WEARABLE SENSORS HELPING SMOKERS QUIT FOR GOOD

WEARABLE SENSORS HELPING SMOKERS QUIT FOR GOOD

The smoking of substances such as tobacco presents numerous dangers to one’s medical health, including an increased risk of cancer and exposure to carcinogens. Quitting smoking can be difficult, especially for those who are addicted to nicotine or the habit itself. However, a new wearable sensor called SmokeMon has been developed by researchers from Northwestern University to help prevent relapse by tracking the smoker’s activity and providing aid.

The smoking of substances (such as tobacco) has been an integral part of cultures all over the world for thousands of years, being used to heighten experiences, pass times of boredom, and even help with concentration. However, the past 50 years of medical science have shown a clear link between smoking and numerous diseases (such as cancer, diabetes, and heart failure). While this wasn’t exactly an issue for early humans, where the average age was between 20 and 25, however, for modern humans, where life expectancies now hit the high 80s, smoking is one sure way to shorten a life.

One method to quit smoking is to go “cold turkey”, essentially stopping all smoking, but this can lead to numerous physical and mental health issues. Reducing the number of cigarettes consumed over time can help minimise withdrawal, but even if someone is successful, it is possible to fall back into the habit, especially during a time of stress.

But it is not just smokers who are at risk from disease; anyone in proximity to a smoker will be subjected to second-hand smoke, which can cause complications. While the risk of second-hand smoke is substantially less, it is still significant enough that it can be measured. Thus, helping individuals quit smoking not only improves their health but those they smoke around.

WEARABLE SMOKING DEVICe tO HELP PREVENT RELAPSE

Recognizing the challenges of smoking, researchers from Northwestern University recently developed a wearable device that can detect if an individual is either planning to smoke or already smoking and, from there, help to provide aid to the smoker.

The device, called SmokeMon, is a portable device powered by internal batteries and includes an array of sensors capable of capturing spatial, temporal, and thermal information from the wearer. Worn around the neck, the device can make numerous determinations, such as the length of a puff, the rate of breathing, the air quality around the individual, and the time of day, so that researchers can create an accurate model of the smoker. From there, the sensor can wirelessly signal a health coach, who can then call the individual to provide encouragement and talk about issues the smoker may be going through.

The 500mAh battery enables the sensor to operate on a single charge for up to 19 hours, which is more than sufficient for a typical workday. Using a thermal imager over an RGB camera helps provide a high degree of privacy. According to the researchers, other smoking devices have utilized accelerometers and gesture detection, but this can routinely see drinking and eating confused with smoking, but the use of thermal imaging means that only heat activities are detected. The researchers are also looking to develop chest sensors that will help to provide insight into smoking patterns.

COULD THESE DEVICES BE USED FOR MORE THAN JUST SMOKING?

Those addicted to harmful drugs could also utilize the sensor to help withdraw, and the ability for the sensor to automatically contact a sponsor could be essential for getting help before they relapse.

Overall, what the researchers have demonstrated here shows real promise and could be key to giving specialized care.