Apple’s AirPods, the wireless stereo earphones, may serve as more than just audio devices in the future. A recent patent application filed by Apple suggests that the company has developed a sensor mechanism for AirPods that can monitor electrical impulses from the user’s brain, potentially making them a discreet health monitoring tool.
The Patent Details
According to the patent, Apple’s AirPods could be equipped with electrodes similar to those found in traditional health monitoring devices. These electrodes can monitor various biosignals, including brain activity. The ability to measure brain activity without the need for additional machinery could provide users with a convenient and discreet way to track their brain health, even while on the go.
Addressing Movement and Variations in Ear Shape
Unlike traditional electroencephalography (EEG) monitors that are attached to the scalp, AirPods are designed to be inserted into the ear and may move during use. To account for this, Apple’s patent outlines a system that integrates active and reference electrodes on the external body of the AirPods. Additionally, several additional electrodes are positioned at different locations on the eartips. This ensures accurate measurement of brain activity, regardless of variations in ear shape and size.
The Wearable Electronic Device
The patent describes the wearable electronic device as having a sensor circuit and a switching circuit. The switching circuit is capable of connecting different subsets of electrodes to the sensor circuit. While the description may sound complex, Apple has provided diagrams in the patent application to illustrate how the technology would work and where the electrodes would be placed on the wireless earphones.
According to the patent, the eartips of the AirPods will be replaceable, allowing for customization and hygiene. The patent also suggests that the same functionality could be implemented in wired earphones like EarPods or even a pair of glasses. The reference and active electrodes would be placed on the stems of the glasses, enabling biosignal measurement.
Apple’s Future Health Monitoring Plans
While it remains uncertain whether Apple intends to incorporate biosignal measurement into its AirPods or other wearable devices, recent reports indicate that the company is exploring new health features for its earphones. Apple is also actively working on enhancing its existing health monitoring products, with rumors suggesting the addition of non-invasive blood sugar monitoring to future versions of the Apple Watch.
Apple’s patent application reveals the potential for AirPods to transform into health monitoring tools capable of measuring brain activity. The integration of electrodes in the earphones could provide users with a discreet and convenient way of monitoring their brain health, both at home and on the go. As Apple continues to explore new health features, we may witness an exciting evolution of wearable technology in the near future.
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