Apple’s AirPods, the popular truly wireless stereo (TWS) earphones, may serve as more than just a convenient audio accessory in the future. A recently published patent application by the US Patent Office (USPTO) suggests that Apple has developed a sensor mechanism for the AirPods that can monitor electrical impulses from the wearer’s brain. This innovation could potentially revolutionize the field of health monitoring.
Discreet and Convenient Monitoring
Traditionally, monitoring brain activity required the use of electrodes attached to a patient’s head. However, Apple’s patent describes a new system that incorporates electrodes into wearable electronic devices like the AirPods. The electrodes are capable of monitoring various biosignals, including brain activity, electroencephalography, electrooculography, galvanic skin response, blood volume pulse, and electromyography. This means AirPods wearers could monitor their brain activity discreetly and conveniently, even while on the move, without the need for a separate machine.
One of the challenges in using AirPods as brain activity monitors is their movement within the user’s ear. To address this issue, Apple’s patent proposes a system that utilizes active and reference electrodes on the external body of the AirPods, as well as additional electrodes positioned at various locations on the eartip. This design takes into account the variations in ear shape and size among individuals.
Apple’s patent abstract states, “The wearable electronic device includes a sensor circuit and a switching circuit. The switching circuit is operable to electrically connect a number of different subsets of one or more electrodes in the set of electrodes to the sensor circuit.” In simpler terms, the patent describes a mechanism that allows different combinations of electrodes to be connected to the sensor circuit, enabling efficient monitoring of brain activity.
While the patent primarily focuses on the AirPods, it also mentions the potential to incorporate this technology into other devices such as wired earphones and glasses. The document suggests that the electrodes could be placed on the stems of glasses, allowing for non-invasive health monitoring.
It is currently uncertain whether Apple intends to implement biosignal monitoring in its AirPods and other wearable devices. However, reports suggest that the company is exploring new health features, including temperature monitoring, for its earphones. Apple is also working on enhancing its existing health monitoring products. There have been rumors about the company’s development of non-invasive blood sugar monitoring for the Apple Watch, which could be featured in a future version of the device.
Apple’s recent patent application reveals its potential plans to transform AirPods into advanced health monitoring tools. With the ability to discreetly monitor brain activity and other biosignals, these innovative earphones could revolutionize the way we approach personal health tracking.
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