Importance

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Abstract

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.

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First Claim