In-helmet oxy-hemoglobin change detection using near-infrared sensing

Abstract

Near-infrared (NIR) sensing in flight applications can provide critical objective indicators of crew state. By monitoring oxy-hemoglobin concentrations, a NIR sensor can detect changes in flight crew physiology in response to both cognitive demands and extreme conditions related to flight applications, including gravity-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) and hypoxia. A custom NIR sensor was created for in-helmet monitoring of oxy-hemoglobin in flight. This wearable, wireless sensor addresses requirements for flight applications and was applied to a case study that examines the raw optical signal and oxy-hemoglobin response to Valsalva maneuvers performed at 1g. © 2009 Springer.