WO1992016149A1

WO1992016149A1 - Alertness device and method

Info

Publication number: WO1992016149A1
Application number: PCT/US1992/002280
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerald E. Enoksen
Original assignee: Tic Beta, Inc.
Priority date: 1991-03-20
Filing date: 1992-03-20
Publication date: 1992-10-01
Also published as: AU1685492A

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for and method of maintaining alertness of a person undergoing somewhat monotonous intellectual activity, such as driving a vehicle. The device must be mounted within the field of vision of the person, but need not be within the direct line of sight. The device provides a visual signal within the range of 13 hertz to 30 hertz. In the preferred mode, this visual signal is provided by a plurality of lights (20, 22, 24, 26) which flash at 20 hertz. The flashing activity itself is cycled for six seconds on and six seconds off for additional effectiveness. Red light has been found to be particularly effective.

Description

A ERTNESS DEVICE AND METHOD CROSS REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention - The present invention generally relates to alertness devices and methods, and more particularly, relates to alertness devices and methods employing visuals signals.

2. Description of the Prior Art - The need to maintain performance of a person has been of interest for some time. U.S. Patent No. 3,024,020 issued to Alton discusses an apparatus for testing agility and coordination. U.S. Patent No. 4,169,592 issued to Hall shows a game for electronically testing reflexes.

Perhaps the greatest interest in agility and coordination in general and alertness in particular is related to the operation of motor vehicles. It is of major importance in our society that drivers are in a high state of alertness particularly at highway speeds.

The driver alertness monitors tend to be of two basic types. The first type tends to monitor operator functions in an attempt to detect "abnormal" occurrences or sequences of occurrences. Upon detection, an audio or visual alarm is provided to the driver. An earlier such device is found in U.S. Patent No. 3,106,981 issued to Cha iris, which monitors movements in the steering wheel. U.S. Patent No. 4,278,969 issued to Woods is a later steering wheel monitor.

Operator grip is monitored by U.S. Patent No. 4,540,979 issued to Gerger et al. This device appears to function similar to the "dead man's switch", which has been used for some time on railroad locomotives. Multiple function monitoring is employed by U.S. Patent No. 4,005,398 issued to Inoue et al., and U.S. Patent No. 4,031,527 issued to Yanagishima, et al.

A second type of alertness device provides a one¬ time or continuing test of the driver's ability to respond to a test of agility/alertness. U.S. Patent No. 3,922,665 issued to Curry et al. , provides a series of timed tests. A driver is required to reset a timer in U.S. Patent No. 4,234,051 issued to Morris, Jr. to preclude the vehicle engine from returning to the idle stat .

Individual tests are provided by U.S. Patent No. 4,359,725 issued to Balogh et al., and U.S. Patent No. 3,811,116 issued to Takeuchi et al. Presumably these techniques are used to prohibit intoxicated or otherwise incompetent persons from operating a motor vehicle.

Though the medical literature shows some correlation between visual stimulation and cognition (see for example "The Effect of Syntonic Stimulation on Certain Visual and Cognitive Functions" by Jack I. Liberman, M.D. in the Journal of Qptometic Vision Development, Volume 17, No. 2, June 1986), the prior art contains only techniques for testing alertness. These references do not teach apparatus or methods which directly promote alertness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages found in the prior art by directly promoting alertness in a person, including the operator of a motor vehicle. This alertness is promoted by providing a visual signal which is modulated at a frequency consistent with basic known cerebral rhythms associated with alertness in most adults. By selecting the proper modulation frequencies, the visual signal promotes alertness even though it produces no conscious reaction.

The four major cerebral signals identified using standard electroencephalogram techniques are Alpha (8-12 hertz) , Beta (13-30 hertz) , Delta (1-3 hertz) , and Theta (4-7 hertz) . The Alpha signal is associated with relaxation, and the Delta signal is associated with sleep. The Theta signal is present in the creative state. Alertness is associated with presence of the Beta signal. Production of a visual signal within the Beta range tends to synchronize cerebral activity about alertness, and attenuate cerebral activity associated with relaxation.

Because the visual signal does not rely upon functioning within the consciousness of the person, it need only be within the field of view, and need not be directly in the line of sight at any particular instant. Furthermore, the visual signal need not be overpowering in intensity or color. In fact the visual signal is produced in a most innocuous and almost unnoticeable manner in the preferred embodiment.

The preferred mode of the present invention involves a small battery operated device, which is uniquely packaged and mounted on the dash board of a vehicle within the field of view of the driver. A plurality of light emitting diodes are coupled in parallel providing a single visual signal within the red portion of the spectrum through a novel lens. The visual signal is produced within the range of 13 hertz to 30 hertz (i.e. frequency range of Beta signal) . In the preferred mode, a frequency of 20 hertz is employed.

Choice of a frequency lower than 13 hertz has been found to detract from alertness. Frequencies above 30 hertz become ineffective in most persons because of the tendency toward persistence of vision.

In the preferred mode, the 20 hertz signal is supplied for six seconds out of every twelve second period. This pulsing of the 20 hertz signal considerably enhances the effectiveness of the invention.

The battery may be conserved without loss of effectiveness by some reduction in duty cycle of the visual signal.

A unique pulse generation circuit ensures effective timing and duration of the pulses comprising the visual signal. The dual current regulators ensure constant light output with varying temperature and battery voltage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a prospective view of a fully packaged device employing the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the device;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the device showing details of the mounting apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a top schematic view of the device showing angular positioning;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the device with the cover removed;

FIG. 7 is a side sectioned view of the device;

FIG. 8 is an electrical schematic diagram of the device; and,

FIG. 9 is a graphical representation of the timing of the visual signal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of alertness device 10. It is packaged in a molded opaque plastic case comprised of top portion 12 and bottom portion 14. These pieces are releasably held together by suitable fasteners as described in more detail below. At the front face of alertness device 10 is lens 16. To assist in maintaining the perceived intensity of the visual signal without undue interference from the ambient, lens 16 is preferably made to transfer primarily at the wavelength of the visual signal. In the preferred embodiment, this is within the red portion of the spectrum. The single control for alertness device 10 is on/off switch and brightness control 18.

FIG. 2 is a front view of alertness device 10 with lens 16 removed. The visual signal is produced by light emitting diodes 20, 22, 24, and 26. Other referenced components are as previously discussed.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of alertness device 10. Molded bottom portion 14 is held to top portion 12 (see also Fig. 1) by fasteners 28 and 30 which are preferably self-tapping screws. Near the center of bottom portion 14 is fixedly attached hook and latch strip 32. This strip is fixed to virtually the entire width of bottom portion 14 to enable angular adjustment in the manner discussed below.

At the rear of bottom portion 14 is positioned battery compartment hatch 34, which is removable to gain access to the battery compartment for testing and replacement. Battery compartment hatch 34 is latched in place on bottom portion 14 by latch 36. FIG. 4 is a side view of alertness device 10 showing mounting on dash board 40 of a vehicle. Mounting is accomplished by fixedly attaching hook and latch pad 38 to dash board 40. Releasable attachment occurs between hook and latch strip 32 and hook and latch pad 38. The use of the relatively large hook and latch pad 38 permits attachment of hook and latch strip 32 over a relatively large range from front to back of the vehicle (i.e. left to right in the Fig.). Movement over such range provides a large variation in the angle of alertness device 10 with respect to horizontal axis of the vehicle because of the curvature of dash board 40. Light emitting diode 20 is shown in phantom to better view the relative angle.

FIG. 5 is a top schematic view of alertness device 10 as rotatably positionable on dash board 40. Light emitting diodes 20, 22, 24, and 26; hook and latch strip 32; and hook and latch pad 38 are shown in phantom to help visualize the rotatable positioning.

Because the attachment is accomplished by hook and latch strip 32 and hook and latch pad 38, alertness device 10 may be rotatably positioned as shown by arrows 46 and 48. This rotatable positioning permits alertness device 10 to be mounted in line of sight 44 of eye 42 of the vehicle operator.

FIG. 6 is a top view of alertness device 10 having top portion 12 removed. Light emitting diodes 20, 22, 24, and 26 are mounted on the front side of printed circuit board 52. Typical components 54, 56, 58 and 60 are mounted on the opposite side of printed circuit board 52.

Fastener lumens 62 and 64 accommodate fasteners 28 and 30 (see also Fig. 3) . Nine volt battery 50 occupies the battery compartment and powers alertness device 10 via terminals 66 and 68. All other referenced elements are as previously described.

FIG. 7 is a partially sectioned side view of alertness device 10. Foam pad 70 is fixedly attached to top portion 12. When battery hatch 34 is closed (see also Fig. 3) , foam pad 70 is compressed by battery 50 ensuring that battery 50 is secured from excess movement. All remaining referenced elements are as previously discussed.

FIG. 8 is an electrical schematic of the circuitry of alertness device 10. The circuitry is powered by nine volt battery 130 (shown as physical battery 50 in Fig. 6) . Diode 128 protects the circuitry in the event that battery replacement results in improper polarity. Switch 132 turns the device on and off, and selects different brightness levels.

Integrated circuit 82 is a timer device programmed by the external components to produce an output having a twelve second cycle time. This output is provided to integrated circuit 94 to provide six seconds of visual signal during each twelve second period.

The individual 20 hertz output pulses are programmed by integrated circuit 94. The resulting output is a 20 hertz output for six seconds followed by six seconds of no signal. PNP transistor 108 provides a current regulated output to NPN transistor 118, which supplies the final current regulated output to the light emitting diodes 120, 122, 124, and 126 (physical representations are 20, 22, 24, and 26, respectively).

The following is a list of the specific component values for the elements of the circuit:

Element Value

74 lOOOmfd, lOv electrolytic capacitor

76 6.8mfd, lOv tantalum capacitor

78 4.7K ohm, 1/4 watt resistor

80 1.2 meg, 1/4 watt resistor

82 LMC555CN timer, CMOS

84 open pin

86 1N4148 silicon diode

88 68.1k, 1/4 watt resistor

90 470k, 1/4 watt resistor

92 715k, 1/4 watt resistor

94 LMC555CN timer, CMOS

96 O.l fd, 50v metallized capacitor

98 open pin 100 1N4148 silicon diode

102 1N4148 silicon diode

104 4.7k, 1/4 watt resistor

106 75 ohm, 1/4 watt resistor

108 2N4403 transistor

110 1N4148 silicon diode

112 1N4148 silicon diode

114 7.5 ohm, 1/4 watt resistor

116 20 ohm, 1/4 watt resistor

118 2N4401 transistor

120-126 Red diffused 30ma LED

128 1 amp, 20v. , schottky diode

130 Nine volt alkaline battery

FIG. 9 is a graphical representation of the output of alertness device 10. Element 136 shows the 20 hertz output over a six second period. This corresponds to 120 complete cycles. Element 138 shows the six second period having no output. Element 140 and element 144 each have the 20 hertz output. Element 142 is a six second period of no output similar to element 138.

Having thus described the preferred embodiments of the present invention, those of skill in the art will be readily able to design yet other embodiments from the teachings found herein within the scope of the claims hereto attached. I CLAIM:

Claims

1. An apparatus for maintaining alertness comprising: a. means for generating a signal within the Beta range; and, b. means for transferring said signal to a person.

2. An apparatus according to claim l wherein said transferring means further comprises means for converting said signal to a visual signal.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising means coupled to said generating means for producing said signal at a duty cycle of less than 100 percent.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said generating means generates said signal at twenty hertz.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said producing means provides said duty cycle at 50 percent.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said producing means produces said signal for six seconds of a twelve second period.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said transferring means further comprises at least one light emitting diode.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said transferring means further comprises a lens intermediate said at least one light emitting diode and said person.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said at least one light emitting diode emits light within the red portion of the visible spectrum.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said lens passes light only within the red portion of the visible spectrum.

11. A method of maintaining alertness of a person comprising: a. producing a signal within the Beta range; and, b. transferring said signal to said person as a sensory signal.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein said sensory signal is a visual signal.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein said signal is 20 hertz.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein said visual signal within the red portion of the visible spectrum.

15. A method according to claim 14 wherein a duty cycle of less than 100 percent is established for said visual signal.

16. A circuit for providing a current regulated pulse train comprising: a. means for timing said pulse train; b. means coupled to said timing means for providing a current regulated output in response to an output of said timing means; and, c. means coupled to said providing means for producing said current regulated pulse train in response to said current regulated output of said providing means.

17. An apparatus for mounting a device on a dash board of a vehicle comprising: a. a hook and latch strip fixedly coupled to said device; and, b. a hook and latch pad fixedly coupled to said dash board of said vehicle.