Proximity Detection Wearable for Hand-to-Face Contact Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-to-face contact is a common route for disease transmission, and existing methods fail to provide effective and unobtrusive feedback to prevent such contact, as individuals often unintentionally touch their faces despite their best efforts.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising hand and head elements with a proximity detection mechanism that provides a warning signal when the hand approaches the face, using various forms such as rings, wristwatches, artificial nails, earrings, or eyeglasses, and incorporating smartphone technology for customizable settings and risk monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a feedback system is provided to warn users of hand-to-face contact, then the effectiveness of disease transmission prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate hand element and head element components, each with specific functions. The hand element includes proximity element and warning element, while the head element includes proximity element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining effectiveness in preventing hand-to-face contact.
2Ease of operation
If wearable devices are used for hand-to-face contact detection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects hand-to-face contact through proximity elements without requiring user input or intervention. The warning element provides automated feedback when contact is detected, eliminating the need for users to manually monitor their own behavior. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while the automated detection mechanism manages the complexity internally.
3Measurement precision
If proximity detection mechanisms are used to detect hand-to-face contact, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical contact detection mechanisms with electromagnetic or optical proximity sensing. The proximity elements use fields (magnetic, electric, or optical) to detect the presence and distance of the hand relative to the face, providing precise measurement without mechanical contact. This substitution maintains high measurement precision while reducing mechanical complexity and enabling wireless operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents hand-to-face contact by providing timely and customizable warnings, reducing the risk of disease transmission through comfortable and discreet wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a hand element or a head element may have a magnet adapted to generate a magnetic field, and the other of the head element or the head element may have a magnetic field detector adapted to detect characteristics of the magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The hand element or the head element may have a transmitter adapted to transmit a signal, and the other of the hand element or the head element may be adapted to receive the transmitted signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system, device, and method for discouraging a user from making hand-to-face contact. The system and device includes at least one hand component and at least one head/face component. The system and device monitor to determine if the hand component is within a selected distance of the head/face component. When the hand component is brought with a selected warning distance of the head/face element, indicating that the user is bringing his/her hand toward the user's face, a warning alarm is activated which cautions the user to cease moving the hand toward the face.