A differential capacitive electrical field sensor array for contactless measurement of respiratory rate

摘要: Although respiratory rate is an important vital sign for early detection of deterioration, on general wards it not routinely monitored. Since patients may tolerate cables attached to their chest, we developed unobtrusive and contactless measurement method which can be placed under a mattress. The sensor array uses the Maxwell–Wagner relaxation effect by capacitive injection high-frequency voltage into torso subsequent respiratory-induced phase shift. Simulations entire scenario indicate improved signal-to-noise ratio if differential applied with specific positioning electrodes. A prototype was designed simulations were confirmed measurements phantom in human self-experiment authors using self-constructed hardware. Movement artifacts detected artifact algorithm allows reliable estimation rate.