WO2019145851A1 - Device for stimulating the brain and capturing data - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for stimulating the brain and capturing data. A master and a slave of the device (1) each comprise a housing (5). At least in the master (21), a stored energy source (2), an electronic unit (3) and a communication unit (4) are accommodated. By means of at least two connection studs (6), which are provided on a rear side (12) of the housing (5) of the master (21) or of the slave (22), electrical contact to an electrode (8) is provided, which electrode is detachably fastened to the head (17) of a user behind his or her ears (14, 15).

Description

 Device for brain stimulation and data acquisition

The present invention relates to an apparatus for brain stimulation and data acquisition in humans.

 The company Modius, Inc., Pleasanton, California, offers on the website

(www.modiushealth.com) a device for stimulating the

Balance organ. For this purpose, the device is similar to a

Headphone is formed, placed behind the ears. The electrodes for the

Devices must be glued to a hair-free area behind each ear. The electrodes are connected to the device for stimulation via cables in order to apply the required stimulation to the electrodes.

 The object of the invention is a device for brain stimulation

(Stimulation of nerves in defined brain regions) and data acquisition to create, which ensures a simple and reliable application while providing a high level of comfort.

 The above object is achieved by a device for brain stimulation and data acquisition, comprising the features of claim 1.

 With regard to the term "user" is to be noted that in the context of the invention, in all embodiments, a person as a user of the device according to the invention is meant.

 The device for brain stimulation, in particular the stimulation of nerves and nerve areas in the brain, is characterized essentially by the fact that a first arrangement can be placed behind an ear of a user and a second arrangement can be placed behind another ear of the user , The first arrangement and the second arrangement essentially comprise one each

Stimulation module and an electrode, wherein in one embodiment, more than one electrode are provided. An operating unit is with the two

Stimulation modules wirelessly connected. The electrode may be formed, for example, as a gel electrode.

The device for brain stimulation, in particular the stimulation of nerves and nerve areas in the brain, is characterized essentially by the fact that a master and a slave are provided, both of a housing are surrounded. The master communicates with the slave. The communicative connection can be wireless or wired. An electrode is assigned in each case to the master and the slave, with which the master and the slave can each be placed behind an ear of a user. A control unit is wirelessly connected to the master to start certain pacing programs. The device of master and slave has the advantage that you can save some of the electronic components in the slave. The electrode of the master and slave can be designed, for example, as a gel electrode.

 In one embodiment, the master and the slave are arc-shaped in such a way that the master and the slave are adapted to a curvature of the respective ear. It is quite possible that the master and the slave including the gel electrode (gel adhesive electrode) can be made to measure. The master and slave assemblies with the gel electrode are nearly invisible in a preferred embodiment and may be behind each of the ears of the

User be placed. Since the attachment of the master and the slave does not burden a user (no restriction of freedom of movement), they can be worn throughout the day. The housings of the stimulation modules (master and slave) can be made watertight.

 In one embodiment, the master and the slave are wired together. This has the further advantage that you can save your own energy supply at the slave. The master and the slave, which are respectively mounted behind the left and the right ear, synchronize through the communicative connection the stimulation pulse delivered by them

(electrically and / or magnetically) accordingly. The master gets all further information and settings from the operating unit (smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, etc.). In one embodiment, the operating unit may also have a

Evaluate and display the data acquired with the master and the slave.

 According to a possible embodiment, the master and the slave may be provided with at least one means for magnetic field stimulation, which is housed in the housing of the master and the slave. The device for

Magnetic field stimulation can be a coil through which an alternating voltage flows. The housing possesses, in one of the device for Magnetic field stimulation assigned area, the property that the area for magnetic field lines is transparent.

 According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the master and the slave are attached to an elastic strap, so that in the position of use of the device the master and the slave are held behind the ears of the user. According to another embodiment of the invention, the master and the slave are communicatively connected to a cable. The master and slave are then attached one at a time to the user's ears with the gel electrode.

 [012] According to one possible embodiment of the invention for brain stimulation and data acquisition, several components are contained in one housing

Housed (electronic components). Preferred as building blocks, a

Energy storage, an electronic unit and a communication unit.

At least two connection buttons are on one back of the case

intended. Via the connection buttons, an electrically conductive connection to the electrode, for example a gel electrode, can be provided.

 [013] The energy store of an inductively rechargeable battery is preferred. This has the advantage that the waterproof housing does not have to be opened for changing the battery. The tightness with respect to water thus does not become negative

affected or damaged. The electronics unit can be designed at least for the stimulation of the brain of the user. It may also be possible that stimulation and data acquisition are possible simultaneously with the master and the slave. In this case, corresponding sensors are provided in the master and slave. In one embodiment, the communication unit for the wireless communication is realized with the operating unit, for example by means of Bluetooth technology.

 With regard to the term "stimulation", it should be noted that for the purposes of the invention the stimulation may comprise an electrostimulation, an electromagnetic stimulation or a heat / cold stimulation. A combination of the

The above stimulation is also conceivable.

With regard to the term "data acquisition", it is to be noted that for the purposes of the invention, the data acquisition comprises a body data measurement, such as the Heart rate variability (HRV), electroencephalography (EEG), respiratory rate, temperature, or sweat analysis. For welding analysis, a sensor from the Fraunhofer Institute with the sensor name "ELECSA" can be used. This sensor can be integrated according to the invention in the housing of the stimulation module, because the electronics together with the housing of the

Stimulation module is placed on site.

 [016] Brain stimulation can be used for various applications. However, all applications can be traced back to one fact: With brain stimulation, a reduction of addictive behavior is to be achieved. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms are alleviated or even completely removed. In the problem of obesity, it also leads to the activation of metabolism, which has a positive effect on the fat burning. Concerning the lack of concentration, the stimulation may be beneficial (positive) for the concentration.

 Hereinafter, the invention and its advantages will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

 FIG. 1 shows a top view of the front side or the internal structure of an embodiment of a master according to the invention, the device for brain stimulation and data acquisition;

 [019] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the back side of an embodiment of the master according to the invention from FIG. 1;

 [020] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the front side of a further embodiment of the master according to the invention;

 FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the front side of an embodiment of the slave according to the invention;

 [022] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the rear side of an embodiment of the master or slave according to the invention;

 Figure 6 is a plan view of a possible embodiment of the device of master and slave;

[024] FIG. 7 shows a top view of a possible further embodiment of the device comprising master and slave; Figure 8 is a side view of a user's head from the left side with an embodiment of a brain stimulation master placed behind the ear of a user;

 Figure 9 is a side view of a head from the right side with an embodiment of a slave placed behind the other ear for brain stimulation;

 Figure 10 is a left side view of a user's head with an embodiment of a brain stimulation master placed behind the user's ear;

 FIG. 11 shows a side view of a head from the right side with an embodiment of a slave placed behind the other ear for brain stimulation;

 FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of the device comprising master and slave in conjunction with an operating unit; and

 [030] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a master or slave according to the invention, which sits on an electrode.

 In the figures, identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalent elements of the invention. Further, for the sake of clarity, only

Reference numerals in the individual figures shown, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the inventive brain stimulation and data acquisition device and stimulation module of the present invention may be configured and are not to be construed as a limitation. The

Size ratios of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

 FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a front side 11 of an embodiment of a master 21 according to the invention. In this illustration, the master 21 is opened in order to clarify the internal structure of the master 21. In the master 21, which comprises a housing 5 which is closed on all sides, there is an energy store 2

provided according to a possible embodiment of an inductive Rechargeable battery can exist. Likewise, an electronic unit 3 is provided in the master 21, which performs the stimulation and optionally the data acquisition of the body areas or body locations, where the master 21 is arranged. In the master 21 and a communication unit 4 is installed, which is designed such that via the communication unit 4, a wireless

Communication with an operating unit 30 (see Figure 12) and / or a slave 22 (see Figure 8) is possible. The wireless communication with the operating unit 30 preferably takes place via Bluetooth.

 FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a rear side 12 of an embodiment of the master 21 according to the invention, for example according to FIG. 1. At least two connecting knobs 6 are provided on the back 12 of the housing 5 which is closed on all sides. By means of the connection buttons 6, an electrically conductive connection to an electrode 8 can be produced by the electronic unit 3 (see FIG. 1) in the master 21 (see also FIG. 13).

 FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a front side 11 of another

Embodiment of the Master 21 According to the Invention In this illustration, the master 21 is opened to illustrate the internal structure of the master 21. In the master 21, which includes a housing 5 closed on all sides, is a

Energy storage 2 is provided, which, according to a possible embodiment, may consist of an inductively chargeable battery. Likewise, an electronic unit 3 is provided in the master 21, the stimulation and possibly the

Performs data acquisition of the body regions or body locations, where the master 21 is arranged. In Master 21 is also a

Communication unit 4 built, which is designed such that on the

Communication unit 4 wireless communication with a control unit 30 (see Figure 12) is possible. The wireless communication preferably takes place via Bluetooth.

Likewise, as shown in FIG. 4, the master 21 can establish wireless communication via the communication unit 4 with the slave 22. In this case, the slave 22 also comprises an energy store 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a top view of a front side 11 of an embodiment of the slave 22 according to the invention is shown. In the embodiment shown here is in the slave 22, which is also an all-round closed housing 5 includes, a communication unit 4 installed. Since the master 21 and the slave 22 are not connected to each other via an electrical, wired line 24, an energy storage 2 is provided in the slave 22. The energy storage 2 provides for the connection buttons 6, the device 9

Magnetic field stimulation and / or the device 10 for vibration stimulation (see Figure 7) of the master 21 and the slave 22, the required electrical energy available.

 FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a rear side 12 of an embodiment of the master 21 or slaves 22 according to the invention. At least two connecting knobs 6 are provided on the back 12 of the housing 5 of the master 21 or slaves 22 closed on all sides. By means of the connection buttons 6 can be made by the electronic unit 3 (see Figure 1 and 3) in the master 21 or slave 22, an electrically conductive connection to an electrode 8 (see also Figure 6 and 7). If the master 21 and the slave 22, according to a possible embodiment of the invention, also comprise a device 9 for magnetic field stimulation, the housing 5 in the region 5B of the device 9 for

Magnetic field stimulation transparent to the magnetic field lines (not shown) may be formed.

 FIG. 6 shows another possible embodiment of the present invention. The master 21 and the slave 22 are connected to each other via an electrical line 24. According to a possible embodiment, the electrical line 24 may be unrolled from the master 21, thereby allowing the slave 22 to be placed behind the other ear 15. When not using Master 21 and Slave 22 is thus a safe and damage-free

Storage of the electrical line 24 given. The electrical line 24 is guided in accordance with the head 17 of the user. As already mentioned above, the master 21 and the slave 22 can then simply be connected to an electrode 8

(Adhesive electrode) behind the ears 14, 15 are attached. In housing 5 of the master 21 and the slave 22, the connection buttons 6 and the device 9 are installed for magnetic field stimulation. Through the connection of master 21 and slave 22 with the electrical line 24, one can dispense in slave 22 at least on the electronics. This saves about 50% of the hardware costs. The data analysis is possible, whereby the movement and training data (intensity, duration of the Application, etc.) are of the greatest interest.

 FIG. 7 shows yet another possible embodiment of the present invention, in which the master 21 and the slave 22 are also connected to one another via an electrical line 24. The embodiment shown here differs in that in addition to the connection buttons 6 and the device 9 for magnetic field stimulation, a device 10 for vibration stimulation is also installed in the master 21 and in the slave 22.

 Figure 8 shows a side view of a head 17 of a user from the right side and Figure 9 shows a side view of the head 17 from the left side. For the stimulation of the brain 16, the master 21 is placed behind an ear 14 and the slave 22 behind the other ear 15 of the head 17. The master 21 and the slave 22 are connected to each other via an elastic strap 20 (analogous to a headphone). It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the master 21 and the slave 22 can be placed individually, that is, without an elastic strap 20, behind the respective ears. The bracket 20 supports the holder of the master 21 and the slave 22 behind the ears 14, 15. Master 21 and slave 22 are each additionally attached to the head 17 with electrodes 8. About the bracket 20, an electrical line 24 is guided in the embodiment shown here, which connects the master 21 to the slave. The electrodes 8 for the master 21 and the slave 22 are respectively glued to the head 17 behind the two ears 14, 15.

 Figure 10 shows a side view of a head 17 of a user from the right side and Figure 11 shows a side view of the head 17 from the left side. For the stimulation of the brain 16, the master 21 and the other ear 15 of the head 17 of the slave 22 is placed behind an ear 14. The master 21 and the slave 22 are connected to each other via an elastic strap 20 (analogous to a headphone). The bracket 20 supports the holder of the master 21 and the slave 22 behind the ears 14, 15. Master 21 and slave 22 are each additionally attached to the head 17 with electrodes 8. About the bracket 20, the electrical line 24 is guided in the embodiment shown here, which connects the master 21 with the slave 22.

Figure 12 shows a schematic view of the device 1 from the master 21 and the slave 22 and a control unit 30. As in the description of the Figures 8 to 11 mentioned, the master 21 and the slave 22 behind the ears 14, 15 can be arranged. The master 21 and the slave 22 communicate with each other wirelessly or by wire with the operating unit 30. Thus, a wireless network 40 from the master 21 and the slave 22 and the control unit 30 is realized. The master 21 provides data (motion and training data (intensity, duration of the application, etc.)) to the operating unit 30 in which a data analysis is performed. The master 21 collects the data from the slave 22.

 In the schematic illustration shown in FIG

Embodiment of the master 21 or slaves 22 according to the invention shown. Both can be connected via the housing 5 to the electrode 8. The

 Electrode 8 may be formed for example in the form of a gel electrode. For the attachment of masters 21 or slave 22, first the electrode 8 can be connected to the housing 5. Subsequently, the masters 21 and the slave 22 are releasably fixed behind the respective ears 14, 15 via the electrode 8.

[043] The application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 device

 2 energy storage

3 electronics unit

 4 communication unit

 5 housing

 6 connection button

 8 electrode, gel electrode

9 Device for magnetic field stimulation

10 Vibration stimulation device

11 front side

 12 back side

 14 ear

15 different ear

 16 brain

 17 head

 20 elastic strap

 21 master

22 slave

 24 electrical line

 30 operating unit

 40 network

Claims

claims 1. Device (1) for brain stimulation and data acquisition characterized by:  a master (21) surrounded by a housing (5);  a slave (22) surrounded by a housing (5), the master (21) is communicatively connected to the slave (22),  an electrode (8), with each of the master (21) and the slave (22) is provided, with the master (21) and the slave (22) behind each one ear (14) of a User are placeable;  and  an operation unit (30) wirelessly connected to the master (21). 2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the electrode (8) is a gel electrode. 3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the master (21) and the slave (22) are arc-shaped, so that the master (21) and the slave (22) to the respective ear (14, 15 ) are adjusted. 4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the master (21) and the slave (22) are wirelessly or wired connected to each other. 5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the master (21) and the slave (22) each comprise a device for magnetic field stimulation (9) in the housing (5) of the master (21) and the slave (22 )  are housed. 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the housing (5) in a region (5B) which is associated with the device (9) for magnetic field stimulation, for  Magnetic field lines is transparent. 7. The device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the master (21) and the slave (22) each comprise a device (10) for vibration stimulation, which in Housing (5) of the master (21) and the slave (22) are housed. 8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the master (21) and the slave (22) are attached to an elastic strap (20), such that in the position of use of the device, the master (21) and the slave (22) are held behind the ears (14, 15). 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the housing (5) of the master (21) an energy storage (2), an electronic unit (3) and a communication unit (4) are housed and wherein in the housing (5) of the slave (22 ) a communication unit (4) and an energy store (2) is provided when the master (21) and the slave (22) communicate wirelessly with each other. 10. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1-8, wherein in  Housing (5) of the master (21) an energy storage (2), an electronic unit (3) and a communication unit (4) are housed and wherein the housing (5) of the slave (22) at least the connection buttons, the device (9) Magnetic field stimulation or the device (10) for vibration stimulation comprises when the master (21) and the slave (22) are connected to each other with an electrical line (24). 11. Device according to one of the preceding claims 8 - 10, wherein the  Energy storage (2) is an inductively rechargeable battery. 12. Stimulation module (10) according to claim 5, wherein the energy store (2) is an inductively chargeable battery. 13. Stimulation module (10) according to one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the  Electronic unit (3) at least for the stimulation of the brain (16) of the  User is trained. 14. Stimulation module (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the  Communication unit (4) for a wireless communication with a further stimulation module (10) and an operating unit (30) is formed.