DE202018002228U1 - System for the reliable detection of bed occupancy and alerting in case of dangerous situations, which are detected by the analysis of bed occupancy data - Google Patents

Abstract

System in which a bed occupancy is reliably detected by the fluctuations of the measurements of pressure sensors, which are positioned under the mattress, by a computer, here called bed controller, are evaluated.

Description

The invention relates to a system for the reliable detection of a bed occupancy and alarm in possible dangerous situations that are detected due to the analysis of bed occupancy data.

A known method for detecting a bed occupancy is the use of contact mats (also called mats or Bettbelegungsmatten), in which from a certain pressure exerted on this contact is closed, similar to a light switch. The disadvantage of this method is that contact mats only work satisfactorily when positioned directly under the bed sheet. However, this has the disadvantage that this construction, in particular the cable connection, is disturbing when changing the bed sheet and there is the danger that the function can be disturbed by displacements of the mat. In addition, a contact mat directly under the bed sheet significantly affects the comfort lying. If the contact mat is positioned under the mattress, it is not possible to reliably detect bed occupancy. In light people, the contact mat does not trigger, since the pressure is distributed through the mattress and thus is too low. For heavy mattresses, the contact is already closed even though the bed is not occupied or the contact will not be reliably opened when the bed is left.

The object of the invention is to show a system for the secure detection of a bed occupancy, while avoiding the disadvantages mentioned and also to detect possible dangerous situations and to initiate appropriate alerting measures.

A system is proposed in which a reliable detection of the bed occupancy is ensured by the analogous measurement of the pressure exerted on the mattress and the pressure differences thus identified. A bed occupancy can be reliably determined with this system due to the measured pressure differences regardless of the weight of the mattress and the person in bed.

For this purpose, it is proposed to use pressure sensors ( 1 ) in the form of sensor strips or point sensors at one or more locations under the mattress ( 2 ). It is advisable, these sensors on one or more slatted bars ( 3 ), preferably in the hip area and / or the shoulder area.

The pressure sensors preferably used for this purpose (for example FSR pressure sensors) usually change an electrical value, preferably the resistance value, as a function of the pressure exerted on them. The pressure sensor is connected via a cable (FIG. 4 ) to a computer equipped with an analog-to-digital converter ( 5 ) (preferably a small singe board computer), which is positioned near the sensor on or near the bed. This computer, hereafter referred to as a bed controller, is equipped with software that constantly checks the measured values of the pressure sensors and detects bed occupancy by changing the values.

The software of the bed controller may also have special situations, such as if the bed is left too long at night, and in situations where it is necessary to assume that the person is endangered (for example, because he or she crashed during a night's restroom), they can request help via text message, e-mail or other electronic means of communication.

In addition, such a bed controller offers the additional advantage that, due to the fluctuations in the measured values, it is possible to detect whether the person is moving in bed, as is customary when the sleeping position is changed. This option offers further possibilities for detecting dangerous situations, for example if the person in bed does not move for an extraordinarily long time or if the movement analysis in the software indicates an epileptic seizure.

The limit values that are individually different for identifying dangerous situations can be defined during the configuration of the bed controller.

Predefined values are, for example, the maximum times the bed can be left within bedtime before a dangerous situation is indicated. Furthermore, it can optionally also be determined whether and when a dangerous situation is reported if the bed controller could detect no movement of the person in bed for a certain period of time.

The bed controller is connected to the Internet in order to be able to request assistance in the case of detected dangerous situations via e-mail, SMS or other telecommunication methods (for example call, push messages).

Via the connection to the local network, the bed controller can also directly turn on one or more lights to help the person leaving the bed to orient themselves in the dark and prevent possible dangers (falling in the dark). The bulbs may be actuators to be controlled directly via WLAN, but also actuators of a home automation system, which are controlled via a gateway connected to the bed controller.

The bed controller may preferably be used in the AAL area, especially in environments where it is important for the elderly to be safe for as long as possible independently.

Claims (9)

System in which a bed occupancy is reliably detected by the fluctuations of the measurements of pressure sensors, which are positioned under the mattress, by a computer, here called bed controller, are evaluated. System after Claim 1 , characterized in that messages are transmitted to third parties upon detection of special situations, which are detected by analysis of the measured values of the sensors, to request assistance in the detection of dangerous situations. System according to one of Claims 1 to 2 characterized in that FSR pressure sensor strips are used, which are attached to one or more bed slats of a bed. System according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the transmission of the messages for reporting special situations is made via an integrated or separate unit that sends messages over the mobile network. System according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that measured values are transmitted to a central unit and the analysis of the measured values and the notification in special situations is carried out by the central unit. System according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that measured values are stored in the bed controller or a central processing unit in order to obtain medical information about the sleep behavior of persons. System according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that when leaving the bed at night or in the dark via the bed controller or connected to the bed controller central unit via a wireless or wireless controlled lighting means is turned on. System according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the calibration of the values for detecting a bed occupancy by the software is constantly checked and adjusted to take into account changes in the measured values, which can be caused by the setting behavior of the mattress and environmental conditions (temperature / relative humidity). System according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the limit values for the detection of dangerous situations can be adapted individually, preferably via a web server integrated in the bed controller.

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