U.S. patent application number 14/186522 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for methods and apparatuses for the detection of incontinence or other moisture, methods of fluid analysis, and multifunctional sensor systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hill-Rom Services, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Hill-Rom Services, Inc.. Invention is credited to Steven A. Dixon, Laetitia Gazagnes, Thomas F. Heil, Timothy A. Lane, II, David L. Ribble, Varad N. Srivastava.
Application Number | 20140276504 14/186522 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51659313 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140276504 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heil; Thomas F. ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR THE DETECTION OF INCONTINENCE OR OTHER
MOISTURE, METHODS OF FLUID ANALYSIS, AND MULTIFUNCTIONAL SENSOR
SYSTEMS
Abstract
One embodiment of a method of interrogating a sensor to detect
the presence of moisture on an occupant support comprises the steps
of A) providing a moisture responsive sensor in a surveillance zone
of the occupant support, the sensor being tuned to a center
frequency; B) exciting the sensor with an electromagnetic signal
having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency; C)
monitoring for a center frequency response from the sensor; D)
comparing the center frequency response to an expected center
frequency response; and E) if the center frequency response
compares favorably to an expected center frequency response,
issuing a first output consistent with the favorable
comparison.
Inventors: |
Heil; Thomas F.;
(Batesville, IN) ; Dixon; Steven A.; (Cincinnati,
OH) ; Gazagnes; Laetitia; (Montpellier, FR) ;
Lane, II; Timothy A.; (Greensburg, IN) ; Ribble;
David L.; (Indianapolis, IN) ; Srivastava; Varad
N.; (Batesville, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hill-Rom Services, Inc. |
Batesville |
IN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
Batesville
IN
|
Family ID: |
51659313 |
Appl. No.: |
14/186522 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61778830 |
Mar 13, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/361 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/05 20130101; A61B
5/6892 20130101; A61B 5/202 20130101; A61F 13/42 20130101; G06K
7/10366 20130101; A61G 7/02 20130101; A61B 5/74 20130101; A61F
2013/424 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/361 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/42 20060101
A61F013/42 |
Claims
1. A method of interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of
moisture on an occupant support comprising: A) providing a moisture
responsive sensor in a surveillance zone of the occupant support,
the sensor being tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting the
sensor with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency
approximately equal to the center frequency; C) monitoring for a
center frequency response from the sensor; D) comparing the center
frequency response to an expected center frequency response; and E)
if the center frequency response compares favorably to an expected
center frequency response, issuing a first output consistent with
the favorable comparison.
2. The method of claim 1 comprising: F) if the center frequency
response does not compare favorably with the expected center
frequency response, exciting the sensor with one or more
electromagnetic test signals having test frequencies different than
the center frequency and monitoring for a test frequency response
at each test frequency and, if the test frequency response from the
sensor compares favorably to an expected test frequency response
corresponding to the test frequency, issuing a second output
consistent with the favorable comparison between the test frequency
response and the expected test frequency response corresponding to
the test frequency; and G) if the test frequency response from the
sensor does not compare favorably to an expected test frequency
response corresponding to the test frequency at any of the test
frequencies, issuing a third output consistent with the unfavorable
comparison between the test frequency response and the expected
test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the output issued at step F is
issued in response to the favorable comparison without first
exciting the sensor at any other test frequencies.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein the output issued at step F in
response to the favorable comparison is not issued until the sensor
has been excited at at least one frequency other than the test
frequency that yielded the favorable comparison.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the electromagnetic signals are
radio frequency signals.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the sensor is an RFID sensor.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the first output is an indication
that an incontinence pad is present and no incontinence is
detected.
8. The method of claim 2 wherein the second output is an indication
that an incontinence pad is present and incontinence is detected
and wherein the third output is an indication that an incontinence
pad is absent or a fault has occurred.
9. A system for detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant
support comprising: a moisture responsive sensor in a surveillance
zone of the occupant support, the sensor being tuned to a center
frequency; a transceiver adapted to excite the sensor with an
electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to
the center frequency and to monitor for a center frequency response
from the sensor; a processor adapted to compare the center
frequency response to an expected center frequency response; and to
issue a first output if the center frequency response compares
favorably to an expected center frequency response.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the processor is also adapted to
respond as set forth below if the center frequency response does
not compare favorably with the expected center frequency response:
A) command the transceiver to excite the sensor with one or more
electromagnetic test signals having test frequencies different than
the center frequency; B) compare the test frequency response to an
expected test frequency response corresponding to the test
frequency; and C) if the test frequency response from the sensor
compares favorably to an expected test frequency response
corresponding to the test frequency, issuing a second output
consistent with the favorable comparison between the test frequency
response and the expected test frequency response corresponding to
the test frequency; and D) if the test frequency response from the
sensor does not compare favorably to an expected test frequency
response corresponding to the test frequency at any of the test
frequencies, issue a message consistent with the unfavorable
comparison between the test frequency response and the expected
test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency.
11. The system of claim 9 wherein the electromagnetic signals are
radio frequency signals.
12. The system of claim 9 wherein the sensor is an RFID sensor.
13. The system of claim 12 comprising an exposed sensor and a
protected sensor.
14. The system of claim 9 comprising two or more sensors at least
some of which are individual sensors having an antenna.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein all of the sensors are
individual sensors having an antenna.
16. The system of claim 9 comprising two or more sensors at least
some of which are individual antenna components of a sensor
assembly.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein all of the sensors are
individual antenna components of a sensor assembly.
18. A method of interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of
moisture on an occupant support comprising: A) providing a moisture
responsive sensor in a surveillance zone of the occupant support,
the sensor being tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting the
sensor with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency
approximately equal to the center frequency; C) monitoring for a
center frequency response from the sensor; D) calculating a rate of
change based on the center frequency responses received at
different times; E) comparing the rate of change to one or more
thresholds; and F) issuing an output depending on the
comparison.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the calculated rate of change is
a function of a change in RSSI over an interval of time.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the calculated rate of change is
a function of the difference between two excitation frequencies
each of which produces a response having approximately equal RSSI
values.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/778,830, filed on Mar. 13, 2013
and titled METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR THE DETECTION OF
INCONTINENCE FOR OTHER MOISTURE, METHODS OF FLUID ANALYSIS, AND
MULTIFUNCTIONAL SENSOR SYSTEMS, which is incorporated herein by
this reference in its entirety.
SUMMARY
[0002] The subject matter described herein relates to methods and
apparatuses for the detection of incontinence or other moisture,
and to methods of analysis of detected fluids and to
multifunctional sensor systems. The present invention may comprise
one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or
one or more of the following features or combinations thereof.
[0003] One embodiment of a method of interrogating a sensor to
detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support comprises
the steps of A) providing a moisture responsive sensor in a
surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensor being tuned
to a center frequency; B) exciting the sensor with an
electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to
the center frequency; C) monitoring for a center frequency response
from the sensor; D) comparing the center frequency response to an
expected center frequency response; and E) if the center frequency
response compares favorably to an expected center frequency
response, issuing a first output consistent with the favorable
comparison.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The foregoing and other features of the various embodiments
of the methods and apparatuses described herein will become more
apparent from the following detailed description and the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0005] FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic side elevation and plan views
of an occupant support exemplified as a bed such as a hospital bed
and showing a sensor mat resting on a mattress of the bed and also
showing associated components of a system for detecting moisture on
the occupant support.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a method for interrogating a
sensor to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant
support.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the Return Signal Strength
Indicator (RSSI) of an RFID sensor in a baseline state (solid line)
and in a mistuned state (dashed line), which mistuned state may be
attributable to the presence of moisture on the RFID.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another method of
interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of moisture on an
occupant support.
[0009] FIGS. 5-7 are illustrations showing two possible ways to
calculate a derivative useful in the method of FIG. 4.
[0010] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a system for detecting the
presence of moisture on an occupant support.
[0011] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing another method of
interrogating a sensor suite to detect the presence of moisture on
an occupant support.
[0012] FIG. 10 is a block diagram similar to that of FIG. 2 showing
a method of interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of
moisture on an occupant support and to analyze moisture which may
be present.
[0013] FIG. 11 shows a sample correlation useful in the method of
FIG. 10.
[0014] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a system for detecting the
presence of moisture on an occupant support or displacement of a
sensor or both.
[0015] FIGS. 13-14 are schematic plan views each showing a sensor
array and an example response to the presence of moisture in
contact with at least one of the individual sensors.
[0016] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a method of detecting the
presence of moisture on an occupant support and of distinguishing
between moisture presence and sensor displacement relative to some
initial sensor position.
[0017] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing another method of
detecting the presence of moisture on an occupant support,
displacement of a moisture sensor or both.
[0018] FIG. 17 shows a system in which a transceiver for exciting
an RFID tag is integrated into an occupant support.
[0019] FIGS. 18-23 are schematic side elevation views showing
variants of an architecture for a moisture detection article or pad
such as an incontinence pad.
[0020] FIGS. 24-26 show variants of an architecture for a moisture
handling apparatus, which may be an incontinence pad, in which a
capillary property directs moisture from a source to a
destination.
[0021] FIGS. 27-29 show variants of an architecture for a moisture
handling apparatus, which may be an incontinence pad in which the
pad has a hydroaffinity property for directing moisture from a
source to a destination.
[0022] FIGS. 30-32 show variants of an architecture for a color
changing moisture detecting system, which may be an incontinence
pad.
[0023] FIG. 33 shows an architecture of another moisture detecting
system, which may be an incontinence pad, and which indicates
moisture presence as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation
and which may use a camera to detect changes indicative of the
presence of moisture on a previously dry surface.
[0024] FIG. 34 shows a sensor pad having an RFID tag with a
processor adapted to process inputs obtained from multiple sensors
which have different parameter sensing capabilities.
[0025] FIGS. 35-36 show a system including a sensor pad which may
be an incontinence pad, and which includes a switch and a fuse in
the form of a patch of material and in which the switch has an open
state in which the fuse impedes the establishment of an electrical
connection between switch terminals and a closed state in which the
fuse enables the establishment of the electrical connection in
response to a stimulus having acted on the fuse.
[0026] FIG. 37 shows an alternative embodiment of FIGS. 35-36 in
which the fuse is a membrane.
[0027] FIGS. 38-39 are alternative embodiments of the system of
FIGS. 35-36.
[0028] FIGS. 40-41 are schematic views showing a sensor in the form
of an RFID tag having two antenna segments and which includes a
bridge which is transitionable between a first state in which a
separator impedes unification of the segments and a second state in
which the separator does not impede unification of the segments and
in which transition from the first state to the second state occurs
in response to an agent acting on the separator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
System for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused
Abnormality
[0029] FIGS. 1A-1B schematically show an occupant support 90 such
as a hospital bed 90. The bed includes a frame 100, and a mattress
102 supported on the frame. An incontinence pad 103 rests on the
mattress in an area or zone 103A (dashed lines) thereof in which it
is desired to conduct surveillance for unwanted moisture or other
moisture related abnormality. In the illustrated occupant support
the surveillance zone is substantially congruent with the pad 103.
Although the pad is referred to as an incontinence pad and this
application uses incontinence accidents (urine) as an example, the
moisture of concern may be other forms of moisture such as
perspiration, blood, water, perspiration, or moisture present in
material such as fecal matter which has moisture content.
[0030] The system for detecting the presence of moisture on the
occupant support includes moisture responsive sensor 104, which is
part of the pad. The example sensor described in the examples of
this application is an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag or
sensor tuned to a center frequency. This is seen in FIG. 3 where
the solid line bell shaped curve represents the tuning of the RFID
sensor and the center frequency is labeled fC. When the RFID is
excited by an electromagnetic signal 110 having a frequency at or
near fC, for example a signal generated by a transceiver 112 such
as Texas Instruments model TRF7960 transceiver, the RFID returns a
return or response signal 114 whose Return Signal Strength
Indicator (RSSI) in the transceiver is strong. For example,
considering the solid line bell shaped curve of FIG. 3, if the
transceiver excites the RFID at fC it receives a response whose
RSSI is RSSIC. If the transceiver excites the RFID at fB (which is
not near the tuned frequency), the transceiver receives a response
whose RSSI is RSSIB. Whether the RSSI of the return signal is
considered to be "strong" or "weak" for a given application of the
RFID is determined by a designer of the given application.
[0031] The transceiver 112 is adapted to excite the sensor 104 with
an electromagnetic signal 110 having a frequency approximately
equal to the center frequency of the sensor and to monitor for a
center frequency response from the sensor. "Center frequency
response" means the RSSI of the return signal returned as a result
of the sensor having been excited at its center frequency.
[0032] The system for detecting the presence of moisture on the
occupant support also includes a processor 120 adapted to compare
the center frequency response to an expected center frequency
response. For example the expected center frequency response for
the center frequency fC of FIG. 3 (continuing to refer to the solid
line bell shaped curve) is RSSIC plus or minus some tolerance, e.g.
between RSSIC and RSSIX. The processor also issues an output,
referred to as a first output, if the center frequency response
compares favorably to an expected center frequency response, e.g.
if the RSSI is between RSSIC and RSSIX. The comparison is
considered to be a favorable one (and the RSSI is considered to be
strong) if the RSSI is within the expected range or tolerance, for
example between RSSIC and RSSIX.
[0033] If the center frequency response does not compare favorably
with the expected center frequency response (e.g. if the return
signal RSSI is a weak response such as RSSIW) this may be the
result of the tuning of the RFID sensor having changed, for example
due to contamination of the RFID antenna by moisture. This is
indicated by the dashed line bell shaped curve. Therefore, the
processor commands the transceiver to excite the sensor with one or
more electromagnetic test signals having test frequencies different
than the center frequency for example fT1, which exceeds fC by a
specified delta frequency, fT2 which exceeds fT1 by a delta
frequency, fT-1 which is smaller than fC by a delta frequency, fT-2
which is lower than fT-1 by a delta frequency, and so forth. The
above mentioned delta frequencies may be equal or unequal. The
processor compares the test frequency response (the response the
transceiver receives as a result of having excited the RFID at the
test frequency) to an expected or desired test frequency response
corresponding to the test frequency. If the test frequency response
from the sensor compares favorably to an expected or desired test
frequency response which corresponds to the test frequency, the
processor issues a second output consistent with the favorable
comparison between the test frequency response and the expected
test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency. In the
example of FIG. 3 the excitation at frequency fT-1 yields a return
or response signal whose RSSI at the transceiver is a strong signal
whose RSSI is RSSI.sub.T-1 which is approximately equal to the
return expected in response to excitation at center frequency fC.
The fact that the response to fC is a weak response (RSSIB) and
that the response at fT-1 is strong, reveals that the tuning of the
sensor has changed, for example because of the RFID antenna having
been contaminated with moisture. This is indicated by the position
of the dashed line bell shaped curve relative to that of the solid
line bell shaped curve.
[0034] The expected or desired test frequency response may be the
RSSI associated with an "in-tune" RFID (plus or minus a tolerance)
or may be an RSSI expected of an RFID tuned to the test frequency
and which is not necessarily the same as the RSSI of the in-tune
RFID.
[0035] The above described excitation at various test frequencies
may be discontinued as soon as an excitation at one of those
frequencies returns a response that compares favorably with the
expected or desired response. Alternatively, the excitation may be
carried out at several or all of a set of test frequencies
irrespective of the comparative results, and the responses may all
be analyzed to determine whether or not the second output should be
issued.
[0036] If the test frequency response from the sensor does not
compare favorably to an expected test frequency response
corresponding to the test frequency at any of the test frequencies,
the processor issues a third output consistent with the unfavorable
comparisons between the test frequency responses and the expected
test frequency response corresponding to each of the test
frequencies.
[0037] In the foregoing example and many others in this application
the sensor is an RFID sensor and therefore the electromagnetic
excitation signals are radio frequency signals.
[0038] RSSI Based Method of Sensor Interrogation for Detecting
Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality.
[0039] The block diagram of FIG. 2 shows a method of interrogating
a sensor to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support.
The method may be used with the architecture of FIGS. 1A and 1B. A
moisture responsive sensor 104 is provided in the in a surveillance
zone 103A of the occupant support. The sensor is tuned to a center
frequency fC (FIG. 3). At block 200 the sensor is excited with an
electromagnetic signal 110 having a frequency approximately equal
to the center frequency. At block 204 transceiver 112 monitors for
and receives a center frequency response from the sensor. The
response may be a strong response or a weak response. The response
may also be a "null" response, i.e. a response of no discernible
RSSI or other indication of strength. At block 206 microprocessor
120 compares the center frequency response to an expected or
desired center frequency response. If the center frequency response
at block 206 compares favorably to the expected or desired center
frequency response, the method follows path 201 so that the
processor issues a first output 208 consistent with the favorable
comparison. As seen in the illustration the first output is an
indication that an incontinence pad is present and no incontinence
is detected.
[0040] If the center frequency response does not compare favorably
with the expected center frequency response, the method follows
path 203. At block 208A the processor causes the transceiver to
excite the sensor with one or more electromagnetic test signals
having test frequencies different than the center frequency. After
each excitation the transceiver monitors for a test frequency
response at block 210. At block 212 the processor determines if the
test frequency response from the sensor compares favorably to an
expected test frequency response corresponding to the test
frequency. If so, the method follows path 205 and processor 120
issues a second output 214 consistent with the favorable comparison
between the test frequency response and the expected or desired
test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency. The
second output 214 is an indication that an incontinence pad is
present and that incontinence has been detected. If not, the method
proceeds to block 216 where the processor determines if all test
frequencies of interest have been applied. If not, the method
follows path 207 and applies additional test frequencies (block
208) and continues to monitor for a return (block 210) that
compares favorably (block 212). If all test frequencies have been
applied (block 216) without having received a favorable response
(block 212) the method follows path 209 and the processor issues a
third output consistent with the unfavorable comparison between the
all the test frequency responses and their corresponding expected
test frequency response. The third output is an indication that an
incontinence pad is absent or a fault has occurred. The conclusion
that the pad is absent may mean that the pad has been removed from
the mattress, or it may mean that is has been displaced along the
mattress far enough that it is out of communication with the
transceiver.
[0041] As noted above in the context of the architecture of FIGS.
1A and 1B, the second output may be issued in response to a
favorable comparison and without first exciting the sensor at any
other test frequencies. Alternatively issuance of the second output
may be deferred until at least one additional test frequency has
been applied to the sensor or until all test frequencies of
interest have been applied to the sensor, even if an earlier
applied frequency yields a favorable comparison between the test
frequency response and the expected or desired response at that
test frequency. That is, the second output is not issued until the
sensor has been excited at at least one frequency other than the
test frequency that yielded a favorable comparison.
[0042] Rate of Change Based Method of Sensor Interrogation for
Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a related method of interrogating a sensor to
detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support. The method
may be used with the architecture of FIGS. 1A and 1B. As with the
method of FIG. 3 the method includes providing a moisture
responsive sensor 104 in a surveillance zone 103A of the occupant
support. The sensor is tuned to a center frequency. The method also
includes exciting the sensor with an electromagnetic signal having
a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency (block 302)
as in FIG. 2 and monitoring for and receiving a center frequency
response from the sensor (which response may be a null response)
(block 304).
[0044] The method recognizes that the tuning of the sensor will
change as a function of moisture and that the rate at which the
tuning changes can indicate the presence or absence of
moisture.
[0045] At block 306 the processor calculates a rate of change based
on the center frequency responses received at different times.
Referring additionally to FIGS. 5-7 two derivative calculations are
shown. In FIG. 6 an initial return RSSIC corresponding to an
excitation frequency fC is subtracted from a return RSSIX
corresponding to an excitation at the same frequency fC applied at
a later time. The difference is divided by the time difference
delta-t to form a crude derivative dR/dt. The existence of a
nonzero derivative (taking measurement tolerances and calculation
induced inaccuracies into account) may be the result of the sensors
becoming progressively out of tune (i.e. shifting from the solid
bell curve to the dashed curve to the dash dot curve of FIG. 5),
which yields RSSI's of RSSIC, RSSIX and RSSIY at three different
times. FIG. 7 shows an alternate derivative calculation. In the
alternate calculation the sensor is interrogated at fC. If the
return received by the transceiver 112 changes from strong at one
time t0 to weaker at a later time tX, one or more test frequencies
not equal to fC are applied at time tX (the time required to apply
the one or more additional test frequencies is negligible) until a
strong return is again received. The processor uses the information
about which excitation frequencies FR0, FRX yielded strong
responses, and the time between receiving the strong returns to
calculate the derivative dR/dt.
[0046] In the method of FIGS. 5-6, the calculated rate of change is
a function of a change in RSSI over an interval of time. In the
method of FIG. 7 the calculated rate of change is a function of the
difference between two excitation frequencies each of which
produces a response having approximately equal RSSI values and a
correlation describing a relationship between the frequency change
and the presence or absence of moisture. Other correlations may
enable a determination of the identity or properties of the fluid,
e.g. blood, perspiration, acidic fluid, alkaline fluid, and so
forth.
[0047] Returning now to FIG. 4, the method proceeds to block 308
and compares the calculated derivative to one or more thresholds.
In the example shown the derivative is compared to two thresholds
Tmoist and Tmove. The processor 120 issues an output in response to
the comparison as set forth in Table 1 below, in which the rate of
change is denoted as dR/dt:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Condition Issued Output dR/dt < TMOIST
First (310) TMOIST .ltoreq. dR/dt < TMOVE Second (312) TMOVE
.ltoreq. dR/dt Third (314)
[0048] In the context of detecting incontinence, the first output
310 is an indication that an incontinence pad is present and no
incontinence is detected, the second output 312 is an indication
that an incontinence pad is present and incontinence has been
detected, and the third output 314 is an indication that an
incontinence pad is absent.
[0049] System for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused
Abnormality Based on Protected and Exposed Sensors.
[0050] FIG. 8 shows a system for detecting the presence of moisture
on an occupant support. The system comprises an incontinence pad
103, a transceiver 112 and a microprocessor 120. The pad includes
first and second moisture responsive sensors for example RFID's
104, 108 (also labelled RFIDP and RFIDE) in a surveillance zone
103A of an occupant support. Each sensor is tuned to a center
frequency. The sensors may be tuned to approximately the same
center frequency or to different center frequencies. Sensor RFIDP
is enclosed in a moisture proof or moisture resistant enclosure 122
and therefore is also referred to as a protected sensor. Sensor
RFIDE is not protected from moisture which may be present on the
pad in the surveillance zone and therefore is referred to as an
exposed sensor.
[0051] Transceiver 112 is adapted to excite each sensor RFIDP,
RFIDE with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency
approximately equal to its center frequency and to monitor for a
center frequency response from each sensor;
[0052] Processor 120 is adapted to compare the center frequency
response SP of the first (protected) sensor to an expected center
frequency response of the first sensor and to compare the center
frequency response of the second sensor SE to an expected center
frequency response of the second sensor, or equivalently to assess
the response as "strong" or as "weak or absent". The processor is
further adapted to issue an output as set forth in Table 2
below:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Result of comparison Result of comparison
(response vs expected (response vs expected response) or response)
or assessment for first assessment for second (protected) sensor
(exposed) sensor Output RSSI strong RSSI strong no moisture
detected RSSI strong RSSI weak or absent moisture detected RSSI
weak or absent RSSI strong fault RSSI weak or absent RSSI weak or
absent sensor not present or sensor moved or fault
[0053] If the response from both sensors is strong, the sensors,
and therefore pad 103, are present but the system is not detecting
moisture. Accordingly the output ("no moisture detected") is
consistent with that finding. If the response from the protected
sensor is strong and the response from the exposed sensor is weak
or absent, the mat is present (as revealed by the strong signal
from the protected sensor, which, because of enclosure 122, has not
suffered any change of tuning as a result of the presence of
moisture) and moisture is also present (as revealed by the weak
signal from the exposed sensor which has become mistuned as a
result of the presence of moisture). Accordingly the output is
consistent with that finding ("moisture detected"). If the response
from the protected sensor is weak or absent and the response from
the exposed sensor is strong it is likely that a fault exists.
Accordingly the output is consistent with that finding ("fault").
If the response from both sensors is weak or absent there may be a
fault or the mat may have been removed from the occupant support
mattress or the position of the pad on the mattress may have
changed enough that the sensors are out of range of the
transceiver.
[0054] Method of Sensor Interrogation for Detecting Incontinence or
Other Moisture Caused Abnormality Based on Protected and Exposed
Sensors.
[0055] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a method of interrogating
a sensor suite (which may be a suite of two sensors as in FIG. 8)
to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support. The
method may be used with the architecture of FIG. 8. Referring to
FIGS. 8 and 9 the method includes providing first and second
moisture responsive sensors 104, 108 in a surveillance zone of the
occupant support. The sensors are each tuned to a center frequency.
First sensor 104 is protected from coming into contact with
moisture which may be present in the surveillance zone. Second
sensor 108 exposed and therefore is susceptible to coming into
contact with moisture which may be present in the surveillance
zone.
[0056] The method includes exciting each sensor with an
electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to
its center frequency (block 400), monitoring for and receiving a
center frequency response signal SP from the first, protected
sensor, and monitoring for and receiving a center frequency
response signal SE from the second, exposed (unprotected) sensor.
As with other embodiments the response may be a null response. The
method also includes comparing the center frequency responses to an
expected center frequency response for each sensor, or equivalently
assessing the response from each sensor as "strong" or as "weak or
absent".
[0057] The method also includes issuing an output 410, 412, 414, or
416) as set forth in Table 3 below:
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Result of comparison Result of comparison
(response vs expected (response vs expected response) or response)
or assessment for first assessment for second (protected) sensor
(exposed) sensor output RSSI strong RSSI strong no moisture
detected RSSI strong RSSI weak or absent moisture detected RSSI
weak or absent RSSI strong fault RSSI weak or absent RSSI weak or
absent sensor not present or sensor moved or fault
[0058] Method of Fluid Analysis.
[0059] FIG. 10 is a block diagram similar to that of FIG. 2 showing
a method of interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of
moisture on an occupant support and to analyze moisture which may
be present. The blocks of FIG. 10 which are analogous to those of
FIG. 2 are identified with 500-series reference numerals in lieu of
the 200-series reference numerals used on FIG. 2.
[0060] The method may be used with the architecture of FIGS. 1A and
1B. A moisture responsive sensor 104 is provided in the
surveillance zone 103A of the occupant support. The sensor is tuned
to a center frequency fC (FIG. 3). At block 500 the sensor is
excited with an electromagnetic signal 110 having a frequency
approximately equal to the center frequency. At block 504
transceiver 112 monitors for and receives a center frequency
response from the sensor. The response may be a strong response or
a weak response. The response may also be a "null" response, i.e. a
response of no discernible RSSI or other indication of strength. At
block 506 microprocessor 120 compares the center frequency response
to an expected or desired center frequency response. If the center
frequency response at block 506 compares favorably to the expected
or desired center frequency response, the method follows path 501
so that the processor issues a first output 508 consistent with the
favorable comparison. As seen in the illustration the first output
is an indication that a moisture detecting device is present and no
moisture or fluid is detected.
[0061] If the center frequency response does not compare favorably
with the expected center frequency response at block 506, the
method follows path 503. At block 508A the processor causes the
transceiver to excite the sensor with one or more electromagnetic
test signals having test frequencies different than the center
frequency. After each excitation the transceiver monitors for a
test frequency response at block 510. At block 512 the processor
determines if the test frequency response from the sensor compares
favorably to an expected test frequency response corresponding to
the test frequency. If not, the method proceeds to block 516 where
the processor determines if all test frequencies of interest have
been applied. If not, the method follows path 507 and applies
additional test frequencies (block 508) and continues to monitor
for a return (block 510) that compares favorably (block 512).
[0062] Upon detecting a test frequency response that compares
favorably to an expected test frequency at block 512, the method
proceeds along path 505 to block 512A where the method correlates
the test frequency response with a relationship between test
frequency response and fluid identity, fluid properties or both.
FIG. 11 shows a sample correlation for test frequencies higher than
and lower than the center frequency fC. As seen in the illustration
the correlation relates a strong RSSI return at a specified
frequency to the identity and/or properties of a fluid which, as a
result of having contaminated the RFID, retunes the RFID to a
frequency other than its noncontaminated center frequency, i.e. to
the frequency correlated with the fluid or fluid property. The
method then issues a second output 514 consistent with the
favorable comparison between the test frequency response and the
expected test frequency response and also consistent with the
correlation. The second output is an indication that a moisture
sensing device is present and that moisture has been detected and
is also an indication of the identity of the fluid, the type of
fluid or both as defined by the relationship between test frequency
response and fluid identity, fluid properties or both.
[0063] If, at block 516, the method determines that all test
frequencies have been applied (block 516) without having received a
favorable response (block 512) the method follows path 509 and the
processor issues a third output 520 consistent with the unfavorable
comparison between all the test frequency responses and their
corresponding expected test frequency response. The third output is
an indication that a moisture sensing device is absent or a fault
has occurred. The conclusion that the device is absent may mean
that it has been removed from the mattress, or it may mean that it
has been displaced along the mattress far enough that it is out of
communication with the transceiver.
[0064] As noted above in the context of the architecture of FIGS.
1A and 1B, the second output may be issued in response to an
initial favorable comparison at block 512 and without first
exciting the sensor at any other test frequencies. Alternatively
issuance of the second output may be deferred until at least one
additional test frequency has been applied to the sensor or until
all test frequencies of interest have been applied to the sensor,
even if an earlier applied frequency yields a favorable comparison
between the test frequency response and the expected or desired
response at that test frequency. That is, the second output is not
issued until the sensor has been excited at at least one frequency
other than the test frequency that yielded the initial favorable
comparison. This latter method may require a correlation that goes
beyond the one dimensional correlation of FIG. 11 in order that
processor 120 may properly interpret the significance of multiple
strong RSSI returns.
[0065] System for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused
Abnormality Using Multiple RFID's or Other Sensors or Using
Multiplexed RFID's or Other Sensors.
[0066] FIG. 12 shows a system for detecting the presence of
moisture on an occupant support or displacement of a sensor or
both.
[0067] The system includes multiple moisture responsive sensors 104
spatially distributed in a surveillance 103A zone of an occupant
support 90. In the illustrated embodiment sensors 104 are
individual antenna components (A1, A2, A3, A4) of an RFID sensor
assembly 104X. Each sensor is tuned to a center frequency. The
system also includes a transceiver 112 adapted to excite the
sensors with an electromagnetic signal 110 having a frequency
approximately equal to the center frequency and to monitor for a
center frequency response 114 from the sensor. The system also
includes a multiplexer 130 in communication with each antenna and
with the transceiver. The system also includes a processor 120
adapted to command the transceiver to excite the sensors and to
analyze the center frequency response of each sensor to detect the
presence of moisture on the occupant support or displacement of a
sensor or both. The processor 120 is also in communication with the
multiplexer so that the processor can govern which of the responses
114 the transceiver detects at any given time. For example the
multiplexer may cycle from sensor antenna A1 to sensor antenna A2
to sensor antenna A3 to sensor antenna A4 and then continue
repeating the cycle so that the transceiver first detects return
signal 114 from A1, then return signal 114 from A2, and so
forth.
[0068] As already noted sensors 104 are individual antenna
components A1, A2, A3, A4 of a sensor assembly 104X. The processor
is adapted to command multiplexer 130 to acquire response signals
from each antenna component. The illustration shows only a single
sensor assembly 104X, however more than one such assembly may be
used.
[0069] Alternatively the sensors 104 may be individual sensors such
as RFID 104 of FIGS. 1A and 1B or RFID's 104A through 1041 of FIGS.
13-14, each of which individual sensors has its own antenna A.
Processor 130 is adapted to command multiplexer 130 to acquire
response signals from each antenna component, e.g. in a successive
sequence.
[0070] A system may contain one or more assemblies 104X each having
two or more antenna components or may have multiple sensors 104
each having its own antenna. Or a system may use a mix of
assemblies 104X and individual sensors 104. No matter which option
is employed, processor 130 is adapted to command the multiplexer to
acquire response signals from all the antennas present whether the
antennas are components of a multi-antenna assembly (components 104
of assembly 104X as in FIG. 14) or are dedicated antennas (antennas
104 or A as in FIG. 13).
[0071] The processor is also adapted to command the transceiver to
analyze the frequency response of each sensor to detect the
presence of moisture on the occupant support or displacement of a
sensor or both.
[0072] Method for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused
Abnormality Using Multiple RFID's or Other Sensors or Using
Multiplexed RFID's or Other Sensors and Based on Highest Return
Signal Strength.
[0073] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a method of detecting the
presence of moisture on an occupant support and of distinguishing
between moisture presence and sensor displacement relative to some
initial sensor position. The method may be used with the system
architecture of FIGS. 12-14.
[0074] The method includes providing two or more moisture
responsive sensors 104 in a surveillance zone 103A of the occupant
support. Each sensor is tuned to a center frequency fC. Transceiver
112 excites the sensors with an electromagnetic signal 110 having a
frequency approximately equal to the center frequency (block 602).
The transceiver receives center frequency responses from the
sensors at a time t0 (block 604). As previously noted the time
required for multiplexer 130 to cycle through the sensors is much
shorter than any time interval of interest associated with
detecting an incontinence event or detecting sensor displacement.
Accordingly, any given sampling cycle which occurs between time
t-.delta. and time t+.delta. is considered to have occurred at time
t. The processor identifies which of the sensor returns 114 at time
t0 is strongest (block 607). At times t>t0 (blocks 608 and
beyond) the transceiver continues to excite at least the identified
sensor (and may excite additional sensors as well) (block 608) and
receives responses (block 610). The processor carries out an
analysis to determine if the return signal strength of the
identified sensor has diminished over time. If so the processor
analyzes the center frequency return signal strengths from the
excitation at time t0 in comparison to the responses obtained as a
result of the continuing excitation to detect moisture presence or
sensor displacement or both (block 612).
[0075] Method for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused
Abnormality Using Multiple RFID's or Other Sensors or Using
Multiplexed RFID's or Other Sensors.
[0076] FIG. 16 shows another method of detecting the presence of
moisture on an occupant support, displacement of a moisture sensor
or both. The method includes providing two or more moisture
responsive sensors in a surveillance zone of the occupant support,
which sensors are tuned to a center frequency. The method may be
used with the system architecture of FIGS. 12-14.
[0077] Transceiver 112 excites the sensors with an electromagnetic
signal 110 having a frequency approximately equal to the center
frequency (block 702). Transceiver 112 receives center frequency
responses from the sensors (block 704) and records the individual
center frequency responses at a time t=0 (block 706). At times
t>0 transceiver 112 continues to excite the sensors and to
monitor for and receive responses (block 608). At block 710 the
processor detects changes in return signal strength, i.e. the
differences at times t>0 relative to time t0. At block 712 the
processor analyzes the differences determined at block 710 to
discern moisture presence, sensor displacement or both.
[0078] As noted in the discussion of FIGS. 12-14 the sensors may be
individual sensors each having an antenna or may be individual
antenna components of a sensor assembly.
[0079] FIGS. 13-14 show two examples, both of which rely on a
3.times.3 array of sensors labeled 104A through 104I. The symbols
within each sensor show how that sensor's return frequency response
signal (RSSI) has changed between time t0 and a later time. The "O"
symbol indicates no change while the downwardly pointing arrow
symbols indicate a decrease in return signal strength. In FIG. 13
fewer than all of the sensors exhibit a diminished signal strength
(RSSI) and the remainder of the sensors exhibit constant return
signal strength. Analysis at block 712 of FIG. 16 therefore reveals
that the sensor pad 103 is still in place in its original (t=t0)
position but that the sensors exhibiting reduced strength have been
contaminated with moisture. This conclusion is based on the
observation that the center frequency response from a first set of
one or more sensors (sensor 104F) has become weaker at a time
t>0 relative to its center frequency response at an earlier time
t0, and that the response of a second set of sensors (all but 104F)
which does not include members of the first set (104F) have
substantially the same response strength at time t>0 than they
did at the earlier time t0.
[0080] In FIG. 14 the sensors all exhibit reduced return strength
relative to strength at t=0. Hence, the sensors are still in their
original location, or have all become moist, or some combination of
the two. Distinguishing between the two possibilities or
determining that both have occurred can rely on techniques such as
those described in the context of FIGS. 2-9. In one embodiment
sensor displacement is declared as a result of the center frequency
response from all or substantially all the sensors having become
weaker at a time t>0 relative to their center frequency response
at an earlier time t0.
[0081] Hybrid Incontinence Detection System.
[0082] FIG. 17 shows a system in which the transceiver is
integrated into an occupant support. If the occupant support is a
bed the transceiver may be integrated into the frame (not shown) or
into the mattress 102. The system includes a sensor 104 such as an
active or passive RFID tag. Alternatively the sensor may be a
circuit printed on a paper. The sensor, irrespective of the
technology on which it is based, may be in the form of a sticker.
The sensor is made a part of a pad such as incontinence pad 103,
for example by sewing or adhering. For example if the sensor is a
sticker it may be adhered to the pad. At least the sensor is
disposable. The pad may also be disposable.
[0083] The system also includes transceiver 112 integrated with the
bed, for example with the mattress 102. The transceiver is not
considered to be disposable. The system is referred to as a hybrid
system because it includes disposable and nondisposable components
and because the nondisposable component (the transceiver) is
integrated into the occupant support whereas the pad and sensor are
easily disassociated from the occupant support.
[0084] The sensor is in wireless communication with the reusable
transceiver. The transceiver includes a processor chip 134 and may
also include a battery 136. In one embodiment the battery is a
flexible or foldable battery.
[0085] The transceiver is also in wired or wireless communication
with a facility information network 138. The communication with
network 138 enables an alert to be sent to caregivers to alert them
of the incontinence event (or other moisture containing
contamination). The communication can also enable updates to be
made to electronic records.
[0086] In one embodiment a transceiver antenna 150 loops around
sensor 104. The antenna may be integral with the mattress or with a
ticking or other cover on the mattress. One example of an integral
antenna construction is an antenna made of metal thread which is
woven or otherwise integrated into the mattress. Another example is
a conductive ink applied to the ticking or mattress.
[0087] Fluid Reservoir (Absorbent or Dissolving).
[0088] FIGS. 18-23 show variants of an architecture for a moisture
detection article or pad 103 such as an incontinence pad. The pads
include at least one sensor 104 such as an RFID tag. The following
discussion of the various embodiments of FIGS. 18-23 relates to the
architecture or construction of the pad. The RFID tag or tags can
be used for moisture detection and/or analysis as described
elsewhere in this specification.
[0089] Referring first to FIG. 18 the moisture detection apparatus
103 includes a deposition or receptor layer 160 having an exposed
side 162 susceptible to moisture contamination and a nonexposed
side 164. The deposition or receptor layer is so named because it
is the layer of the construction upon which, in customary use,
fluid will be deposited or received. The illustration also shows a
region or site 170 of actual fluid contamination or deposition.
[0090] The apparatus also includes a moisture sensor 104 having a
moisture responsive element 172 separated from the deposition layer
by a reservoir material 174. The reservoir material is so named
because, as will be explained in greater detail below, it
introduces an intentional time delay between the initial deposition
of fluid on exposed side 162 and contact between the fluid and the
moisture responsive element 172. In the embodiments of FIGS. 19-22
the reservoir material is adjacent to the nonexposed side 164 of
deposition layer 160 as distinct from being adjacent to the exposed
side 162. The apparatus may also include a base layer 176. At least
a portion of the base layer is spaced from the deposition layer
such that the reservoir material 174 is between the base layer and
the deposition layer. Moisture 170 deposited on exposed side 162
must traverse or otherwise overcome the reservoir material in order
to come into contact with the moisture responsive element 172.
Moisture deposited on exposed side 162 is impeded (by the reservoir
layer) from contacting the moisture responsive element 170 until
the reservoir layer reacts to the presence of the moisture. As used
herein, "reacts" is used in the sense of responding and does not
necessarily mean a chemical reaction, but can mean a chemical
reaction.
[0091] In the variants of FIGS. 18 and 19 the reservoir material is
a reservoir layer 174L and the sensor 104 resides within the
reservoir layer. The reservoir layer extends between base layer 176
and deposition layer 160. In the variants of FIGS. 18, 20, 21 and
22 the moisture responsive element 172 faces toward the deposition
layer. In FIG. 23 the moisture responsive element faces toward the
base layer. FIG. 19 shows two sensors, one having a moisture
responsive element that faces toward the deposition layer and one
having a moisture responsive element that faces toward the base
layer. Any particular variant of the architecture may have moisture
responsive elements that all face toward the deposition layer or
may have moisture responsive elements that all face toward the base
layer or may have an assortment of moisture responsive elements
some of which face toward the deposition layer and some of which
face toward the base layer.
[0092] In the variant of FIG. 20 the reservoir material 174 is a
coating 174C which encapsulates the sensor 104. In the variant of
FIG. 21 the reservoir material 174 is in the form of a pocket 174P
which encapsulates the sensor 104. In the embodiments of FIGS.
20-21 (and 23) the reservoir material is considered to be localized
whereas in the embodiments of FIGS. 18-19 (and 22) the reservoir
material is nonlocalized.
[0093] In the embodiments of FIGS. 20 and 23 the reservoir material
is a coating over at least the moisture responsive element 172. In
FIG. 20 the reservoir material is a coating over the entire sensor
104. In FIG. 23 the reservoir material is a coating that extends
only slightly beyond the moisture responsive element.
[0094] In the embodiment of FIGS. 22 and 22A the reservoir material
174 is a lining 174LI. In the specific embodiment illustrated,
lining 174LI also lines base layer 176, and the lining is pinched
together at pinch lines 180 to form one or more capsules 182.
Sensor 104 resides within the capsule.
[0095] In some embodiments the reservoir material may be an
absorbent material which retards migration of fluid from the fluid
deposition site 170 to the sensor element. Examples of such
materials include woven textiles. The porosity of the finished
textile can be affected by controlling the parameters of the
weaving process during manufacture of the woven textile. Affecting
the porosity affects the absorbency of the material. As a result
the designer of the moisture detection apparatus can regulate the
time lapse between deposition of moisture on the deposition layer
160 and contact between the moisture and moisture responsive
element 172. The absorption characteristics of the material 174
also can be used to ensure that the moisture comes into contact
with the moisture responsive element 172 only if at least a minimum
quantity of moisture is present. That is, a "small" amount of
moisture would be completely absorbed by and stored in the material
174 without the moisture being able to migrate the entire distance
between deposition site 170 and moisture responsive element 172. By
contrast, at least some of a "large" quantity of moisture would be
able to migrate the entire distance between deposition site 170 and
moisture responsive element 172.
[0096] Specific examples of materials from which the absorbent
reservoir material may be made include polyester, cotton and
polyamide materials.
[0097] In some embodiments the reservoir material 174 may be a
material which initially acts as a barrier but then dissolves when
exposed to moisture in order to retard migration of the moisture
from the fluid deposition site 170 to the moisture responsive
element 172 until dissolution of the material is complete enough to
expose the moisture responsive element to the fluid. An example of
such a material is a polymer with the chemical formula:
--(CH.sub.2--CHOR).sub.n-- where R is --H or --COCH.sub.3. The
foregoing chemical formula is the formula for one type of polymer
known as polyvinyl alcohol which is also referred to as PVA or
PVOH.
[0098] The dissolution characteristics of the dissolvable material
174 enables the designer of the moisture detection apparatus to
regulate the time lapse between deposition of moisture on the
deposition layer 160 and contact between the moisture and moisture
responsive element 172. For example a material that dissolves
quickly will shorten the time lapse whereas a material that
dissolves slowly will lengthen the time lapse. The dissolution
characteristics of the material 174 also can be used to ensure that
the moisture comes into contact with the moisture responsive
element 172 only if at least a minimum quantity of moisture is
present. That is, a "small" amount of moisture may be insufficient
to dissolve enough of the material 174 to expose moisture
responsive element to the moisture. By contrast, a "large" quantity
of moisture would be able to effect sufficient dissolution and come
into contact with moisture responsive element 172.
[0099] Directional Architecture--Capillary.
[0100] FIGS. 24-26 show variants of an architecture for a moisture
handling apparatus, which may be an incontinence pad. The
illustrations illustrate a pad-like apparatus having a head end H,
a foot end F longitudinally spaced from the head end, a left side L
and right side R laterally spaced from the left side. The
illustrations also show longitudinally and laterally extending
centerlines 200, 202. The apparatus comprises a sheet 206 of
material having a capillary property for encouraging moisture
migration from a source zone 210 to a destination zone 212.
[0101] As seen in FIG. 24 the capillary property may be imparted to
the apparatus by capillary tubes 216, or by capillary fibers
218.
[0102] The tubes 216 or fibers 218 are spatially arranged or
oriented, and therefore the capillary property is spatially
arranged or oriented, so as to encourage moisture migration from
source zone 210 to destination zone 212.
[0103] In the example embodiment of FIG. 24 the source zone 210 is
an inboard zone (within dashed lines) whose longitudinal dimension
substantially exceeds its lateral dimension. Zone 210 is
approximately laterally centered on centerline 200. Destination
zone 212 is the outboard perimetral region between the point of
fluid flow arrows 222 and the lateral edges of the pad.
Alternatively the destination zone may be any zone of the apparatus
outside the source zone. As used herein the term "inboard" refers
to locations relatively remote from the edges of the bed whereas
"outboard" refers to locations relatively closer to the edges of
the bed. The capillary property is arranged to define one or more
capillary pathways (suggested by the fluid flow arrows) extending
substantially exclusively laterally from the source zone to the
destination zone. Each flow arrow may be considered to represent a
capillary pathway. Alternatively all the flow arrows extending in
either the left or right direction may be considered to be a single
pathway. Alternatively all the flow arrows extending all directions
may be considered to be a single pathway.
[0104] In the embodiment of FIG. 25 the source zone 210 is an oval
shaped inboard zone (within dashed lines) Destination zone 212 is
the outboard perimetral region between the point of fluid flow
arrows 222 and the lateral edges of the pad. Alternatively the
destination zone may be any zone of the apparatus outside the
source zone. The capillary property is arranged to define one or
more capillary pathways extending both laterally and longitudinally
from the source zone to the destination zone. The pathways of FIG.
25 may be considered to be radial pathways in that they radiate
away from the source zone, i.e. from inboard to outboard.
[0105] In the embodiment of FIG. 26 the destination zone 212 is an
oval shaped inboard zone (within dashed lines) Source zone 210 is
the outboard perimetral region between the origins of fluid flow
arrows 222 and the lateral edges of the pad. Alternatively the
source zone may be any zone of the apparatus outside the
destination zone. The capillary property is arranged to define one
or more capillary pathways extending both laterally and
longitudinally from the source zone 210 to the destination zone
212. The pathways of FIG. 26 may be considered to be radial
pathways in that they radiate toward the destination zone., i.e.
from outboard to inboard.
[0106] The arrangement of FIGS. 24-25 may be useful for drawing
moisture away from an occupant lying on the apparatus, for example
for removing urine from the site of an incontinence accident. The
arrangement of FIG. 26 may be useful for directing the moisture
toward a sensor 104, such as an RFID technology based sensor, which
is responsive to the moisture.
[0107] In another variant the destination zone includes an
indicator responsive to the moisture. For example the destination
zone may be constructed of a material that changes color in
response to contact with urine and/or other fluids of interest or
may include a decal that is similarly color responsive to urine
and/or other fluids of interest.
[0108] In another variant the destination zone includes a collector
or may be a collector for collecting the migrated moisture. Such a
collector 226 is shown schematically in FIG. 25 as an absorbent
material 226A.
[0109] The material of which the sheet of material 206 is made is a
microfiber. A microfiber has a lineic mass of less than about 1
g/10 km., a diameter of less than about 9 micrometers, or both.
[0110] The above described apparatus could be part of a system
which includes a processor for detecting or analyzing fluid that
comes in contact with a sensor 104 in destination zone 112.
[0111] Directional Architecture--Hydroaffinity.
[0112] FIGS. 27-29 show variants of an architecture for a moisture
handling apparatus, which may be an incontinence pad. The
illustrations illustrate a pad-like apparatus having a head end H,
a foot end F longitudinally spaced from the head end, a left side L
and right side R laterally spaced from the left side. The
illustrations also show longitudinally and laterally extending
centerlines 200, 202. The apparatus comprises a sheet 206 of
material having a hydroaffinity property for encouraging moisture
migration from a source to a destination. "Hydroaffinity" as used
herein refers to the degree to which the material is hydrophilic,
hydrophobic, or some combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic,
such as exhibiting a hydrophillic/hydrophobic gradient. The
hydroaffinity property encourages moisture migration from a source
zone 210 to a destination zone 212.
[0113] The hydroaffinity property is spatially arranged or oriented
so as to encourage moisture migration from the source zone 210 to
the destination zone 212.
[0114] In the example embodiment of FIG. 27 the source zone 210 is
an inboard zone (within dashed lines) whose longitudinal dimension
substantially exceeds its lateral dimension. Zone 210 is
approximately laterally centered on centerline 200. Destination
zone 212 is the outboard perimetral region between the points of
fluid flow arrows 222 and the lateral edges of the pad.
Alternatively the destination zone may be any zone of the apparatus
outside the source zone. As used herein the term "inboard" refers
to locations relatively remote from the edges of the bed whereas
"outboard" refers to locations relatively closer to the edges of
the bed. The hydroaffinity property is arranged to define one or
more fluid migration pathways (suggested by the fluid flow arrows
222) extending substantially exclusively laterally from the source
zone to the destination zone. Each flow arrow may be considered to
represent a fluid migration pathway. Alternatively all the flow
arrows extending in either the left or right direction may be
considered to be a single fluid migration pathway. Alternatively
all the flow arrows extending all directions may be considered to
be a single fluid migration pathway. FIG. 27 includes a graph whose
abscissa axis represents the left to right dimension of the
apparatus 103 and whose ordinate axis shows a gradation of
hydroaffinity. The graph shows that the sheet of material is
relatively more hydrophobic in the vicinity of centerline 200 and
is more hydrophilic at the left and right lateral edges.
[0115] In the embodiment of FIG. 28 the source zone 210 is an
elongated oval shaped inboard zone (within dashed lines)
Destination zone 212 is the outboard perimetral region between the
points of fluid flow arrows 222 and the lateral edges of the pad.
Alternatively the destination zone may be any zone of the apparatus
outside the source zone. The hydroaffinity property is arranged to
define one or more fluid migration pathways extending both
laterally and longitudinally from the source zone to the
destination zone. The pathways of FIG. 28 may be considered to be
radial pathways in that they radiate away from the source zone,
i.e. from inboard to outboard. FIG. 28 includes graphs similar to
that of FIG. 27 showing a gradation of hydroaffinity in both the
lateral and longitudinal directions. One graph shows that the sheet
of material is relatively more hydrophobic in the vicinity of
centerline 200 and is more hydrophilic at the left and right
lateral edges. The other graph shows that the sheet of material is
relatively more hydrophobic in the vicinity of centerline 202 and
is more hydrophilic at the head and foot edges.
[0116] In the embodiment of FIG. 29 the destination zone 212 is an
oval shaped inboard zone (within dashed lines) Source zone 210 is
the outboard perimetral region between the origins of fluid flow
arrows 222 and the lateral edges of the pad. Alternatively the
source zone may be any zone of the apparatus outside the
destination zone. The hydroaffinity property is arranged to define
one or more fluid migration pathways extending both laterally and
longitudinally from the source zone 210 to the destination zone
212. The pathways of FIG. 29 may be considered to be radial
pathways in that they radiate toward the destination zone, i.e.
from outboard to inboard. FIG. 29 includes graphs similar to those
of FIG. 28 but with an opposite gradation of hydroaffinity to
account for the fact that the destination zone is an inboard zone
and the source zone is an outboard zone. The graphs show that the
sheet of material is relatively more hydrophilic in the vicinity of
centerline 200 and more hydrophobic at the left and right lateral
edges and that the sheet of material is relatively more hydrophilic
in the vicinity of centerline 202 and is more hydrophobic at the
head and foot edges.
[0117] The arrangement of FIGS. 27-28 may be useful for drawing
moisture away from an occupant lying on the apparatus, for example
for removing urine from the site of an incontinence accident. The
arrangement of FIG. 29 may be useful for directing the moisture
toward a sensor 104, such as an RFID technology based sensor, which
is responsive to the moisture.
[0118] In another variant the destination zone includes an
indicator responsive to the moisture. For example the destination
zone may be constructed of a material that changes color in
response to contact with urine and/or other fluids of interest or
may include a decal that is similarly color responsive to urine
and/or other fluids of interest.
[0119] In another variant the destination zone includes a collector
or may be a collector for collecting the migrated moisture. Such a
collector 226 is shown schematically in FIG. 29 as an absorbent
material 226A.
[0120] As seen from the foregoing explanation and illustrations the
hydroaffinity property is arranged to be more hydrophobic at the
source zone and more hydrophilic at the destination zone.
[0121] The above described apparatus could be part of a system
which includes a processor for detecting or analyzing fluid that
comes in contact with a sensor 104 in destination zone 112.
[0122] Visual Indicators--Color Changing.
[0123] FIGS. 30-32 show variants of an architecture for a moisture
detecting system, which may be an incontinence pad 103. Referring
principally to FIG. 30, the moisture detecting system comprises a
sheet of material 240 adapted to change color in response to the
presence of moisture 170. The system also comprises a camera 242 or
other color detection circuitry for observing the color change or
lack thereof. The absence of a color change is a limit case which
may be considered to be a "null" color change. The system also
includes a controller 120 in communication with the camera. The
controller processes the observations of the camera and issues a
response 244. In the case of the absence of color change the
response may be a null response. If a color change occurs the
response may be a signal which activates an alerting or reporting
system and/or records the event, such as an incontinence event, in
an electronic medical record.
[0124] FIGS. 31-32 show a variant in which sheet 240 has an
indicator portion 246 adapted to change color in response to the
presence of moisture and a transport portion 248 adapted to
transport moisture from a site of deposition thereof 170 to the
indicator portion 246 as indicated by the fluid migration arrows
250. In FIG. 31 the indicator portion 246 is a perimetral portion
246. In FIG. 32 the indicator portion 246 is an edge portion 246
along one or both lateral sides of sheet 240.
[0125] The embodiment of FIG. 30 and may include features such as
those of FIGS. 24-29 to transport moisture from a deposition site
170 to another site. The embodiments of FIGS. 31-32 may include
features such as those of FIGS. 24-29 to transport moisture from a
deposition site 170 at the transport portion 248 to the indicator
portion 246 and to help transport moisture further into the
interior of the indicator portion.
[0126] Visual Indicators--UV from any Source+Camera.
[0127] FIG. 33 shows an architecture of another moisture detecting
system, which may be an incontinence pad 103. The detecting system
comprises a sheet of material 260 which receives the moisture 170.
The system also includes a source of ultraviolet radiation adapted
to expose at least a target portion of the sheet of material to
ultraviolet radiation. In one embodiment the source is an external
source 262. In another embodiment the source is an integrated or
on-board source 264. Source 264 includes a light tube 270 that
extends through the pad.
[0128] The system also includes a camera 242 or other emission
detection circuitry for observing emission of radiation or lack
thereof in response to the presence of moisture 170 within the
target region and excitation of the moisture by the ultraviolet
radiation. The absence of emitted radiation in response to the
ultraviolet radiation is a limit case which may be considered to be
a "null" emission.
[0129] The system also includes a controller 120 in communication
with the camera and with the ultraviolet light source 262 or
264/270. The controller processes the observations of emitted
radiation or a change in emitted radiation made by camera 242 (the
emissions being in response to the ultraviolet excitation) and
issues a response 244. In the case of the absence of emission or
absence of a change in emission the response may be a null
response. If an emission or change of emission is detected, the
response may be a signal 244 which activates an alerting or
reporting system and/or records the event, such as an incontinence
event, in an electronic medical record.
[0130] The controller may periodically activate and deactivate the
source of ultraviolet radiation 262 or 264/270. Alternatively the
source may be manually activated at the discretion of a
caregiver.
[0131] Sheet of material 260 may be chemically treated 272 to
intensify the radiated emission thereby making it more readily
detectable.
[0132] Visual Indicators--UV from Light Tube.
[0133] In another embodiment camera 242 and processor 244 are
absent and the system comprises the sheet of material 260 which
receives the moisture and a source of ultraviolet radiation
comprising an ultraviolet radiation generator 264 and a light tube
270 that extends through the sheet for distributing the ultraviolet
radiation to the target region thereby exposing at least a target
portion of the sheet of material to the ultraviolet radiation.
[0134] FIG. 33 shows an ultraviolet excited pad architecture
similar to the color changing pad architecture of FIG. 30. However
the ultraviolet excited pad architecture could be some other
architecture such as that of FIGS. 31 and 32 which have both an
indicator portion and a transport portion.
[0135] Multifunctional Sensor Pad.
[0136] FIG. 34 shows a sensor pad 303 resting on a mattress 102 of
a bed. The bed and pad are associated with an occupant or patient
assigned to the bed. The sensor pad comprises at least one RFID tag
304. Tag 304 includes a processor such as microprocessor 320
adapted to process inputs obtained from multiple sensors 316 even
though the sensor have disparate sensing capabilities. Processor
320 receives the input from sensors 316 in the form of electric or
electromagnetic signals. For example sensors 316 may have sensing
capabilities such as moisture sensing, odor sensing, chemical
identity sensing, chemical property sensing, interface pressure
sensing, sound sensing, and vital sign sensing to detect vital
signs (e.g. blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, skin
temperature, internal temperature) of a patient associated with the
pad. On a given pad 303 sensors may all have the same sensing
capability (e.g. interface pressure sensing) or a pad may have
sensors 316 for sensing two or more parameters. The technology upon
which the sensing capability is based may be any suitable
technology such as an accelerometer or a vibration sensor or a
sensor based on piezoelectric, piezoresistive, capacitive,
inductive, or resistive principles.
[0137] Certain sensors may be able to sense a parameter of interest
directly and report the value of the sensed parameter to processor
320 by way of an electric or electromagnetic signal. Other sensors
may respond to the sensed parameter in a way that requires
interpretation by the processor 320.
[0138] As already noted in this application, RFID sensors can be
employed to sense moisture, for example urine deposited on the mat
as the result of patient incontinence. Nevertheless sensors 316 may
also be used to sense moisture. Alternatively, the RFID can be
relied on for its ability to indicate the presence of moisture as a
result of its moisture dependent properties, and the other sensors
316 may be relied on for their capability to sense parameters other
than moisture.
[0139] Battery 314 is optional and may be included to enable RFID
tag 304 to actively broadcast a signal.
[0140] Sensor/Switch Closed by Dissolution of Insulator.
[0141] FIGS. 35-36 show a sensor pad which may be an incontinence
pad 103. The pad includes a sensor 330 comprising a switch 332
having a first terminal 334, a second terminal 336, and an
electrically conductive bridge 340 at one end of a shank 342. The
sensor also includes a fuse 346. The illustrated fuse is a patch of
electrically insulative material interposed between bridge 340 and
terminals 334, 336. A coil spring 350 urges the bridge against the
fuse.
[0142] The fuse, and therefore the switch, has an open state (FIG.
35) in which the fuse impedes the establishment of an electrical
connection between the terminals. The fuse, and therefore the
switch, also has a closed state (FIG. 36) in which the fuse enables
the establishment of the electrical connection in response to a
stimulus acting on the fuse by allowing the bridge to contact the
terminals. In the illustrated embodiment the fuse is dissolvable by
urine and the stimulus is the presence of urine 352 on the fuse.
The urine dissolves the fuse and, as a result, spring 350 urges
bridge 340 into contact with terminals 334, 336.
[0143] FIG. 37 shows an alternative embodiment in which the fuse is
a membrane 356 which counteracts the force of spring 350 until
contact with urine dissolves the membrane.
[0144] Returning to FIG. 35, one of the sensor switch terminals 334
is connected to a battery 360 and the other of the sensor switch
terminals 336 is connected to a load 362. Load 362 is an alarm that
responds to completion of the circuit as a result of the fuse
having dissolved. The alarm may be an audible alarm or a visible
alarm. As seen in FIG. 35 switch 332, battery 360 and load 362 are
all components of pad 103. In another embodiment (FIG. 38) pad 103
includes only sensor 330 and battery 360. One of the battery
terminals 366 is connected to terminal 334 of the sensor switch and
the other of the battery terminals 368 is connectable to the load
362, which is not a component of pad 103. Switch terminal 336 is
also connectable to load 362. In another embodiment (FIG. 39) pad
103 includes only sensor 330. Switch terminal 334 is connectable to
battery terminal 368. Switch terminal 336 is connectable to load
362.
[0145] The foregoing example the fuse is dissolvable in response to
contact with urine. Accordingly, the presence of urine in contact
with the fuse is the stimulus. However the fuse can be configured
to respond to a stimulus other than contact with urine, such as
temperature, pressure and vibration, in which case the mechanism
responsible for the change of state of the sensor switch may be
something other than dissolution.
[0146] RFID with Antenna Segments United by Dissolution of
Insulator.
[0147] FIGS. 40-41 shows a sensor 104 in the form of an RFID tag,
the tag includes an antenna 370 having at least two antenna
segments 372, 374. The RFID tag also includes a bridge 380 adapted
to unite the segments, and a separator 382 which is transitionable
between a first state (inset of FIG. 40) in which the separator
impedes unification of the antenna segments and a second state
(FIG. 41) in which the separator does not impede unification of the
antenna segments. In the illustrated embodiment the separator is a
pair of short pillars 384. Transition from the first state (inset
of FIG. 40) to the second state (FIG. 41) occurs in response to an
agent acting on the separator. For example the agent may be urine
which causes the separator to dissolve when the urine comes into
contact with the separator. Alternatively the sensor can be
configured to respond to an agent other than contact with urine,
such as temperature, pressure and vibration, in which case the
mechanism responsible for the change of state of the sensor switch
may be something other than dissolution.
[0148] Sensor 104 of FIG. 40 may be of the type shown in FIG. 34
which includes a processor 320 in communication with adjunct
sensors 316 and adapted to process inputs obtained from multiple
adjunct sensors even though the adjunct sensors have disparate
sensing capabilities.
Example Clauses
RSSI Based Method of Sensor Interrogation for Detecting
Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality
[0149] Clause 1. A method of interrogating a sensor to detect the
presence of moisture on an occupant support comprising: A)
providing a moisture responsive sensor in a surveillance zone of
the occupant support, the sensor being tuned to a center frequency;
B) exciting the sensor with an electromagnetic signal having a
frequency approximately equal to the center frequency; C)
monitoring for a center frequency response from the sensor; D)
comparing the center frequency response to an expected center
frequency response; and E) if the center frequency response
compares favorably to an expected center frequency response,
issuing a first output consistent with the favorable
comparison.
[0150] Clause 2. The method of clause 1 comprising: F) if the
center frequency response does not compare favorably with the
expected center frequency response, exciting the sensor with one or
more electromagnetic test signals having test frequencies different
than the center frequency and monitoring for a test frequency
response at each test frequency and, if the test frequency response
from the sensor compares favorably to an expected test frequency
response corresponding to the test frequency, issuing a second
output consistent with the favorable comparison between the test
frequency response and the expected test frequency response
corresponding to the test frequency; and G) if the test frequency
response from the sensor does not compare favorably to an expected
test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency at any
of the test frequencies, issuing a third output consistent with the
unfavorable comparison between the test frequency response and the
expected test frequency response corresponding to the test
frequency.
[0151] Clause 3. The method of clause 2 wherein the output issued
at step F is issued in response to the favorable comparison without
first exciting the sensor at any other test frequencies.
[0152] Clause 4. The method of clause 2 wherein the output issued
at step F in response to the favorable comparison is not issued
until the sensor has been excited at at least one frequency other
than the test frequency that yielded the favorable comparison.
[0153] Clause 5. The method of clause 1 wherein the electromagnetic
signals are radio frequency signals.
[0154] Clause 6. The method of clause 1 wherein the sensor is an
RFID sensor.
[0155] Clause 7. The method of clause 1 wherein the first output is
an indication that an incontinence pad is present and no
incontinence is detected.
[0156] Clause 8. The method of clause 2 wherein the second output
is an indication that an incontinence pad is present and
incontinence is detected and wherein the third output is an
indication that an incontinence pad is absent or a fault has
occurred.
[0157] System for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused
Abnormality
[0158] Clause 101. A system for detecting the presence of moisture
on an occupant support comprising: a moisture responsive sensor in
a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensor being tuned
to a center frequency; a transceiver adapted to excite the sensor
with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately
equal to the center frequency and to monitor for a center frequency
response from the sensor; a processor adapted to compare the center
frequency response to an expected center frequency response; and to
issue a first output if the center frequency response compares
favorably to an expected center frequency response.
[0159] Clause 102. The system of clause 101 wherein the processor
is also adapted to respond as set forth below if the center
frequency response does not compare favorably with the expected
center frequency response: A) command the transceiver to excite the
sensor with one or more electromagnetic test signals having test
frequencies different than the center frequency; B) compare the
test frequency response to an expected test frequency response
corresponding to the test frequency; and C) if the test frequency
response from the sensor compares favorably to an expected test
frequency response corresponding to the test frequency, issuing a
second output consistent with the favorable comparison between the
test frequency response and the expected test frequency response
corresponding to the test frequency; and D) if the test frequency
response from the sensor does not compare favorably to an expected
test frequency response corresponding to the test frequency at any
of the test frequencies, issue a message consistent with the
unfavorable comparison between the test frequency response and the
expected test frequency response corresponding to the test
frequency.
[0160] Clause 103. The system of clause 101 wherein the
electromagnetic signals are radio frequency signals.
[0161] Clause 104. The system of clause 101 wherein the sensor is
an RFID sensor.
[0162] Clause 105. The system of clause 104 comprising an exposed
sensor and a protected sensor.
[0163] Plus Multiple or Multiplexed Sensors
[0164] Clause 106. The system of clause 101 comprising two or more
sensors at least some of which are individual sensors having an
antenna.
[0165] Clause 107. The system of clause 106 wherein all of the
sensors are individual sensors having an antenna.
[0166] Clause 108. The system of clause 101 comprising two or more
sensors at least some of which are individual antenna components of
a sensor assembly.
[0167] Clause 109. The system of clause 106 wherein all of the
sensors are individual antenna components of a sensor assembly.
[0168] Rate of Change Based Method of Sensor Interrogation for
Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused Abnormality.
[0169] Clause 201. A method of interrogating a sensor to detect the
presence of moisture on an occupant support comprising: A)
providing a moisture responsive sensor in a surveillance zone of
the occupant support, the sensor being tuned to a center frequency;
B) exciting the sensor with an electromagnetic signal having a
frequency approximately equal to the center frequency; C)
monitoring for a center frequency response from the sensor; D)
calculating a rate of change based on the center frequency
responses received at different times; E) comparing the rate of
change to one or more thresholds; and F) issuing an output
depending on the comparison.
[0170] Clause 202. The method of clause 201 wherein the calculated
rate of change is a function of a change in RSSI over an interval
of time.
[0171] Clause 203. The method of clause 202 wherein the calculated
rate of change is a function of the difference between two
excitation frequencies each of which produces a response having
approximately equal RSSI values.
[0172] Clause 204. The method of clause 201 wherein the
electromagnetic signals are radio frequency signals.
[0173] Clause 205. The method of clause 201 wherein the sensor is
an RFID sensor.
[0174] Clause 206. The method of clause 201 wherein the thresholds
are TMOIST and TMOVE and wherein the issued output is as set forth
in the table below in which the rate of change is denoted as
dR/dt:
TABLE-US-00004 Condition Issued output dR/dt < TMOIST First
TMOIST .ltoreq. dR/dt < TMOVE Second TMOVE .ltoreq. dR/dt
Third
[0175] Clause 207. The method of clause 206 wherein the first
output is an indication that an incontinence pad is present and no
incontinence is detected, the second output is an indication that
an incontinence pad is present and incontinence is detected, and
the third output is an indication that an incontinence pad is
absent.
[0176] Method of Sensor Interrogation for Detecting Incontinence or
Other Moisture Caused Abnormality Based on Protected and Exposed
Sensors.
[0177] Clause 301. A method of interrogating a sensor suite to
detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support comprising:
A) providing first and second moisture responsive sensors in a
surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensors each being
tuned to a center frequency, the first sensor being protected from
coming into contact with moisture which may be present in the
surveillance zone and the second sensor being exposed to coming
into contact with moisture which may be present in the surveillance
zone; B) exciting the sensors with an electromagnetic signal having
a frequency approximately equal to its center frequency; C)
monitoring for a center frequency response from the sensors; D)
comparing the center frequency responses to an expected center
frequency response for each sensor; and E) issuing an output
depending on the comparison as set forth below:
TABLE-US-00005 Result of Result of comparison (response comparison
(response vs. expected response) vs. expected response) for first
sensor for second sensor Output RSSI strong RSSI strong no moisture
detected RSSI strong RSSI weak or absent moisture detected RSSI
weak or absent RSSI strong fault RSSI weak or absent RSSI weak or
absent sensor not present or sensor moved or fault
[0178] Clause 302. The method of clause 301 wherein the
electromagnetic signals are radio frequency signals.
[0179] Clause 303. The method of clause 301 wherein the sensors are
RFID sensors.
[0180] System for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused
Abnormality Based on Protected and Exposed Sensors.
[0181] Clause 401. A system for detecting the presence of moisture
on an occupant support comprising: first and second moisture
responsive sensors in a surveillance zone of the occupant support,
each sensor being tuned to a center frequency; a transceiver
adapted to excite each sensor with an electromagnetic signal having
a frequency approximately equal to its center frequency and to
monitor for a center frequency response from each sensor; a
processor adapted to compare the center frequency response of the
first sensor to an expected center frequency response of the first
sensor and to compare the center frequency response of the second
sensor to an expected center frequency response of the second
sensor; and to issue an output depending on the comparison as set
forth below:
TABLE-US-00006 Result of Result of comparison (response comparison
(response vs. expected response) vs. expected response) for first
sensor for second sensor Output RSSI strong RSSI strong no moisture
detected RSSI strong RSSI weak or absent moisture detected RSSI
weak or absent RSSI strong fault RSSI weak or absent RSSI weak or
absent sensor not present or sensor moved or fault
[0182] Clause 402. The method of clause 401 wherein the
electromagnetic signals are radio frequency signals.
[0183] Clause 403. The method of clause 401 wherein the sensors are
RFID sensors.
[0184] Clause 404. The method of clause 401 wherein each sensor is
tuned to approximately the same center frequency.
[0185] Method of Fluid Analysis.
[0186] Clause 501. A method of interrogating a sensor to detect the
presence of moisture on an occupant support and to analyze moisture
which may be present comprising: A) providing a moisture responsive
sensor in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensor
being tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting the sensor with an
electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to
the center frequency; C) monitoring for a center frequency response
from the sensor; D) comparing the center frequency response to an
expected center frequency response; and E) if the center frequency
response compares favorably to an expected center frequency
response, issuing a first output consistent with the favorable
comparison; and F) if the center frequency response does not
compare favorably with the expected center frequency response,
exciting the sensor with one or more electromagnetic test signals
having test frequencies different than the center frequency and
monitoring for a test frequency response at each test frequency
and, G) if the test frequency response from the sensor compares
favorably to an expected test frequency response corresponding to
the test frequency, correlating the test frequency response with a
relationship of entity, fluid properties or both and issuing a
second output consistent with the favorable comparison between the
test frequency response and the expected test frequency response
corresponding to the test frequency.
[0187] Clause 502. The method of clause 501 wherein: H) if the test
frequency response from the sensor does not compare favorably to an
expected test frequency response corresponding to the test
frequency at any of the test frequencies, issuing a third output
consistent with the unfavorable comparison between the test
frequency response and the expected test frequency response
corresponding to the test frequency.
[0188] Clause 503. The method of clause 502 wherein the output
issued at step G is issued in response to the favorable comparison
without first exciting the sensor at any other test
frequencies.
[0189] Clause 504. The method of clause 502 wherein the output
issued at step G in response to the favorable comparison is not
issued until the sensor has been excited at at least one frequency
other than the test frequency that yielded the favorable
comparison.
[0190] Clause 505. The method of clause 501 wherein the first
output is an indication that a moisture sensing device is present
and no moisture is detected.
[0191] Clause 506. The method of clause 501 wherein the second
output is an indication that a moisture sensing device is present
and moisture is detected and wherein the second output is also an
indication of the identity of the fluid, the type of fluid or both
as defined by the relationship between test frequency response and
fluid identity, fluid properties or both.
[0192] Clause 507 The method of clause 502 wherein the third output
is an indication that a moisture sensing device is absent or a
fault has occurred.
[0193] Method for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused
Abnormality Using Multiple RFID's or Other Sensors or Using
Multiplexed RFID's or Other Sensors.
[0194] Clause 601. A method of detecting the presence of moisture
on an occupant support, displacement of a moisture sensor or both
comprising: A) providing two or more moisture responsive sensors in
a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensors being
tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting the sensors with an
electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to
the center frequency; C) monitoring for and receiving center
frequency responses from the sensors and recording the individual
center frequency responses at a time t=0; D) continuing to excite
the sensors and to monitor for and receive responses at time
t>t0. E) detecting differences in center frequency response for
each sensor at one or more times t>0; and F) analyzing the
differences in center frequency response to discern moisture
presence, sensor displacement or both.
[0195] Clause 602. The method of clause 601 wherein the sensors are
individual sensors each having an antenna.
[0196] Clause 603. The method of clause 601 wherein the sensors are
individual antenna components of a sensor assembly.
[0197] Clause 604. The method of clause 601 wherein moisture
detection is declared as a result of: A) center frequency response
from a first set of one or more sensors having become weaker at a
time t>0 relative to the center frequency response of the one or
more sensors at an earlier time, and B) the response of a second
set of sensors which does not include members of the first set
having substantially the same response strength at time t>0 than
at the earlier time.
[0198] Clause 605. The method of clause 601 wherein sensor
displacement is declared as a result of center frequency response
from substantially all the sensors having become weaker at a time
t>0 relative to the center frequency response of the sensors at
an earlier time.
[0199] Method for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused
Abnormality Using Multiple RFID's or Other Sensors or Using
Multiplexed RFID's or Other Sensors and Based on Highest Return
Signal Strength.
[0200] Clause 701. A method of detecting the presence of moisture
on an occupant support comprising: A) providing two or more
moisture responsive sensors in a surveillance zone of the occupant
support, the sensors being tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting
the sensors with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency
approximately equal to the center frequency; C) monitoring for and
receiving center frequency responses from the sensors and
identifying which sensor returns the strongest response; D)
continuing to excite the sensors and to monitor for and receive
center frequency responses; E) monitoring the sensors for changes
in return signal strength in response to the continuing excitation
relative to the excitation at step B; and F) analyzing the return
signal strengths from the excitation at step B in comparison to
those from the excitations at step D and: G) if the analysis of
step E demonstrates that the return signal strength of the
identified sensor has diminished over time, further analyzing the
differences in center frequency response of one or more sensors
other than the identified sensor to detect moisture presence or
sensor displacement or both.
[0201] System for Detecting Incontinence or Other Moisture Caused
Abnormality Using Multiple RFID's or Other Sensors or Using
Multiplexed RFID's or Other Sensors.
[0202] Clause 801. A system for detecting the presence of moisture
on an occupant support or displacement of a sensor or both
comprising: multiple moisture responsive sensors spatially
distributed in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, each
sensor being tuned to a center frequency and having at least one
antenna; a transceiver adapted to excite the sensors with an
electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to
the center frequency and to monitor for a center frequency response
from the sensor; a multiplexer in communication with each antenna
and with the transceiver; a processor adapted to command the
transceiver to excite the sensors and to compare the center
frequency response of each sensor to an expected center frequency
response to detect the presence of moisture on the occupant support
or displacement of a sensor or both.
[0203] Clause 802. The system of clause 801 wherein at least some
of the sensors are individual sensors having an antenna and the
processor is adapted to command the multiplexer to acquire response
signals from each antenna.
[0204] Clause 803. The system of clause 802 wherein all of the
sensors are individual sensors having an antenna and the processor
is adapted to command the multiplexer to acquire response signals
from each antenna.
[0205] Clause 804. The system of clause 801 wherein at least some
of the two or more sensors are individual antenna components of a
sensor assembly and the processor is adapted to command the
multiplexer to acquire response signals from each antenna
component.
[0206] Clause 805. The system of clause 804 wherein all of the two
or more sensors are individual antenna components of a sensor
assembly and the processor is adapted to command the multiplexer to
acquire response signals from each antenna component.
[0207] Hybrid Incontinence Detection System
[0208] Clause 901. A system for detecting the presence of moisture
on an occupant support comprising: a moisture responsive sensor in
a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensor being
adapted to issue a return signal in response to an electromagnetic
excitation signal; a transceiver adapted to excite the sensor with
an electromagnetic signal, the transceiver being integrated into
the occupant support.
[0209] Clause 902. The system of clause 901 including a processor
adapted to receive the return signal and to issue an output based
on a relationship between the return signal and the excitation
signal
[0210] Clause 903. The system of clause 901 wherein the processor
is a component of the transceiver.
[0211] Clause 904. The system of clause 901 wherein the integrated
transceiver is integrated into a bed frame.
[0212] Clause 905. The system of clause 901 wherein the integrated
transceiver is integrated into a mattress portion of the bed.
[0213] Clause 906. The system of clause 901 wherein the sensor is
an RFID tag.
[0214] Clause 907. The system of clause 901 wherein the sensor is
in the form of a sticker.
[0215] Clause 908. The system of clause 901 wherein the sensor is
installed on a pad.
[0216] Clause 909. The system of clause 901 wherein the transceiver
is adapted for communication with a facility information network
138.
[0217] Clause 910. The system of clause 901 wherein the transceiver
includes an antenna which loops around the sensor.
[0218] Clause 911. The system of clause 910 wherein the antenna is
selected from the group consisting of metal thread and conductive
ink.
[0219] Fluid Reservoir (Absorbent or Dissolving)
[0220] Clause 1001. A moisture detection apparatus comprising: a
deposition layer having an exposed side susceptible to moisture
contamination and a nonexposed side; a moisture sensor having a
moisture responsive element separated from the deposition layer by
a reservoir material.
[0221] Clause 1002. The apparatus of clause 1001 wherein the
reservoir material is adjacent the nonexposed side of the
deposition layer.
[0222] Clause 1003. The apparatus of clause 1001 including a base
layer, at least a portion of which is spaced from the deposition
layer such that the reservoir material is between the base layer
and the deposition layer.
[0223] Clause 1004. The apparatus of clause 1001 wherein the
reservoir material is a reservoir layer and the sensor resides
within the reservoir layer.
[0224] Clause 1005. The apparatus of clause 1004 including a base
layer and wherein the reservoir layer is between the base layer and
the deposition layer and the moisture responsive element faces
toward the deposition layer.
[0225] Clause 1006. The apparatus of clause 1004 including a base
layer and wherein the reservoir layer is between the base layer and
the deposition layer and the moisture responsive element faces
toward the base layer.
[0226] Clause 1007. The apparatus of clause 1001 wherein the
reservoir material is localized and the sensor is encapsulated in
the reservoir material.
[0227] Clause 1008. The apparatus of clause 1007 wherein the
reservoir material forms a pocket to encapsulate the sensor.
[0228] Clause 1009. The apparatus of clause 1007 wherein the
reservoir material is a coating which encapsulates the sensor.
[0229] Clause 1010. The apparatus of clause 1001 wherein the
reservoir material is a coating over at least the moisture
responsive element of the sensor.
[0230] Clause 1011. The apparatus of clause 1001 wherein the
reservoir material is a lining.
[0231] Clause 1012. The apparatus of clause 1001 wherein the
reservoir material is an absorbent material which retards migration
of fluid from a fluid deposition site to the sensor element.
[0232] Clause 1013. The apparatus of clause 1001 or 1011 wherein
the reservoir material is a woven textile.
[0233] Clause 1014. The apparatus of clause 1011 wherein the woven
textile is selected from the group consisting of polyester, cotton
and polyamide.
[0234] Clause 1015. The apparatus of clause 1001 wherein the
reservoir material is a material which dissolves when exposed to
moisture thereby retarding migration of the moisture from a fluid
deposition site to the sensor element until dissolution of the
material is complete enough to expose the sensor element to the
fluid.
[0235] Clause 1016. The apparatus of clause 1001 or 1015 wherein
the reservoir material is a polymer with the chemical formula:
--(CH.sub.2--CHOR).sub.n-- where R is --H or --COCH.sub.3.
[0236] Clause 1017. The apparatus of clause 1001 or 1015 wherein
the reservoir material has the chemical formula:
--(CH.sub.2--CHOR).sub.n-- where R is --H or --COCH.sub.3.
[0237] Directional Architecture--Capillary.
[0238] Clause 1101. A moisture handling apparatus comprising a
sheet of material having a capillary property for encouraging
moisture migration from a source to a destination.
[0239] Clause 1102. The apparatus of clause 1101 comprising
capillary tubes which impart the capillary property.
[0240] Clause 1103. The apparatus of clause 1101 comprising
capillary fibers which impart the capillary property.
[0241] Clause 1104. The apparatus of clause 1101 wherein the
capillary property is spatially arranged so as to encourage
moisture migration from a source zone to a destination zone.
[0242] Clause 1105. The apparatus of clause 1104 wherein the
apparatus extends laterally and longitudinally and the capillary
property is arranged to define one or more capillary pathways
extending substantially exclusively laterally from the source zone
to the destination zone.
[0243] Clause 1106. The apparatus of clause 1104 wherein the
apparatus extends laterally and longitudinally and the capillary
property is arranged to define one or more capillary pathways
extending both laterally and longitudinally from the source zone to
the destination zone.
[0244] Clause 1107. The apparatus of clause 1104 wherein the
capillary property is arranged to define one or more capillary
pathways extending radially from the source zone to the destination
zone.
[0245] Clause 1108. The apparatus of clause 1104 wherein the source
zone is an inboard zone and the destination zone is an outboard
zone.
[0246] Clause 1109. The apparatus of clause 1104 wherein the source
zone is an outboard zone and the destination zone is an inboard
zone.
[0247] Clause 1110. The apparatus of clause 1101 wherein the
destination zone includes a sensor responsive to the moisture.
[0248] Clause 1111. The apparatus of clause 1110 wherein the sensor
is an RFID technology sensor.
[0249] Clause 1112. The apparatus of clause 1101 wherein the
destination zone includes an indicator responsive to the
moisture.
[0250] Clause 1113. The apparatus of clause 1101 wherein the
destination zone includes a collector for collecting the migrated
moisture.
[0251] Clause 1114. The apparatus of clause 1101 wherein the
destination zone is a collector for collecting the migrated
moisture.
[0252] Clause 1115. The apparatus of clause 1101 wherein the sheet
of material is a microfiber.
[0253] Clause 1116. The apparatus of clause 1115 wherein the
microfiber sheet comprises microfibers having a lineic mass of less
than about 1 g/10 km
[0254] Clause 1117. The apparatus of clause 1115 wherein the
microfiber sheet comprises microfibers which have a diameter of
less than about 9 micrometers.
[0255] Clause 1118. The apparatus of clause 1115 wherein the
microfiber sheet comprises microfibers having a lineic mass of less
than about 1 g/10 km and a diameter of less than about 9
micrometers.
[0256] Clause 1119. A system comprising the apparatus of clause
1101 and also comprising a sensor at the destination and a
processor for processing information from the sensor.
[0257] Directional Architecture--Hydroaffinity.
[0258] Clause 1201. A moisture handling apparatus comprising a
sheet of material having a hydroaffinity property for encouraging
moisture migration from a source to a destination.
[0259] Clause 1202. The apparatus of clause 1201 wherein the
hydroaffinity property is spatially arranged so as to encourage
moisture migration from a source zone to a destination zone.
[0260] Clause 1203. The apparatus of clause 1202 wherein the
apparatus extends laterally and longitudinally and the
hydroaffinity property is arranged to define one or more fluid
migration pathways extending substantially exclusively laterally
from the source zone to the destination zone.
[0261] Clause 1204. The apparatus of clause 1202 wherein the
apparatus extends laterally and longitudinally and the
hydroaffinity property is arranged to define one or more fluid
migration pathways extending both laterally and longitudinally from
the source zone to the destination zone.
[0262] Clause 1205. The apparatus of clause 1202 wherein the
hydroaffinity property is arranged to define one or more fluid
migration pathways extending radially from the source zone to the
destination zone.
[0263] Clause 1206. The apparatus of clause 1202 wherein the source
zone is an inboard zone and the destination zone is an outboard
zone.
[0264] Clause 1207. The apparatus of clause 1202 wherein the source
zone is an outboard zone and the destination zone is an inboard
zone.
[0265] Clause 1208. The apparatus of clause 1202 wherein the
hydroaffinity property is arranged to be more hydrophobic at the
source zone and more hydrophilic at the destination zone.
[0266] Clause 1209. The apparatus of clause 1201 wherein the
destination zone includes a sensor responsive to the moisture.
[0267] Clause 1210. The apparatus of clause 1209 wherein the sensor
is an RFID technology sensor.
[0268] Clause 1211. The apparatus of clause 1201 wherein the
destination zone includes an indicator responsive to the
moisture.
[0269] Clause 1212. The apparatus of clause 1201 wherein the
destination zone includes a collector for collecting the migrated
moisture.
[0270] Clause 1213. The apparatus of clause 1201 wherein the
destination zone is a collector for collecting the migrated
moisture.
[0271] Clause 1214. A system comprising the apparatus of clause
1201 and also comprising a sensor at the destination and a
processor for processing information from the sensor.
[0272] Visual Indicators--Color Changing.
[0273] Clause 1301. A moisture detecting system comprising a sheet
of material adapted to change color in response to the presence of
moisture; a camera for observing the color change or lack thereof
and a controller for issuing a response to the color change.
[0274] Clause 1302. The system of clause 1301 wherein an indicator
portion of the sheet of material is adapted to change color in
response to the presence of moisture and a transport portion is
adapted to transport moisture from a site of deposition thereof to
the indicator portion.
[0275] Clause 1303. The system of clause 1302 wherein the indicator
portion is a perimetral portion.
[0276] Clause 1304. The system of clause 1302 wherein the indicator
portion is an edge portion along a lateral side of the sheet.
[0277] Visual Indicators--UV from any Source, Plus Camera.
[0278] Clause 1401 A moisture detecting system comprising: a sheet
of material which receives the moisture; a source of ultraviolet
radiation adapted to expose at least a target portion of the sheet
of material to the ultraviolet radiation; and a camera for
observing emission of radiation or lack thereof in response to the
presence of moisture within the target region and excitation of the
moisture by the ultraviolet radiation; and a controller for
responding to the observation.
[0279] Clause 1402. The system of clause 1401 wherein the source of
ultraviolet radiation includes a light tube that extends through
the sheet.
[0280] Clause 1403. The system of clause 1401 wherein the
controller periodically activates and deactivates the source of
ultraviolet radiation.
[0281] Clause 1404. The system of clause 1401 wherein the sheet of
material is chemically treated to intensify the radiated
emission.
[0282] Visual Indicators--UV from Light Tube.
[0283] Clause 1501 A moisture detecting system comprising: a sheet
of material which receives the moisture; a source of ultraviolet
radiation adapted to expose at least a target portion of the sheet
of material to the ultraviolet radiation, the source comprising an
ultraviolet radiation generator and a light tube that extends
through the sheet for distributing the ultraviolet radiation to the
target region.
[0284] Clause 1502. The system of clause 1501 comprising a camera
for observing emission of radiation or lack thereof in response to
the presence of moisture within the target region and excitation of
the moisture by the ultraviolet radiation; and a controller for
responding to the observation.
[0285] Clause 1503. The system of clause 1501 comprising a
controller which periodically activates and deactivates the source
of ultraviolet radiation.
[0286] Clause 1504. The system of clause 1501 wherein the sheet of
material is chemically treated to intensify the radiation emitted
in response to the presence of moisture within the target region
and excitation of the moisture by the ultraviolet radiation.
[0287] Multifunctional Sensor Pad.
[0288] Clause 1601. A sensor pad comprising: at least one RFID tag,
the tag including a processor adapted to process inputs obtained
from multiple sensors having disparate sensing capabilities.
[0289] Clause 1602. The pad of clause 1601 wherein at least one of
the sensors is a moisture sensor.
[0290] Clause 1603. The pad of clause 1601 wherein the RFID tag or
tags has a mode of operation indicative of moisture and wherein at
least one of the sensors senses a parameter other than
moisture.
[0291] Clause 1604. The pad of clause 1601 wherein the multiple
sensors have sensing capabilities selected from the group
consisting of moisture, odor, chemical identity identification,
chemical property identification, interface pressure, vital signs
of a patient associated with the pad, and sound.
[0292] Clause 1605. The pad of clause 1601 wherein the multiple
sensors are selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer,
a piezoelectric device, a piezoresistive device, a vibration
sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor and a resistive
sensor.
[0293] Sensor/Switch Closed by Dissolution of Insulator.
[0294] Clause 1701. A sensor comprising a switch having a first
terminal, a second terminal, an electrically conductive bridge for
establishing an electrical connection between the terminals when
the bridge contacts the terminals, and a fuse having an open state
in which the fuse impedes the establishment of the electrical
connection and a closed state in which the fuse enables the
establishment of the electrical connection in response to a
stimulus acting on the fuse.
[0295] Clause 1702. The sensor of clause 1701 wherein the fuse
includes an insulator for impeding the establishment of the
electrical connection, the insulator being dissolvable in response
to the presence of urine thereon.
[0296] Clause 1703. The sensor of clause 1701 wherein the stimulus
is the presence of urine on the fuse.
[0297] Sensor Mat with Sensor/Switch Closed by Dissolution of
Insulator.
[0298] Clause 1801. A sensor mat comprising: a sensor comprising a
switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrically
conductive bridge for establishing an electrical connection between
the terminals when the bridge contacts the terminals, and a fuse
having an open state in which the fuse impedes the establishment of
the electrical connection and a closed state in which the fuse
enables the establishment of the electrical connection in response
to a stimulus acting on the fuse; a battery; and a load; the switch
being connected to the load and to the battery, the battery also
being connected to the load.
[0299] Clause 1802. A sensor mat comprising: a sensor comprising a
switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrically
conductive bridge for establishing an electrical connection between
the terminals when the bridge contacts the terminals, and a fuse
having an open state in which the fuse impedes the establishment of
the electrical connection and a closed state in which the fuse
enables the establishment of the electrical connection in response
to a stimulus acting on the fuse; and a battery; the switch being
connected to the battery, the switch being connectable to a load;
and the battery also being connectable to the load.
[0300] Clause 1803. A sensor mat comprising: a sensor comprising a
switch having a first terminal, a second terminal, an electrically
conductive bridge for establishing an electrical connection between
the terminals when the bridge contacts the terminals, and a fuse
having an open state in which the fuse impedes the establishment of
the electrical connection and a closed state in which the fuse
enables the establishment of the electrical connection in response
to a stimulus acting on the fuse, the switch being connectable to a
battery and to a load.
[0301] Clause 1804. The sensor of clauses 1801, 1802 or 1803
wherein the load is an alarm.
[0302] RFID with Antenna Segments United by Dissolution of
Insulator.
[0303] Clause 1901. A sensor comprising an RFID tag, the tag
including at least two antenna segments, a bridge adapted to unite
the segments, and a separator which is transitionable between a
first state in which the separator impedes unification of the
segments and a second state in which the separator does not impede
unification of the segments, transition from the first state to the
second state being in response to an agent acting on the
separator.
[0304] Clause 1902. The sensor of clause 1901 wherein the agent is
the presence of urine in contact with the separator.
[0305] Clause 1903. The sensor of clause 1901 wherein the agent is
urine in contact with the separator and the separator is adapted to
dissolve in response to urine being in contact with the
separator.
[0306] Clause 1904. The sensor of clause 1901 comprising a
processor.
[0307] Clause 1905. The sensor of clause 1901 comprising an adjunct
sensor in communication with the processor.
[0308] While certain features have been described in the context of
certain illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that such
features may be adopted or applied to any of the disclosed
embodiments or to other embodiments.
* * * * *