The Design and Analysis of a Real-Time, Continuous Arousal Monitor

The recent development of miniaturized, low-power components for body sensor networks pave the way towards intelligent and ambulatory monitoring devices with a plurality of applications. Here, the design and development of a real-time arousal monitor, based on Human++ Body Area Network components is described. A new set of biomarkers is proposed based on psychophysiological observations and principles. A strong relation between the estimated arousal level and the expected arousal level is reported for responses triggered by movie clips, in a controlled environment. This relation is shown to extend to stimuli of a different nature, such as sounds and mental stress tests. The system will enable new applications in the field of stress management, safety, e-learning and gaming.