ELECTRODE SYSTEM FOR RUBBER EAR TIPS WITH CONDUCTIVITY FROM N-DOPED SILICONE OR CONDUCTIVE FILAMENTS IN MIXTURE FOR ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY

Abstract

The present disclosure involves the integration of conductive filaments or n-doped silicon with a rubber ear-tip. This combination allows for the detection of brain oscillation waves in EEG-enabled earbud systems. Previous implementations of ear tip electrodes involve multiple tiny electrodes embedded into the ear tip. However, unlike conventional designs, the presented solution utilizes the entire ear tip for conductivity, making a significant advancement in EEG technology in regards to data capturing. Other embodiments of the invention include partitioning the ear tip itself to make an electrode array for multiple reference points during detection of brain waves. These conductive ear tips enable accurate neural biometric detection. Incorporating magnets, the ear tips seamlessly attach to earbuds, enhancing convenience.

Claims

1. An electrode system for rubber and/or silicone ear tips with conductivity, comprising: a. Conductive filaments or n-doped silicon electrode(s) integrated into an ear tip structure b. Said conductive filaments or n-doped silicon electrode(s) configured to detect brain oscillation waves from various regions of the brain; c. Said ear tip structure entirely composed of conductive filaments or n-doped silicon electrode(s) without the inclusion of traditional metal electrodes.

2. The electrode system of claim 1, wherein the conductive filaments are configured, but not exclusive to, in a grid formation within the ear tip structure.

3. The electrode system of claim 1, wherein the conductive ear tip detects a range of brainwave frequencies, including alpha, beta, theta, delta, and gamma waves.

4. The electrode system of claim 1, wherein the ear tip structure is further integrated into an earbud apparatus, compromising: a. Conductive filaments or n-doped silicon electrode(s) covering the entirety of the earbud apparatus; b. Enhanced surface area contact within the ear, enabling improved granularity of EEG data capture.

5. The electrode system of claim 1, wherein the conductive ear tip is able to be used for delivering sound to the ear playing music, acoustic, etc.

6. The electrode system of claim 1, wherein the ear tips are electrically connected to earbuds or other audio devices to provide a method of EEG data capture.

7. A method for improving EEG data capture using an electrode system for rubber ear tips with enhanced electrical conductivity, comprising: a. Eartip structure from rubber or silicon material being manipulated with n-doped silicon or conductive filaments into the structure to enhance electrical conductivity; b. Inserting the ear tip into the ear to establish electrode-skin contact; c. Facilitating efficient transmission of brain oscillation waves through the enhanced electrical conductivity, resulting in minimized signal degradation and distortion; d. Capturing EEG data with elevated accuracy and dependability due to the improved electrode-skin contact and reduced impedance.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the enhanced electrical conductivity of the ear tip contributes to the reduction of noise and interference during EEG data capture, leading to improved data fidelity and interpretability.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS

[0027] In the following portion relating to the detailed description, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained more in detail with reference to the example figures of the proposed invention shown in the drawings, which:

[0028] FIG. 1 depicts a front-view perspective of two n-doped silicon electrodes or flexible conductive material required in an EEG earbud system.

[0029] FIG. 2 portrays an aerial view of the n-doped silicon electrode or flexible conductive material placed in an upside-down orientation.

[0030] FIG. 3 depicts an upright orientation of n-doped silicon electrode or flexible conductive material placed in the ear.

[0031] FIG. 4 is an aerial perspective of another embodiment that illustrates a potential with multiple partitions and an electrode array within the silicon electrode itself.

[0032] FIG. 5 displays a side-view perspective of another embodiment where the entire earbud-body apparatus is composed of robust conductive filaments or n-doped silicon electrodes.

[0033] 101 depicts the frontal orientation of a set of two eartips. These eartips are composed of conductive n-doped silicon or flexible material such as rubber or silicone and a mixture of metallic materials. Rather than serving solely as passive audio conduits, these ear tips transform into fully integrated electrodes. This transformation enables them to capture not only auditory sensations but also intricate brainwave signals for biometric analysis and EEG. 101 varies in dimensions of ear tip depth, height, and diameter in order to fit users' preferences.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present invention discloses conductive rubber ear tips capable of recording electroencephalographic data while prioritizing user experience.

[0035] 101 depicts the frontal orientation of a set of two eartips. These eartips are composed of conductive n-doped silicon or flexible material such as rubber or silicone and a mixture of metallic materials. Rather than serving solely as passive audio conduits, these ear tips transform into fully integrated electrodes. This transformation enables them to capture not only auditory sensations but also brainwave signals for biometric analysis and EEG. 101 varies in dimensions of ear tip depth, height, and diameter in order to fit users' preferences. These silicone ear tips will be connected to the rest of the earbud by way of 201, which depicts the rear view of two ear tips. Here, the n-doped silicon electrode or flexible conductive material is placed in an upside-down orientation. The back end of the ear tip, 201, contains magnets that connect directly with the brain's electrical signals, ensuring that electrical activity can be captured and transmitted to external devices.

[0036] 301 demonstrates this ear tip in use, portraying an upright orientation of an ear tip placed within the preauricular pit of the human ear. The user's ear 303 assumes the role of the recipient of auditory experiences and monitors their brainwave activity as transmitted to external devices. The ear tips will be made to securely fit inside the external auditory canal, 301, directing sound waves into the recesses of the ear canal. This will improve the audio quality of the earbuds, as well as the brain wave readings. Additionally, the secure fit will serve the purpose of making sure there is adequate surface contact between the eartip and the user, 303. Without adequate contact, the signal cannot accurately be detected and the signal that is detected can be filled with noise and interference. With this secure fit, the user can be assured that the gathered data is correct and reliable.

[0037] 401 provides greater insight into the orientation of the electrodes on the ear tip. Since the ear tip can be comprised of either n-doped silicone or conductive filaments, the entire ear tip itself can serve as an electrode. The grid orientation on the surface of the eartip 401 (front view) and 403 (back view) visualize the placement of each electrode. Every electrode will be placed within a grid box, ensuring maximum contact and more accurate EEG data readings. Surface contact between the electrode and the user's ear, 303, will allow the electrode to detect brain activity and have the data sent to any device programmed to receive the information.

[0038] While this style of traditional silicone eartips is relatively common, this invention can be adapted to other forms of eartips or earbud coverings. FIG. 5 displays an earbud design without a silicone eartip, where the earbud body can be inserted directly into the user's ear canal. As seen in FIG. 5, this system can be adapted to any shape or size to have perfect fitment and be compatible with any and all earbuds on the market and in the future market. Similarly to 401, this iteration is made out of a conductive material, which includes but is not limited to n-doping silicone or the use of conductive filaments. This conductive material surrounds the entire top body or cover of the earbud, 503, allowing the earbud cover to receive electrical signals such as brain activity.

[0039] The apparatus is distinctly designed to incorporate a hard conductive rubber cover, 501, enveloping the earbud's exterior. This conductive rubber cover, 501, offers an improved user experience in comparison to traditional plastic materials, as it has been thoughtfully selected for its ergonomic properties to provide enhanced comfort during prolonged usage. In addition to prioritizing user comfort, the hard conductive rubber cover also houses strategically positioned EEG electrodes, thereby enabling the continuous acquisition of EEG data during the earbud's operation. The utilization of conductive rubber for hosting EEG electrodes ensures the direct and efficient transduction of neural signals to electrical signals, which can be processed and analyzed by external devices.

[0040] The embodiment also features a hard conductive rubber cover, 503, applied to the main body of the earbud. This second conductive rubber cover, 503, is designed to harmonize with the first cover, 501, both in terms of material and function. Its presence on the earbud body serves not only to maintain a consistent aesthetic but also to provide additional EEG electrode placements for comprehensive brainwave activity detection.