Devices and methods for maintaining an alert state of consciousness through brain wave monitoring
First Claim
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1. A device for maintaining a state of mental alertness, the device comprising:
- (a) a brain wave sensor;
(b) a processor that receives data from the brain wave sensor, which processor analyses brain wave types detected by the brain wave sensor to determine if a subject using the device is in an alert mental state, wherein the analysis of brain wave types is a determination of a ratio between at least two different brain wave types to detect a non-alert mental state;
(c) a component or delivering a stimulus to the subject, wherein the component can be activated by the processor to deliver the stimulus if the processor determines that the subject has a non-alert mental state; and
(d) a power supply for the brain wave sensor, processor, and component.
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Abstract
Disclosed are devices for monitoring and maintaining an alert state of consciousness in a subject wearing the device An alert mental state is maintained through monitoring of brain wave patterns to detect if a transition from an alert to a non-alert mental state is about to occur, or has occurred. If so, a stimulus, e.g., an audible tone, is provided until such time as an alert mental state, as assessed by brain wave activity, is restored. Also disclosed are methods for maintaining an alert mental state, as well applications for such devices and methods.
159 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A device for maintaining a state of mental alertness, the device comprising:
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(a) a brain wave sensor; (b) a processor that receives data from the brain wave sensor, which processor analyses brain wave types detected by the brain wave sensor to determine if a subject using the device is in an alert mental state, wherein the analysis of brain wave types is a determination of a ratio between at least two different brain wave types to detect a non-alert mental state; (c) a component or delivering a stimulus to the subject, wherein the component can be activated by the processor to deliver the stimulus if the processor determines that the subject has a non-alert mental state; and (d) a power supply for the brain wave sensor, processor, and component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for monitoring a state of consciousness in a subject, the method comprising:
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(a) detecting at least two brain wave types in the subject and calculating a ratio between two of those brain wave types; and (b) comparing the calculated ratio between brain wave types with a ratio indicative of an alert sate of consciousness.
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21. A method for maintaining an alert state of consciousness in a subject, the method comprising:
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(a) detecting at least two brain wave types in the subject and calculating a ratio between two of those brain wave types; and (b) determining if the calculated ratio is indicative of an alert mental state of consciousness, and if not, stimulating the subject until a calculated ratio between at least two brain wave types indicative of an alert state of consciousness is detected.
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22. A method for maintaining an alert state of consciousness in a subject, the method comprising:
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(a) detecting two brain wave types in the subject and calculating a ratio there between to determine if the subject is producing a brain wave type ratio indicative of a non-alert state of consciousness; and
, if so(b) providing a stimulus until an alert mental state is achieved.
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Specification