Application examples for biomedical engineering outside the direct medical environment
TrackWear: Trackside Working Wearables holding Warning Actuators
![Warning device ("satellite") worn on the protective clothing (top) and "actuator" worn e.g. like a wristwatch with vibration and metal contacts for electrical sensory stimulation. Warning device ("satellite") worn on the protective clothing (top) and "actuator" worn e.g. like a wristwatch with vibration and metal contacts for electrical sensory stimulation.](/fileadmin/content/OE/zmpbmt/Forschung/Neuroproth/Engineering_1.jpg)
Railway infrastructure managers are often faced with residents' complaints because of the noise of track warning systems that ensure workers' safety. An alternative approach is to equip persons working in a hazardous environment with devices (satellites) to produce warning signals like sound, light, and vibration in different intensities. They transmit the wearer's location to a central unit (coordinator), which triggers warnings as soon as a threat is recognized (e.g., approaching train) or the person is entering a potentially hazardous area. The satellite can connect to other body-worn actuators that can emit additional warning signals like vibration or electrical sensory stimulation.
Partners:
Die Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft FFG
Rail Expert Consult GmbH
Spath Micro Electronic Design GmbH
Evaluation of the personal level of arousal (stress measurement)
![Typical changes in the skin conductance during the transition from a resting phase to a stress phase. Typical changes in the skin conductance during the transition from a resting phase to a stress phase.](/fileadmin/content/OE/zmpbmt/Forschung/Neuroproth/Engineering_2.png)
Many chronic diseases show connections to chronic stress. But despite the importance of stress research, it is difficult to measure non-invasive a person's level of stress continuously. Approaches to use skin conductance (electrodermal activity) are evaluated and combined with other easy to access bio-parameters like heart rate variability to get new insights into stress impact.
Biofeedback
![CE certified Biofeedback system, developed in cooperation with Insight Instruments CE certified Biofeedback system, developed in cooperation with Insight Instruments](/fileadmin/content/OE/zmpbmt/Forschung/Neuroproth/Engineering_3.jpg)
In long-standing cooperation with Insight Instruments, a modular, miniaturized system to access bio-parameters was developed. It is continuously improved and extended, using the latest components, technology, and research results.