Real-time concentration measurement through forehead cerebral blood flow dynamics using NIRS

Online learning using devices attached to a network has become widespread. However, it is difficult for the provider to evaluate the concentration status of learners who take online learning courses. Therefore, in this study, we measured the cerebral blood flow dynamics of the forehead, which is highly related to concentration, with an optical topography device (near-infrared spectroscopy: NIRS), and conducted an experiment to measure the concentration level. The subjects were asked to address online learning teaching materials; the change in concentration at that time was measured, and a neural network (NN) was used for analysis. By selecting a sensor that measures cerebral blood flow, we were able to correctly discriminate the data of 78.5% of the concentration state. Furthermore, by analyzing the NIRS data at the same time as recording, it was possible to measure and visualize the concentration state of the subjects in real-time.