BED OCCUPANT MONITORING SYSTEM

摘要

This invention relates to monitoring the health and/or activity of a person occupying a bed. This invention provides a novel system comprising a pressure-sensitive surface and interface electronics. Systems made in accordance with the present invention may be used for a variety of applications including but not limited to any of the following (or combinati on of the following): detecting the presence or absence of a bed occupant; determining if the bed occupant is preparing to exit the bed; measuring pulmonary activity (eg. respiration rate); monitoring the frequency and extent of movement of the be d occupant; monitoring the heart beat of the occupant; monitoring the bed occupant's blood pressure; monitoring the pressure at the interface between the bed occupant and the bed. Furthermore, it will be understood from the following description that the present invention provides a non-intrusive means of monitoring the bed occupant. The invention comprises a pressure sensitive surface that may be soft a nd conformable upon which the occupant lies. If desired, the pressure sensitive surface can be fabricated in a manner such that the bed occupant is unaware of its presence. Given these features, it is evident that the present invention provides: a useful tool in long term care facilities whereinit is sometimes desirable to determine whether a bed occupant intends to leave the bed; a means to detect the possible onset of b ed- sores in time for an attendant to prevent such sores from occurring by moving the bed occupant; a means to detect the lapse of regular pulmonary activity (to help prevent sudden infant death syndrome or death of a bed-ridden patient).