In-bed fibre optic breathing and movement sensor for non-intrusive monitoring

We present a new fibre optic breathing/movement sensor for in-bed non-intrusive monitoring. The light is modulated through microbending effect during breathing/body movement. The sensing system consists of optical transmitter, optical receiver, a sensor sheet, and a computer. An algorithm was developed to extract body movement signals and report breathing rate and information on body movement of bedded person. The breathing rate measurement system shows an accuracy of +/-1 breath, which has been successfully demonstrated in field trial (FusionWorld).