A self contained patient sensing and monitoring system is provided for sensing
and monitoring the presence, absence, and movement of the patient. Embodiments
of the present invention provide a system conformable to a patient support surface,
systems that are self contained, systems that are operationally unobtrusive, and
programmable systems. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a container,
a sensor configured within the container, and a control unit responsive to the
sensor and configured within the container, wherein the container at least substantially
encompassing the sensor and the control unit and wherein the control unit is conformable
to the patient support surface. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise
a container, a sensor configured within the container, and a control unit conformable
to a patient support surface and configured within the container, wherein said
control unit is responsive to the sensor. Embodiments of the present invention
may also comprise a sensor, a signal conditioner responsive to the sensor, a processor
configured to comprise instruction and data and to which the signal conditioner
is configured to provide signals generated by the sensor, at least one storage
media, wherein the instructions and data are stored on the at least one storage
media, and at least one input connection capable of providing programmable input
to the storage media and the processor. Methods are also disclosed for sensing
and monitoring the presence, absence, and movement of a patient. The inventive
concept can be used in various applications, such as a bed, mattress, chair, or
wheelchair, to achieve the monitoring of the presence, absence, and movement of
a patient.
