Researchers have developed a new wearable device that helps you stay alert by nudging you when you are dozing off and suggests when to take breaks.
The device, called Vigo, can keep drivers from dozing off on long drives and help users stay alert in class or during presentations.
Vigo tracks patterns in your blinks and in your body's movement to quantify how alert you are in real time.
Although your brain has a tendency to trick you into thinking you're mentally fit enough to keep pushing on with your daily business, your body can't hide when you're tired.
With an infrared sensor, an accelerometer, and a clever algorithm, Vigo knows you're drowsy before you do, according to the product description on Kickstarter website.
Vigo functions just like a Bluetooth headset with handsfree talking capabilities.
The device connects to your smartphone through Bluetooth. Users can customise when, and how, Vigo nudges them. They can choose between a soft pulsing vibration, a discreet notification LED or a song to help them re-focus.
Vigo can also help users determine their peak energy periods. The companion app visualises the important information about user alertness, allowing them to see patterns and make changes in their routine.
The motivation to build Vigo came to the researchers when they were studying at the University of Pennsylvania.
They have been building Vigo over the past couple of months under the arm of the hardware accelerator programme HAXLR8R in Shenzhen, China.
