CHARGING AND PROCESSING CASE FOR WIRELESS EARBUDS WITH IN-THE-EAR ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY IMPLEMENTATION

Abstract

This invention presents a wireless earbud case tailored for biometrics and wearable technology. Unlike basic charging cases like those of consumer earbuds in the market currently, this earbud case enriches mobile device interaction. The case processes biometric electroencephalography (EEG) data to aid in monitoring mood, sleep, and neurological health. It wirelessly links via Bluetooth or WiFi to transmit data to a mobile software. It charges earbuds and can indicate battery levels of the earbuds or the case itself. It receives, processes, and transmits EEG data from external sources like earbud-connected electrodes. Then, the processed data displays on devices like phones and computers. Compatible with EEG or magnetoencephalography earbuds, it offers electronic storage for the purpose of data security. This invention optimizes data flow to external devices, such as EEG earbuds for biometric and wearable tech applications.

Claims

1. A multifunctional charging and processing case for wireless earbuds, comprising: a. A protective enclosure configured to hold wireless earbuds and facilitate charging; b. An integrated wireless communication module enabling communication with external devices; C. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting analog EEG signals from the wireless earbuds into digital data; d. A microcontroller responsible for processing the digitized EEG data and generating interpretable brainwave patterns; e. A transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the processed EEG data to a paired external device; f. An antenna with a magnetic loop copper coil design for wireless charging and communication; g. A battery level indicator comprising a light display for indicating the remaining charge in the case's battery.

2. The multifunctional charging and processing case of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication module employs Bluetooth technology.

3. The multifunctional charging and processing case of claim 1, further comprising a wireless charging mechanism utilizing magnetic loop copper coil antennas for efficient power transfer.

4. The multifunctional charging and processing case of claim 1, wherein the battery level indicator comprises a series of LED lights representing different battery levels.

5. The multifunctional charging and processing case of claim 1, further comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) supporting the electronic components and providing connectivity within the case.

6. The multifunctional charging and processing case of claim 1, wherein the battery level indicator is configured to display battery status information using different colors and patterns on the light display.

7. The multifunctional charging and processing case of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication module supports Wi-Fi connectivity in addition to Bluetooth.

8. The multifunctional charging and processing case of claim 1, wherein the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) ensures accurate digitization of EEG signals received from the wireless earbuds.

9. A wireless earbud case system for processing and relaying biometric data, comprising: a. A charging and processing case for housing wireless earbuds and processing biometric data; b. Electroencephalography (EEG) sensors integrated within the wireless earbuds for capturing brainwave patterns; C. Bluetooth wireless communication for establishing a connection between the wireless earbuds and external devices; d. A microcontroller unit (MCU) embedded within the case for analyzing the captured EEG data and generating real-time insights; e. Data transmission means for wirelessly relaying the analyzed EEG data to a designated mobile application; f. An external human-machine interface (HMI) device for displaying the processed EEG data in an interpretable format; g. A secure magnetic mechanism within the case for securely holding and charging the wireless earbuds.

10. The wireless earbud case system of claim 9, wherein the EEG sensors are integrated within the earbuds in an unobtrusive manner, allowing continuous monitoring during various activities.

11. The wireless earbud case system of claim 9, wherein the microcontroller unit performs real-time analysis of EEG data to identify cognitive states, stress levels, emotional well-being, and potential neurological anomalies.

12. The wireless earbud case system of claim 9, wherein the data transmission means comprises a transmitter that uses the magnetic loop copper coil antenna to wirelessly send the processed EEG data to the mobile application.

13. The wireless earbud case system of claim 9, wherein the external HMI device includes smartphone applications and computer software capable of displaying visual representations of the EEG data.

14. The wireless earbud case system of claim 9, wherein the secure magnetic mechanism ensures that the wireless earbuds are held securely in place even during movements and transport.

15. The wireless earbud case system of claim 9, wherein the secure magnetic mechanism facilitates efficient charging of the wireless earbuds while maintaining a stable connection for data transmission.

16. The wireless earbud case system of claim 9, further comprising a data storage unit within the case for maintaining data integrity and enabling future analysis of historical EEG data.

17. The wireless earbud case system of claim 9, wherein the external HMI device includes customizable user interfaces for presenting EEG data insights based on individual preferences.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1: EEG Earbud Case Open Orientation

[0037] DescriptionFIG. 1 illustrates a front-view perspective of the earbuds encapsulated in the EEG earbud case.

[0038] FIG. 2: EEG Earbud Case Front & Rear View

[0039] DescriptionFIG. 2 [0040] displays both the frontal and rear perspectives of the earbuds case, including the wedge of the case.

[0041] FIG. 3: EEG Earbuds and Case's Magnetic Connectivity

[0042] DescriptionFIG. 3 portrays a front-view perspective of an EEG earbud magnetically connecting to the proposed earbud case.

[0043] FIG. 4: EEG Earbud System Case Operations

[0044] DescriptionFIG. 4 depicts the sequential process of capturing, processing, and transmitting EEG data by the earbud and its case for subsequent display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a front-view illustration of the case, 101, containing the EEG earbuds. The case includes a dedicated charging port and a light display that exhibits the remaining battery percentage to users in real time. This display signals the optimal time for initiating the recharge process. The case, 101, also ensures seamless pairing with a diverse range of devices, as it is engineered to support wireless connectivity. The wireless connectivity improves user experience by simplifying the process of connecting the earbuds to external devices.

[0046] Through the magnetic connection, 103, the earbuds are held securely and are precisely aligned within their designated compartments within the case. This alignment prevents any unnecessary strain on delicate components, safeguarding the earbuds from potential damage. Beyond its role in preventing accidental dislodging, the magnetic mechanism also contributes to the longevity of the earbuds. The magnetic mechanism minimizes wear-and-tear by holding the earbuds firmly in place and ensuring that they remain properly aligned, consequently reducing stress and friction during storage and transport. This innovation enhances user satisfaction by reducing the need for frequent replacements due to damage or malfunction.

[0047] FIG. 2 provides both a front and a rear view illustration of the EEG earbud case. The front view of the case, 201, contains a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). This circuit board houses a network of essential electronic components that collectively drive the functionality of the EEG earbuds, including the Bluetooth module, analogue-to-digital converter, microcontroller, and transmitter. The analogue-to-digital converter stands as an intermediary, responsible for translating the raw analog EEG signals acquired through the earbuds into digital data streams. Next, the microcontroller orchestrates the handling and interpretation of the EEG data extracted from the earbuds. The Bluetooth module then facilitates connection between earbuds and a Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a smartphone, and the transmitter sends the data to the Bluetooth-enabled device.

[0048] The back view of the case, 203, shows an antenna made of a copper coil in a magnetic loop configuration. This specialized antenna acts as both a receiver and transmitter of EEG data.

[0049] Positioned at the heart of the case, the earbuds hold a central position, regardless of the viewing angle, ensuring easy accessibility. The wedge of the case, 205, is a durable and corrosion-resistant metal hinge. This hinge design is pivotal, serving as a gateway to the earbuds while allowing effortless opening and closing of the case. Through the incorporation of durable materials, the hinge's durability is not only assured but also contributes significantly to the overall sturdiness of the case.

[0050] FIG. 3 showcases the magnetic connection between the EEG earbud and the associated earbud case during optimal function. The magnetic earbud case, 301, handles transmission, reception, and processing of information, which includes the EEG data, brain wave activity, battery status, and Bluetooth connectivity. The data originates from the integrated electrodes and data processing units within the EEG earbud system, and is magnetically transferred to the paired external device. This connection enables the internal unit of the earbud to convey messages, information, and alerts to the external device.

[0051] The magnetic earbud connection, 303, securely links the earbud to the case, enabling data exchange and maintaining earbud stability. This connection also facilitates efficient earbud charging via the case's battery storage. Data collated from the EEG earbud system encompasses diverse elements, such as individualized battery capacity for each earpiece, Bluetooth connectivity, signal robustness, EEG data signatures, analyzed brain activity, and an assortment of biometric markers. The information originating from the magnetic earbud case (301) subsequently finds accessibility, rendering it visible through external Human-Machine Interface (HMI) software. This visibility extends across platforms, including mobile devices and personal computers.

[0052] FIG. 4 portrays a flow chart illustrating a sequence of how the earbud and the case work to capture, process, and transmit EEG data so that it can be displayed. Initially, the EEG earbuds must be securely placed inside of the case, 401, to initiate the pairing procedure and ensure that the earbuds are safely stored when not in use. After the earbuds have been placed, the magnetic mechanism secures the earbuds, 403, protecting the earbuds from damage during transportation or storage. To prepare the system for data capture and processing, the user will proceed to pair the case with an external device, 405, establishing a wireless connection between the EEG earbuds and the external device.

[0053] Next, the user must place the earbuds in their ears in order to start the process of capturing EEG data, 407, the user can wear the earbuds to initiate the capture of data from the wearer's brain. After the earbuds are in the user's ears, the collected EEG data can be converted and processed into EEG signals, 409, which this data will later transmit wirelessly from the EEG earbuds to the paired external device, 411, allowing real-time monitoring and analysis of the user's brainwave activity. The transmitted EEG data is then simultaneously stored in the case for future reference and analysis, 413, and displayed and visualized on external software running on the paired device, 415 in real-time. After this process, the remaining battery level is indicated on the earbud case for the user to view, 417, which permits the user to monitor the remaining battery life of the case and ensures it is charged for future use.