ES1252624U - Absence control system in bed, cot or chair, based on the degree of uniformity of the pressure detected (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Absence control system in bed, crib, chair or similar, based on the degree of uniformity of the pressure detected under the mattress or cushion, characterized in that it comprises at least: - an absence detection device (100), configured to be installed between a mattress or cushion and a mattress or base of a bed, cradle, chair or similar, comprising: - a male pushing element (1), with the possibility of sliding inside a groove existing in a female element (2), - A female element (2), capable of receiving a pressure through the male thrust element (1), directly proportional to the weight supported by the absence detection device (100), comprising: - at least two suspension elements (4) responsible for supporting the male thrust element (1) suspended on the suspension elements (4) themselves, - At least two force measuring cells (3) joined integrally to the inner base of the female element (2), configured to convert the pressure received through the male thrust element (1), into electrical voltage levels proportional to the pressure received in each of the force measuring cells (3) independently, - an interconnection point (7) configured to: - be internally connected to the force measuring cells (3) - and to allow electrical connection to a control unit (200), - a control unit (200), configured to receive the electrical signal from the interconnection point (7) of the absence detection device (100), capable of determining whether the user is on the bed, crib, chair or similar, the control unit (200) comprising at least: - a comparator circuit (10), which compares the electrical voltage from each force measuring cell (3) with the electrical voltage of the other force measuring cells (3) and with reference levels programmed in a memory control circuit (12), where the comparator circuit (10) is capable of: - activate its output, when it recognizes that all the force measuring cells (3) present a similar electrical voltage, and the electrical voltage from at least one force measuring cell (3) does not exceed the reference levels, programmed in the control circuit with memory (12), - deactivating its output, when it recognizes that all the force measuring cells (3) do not have a similar electrical voltage, or when the electrical voltage from at least one force measuring cell (3) exceeds the reference levels, programmed in the control circuit with memory (12), - a processor circuit with memory (11), configured to process and record the variable electrical voltage values at the interconnection point (9) and the time that elapses between each two electrical voltage variations, - a control and alert actuation circuit (15), capable of activating: - when the output of the processor circuit with memory (11) is activated - and/or when the output of the comparator circuit (10) is activated and the time preset in the memory control circuit (12) has elapsed, - and in the case of activation, control and activation: - at least one acoustic indicator (17), - a wireless alert activator transceiver (18). - an activating transmitter for telecare means (19), - a WPAN and/or WLAN communication circuit (20) - or an output circuit for a telephone alarm (21), - a courtesy lighting actuation circuit (14), capable of activating the courtesy lighting lamp (16), when the comparator circuit (10) activates its output, - a power supply and a rechargeable buffer battery, capable of electrically supplying these circuits, - an enveloping, electrically insulating casing that externally incorporates the courtesy lighting lamp (16) and internally comprises these circuits, - a portable alert transceiver (300), configured to be able to: - externalize acoustic or visual signals from alert signals, received wirelessly from the control unit (200), - wirelessly transmitting to the control unit (200) the cancellation of the alert state, when a specific button is actuated. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Absence control system in bed, cot or chair, based on the degree of uniformity of the pressure detected

Object of the invention

The object of the present invention refers to an absence control system in bed, crib, chair or similar, based on the measurement of the degree of uniformity of the pressure received under the mattress or cushion, detected by a specific device that is part of the invention. The system is intended for the care of the elderly, the sick, children and babies, and can be applied universally and without the need for installation adjustments, in a variety of beds, cribs, chairs and the like, located in homes, hospitals, nursing homes, residences. and the like.

It is noteworthy that, due to its original operating principle, the system of the invention is the only one that does not present false alarms.

Therefore, the new system can save many lives, because it is effective and highly applicable in all types of environments, including domestic ones, also presenting the advantage of being a simple and affordable system for all budgets.

Background of the invention

There are other inventions that refer to systems dedicated to bed and chair absence control, but none has such a universal and reliable applicability as that of the system of the present invention, since all of these previous inventions have a more restricted applicability and are prone to suffer false alarms, although of course, these problems and inconveniences are not reflected in any documentation related to the systems of said inventions.

The systems related to the aforementioned inventions mainly base their operation on recognizing the presence of the user through:

1 ° devices internally constituted by pressure sensors, being intended to be located on top of the mattress or cushion, a bed or chair,

2nd devices internally constituted by pressure sensors, being intended to be located under the mattress or cushion of a bed or chair.

More concretely:

- The first systems exposed as antecedents do not present good applicability and reliability because they are annoying in every way, with the lack of hygiene and inconvenience that this entails, deteriorating very easily due to the close proximity of the devices to the bodies of its users and for suffering the consequences of the possible urinary incontinence of its users. In addition, it should be noted that these systems cannot be used for children, babies, sleepwalkers and any other type of user who does not adapt to their complicated and annoying way of using it. On the other hand, although these systems do not have a high price, their value for money is negative, due to their short duration and the inconvenience they cause, being very prone to false alarms. - The second systems exposed as background do not present good applicability and reliability for people who move a lot at night, or for small children and babies due to their low weight, they are not suitable for bed bases that are not rigid and in their installation they need to be adjusted to different mattress weights. In addition, the price of these systems is not very affordable and as already mentioned, they do not present a valid solution for all possible variants of bed bases and mattresses, or for all types of users, being also prone to false alarms.

On the other hand, the system of the present invention does not pose any of the aforementioned problems, due to its innovative operating principle, which makes it the only system capable of behaving in an intelligent way, recognizing the difference between: - pressure that exerts the weight of the mattress or cushion

- and the pressure exerted by the user's weight.

Thanks to this smart behavior, this system:

- It can be used in a universal way, installing the absence detection device between the base or bed base and the mattress or cushion of any type of bed, crib, chair or similar, - It never needs adjustments in the installation of the absence detection device,

- It does not present risk of suffering false alarms.

Regarding the comparison of telecare systems with SOS bracelets or pendants, with the system of this invention, it should be noted that the latter:

- it can be used even by children and babies, who are not suitable candidates for the use of telecare bracelets or pendants,

- It can also be used by all the sick and disabled people who for one reason or another are not suitable candidates for the use of telecare bracelets or pendants,

- it can also be used by people with cognitive impairment, who in case of falls, do not even remember that they are wearing a bracelet or pendant and neither what to do (press a button, say keywords, etc.),

- It is effective even when users suffer slight falls, as it usually happens when they slip and fall to the floor, while sitting on the edge of the bed, with the intention of getting up, since the system will warn their caregivers even if the person does not has suffered an impact with the ground,

- it can warn that its user is too close to the edge of the bed or crib, with the risk of falling that this entails, being able to go to avoid the accident before it occurs,

- You can transmit an optional notice each time the user has left the bed, even if a preset time has not yet passed and even if you have not fallen, this way your caregivers have instant information on each event, - You can transmit an optional notice each once the user returns to bed, so that their caregivers can remain calm,

- by means of its courtesy lighting lamp, it automatically illuminates the room where the system is located, every time the user leaves the bed, avoiding their disorientation and also avoiding the tragedy that falls from the bed for an elderly person, sick person, etc. bed at night and everything is dark,

- by means of the aforementioned courtesy lighting lamp, it also offers the advantage of greatly favoring the transmission of clear and sharp images to additional surveillance cameras, each time the user leaves the bed voluntarily or because of a fall,

- allows the conventional use of your courtesy lighting lamp, as if it were a common bedside lamp, turning its light on and off simply by touching a light sensor located on the control interface.

Description of the invention

The present invention refers to an absence control system in a bed, cot, chair or similar, based on the degree of uniformity of the pressure detected by an absence detection device, which is part of the invention. The system is very versatile and comfortable to use, without requiring adjustments in its installation and without presenting false alarms.

The system consists of a control unit, a portable transceiver and an absence detection device, which is inserted between any type of cushion or mattress and any type base or mattress, without limiting the lack of rigidity of these. Being suitable for any type of user, from a 5 kilogram baby to an adult with no weight limit.

More specifically, the absence detecting device measures the degree of uniformity of the pressure it receives when it is installed between the bed base or base and the mattress or cushion of any type of bed, crib, chair or the like. So, when the diagnosis is that there is uniformity, it indicates that the user has left the bed, crib, chair or similar.

The latter is due to the fact that there is only a non-uniform pressure when the user's body exerts pressure on the bed, crib, chair or the like, because only in that case, said pressure is not the same at all points.

On the other hand, although the mattress weighs a lot, the pressure received by the absence detection device is uniform, since it is an equal pressure at all points of it.

Specifically, thanks to this operating principle, the system never causes false alarms, because it recognizes with great difference:

- the non-uniform pressure existing when the user's body is exerting support pressure on top of the mattress or cushion and

- the uniform pressure that exists when the user gets up from the mattress or cushion.

In this way, correct operation is achieved in all directions, without the need for adjustments, not even the first time the absence detection device is installed under the mattress or cushion, thus giving rise to a system that does not present any complexity. and that thanks to this also allows it to have an affordable price for any type of user. For greater security, the system goes into surveillance mode only by recognizing that the user has been lying down or sitting on the bed, crib, chair or similar, therefore it is not necessary to manipulate any switch, avoiding the risk of forgetfulness.

More specifically, through the absence detection device, the system recognizes when the user is lying down or sitting on the bed, crib, chair or the like, where the absence detection device comprises:

- a male thrust element, with the possibility of sliding inside a groove existing in a female element, in such a way as to transfer a thrust force, directly proportional to the weight supported by the absence detection device, derived from:

^o the weight of the mattress or cushion, distributed evenly at all points of the absence detection device, in the event that the user is not on the bed, crib, chair or similar,

^or the sum of the weight of the mattress or cushion and the weight of the user, distributed unevenly at all points of the absence detection device, in the event that the user is on the bed, crib, chair or similar, - A female element, capable of receiving a pressure through the male thrust element directly proportional to the weight supported by the absence detection device, comprises:

• at least two suspension elements in charge of supporting suspended the male thrust element on the suspension elements themselves, • at least two force measuring cells joined integrally to the inner base of the female element, configured to convert the pressure received through the male thrust element, at electrical voltage levels proportional to the pressure received in each of the force measuring cells independently,

- an interconnection point configured to:

• be internally connected to the force measuring cells,

• and to allow electrical connection to a control unit.

- a control unit, configured to receive the electrical signal from the interconnection point of the absence detection device, capable of determining whether the user is located on the bed, cot, chair or similar, the control unit comprising at least:

^or a comparator circuit, which compares the electrical voltage from each force measuring cell with the electrical voltage of the remaining force measuring cells and with reference levels programmed in a memory control circuit, where the comparator circuit is capable of :

• activate its output, when it recognizes that all the force measuring cells present a similar electrical voltage, and the electrical voltage coming from at least one force measuring cell (3) does not exceed said reference levels, programmed in the control circuit with memory, determining that the pressure received is uniform, because the user has stopped exerting support pressure on the bed, crib or chair, in which the absence detection device is installed,

• deactivate its output, when it recognizes that all the force measuring cells do not have a similar electrical voltage, or when the electrical voltage from at least one force measuring cell exceeds the reference levels, programmed in the memory control circuit, determining that the received pressure is not uniform, because the user is exerting support pressure on the bed, crib or chair, in which the absence detection device is installed,

^or a processor circuit with memory, configured to process and record the variable electrical voltage values at the interconnection point and the time that elapses between every two electrical voltage variations,

^or a control and alert action circuit, capable of activating:

• when the memory processor circuit output is activated,

• and / or when the comparator circuit output is activated and the preset time in the memory control circuit has passed,

^or and in the case of activating, controlling and activating:

• at least one acoustic indicator,

• a wireless alert activator transceiver,

• an activating transmitter of telecare means,

• a WPAN and / or WLAN communication circuit,

• or an output circuit for a telephone pager,

^or a courtesy lighting actuation circuit, capable of activating the courtesy lighting lamp, when the comparator circuit activates its output,

^or a power supply and a rechargeable buffer battery, capable of electrically supplying these circuits,

^or an enclosing, electrically insulating casing that externally incorporates the courtesy lighting lamp and internally comprises these circuits,

- a portable alert transceiver, configured to be able to:

^o externalize acoustic or visual signals from alert signals, received wirelessly from the control unit,

^or transmit wirelessly to the control unit the cancellation of the alert state, when a specific button is actuated.

It is noteworthy that the control unit is capable of putting itself into surveillance mode when an electrical voltage level arrives from the absence detector device that means that the user is exerting support pressure on the bed, crib, chair or similar where said absence detection device is installed, thus not requiring any external connection-disconnection switch that could generate the risk of forgetfulness.

Regarding the suspension elements, these can be constituted by bodies with a geometry and an index of resistance to deformation such that they present a greater resistance to their deformation, when the support pressure received is uniform and a lower resistance to their deformation. , when the received support pressure is not uniform.

In such a way that, the force measuring cells receive from the male thrust element, a compression force proportional to the deformation of at least one suspension element, where each force measuring cell emits an electrical output signal as a function of the compression force received.

Said components being configured in such a way that, when the suspension elements are not deformed, the male thrust element does not penetrate into the female element and when the suspension elements are deformed, the male thrust element penetrates the female element, with a depth proportional to the deformation of the suspension elements.

In this way, when the absence detection device receives a non-uniform pressure, the force measuring cell closest to the suspension element that has undergone a deformation receives a greater compression force. Being this compression force, therefore, proportional to said deformation and consequently modifying its output voltage, proportional to said compression force.

More specifically, the suspension elements can have an index of resistance to deformation and a geometry such that:

- can withstand without deforming, a force aligned with the vertical axis of each of them equal to or less than 30 kilograms,

- they deform when the support pressure is non-uniform, because the force on them is not aligned with their vertical axis and the sum of the forces on them is more than 5 kilograms.

Additionally, the suspension elements can be made up of bodies with an index of resistance to deformation and a geometry such that they deform when the absence detector device is installed under a cushion, mattress or portion thereof, with a lower weight. of 5 kilograms, in which case, the suspension elements are partially deformed and all the force measuring cells receive a compression force proportional to the pressure received from the male thrust element.

In such a way that, in the previous case, the comparator circuit recognizes when there is uniformity in the mattress or cushion, based exclusively on the comparison of the voltage of each force measuring cell, with the voltage of the remaining force measuring cells, without It is influenced by the deformation of a specific suspension element.

On the other hand, the portable alert transceiver can be permanently or temporarily located where desired, for example:

- adapted to the control unit itself, with the option of being able to be easily adapted from it and can be carried in a portable way by the caregiver,

- adapted to the wall, bed, bedside table, etc., with the option of being able to be easily removed from said locations and to be carried portable by the caregiver,

- inserted into a matrix plate, locatable in a control point of a hospital, geriatric or similar, with the option of being able to be easily removed from said plate and to be carried in a portable manner by the caregiver.

The portable alert transceiver can maintain two-way wireless communication with the control unit, being able to:

- receive information on the user's status in the bed, crib, chair or similar,

- transmit to the control unit the cancellation of the alarm, whenever the user or caregiver wishes, by actuating an cancellation button located on the housing of the portable alert transceiver itself.

Additionally, the control unit can be attached to the absence detection device, where the set of both is portable, to facilitate its use in temporary installations, being able to constantly change the bed, cradle, chair or similar at the will of the user or caregiver.

It is noteworthy that the system allows, through the aforementioned absence detection device, to detect when the user has been absent from any type of bed, crib, chair or similar and also when he returns, in this way the family member or caregiver can:

- optionally to know from the first moment that the user has left the bed, crib, chair or similar, this option being very interesting for some types of users, such as sick people, children, sleepwalkers, etc.,

- know if the user has not returned in the pre-established time, being able to check if the user has fallen when getting up to come to their aid and avoid greater evils,

- Know if the user has gone back to bed, so that the family member or caregiver can rest assured that everything has returned to normal, since the system restarts and connects automatically, each time the user sits or lies down.

Additionally, the system can control:

- the time that the user is lying on the bed, crib, chair or similar,

- the time you are immobile in bed, crib, chair or similar,

- the position of the user in the bed, crib, chair or similar.

Specifically, the system of the invention compares all the processed times, with reference times that the user or caregiver personnel can select and establish in a control interface existing in the control unit.

In this way, the alert means can be activated when the user:

- after waking up, it takes longer to come back than preset,

- the user is immobile for more than a preset time,

- is located on the edge of the bed, crib, chair or similar.

On the other hand, in order to offer them comfort and avoid falls of the users when they get out of bed with little or no light, as well as avoid their disorientation when getting up at night, the control unit of the system offers users a courtesy lighting integrated in it, which automatically turns on when they leave the bed voluntarily or because of a fall and turns off a few seconds after the user goes back to bed.

More specifically, the system of the invention presents a plurality of alert means that notify family members and / or caregivers, by means of communication:

- wireless with portable alerting transceivers that are part of the invention,

- wireless with additional home telecare units,

- telephone to communicate the alert status to users of preset telephones,

- acoustics, by means of an acoustic warning device located in the control unit itself,

- wireless with devices with WPAN and / or WLAN technologies.

These alerts are automatically overridden when the user:

- returns to bed, crib, chair or similar, in case the alerts have been activated because it took the user to return longer than the preset time,

- the user performs any movement, in the case of having activated the alerts because the user is immobile in the bed, crib, chair or similar for longer than the preset time,

- the user is no longer in danger, because he is no longer situated on the edge of the bed, crib, chair or similar.

Alerts can also be manually overridden:

- by actuating an override button, located on the control unit's command interface, with free and / or restricted access under key,

- by actuating an override button located on the portable alert transceiver itself.

Regarding wireless communication with additional home telecare units, it should be noted that a person who uses a bracelet or pendant with SOS buttons, may be assisted even in the case of falls or similar situations during the night, where by being unconscious or injured , this remote assistance button cannot actuate. The latter is possible thanks to the fact that, if the person does not return to bed within the pre-established time, the system of the invention activates a wireless transmitter to communicate the event to the additional telecare unit.

It is noteworthy that the alert signal can be sent to caregivers and family members through specific warning devices, smartphones, computer equipment, etc.

More specifically, when the wireless communication is with devices with WPAN and / or WLAN technologies, the system can comprise, for example:

- applications or apps on smart mobile phones, in such a way that, through a Bluetooth connection, Wifi, ZigBee or similar, said smart mobile phones can receive alerts or any other information, immediately, even if they are miles away,

- Wifi, ZigBee or similar networks that, with communication through various topologies and gateways enabled for the Internet and / or Intranet, allow the system of the invention to transmit the alert notice or any other information to a plurality of personal computers of individuals and / or computer equipment for hospitals, nursing homes, residences and the like.

On the other hand, in the control interface you can select between:

- set the time it can take for the user to lie down or sit down again, without activating the alert means,

- allow each of the alert means to be taken out of service selectively,

- establish the time that has to elapse between two movements of the user, for the alert means to be activated,

- program alerts with sequential danger indication, proportional to the increase in time elapsed, with respect to the pre-established time,

- allow the user and / or caregiver staff to deactivate the system through free access and / or optionally through restricted action under lock and key, when the multiple alert control and actuation circuit has been activated.

The system can comprise various portable alert transceivers, located in a multi-cavity frame forming a set of multiple alert transceivers, suitable for use in hospitals, nursing homes, residences and the like.

In this way, caregivers can have visual access in a single frame to all portable alert transceivers and / or can carry each of them with them, for example when changing rooms or doing patrols.

Description of the drawings

To complement the description and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of a practical embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, where for illustrative purposes and not limiting, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- Shows a view of an embodiment of a male push element (1).

Figure 2.- Shows a view of an embodiment of the absence detector device (100) composed of a female element (2) and a male push element (1).

Figure 3.- Shows a view of an embodiment of a female element (2), showing force measuring cells (3) and three suspension elements (4) inside.

Figure 4a.- Shows a cross-sectional view of the absence detection device (100) receiving a uniform pressure.

Figure 4b.- Shows a cross-sectional view of the absence detection device (100) receiving a non-uniform pressure.

Figure 5.- Shows a schematic view of the control unit (200).

Figure 6.- Shows a view of an embodiment of a control unit (200) with a frame in the form of a bedside lamp.

Figure 7.- Shows a view of an embodiment of a control unit (200) with a frame in the form of a bedside lamp, positioned on top of a bedside table.

Figure 8-. It shows an embodiment view of the absence detection device (100) arranged on a bed frame.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

Below are described with the aid of Figures 1 to 8, some examples of embodiment of the present invention, which refers to an absence control system in bed, cradle, chair or similar, which is based on the measurement of the degree of uniformity of the pressure received under the mattress or cushion.

The system is essentially composed of at least one absence detector device (100), a control unit (200) integral with a bedside lamp and a portable alert transceiver (300).

By means of the absence detection device (100) the system recognizes when the user is lying down or sitting on the bed, crib, chair or similar, where the absence detection device (100) comprises:

- A male thrust element (1), with the possibility of sliding inside a groove in a female element (2), in such a way that it transfers a force by thrust, directly proportional to the weight supported by the sensing device. absence (100), derived from:

^o the weight of the mattress or cushion, distributed evenly at all points of the absence detection device (100), in the event that the user is not on the bed, crib, chair or similar,

^or the sum of the weight of the mattress or cushion and the weight of the user, distributed unevenly at all points of the absence detection device (100), in the event that the user is on top of the bed, crib, chair or Similary,

- A female element (2), capable of receiving a pressure through the male thrust element (1), directly proportional to the weight supported by the absence detection device (100), comprising:

• at least two suspension elements (4), responsible for supporting the male thrust element (1) suspended on the suspension elements (4) themselves,

• at least two force measuring cells (3), integrally attached to the inner base of the female element (2), configured to convert the pressure received through the male thrust element (1), into electrical voltage levels proportional to the pressure received in each of the force measuring cells (3) independently,

- an interconnection point (7) configured to:

• be internally connected to the force measuring cells (3)

• and to allow electrical connection to a control unit (200),

- a control unit (200), configured to receive the electrical signal from the interconnection point (7) of the absence detection device (100), capable of determining whether the user is on the bed, crib, chair or similar , the control unit (200) comprising at least:

^or a comparator circuit (10), which compares the electric voltage coming from each force measuring cell (3) with the electric voltage of the remaining force measuring cells (3) and with reference levels programmed in a memory control circuit (12), where the comparator circuit (10) is capable of:

• activate its output, when it recognizes that all the force measuring cells (3) have a similar electrical voltage, and the electrical voltage from at least one force measuring cell (3) does not exceed said reference levels, programmed in the control circuit with memory (12), determining that the received pressure is uniform, because the user has stopped exerting support pressure on the bed, cot or chair, in which the absence detection device (100) is installed,

• deactivate its output, when it recognizes that all the force measuring cells (3) do not present a similar electrical voltage, or when the electrical voltage from at least one force measuring cell (3) exceeds the reference levels, programmed in the control circuit with memory (12), determining that the received pressure is not uniform, because the user is exerting support pressure on the bed, cradle or chair, in which the absence detection device (100) is installed,

^or a processor circuit with memory (11), configured to process and record the variable electrical voltage values at the interconnection point (9) and the time that elapses between each two electrical voltage variations,

^or a control and alert action circuit (15), capable of activating:

• when the memory processor circuit output (11) is activated

• and / or when the output of the comparator circuit (10) is activated and the preset time in the memory control circuit (12) has elapsed,

^or and in the case of activating, controlling and activating:

• at least one acoustic indicator (17),

• a wireless alert activator transceiver (18),

• an activating transmitter for telecare means (19),

• a WPAN and / or WLAN communication circuit (20)

• or an output circuit for a telephone pager (21),

^or a courtesy lighting actuation circuit (14), capable of activating the courtesy lighting lamp (16), when the comparator circuit (10) activates its output,

^or a power supply and a rechargeable buffer battery, capable of electrically supplying these circuits,

^or an enclosing, electrically insulating casing that externally incorporates the courtesy lighting lamp (16) and internally comprises these circuits,

- a portable alert transceiver (300), configured to be able to:

^or externalize acoustic or visual signals from alert signals, received wirelessly from the control unit (200),

^or wirelessly transmit to the control unit (200) the cancellation of the alert state, when a specific button is actuated.

Figure 5 shows a schematic view of the electronic elements and the connections of the control unit (200), which is configured to receive a variable electrical voltage from the absence detection device (100) through the connection cable (8) and determining the time that the user has been leaning on the bed, crib, chair or similar, in which the absence detection device (100) is installed.

It is noteworthy that the control unit (200) is capable of putting itself into surveillance mode, when an electrical voltage level arrives from the absence detector device (100) that means that the user is exerting support pressure on the bed. , cradle, chair or similar, where said absence detection device (100) is installed, thus not needing any external connection-disconnection switch that could generate the risk of forgetfulness.

Regarding the suspension elements (4), these can be made up of bodies with a geometry and an index of resistance to deformation such that they present a greater resistance to deformation, when the support pressure received is uniform and a lower resistance to its deformation, when the received support pressure is not uniform. In this way, the force measuring cells (3) receive from the male thrust element (1) a compression force proportional to the deformation of at least one suspension element (4), where each force measuring cell (3 ) emits an electrical output signal as a function of the received compression force.

Said components being configured in such a way that, when the suspension elements (4) are not deformed, the male thrust element (1) does not penetrate the female element (2) and when the suspension elements (4) are deformed, the male element of thrust (1) penetrates the female element (2), with a depth proportional to the deformation of the suspension elements (4).

In this way, when the absence detection device (100) receives a non-uniform pressure, the force measuring cell (3) closest to the suspension element (4) that has undergone a deformation, receives a greater compression force. Being this compression force, therefore, proportional to said deformation and consequently modifying its output voltage, proportional to said compression force.

More specifically, the suspension elements (4) can have an index of resistance to deformation and a geometry such that:

- they can withstand without deformation, a force aligned with the vertical axis of each of them, equal to or less than 30 kilograms,

- they deform, when the support pressure is non-uniform, because the force on them is not aligned with their vertical axis and the sum of the forces on them is more than 5 kilograms. Additionally, the suspension elements (4) can be constituted by bodies with an index of resistance to deformation and a geometry such that they are deformed when the absence detection device (100) is installed under a cushion, mattress or portion of this, with a weight less than 5 kilograms, in which case, the suspension elements (4) are partially deformed and all the force measuring cells (3) receive a compression force proportional to the pressure received from the male thrust element (one).

In such a way that, in the previous case, the comparator circuit (10) recognizes when there is uniformity in the mattress or cushion, based exclusively on the comparison of the voltage of each force measuring cell (3), with the voltage of the remaining force measuring cells (3), without being influenced by the deformation of a suspension element (4) in particular.

Figure 1 represents a male push element (1).

Figure 2 shows a male push element (1) linked to a female element (2), as they remain in the final position in the absence detection device (100).

Figure 3 shows the female element (2), which comprises an interconnection point (7), configured to allow connection with a control unit (200) and internally comprises force measuring cells (3) and three elements of suspension (4), integrally adapted to the inner base of the female element (2) itself.

Figure 4a shows a cross-sectional view of the absence detection device (100) receiving a uniform pressure, in which it can be seen how the arrows indicating the thrust forces are equal in size, meaning that they are equal in magnitude.

In the same figure 4a it is shown how the male thrust element (1) does not come into physical contact with any force measuring cell (3), due to the fact that there is uniformity in said received pressure.

Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional view of the absence detection device (100), receiving a non-uniform pressure, in which it can be seen how the arrows indicating the thrust forces are not equal in size, meaning that they are not equal. in magnitude.

In the same figure 4b it is shown how the male thrust element (1) comes into physical contact with a force measuring cell (3), subjecting it to a compression force proportional to the lack of uniformity of the received pressure. It is noteworthy that each force measuring cell (3) transmits to the control unit (200) an electrical voltage proportional to the compression force it receives.

It being evident that, although the magnitude of the thrust forces is less than in the case of figure 4a, it is enough that the thrust force is different at one point, to cause at least one suspension element (4) to be deformed, with a degree of deformation proportional to the non-uniformity of the received pressure.

Figure 8 shows an absence detection device (100) arranged on top of a bed base.

In figure 6 an embodiment of a control unit (200) with a frame in the form of a bedside lamp is shown, and in figure 7, the same, positioned on top of a bedside table.

Claims (5)

1. Absence control system in bed, crib, chair or similar, based on the degree of uniformity of the pressure detected under the mattress or cushion, characterized in that it comprises at least: - an absence detection device (100), configured to be installed between a mattress or cushion and a mattress or base of a bed, cradle, chair or similar, comprising: ^or a male push element (1), with the possibility of sliding inside an existing groove in a female element (2), ^or a female element (2), capable of receiving a pressure through the male thrust element (1), directly proportional to the weight supported by the absence detection device (100), comprising: • at least two suspension elements (4) in charge of supporting the male thrust element (1) suspended on the suspension elements (4) themselves, • at least two force measuring cells (3) joined integrally to the inner base of the female element (2), configured to convert the pressure received through the male thrust element (1), into electrical voltage levels proportional to the pressure received in each of the force measuring cells (3) independently, ^or an interconnection point (7) configured to: • be internally connected to the force measuring cells (3) • and to allow electrical connection to a control unit (200), - a control unit (200), configured to receive the electrical signal from the interconnection point (7) of the absence detection device (100), capable of determining whether the user is on the bed, crib, chair or similar , the control unit (200) comprising at least: ^or a comparator circuit (10), which compares the electric voltage coming from each force measuring cell (3) with the electric voltage of the remaining force measuring cells (3) and with reference levels programmed in a memory control circuit (12), where the comparator circuit (10) is capable of: • activate its output, when it recognizes that all the force measuring cells (3) present a similar electrical voltage, and the electrical voltage coming from at least one force measuring cell (3) does not exceed the reference levels, programmed in the control circuit with memory (12), • deactivate its output, when it recognizes that all the force measuring cells (3) do not present a similar electrical voltage, or when the electrical voltage from at least one force measuring cell (3) exceeds the reference levels, programmed in the control circuit with memory (12), ^or a processor circuit with memory (11), configured to process and record the variable electrical voltage values at the interconnection point (9) and the time that elapses between each two electrical voltage variations, ^or a control and alert action circuit (15), capable of activating: • when the memory processor circuit output (11) is activated • and / or when the output of the comparator circuit (10) is activated and the preset time in the memory control circuit (12) has elapsed, ^or and in the case of activating, controlling and activating: • at least one acoustic indicator (17), • a wireless alert activator transceiver (18), • an activating transmitter for telecare means (19), • a WPAN and / or WLAN communication circuit (20) • or an output circuit for a telephone pager (21), ^or a courtesy lighting actuation circuit (14), capable of activating the courtesy lighting lamp (16), when the comparator circuit (10) activates its output, ^or a power supply and a rechargeable buffer battery, capable of electrically supplying these circuits, ^or an enclosing, electrically insulating casing that externally incorporates the courtesy lighting lamp (16) and internally comprises circuits, - a portable alert transceiver (300), configured to be able to: ^or externalize acoustic or visual signals from alert signals, received wirelessly from the control unit (200), ^or wirelessly transmit to the control unit (200) the cancellation of the alert state, when a specific button is actuated. 2. Absence control system in bed, according to claim 1, characterized in that the suspension elements (4) are made up of bodies with a geometry and an index of resistance to deformation such that they have greater resistance to deformation, when the received support pressure is uniform and a lower resistance to its deformation, when the received support pressure is not uniform. Bed absence control system, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that its components are configured in such a way that, when the suspension elements (4) are not deformed, the male push element (1) does not penetrate in the female element (2) and when the suspension elements (4) are deformed, the male push element (1) penetrates the female element (2), with a depth proportional to the deformation of the suspension elements (4 ). 4. Absence control system in bed, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force measuring cells (3) receive from the male thrust element (1) a compression force proportional to the deformation of at least one suspension element (4), where each force measuring cell (3) emits an electrical output signal as a function of the compression force received. 5. Absence control system in bed, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (200) is capable of putting itself into surveillance mode when a voltage level arrives from the absence detection device (100). electrical meaning that the user is exerting support pressure on the bed, crib, chair or the like where said absence detection device (100) is installed and because there is no external connection-disconnection switch.