Technology is advancing rapidly and headphones go beyond just listening to music. University researchers have developed a system that can detect distraction by analyzing the brain waves of headphones. Here are the details!
Headphone technology that can detect distraction
Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a system that can detect brainwaves while immersed by integrating EEG technology with headphones. By analyzing the user’s brainwaves, these headphones can identify signs of sleep transition and provide early warning for drivers. This technology, called Drowsiness Detection, aims to prevent potential accidents by detecting distractions.
According to research, there are more than 300,000 accidents in the US annually due to fatigue. These headsets can detect immersion signals by detecting users’ blinking, alpha brain waves and other physiological signals. In tests, the headsets reportedly achieved 93.2 percent accuracy in immersion detection. This technology could be a lifesaver for drivers and those operating heavy machinery.
These headphones, which are still only at a concept stage, do not have standard functions such as playing music or answering calls. However, having health-oriented functions such as immersion detection could increase the functionality of such devices in the future. The headphones should be designed to adapt to all ear types, the researchers said. They also emphasize that the battery life should be extended for long-term use.