The In-the-Ear Recording Concept: User-Centered and Wearable Brain Monitoring

Looney, David; Kidmose, Preben; Park, Cheolsoo; Ungstrup, M.; Rank, Mike Lind; Rosenkranz, Karin; Mandic, Danilo P.

doi:10.1109/mpul.2012.2216717

Cited by 219 publications

(185 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…For example, to design so-called neuro-steered hearing prostheses [5], [6], a small EEG module can be integrated into a hearing prosthesis for in-the-ear [7] or around-theear [8] EEG recordings, and even the implanted electrodes of a cochlear implant can be used to record EEG [9]. Such small EEG modules are discreet, albeit limited in number of channels and spatial coverage.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Removal of eye blink artifacts in wireless EEG sensor networks using reduced-bandwidth canonical correlation analysis

Somers

Bertrand

2016

J. Neural Eng.

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Removal of eye blink artifacts in wireless EEG sensor networks using reduced-bandwidth canonical correlation analysisJournal of Neural Engineering, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 066008, 2016. Archived versionAuthor manuscript: the content is identical to the content of the published paper, but without the final typesetting by the publisher Abstract-Objective: Chronic, 24/7 EEG monitoring requires the use of highly miniaturized EEG modules, which only measure a few EEG channels over a small area. For improved spatial coverage, a wireless EEG sensor network (WESN) can be deployed, consisting of multiple EEG modules, which interact through short-distance wireless communication. In this paper, we aim to remove eye blink artifacts in each EEG channel of a WESN by optimally exploiting the correlation between EEG signals from different modules, under stringent communication bandwidth constraints. Approach: We apply a distributed canonical correlation analysis (CCA-)based algorithm, in which each module only transmits an optimal linear combination of its local EEG channels to the other modules. The method is validated on both synthetic and real EEG data sets, with emulated wireless transmissions. Main Results: While strongly reducing the amount of data that is shared between nodes, we demonstrate that the algorithm achieves the same eye blink artifact removal performance as the equivalent centralized CCA algorithm, which is at least as good as other state-of-the-art multi-channel algorithms that require a transmission of all channels. Significance: Due to their potential for extreme miniaturization, WESNs are viewed as an enabling technology for chronic EEG monitoring. However, multi-channel analysis is hampered in WESNs due to the high energy cost for wireless communication. This paper shows that multi-channel eye blink artifact removal is possible with a significantly reduced wireless communication between EEG modules.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Removal of eye blink artifacts in wireless EEG sensor networks using reduced-bandwidth canonical correlation analysis

Somers

Bertrand

2016

J. Neural Eng.

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“…In this paper, we explore the surfaces of the outer ear (the auricle) and adjacent regions (the mastoid) as mounting locations for a type of ultrathin, foldable neural electrode platform that is capable of longterm, high-fidelity EEG recording of signals commonly used in BCI. The combined area of the auricle and mastoid represents a uniquely attractive location due to its electrical isolation from other regions of the scalp and the established use of the auricle as an effective point for reference/ground measurement electrodes (23,24). Mounting an electrode directly on the complex topography of the auricle presents daunting engineering challenges in integration but ones that can be overcome through the use of materials and design strategies reported here.…”

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confidence: 99%

Soft, curved electrode systems capable of integration on the auricle as a persistent brain–computer interface

Norton

Lee

et al. 2015

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

325

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Recent advances in electrodes for noninvasive recording of electroencephalograms expand opportunities collecting such data for diagnosis of neurological disorders and brain-computer interfaces. Existing technologies, however, cannot be used effectively in continuous, uninterrupted modes for more than a few days due to irritation and irreversible degradation in the electrical and mechanical properties of the skin interface. Here we introduce a soft, foldable collection of electrodes in open, fractal mesh geometries that can mount directly and chronically on the complex surface topology of the auricle and the mastoid, to provide highfidelity and long-term capture of electroencephalograms in ways that avoid any significant thermal, electrical, or mechanical loading of the skin. Experimental and computational studies establish the fundamental aspects of the bending and stretching mechanics that enable this type of intimate integration on the highly irregular and textured surfaces of the auricle. Cell level tests and thermal imaging studies establish the biocompatibility and wearability of such systems, with examples of high-quality measurements over periods of 2 wk with devices that remain mounted throughout daily activities including vigorous exercise, swimming, sleeping, and bathing. Demonstrations include a text speller with a steadystate visually evoked potential-based brain-computer interface and elicitation of an event-related potential (P300 wave).or more than 80 y, electroencephalography (EEG) has provided an effective noninvasive means to study human brain activity (1). EEG is instrumental in a wide range of clinical and research applications, from diagnosing epilepsy (2) to improving our understanding of language comprehension (3) and the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCI) (4). Conventional EEG recording systems, particularly the physical interface between the sensor (commonly known as an electrode) and the head, have limitations that constrain the more widespread use of EEG monitoring. Electrodes typically consist of rigid metal disks mechanically secured to the head with a mesh cap and chin strap, where electrolyte gels (5) enable efficient electrical coupling by reducing the impedance at the skin interface. This arrangement causes skin irritation (erythema) and leads to electrical degradation for periods of use that extend more than a few hours, typically caused by drying of the electrolyte gel (6). Recent technologies replace the gel (7, 8) with needles (8, 9), contact probes (10, 11), capacitive disks (12, 13), conductive composites (14, 15), or nanowires (16). Such dry electrodes have some promise, but they require multistep preparations, obtrusive wiring interfaces, and/or cumbersome mechanical fixtures. These shortcomings limit the potential for long-term use in diagnosis of neurological disabilities (17, 18) or in persistent BCI (17,19). For example, although microneedle electrodes can record EEG signals for a few hours (20), the interface does not offer the robustness, comfort, or eas...

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“…Additionally, the ECG and electrooculogram (EOG) were recorded from an army helmet equipped with electrodes attached to straps [5], and the ECG between both ears from modified earphones [6]. Another ear-based recording technique is in-the-ear EEG where an EEG is obtained from electrodes inside the ear canals [7].…”

Section: Department Of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Imperiamentioning

confidence: 99%

Smart helmet: Monitoring brain, cardiac and respiratory activity

Rosenberg

Chanwimalueang

Goverdovsky

et al. 2015

2015 37th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC)

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Abstract-Time of assessing the severity of the injuries following a road-traffic accident involving motorcyclists is absolutely crucial particularly in the events with head injuries. Standard apparatus for monitoring cardiac activity is usually attached to the limbs or the torso, while the brain function is routinely measured with a separate unit connected to the head-mounted sensors. In stark contrast to these, we propose an integrated system which incorporates the two functionalities inside an ordinary motorcycle helmet. We have mounted multiple fabric electrodes inside the helmet at positions featuring good contact with the skin at different sections of the head. We demonstrate that the R-peaks (and therefore the heart rate) can be reliably extracted from potentials measured with electrodes on the mastoids and the lower jaw, while the electrodes on the forehead enable the observation of neural signals. Thus, we conclude that various vital sings and brain activity can be readily recorded from the inside of a helmet in a comfortable and inconspicuous way, requiring only diminutive setup effort.

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The In-the-Ear Recording Concept: User-Centered and Wearable Brain Monitoring

Cited by 219 publications

References 8 publications

Removal of eye blink artifacts in wireless EEG sensor networks using reduced-bandwidth canonical correlation analysis

Removal of eye blink artifacts in wireless EEG sensor networks using reduced-bandwidth canonical correlation analysis

Soft, curved electrode systems capable of integration on the auricle as a persistent brain–computer interface

Smart helmet: Monitoring brain, cardiac and respiratory activity

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