To provide a headband capable of correctly placing an electrode on a head of a user, a headband apparatus includes a plurality of headband portions integrally connected and configured to be positioned about a head of a user, wherein at least two headband portions are each configured to be positioned behind an ear.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a national stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2012/005937 filed on Sep. 18, 2012 and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-227204 filed on Oct. 14, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a headband for placing an electrode on the head of a user, a headgear including the headband, and an electroencephalographic apparatus including the headgear.

Brain waves are electrical signals generated due to the brain activity of the user and can be measured by electrodes connected to predetermined positions of the head of the user. In order to place the electroencephalogram electrodes in the predetermined positions of the head, a headgear on which a plurality of electroencephalogram electrodes are set in advance is often used.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2011-104338 discloses a headgear including an I-shaped frame extending from the frontal region of the user through the parietal region to the occipital region. This headgear has such a configuration that the frame and electrodes provided to arms of the frame are placed in predetermined positions of the head of the user.

Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-530064 discloses an electrode headset including rigid bands covering a large part of the head of the user and electrode mounts in which electrodes can be mounted. This electrode headset has such a configuration that the electrodes mounted in the electrode mounts are exchangeable.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY

There is a fear that the headgear or the headset as described above may be misaligned from its attachment position in electroencephalogram measurement during sleep of the user due to contact of the head of the user with a pillow, which would not cause problems in electroencephalogram measurement during waking hours of the user. Moreover, when a different user wears the headgear or the headset as described above, there is a fear that the headgear or the headset may not fit him and may not be reliably fixed.

In the above-mentioned circumstances, there is a need for providing a headband capable of correctly placing an electrode on the head of a user, a headgear including the headband, and an electroencephalographic apparatus including the headgear.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a headgear apparatus including a plurality of headband portions. The plurality of headband portions are integrally connected and configured to be positioned about a head of a user, wherein at least two headband portions are each configured to be positioned behind an ear.

With this configuration, when the headband apparatus is attached to the head of the user, a first headband portion is placed to extend from the forehead of the user to an upper portion of the occipital region and a second headband portion and the third headband portion branch off in opposite directions from the upper portion of the occipital region and arrive at the left and right mastoid regions (conical protrusions located at lower rear portions of temporal bones). That is, the headband apparatus is placed not to cover from the connection point of the respective headband portions in the upper portion of the occipital region to the lower portion of the occipital region. With this, when the user wearing the headgear sleeps while lying on his back, the headband does not abut against a pillow. Thus, it becomes possible to prevent misalignment of the headband, that is, detachment of the electrode due to contact with the pillow.

In some embodiments, the at least two headband portions are spaced apart so as to be adapted to define an open area on a back region of the head, the open area including a parietal and an occipital region of the head. Further, the at least two headband portions may be configured to be positioned about a mastoid region of the head.

In some additional embodiments, the headband apparatus further includes at least one headband portion configured to be positioned about a forehead region of the head. In these embodiments the at least one headband portion includes a first end configured to contact the forehead region and a second end configured to contact an upper portion of the occipital region. Additionally, the at least two headband portions each include a third end connected to the second end of the first headband part and a fourth end that is configured to contact the mastoid region. In these embodiments the headband apparatus may further include a plurality of abutting parts connected respectively to the fourth end of the at least two headband portions, the abutting parts including an elastic material configured to position the at least two headband portions to the mastoid region. Moreover, the headband apparatus may further include an abutting part connected to the first end of the at least one headband portion, the abutting part including an elastic material configured to position the at least one headband portion to the forehead region.

With this configuration, the headband apparatus is supported to hold the head of the user at the three points of the first abutting part, the second abutting part, and the third abutting part with an elastic force. Therefore, even if the headband apparatus strains due to roll-over of the user or the like so that an electrode is detached, it becomes possible that the elastic force of the headband restores its shape so that the electrical contact of the electrode is restored.

According to another embodiment, a headgear apparatus includes a plurality of headband portions integrally connected and configured to be positioned about a head of a user, wherein at least two headband portions are each configured to be positioned behind an ear. The headgear apparatus also includes a plurality of electrodes included within some of the headband portions that are configured to measure an electrical activity of the head.

The electrodes may include a right reference electrode that is placed on the second abutting part to detect a reference potential, and a left reference electrode that is placed on the third abutting part to detect a reference potential.

Although the reference electrode in electroencephalogram measurement should be placed in a site of the head of the user, on which the brain waves are less influential, the left and right mastoid regions are suitable for placing the reference electrode. Therefore, the left and right reference electrodes are placed on the second abutting part and the third abutting part, and hence it is unnecessary to additionally place the reference electrodes, and only by wearing the headgear, the placement of the reference electrodes becomes possible.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an electroencephalographic apparatus including a plurality of headband portions integrally connected and configured to be positioned about a head of a user, wherein at least two headband portions are each configured to be positioned behind an ear. The headgear apparatus also includes a plurality of electrodes included within some of the headband portions are configured to measure an electrical activity of the head. The headgear apparatus further includes a main body connection part included within at least one of the headband portions and electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes, the main body connection part configured to accommodate a detachable main body. The main body is detachably connected to the headgear and houses an electronic circuit that processes an output signal of the electrode.

With this configuration, it becomes possible to attach/detach the main body to/from the headgear apparatus and also use a main body having a different configuration.

The main-body connection part may include a screw hole, a tubular skirt that is provided around the screw hole and is formed of a flexible material, and a tubular guide that is provided around the skirt and is formed of a non-flexible material.

With this configuration, the main body to be connected to the main-body connection part is supported on the headgear apparatus with flexibility, and hence it becomes possible to connect the main body without interfering with the elastic deformation of the headband. The flexible skirt protects a wiring between the main body and the headgear and the guide prevents excessive tilting of the main body with respect to the headgear.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a headband including a first headband part, a second headband part, and a third headband part. The first headband part extends from a forehead of a user to an upper portion of an occipital region of the user. The second headband part is connected to the first headband part and extends from the upper portion of the occipital region of the user, orthogonally to the first headband part, to a right mastoid region of the user. The third headband part is connected to the first headband part and extends from the upper portion of the occipital region of the user, orthogonally to the first headband part, to a left mastoid region of the user.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to provide a headband capable of correctly placing an electrode on the head of a user, a headgear including the headband, and an electroencephalographic apparatus including the headgear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An electroencephalographic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of an electroencephalographic apparatus1according to this embodiment.FIGS. 2 and 3are outer views each showing the electroencephalographic apparatus1worn by a user.FIG. 2is a view of the electroencephalographic apparatus1as viewed from a left-hand side of the user andFIG. 3is a view of the electroencephalographic apparatus1as viewed from the back side of the user. As shown in these figures, the electroencephalographic apparatus1includes a headgear11and a main body12. The main body12is detachably connected to the headgear11. Portions of the headgear11are spaced apart so as to be adapted to define an open area on a back region of a head of the user. The open area can include, for example, a parietal and an occipital region of the head. In other examples, the open area can include additional regions or fewer regions of the head.

FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view of the electroencephalographic apparatus1. As shown in the figure, the headgear11includes a headband111, a right arm112, a left arm113, various electrodes114ato114h, a main-body connection part115, a first abutting part116, a second abutting part117, and a third abutting part118.

The right arm112and the left arm113are connected to the headband111. The various electrodes114ato114hare provided to any of the headband111, the right arm112, and the left arm113. The main-body connection part115is provided to the headband111. The first abutting part116, the second abutting part117, and the third abutting part118are provided to each end portion of the headband111.

The headband111is formed of an elastic material, for example, a synthetic resin and includes a first headband part111a, a second headband part111b, and a third headband part111c.

The first headband part111ais, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, a plate-like member extending from the forehead of the user to the upper portion of the occipital region and is formed to have a curved shape conforming to the shape of the head. At the end portion of the first headband part111a, the first abutting part116that abuts against the forehead of the user is provided. The first abutting part116may be formed of an elastic material such as a sponge or rubber.

The second headband part111bis, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, a plate-like member extending from the upper portion of the occipital region of the user, orthogonally to the first headband part111a, to the right mastoid region (conical protrusion located at lower rear portion of temporal bone) of the user. The second headband part111bis formed to have a curved shape conforming to the shape of the head. At the end portion of the second headband part111b, the second abutting part117that abuts against the right mastoid region of the user is provided. The second abutting part117may be formed of an elastic material such as a sponge or rubber.

The third headband part111cis, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, a plate-like member extending from the upper portion of the occipital region of the user, orthogonally to the first headband part111a, to the left mastoid region of the user. The third headband part111cis formed to have a curved shape conforming to the shape of the head. At the end portion of the third headband part111c, the third abutting part118that abuts against the left mastoid region of the user. The third abutting part118may be formed of an elastic material such as a sponge or rubber.

The headband111includes, as described above, the first headband part111a, the second headband part111b, and the third headband part111cand is attached to the head of the user with an elastic force. At this time, the first abutting part116is pressed against the forehead of the user, the second abutting part117is pressed against the right mastoid region of the user, and the third abutting part118is pressed against the left mastoid region of the user, such that the headgear11is supported at these points.

The first headband part111a, the second headband part111b, and the third headband part111care connected to one another in a T-shape and have a shape branching off in left- and right-hand directions in the upper portion of the occipital region of the user. With this, when the user sleeps while lying on his back, the headband111is not held in contact with a pillow, and hence misalignment of the headgear11does not occur. Therefore, it becomes possible to stably measure electrooculogram and the apparatus does not disturb user's sleep.

The right arm112is an arm for supporting a right EEG electrode114a(to be described later) that is placed on the right temple of the user. The right arm112may have a shape extending from a right side surface of the first abutting part116of the first headband part111atoward the right temple. It should be noted that in the case where the right EEG electrode114ais not provided, the right arm112may not be essential.

The left arm113is an arm for supporting a left EEG electrode114b(to be described later) that is placed on the left temple of the user. The left arm113may have a shape extending from a left side surface of the first abutting part116of the first headband part111atoward the left temple. It should be noted that in the case where the left EEG electrode114bis not provided, the left arm113may not be essential.

The electrodes114ato114hare various electrodes provided to the headgear11. As the electrodes114ato114h, in addition to the right EEG electrode114aand the left EEG electrode114b, a Cz measurement electrode114c, a Pz measurement electrode114d, a P4 measurement electrode114e, a P3 measurement electrode114f, a right reference electrode114g, and a left reference electrode114hmay be provided. This placement (name) complies with the International 10-20 system. However, in the electroencephalographic apparatus1according to this embodiment, this electrode placement may not be essential and different electrode placement may be possible depending on needs.

The right EEG electrode114aand the left EEG electrode114bare electrodes that abut against both the temples of the user to measure eye movement (electrooculogram (EOG)). The right EEG electrode114aand the left EEG electrode114bonly need to be capable of establishing electrical contact with the temples of the user and may be each formed of, for example, an elastic body impregnated with an electrolytic solution.

The Cz measurement electrode114cis an electrode that is provided in a position of the first headband part111athat corresponds to the parietal region, and abuts against the parietal region of the user. The Pz measurement electrode114dis an electrode that is provided in a position of the first headband part111athat corresponds to the upper portion of the occipital region, and abuts against the upper portion of the occipital region of the user.

The P4 measurement electrode114eis an electrode that is provided in a position of the second headband part111bthat corresponds to the upper right head region, and abuts against the upper right head region of the user. The P3 measurement electrode114fis an electrode that is provided in a position of the third headband part111cthat corresponds to the upper left head region, and abuts against the upper left head region of the user.

The Cz measurement electrode114c, the Pz measurement electrode114d, the P4 measurement electrode114e, and the P3 measurement electrode114fonly need to be capable of establishing electrical contact with the scalp of the user and may be each formed of, for example, an elastic body impregnated with an electrolytic solution. The Cz measurement electrode114c, the Pz measurement electrode114d, the P4 measurement electrode114e, and the P3 measurement electrode114fdetect potentials (brain waves) of their in-contact positions.

The right reference electrode114gis an electrode that is provided to the second abutting part117and abuts against the right mastoid region of the user. The left reference electrode114his an electrode that is provided to the third abutting part118and abuts against the left mastoid region of the user. The right reference electrode114gand the left reference electrode114honly need to be capable of establishing electrical contact with the left and right mastoid regions of the user and may be each formed of, for example, an elastic body impregnated with an electrolytic solution. The right reference electrode114gand the left reference electrode114hacquire each reference potential of the electrodes114ato114f.

It should be noted that the right reference electrode114gis placed on the second abutting part117and the left reference electrode114his placed on the third abutting part118, and hence these reference electrodes are placed only by attaching the headgear11to the head of the user. Therefore, it is unnecessary to additionally placing these reference electrodes after attachment of the headgear11, which is highly convenience.

Each of the electrodes114ato114hmay be connected to the main-body connection part115via a wiring (not shown), so that when the main body12is mounted on the main-body connection part115, those electrodes can be electrically connected to the main body12.

The main-body connection part115is provided to the first headband part111aso that the main body12can be detachably connected thereto.FIG. 5is a perspective view showing the main-body connection part115. As shown in the figure, the main-body connection part115supports the main body12at a single point, and hence the main-body connection part115can support the main body12without deteriorating the flexibility of the first headband part111aor the like.

Specifically, the main-body connection part115includes a screw hole115a, a skirt115b, and a guide115c. The skirt115bis provided around the screw hole115aand the guide115cis, in turn, provided around the skirt115b. The skirt115bis a tubular member made of a flexible material such as an elastomer. The guide115cis a tubular member made of a non-flexible material such as a synthetic resin.

The main body12is screwed into the screw hole115awith a screw12ato be connected to the main-body connection part115. With this, the main body12is supported with certain flexibility and the guide115cprevents excessive tilting of the main body12with respect to the main-body connection part115. In addition, the skirt115bprotects the wiring between the main body12and the main-body connection part115and does not interfere with the flexibility of the main body12with respect to the main-body connection part115.

By configuring the main-body connection part115as described above, when the headband111is deformed conforming to the shape of the head of the user, the main body12does not interfere with the deformation of the headband111. If the main-body connection part115is connected to the headband111at a plurality of points, the elastic deformation of the headband111is interfered with. That is, the main-body connection part115according to this embodiment has a structure of supporting the main body at the single point, and hence it becomes possible to cause the headband111to fit the head of the user.

The main body12is connected to the headgear11for use as described above.FIG. 6is a schematic view showing a functional configuration of the electroencephalographic apparatus1. As shown in the figure, the main body12is equipped with an amplifier121, an A/D (Analog/Digital) converter122, a data processing circuit123, a recorder124, and a transmitter125.

An electrical signal acquired by each of the electrodes114ato114hof the headgear11passes through the main-body connection part115and arrives at the main body12. The electrical signal is amplified by the amplifier121and is converted by the A/D converter122into a digital signal. Then, the digital signal is subjected to data processing such as montage (difference output between measurement electrode and reference electrode) by the data processing circuit123. By such processing, electroencephalogram data is acquired.

The electroencephalogram data is stored by the recorder124on a built-in memory or a memory card or transmitted by the transmitter125to an external device. It should be noted that the functional configuration of the main body12as described above is an example and a different configuration may be possible.

As described above, the main body12is configured to be attachable/detachable to/from the headgear11, which has the following advantages. Firstly, it becomes possible to individually upgrade the main body12or the headgear11.

FIG. 7is a schematic view showing an example in which the main body12is upgraded.FIG. 8is a schematic view showing an example in which the headgear11is upgraded. As shown in these figures, by providing circuits C1 and C2 capable of measuring additional measurement items (e.g., arterial oxygen saturation or naso-oral breathing measurement) to the main body12or by providing sensors C3 and C4 capable of measuring the additional measurement items to the headgear11, it becomes possible to measure these additional measurement items.

Secondly, it is possible to use the headgear11having a size suitable for each user. For example, in the case where a plurality of users use the electroencephalographic apparatus1, once the headgears11each having a size suitable for each user are prepared, the single main body12can be shared by the users. It contributes to reduce the costs in comparison with a case where the electroencephalographic apparatuses1are prepared for the respective users.

For the headgear11having the size suitable for each user, a headgear may be selected among headgears having a plurality of sizes, for example, S, M, L, and the like. Alternatively, in the following manner, it is also possible to produce the headgear for each user (made-to-order production system).FIG. 9is a schematic view showing how to produce the headgear11in the made-to-order production system.

First, as shown in (a) ofFIG. 9, the shape of the head of the user is measured. Further, as shown in (b) ofFIG. 9, a head pattern30made of a heat-resistant material is prepared. The head pattern30is formed to have a radially extending eight-band-like shape. Holes30afor curve of the head and holes30bfor diameter of the head are formed in the bands.

In addition, as shown in (c) ofFIG. 9, a plastic plate31is cut into a cut plate32having a shape of the headband111. In the cut plate32, electrode/main body mounting holes32aare formed. Further, as shown in (d) ofFIG. 9, a pattern is shaped by bending the head pattern30to have a shape slightly smaller than the shape of the head and pulling it by wires33.

The headgear11is produced by bending the cut plate32by heat with the head pattern30being used as a pattern and by mounting the electrodes114ato114h, the main-body connection part115, and the like, as shown in (e) ofFIG. 9. The thus produced headgear11conforms to the shape of the head of the user.

Thirdly, it becomes possible to use the main body12for applications other than the electroencephalograph.FIG. 10is a schematic view showing an application change of the main body12.FIG. 10shows the main body12connected to an accessory40wound around the body of the user. As shown in the figure, by changing the accessory on which the electrodes are mounted, for example, it becomes possible to use the main body12as a main body of an electrocardiograph or an electromyograph.

Further, it is also possible to connect the main body12to the headgear having a different shape.FIG. 11is a perspective view showing a six-electrode headgear21capable of connecting the main body12. As shown in the figure, the six-electrode headgear21includes two members of a headband211and an electrode mount212. The electrode mount212is connected to the headband211in a position corresponding to the parietal region of the user.

The headband211is formed of an elastic material, for example, a synthetic resin and includes a first headband part211a, a second headband part211b, and a third headband part211c.

The first headband part211ais a plate-member extending from the forehead of the user to the lower portion of the occipital region and is formed to have a curved shape conforming to the shape of the head. The first headband part211ais provided with a hole211dfor fixing a reference electrode.

The second headband part211bis a plate-like member extending from the lower portion of the occipital region of the user, orthogonally to the first headband part211a, to a lower portion of the right earlobe of the user. The second headband part211bis formed to have a curved shape conforming to the shape of the head. The second headband part211bis provided with a hole211efor fixing an O2 measurement electrode and a hole211ffor fixing a right reference electrode.

The third headband part211cis a plate-like member extending from the lower portion of the occipital region of the user, orthogonally to the first headband part211a, to the lower portion of the left earlobe of the user. The third headband part211cis formed to have a curved shape conforming to the shape of the head. The third headband part211cis provided with a hole211gfor fixing an O1 measurement electrode and a hole211hfor fixing a left reference electrode.

The electrode mount212is formed of an elastic material, for example, a synthetic resin and includes a first mount part212a, a second mount part212b, a third mount part212c, and a fourth mount part212d.

The first mount part212ais a plate-like member extending from the parietal region of the user to an F4 measurement electrode and is formed to have a curved shape conforming to the shape of the head. The first mount part212ais provided with a hole212efor fixing an F4 measurement electrode.

The second mount part212bis a plate-like member extending from the parietal region of the user to a C4 measurement electrode and is formed to have a curved shape conforming to the shape of the head. The second mount part212bis provided with a hole212ffor fixing a C4 measurement electrode.

The third mount part212cis a plate-like member extending from the parietal region of the user to an F3 measurement electrode and is formed to have a curved shape conforming to the shape of the head. The third mount part212cis provided with a hole212gfor fixing an F3 measurement electrode.

The fourth mount part212dis a plate-like member extending from the parietal region of the user to a C3 measurement electrode and is formed to have a curved shape conforming to the shape of the head. The fourth mount part212dis provided with a hole212hfor fixing a C3 measurement electrode.

Further, the electrode mount212is provided with a hole212ifor fixing the electrode mount212to the headband211. The electrode mount212may be fixed to the headband211through the hole212iby screwing or the like. It should be noted that the headband211and the electrode mount212may be individually changed in size depending on the size of the head of the user.

By the six-electrode headgear21as described above, the measurement electrodes can be placed in the positions F3, F4, C3, C4, O1, and O2 that are defined by the International 10-20 system. This electrode placement is used for diagnosing a sleep disorder, for example.

The electroencephalographic apparatus1according to this embodiment has the configuration as described above.

As described above, in the electroencephalographic apparatus1according to this embodiment, due to the shape of its headband111, the electrodes114ato114hare unlikely to be detached in biological signal measurement, in particular, in biological signal measurement during sleep. Even if the electrodes114ato114hare detached, the electrical contact is configured to be easily restored.

FIG. 12is a view plotting a biological signal (electroencephalogram and electrooculogram) measured by each electrode of the electroencephalographic apparatus1with respect to time. A “parietal electroencephalogram” is measured by the Cz measurement electrode114c, an “occipital electroencephalogram” is measured by the Pz measurement electrode114d, a “left electrooculogram” is measured by the left EEG electrode114b, and a “right electrooculogram” is measured by the right EEG electrode114a.

As shown in the figure, the area in which noise generates in the parietal electroencephalogram means a detached state of the Cz measurement electrode114cfrom the scalp of the user. As can be seen, the noise starts to be reduced due to body movement, that is, the Cz measurement electrode114cis restored.

Further, such electrode restoration can be also confirmed using skin contact resistance. The skin contact resistance is contact resistance between the electrode and the scalp and significantly increases when the electrode is detached from the scalp.FIG. 13is a graph plotting skin contact resistance measured by the electroencephalographic apparatus1with respect to time. As shown in the figure, even when the skin contact resistance temporarily increases (shown by the arrows in the figure), the skin contact resistance temporarily returns to the original value. It can be said that even when the electrode is detached from the scalp, it can be restored.

As described above, in the electroencephalographic apparatus1according to this embodiment, when the headband111is attached to the head of the user, the first headband part111ais placed to extend from the forehead to the upper portion of the occipital region, the second headband part111band the third headband part111cbranch off in opposite directions from the upper portion of the occipital region and arrive at the left and right mastoid regions. That is, the headband111is placed not to cover a portion from the connection point of each headband part in the upper portion of the occipital region to the lower portion of the occipital region. With this, when the user wearing the headgear11sleeps while lying on his back, the headband111does not abut against a pillow. Thus, it becomes possible to prevent misalignment of the headband111due to contact with the pillow, that is, detachment of each of the electrodes114ato114h.

In addition, the headband111is supported to hold the head of the user at the three points of the first abutting part116, the second abutting part117, and the third abutting part118with an elastic force. Therefore, even if the headband111strains due to roll-over of the user or the like so that each of the electrodes114ato114his detached, it becomes possible that the elastic force of the headband111restores its shape so that the electrical contact of each of the electrodes114ato114his restored.

Further, in the electroencephalographic apparatus1according to this embodiment, it is possible to attach/detach the main body12to/from the headgear11, and hence it becomes possible to upgrade each of the main body12and the headgear11, adjust the size of the headgear11, change the application of the main body12, and so on.

In addition, with the configuration of the main-body connection part115, the main body12is fixed to the headgear11with flexibility, and hence it is possible to connect the main body not to interfere with the elastic deformation of the headband111. With this, it becomes possible to ensure an elasticity necessary for restoration of each of the electrodes114ato114hwhen the headband111is misaligned, fitting to the head of the user, and the like.

In addition, by placing the right reference electrode114gon the second abutting part117and placing the left reference electrode114hon the third abutting part118, the placement of the reference electrodes becomes possible only by wearing the headgear11without needs for additionally placing the reference electrodes.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide the headband111capable of correctly placing the electrodes114ato114hon the head of the user, the headgear11including the headband111, and the electroencephalographic apparatus1including the headgear11.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and can be changed without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

It should be noted that the present disclosure may also take the following configurations.

a plurality of headband portions integrally connected and configured to be positioned about a head of a user, wherein at least two headband portions are each configured to be positioned behind an ear.
(2) The headband apparatus of (1), wherein the at least two headband portions are configured so as to reduce movement during use.
(3) The headband apparatus of (1), wherein the at least two headband portions are spaced apart so as to be adapted to define an open area on a back region of the head, the open area including a parietal and an occipital region of the head.
(4) The headband apparatus of (1), wherein the at least two headband portions are configured to be positioned about a mastoid region of the head.
(5) The headband apparatus of (1), further comprising at least one headband portion configured to be positioned about a forehead region of the head.
(6) The headband apparatus of (5), wherein the at least one headband portion includes a first end configured to contact the forehead region and a second end configured to contact an upper portion of the occipital region.
(7) The headband apparatus of (6), wherein the at least two headband portions each include a third end connected to the second end of the first headband part and a fourth end that is configured to contact the mastoid region.
(8) The headband apparatus of (7), further comprising a plurality of abutting parts connected respectively to the fourth end of the at least two headband portions, the abutting parts including an elastic material configured to position the at least two headband portions to the mastoid region.
(9) The headband apparatus of (6), further comprising an abutting part connected to the first end of the at least one headband portion, the abutting part including an elastic material configured to position the at least one headband portion to the forehead region.
(10) The headband apparatus of (1), wherein the at least two headband portions are orthogonally formed with respect to the at least one headband portion.
(11) The headband apparatus of (1), wherein the at least two headband portions are orthogonally formed with respect to a third headband portion in a ‘T-shape’.
(12) The headband apparatus of (1), wherein the plurality of headband portions include three headband portions, wherein the three headband portions include a plastic plate pattern based on a head dimension of the user, and wherein the three headband portions are shaped by bending and heating the three headband portions around a head pattern corresponding to the user.
(13) The headband apparatus of (1), wherein the plurality of headband portions consists of two headband portions.
(14) The headband apparatus of (1), wherein the plurality of headband portions consist of three headband portions including two headband portions and a third headband portion that is shaped to be positioned about a frontal region of the head.
(15) A headgear apparatus comprising:a plurality of headband portions integrally connected and configured to be positioned about a head of a user, wherein at least two headband portions are each configured to be positioned behind an ear; anda plurality of electrodes included within some of the headband portions that are configured to measure an electrical activity of the head.
(16) The headgear apparatus of (15), wherein at least one headband portion is configured to be positioned about a forehead region of the head and includes at least one of the electrodes.
(17) The headgear apparatus of (16), wherein the electrodes included within the at least one headband portion include a Cz measurement electrode and a Pz measurement electrode.
(18) The headgear apparatus of (15), wherein the at least two headband portions each include at least one of the electrodes that are configured to contact the mastoid region.
(19) The headgear apparatus of (15), wherein the electrodes included within the at least two headband portions include a P3 measurement electrode, a P4 measurement electrode, and reference electrodes.
(20) The headgear apparatus of (15), wherein the at least two headband portions are configured so as to reduce movement during use.
(21) An electroencephalograph apparatus comprising:a plurality of headband portions integrally connected and configured to be positioned about a head of a user, wherein at least two headband portions are each configured to be positioned behind an ear;a plurality of electrodes included within some of the headband portions are configured to measure an electrical activity of the head; anda main body connection part included within at least one of the headband portions and electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes, the main body connection part configured to accommodate a detachable main body.
(22) The electroencephalograph apparatus of (21), further comprising a main body detachably connected to the main body connection part, the main body being configured to determine electroencephalogram data based on electrical signals received from the electrodes.
(23) The electroencephalograph apparatus of (22), wherein the main body includes:a first circuit configured to covert the electrical signals measured by the electrodes into digital information; anda second circuit configured to process the digital information into the electroencephalogram data.
(24) The electroencephalograph apparatus of (22), wherein the main body includes a plurality of sensors configured to measure arterial oxygen saturation or naso-oral breathing.
(25) The electroencephalograph apparatus of (21), wherein:at least one of the headband portions is configured to be positioned about a forehead region of the head and includes one of the electrodes, andthe at least two headband portions each including one of the electrodes that are each configured to contact the mastoid region.
(26) The electroencephalograph apparatus of (25), wherein:the electrodes included within the at least one headband portion include a Cz measurement electrode and a Pz measurement electrode, andthe electrodes included within the at least two of the headband portions include a P3 measurement electrode, a P4 measurement electrode, and reference electrodes.
(27) The electroencephalograph apparatus of (21), wherein the electrodes are configured to be positioned on the head corresponding to an International 10-20 system.
(28) The electroencephalograph apparatus of (21), wherein the at least two headband portions are shaped so as to reduce movement while the user is sleeping.
(29) The electroencephalograph apparatus of (21), further comprising: a plurality of arm portions integrally connected to at least one of the headband portions, wherein at least two arm portions are configured to be positioned about temple a region of the head; andan electrode included within each of the arm portions, each of the electrodes being configured to contact the temple region.
(30) The electroencephalograph apparatus of (29), wherein the electrodes included within the arm portions include EEG electrodes.
(31) The electroencephalograph apparatus of claim21, wherein the main body connection part includes:a screw hole;a skirt that is provided around the screw hole; and a guide that is provided around the skirt.
(32) The electroencephalograph apparatus of (31), wherein the skirt is a tubular member including an elastomer and the guide is a tubular member including a synthetic resin.
(33) A headgear, including:a headband includinga first headband part that extends from a forehead of a user to an upper portion of an occipital region of the user,a second headband part that is connected to the first headband part and extends from the upper portion of the occipital region of the user, orthogonally to the first headband part, to a right mastoid region of the user, anda third headband part that is connected to the first headband part and extends from the upper portion of the occipital region of the user, orthogonally to the first headband part, to a left mastoid region of the user; andan electrode that is provided to the headband to be brought into contact with a scalp of the user.
(34) The headgear according to (33), in whichthe first headband part includes a first abutting part that abuts against the forehead of the user,the second headband part includes a second abutting part that abuts against the right mastoid region of the user,the third headband part includes a third abutting part that abuts against the left mastoid region of the user, andthe headband is formed of an elastic material and is supported on the head of the user by the first abutting part pressing the forehead of the user, the second abutting part pressing the right mastoid region of the user, and the third abutting part pressing the left mastoid region of the user.
(35) The headgear according to (33) or (34), further includinga main-body connection part configured to detachably support a main body that houses an electronic circuit that processes an output signal of the electrode.
(36) The headgear according to any one of (33) to (35), in whichthe main-body connection part includesa screw hole,a tubular skirt that is provided around the screw hole and is formed of a flexible material, anda tubular guide that is provided around the skirt and is formed of a non-flexible material.
(37) The headgear according to any one of (33) to (36), in whichthe electrode includesa right reference electrode that is placed on the second abutting part to detect a reference potential, anda left reference electrode that is placed on the third abutting part to detect a reference potential.
(38) An electroencephalographic apparatus, including:a headgear includinga headband includinga first headband part that extends from a forehead of a user to an upper portion of an occipital region of the user,a second headband part that is connected to the first headband part and extends from the upper portion of the occipital region of the user, orthogonally to the first headband part, to a right mastoid region of the user, anda third headband part that is connected to the first headband part and extends from the upper portion of the occipital region of the user, orthogonally to the first headband part, to a left mastoid region of the user, andan electrode that is provided to the headband to be brought into contact with a scalp of the user; anda main body that is detachably connected to the headgear and houses an electronic circuit that processes an output signal of the electrode.
(39) A headband, including:a first headband part that extends from a forehead of a user to an upper portion of an occipital region of the user;a second headband part that is connected to the first headband part and extends from the upper portion of the occipital region of the user, orthogonally to the first headband part, to a right mastoid region of the user; anda third headband part that is connected to the first headband part and extends from the upper portion of the occipital region of the user, orthogonally to the first headband part, to a left mastoid region of the user.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST