Hands Down: Self Inoculation Prevention

The purpose of this proposal is to develop and pilot-test a personal proximity-sensing device that will prompt users when they are about to touch their faces and to put their hands down, thus reducing the risk of self-contamination from contaminated surfaces in the everyday environment to the individual as well as from a contaminated individual to surfaces in the environment. Self Inoculation is the defined as introducing a viral or bacterial body through mucus membranes.  Project goals include the rapid development of a prototype device, the production of a limited number of devices for proof-of-concept testing, and the preparation of a larger scale research project to determine feasibility for the commercial market. The device will record data to assess performance and facilitate research studies.

The need to reduce surface-to-face contamination is a universal issue. Most effected by the ramifications of widespread infection are people in densely populated public areas such as workplaces and schools.  Studies have found that most people subconsciously touch their faces multiple times per hour. Recent research showed that students at a lecture touched their faces on average 23 times per hour; nearly half those face-touches involved the eyes, nose or mouth.

The reduction of face-touching has long been recommended to reduce the spread of influenza and other viral and bacterial infections. The Covid-19 outbreak has brought to the forefront a need for self-administered cessation devices. The messaging from public service providers to "wash hands and stop touching the face" is now ubiquitous. 

This solution helps its users to cease or reduce face touching and encourages hygienic behaviors before touching other surfaces and faces.  The device meets a less apparent need within the psychological field to address behaviors of individuals who self-inflict injury, such as clients with trichotillomania and similar afflictions.

The user wears a magnetized band on each wrist, and a magnetometer is worn as a pin or necklace around the upper chest area.  As users begin to approach their face with their hand, the magnetometer detects a disruption in the local magnetic field.  It subsequently triggers an audible alarm, alerting the wearers to terminate the unconscious behavior, reach for a sanitary wipe or properly sanitize their hands, thereby preventing self-inoculation and encouraging santizing.  The device will also have an onboard flash or secure digital card to track data for research and user feedback.

The target population is universal; everyone touches their face. People want and need to return to work and socializing.  Those people who are willing to change personal behavior with the assistance of technology can do so and thus return safely to public life.  Currently, this prototype is deployed in a study by the Department of Psychology at Florida State University measuring effectiveness.  Once the technology has been scientifically proven to be effective, we will approach employers for integration into their workforce.  Funding from grants and investors will allow for the provision of this product at little to no cost to willing participants.  

The Covid-19 pandemic has alerted the world's population to the problem of infectious disease transmission.  This device can change personal hygiene behavior - face touching - to prevent and mitigate future disease outbreaks.  The need to restart and maintain the economy and re-open schools, etc., provides motivation for use.  Deploying and proving effectiveness is time critical. Once economies recover from the backlash of the global shutdown, it is imperative that healthy behaviors be encouraged, maintained and promoted.  These behaviors will help keep employees productive by reducing lost work days and healthcare costs for employers and promoting a healthier population.

Similar personal motion detection devices have been built for research purposes in the past to assist people in the modification of self destructive behaviors such as hair pulling, skin picking and nail biting.  However, studies have shown that they were cumbersome and inconvenient to wear.  A similar product is currently marketed by Keen Habitaware.  This technology is trained by the user by simulating the movements that wish they wish to detect.  Therefore, the user is not alerted to the behavior until after it has begun. This feature makes it ineffective for the purpose of preventing self inoculation as face-touching has already occurred.  In addition, the  Keen Habitaware device requires the wearer to push a button each time they detect the behavior.  The end result is performance monitoring is less accurate or non-existent. If the user wants to monitor both hands two devices must be purchased at $180 each.

The Hands Down device is unique in that it alerts before the behavior occurs. The magnetic wrist bands are inexpensive and less obtrusive. The is a single unit and can be worn as a necklace or pendant worn under the garment.    In addition, the Hands Down device has a passive microprocessor controlled data logger that tracks attempts of face touching. This data can be downloaded so the user and researchers can study, in detail patterns and effectiveness of the device. 

The Hands Down is built with an Arduino Nano microprocessor and the combination LSM9DS1 accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope. Hands Down currently uses the data stream from the magnetometer only. The firmware was developed in-house (at Florida State University) and is based on rate of change of the magnetic field.  If awarded, the money will be used to enhance the system using individual components (i.e., magnetometer) to reduce power consumption, improve sensitivity, and extend battery life.  Improved sensitivity will allow for individualized measurements for users, including: how long they touched their face, pattern recognition for each person's tendencies toward types of motion, etc. In the longer term, Hands Down could be expanded and developed with AI and machine learning to interpret magnetic field disturbances to predict more fine-scale movements.Later versions could provide signals promoting expanded body awareness, including corrective signaling for workout body posture, lifting, and slouching.

In the longer term, Hands Down could be expanded and developed with AI and machine learning to interpret magnetic field disturbances to predict more fine-scale movements.Later versions could provide signals promoting expanded body awareness, including corrective signaling for workout body posture, lifting, and slouching.

Himle et al.(2014) Behavioral Habit Reversal Training Techniques (HRT) describe the effectiveness of the method of alerting the subject to unconscious hand motions. However, the ergonomics proved to be a problem.  The Hands Down device offers an improvement to the ergonomic concerns by reducing bulkiness and weight.

The Habitaware Keen Bracelet is a similar product but uses a different paradigm  that does not allow it to signal until after the behavior and therefore is useless for these purposes.

The Hands Down Prototype Demonstration briefly shows the prototype which will be miniaturized and distributed for validation in the local Florida State University community with an outlook for commercialization and mass distribution 

This study (Response Interruption and Re-Direction, RIRD) use by the Hands Down device demonstrated the technique of interrupting behaviors is a more effective method to effect change than currently available commercial devices.

We know that preventing self inoculation minimizes viral exposure. 

The rate of COVID-19 infection has been reduced through the use of behavioral changes such as social distancing and mask wearing. In the context of COVID, the culture is ready to accept new forms of safety. For example, fashionable masks did not have much of a market in January of 2020. Hands Down works with each individual user to help prevent infection; as more people use it, the rate of infection from this and other viruses will measurably decline.

People who start cultural trends are those who are well connected.   At FSU, we have access to students as well as town-gown relationships to promote the Hands Down solution.

Devices that go viral are "sticky" (Gladwell 2002) i.e., they are memorable, personal, and practical. Hands down is personal wear that serves a practical purpose, with a memorable name and function. 

The hands down device will train people to become more aware of healthy behaviors.  Using Skinner's principles of behavioral conditioning, Hands Down makes users aware of when their hands are approaching the face. It has been well established that some types of learning, including learning to modify unconscious behaviors, depend on the awareness of the subject. (Interactions of prefrontal cortex in relation to awareness in sensory learning AR McIntosh, MN Rajah, NJ Lobaugh - Science, 1999 - science.sciencemag.org)  Hands Down uses simple signaling feedback loops to help patients change behaviors.

While social distancing and mask wearing have proved effective, personal habits need to be modified as well.  Simple eye rubbing can self inoculate a subject. As society re-opens a multi-facet approach to the spread of all viral and bacterial infections must be undertaken. Those who can modify behaviors accordingly will be measurably more productive via sick time reduction.  Families who encourage the modifications will be able to maintain social and active lifestyles.  The performance tracking included in the Hands Down device will provide empirical evidence and feed into the viral nature of social media.  This will encourage purchase by people who don't yet understand the necessity for behavioral change.

The product is currently being tested in an ongoing study at the Department of Psychology at Florida State University, with a small group of approximately six participants.  Within the research group, informal use has enthusiastically spread to children (including disabled children) as well as young adults and the elderly. This limited subject study will be complete by December 2020.

Once the study is complete  a proposal to the University for larger deployment in the magnitude of 100s. In 2021.  We expect that this study will be complete December 2021. In five years by 2025, we expect licensing the technology for mass production for sale or mass distribution by NGO to promote healthy behaviors.  

Within the first year the goal is to finish miniaturization and ramp up production through the FSU production capabilities (The Earth Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences Department of Electronics and Fabrication Shop lab has mass produced CAD machinery and works with a 3d printer). 

In 2022, we plan to produce and distribute many devices to willing participants during the period of reintroduction of socializing to the local FSU population and surrounding community. (The FSU population is willing, as they will spend many hours in public places such as classrooms and workstations at FSU). Eyes are an important infection site that are not covered by masks, as COVID and other viruses can remain active on a surface for 5 days.

During year 2022 and 2023,  An online community will be built to encourage sharing personal performance and track real effects. This feedback will, also, be utilized to improve the devices performance and enhance its utility (ie expansion into other body awareness issues). A phone app will be created. 

By years 2024 and 2025, the project will have be passed through the University Office of Commercialization 

https://www.research.fsu.edu/r...

for production or licensing for mass marketing on a global scale.

Barriers include marketing, pricing, and cultural acceptance of the product.  

The current cultural climate of COVID-19 awareness serves to provide the right context for receptivity for Hands Down. The market consumer is aware of the health risks related to face touching; attractive jewelry/accessories will catch the eye of the discerning consumer.

Estimated unit price is approximately $60/unit.  This cost can be dropped to less than $20/unit.   Assistance will be required in internet marketing optimization and social media environment integration, mass production outsourcing.

For practical use, beeping may disrupt meetings and classes.  The beeper can be switched to a vibration mode for situations in which silence is needed.

The times have never been better for both individuals to culturally accept such technology to combat disease transmission in a world where population will only continue to become more dense.  FSU has assistance in many fields of legal, business and research but the commercial sector can provide faster and longer reaching contacts. 

Dr. Tang speaks fluent Chinese and is familiar with outsourcing electronics in the Chinese supply chain. He can assist in scaling the product.

This project is managed through what Florida State University Auxiliary Budget named the Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science Technical Field Support Dept.  It is considered a non-profit business and is open provide services to internal state and federal as well as external commercial clients that are both commercial or other state and federal entities. Examples of past external clients are NOAA, Waste Management Incorporated and University of Mississippi.

2 Project Staff, 8 Faculty advisors performing research of the products effectiveness in behavior modification

Eric Howarth has 17 years of project management engineering, designing and developing unique instrumentation systems for the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science. 

Te Tang Ph. D., Biomedical Engineering, 2010
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Dissertation: “Detection of Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Neonates using Electrical Impedance Tomography” Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering, 2003
Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
Dissertation: “An algorithm for ultrasound extend field of view” 

Hardware
General analog and digital circuit design, Microcontrollers (51 Series, PIC, STM, MEGA), USB circuit design, DC and stepper motor driving circuit design, PCB layout using Altium Designer and P-CAD software

Software :C, C++, VC++, QBasic, Visual Basic, Python, Java, Matlab

Biomedical Experience:  In-vivo animal experiment, Electrophysiology, Inverse problems, Time-Frequency signal processing (STFT, Wavelet and Wigner Transforms), Imaging Algorithms (EIT, CT, Ultrasound, MRI)

The primary researcher Eric Howarth, who manages the Earth, Ocean, and Atmosphere Sciences Technical Field Support department, has partnered with FSU's School of Dance, Department of Psychology, and College of Social Work.

Implementation of the product will reduce infectious disease transmission. This will both improve health of participants and reduce healthcare costs. Key customers are both individuals and large corporate and state entities. 

HOW DO YOU PROVIDE THESE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES?

Providing low cost large quantities to large scale employers will have long term benefits it increasing productivity by reducing lost sick time and reducing their portion of healthcare coverage. 

Current options include grants from NIH, CDC and NSF.  Florida State University of Commercialization will provide legal patent support.  Ultimate goal is to place the product in production through the production facilities at FSU and approach external entities for licensing.

The mission of the Technical Field Support Department (TFS) at FSU is to promote research to improve the environment and welfare of the world.  As an Auxiliary Budget within the Florida State University the TFS provides a fast track pathway to keep pace with immerging technologies and service commercial organizations in mindful stewardship of the earth and its communities.  In this application an affordable device can potentially be mass distributed to assist the world's population by modifying unsanitary behavior resulting in a more healthier lifestyle in an increasingly dense populace and socially global society.

First year partnership requirements include marketing of the device to include social media and website development.  Other responsibilities may include networking skills to for outreach to large scale user such as schools and large scale employers.

Long term partnerships will include technology experts incorporate and develop better technology to passively track body motion utilizing other passive monitoring technology eg RFID, Bluetooth, tensile force and light detection incorporated in to multivariate pattern analysis with AI and pattern recognition.  Specifically this will include:

1. finer scale motion detection  

2. finer scale position detection. 

3. wearable devices

4. fashion and design ergonomics

Potential partners extend to the integration and expansion of the device in the market of wearable technology.  Improvements can be in the technology (i.e. more detailed passive tracking of body worn sensors) and fashion and convenience.   

The prize will be used to support a position for Website development/social influencing and data management.  This person will be integral to quick roll out to provide the most impact during the impending roll out to a normalized society. 

To date the project has been externally funded by the Team Leader with the intention of commercial production for sale.  If awarded a Future Planet Capital Prize is awarded to this concept a separate corporation will be created for full time dedication to deliver this project to market.  

In addition, funds would be used to expedite the expansion of the technology and its capability to whole body information monitoring.  Correcting issues associated with all damaging self destructive behaviors such as over consumption of alcohol, self mutilation, and poor body position and movement in the workplace. 

Significant effort would be focused on designing the technology to be as unobtrusive as possible so that it will easily adopted by the user into their every day lifestyle.