Intel explores chips inside football helmets to track concussions

Intel is working with researchers to better simulate and measure football related head injuries like concussions.

Specifically, researchers at Dartmouth, Wayne State University, University of Northern Colorado and Texas State University-San Marcos are trying to simulate impacts and model data from hits.

Intel is providing the Xeon chips for workstations and processors and in the future could provide built-in Atom chips to transmit data from a helmet to doctors on the sidelines. The chip giant also teamed up with the Mayo Clinic to create faster diagnostics and medical scans using a new supercomputer chip design.

Here's how the collaboration worked:

• Simulated impacts were processed on a computing cluster;
• The simulations were based on university computer models;
• These models were built using the Riddell Head Impact Telemetry System, which provides real-time data on head shots. Riddell is a leading football helmet manufacturer.
• From there, researchers can compare various hits.

The more interesting development could be in-helmet processors that would deliver data and allow doctors to respond faster. Concussions have become major research initiatives as more is learned about brain trauma. Real-time analysis could be critical.

Here's a look at your brain after a hit, according to a Wayne State University simulation.

And here's a look at the Riddell system to track hits.

Related on SmartPlanet:

• Purdue researchers find minor head blows add up for football players
• NFL players as guinea pigs
• Retired NFL player finds hope for his brain in oxygen chamber

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com