Headset for EEG measurements

• US 6,154,669 A
• Filed: 11/06/1998
• Issued: 11/28/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Capita Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Capita Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Fratto, Kenneth P., Hunter, David B., Brueggman, Richard M., McCarraher, Kenneth B., Gustafson, Harlan I. Jr., Stenstrom, Tomas J.
• Primary Examiner(s): COHEN, LEE S
• Application Number:
  US09/187,525
• Time in Patent Office: 753 Days
• Field of Search: 600/372, 600/383, 600/384, 600/391, 600/392, 600/393, 600/395, 600/396, 607/145, 607/152, 607/139
• US Class Current: 600/383
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/291 for electroencephalography [EEG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/377 using evoked responses
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6814 Head

Abstract

A headset and system for taking EEG measurements on the head of a test subject. The headset has a plurality of electrode sensors in predetermined anatomical positions on the head of a subject to take EEG measurements, for example of the subject'"'"'s response to certain stimuli. The electrode sensors are formed of dry conductive foam rubber pads attached to conductor elements. An individual shielded cable is attached to each sensor to carry the detected signal to a signal processor. The sensors may be formed of a carbon impregnated foam rubber pad that offers high conductivity. The sensors do not require wetting agent, and thus can be used in a very time efficient manner, and can be easily replaced for sanitary considerations.

Claims

1. A headset for measuring brain waves, comprising:

a headset base extending in a first direction and including at least a first dry conductive foam configured to contact a subject at an ear lobe area of the subject when the subject is wearing said headset;

a crossbar member attached to said base and extending in a second direction different than the first direction and including at least a second dry conductive foam pad configured to contact the subject when the subject is wearing the headset;

at least first and second conductors respectively in contact with said first and second dry conductive foam pads; and

a third conductive foam pad disposed at a position where said headset base and said crossbar member cross each other, and a third conductor in contact with said third conductive foam pad.

2. A system for measuring brain waves, comprising:

a headset including;

a headset base extending in a first direction and including at least a first dry conductive foam pad configured to contact a subject at an ear lobe area of the subject when the subject is wearing said headset;

a crossbar member attached to said headset base and extending in a second direction different than the first direction and including at least a second dry conductive foam pad configured to contact the subject when the subject is wearing said headset;

at least first and second conductors respectively in contact with said at least first and second dry conductive foam pads; and

a processor receiving signals from the at least first and second conductors.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the at least first and second dry conductive foam pads each include a foam pad impregnated with carbon.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein the at least first and second conductors each include a copper braid.

5. A system according to claim 4, further comprising a shielded cable wire connected to the at least first and second conductors to supply the signals for the processor.

6. A system according to claim 3, further comprising a shielded cable wire connected to the at least first and second conductors to supply the signals to the processor.

7. A system according to claim 2, wherein the at least first and second conductors each include a copper braid.

8. A system according to claim 7, further comprising a shielded cable wire connected to the at least first and second conductors to supply the signals to the processor.

9. A system according to claim 2, further comprising a shielded cable wire connected to the at least first and second conductors to supply the signals to the processor.

10. A system according to claim 2, further comprising a third conductive foam pad disposed at a position where said headset base and said crossbar member cross each other, and a third conductor in contact with said third conductive foam pad.