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Friday, June 6, 2008
Smart Carpet Alerts Caregiver If a Senior Falls
“This is an unobtrusive monitoring system that will increase the safety of seniors and improve their ability to live independently,” Tyrer said.
Harry Tyrer, a University of Missouri electrical and computer engineering professor alongwith MU nursing Associate Professor Myra A. Aud is exploring the use of sensor technology in construction.
They have introduced a new type of sensor that can be printed on thin, flexible sheets using organic ink. Organic ink sensors are flexible and inexpensive. This would be placed on the sensor sheet that is layered between the room's carpet and the carpet pad.
Once this is done, it will be easy to spot the movement of the person. This technology would be very helpful in hospitals, care taking institutions and homes of senior citizens. A caregiver can easily track the movement of the patients and can be immediately alerted if someone falls.
It can also provide additional info about the changes in gait or behaviors that can indicate a fall. This is not possible with the current sensor technologies. Because current floor sensor systems depend on vibration readings to monitor a person's activity. But it is not dependable and easily prone to misinterpretation.
Source - University of Missouri
Harry Tyrer, a University of Missouri electrical and computer engineering professor alongwith MU nursing Associate Professor Myra A. Aud is exploring the use of sensor technology in construction.
Image courtesy of Harry Tyrer
This fantastic duo has come up with the creation of the smart carpet that promises to help the elderly people who have trouble while walking.They have introduced a new type of sensor that can be printed on thin, flexible sheets using organic ink. Organic ink sensors are flexible and inexpensive. This would be placed on the sensor sheet that is layered between the room's carpet and the carpet pad.
Once this is done, it will be easy to spot the movement of the person. This technology would be very helpful in hospitals, care taking institutions and homes of senior citizens. A caregiver can easily track the movement of the patients and can be immediately alerted if someone falls.
It can also provide additional info about the changes in gait or behaviors that can indicate a fall. This is not possible with the current sensor technologies. Because current floor sensor systems depend on vibration readings to monitor a person's activity. But it is not dependable and easily prone to misinterpretation.
Source - University of Missouri
Labels: Computer-Science, Electrical-Engineering
PermaLink - Smart Carpet Alerts Caregiver If a Senior Falls posted by Vanessa : 2:58 AM
