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KR-20260064003-A - 4-Channel EEG Hardware Design and Depression Diagnosis System

KR20260064003AKR 20260064003 AKR20260064003 AKR 20260064003AKR-20260064003-A

Abstract

This invention is a system for diagnosing depression based on EEG data using alpha wave asymmetry and P300 signal analysis. It enables the early detection of mental health issues and provides highly reliable diagnostic results in a non-invasive manner. This supports patients with depression in receiving appropriate early intervention, while allowing users to continuously monitor their mental health and connect with professionals when necessary. This invention can significantly improve the efficiency of depression diagnosis and contribute to the improvement of quality of life by increasing accessibility to mental health care.

Inventors

  • 이창동

Assignees

  • 이창동

Dates

Publication Date
20260507
Application Date
20241031

Claims (7)

  1. Electrode part composed of a plurality of Pogo pin shapes; An amplification unit that amplifies brain waves collected through the above electrode unit and converts them into digital signals; A communication unit that transmits digitally converted brainwave signals to an analysis device via wired/wireless communication; A depression diagnosis system composed of an analysis device comprising an alpha imbalance measurement module that analyzes frontal lobe alpha wave asymmetry and a P300 signal analysis module that evaluates P300 signals.
  2. In Article 1, The above alpha imbalance measurement module is A depression diagnosis system characterized by analyzing alpha wave asymmetry by calculating an alpha imbalance index using the spectral power density of frontal lobe alpha waves.
  3. In Article 1, The above depression diagnosis system is, A depression diagnosis system characterized by evaluating the degree of depression based on the above-mentioned alpha imbalance index and P300 signal analysis results, and providing a diagnosis result using a machine learning algorithm.
  4. In Article 1, The depression diagnosis system using the above 4-channel EEG hardware is, EEG data is collected by placing electrodes at the above F3, F4, Cz, and Pz locations, and The collected data is preprocessed through Fast Fourier Transform and Independent Component Analysis (ICA), and A depression diagnosis system characterized by including a step of diagnosing the degree of depression through the above-mentioned alpha imbalance measurement module and P300 signal analysis module.
  5. In Article 1, The above depression diagnosis system is A depression diagnosis system characterized by the above-mentioned EEG hardware including wired and wireless interfaces for data collection and transmission, and including a function capable of analyzing EEG data of various formats in a compatible manner.
  6. In Article 1, The above alpha imbalance measurement module is, A depression diagnosis system characterized by including a step of analyzing the alpha wave power spectrum of the left and right frontal lobes to calculate an alpha imbalance index and diagnosing the degree of depression based on the index.
  7. In Article 1, The above P300 signal analysis module is, A depression diagnosis system characterized by analyzing P300 signals collected from electrodes at the Cz and Pz positions to calculate amplitude and delay time, and evaluating cognitive speed and intensity based on the indicators to utilize as auxiliary indicators for diagnosing depression.

Description

4-Channel EEG Hardware Design and Depression Diagnosis System The present invention relates to a mental health diagnostic system that evaluates the degree of depression using 4-channel EEG hardware. The present invention enables objective diagnosis of depression by measuring frontal lobe alpha imbalance using electrodes and analyzing P300 signals. In particular, the present invention provides convenience to the user and enables real-time diagnosis by applying dry electrodes using Pogo pins. The system presents an efficient solution for diagnosing depression through a non-invasive approach and is applicable to both home and hospital use. Depression requires a rapid and accurate diagnosis, and for this purpose, non-invasive diagnostic methods using electroencephalography (EEG) are gaining attention. Conventional EEG hardware has primarily utilized wet electrodes using gel, which can cause user discomfort. This is because the gel is cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear. Furthermore, this method involves a complex electrode attachment process and inconvenient maintenance. In addition, data quality can vary depending on the condition of the electrodes, potentially compromising the reliability of the diagnosis. To address these issues, the present invention utilizes dry electrodes based on Pogo pins to enhance convenience. It aims to diagnose depression by measuring frontal lobe alpha imbalance through the Fp1 and Fp2 electrodes and P300 signals through the Cz and Pz electrodes. The present invention also aims to improve diagnostic reliability by designing hardware that is easy for the user to wear and maintain. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the configuration of a 4-channel EEG measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating brainwave signal analysis. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the process of measuring the alpha imbalance index. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the P300 signal analysis process. The advantages and/or features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a 4-channel EEG measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The 4-channel EEG measuring device shows the structure of electrode arrangement (Fp1, Fp2, Cz, Pz) and Pogo pin dry electrodes, and is described in a form that can be conveniently worn by the user. The flexible structure of the electrodes is designed to easily adapt to various scalp shapes. The present invention includes a 4-channel EEG measuring device attached to a user's scalp. Electrodes are attached at four locations, Fp1, Fp2, Cz, and Pz, to collect EEG data. These electrodes are installed at optimal locations to effectively measure alpha imbalance and P300 signals. In particular, each electrode is designed as a dry electrode using a Pogo pin, which minimizes user discomfort and enables easy attachment and removal. These dry electrodes are convenient as they do not require the use of gel and are easy to maintain even during prolonged use. The Pogo pin structure improves signal quality by increasing adhesion to the skin. Figure 2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating brainwave signal analysis. Brainwave signals collected from brainwave electrodes mounted on a 4-channel EEG measuring device are transmitted to an analysis device via an AFE and a communication unit, and an analysis process for diagnosing depression is performed in the alpha imbalance measurement module and the P300 measurement module of the analysis device. The data acquisition and transmission module converts EEG signals collected through electrodes into digital signals via the AFE and transmits them to an analysis device via serial communication or wireless transmission means such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It then calculates the alpha imbalance index using the alpha waves measured at Fp1 and Fp2 and prepares to analyze the P300 signal using the signals measured at Cz and Pz. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the process of measuring the alpha imbalance index and a visual representation of the difference between the left and right frontal lobes of alpha waves. This visual representation helps medical profession