AU2012271910A1

AU2012271910A1 - Headwear mounted brain monitoring system

Info

Publication number: AU2012271910A1
Application number: AU2012271910A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Given Not
Original assignee: EDANSAFE Pty Ltd
Current assignee: EDANSAFE Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-12-21
Filing date: 2012-12-21
Publication date: 2014-07-10
Also published as: WO2014094036A1

Abstract

Abstract A brain monitoring system is mounted in a cap (2) havijng a head covering portion (1), a peak (3) and a sweatband (4). The sweatband (4) is provided with an array (5) of flexibly mounted, conductive, compressible sensors which transmit signals from separate zones of the wearer's forehead to a docking station (8) located beneath the peak (3) of the cap. Figure 2

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL Name of Applicant: CMTE Development Limited Address for Service is: SHELSTON IP 60 Margaret Street Telephone No: (02) 9777 1111 SYDNEY NSW 2000 Facsimile No. (02) 9241 4666 CCN: 3710000352 Attorney Code: SW Invention Title: Headwear mounted brain monitoring system The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: File: 71910AUP00 -2 Headwear Mounted Brain Monitoring System Field of the Invention [1000] This invention relates to a headwear mounted brain monitoring system and has been devised particularly though not solely for monitoring fatigue patterns in the brainwaves of operators of heavy machinery. Background of the Invention (0001] In our earlier international patent application, PCT/AU2008/000919, we described and claim a scalp potential measuring method and apparatus. The present invention has been made in order to provide a mechanism for conveniently implementing the scalp potential measuring method described in that specification by incorporating the sensors necessary to measure the brain waves of a user into an easy to wear cap or other headwear. [0002] Although the headwear is described throughout the specification as a cap, and typically relates to a so-called baseball cap having a round headpiece and a forwardly extending peak, it will be appreciated that the invention can be incorporated into any other form of headwear having a sweatband in contact with the forehead of the wearer in use. [0003] For example, in a mining situation where it is anticipated that the scalp potential measuring method could be utilized to detect the onset of fatigue in the operators of heavy machinery such as haul trucks, the driver of a haul truck may typically wear a baseball-type cap of the type referred to in this specification. In other applications, where the operator is required to wear a hardhat or some other form of protective headwear, the apparatus described and claimed in this application may also be incorporated into the sweatband of that headwear. Summary of the Invention [0004] Accordingly, the present invention provides a headwear mounted brain monitoring system including a cap or other headwear having a sweatband in contact -3 with the forehead of the wearer in use, an array of discrete sensors located at spaced intervals within the sweatband, and an array of discrete bands of conductive embroidery each extending transversely across the sweatband in a vertical orientation in use such that electrical impulses from discrete regions on the forehead of a wearer are transmitted through adjacent bands of conductive embroidery to the adjacent sensor without creating a cross connection from one sensor to another. [0005] Preferably, the headband includes an elongate tube, horizontally orientated in use, and encompassing the sensor array, the bands of conductive embroidery being embroidered on the face of the elongate tube contacting the forehead of the wearer. [0006] Preferably, a plurality of compressible pressure pads are located within the elongate tube, aligned with the sensors one to each, and wherein each pressure pad incorporates conductive thread arranged to transmit the electrical impulses from the adjacent bands of conductive embroidery to the adjacent sensor. [0007] Preferably, the conductive thread encircles each pressure pad. [0008] Alternatively, the conductive thread may be arranged to pass through each pressure pad. [0009] Preferably, the compressible pressure pads comprise elastically deformable foam pads. [0010] Preferably, the compressible pressure pads form part of a continuous array interconnected by thinner sections of elastically deformable foam. [0011] Preferably, a further layer of elastically deformable foam is provided between the sensor array and the front face of the sweatband away from the forehead of the user. [0012] In one form of the invention, the array of sensors in the sweatband is connected to a centrally disposed tail extending into a peak of the headwear in the -4 form of a cap arranged such that a detachable processor is able to be plugged into the tail in the peak, and electrically connected to each sensor. [0013] Preferably, the detachable processor is provided in the form of a signal processing card, which slots into a dock underneath the peak or brim of the cap. [0014] In one form of the invention, the peak of the cap is provided in at least three sections flexibly connected to one another, there being at least one central section with side sections on either side, arranged such that the sections can flex relative to one another in use allowing the sweatband to more closely conform to the shape of the forehead of the wearer. [0015] Preferably, the detachable processor is located in a dock beneath the central section of the peak of the cap. Brief Description of the Drawings [0016] Notwithstanding any other forms that may fall within its scope, one preferred form of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0017] Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a sensor array with attached tail for use in a cap mounted brain monitoring system according to the invention; [0018] Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view through a portion of the cap showing the sweatband within the encircled area; [0019] Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the sweatband shown within circle Ill of Fig. 2; [0020] Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the inner surface of the sweatband of a cap mounted brain monitoring system according to the invention, showing the vertical bands of conductive embroidery; -5 [0021] Fig. 5 is an exploded horizontal cross section through the sensor array and adjacent compressible foam portions of the sweatband; [0022] Fig. 6 is an assembled view of the sweatband components shown in Fig. 5; [0023] Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic frontal view of a cap with a flexible peak adapted to incorporate the brain monitoring system according to the invention; and [0024] Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic plan view of the cap shown in Fig. 7. Preferred Embodiments of the Invention [0025] In the preferred form of the invention, a cap mounted brain monitoring system will be described suitable to be incorporated into a cap of the so-called baseball cap style, but it will be appreciated that brain monitoring system can be mounted into any other headwear including but not limited to a hardhat, incorporating a sweatband in contact with the forehead of the wearer. [0026] As can be seen in Fig. 2, the head covering portion 1 of a baseball-type cap 2 having a forwardly extending peak or brim 3 is provided with a sweatband 4 adapted to sit against and come into intimate contact with the forehead of a wearer in use. [0027] The sweatband 4 incorporates a sensor array 5 which is shown in more detail in Fig. 1 and which typically incorporates a plurality of sensors 6 at spaced intervals within the sweatband. Each sensor is electrically connected through a tail 7 into a docking station shown diagrammatically at 8 located beneath the peak 3 of the baseball cap. [0028] Each sensor 6 is arranged to read brainwave signals in the form of electrical impulses from discrete areas of the forehead of the wearer in the manner described in our earlier international patent application, PCT/AU2008/000919, the contents of which are incorporated herein by way of cross reference.

-6 [0029] The difficulty in implementing the method of measuring brainwave activity and transmitting the impulses to a processor is overcome in the present invention by providing the sweatband in a specific configuration as will be described further below. [0030] Turning now to Fig. 3, which is an enlarged cross section through the sweatband 4, it is noted firstly that the sweatband is provided in the form of an elongate tube 9. The elongate tube 9 surrounds the sensor array 5 on which are mounted foam pads 10 and 11 as will be described further below. [0031] As can be seen in Figs. 5 and 6, a plurality of compressible pressure pads 10 are provided aligned with the sensors 6 one to each. The pressure pads 10 are typically formed in a continuous array interconnected by thinner sections 12 such that the array can be formed in a single piece from elastically deformable foam. [0032] In order to provide some substance to the sweatband and to provide a good surface for the material of the cap 1 to sit against, the forward portion of the sweatband also incorporates a further layer of elastically deformable foam 11 provided between the sensor array 5 and the front face of the sweatband away from the forehead of the user as can be clearly seen in Fig. 3. [0033] In order to conduct electrical impulses from the forehead of the wearer to each individual sensor 6 without cross connection or contamination from one area to the other, the inner surface 13 of the sweatband tube 9 is provided with an array of discrete bands 14 of conductive embroidery each extending transversely across the sweatband in a vertical orientation as can be seen in Fig. 4. In use, electrical impulses from discrete regions on the forehead of the wearer are transmitted through adjacent bands 14 of conductive embroidery to the adjacent sensor 6 without creating a cross connection from one sensor to another due to the fact that each band 14 of conductive embroidery is electrically separated from every other band. [0034] To complete the electrical connection between the bands of conductive embroidery 14 and the sensor 6, each pressure pad 10 is electrically conductive. In one form this is provided by conductive thread 15 which either encircles each pressure pad or in the alternative, can be arranged to pass through each pressure -7 pad between the inner surface 16 in contact with the bands of conductive embroidery 14 and the opposite surface 17 in contact with the adjacent sensor 6. [0035] In this manner, electrical impulses from discrete regions on the forehead of a wearer are transmitted firstly through the discrete bands of conductive embroidery 14 in the inner face 13 of the tubular sweatband 9 to the conductive surface 16 of each pressure pad 10 and then through the conductive thread on each pressure pad 10 to the surface 17 in contact with the sensor 6. [0036] It is a feature of the invention that due to the robust and flexible nature of each of the components, including the conductive embroidery bands 14 and the conductive threads 15, the entire cap is comfortable to wear and furthermore is readily able to be cleaned or washed as required. It is also a relatively inexpensive item to manufacture which enables frequent replacement of the cap without having to replace or refurbish expensive components. [0037] This is facilitated by keeping the detachable processor in the form of a signal processing card (not shown) separate from the sensor array and typically located in a docking station 8 in the tail 7 of the sensor array, located beneath the central section of the peak 3. [0038] This gives the advantages that the signal processing card (SP card) is charged in a separate unit. When the battery in the processor goes flat, the SP card is simply replaced, while the operator keeps using his own cap. [0039] The individual cap belongs to each operator whereas the SP cards are interchangeable between caps so that they can used, or allocated, to any operator. (0040] The cap itself, incorporating the sensor array, is washable and can be disposed once wear and tear begins to show on the fabric. Similarly, the electronics in the SP card are able to be recovered and recycled independently, as needed. [0041] In order to facilitate good contact between the inner surface 13 of the sweatband 4 and the forehead of the user, the peak 3 of the cap can be provided in multiple sections flexibly connected to one another. This enables the peak or brim to -8 flex which in turn enables the sweatband to more exactly conform to the forehead of the user. [0042] This is shown diagrammatically in Figs. 7 and 8 where the peak or brim 3 has a central section 18 flexibly connected to side sections 19 on either side. This enables the outer edges 20 of the peak to flex upwardly and downwardly as shown by arrows 21 which in turn enables the sweatband 4 (Fig. 8) to move inwardly and outwardly at the ends as shown by arrows 22. [0043] By allowing movement of the peak or brim in this manner, and consequent flexibility of the sweatband 4, the cap is more readily able to adapt to the exact forehead shape of the wearer which in turn enables intimate contact between the vertical embroidered bands 14 on the inner surface of the sweatband and the forehead of the user. This facilitates excellent conductivity between the discrete portions of the forehead of the user and the sensors 6.

Claims

1. A headwear mounted brain monitoring system including a headwear having a sweatband in contact with the forehead of the wearer in use, an array of discrete sensors located at spaced intervals within the sweatband, and an array of discrete bands of conductive embroidery each extending transversely across the sweatband in a vertical orientation in use such that electrical impulses from discrete regions on the forehead of a wearer are transmitted through adjacent bands of conductive embroidery to the adjacent sensor without creating a cross connection from one sensor to another.

2. A headwear mounted brain monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the headband includes an elongate tube, horizontally orientated in use, and encompassing the sensor array, the bands of conductive embroidery being embroidered on the face of the elongate tube contacting the forehead of the wearer.

3. A headwear mounted brain monitoring system as claimed in claim 2, wherein a plurality of conductive compressible pressure pads are located within the elongate tube, aligned with the sensors one to each.

4. A headwear mounted brain monitoring system as claimed in claim 3, wherein each pressure pad incorporates conductive thread arranged to transmit the electrical impulses from the adjacent bands of conductive embroidery to the adjacent sensor.

5. A headwear mounted brain monitoring system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the conductive thread encircles each pressure pad.

6. A headwear mounted brain monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the compressible pressure pads comprise elastically deformable foam pads. -10

7. A headwear mounted brain monitoring system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the compressible pressure pads form part of a continuous array interconnected by thinner sections of elastically deformable foam.

8. A headwear mounted brain monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the array of sensors in the sweatband is connected to a centrally disposed tail extending into a peak of the headwear in the form of a cap, and wherein a detachable processor is able to be plugged into the tail in the peak, and electrically connected to each sensor.

9. A headwear mounted brain monitoring system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the peak of the cap is provided in at least three sections flexibly connected to one another, there being at least one central section with side sections on either side, arranged such that the sections can flex relative to one another in use allowing the sweatband to more closely conform to the shape of the forehead of the wearer.

10. A headwear mounted brain monitoring system when constructed, arranged and operable substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings.