Sheet Sensor Grid for User State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed sensor systems face challenges in accurately detecting user states such as sitting up, falling, and sleeping posture due to reliance on single detection parameters like pressure changes, which can fail when users slowly move or are lightweight, and raise privacy concerns with camera-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A sheet-type acquisition device with multiple sensors, including pressure-sensitive sensors and a highly sensitive vibration sensor, arranged under the user to detect weight, movement, and biological information, allowing for precise determination of user states without external devices and privacy issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single pressure sensor is used to detect user state, then the device complexity is low, but the detection precision deteriorates and false negatives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensor units arranged in a grid pattern. Each sensor detects pressure at its specific location, and the controller segments the detection area into multiple zones. This segmentation allows precise localization of user position and posture while maintaining individual sensor simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pressure sensors and vibration sensors are merged into a unified detection system. The sensors work together to provide complementary information - pressure sensors detect static weight distribution while vibration sensors detect dynamic movements. This merging enables comprehensive user state detection that neither sensor type could achieve alone.
2Measurement precision
If camera-based detection is used to monitor user state, then detection capability is enhanced, but privacy concerns arise and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system (camera) is replaced with a mechanical sensing system (pressure and vibration sensors). The sensors detect user state through physical contact and mechanical deformation rather than optical imaging. This substitution maintains detection capability while eliminating privacy concerns associated with visual monitoring.
3Area of stationary object
If pressure sensors are arranged in a grid pattern, then the area coverage is increased and detection precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor unit in the grid is designed as a universal, identical module that performs multiple functions: pressure detection, position identification, and vibration detection. This universality simplifies manufacturing by using standardized components throughout the array, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from customizing different sensor types for different locations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances detection accuracy for user states, reduces false negatives, and provides earlier alerts for potential falls, enabling better care and preventing pressure ulcers by using multiple sensors to gather comprehensive data on user movement and posture.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first pressure-sensitive sensors arranged in a longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
at least one second vibration sensor arranged between the first sensors to detect movement of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet-type device that can be arranged under a user, the sheet-type device including: a plurality of first sensors configured to acquire a weight of the user, a second sensor configured to acquire biological information of the user, and a controller configured to acquire values acquired from the first sensors and to determine a state of the user, wherein the first sensors and the second sensor are arranged in one line along a right-left direction of the user, and the second sensor is arranged between the first sensors.