Development and Integration of a Wearable Biometric Sensor Suite for Assessing Physical and Cognitive State

Abstract: This work describes how a human-centered design process was implemented for development of a system of wearable technology that can be used to assess a person’s physical and/or cognitive state. The system is comprised of a suite of biological measurement devices. Variables measured include numerous heart rate variables, temperature, respiration, oxygen saturation and numerous brain wave patterns. Some, but not all, of the sensors used in the system are commercial off the shelf (COTS) sensors. Two sensos in particular were developed in house and have distinctive capabilities not found in COTS sensors. The first of these non-COTS sensors is very small and has the capability to deliver oxygen saturation and full waveform heart rate data. The full heart rate data allows the system to track an individual’s heart rate characteristics over time and use that individual’s data to set markers that may be correlated to changes in physical or cognitive state. The second of these non-COTS sensors is a head band that has the capability to measure certain brain wave patterns. The suite of sensors is integrated into a combination of a wearable athletic shirt and the head band. Each sensor has been calibrated and shown to have good accuracy and precision. The system’s different biological variables are displayed via an app that was developed as part of the research. The person wearing the sensor suite can use the app to view different biological data at any point in time and compare that data with their individual averages. Common measures of distribution of the biological data such as maximums, minimums and standard deviation are available and can provide insights into current physical and cognitive state. The sensor suite has been found to be relatively comfortable to wear. Initial tests validate that the sensors react in a predictable manner to external inputs intended to create heightened levels of fear or anxiety. Initial hypotheses have been developed for correlating the variety of data gathered by the system with an individual’s physical and mental well-being. The system can be used in the future to develop data algorithms that are individualized to the particular wearer, taking the different sensor outputs and correlating them with physical and cognitive states to inform users and possibly even recommend health improvement strategies. The work was sponsored and co-lead by the Air Force Research Lab. The work was accomplished as part of a design project embedded in the Westmont College engineering program.

Keywords: Wearable, User Centered Design, Biometrics, Sensors, physical state, cognitive state

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006837

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