U.S. patent application number 11/524160 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-12 for system and device for seizure detection.
This patent application is currently assigned to New York University. Invention is credited to Orrin DEVINSKY, Gabor ILLES, Ruben KUZNIECKY, Nandor LUDVIG, Geza MEDVECZKY.
Application Number | 20090281446 11/524160 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39284291 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090281446 |
Kind Code |
A2 |
LUDVIG; Nandor ; et
al. |
November 12, 2009 |
SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR SEIZURE DETECTION
Abstract
A device comprises a head mounting arrangement sized and shaped
to be worn on a user's head and a plurality of electrodes disposed
on the arrangement so that, when the arrangement is worn on the
user's head, the electrodes contact target portions of a scalp to
detect electrical activity of a brain of the user in combination
with an image capture device disposed on the arrangement so that,
when the arrangement is worn on the user's head, a field of view of
the image capture device includes a portion of an anatomy of the
user and a processing unit generating EEG data from the electrical
activity, wherein, when the EEG data is indicative of an epileptic
event, the processing unit activates the image capture device to
capture video data of the user and may store the EEG and/or the
video data with transmission of warning signals to one or more
remote displaying and/or computing arrangements.
Inventors: |
LUDVIG; Nandor; (Richmond
Hill, NY) ; MEDVECZKY; Geza; (Cortlandt Manor,
NY) ; KUZNIECKY; Ruben; (Englewood, NJ) ;
ILLES; Gabor; (Clifton, NJ) ; DEVINSKY; Orrin;
(Short Hills, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FAY KAPLUN & MARCIN, LLP
150 BROADWAY, SUITE 702
NEW YORK
NY
10038
UNITED STATES
212-619-6000
212-208-6819
info@FKMiplaw.com
|
Assignee: |
New York University
70 Washington Square South
New York
NY
10012
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20080082019 A1 |
April 3, 2008 |
|
|
Family ID: |
39284291 |
Appl. No.: |
11/524160 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/544 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/291 20210101;
A61B 5/369 20210101; A61B 5/30 20210101; A61B 5/6814 20130101; A61B
5/4094 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/544 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/04 20060101
A61B005/04 |
Claims
1. A device, comprising: a head mounting arrangement sized and
shaped to be worn on a user's head; a plurality of electrodes
disposed on the arrangement so that, when the arrangement is worn
on the user's head, the electrodes contact target portions of a
scalp to detect electrical activity of a brain of the user; an
image capture device disposed on the arrangement so that, when the
arrangement is worn on the user's head, a field of view of the
image capture device includes a portion of an anatomy of the user;
and a processing unit generating EEG data from the electrical
activity, wherein, when the EEG data is indicative of an epileptic
event, the processing unit activates the image capture device to
capture video data of the user.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement is one
of a headband and a cap.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the electrodes include
at least four electrodes disposed in a predetermined configuration
on the arrangement.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of the electrodes
is contained in an electrode unit, the electrode unit further
comprising an operational amplifier coupled directly to the
corresponding electrode.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the electrode unit
further comprises: an adhesive delivery arrangement securing the
electrode unit to the scalp; and a conductive paste delivery
arrangement applying a conductive paste to electrically couple the
electrode to the scalp.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the image capture
device is one of a video camera and a digital camera.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the field of view of
the image capture device includes one of trunk, hands and feet of
the user.
8. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a memory,
wherein the processing unit writes at least a portion of one of the
EEG data and the video data to the memory.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the memory is a
removable memory device.
10. The device according to claim 8, wherein the memory includes
reference data corresponding to EEG data obtained from one of the
subject and a group of subjects.
11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the processing unit
compares the EEG data to the reference data to determine if the
user is experiencing the epileptic event.
12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the epileptic event
is a seizure.
13. The device according to claim 11, wherein the epileptic event
is brain activity preceding a seizure.
14. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: an
indicator activated upon detection of the epileptic event.
15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the indicator is one
of a light-emitting diode and a speaker.
16. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a wireless
transceiver transmitting a warning signal upon detection of the
epileptic event to one of a remote display device and a remote
computing device.
17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the warning signal
includes at least one of (i) identification data identifying the
user, (ii) medical history data corresponding to a medical history
of the user, (iii) location data indicative of a location of the
user, (iv) the EEG data and (v) the video data.
18. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a
rechargeable battery supplying power to the processing unit, the
electrodes, the image capture device and the transceiver.
19. A system, comprising: an electrode unit attached to a scalp of
a subject, the electrode unit comprising: a plurality of electrodes
generating electrical signals corresponding to electrical activity
of a brain of the subject; a processing unit generating EEG data
from the electrical signals; and a wireless transmitter, an image
capture unit worn on a head of the subject, the image capture unit
comprising: an image capture device; and a wireless receiver,
wherein, when the EEG data is indicative of an epileptic event, the
processing unit transmits an activation signal to the image capture
unit via the wireless transmitter to activate the image capture
device to capture video data of the subject.
20. The system according to claim 17, wherein the electrode unit
further comprises: a rechargeable battery supplying power to the
processing unit, the electrodes and the wireless transmitter.
21. The system according to claim 17, wherein the processing unit
transmits a warning signal upon detection of the epileptic
event.
22. A system, comprising: a wireless computing device; and a head
wearable arrangement comprising: a plurality of electrodes disposed
on the arrangement so that, when the arrangement is worn on a head
in a desired orientation, the electrodes contact target portions of
a scalp of the subject to generate electrical signals corresponding
to electrical activity of a brain of the subject; an image capture
device disposed on the arrangement, the image capture device
capture video data of the subject; a wireless transceiver; and a
processing unit generating EEG data from the electrical signals,
wherein, when the EEG data is indicative of an epileptic event, the
processing unit downloads the EEG data and the video data to the
wireless computing device via the wireless transceiver.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Ambulatory epilepsy diagnosis and monitoring systems have
been developed to capture epileptic events in non-clinical settings
and alleviate the costs associated with long-term, in-patient
monitoring sessions conducted in hospitals. The ambulatory system
consists of a data acquisition arrangement that captures brain
waves of a subject and a video camera mounted on a tripod for
capturing video of the subject. The physician may then review the
brain waves and the video offline to analyze the subject's activity
and any epileptic events that may have occurred during a monitoring
period.
[0002] The conventional data acquisition arrangement tends to be
bulky and heavy, limiting the subject's range of movement and
inhibiting performance of daily tasks. That is, the subject may not
be able to cook, clean, do laundry or relax comfortably while
tethered to the data acquisition arrangement. Additionally, the
video camera is statically positioned and captures only a limited
viewing range. If the subject is outside of the viewing range or if
the video camera is otherwise non-functional (out of tape, battery
dead, etc.), the subject's activity and the epileptic event(s) will
not be captured. Thus, the conventional ambulatory systems severely
restrict the subject's activity and movement even in non-clinical
settings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a seizure detector headset
comprising a head mounting arrangement sized and shaped to be worn
on a user's head and a plurality of electrodes disposed on the
arrangement so that, when the arrangement is worn on the user's
head, the electrodes contact target portions of a scalp to detect
electrical activity of a brain of the user in combination with an
image capture device disposed on the arrangement so that, when the
arrangement is worn on the user's head, a field of view of the
image capture device includes a portion of an anatomy of the user
and a processing unit generating EEG data from the electrical
activity, wherein, when the EEG data is indicative of an epileptic
event, the processing unit activates the image capture device to
capture video data of the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wearable EEG
system according to the present invention.
[0005] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an architecture of a
wearable EEG arrangement according to the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 3a shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of an EEG electrode unit according to the present
invention.
[0007] FIG. 3b shows an underside view of an exemplary embodiment
of an EEG electrode unit according to the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of video data captured
by a wearable EEG arrangement according to the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 5 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a
wearable EEG system according to the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 6a shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an
EEG minidisc according to the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 6b shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an
EEG minidisc according to the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 6c shows a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of an
EEG minidisc according to the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6d shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of an EEG minidisc according to the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of an architecture of
an EEG minidisc according to the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of an architecture of a
video camera unit according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of a charger/data
reader system according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The present invention may be farther understood with
reference to the following description and the appended drawings,
wherein like elements are provided with the same reference
numerals. The present invention relates to a system and device for
seizure detection. The exemplary embodiments of the present
invention provide a seizure detector headset which comprises a
wearable electroencephalogram (EEG) system that monitors and
processes EEG signals of a subject to detect an epileptic event,
provide visual evidence of the epileptic event and alert caregivers
and/or medical/emergency personnel that the epileptic event is
occurring. Additionally, the EEG signals produced before, during
and after the epileptic event may be recorded and analyzed to
diagnose (or revise a diagnosis of) the subject and/or prescribe a
treatment protocol. The "epileptic event" as used herein refers to
any brain activity indicative of a seizure or seizure-related
symptom, any brain activity indicative of the onset of a seizure
and/or any brain activity indicating that a seizure is likely to
occur in the near future (i.e., within a predetermined time
period). The predetermined time period is preferably measured in
minutes.
[0018] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wearable EEG
system 5 according to the present invention. The system 5 may be
embodied as a seizure detector headset which comprises a wearable
EEG arrangement 10 communicatively linked to a computing device 15.
The wearable EEG arrangement 10 includes a headband 20 (or cap)
that is sized and shaped to be mounted/worn on the head (or scalp)
as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the headband 20 is adjustable
(e.g., mechanically, elastic, etc.) so that the wearable EEG
arrangement 10 may be used on multiple subjects and allow a
particular subject to rent/lease the wearable EEG system 5 for
diagnostic intervals. However, those of skill in the art will
understand that the headband 20 may be fitted to the particular
subject when, for example, the subject is required by a physician
to utilize the system 5 at all tires.
[0019] A plurality of EEG electrodes 25 may be affixed to
predetermined locations on the headband 20 so that when the
headband 20 is worn, the EEG electrodes 25 are disposed in
corresponding locations on the scalp. In a preferred embodiment,
the headband 20 includes eight EEG electrodes 25 and two reference
electrodes 28 which are attached to, for example, the ears. One
exemplary electrode configuration comprises FP1, F7, C3 and P7
active electrodes on the left hemisphere and FP2, F8, C4 and P8
active electrodes on the right hemisphere. Of course, any other
electrode configuration can readily be arranged. When the headband
20 is worn, the EEG electrodes 25 come in contact with the scalp to
detect neurophysiological activity by measuring an intensity and
pattern of electrical signals generated by the brain. Spontaneous
oscillations in the electrical signals are typically referred to as
brain waves or EEG. The EEG is a record derived from the
spontaneously oscillating electrical signals and other electrical
activity (e.g., "noise" or electrical activity of a non-cerebral
origin). As understood by those of skill in the art, the number and
configuration of the EEG electrodes 25 and the reference electrodes
28 may depend upon, for example, the subject's medical history, a
diagnostic task, etc.
[0020] The electrical signals detected by the EEG electrodes 25 and
the reference electrodes 28 may be output to a processing unit 30
for analysis. In the exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 30
is disposed on a cross-band of the headband 20 which runs
transversely over the scalp. However, those of skill in the art
will understand that the processing unit 30 may be disposed
anywhere on the headband 20. The processing unit 30 may amplify,
filter and/or digitize the electrical signals and determine whether
the electrical signals are indicative of a target brain activity
such as an epileptic event. When an epileptic event is detected,
the processing unit 30 may activate components of the system 5,
transmit a warning signal(s) to one or more remote computing
arrangements (e.g., the computing device 15, a server, etc.) and
save EEG data corresponding to the electrical signals on a storage
device (e.g., a removable memory card 32 coupled to the processing
unit 30, a remote database, etc.). Operation of the processing unit
30 will be explained further below.
[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, the headband 20 also includes
an image capture device (e.g., a video camera 35, a digital
camera). When the headband 20 is worn, the video camera 35 is
preferably focused downward so that an imaging field of the video
camera 35 includes of the subject's trunk, hands and feet. The
video camera 35 may be statically positioned on the headband 20 or
moveable and/or rotatable relative thereto. In addition, there may
be more than one video camera disposed on the headband 20. Because
the video camera 35 is disposed on the headband 20, it is
preferable that the video camera 35, as well as the other
components of the wearable EEG arrangement 10, are lightweight and
disposed in positions to balance any load imparted to the head.
[0022] The headband 20 may further include a radio frequency
transceiver 40 for conducting wireless communications, an indicator
(e.g., LEDs 45, speaker, etc.) for providing visual (or audible)
signals (e.g., indicating that an epileptic event has been
detected), and a battery 50 providing power to the components of
the wearable EEG arrangement 10. The transceiver 40 may allow the
processing unit 30 to, for example, exchange data, including the
EEG data, warning signals and instructions with the computing
device 15. The LEDs 45 may be activated upon detection of an
epileptic event. Upon noticing activation of the LEDs 45, a nurse,
physician or the subject may administer anti-epileptic medication
to prevent the occurrence of the epileptic event or reduce the
severity thereof. The battery 50 may be a rechargeable battery
(e.g., Li ion) or single-use/alkaline which has, for example, a
voltage of 3.6V and provides a current of 1000 mA.
[0023] As noted above, the system 5 may also include the computing
device 15 which is communicatively linked to the wearable EEG
arrangement 10. The computing device 15 may be any processor-based
device including, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a PDA, a
laptop, a tablet computer, a handheld computer, a PC or any of a
number of computers accessed via a network such as the Internet, a
WLAN, etc. In other exemplary embodiments, the computing device 15
may simply be a display arrangement such as, for example an LCD
display screen or CRT. As will be explained further below, the
computing device 15 may be used to monitor EEG data, receive
warning signals when an epileptic event is detected, activate the
wearable EEG arrangement 10, etc. The computing device 15 may be
further utilized to review the EEG data obtained by from the EEG
electrodes 25 and video data captured by the video camera 35 to
diagnose the subject, update a previous diagnosis of the subject,
prescribe/update a treatment protocol, etc.
[0024] In an exemplary use of the system 5, the wearable EEG
arrangement 10 is placed on the head. The reference electrodes 28
are attached to the ears and the EEG electrodes 25 are placed in
contact with the scalp. FIGS. 3a-b show an exemplary embodiment of
an EEG electrode unit 300 which includes one of the EEG electrodes
25 and facilitates attachment of the EEG electrode 25 to the scalp,
ensuring that substantially noise- and artifact-free EEG electrical
signals are harvested. Each of the EEG electrodes 25 utilized by
the wearable EEG arrangement 10 may be included in a respective EEG
electrode unit 300. Thus, a plurality of EEG electrode units 300
may be disposed on the headband 20.
[0025] The EEG electrode unit 300 comprises a housing 305 which
holds the EEG electrode 25 and an operational amplifier 310 coupled
thereto. An output of the operational amplifier 310 is coupled to a
cable 315 which leads to the processing unit 30. In the exemplary
embodiment, the housing 305 may be substantially cylindrical with
an open bottom portion and a threaded upper portion. The EEG
electrode 25 may fit within the open bottom portion so that a
detecting face of the EEG electrode 25 contacts the skin when the
headband 20 is worn. A threaded plug 320 mates with the threaded
upper portion of the housing 305. As shown in FIG. 3a, rotation of
the plug 320 expunges adhesive from one or more channels 325 formed
within the housing 305 so that the adhesive exits the channels 325
seeping between the bottom portion of the housing 305 and the skin
to form a temporary bond therebetween. Additionally, as the plug
320 is rotated, conductive paste may be expunged from a central
channel 330, seeping between the EEG electrode 25 and the skin to
form an electrically conductive bond therebetween. A visual
indicator (e.g., green-to-red color change) on the plug 320 may
indicate that all of the adhesive and/or conductive paste has been
expunged from the EEG electrode unit 300.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 3a, an upper portion of the central channel
330 has threads (or other connectors) mating with threads on a
central member formed on an underside of the plug 320. An O-ring
335 disposed circumferentially around the central member prevents
backflow of the conductive paste while stoppers 340 in the channels
325 prevent back flow of the adhesive. Between uses the EEG
electrode units 300 may be disposable or reloaded with the adhesive
and the conductive paste.
[0027] Those of skill in the art will understand that variations
may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the EEG electrode units
300 described above without departing from their overall purpose.
For example, the plug 320 may utilize a plunging action
(syringe-like) to expunge the adhesive and paste. Also, the EEG
electrode units 300 may not include the adhesive and/or paste,
which may be applied by a nurse or physician. In addition, the
operational amplifier 310 may be included as part of the processing
unit 30 or otherwise separated from the housing 305. Alternatively,
the signals from the EEG electrode units 300 may be transmitted
wirelessly to the processing unit as would be understood by those
of skill in the art.
[0028] Referring back to the exemplary use of the system 5, the
headband 20 is placed on the scalp and the EEG electrodes 25 are
aligned in their proper positions on the scalp. For example, the
headband 20 may have a marker (e.g., center of the forehead) which
allows the subject to align the EEG electrodes 25 in their proper
positions. After the EEG electrodes 25 have been properly aligned,
the plugs 320 of the EEG electrode units 300 are rotated to apply
the adhesive and the conductive paste to the scalp fixing the EEG
electrode units 300 to the target locations and electrically
coupling the EEG electrodes 25 to the scalp.
[0029] When the EEG electrodes 25 have been secured to the scalp,
the wearable EEG arrangement 10 may be powered. In one exemplary
embodiment, a switch is provided on the wearable arrangement EEG
arrangement 10 which activates the processing unit 30. In another
exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 30 may receive a wireless
activation signal from the computing device 15 via the transceiver
40. When the processing unit 30 is activated, the EEG electrodes
25, the video camera 35, and/or the LEDs 45 may be initialized. For
example, the processing unit 30 may harvest EEG data from the EEG
electrodes 25 and/or the video data from the video camera 35,
and/or flash the LEDs 45. Segments (e.g., 20 sec) of EEG data
and/or the video data may be transmitted to the computing device 15
for display thereon. If the processing unit 30 does not detect an
epileptic event, the computing device 15 transmits a monitoring
initiation signal to the processing unit 30 via the transceiver 40
instructing the processing unit 30 to being its monitoring and
response program.
[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, the monitoring and response
program utilized by the processing unit 30 is preferably a
vector-analysis-based application as described in Kovacs L, Ludvig
N., Devinsky O., Kuzniekcy R. I., "Vector-analysis:
Low-power-requiring software for real-time EEG seizure
recognition/prediction in hybrid neuroprosthetic devices,"
Epilepsia 46 (Suppl. 8) 317-318 (2005) and U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/224,661 entitled "Apparatus and Method for Monitoring
and Treatment of Brain Disorders," the entire disclosures of which
are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The processing unit
30 may monitor the EEG data provided by the EEG electrodes 25 to
detect for an epileptic event. Alternatively, any other EEG-seizure
recognition software may be employed. However, this may increase
the bulk of the system as the power required for other types of
software may be greater.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an architecture 200
of the wearable EEG arrangement 10 according to the present
invention. The EEG electrode units 300 and the reference electrodes
28 are electrically coupled to inputs of the processing unit 30. In
this manner, the brain waves are detected and converted into
electrical signals by the EEG electrodes 25. The electrical signals
detected by each EEG electrode 25 are passed through a
corresponding operational amplifier 310 in the EEG electrode unit
300 to reduce and/or eliminate movement artifacts from the
electrical signals. The operational amplifier 310 may be directly
coupled to the EEG electrode 25. The artifact-free electrical
signals are then output to the processing unit 30.
[0032] The exemplary processing unit 30 comprises an analog section
205 which receives electrical signals from the EEG electrode units
300 and a digital section 210 which digitizes and analyzes output
from the analog section 205 to detect epileptic events. As shown in
FIG. 2, the analog section 205 may include a series of amplifiers
215 (e.g., differential amplifiers) and filters (e.g., band-pass
and notch filters 220) for amplifying and filtering the electrical
signals from the EEG electrode units 300. The analog section 205
may output segments of the electrical signals which are useful in
the analysis of epileptic events. The band-pass filters may be
preset to a band-pass of 0.5-35 Hz for indicating an ongoing
seizure, or to a band-pass of 0.5-200 Hz to indicate both an
ongoing seizure and the imminent development of a seizure.
[0033] The output of the analog section 205 is passed to the
digital section 210 and, in particular, a microprocessor 225 with
an analog-to-digital (ADC) converter to digitize the segments of
the electrical signals and generate digital EEG data. The digital
section 210 may further include a real time clock 230 for
time-stamping the EEG data and a field-programmable gate array
(FPGA) 235 for controlling and obtaining video data from the video
camera 35 and writing the EEG data and/or the video data to the
memory card 32. In the exemplary embodiment, the memory card 32 may
be a 512 MB high-speed Secure Digital (SD) memory card, but those
of skill in the art will understand that other removable memory
arrangements may be used with the wearable memory arrangement 10,
e.g., a CF card, a PCMCIA card, a memory stick, a USB device, a MMC
card, an xD-picture card, a smartmedia card, etc. Those of skill in
the art will understand that a non-removable may also be
utilized.
[0034] The digital section 210 may further include a memory (not
shown) storing reference data corresponding to EEG data indicative
of epileptic events. The reference data may include previous EEG
data recorded from the subject or from a group of subjects during
one or more epileptic events. Alternatively, the reference data may
be a function or other representation which has been constructed
based on such EEG data. Alternatively, the memory card 32 may store
the reference data tailored for use by a particular subject. In a
further embodiment, the computing device 15 may store or have
access to the reference data. In this embodiment, the computing
device 15, rather than the processing unit 30, may detect the
occurrence of epileptic events.
[0035] In the exemplary embodiment, the microprocessor 225 analyzes
the EEG data to detect epileptic events. That is, the EEG data is
compared to the reference data to determine whether the subject is
experiencing an epileptic event. If the EEG data is not indicative
of an epileptic event, the EEG data may be discarded after a
predetermined time. For example, a delay may be used so that the
EEG data recorded previous to an epileptic event may be reviewed.
Alternatively, all (or selected portions) of the EEG data may be
stored on the memory card 32 and/or transmitted to the computing
device 15 for long-term analysis.
[0036] When the EEG data is indicative of an epileptic event, the
processing unit 30 may write the EEG data to the memory card 32 for
a predetermined duration (e.g., about 10-30 seconds).
Alternatively, the predetermined duration may be selected to
correspond to a duration of the epileptic event, i.e., the
predetermined time equals the time during which the BEG data is
indicative of an ongoing epileptic event. In another exemplary
embodiment, the processing unit 30 may continue to write EEG data
to the memory card 32 for a predetermined time after cessation of
the epileptic event. In this embodiment, anti-epileptic drugs or
other seizure treatments may be evaluated for their ability to
quell the seizure and/or return the subject to a normal EEG. In
other exemplary embodiments, the EEG data may be downloaded (e.g.,
batch, streamed) to the computing device 15 when the processing
unit 30 detects the epileptic event or onset thereof. Thus, a
nurse, physician or other caregiver may monitor the EEG data to
determine the severity of epileptic events, a proper treatment,
etc.
[0037] Upon detecting an epileptic event, the processing unit 30
preferably also activates the video camera 35. As shown in FIG. 4,
the video camera 35 captures video data during the epileptic event.
The processing unit 30 may then write the video data to the memory
card 32 or download this data to the computing device 15. The video
camera 35 is preferably activated for so long as the EEG data is
recorded. Thus, video of the epileptic event may be analyzed in
conjunction with the EEG data that was exhibited during the
epileptic event. Those skilled in the art will understand that, if
memory capacity is sufficient, the video and EEG data may be
continuously recorded for later analysis with portions indicative
of ongoing to imminent seizure activity flagged.
[0038] When an epileptic event has been detected, the processing
unit 30 may also transmit a warning signal and/or activate the LEDs
45. The warning signal may be a wireless signal transmitted to the
computing device 15. Alternatively, the warning signal may be a
broadcast signal so that any wireless computing device in range of
the transceiver 40 may detect and respond to the warning signal.
The warning signal may include data which, for example, identifies
the subject (e.g., name, age, etc.), includes medical history data
(e.g., diagnosis, treatments, severity, etc.), identifies a
location of the subject, etc.
[0039] After the EEG data and the video data have been written to
the memory card 32, the memory card 32 may be removed from the
wearable EEG arrangement 10 and coupled to the computing device 15.
The EEG data and the video data may then be stored in a database
and/or analyzed to determined/update a diagnosis of the subject,
prescribe a treatment protocol, etc. Of course, as described above,
this data may be transmitted wirelessly to the computing device 15
or via a cabled connection without removing the memory card 32.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows another exemplary embodiment of a wearable EEG
system 500 according to the present invention. The wearable EEG
system 500 includes a wearable EEG arrangement (e.g., an EEG
minidisc 505) and an image capture device (e.g., a video camera
unit 510). In this exemplary embodiment, the wearable EEG system
500 preferably includes only a single EEG minidisc 505 which
performs EEG data acquisition, data analysis and signaling
functions while the video camera unit 510 is a separately wearable
device which includes a video camera 512 and a transceiver 514 for
wirelessly communicating with the EEG minidisc 505. However, those
of skill in the art will understand that the number of EEG
minidiscs 505 may vary as desired/prescribed, and that the EEG
minidisc 505 may be physically coupled to the video camera 510, in
which case the video camera 510 may not require the transceiver
514.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 6a-d, an EEG minidisc 505 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a housing
515 with two EEG electrodes 520 disposed on a bottom surface
thereof. A channel 525 extending through the housing 515 from a top
surface to the bottom surface allows the conductive paste to be
applied to a bottom surface of the EEG electrodes 520. The adhesive
for securing the EEG minidisc 505 to the scalp may also be applied
through the channel 525, through other channels or directly to the
scalp and/or to the bottom surface of the housing 515.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 6d, a processing unit 530 included in the
housing 515 of the BEG minidisc 505 may include one or more
amplifiers and filters, in addition to a microprocessor. The
processing unit 530 may perform functions similar to those
performed by the processing unit 30 described above. That is, the
electrical signals obtained by the EEG electrodes 520 may be
amplified, filtered (e.g., digital post-filtering) and digitized to
generate the digital EEG data, and the EEG data may be analyzed by
the microprocessor to detect the occurrence of an epileptic event
or the imminent onset thereof, at which time the EEG minidisc 505
may activate the video camera 512. The processing unit 530 may also
transfer the EEG data to a memory on the EEG minidisc 505 and/or
transmit the EEG data as a wireless signal (e.g., optical, RF) to a
remote computing device.
[0043] The EEG minidisc 505 may further include a battery 535, a
battery charging circuit 540, an optical transceiver 545 and an RF
transceiver 550. The battery charging circuit 540 may be, for
example, a magnetic coupling circuit which may be coupled to a
charger/data reader to be charged and exchange data with a
computing device, as will be described further below. The optical
transceiver 545 may be used to exchange data with the computing
device, and the RF transceiver 550 may transmit signals to the
receiver 514 on the video camera unit 510. The EEG minidisc 505 may
further include an indicator (e.g., LED, speaker, etc.) which is
activated upon detection of an occurring or imminent epileptic
event.
[0044] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of an architecture of
the EEG minidisc 505 according to the present invention. The EEG
electrodes 520 are coupled to the housing 515 and pass, to the
processing unit 530, electrical signals corresponding to detected
brain waves. Within the processing unit 530, the electrical signals
are amplified by an amplifier 705 (e.g., an instrumentation
amplifier), filtered by a filter 710 (e.g., a band-pass and notch
filter) and digitized and processed by a microprocessor 715 (e.g.,
a low-power micro with a 12 bit ADC) to generate digital EEG data.
The microprocessor 715 may then compare the EEG data to reference
data stored in a memory 720 (e.g., a non-volatile memory) in the
EEG minidisc 505 to determine the occurrence or likelihood of
occurrence in the near future of an epileptic event or onset
thereof. When an epileptic event is detected, the microprocessor
715 may transmit an activation signal via the transceiver 550 to
the receiver 514 on the video camera unit 510, activating the video
camera 512. The transceiver 550 may also be used to transmit a
warning signal upon detection of the epileptic event. The EEG
minidisc 505 may also incorporate an optical transceiver 545 to
receive optical activation signals from an optical transmitter.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 8, a video camera unit 510 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention resides in a wearable
housing 805 which may be, for example, an earpiece, a headband, a
cap, etc. The housing 805 may include a microprocessor 810 for
activating the video camera 512 upon receipt of the activation
signal via the receiver 514. When the video camera 512 is
activated, the microprocessor 810 may write video data obtained by
the video camera 512 to a memory 815 (e.g., a removable,
non-volatile memory) and download the video data to a wireless
communication device (e.g., mobile phone, PDA, laptop, tablet,
handheld computer, network interface card, etc.) via a wireless
communication circuit (e.g., a cellular phone circuit 820).
Alternatively, upon seizure detection or prediction, the
microprocessor 810 may instruct the cellular phone circuit 820 to
transmit warning signals to a remote communication device, such as
the computing device 15. The video camera unit 510 may be powered
by a battery 825 which is recharged when coupled to a charging
device, as described below.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 9, a charger/data reader system 900
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may
include a computing device 905 (e.g., a laptop, PC, tablet, etc.)
coupled to a multiport charger and data reader (MCDR) 910. While
the MCDR 910 may be used for charging a plurality of EEG minidiscs
505 and/or video camera units 510 simultaneously, those of skill in
the art will understand that the MCDR 910 may only accommodate one
or a preselected number of EEG minidiscs 505 and/or video camera
units 510. In the exemplary embodiment, the MCDR 910 includes a
plurality of charging ports for receiving the EEG minidiscs 505.
When the EEG minidisc 505 is coupled to a charging port on the MCDR
910, the battery charging circuit 540 receives power from the MCDR
910 and charges the battery 535. When the video camera unit 510 is
coupled to a charging port on the MCDR 910, the battery 825 may
receive power from the MCDR 910.
[0047] When the EEG minidiscs 505 are coupled to the MCDR 910, the
EEG data and the video data may be downloaded from the memory 720
and/or the memory 815 for subsequent uploading to the computing
device 905. The MCDR 910 may further include an RF receiver 915 for
wirelessly downloading the EEG data and/or the video data from the
EEG minidisc 505 or the cellular phone circuit 820. In addition,
the MCDR 910 may also be equipped with an optical transmitter 920
for activating the EEG minidisc 505 via the optical transceiver 545
of the EEG minidisc. The computing device 905 may utilize EEG
processing algorithms and/or image processing algorithms to analyze
the epileptic events suffered by the subject.
[0048] The present invention has been described with the reference
to the above exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, various
modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments without
departing from the broadest spirit and scope of the present
invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification
and drawings, accordingly, should be regarded in an illustrative
rather than restrictive sense.
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