Soft, embeddable, dry EEG sensors for real world applications

Abstract

Over the last decade, numerous papers have presented the use of dry electrodes capable of acquiring electroencephalogram (EEG) signals through hair. A few of these dry electrode prototypes have even progressed from lab-based EEG acquisition to commercial sales. While the field has improved rapidly as of late, most dry electrodes share a number of shortcomings that limit their potential real world applications including: 1) multiple rigid prongs that require sustained pressure to penetrate hair and maintain solid scalp contact, creating higher levels of discomfort when compared to standard wet sensors; 2) cumbersome or chin-strap-type applications for maintaining electrode contact, creating barriers to end user acceptance; 3) rigid active electrodes to compensate for high input impedances that limit flexibility and placement of sensors; 4) inability to safely imbed sensors under protective headgear, restricting use in some fields where EEG metrics are most desired; and 5) expensive sensor manufacturing that drives costs high for use across subjects. Under a recent DARPA Phase 3 contract, Advanced Brain Monitoring has developed a novel semi-dry sensor that addresses the current dry electrode shortcomings, opening up the door for new real world applications without compromising subject safety or comfort. The semi-dry sensor prototype was tested during a live performance requirement at the end of Phase 3, and successfully acquired EEG across all subject hair types over a 3 day testing period. The results from the performance requirement and subsequent results for new advancements to the prototype are presented here. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.