignal in the first area AE1 and the second leg 130 can measure the biosignal in the second area AE2, the probe 100 can measure the biosignal. The measurable area can be expanded. In addition, since the second leg 130 is disposed between the neighboring first legs 120, the electrodes are concentrated along the center of the probe 100, and signal measurement efficiency can be improved.

The probe 100 for measuring biosignals according to an embodiment of the present invention may place a lamp 16 in the center, and when the lamp 16 is irradiated, biosignals can be measured more effectively.

Referring to FIG. 8 , a probe 200 for measuring a signal may include a probe body 210, a first leg unit LU1, and a second leg unit LU2. Since the probe body 210 is substantially the same as the probe body 110 of the above-described embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

The first leg unit LU1 includes a plurality of first legs 220 , and the first legs 220 are disposed inside the probe body 210 . The first leg 220 may measure an electrical signal in the first area AE1.

The second leg unit LU2 includes a plurality of second legs 230 , and the second legs 230 are disposed outside the probe body 210 . The second leg 230 may measure an electrical signal in the second area AE2 .

At least one of the first leg 220 and the second leg 230 may have an inclination with respect to the longitudinal direction of the probe 200 . Referring to FIG. 8 , the first leg 220 extends in the longitudinal direction of the probe 200, but the second leg 230 may be inclined outward in the radial direction in the longitudinal direction of the probe 200.

The first leg 220 may include a first supporter 221 and a first electrode 222 . The first supporter 221 may include a first connection part 2211 connected to the probe body 210 and a first extension part 2212 extending from the first connection part 2211 . In the first supporter 221 , the first connection portion 2211 and the first extension portion 2212 are integrally formed and may extend along the axial direction of the probe 200 .

The first electrode 222 may be disposed at an end of the first supporter 221 . The first electrode 222 is disposed at the end of the first extension part 2212 to measure the EEG signal in the first area AE1.

The first leg 220 may extend along the axial direction of the probe 200 . The first leg 220 extends substantially vertically from the probe body 210, and an end of the first electrode 222 may contact the scalp.

The second leg 230 may include a second supporter 231 and a second electrode 232 . The second supporter 231 may include a second connection part 2311 connected to the probe body 210 and a second extension part 2312 extending from the second connection part 2311 .

At least a portion of the second leg 230 extends outward from the probe body 210, and the second electrode 232 is disposed outside the portion of the second leg 230 connected to the probe body 210. can

In one embodiment, the second supporter 231 may have a curvature in at least a portion of the section. The second connection portion 2311 extends downward from the probe body 210 along the axial direction, and the second extension portion 2312 may have an outward inclination in the radial direction. The second extension part 2312 may have a section having a curvature and may extend outward in the radial direction.

In another embodiment, the second supporter 231 may have a curvature in the entire section. Although not shown in the drawings, both the second connection portion and the second extension portion may have a predetermined curvature and may extend outward.

In another embodiment, the stiffness of the second supporter 231 may be set differently according to each section. The second connection part 2311 may have stronger rigidity than the second extension part 2312 . The second connection portion 2311 connected to the probe body 210 has relatively high rigidity, so that the second leg 230 can be prevented from being damaged. The second extension part 2312 connected to the second electrode 232 has relatively low rigidity and a certain flexibility, so that when the probe 200 contacts the scalp, the second electrode 232 is positioned can be fine-tuned.

In another embodiment, although not shown in the drawings, the second leg may have a predetermined inclination toward the inside of the probe in the radial direction. Since the first area in contact with the first leg and the second area in contact with the second leg overlap, the probe can accurately measure the EEG signal.

The second electrode 232 is disposed at an end of the second supporter 231 . The second electrode 232 may be connected at the second extension part 2312 to measure the EEG signal in the second area AE2. Since the second leg 230 has a curvature and extends outward in the radial direction, the range in which the second leg 230 can measure the EEG signal can be widely expanded. In addition, since the second leg 230 has a predetermined flexibility, the position of the second electrode 232 can be precisely adjusted, thereby increasing signal measurement efficiency.

In the probe 200 for measuring biosignals according to the present invention, the second leg 230 has an inclination inward or outward in the radial direction of the probe 200 to expand an area where biosignals can be measured, Signal measurement efficiency can be increased.

Referring to FIG. 9 , a probe for measuring a signal 200A may include a probe body 210, a first leg unit LU1, and a second leg unit LU2. Compared to the aforementioned probe 200 for measuring a signal, there is a difference in the arrangement of the first leg 220A and the second leg 230A, and this will be mainly described.

The first leg unit LU1 may include a plurality of first legs 220A. The first leg 220A may measure the biosignal in the first area AE1. The first leg 220A may include a first supporter 221A and a first electrode 222A, and the first supporter 221A may have a first connection portion 2211A and a first extension portion 2212A.

The second leg unit LU2 may include a plurality of second legs 230A. The second leg 230A may measure the biosignal in the second area AE2. The second leg 230A may include a second supporter 231A and a second electrode 232A, and the second supporter 231A may have a second connection portion 2311A and a second extension portion 2312A.

At least a portion of the first leg 220A extends inward of the probe body 210, and is disposed inside the portion where the first electrode 222A is connected to the probe body 210 of the first leg 220A. can

In one embodiment, the first leg 220A may have a predetermined inclination inward in the radial direction of the probe 200A. Since the first leg 220A extends toward the center hole, the first area AE1 may extend into the probe 200A. When the lamp 16 irradiates light onto the scalp, an electrical signal may be activated in the irradiated area, and since the first leg 220A measures the electrical signal in the activated area, signal measurement efficiency may be increased.

In one embodiment, the first supporter 221A may have a curvature in at least a portion of the section. The first connection portion 2211A may extend downward from the probe body 210 along the axial direction, and the first extension portion 2212A may be inclined inward in the radial direction. The first extension 2212A may have a section having a curvature and may extend outward in a radial direction.

In another embodiment, the first supporter 221A may have a curvature in the entire section. Although not shown in the drawings, both the first connection portion and the first extension portion may have a predetermined curvature and may extend inward.

In another embodiment, the stiffness of the first supporter 221A may be set differently according to each section. The first connection portion 2211A may have stronger rigidity than the first extension portion 2212A. The first connection portion 2211A connected to the probe body 210 has relatively high rigidity, so that the first leg 220A may be prevented from being damaged. The first extension part 2212A connected to the first electrode 222A has relatively low rigidity and a certain flexibility, so that when the probe 200A contacts the scalp, the first electrode 222A is positioned can be fine-tuned.

In another embodiment, although not shown in the drawing, the first leg may have a predetermined inclination outward in the radial direction of the probe. Since the first area in contact with the first leg and the second area in contact with the second leg overlap, the probe can accurately measure the EEG signal.

In the probe 200A for measuring biosignals according to the present invention, the first leg 220A has an inclination inward or outward in the radial direction of the probe 200A to expand an area where biosignals can be measured, Signal measurement efficiency can be increased.

Referring to FIG. 10 , a probe for measuring a signal 200B may include a probe body 210, a first leg unit LU1, and a second leg unit LU2.

The first leg unit LU1 may include a plurality of first legs 220B. The first leg 220B may measure the biosignal in the first area AE1. The first leg 220B may include a first shaft 221B and a first electrode 222B, and the first shaft 221B may have a first connection portion 2211B and a first extension portion 2212B. The first leg 220B may be substantially the same as the first leg 220A of the above-described embodiment.

The second leg unit LU2 may include a plurality of second legs 230B. The second leg 230B may measure the biosignal in the second area AE2. The second leg 230B may include a second shaft 231B and a second electrode 232B, and the second shaft 231B may have a second connection portion 2311B and a second extension portion 2312B. The second leg 230B may be substantially the same as the second leg 230 of the above-described embodiment.

In the signal measuring probe 200B according to the present invention, the first leg 220B has an inclination toward the inside of the probe 200B, so the first area AE1 is enlarged and the second leg 230B is the probe ( 200B), the second area AE2 is enlarged because it has an inclination toward the outside, so that the area in which bio signals can be measured can be expanded.

Referring to FIG. 11 , a probe for measuring a signal 200C may include a probe body 210, a first leg unit LU1, and a second leg unit LU2.

The first leg unit LU1 may include a plurality of first legs 220C. The first leg 220C may measure the biosignal in the first area AE1. The first leg 220C may include a first shaft 221C and a first electrode 222C, and the first shaft 221C may include a first connection portion 2211C and a first extension portion 2212C.

The second leg unit LU2 may include a plurality of second legs 230C. The second leg 230C may measure the biosignal in the second area AE2. The second leg 230C may include a second shaft 231C and a second electrode 232C, and the second shaft 231C may have a second connection portion 2311C and a second extension portion 2312C.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the second shaft 231C of the second leg 230C may have an outward inclination in the radial direction. In detail, the second extension portion 2312C may have a predetermined inclination in an outward direction, and for example, the inclination may have a predetermined inclination.

In another embodiment, although not shown in the drawings, the first leg 220C may have a certain inclination inward or outward in the radial direction, and the second leg 230C may extend in a vertical direction. In another embodiment, although not shown in the drawings, both the first leg 220C and the second leg 230C may have a constant inward or outward inclination.

According to the present invention, since at least one of the first leg 220C and the second leg 230C of the probe 200C for measuring a signal has an inclination, the first area AE1 or the second area AE2 is enlarged. , the area in which bio signals can be measured can be expanded.

Referring to FIG. 12 , a probe 300 for measuring a signal may include a probe body 310, a first leg unit LU1, and a second leg unit LU2.

The first leg unit LU1 may include a plurality of first legs 320 . The first leg 320 may measure the biosignal in the first area AE1. The first leg 320 may include a first supporter 321 and a first electrode 322 , and the first supporter 321 may have a first connection portion 3211 and a first extension portion 3212 .

The second leg unit LU2 may include a plurality of second legs 330 . The second leg 330 may measure the biosignal in the second area AE2. The second leg 330 may include a second supporter 331 and a second electrode 332 , and the second supporter 331 may have a second connection portion 3311 and a second extension portion 3312 .

The lengths of the first leg 320 and the second leg 330 may be set to be different from each other. The first leg 320 and the second leg 330 have a height difference t. The first leg 320 extending in the axial direction of the probe 300 is shorter than the second leg 330 inclined outward in the radial direction.

Since the second leg 330 is formed longer than the first leg 320 and has flexibility, the second electrode 332 may improve EEG signal measurement performance.

In detail, the second extension portion 3312 is longer than the first extension portion 3212, and the second extension portion 3312 has relatively high flexibility. Therefore, when an object wears the brain wave measuring device 1, the second electrode 332 of the longer second leg 330 of the first leg 320 and the second leg 330 first contacts the object, and After that, the first electrode 322 of the short first leg 320 of the first leg 320 and the second leg 330 contacts the object, but the contact position of the second electrode 332 is adjusted. can

As an alternative embodiment, the biosignal measuring probe 300 may determine whether the first electrode 322 and the second electrode 332 are in contact. In detail, it may be sensed whether the second electrode 332 of the long second leg 330 is in contact with the scalp, and it may be sensed whether the first electrode 322 of the first leg 320 is in contact with the scalp. When both the first leg 320 and the second leg 330 come into contact, it is recognized that the probe 300 is stably mounted, and the EEG signal can be measured in a stable arrangement.

In another embodiment, the second leg of the bio-signal measuring probe 300 may be inclined inward in the radial direction. Since the second region in contact with the second electrode overlaps the first electrode in contact with the first electrode, signal measurement performance of the biosignal measurement probe 300 may be improved.

In the bio-signal measurement probe 300 according to the present invention, the long second leg 330 is positioned so that the second area AE2 capable of measuring the EEG signal can be expanded. In addition, measurement performance of the EEG signal may be improved by the long second leg 330 .

Referring to FIG. 13 , a probe for measuring a signal 300A may include a probe body 310A, a first leg unit LU1 and a second leg unit LU2.

The first leg unit LU1 may include a plurality of first legs 320A. The first leg 320A may measure the biosignal in the first area AE1. The first leg 320A may include a first supporter 321A and a first electrode 322A, and the first supporter 321A may have a first connection portion 3211A and a first extension portion 3212A.

The second leg unit LU2 may include a plurality of second legs 330A. The second leg 330A may measure the biosignal in the second area AE2. The second leg 330A may include a second supporter 331A and a second electrode 332A, and the second supporter 331A may have a second connection portion 3311A and a second extension portion 3312A.

The lengths of the first leg 320A and the second leg 330A may be set to be different from each other. The first leg 320A and the second leg 330A have a height difference t. The second leg 330A extending in the axial direction of the probe 300A is formed shorter than the first leg 320A having an inward inclination in the radial direction.

Since the first leg 320A is formed to be longer than the second leg 330A and has flexibility, the measurement performance of the EEG signal at the first electrode 322A may be improved. Since the area of the first region AE1 contacted by the first electrode 322A may be expanded, the EEG signal may be accurately measured.

In the bio-signal measurement probe 300A according to the present invention, the long first leg 320A is positioned so that the first area AE1 capable of measuring the brain wave signal can be expanded. In addition, measurement performance of the EEG signal may be improved by the long first leg 320A.

Referring to FIG. 14 , a probe for measuring a signal 300B may include a probe body 310B, a first leg unit LU1 and a second leg unit LU2.

The first leg unit LU1 may include a plurality of first legs 320B. The first leg 320B may measure the biosignal in the first area AE1. The first leg 320B may include a first supporter 321B and a first electrode 322B, and the first supporter 321B may have a first connection portion 3211B and a first extension portion 3212B.

The second leg unit LU2 may include a plurality of second legs 330B. The second leg 330B may measure the biosignal in the second area AE2. The second leg 330B may include a second supporter 331B and a second electrode 332B, and the second supporter 331B may have a second connection portion 3311B and a second extension portion 3312B.

The lengths of the first leg 320B and the second leg 330B may be set to be different from each other. The first leg 320B and the second leg 330B have a height difference t. The second leg 330B extending in the axial direction of the probe 300B is formed shorter than the first leg 320B having an outward inclination in the radial direction.

Since the first leg 320B is formed to be longer than the second leg 330B and has flexibility, the measurement performance of the EEG signal at the first electrode 322B may be improved. Since the area of the first region AE1 contacted by the first electrode 322B may be expanded, the brain wave signal may be accurately measured.

In the bio-signal measurement probe 300B according to the present invention, the first leg 320B having a long length is adjusted so that the first area AE1 capable of measuring the brain wave signal can be expanded. In addition, measurement performance of the EEG signal may be improved by the long first leg 320B.

Referring to FIG. 15 , a probe for measuring a signal 300C may include a probe body 310C, a first leg unit LU1 and a second leg unit LU2.

The first leg unit LU1 may include a plurality of first legs 320C. The first leg 320C may measure the biosignal in the first area AE1. The first leg 320C may include a first supporter 321C and a first electrode 322C, and the first supporter 321C may have a first connection portion 3211C and a first extension portion 3212C.

The second leg unit LU2 may include a plurality of second legs 330C. The second leg 330C may measure the biosignal in the second area AE2. The second leg 330C may include a second supporter 331C and a second electrode 332C, and the second supporter 331C may have a second connection portion 3311C and a second extension portion 3312C.

The second leg 330C may have a certain inclination in an outward direction. The second extension part 3312C may have a predetermined inclination with respect to the axial direction of the probe 300C, and when the second leg 330C contacts the scalp of the object, the flexibility of the second extension part 3312C may be affected. Accordingly, the second electrode 332C may be disposed in the second area AE2 and its position may be adjusted.

In another embodiment, both the first leg and the second leg may have an inclination. The first leg and the second leg may each have an inclination inward or outward in the radial direction, and in this case, the first leg and the second leg may each have a curvature or have a constant inclination.

Referring to FIG. 16 , a probe 400 for measuring a signal may include a probe body 410 , a first leg unit LU1 and a second leg unit LU2.

The first leg unit LU1 may include a plurality of first legs 420 . The first leg 420 may measure the biosignal in the first area AE1. The first leg 420 may include a first supporter 421 and a first electrode 422 , and the first supporter 421 may include a first connection portion 4211 and a first extension portion 4212 .

The second leg unit LU2 may include a plurality of second legs 430 . The second leg 430 may measure the biosignal in the second area AE2. The second leg 430 may include a second supporter 431 and a second electrode 432 , and the second supporter 431 may have a second connection portion 4311 and a second extension portion 4312 .

The lengths of the first leg 420 and the second leg 430 may be set to be different from each other. In detail, the length of the second leg 430 may be set longer than the length of the first leg 420 . The first leg 420 and the second leg 430 each extend in the axial direction of the probe 400 and have a height difference t.

Since the longer second leg 430 of the probe 400 for measuring biosignals according to the present invention has predetermined flexibility, the position of the probe 400 can be adjusted when it comes into contact with the scalp of the subject. The second area AE2 contacted by the second leg 430 extends outward or inward in the radial direction and may overlap the first area AE1, so that the biosignal can be accurately measured.

Referring to FIG. 17 , a probe for measuring a signal 400A may include a probe body 410A, a first leg unit LU1 and a second leg unit LU2.

The first leg unit LU1 may include a plurality of first legs 420A. The first leg 420A may measure the biosignal in the first area AE1. The first leg 420A may include a first supporter 421A and a first electrode 422A, and the first supporter 421A may have a first connection portion 4211A and a first extension portion 4212A.

The second leg unit LU2 may include a plurality of second legs 430A. The second leg 430A may measure the biosignal in the second area AE2. The second leg 430A may include a second supporter 431A and a second electrode 432A, and the second supporter 431A may have a second connection portion 4311A and a second extension portion 4312A.

The lengths of the first leg 420A and the second leg 430A may be set to be different from each other. In detail, the length of the first leg 420A may be set longer than the length of the second leg 430A. The first leg 420A and the second leg 430A each extend in the axial direction of the probe 400A and have a height difference t.

Since the longer first leg 420A of the bio-signal measurement probe 400A according to the present invention has a predetermined flexibility, the position of the probe 400A can be adjusted when it comes into contact with the scalp of the subject. Since the first area AE1 in contact with the first leg 420A extends outward or inward in the radial direction and overlaps the second area AE2, the biosignal can be accurately measured.

Referring to FIG. 18 , the EEG measuring device 1 may include a control board 20 and a controller 30 that process EEG signals measured by the sensor unit 10 . The controller 30 may be provided as a separate configuration or functions may be mounted on the control board 20 .

The control board 20 may have an amplification/filter unit 21, an analog-digital converter (ADC) 22, and a signal output unit 23.

The EEG signal measured by the electrode of the probe 100 is transmitted to the amplification/filter unit 21, and the amplification/filter unit 21 may filter or amplify the signal. Then, the processed signal is transmitted to the ADC 22, converted into digital information, and the converted signal is transmitted to the signal output unit 23.

The controller 30 may include a microprocessor (MCU) 31, a wireless communication unit 32, and a power supply unit 33.

The microprocessor 31 receives information from the signal output unit 23 and converts it into an EEG signal by a stored algorithm, and the wireless communication unit 32 receives the EEG signal from the microprocessor 31 and receives it from an external device (mobile device). etc.) are forwarded. In addition, the power supply unit 33 may supply power to the control board 20 and the microprocessor 31 .

In this way, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but this is only exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. . Therefore, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Specific executions described in the embodiments are examples, and do not limit the scope of the embodiments in any way. In addition, if there is no specific reference such as "essential" or "important", it may not necessarily be a component necessary for the application of the present invention.

In the specification of the embodiments (particularly in the claims), the use of the term "above" and similar indicating terms may correspond to both singular and plural. In addition, when a range is described in the examples, it includes the invention to which individual values belonging to the range are applied (unless there is no description to the contrary), and it is as if each individual value constituting the range is described in the detailed description. . Finally, if there is no explicit description or description of the order of steps constituting the method according to the embodiment, the steps may be performed in an appropriate order. Examples are not necessarily limited according to the order of description of the steps. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (eg, etc.) in the embodiments is simply to describe the embodiments in detail, and the scope of the embodiments is limited due to the examples or exemplary terms unless limited by the claims. It is not. In addition, those skilled in the art can appreciate that various modifications, combinations and changes can be made according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the appended claims or their derivatives.

Claims

probe body;

a first leg extending from the probe body and having a first electrode at an end thereof; and

A probe for measuring a biosignal comprising a second leg extending from the probe body and having a second electrode at an end thereof and disposed outside the first leg in a radial direction.
According to claim 1,

The probe body has a center hole disposed in the center; a probe for measuring a biosignal.
According to claim 1,

The second leg is

A probe for measuring a biosignal disposed between a pair of adjacent first legs.
According to claim 1,

At least one of the first leg and the second leg

A probe for measuring a biosignal having an inclination with respect to the longitudinal direction of the probe.
According to claim 4,

The first leg is

At least a portion of the probe body extends inwardly, and the first electrode is disposed inside a portion of the first leg connected to the probe body.
According to claim 4,

The second leg is

At least a portion of the probe body extends outwardly, and the second electrode is disposed outside a portion of the second leg connected to the probe body.
According to claim 4,

At least one of the first leg and the second leg,

A probe for measuring a biological signal, which extends inward or outward from the probe body, and adjusts the position of an electrode when the probe is worn on an object.
According to claim 1,

A probe for measuring a biosignal, wherein a length of the first leg is different from a length of the second leg.
According to claim 8,

One of the first leg and the second leg having a longer length first contacts the object,

Thereafter, the shorter one of the first leg and the second leg contacts the object, and the contact position of the one of the probes is adjusted.
body; and

A probe mounted on the body; includes,

The probe

probe body;

a first leg extending from the probe body and having a first electrode at an end thereof; and

and a second leg extending from the probe body and having a second electrode at an end thereof and disposed outside the first leg in a radial direction.