AuReTim: an inexpensive and extensible open-source auditory psychomotor vigilance test

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• Nonvisual effects of light (NiviL) research requires precise alertness measurements.
• Existing portable tests may lack usability or connectivity for field studies.
• Development of cost-effective, adaptable tools is crucial for field research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce AuReTim, an open-source, portable psychomotor vigilance test.
• To validate AuReTim's precise timing for reaction time measurements.
• To assess AuReTim's utility in field studies, particularly for NiviL research.

Main Methods:

• AuReTim utilizes a Raspberry Pi with a touchscreen for input and Java-based software.
• Implemented paradigms include simple reaction time and go/no-go using acoustic stimuli.
• A simulation study evaluated the system's timing accuracy using limits of agreement.

Main Results:

• AuReTim demonstrated precise timing with limits of agreement between -1.86 and 1.67 ms.
• The system successfully integrated with other research setups (e.g., EEG).
• AuReTim was effectively used to study light's impact on alertness.

Conclusions:

• AuReTim offers a mobile yet usable solution for psychomotor vigilance testing in field settings.
• Its low cost, extensibility, and precise timing make it a valuable tool for alertness research.
• AuReTim is suitable for studies measuring central nervous system activation levels.