Unless you are very new to the market of DIY Brain-Computer Interfaces, you must already know of the existence of various designs of EEG or other biosignal headsets. From no-nonsense lab designs to complete sci-fi setups, there is a huge gamut of functional (or less) embodiments.
There are very specific design constrains for the device we envision. Please consider these details as work-in-progress and applicable only to the 1st Generation of devices we plan for. Future, more advanced designs might be remarkably different and simplified. The whole point is to have top-notch security without a bulky, prominent device.
As you can see from this mockup, the device should be brilliant in its simplicity. There is no need for alien, extravagant arrangements. A simple U-shaped headband is perfect. Almost all of its hardware components will be manufactured from 3D-printable materials and bulk off-the-shelf elements that will be released to specification for users to build on their own or be finally assembled and quality-assured by us. We will try different setups and suppliers to find the best quality-to-cost ratio.
The device will certainly have two headphones/earbuds (as portrayed) for the facilitation of the auditory signal challenges. For the visual ones, the user’s own monitor or smartphone will suffice for starters, in order to keep costs low.
We will make every effort to use as few dry electrodes as possible for a meaningful EEG signal acquisition and attempt to hide most of them in the frame of the headset. The slit you see in front on the “forehead” is for a potential fNIRS sensor or as adapter for future downwards-sliding VR/AR glasses.
Most other biosignal modalities will come as add-ons with wireless connectivity, as needed. The central processing unit of the device will be incorporated in the headset itself.
All things considered, our 1st Generation headset will be a no-nonsense attempt to package the major functionalities of our system in a small, relatively inexpensive device. We will not consider it a complete success if we cannot make it affordable and uncomplicated enough for most people to possess and enjoy.
