Colorado Patent of the Month – April 2021

Human error on worksites can cause catastrophic failures and can cost the company millions while also putting employees at risk. These errors are often a result of impairment which could be substance related or due to fatigue, stress, prescription medication side effects and so on. While drug and alcohol testing are routine in many job sites, there is no welfare check for the other impairments. Predictive Safety SRP, Inc. had developed an adaptive alertness testing method for exactly this reason.

The test uses a software based administration to evaluate the alertness of the employee. The test could include scenarios such as seeing spinning shapes on the screen and then the employee taps the shape that is different from others. Other options include showing the employee a set of objects, a disruptor distracts the employee, and then the employee is prompted to recount the objects shown. The results would be based on the time required to answer and the answer itself. The disruptor could be visual, audible, or physical. The test takes 1 minute in total and identifies fatigue or distress. Predictive Saftey SRP suggests using the test at the start of a shift, or even requiring it to be completed before using certain machinery that needs full attention. The results can be sent to a supervisor who will be made aware that a worker needs attention. The tests are simple so as to apply to any worker, while easily assessing focus, reaction time, decision making, and more. Testing a workers focus could be the difference between safe and hazardous work conditions.

Are you developing new software for a new application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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