Body Pressure Measurement System (BPMS™) for R&D

measure pressure distribution on support surfaces

Measure pressure distribution between the human body and support surfaces such as seats, mattresses, cushions, and backrests.

Body Pressure Measurement System (<em>BPMS</em>™) for R&D

Full Body Pressure Mapping for Design and Testing

BPMS measures the pressure distribution of a human body on support surfaces such as seats, mattresses, cushions, and backrests. The thinness of the pressure mats enables the user to confidently incorporate the sensor into the application without altering the characteristics of the support surface. The combination of these factors enables precise measurement of the location and magnitude of peak pressures and overall pressure distribution patterns.

body pressure profile

Key BPMS Features:

Recording & playback of dynamic pressure images
USB connectivity to your computer
Fast (100 Hz) sensor scanning
Accurate, repeatable measurements
Real-time display of sensor data
Graphing and data analysis capabilities
Ultra-thin, durable & reusable sensors
High spatial resolution
Easy to set-up & portable

A Tekscan system consists of scanning electronics, software, and patented thin-film sensors. To learn more about our scanning electronics and sensor performance specifications, please visit our Sensor Technology page. Our qualified engineers will help you select the optimal system configuration to meet your application requirements.

BPMS Components

body pressure measurement system

Evolution^® Handle(s) - Every Tekscan system uses specially designed scanning electronics called Handles or Cuffs. The electronics connect to the sensor, gather the data from the sensor, and then process and send this data to your computer via USB connection.

BPMS Software CD

Tactile Pressure Sensor(s) - Sensor selection dependent on application

*Components depend on system configuration. Additional items may be included with your system purchase.

View Computer Requirements

Choose from a variety of Pressure Sensors

BPMS is built on a "modular" sensor construct concept. This means you can acquire a system in many ways from one pressure sensor up to eight. This allows you to grow your BPMS as your needs expand, thus protecting your initial investment.

Seating pressure Sensor Configurations
System Model	Sensor Model (Qty)	Sensing Area	# of Sensing Elements	Spatial Resolution	Pressure Range
BE1	5315 (1)	488.7 mm x 426.7 mm (19.20 in. x 16.80in.)	2,016	1 sensel/cm² (6.3 sensels/in²)	0-250 mmHg (0-5 psi)
BE2	5315 (2)	Two sensors with above dimensions	4,032	1 sensel/cm² (6.3 sensels/in²)	0-250 mmHg (0-5 psi)
CE1	5330 (1)	471.4 mm x 471.4 mm (18.56 in. x 18.56 in.)	1,024	0.5 sensel/cm² (3.0 sensels/in²)	0-250 mmHg (0-5 psi)
CE2	5330 (2)	Two sensors with above dimensions	2,048	0.5 sensel/cm² (3.0 sensels/in²)	0-250 mmHg (0-5 psi)
BE1	5350 (1)	416.6 mm x 386.1 m (16.40 in. x 15.20 in.)	1,558	1 sensel/cm² (6.3 sensels/in²)	0-250 mmHg (0-5 psi)
BE2	5350 (2)	Two sensors with above dimensions	3,116	1 sensel/cm² (6.3 sensels/in²)	0-250 mmHg (0-5 psi)
Mattress pressure Sensor Configurations
BE4	5315 (4)	1,950.7 mm x 426.7 mm (76.80 in. x 16.80 in.)	8,064	1 sensel/cm² (6.3 sensels/in²)	0-250 mmHg (0-5 psi)
BE8	5315 (8)	1,950.7 mm x 853.4 mm (76.80 in. x 33.60 in.)	16,128	1 sensel/cm² (6.3 sensels/in²)	0-250 mmHg (0-5 psi)
BE1	5400N (1)	578.0 mm x 884.0 mm (22.76 in. x 34.80 in.)	1,768	0.3 sensel/cm² (2.2 sensels/in²)	0-200 mmHg (0-4 psi)
BE2	5400N (2)	578.0 mm x 1,768.0 mm (22.76 in. x 69.61 in.)	3,536	0.3 sensel/cm² (2.2 sensels/in²)	0-200 mmHg (0-4 psi)
HME3	5400N (3)	1,734.0 mm x 884.0 mm (68.27 in. x 34.80 in.)	5,304	0.3 sensel/cm² (2.2 sensels/in²)	0-200 mmHg (0-4 psi)
HME4	5400N (4)	2,312.0 mm x 884.0 mm (91.02 in. x 34.80 in.)	7,072	0.3 sensel/cm² (2.2 sensels/in²)	0-200 mmHg (0-4 psi)

View all of Tekscan's Pressure Sensors

Click to enlarge images and play videos.

Car Seat Test: Pressures caused during driving when vehicle bounces. 2-D and 3-D views of peak pressure, with graph of peak pressure vs. time.
Output of subject lying on a 2-sensor mat configuration (sensor model 5400N). The high spatial resolution of the sensor allows you to measure and display the high pressure areas (in red) as the subject is lying down.
The colored image on the left shows the pressure distribution of the driver as he prepares to apply the brakes. The (red) elevated pressure on his right buttock is a result of lifting his right foot. Note that the (red) high pressure region shifted from the buttocks to the lumbar region. Graph shows peak pressure of back and seat over time as brakes were applied

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zz4t42H9IA
Comparison test of two participants sitting on the same support surface. BPMS allows for multiple pressure "movies" to be opened, analyzed, and compared.

Body Pressure Measurement Software Features:

Capture dynamic pressure
Record pressure output
Play-back pressure "movies"
Display real-time and recorded data as 2-D and 3-D images
Display of pressure and force curves over time
Export ASCII file capability
Display data frame-by-frame, single, and/or multi-frame
Isolate and analyze specific regions
Display Center of Force and its trajectory
View and compare multiple tests simultaneously

The software is available in several languages including Spanish, French and German. View software languages available.

Software Options

Body Pressure Measurement Applications

Support Surface Design
- Amount of padding
- Shape of seat or backrest
- Contours of seat or backrest
- Dimensions of seat
- Firmness
Material Testing
Comfort Analysis
Longevity Studies
Ingress/Egress Studies
Psychology Studies

There have also been a number of research projects conducted where pressure measurement technology has played a crucial role. For a list of research studies, download the Industrial bibliography.