Bed Monitoring System with FlexiForce Sensors

Force Sensitive Bed Monitoring for the Elderly

Background: As force sensing technology continues to evolve, so can the quality of life for elderly people and their families. A group at Massey University’s School of Engineering and Advanced Technology recently investigated the feasibility of incorporating a bed sensor as part of a wireless home monitoring system for an elderly person or disabled person living alone. The system is centered around a customizable database that logs a person’s routine daily activity patterns in the home. If activities deviate to a certain degree from the established pattern, caregivers can be notified. For example, if the person always gets out of bed at 7:00 am, but by 8:00 am they have not left the bed yet, it could indicate a problem and can alert loved ones via text message that they should check in to be sure there is no emergency.

Solution: Tekscan’s FlexiForce^® force sensor was incorporated into the bed check monitoring portion of the system. FlexiForce was chosen because of its reliability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of integration. FlexiForce sensors are strategically placed underneath the bed legs to determine if a force is being exerted on the bed (confirming whether someone is lying on it). The sensors were calibrated in such a means that the system could confirm that the force on the bed is exerted by the human subject rather than a pet or an inanimate object.

Benefits of FlexiForce Sensors

• Ultra-thin sensor construction and flexibility means minimal interference/disturbance to normal action
• Accurate response gives your customers and end users confidence in the performance of your product
• Knowledgeable, experienced technical staff help you develop the most effective, economical sensor based on your specific requirements.  All manufacturing takes place at ISO 9001 & 13485 certified Tekscan headquarters.
• 100% factory inspection ensures your sensors meet established performance specifications

Source: (2008) IEEE Sensors Conference, Gaddam, A., Gupta, G., Mukhopadhyay, S., Necessity of a Bed Sensor in a Smart Digital Home to Care for Elder People, 1340-1343.