A smart headband with early warning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a smart headband that enables real-time monitoring of focus levels in individuals working in tasks that require attention, thereby preventing potential accidents and damages. The headband, which is worn on the head, processes electrical brain data obtained through an Electroencephalography (EEG) sensor. When continuous low focus is detected through a written algorithm, the system provides real-time alerts to warn the user.

Description

[0001] A SMART HEADBAND WITH EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a smart headband designed to monitor the real-time focus levels of individuals working in attention-demanding tasks, aiming to prevent potential accidents and damages. The invention, which is wearable on the head, processes the brain’s electrical signals through an Electroencephalography (EEG) sensor. When a continuous decrease in focus is detected using a pre-defined algorithm, the system activates a real-time early warning mechanism to alert the user.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The company Mensior has developed a smart helmet aimed at monitoring mental workload and improving occupational health and safety (https: / / www.mensior.com / smarthelmet / ). The device, equipped with an EEG sensor, requires a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone. The primary purpose of the smart helmet is to measure mental workload, and personal data is processed on an external device.

[0006] The EEG helmet developed by HHS (http: / / www.hhskorea.eom / v2 / index.html# / ) is part of a safety management platform and is designed to support security management. The data is transmitted externally, and the helmet requires a connection to an external device.

[0007] The headband developed by Smartcap (https: / / www.smartcaptech.com / life- smart-cap / ) aims to prevent micro-sleeps by providing real-time alertness measurements for operators and drivers. This headband also connects to an external device and transmits data externally.

[0008] In a study published by Li P. et al. (November 2014), a Smart Safety Helmet utilizing an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and EEG sensors was proposed for detecting worker fatigue (https: / / ieeexplore.ieee.org / document / 6952983). This system was designed to identify risks faced by workers in an industrial setting, focusing on a Smart Safety Helmet that integrates both IMU and EEG sensors. The experiments demonstrated that head movements caused by fatigue and drowsiness could be detected using an accelerometer. It was suggested that data from the IMU sensor could be used as an index to distinguish risky movements and that combining this data with EEG signals could enhance the accuracy of risk prediction. The study also included a physical alert mechanism, such as a vibration motor, with the EEG sensor primarily used to improve the accuracy of risk estimation. The data is transmitted to an external device.

[0009] In a study conducted by Lee P. et al. (November 2022), a comprehensive evaluation of smart headgear for occupational health and safety was presented. The article reviews trends in smart helmet technology and provides an overview of its current and potential future applications

[0010] As can be seen, the existing applications in the prior art require a connection to an external device, such as a smartphone. Delays in data transmission and connectivity issues between devices are potential risks. Additionally, the system becomes non-functional in the absence of these external devices.

[0011] The transfer of user data to external devices, such as mobile phones, poses security vulnerabilities and creates risks regarding the protection of personal data.

[0012] Existing devices are generally developed to determine fatigue levels. Considering that people's tolerance to fatigue and focus levels vary depending on the task, these devices are not customizable for individuals. Therefore, they cannot provide an effective solution to the problem.

[0013] The invention takes into account data related to the individual's focus level. It operates as a closed system, ensuring there are no data security vulnerabilities. The advantages include the absence of personal data sharing, no need for an external device, and the elimination of connection or data transfer issues.

[0014] The invention provides direct warnings to the user and allows them to set the sensitivity level based on the risk associated with the task they are performing. In this regard, it features a customizable design.

[0015] AIM OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The aim of the invention is to prevent situations such as distraction, drowsiness, fatigue, and sleepiness that may occur on the job due to decreased focus, thereby avoiding potential accidents and damages. Many sectors involve tasks that require a high level of concentration. Focus is critical in various fields, including construction workers, long-haul drivers, security and defense personnel, surgeons, pilots, and workers operating dangerous machinery. For example, accidents caused by drowsiness in long-haul drivers, mishaps due to inattentiveness or fatigue among construction workers, security vulnerabilities stemming from fatigue or sleepiness in security personnel, and medical errors during sensitive procedures due to lack of focus in healthcare workers are all negative scenarios that the invention aims to prevent.

[0017] The invention, designed to achieve these goals, comprises a head-mounted apparatus, an EEG sensor to measure focus levels, a microcontroller for data processing, a battery, a switch to activate or deactivate the device, a control circuit that allows users to select sensitivity levels based on the task, a buzzer, and a vibration motor.

[0018] The device is simple to use and features an integrated, compact design. It is worn on the head via the apparatus and activated with a switch. The dry-electrode EEG sensor captures real-time data, which is processed by the microcontroller. Based on the sensitivity level set through the control circuit, the microcontroller activates the vibration motor and buzzer in response to prolonged low-focus states, providing immediate feedback to the user. The device operates without the need for an external connection.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The invention is a one-piece headband that incorporates a TGAM (ThinkGear ASIC Module) EEG module, a Bluetooth module, a microcontroller, a vibration motor, a buzzer, an LCD screen, and a potentiometer. All these components are mounted together or separately on the headband. The method of assembly does not contribute to the technical effect; the effect arises from the combined use of these components.

[0021] The TGAM EEG module processes brainwave signals and generates two types of data: meditation and focus. The reliability of focus and meditation measurements has been supported by previous studies. This module includes an ear clip, a forehead electrode, a Bluetooth transmitter, and a battery for power. The module operates without the need for gel, making it user-friendly. It generates data when the forehead electrode makes contact with the user's forehead and the ear clip attaches to the earlobe. The ear clip also helps stabilize the headband and keep the electrodes in the correct position. The data collected by the forehead electrodes can be transmitted via Bluetooth to a computer or another device, where it can be recorded and analyzed. However, these processes are auxiliary and do not directly contribute to the technical effect.

[0022] The Bluetooth module within the TGAM EEG module acts as a transmitter. The Bluetooth module on the headband, which alerts the user, can operate in both "master" and "slave" modes. This feature allows connection and data flow between the Bluetooth transmitter in the TGAM EEG module and the headband's Bluetooth module. In summary, the invention enables communication and data exchange between the TGAM EEG module’s Bluetooth transmitter and the headband's primary Bluetooth module.

[0023] In the invention, the focus data obtained by the TGAM EEG module through the forehead electrodes is transmitted to the microcontroller using a Bluetooth transmitter and module. This real-time data is processed by the microcontroller's software, where the user's focus level is evaluated against predefined thresholds stored in the system. These thresholds serve as criteria within the microcontroller.

[0024] Based on the processed focus data and the sensitivity level set by the user, the microcontroller continuously monitors the input from the forehead electrodes. When the recorded focus level falls below the defined minimum threshold, the system triggers both the vibration motor and buzzer, providing real-time auditory and physical feedback. This early warning system helps alert the user before a dangerous situation arises due to prolonged low focus.

[0025] The device also includes a potentiometer to adjust the sensitivity level and an LCD screen to display this setting. The potentiometer functions as a variable resistor, allowing users to manually modify the resistance level, which in turn adjusts the reference point for detecting dangerous focus levels. As a result, the system can be calibrated to give earlier or later warnings based on user preference.

[0026] The invention has several advantages over the known state of the art. It focuses on monitoring the user's concentration level, rather than their fatigue level. A person may not feel tired but could still have a scattered mind and low concentration, which poses a risk of accidents in tasks that require focus. In this regard, the invention serves as an early warning system and is more comprehensive than existing solutions.

[0027] The invention does not require any external devices, eliminating issues related to connectivity or data transfer. Since no data is exported, there are no concerns about personal data security. It is designed for personal use and provides direct alerts to the user.

[0028] It allows the user to adjust the sensitivity level based on the risk level of the task they are performing. This feature makes the design customizable. As a result, the invention offers an effective, individualized solution for each user.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A smart headband with an early warning system, characterized by comprising:- A TGAM (ThinkGear ASIC Module) EEG module comprising a single ear clip, a forehead electrode, a Bluetooth transmitter, and a battery to provide power to the module,- A bluetooth module,- A microcontroller that processes the real-time focus data obtained through the forehead electrodes of the TGAM EEG module and measures the user's focus level by considering previously defined values as criteria; when a difference occurs between the obtained data and the predefined minimum values, the microcontroller triggers real-time auditory and physical alerts using a vibration motor and buzzer,- A vibration motor that enables physical alerts,- A buzzer that enables auditory alerts,- An LCD screen and a potentiometer that allows the user to adjust the measurement sensitivity level.

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