System and method for registering the temperature of a person

• US 20060139165A1
• Filed: 02/02/2004
• Published: 06/29/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/03/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Swedsleep AB
• Original Assignee: Gaby Bader
• Inventors: Bader, Gaby
• Granted Patent: US 7,388,507 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/539.120
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/01 Measuring temperature of body parts ; Diagnostic temperature sensing, e.g. for malignant or inflamed tissue clinical contact thermometers G01K13/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6804 Garments; Clothes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/02 Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/46 for temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2210/70 for cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2210/90 for heating
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/057 Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor ventilation openings in mattresses A47C21/042; pneumatic or hydraulic mattresses A47C27/08

Abstract

A system and method for registering the temperature of a person, wherein a textile product, intended to abut against the person during use, is provided with a number of temperature sensors and a registration unit for registering measurement values from the sensors. The system may be used for monitoring the state of a person, wherein a predetermined threshold condition is monitored, and an alarm signal is emitted to activate an alarm unit when the condition is fulfilled. The system may also be used for controlling physical characteristics of a foundation, such as temperature and/or hardness, based on the state of a person being present thereon.

Claims

1. A system for registering the temperature of a person, comprising:

a textile product intended to abut against the person during use, and being provided with a plurality of temperature sensors arranged to continuously measure the temperature of the person,

a registration unit for registering measurement values from the temperature sensors.

2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising that at least some of the temperature sensors are connected in groups to the registration unit, wherein each sensor group together with an associated cable connection form a measurement circuit with sensors connected in series, for sequential reading of measurement values from the individual sensors in the group.

3. A system according to claim 1, further comprising that at least one temperature sensor is directly connected to the registration unit by means of its own cable.

4. A system according to claim 1, further comprising that the temperature sensors are provided with transmitters for wireless transfer of measurement values to a receiver at the registration unit.

5. A system according to claim 1, further comprising characterized in that the temperature sensors are positioned in the textile product so as to form a matrix.

6. A system according to claim 1 further comprising that the registration unit comprises a programmable processor for receiving and handling measurement values from the sensors.

7. A system according to claim 1 further comprising that the registration unit is connected to a separate computer unit (112), for processing and the analysis of received measurement values.

8. A system according to claim 6 further comprising that the registration unit or computer unit is adapted to calculate parameters describing the distribution of the temperature over the surface covered by the sensors, i.e. spatial information, and how it has changed during a period of time, i.e. temporal information.

9. A system according to claim 1 further comprising that an alarm unit is connected to the system, in order to emit an alarm if a predetermined threshold condition is fulfilled.

10. A system according to claim 1 further comprising that the textile product is provided with one or more moisture sensors in order to register perspiration of the person.

11. A system according to claim 1 further comprising that the textile product is included in any of the following:

a mattress, cushion or garment.

12. A method of monitoring the state of a person, comprising the steps of:

providing a textile product intended to abut against the person during use, and being provided with a plurality of temperature sensors arranged to continuously measure the temperature of the person;

providing a registration unit for registering measurement values from the temperature sensors;

monitoring a predetermined threshold condition; and

emitting an alarm signal to activate an alarm unit connected to the registering unit, when the condition is fulfilled.

13. A method of controlling characteristics of a foundation, based on the state of a person being present on the foundation, comprising the steps of:

providing a textile product included in said foundation and intended to abut against the person during use, and being provided with a plurality of temperature sensors arranged to continuously measure the temperature of the person;

providing a registration unit for registering measurement values from the temperature sensors; and

controlling at least one physical characteristic of the foundation based on measurement values received from the temperature sensors.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the temperature is controlled in the foundation.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the temperature control in the foundation is further based on registered perspiration when one or more moisture sensors are used.

16. A method according to claim 13 wherein the pressure distribution at the surface of the foundation is analysed such that an excessive temperature at a certain spot or small area on the textile product during a certain time period indicates an excessive pressure as compared to the remaining surface, wherein the hardness of the surface or contact pressure is changed such that the pressure is relieved in said spot or area, in response to the excessive temperature.