Multimode optical fiber specklegram smart bed sensor array

Significance: Monitoring the movement and vital signs of patients in hospitals and other healthcare environments is a significant burden on healthcare staff. Early warning systems using smart bed sensors hold promise to relieve this burden and improve patient outcomes. We propose a scalable and cost-effective optical fiber sensor array that can be embedded into a mattress to detect movement, both sensitively and spatially. Aim: Proof-of-concept demonstration that a multimode optical fiber (MMF) specklegram sensor array can be used to detect and image movement on a bed. Approach: Seven MMFs are attached to the upper surface of a mattress such that they cross in a 3 x 4 array. The specklegram output is monitored using a single laser and single camera and movement on the fibers is monitored by calculating a rolling zero-normalized cross-correlation. A 3 x 4 image is formed by comparing the signal at each crossing point between two fibers. Results: The MMF sensor array can detect and image movement on a bed, including getting on and off the bed, rolling on the bed, and breathing. Conclusions: The sensor array shows a high sensitivity to movement, which can be used for monitoring physiological parameters and patient movement for potential applications in healthcare settings. (C) The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Automated summary

This study introduces a fiber optic sensor array that can be embedded into a mattress to detect movement on a bed. The results show that the sensor array has high sensitivity to various movements on the bed, including breathing. This technology has potential applications in healthcare settings for monitoring physiological parameters and patient movement.