Apparatus and method for monitoring and improving the alertness of a subject
First Claim
1. Apparatus for monitoring and improving the alertness of a subject while the subject is performing a primary activity, the apparatus comprising:
- (a) first stimulation means for providing at least one discrimination level test stimulus of increasing intensity to the subject;
(b) first response means operable by the subject for responding to said at least one discrimination level test stimulus;
(c) second stimulation means for providing at least one cognitive test stimulus to a subject while the subject continues to perform the primary activity, said second stimulation means being responsive to an intensity level of said discrimination level test and to said first response means to set an intensity level of said cognitive test stimulus,(d) second response means operable by the subject for responding to said at least one cognitive test stimulus; and
(e) control means for controlling the rate of activation of at least one of said stimulation means such that its rate of activation increases inversely with a deteriorating state of alertness of the subject so as to improve the alertness of the subject.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and method for monitoring and for improving the state of alertness of a subject while he continues to perform a primary task, driving a vehicle, operating machinery, etc. The apparatus includes stimulation apparatus for issuing stimuli to the subject and response apparatus for enabling the subject to reply to the stimuli. The stimuli can be audible, visual or tactile. Test results are processed and compared to baseline values taken when the subject is displaying a normal state of alertness. The rate of activation of the stimulation apparatus increases inversely with a deteriorating state of alertness of the subject to improve the state of alertness of the subject. The apparatus can be fashioned in a wide range of devices including a hand-held portable device, a wristwatch, a behind-the-ear (BTE) clip, a pair of spectacles, and for installation in a steering wheel.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. Apparatus for monitoring and improving the alertness of a subject while the subject is performing a primary activity, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) first stimulation means for providing at least one discrimination level test stimulus of increasing intensity to the subject; (b) first response means operable by the subject for responding to said at least one discrimination level test stimulus; (c) second stimulation means for providing at least one cognitive test stimulus to a subject while the subject continues to perform the primary activity, said second stimulation means being responsive to an intensity level of said discrimination level test and to said first response means to set an intensity level of said cognitive test stimulus, (d) second response means operable by the subject for responding to said at least one cognitive test stimulus; and (e) control means for controlling the rate of activation of at least one of said stimulation means such that its rate of activation increases inversely with a deteriorating state of alertness of the subject so as to improve the alertness of the subject. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification