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Polysomnography is a gold standard for a sleep study, and it provides very accurate results, but its cost (both personnel and material) are quite high. Therefore, the development of a low-cost system for overnight breathing and heartbeat monitoring, which provides more comfort while recording the data, is a well-motivated challenge. The system proposed in this manuscript is based on the usage of resistive pressure sensors installed under the mattress. These sensors can measure slight pressure changes provoked during breathing and heartbeat. The captured signal requires advanced processing, like applying filters and amplifiers before the analog signal is ready for the next step. Then, the output signal is digitalized and further processed by an algorithm that performs a custom filtering before it can recognize breathing and heart rate in real-time. The result can be directly visualized. Furthermore, a CSV file is created containing the raw data, timestamps, and unique IDs to facilitate further processing. The achieved results are promising, and the average deviation from a reference device is about 4bpm.
Good sleep is crucial for a healthy life of every person. Unfortunately, its quality often decreases with aging. A common approach to measuring the sleep characteristics is based on interviews with the subjects or letting them fill in a daily questionnaire and afterward evaluating the obtained data. However, this method has time and personal costs for the interviewer and evaluator of responses. Therefore, it would be important to execute the collection and evaluation of sleep characteristics automatically. To do that, it is necessary to investigate the level of agreement between measurements performed in a traditional way using questionnaires and measurements obtained using electronic monitoring devices. The study presented in this manuscript performs this investigation, comparing such sleep characteristics as "time going to bed", "total time in bed", "total sleep time" and "sleep efficiency". A total number of 106 night records of elderly persons (aged 65+) were analyzed. The results achieved so far reveal the fact that the degree of agreement between the two measurement methods varies substantially for different characteristics, from 31 minutes of mean difference for "time going to bed" to 77 minutes for "total sleep time". For this reason, a direct exchange of objective and subjective measuring methods is currently not possible.
In diesem Beitrag wird eine Methode des maschinellen Lernens entwickelt, die die Schlafstadienerkennung untersucht. Übliche Methoden der Schlafanalyse basieren auf der Polysomnographie (PSG). Der präsentierte Ansatz basiert auf Signalen, die ausschließlich nicht-invasiv in einer häuslichen Umgebung gemessen werden können. Bewegungs-, Herzschlags- und Atmungssignale können vergleichsweise leicht erfasst werden aber die Erkennung der Schlafstadien ist dadurch erschwert. Die Signale werden als Zeitreihenfolge strukturiert und in Epochen überführt. Die Leistungsfähigkeit von maschinellem Lernen wird der Polysomnographie gegenübergestellt und bewertet.
Die Schlafapnoe ist eine häufig auftretende Schlafstörung,
die unterschiedliche Auswirkungen auf unseren Alltag hat; so wurde z. B.
über eine Tagesschläfrigkeit von etwa 25 % der Patienten mit obstruktiver
Schlafapnoe (OSA) berichtet. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Entwicklung eines
Systems, das eine nichtinvasive Erkennung der Schlafapnoe in häuslicher
Umgebung ermöglichen soll.
Für die Überwachung des Schlafs zu Hause sind nichtinvasive Methoden besonders gut anwendbar. Die Signale, die häufig überwacht werden, sind Herzfrequenz und Atemfrequenz. Die Ballistokardiographie (BCG)ist eine Technik, bei der die Herzfrequenz aus den mechanischen Schwingungen des Körpers bei jedem Herzzyklus gemessen wird. Kürzlich wurden Übersichtsarbeiten veröffentlicht. Die Untersuchung soll in einem ersten Ansatz bewerten, ob die Herzfrequenz anhand von BCG erkannt werden kann. Die wesentlichen Randbedingungen sind, ob dies gelingt, wenn der Sensor unter der Matratze positioniert wird und kostengünstige Sensoren zum Einsatz kommen.
This paper presents the implementation of deep learning methods for sleep stage detection by using three signals that can be measured in a non-invasive way: heartbeat signal, respiratory signal, and movement signal. Since signals are measurements taken during the time, the problem is seen as time-series data classification. Deep learning methods are chosen to solve the problem are convolutional neural network and long-short term memory network. Input data is structured as a time-series sequence of mentioned signals that represent 30 seconds epoch, which is a standard interval for sleep analysis. The records used belong to the overall 23 subjects, which are divided into two subsets. Records from 18 subjects were used for training the data and from 5 subjects for testing the data. For detecting four sleep stages: REM (Rapid Eye Movement), Wake, Light sleep (Stage 1 and Stage 2), and Deep sleep (Stage 3 and Stage 4), the accuracy of the model is 55%, and F1 score is 44%. For five stages: REM, Stage 1, Stage 2, Deep sleep (Stage 3 and 4), and Wake, the model gives an accuracy of 40% and F1 score of 37%.
This work is a study about a comparison of survey tools and it should help developers in selecting a suited tool for application in an AAL environment. The first step was to identify the basic required functionality of the survey tools used for AAL technologies and to compare these tools by their functionality and assignments. The comparative study was derived from the data obtained, previous literature studies and further technical data. A list of requirements was stated and ordered in terms of relevance to the target application domain. With the help of an integrated assessment method, the calculation of a generalized estimate value was performed and the result is explained. Finally, the planned application of this tool in a running project is explained.
In many cases continuous monitoring of vital signals is required and low intrusiveness is an important requirement. Incorporating monitoring systems in the hospital or home bed could have benefits for patients and caregivers. The objective of this work is the definition of a measurement protocol and the creation of a data set of measurements using commercial and low-cost prototypes devices to estimate heart rate and breathing rate. The experimental data will be used to compare results achieved by the devices and to develop algorithms for feature extraction of vital signals.
In recent decades, it can be observed that a steady increase in the volume of tourism is a stable trend. To offer travel opportunities to all groups, it is also necessary to prepare offers for people in need of long-term care or people with disabilities. One of the ways to improve accessibility could be digital technologies, which could help in planning as well as in carrying out trips. In the work presented, a study of barriers was first conducted, which led to selecting technologies for a test setup after analysis. The main focus was on a mobile app with travel information and 360° tours. The evaluation results showed that both technologies could increase accessibility, but some essential aspects (such as usability, completeness, relevance, etc.) need to be considered when implementing them.
Gamification is one of the recognized methods of motivating people in various life processes, and it has spread to many spheres of life, including healthcare. This article proposes a system design for long-term care patients using the method mentioned. The proposed system aims to increase patient engagement in the treatment and rehabilitation process via gamification. Literature research on available and earlier proposed systems was conducted to develop a suited system design. The primary target group includes bedridden patients and a sedentary lifestyle (predominantly lying in bed). One of the main criteria for selecting a suitable option was its contactless realization for the mentioned target groups in long-term care cases. As a result, we developed the system design for hardware and software that could prevent bedsores and other health problems from occurring because of low activity. The proposed design can be tested in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers.
Personalized remote healthcare monitoring is in continuous development due to the technology improvements of sensors and wearable electronic systems. A state of the art of research works on wearable sensors for healthcare applications is presented in this work. Furthermore, a state of the art of wearable devices, chest and wrist band and smartwatches available on the market for health and sport monitoring is presented in this paper. Many activity trackers are commercially available. The prices are continuously reducing and the performances are improving, but commercial devices do not provide raw data and are therefore not useful for research purposes.
Healthy sleep is required for sufficient restoration of the human body and brain. Therefore, in the case of sleep disorders, appropriate therapy should be applied timely, which requires a prompt diagnosis. Traditionally, a sleep diary is a part of diagnosis and therapy monitoring for some sleep disorders, such as cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia. To automatise sleep monitoring and make it more comfortable for users, substituting a sleep diary with a smartwatch measurement could be considered. With the aim of providing accurate results, a study with a total of 30 night recordings was conducted. Objective sleep measurement with a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 was compared with a subjective approach (sleep diary), evaluating the four relevant sleep characteristics: time of getting asleep, wake up time, sleep efficiency (SE), and total sleep time (TST). The performed analysis has demonstrated that the median difference between both measurement approaches was equal to 7 and 3 minutes for a time of getting asleep and wake up time correspondingly, which allows substituting a subjective measurement with a smartwatch. The SE was determined with a median difference between the two measurement methods of 5.22%. This result also implicates a possibility of substitution. Some single recordings have indicated a higher variance between the two approaches. Therefore, the conclusion can be made that a substitution provides reliable results primarily in the case of long-term monitoring. The results of the evaluation of the TST measurement do not allow to recommend substitution of the measurement method.
Home health applications have evolved over the last few decades. Assistive systems such as a data platform in connection with health devices can allow for health-related data to be automatically transmitted to a database. However, there remain significant challenges concerning intermodular communication. Central among them is the challenge of achieving interoperability, the ability of devices to communicate and share data with each other. A major goal of this project was to extend an existing data platform (COMES®) and establish working interoperability by connecting assistive devices with differing approaches. We describe this process for a sleep monitoring and a physical exercise device. Furthermore, we aimed to test this setup and the implementation with a data platform in both a laboratory and an in-home setting with 11 elderly participants. The platform modification was realized, and the relevant changes were made so that the incoming data could be processed by the data platform, as well as visually displayed in real-time. Data was recorded by the respective device and transmitted into the data server with minor disruptions. Our observations affirmed that difficulties and data loss are far more likely to occur with increasing technical complexity, in the event of instable internet connection, or when the device setup requires (elderly) subjects to take specific steps for proper functioning. We emphasize the importance for tests and evaluations of home health technologies in real-life circumstances.
Nowadays, the importance of early active patient mobilization in the recovery and rehabilitation phase has increased significantly. One way to involve patients in the treatment is a gamification-like approach, which is one of the methods of motivation in various life processes. This article shows a system prototype for patients who require physical activity because of active early mobilization after medical interventions or during illness. Bedridden patients and people with a sedentary lifestyle (predominantly lying in bed) are also potential users. The main idea for the concept was non-contact system implementation for the patients making them feel effortless during its usage. The system consists of three related parts: hardware, software, and game application. To test the relevance and coherence of the system, it was used by 35 people. The participants were asked to play a video game requiring them to make body movements while lying down. Then they were asked to take part in a small survey to evaluate the system's usability. As a result, we offer a prototype consisting of hardware and software parts that can increase and diversify physical activity during active early mobilization of patients and prevent the occurrence of possible health problems due to predominantly low activity. The proposed design can be possibly implemented in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and even at home.
The respiratory rate is a vital sign indicating breathing illness. It is necessary to analyze the mechanical oscillations of the patient's body arising from chest movements. An inappropriate holder on which the sensor is mounted, or an inappropriate sensor position is some of the external factors which should be minimized during signal registration. This paper considers using a non-invasive device placed under the bed mattress and evaluates the respiratory rate. The aim of the work is the development of an accelerometer sensor holder for this system. The normal and deep breathing signals were analyzed, corresponding to the relaxed state and when taking deep breaths. The evaluation criterion for the holder's model is its influence on the patient's respiratory signal amplitude for each state. As a result, we offer a non-invasive system of respiratory rate detection, including the mechanical component providing the most accurate values of mentioned respiratory rate.
The number of home office workers sitting for many hours is increasing. The sensor chair is tracking users’ sitting behavior which the help of pressure sensors and tries to avoid wrong postures which may cause diseases. The system provides live monitoring of the pressure distribution via web interface, as well as sitting posture prediction in real time. Posture analysis is realized through machine learning algorithm using a decision tree classifier that is compared to a random forest. Data acquisition and aggregation for the learning process happens with a mobile app adding users biometrical data and the taken sitting posture as label. The sensor chair is able to differentiate between an arched back, a neutral posture or a laid back position taken on the chair. The classifier achieves an accuracy of 97.4% on our test set and is comparable to the performance of the random forest with 98.9%.
Die Erholung unseres Körpers und Gehirns von Müdigkeit ist direkt abhängig von der Qualität des Schlafes, die aus den Ergebnissen einer Schlafstudie ermittelt werden kann. Die Klassifizierung der Schlafstadien ist der erste Schritt dieser Studie und beinhaltet die Messung von Biovitaldaten und deren weitere Verarbeitung. Das non-invasive Schlafanalyse-System basiert auf einem Hardware-Sensornetz aus 24 Drucksensoren, das die Schlafphasenerkennung ermöglicht. Die Drucksensoren sind mit einem energieeffizienten Mikrocontroller über einen systemweiten Bus mit Adressarbitrierung verbunden. Ein wesentlicher Unterschied dieses Systems im Vergleich zu anderen Ansätzen ist die innovative Art, die Sensoren unter der Matratze zu platzieren. Diese Eigenschaft erleichtert die kontinuierliche Nutzung des Systems ohne fühlbaren Einfluss auf das gewohnte Bett. Das System wurde getestet, indem Experimente durchgeführt wurden, die den Schlaf verschiedener gesunder junger Personen aufzeichneten. Die ersten Ergebnisse weisen auf das Potenzial hin, nicht nur Atemfrequenz und Körperbewegung, sondern auch Herzfrequenz zu erfassen.
Objective: This paper presents an algorithm for non-invasive sleep stage identification using respiratory, heart rate and movement signals. The algorithm is part of a system suitable for long-term monitoring in a home environment, which should support experts analysing sleep. Approach: As there is a strong correlation between bio-vital signals and sleep stages, multinomial logistic regression was chosen for categorical distribution of sleep stages. Several derived parameters of three signals (respiratory, heart rate and movement) are input for the proposed method. Sleep recordings of five subjects were used for the training of a machine learning model and 30 overnight recordings collected from 30 individuals with about 27 000 epochs of 30 s intervals each were evaluated. Main results: The achieved rate of accuracy is 72% for Wake, NREM, REM (with Cohen's kappa value 0.67) and 58% for Wake, Light (N1 and N2), Deep (N3) and REM stages (Cohen's kappa is 0.50). Our approach has confirmed the potential of this method and disclosed several ways for its improvement. Significance: The results indicate that respiratory, heart rate and movement signals can be used for sleep studies with a reasonable level of accuracy. These inputs can be obtained in a non-invasive way applying it in a home environment. The proposed system introduces a convenient approach for a long-term monitoring system which could support sleep laboratories. The algorithm which was developed allows for an easy adjustment of input parameters that depend on available signals and for this reason could also be used with various hardware systems.
The present work proposes the use of modern ICT technologies such as smartphones, NFCs, internet, and web technologies, to help patients in carrying out their therapies. The implemented system provides a calendar with a reminder of the assumptions, ensures the drug identification through NFC, allows remote assistance from healthcare staff and family members to check and manage the therapy in real-time. The system also provides centralized information on the patient's therapeutic situation, helpful in choosing new compatible therapies.
Ballistocardiography (BCG) can be used to monitor heart rate activity. Besides, the accelerometer should have high sensitivity and minimal internal noise; a low-cost approach was taken into consideration. Several measurements have been executed to determine the optimal positioning of a sensor under the mattress to obtain a signal strong enough for further analysis. A prototype for an unobtrusive accelerometer-based measurement system has been developed and tested in a conventional bed without any specific extras. The influence of the human sleep position for the output accelerometer data was tested. The obtained results indicate the potential to capture BCG signals using accelerometers. The measurement system can detect heart rate in an unobtrusive form in the home environment.