Universidad del Rosario Escuela Colombiana de Ingeniera Julio Garavito. Diaz Dillam, Ardila Angelica .

Pressure measure in specific points

Ardila, Angelica y Diaz, Dillam.
{dillam.diaz, angelica.ardila, }@mail.escuelaing.edu.co
Universidad del Rosario Escuela Colombiana de Ingeniera Julio Garavito
Bogot, Colombia

Abstract-Pressure sores are one of the most important side

effects of staying in one position for too long, the most
risk full to develop areas are the ones where there isnt too
much fatty tissue, to cover a bone; in the present case where
the patient isnt able to move further than the head, neck
and shoulders and her sensory nervous system its damaged
its proposed a solution in order to prevent the pressure sores
by using a system of 2 weight sensors and 4 gauges which
will be useful for the caretakers in order to see in a screen
the pressure applied by the patient using color ranges in a
matrix made in Matlab using the information given by the
sensors[1]

Key Words UI, SCI, Body weight , Sitting Balance ,

Pain and its impact in siting Pressure Sores,
I.INTRODUCTION
A woman suffered a spinal-cord injury which caused
hemiplegia, spasticity, scoliosis and possible risk to develop
pressure sores, therefore it was planted a solution in which by
using gauges that works when a strip of conductive metal is
stretched, it will become skinnier and longer, both changes
resulting in an increase of electrical resistance end-to-end.
Conversely, if a strip of conductive metal is placed under
compressive force (without buckling), it will broaden and
shorten. The strip can be used as a measuring element for
physical force, the amount of applied force inferred from
measuring its resistance. [2] And load cells A transducer
which converts force into a measurable electrical output [3]
in specific points, just as shown in the figure 1:

Figure 1:vulnerable pressure points while spending to much time seated.[4]

The most important sores to take care of are the ones that can
be developed at the region of the hips, the ischium and the
Tailbone; for that reason monitoring how much pressure is
realized by these area by showing a real time contour plot
graphic where the information provider will be a matrix done
in MATLAB due the facilities given by the language for
visualizing and analyzing numerical data, will help both users
(OT or caretakers and the patient itself) not only by showing

images that are easy to understand indicating the pressure over

the area, but alarming when its necessary to change the
patients position in an established time (2 hours) or when the
pressure levels are very high.
The load cells applied at the ischium correspond to the
reference SEN_0170, these ones are useful at this point
because, they resist weights over 40 to 50 kg, the ones that
will be applied by the trunk and head of the person over the
area. (These will be the most critical points in the matrix).
In the other hand the strain gauges SEN_0019 will be applied
at the shoulder blade, useful to detect changes in pressure
precisely because of the detection diameter (12,7 mm) and the
resistance intensity in relationship between the force detected
from 100 g to 10 kg.
Finally, the strain gauges SEN_0126 will be positioned at the
tailbone and hip zones in order to help creating a contour plot
graphic, giving a chance to create more resolution in the
image.
Actually in the market, there exists a patent at the US 6287253
B1 called medical sensors that works by changing a
characteristic of a resonant circuit applied to the sensitive area
of the human body and energized by electromagnetic
induction controlling exposure time and shift frequency
values, the following information is transmitted via wireless
communication between the sensor and a PC; Even though the
objective of both of the products its the same the presented
project will attempt not just only to indicate whether the a
change in position its need but will show a digital signal in
real time that can be used for medical analysis and the
proposition for the care takers to improve the way they
location the patient at the wheel chair. [5]
The AT purposed for design correspond to a ISO 9999- ICF:
04 ( Included are products intended to improve, monitor or
maintain the medical condition of a person.; Excluded are
assistive products used exclusively by healthcare
professionals.) 33 (ASSISTIVE PRODUCTS INTENDED
TO MANAGE TISSUE INTEGRITY ) 09 (SPECIAL
EQUIPMENT FOR TISSUE INTEGRITY ). Or 22.27.21
ASSISTIVE PRODUCTS FOR COMMUNICATION AND
INFORMATION,
ASSISTIVE
PRODUCTS
FOR
ALARMING,
INDICATING,
REMINDING
AND
SIGNALLING.[6]

OBJECTIVES

Universidad del Rosario Escuela Colombiana de Ingeniera Julio Garavito. Diaz Dillam, Ardila Angelica .
General
Understand how to apply each of the gauges, sensors
and programming language appropriately to create a
purposing AT for the patient.

Benefits of IPM:
How much pressure exists in specific point
Individual (contact area and pressure gradient
System alarm

Specific
Calibrate Gauges and sensors correctly in order to
obtain precise results for posterior plotting at
MATLAB.
Create a contour plot image of pressure made at the
seat of the wheelchair in real time of the tailbone,
hips an ischium zones with the information acquired
from the sensors
Create an AT that corresponds at an ISO 9999 and
ICF classification, to prevent the pressure sores to the
patient, by helping the care keepers to perform their
tasks by alarming them and making ifs possible
automatic shifts of degrees.
Ensure the price of the AT device wont be too much
expensive

Parameters of IPM to consider:

Contact area
Magnitude of pressure
Pressure gradient
Symmetry

Limitations of IPM:
Dont have enough resolution
Various artefacts need to be considered, eg. creep, mat
flexibility, number of sensors.
Does not indicate what happens to internal tissue but only
the skin and interface.
Needs experienced person to operate and interpret accurate
results.

MATLAB

HYPHOTESIS
The AT device will be economically profitable and accessible
for the patient and the working group; in the other hand will
be useful for preventing the development of the pressure sores
by applying technological devices in order to obtain not only
an alarming and monitoring system but the production of
medical images in order for the doctor or caretaker to
understand the needs of the patient.

II.

MATLAB software is a powerful tool to make arithmetical

operation, for its easy it would be liked to use for making
IPM, therefore a user interface (UI) is a graphical is a
graphical display in one or more windows containing controls,
called components, that enable a user to perform interactive
tasks. The user does not have to create a script or type
commands at the command line to accomplish the tasks.
Unlike coding programs to accomplish tasks, the user does not
need to understand the details of how the tasks are performed.
[3] It is possible to see such as of the UI in figure 2 where a
basic radium bottom programmed and the graphic.

METHODOLOGY

The spinal cord injury (SCI) have a complex process and you
perhaps not know where to star, the begin it is necessary has
relevant factor that is important considerer throughout the
process how: Body weight, Sitting Balance, Pain and its
impact in siting, Abnormal tone and spasticity. Nevertheless,
patient need so kind of technology that it is able to improve
your condition. [ HYPERLINK \l "Que13" 1 ]
The group developed the idea to create a IPM (Interface
pressure mapping of low resolution) is a currently becoming
more available to prescribers as an adjunct to assessment but it
is not recommended to be used as the only form of
assessment: IPM is a device associated with software that is
installed on computer. There are various devices available on
the market. By definition, this produces a display derived from
and spatially representing the forces applied to a support
surface by the body, as detected by sensors. 1]
In case, it was used the IMP and prevention system sensor is
able to of patients do not stay in the same potion long time and
predict how much pressure over the same point.

Figure 2. IPM High resolution [3]

Its possible to create an interface friendly with the customer

or nurse where it will be able to see a different pressure
(pressure exists in specific point) and angle (back potion) of
de potion in the back like the figure 2. Its needed to take into
consideration the resolution in the figure 2 is bigger than the
resolution that will be seen at the final project because they
have more sensor interacting to form feed the matrix.

Universidad del Rosario Escuela Colombiana de Ingeniera Julio Garavito. Diaz Dillam, Ardila Angelica .

instruments 2]
So Arduino will be used as a tool to connect of the analog
system to digital system, Arduino is a bridge between
MATLAB and the Mirror current and Amplifier HX711
because for the accelerometer is necessary communication
with SCL and SDA that is special communication with
interruption (If the time is enough we want to implement a
accelerometer because the communication for the angle need a
quaternions), 2 digital input for the load cell and 5 analogs to
digital in-put for the gauges SEN_0019.

Amplifier Hx711

Figure 3. IPM High resolution [1]

Now with the tool where the program or software will be

maiden for show the result but first its needed to take some
system to attend or capture the information and develop
conversion analog to digital.
The best option is use a micro control or PIC because it is a
low cost and free circulation but due the short time is
necessaire use a tool like Arduino or other system of friendly
application.

ARDUINO

The HX711 load cell amplifier is used to get measurable data

out from a load cell and strain gauge. This Hookup Guide will
show you how to get started with this amplifier using some of
the various load cell. The HX711 Load Cell Amplifier accepts
five wires from the load cell. These pins are labeled with
colors; RED, BLK, WHT, GRN, and YLW. These colors
correspond to the conventional color coding of load cells,
where red, black, green and white wires come from the strain
gauge on the load cell and yellow is an optional ground wire
that is not hooked up to the strain gauge but is there to ground
any small outside EMI (electromagnetic interference).
Sometimes instead of a yellow wire there is a larger black
wire, foil, or loose wires to shield the signal wires to lessen
EMI. [4]

Arduino is an open-source prototyping platform based on

easy-to-use hardware and software. Arduino boards are able to
read inputs - light on a sensor, a finger on a button, or a
Twitter message - and turn it into an output - activating a
motor, turning on an LED, publishing something online hanks
to its simple and accessible user experience, Arduino has been
used in thousands of different projects and applications such
as figure 3. [ HYPERLINK \l "Cre15" 2 ]

Figure 5. Arduino Leonardo will use in the amplifier Hx711 and Bridge
Wheatstone [4]

Figure 4. Arduino Leonardo will use in the project [2]

The Arduino software is easy-to-use for beginners, yet flexible

enough for advanced users. It runs on Mac, Windows, and
Linux. Teachers and students use it to build low cost scientific
instruments, to prove chemistry and physics principles, or to
get started with programming and robotics. Designers and
architects build interactive prototypes, musicians and artists
use it for installations and to experiment with new musical

It will be used this sensor in the most critical situation, the

compensatory lateral spinal curve (scoliosis) can develop
above the obliquity which is often referred to as the primary
curve. Sometimes to correct visual field etc. secondary curve
may develop weight is greatly increased through one ischia
tuberosity and greater trochanter causes may be due to: muscle
imbalances, spasticity and tonal asymmetry around the trunk
and pelvis, lack of stability in seating [1].
In the figure 5 it can be appreciated the point that its wanted
to measure and assessment has measured the cushion or back
support size appropriately before submitting to funding body
and measure the equipment while the client is sitting in the
wheelchair that will be used in the longer term.

Universidad del Rosario Escuela Colombiana de Ingeniera Julio Garavito. Diaz Dillam, Ardila Angelica .

customer.
III.

CONCLUSIONS

The project is an ambitious idea that will have a big impact,

because is a good application a low cost and body was
optimized prevent peak pressures and reduce risk of skin
breakdown, the only tiny problem is the short time we can to
implement and on other hand we cannot to account with the
patient.
Figure 5. In the base and the back critical point we want to measure [1]

Current Mirrors
Finally, for the different kind of gauges with need a special
mirror of the current because the only for to see the difference
measure is the implementation of the system where there have
presented some constants and one variations. In this case the
constants are the current and the variability is resistance.

This system in the future is attempt to complement a drive

control throughout her pressure relief; If the time is enough
the aspiration its to implement an accelerometer with the
quaternions system measure a differently angle and gyroscope.
The system will aloud to affiance the previous knowledge
about the technologies applied, ICF, ISO 9999 codes, and it
will generate a new body of knowledge respecting the solution
of prevention of the pressure sores by helping the patients
responsible personal, by giving them reminders, images and
records.

IV.REFERENCES
Current through resistor Rload is therefore a function of
current set by the bias resistor, the two being nearly equal.
This is the function of the current mirror circuit: to regulate
current through the load resistor by conveniently adjusting the
value of Rbias. Current through the diode is described by a
simple equation: power supply voltage minus diode voltage
(almost a constant value), divided by the resistance of Rbias.
[5]

To better match the characteristics of the two PN junctions

(the diode junction and the transistor base-emitter junction), a
transistor may be used in place of a regular diode, as in Figure
below (a).[5]

[1] US National library of medicine, pressure sores

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pressuresores.html
[3] Omega Engineering inc, Load Cell, US 2003-2015 :
http://www.omega.com/prodinfo/loadcells.html
[4] EETech Media, LLC Strain Gauges Chapter 9 - Electrical
Instrumentation Signals: [online]
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/direct-current/chpt-9/strain-gauges/
[2] What are pressure sores and why they do develop: [online]
http://www.walkingisoverrated.org/2014/11/what-are-pressure-sores-and-whydo-they-develop/
[5]Ortega. G, Schwabe George, Sabolich. J. Pressure ulcer condition sensing
and monitoring 11 semptember 2011. [online]
http://www.google.com/patents/US6287253
[6] EASTIN. Assitive products [online]:
http://www.eastin.eu/en/searches/products/index
[7] Queensland Spinal Cord Injuries Service. (2013, May) health.qld.
[Online]. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/qscis/documents/seating.pdf
[8] Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License. (2015, Feb.)
https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/Introduction. [Online].
[9] Inc. The MathWorks. (2015, Jan.) MathWorks products are protected by
one or more U.S. patents. [Online].
https://www.mathworks.com/help/pdf_doc/matlab/buildgui.pdf

Figure 6. Current through resistor Rload is therefore a function of current set

by the bias resistor [5]

We want to implement a system to attend basic necessity or

predict some situation said from mind (said before), the big
limitation is the time because all the system need a special
system of calibration and friendly interphase for the user o

[10] Sarah al Mutlq. (2010, Dec.) sparKfun. [Online].

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/load-cell-amplifier-hx711-breakouthookup-guide
[11] Sarah al Mutlq. (2010, Dec.) sparKfun. [Online].
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/load-cell-amplifier-hx711-breakouthookup-guide

Universidad del Rosario Escuela Colombiana de Ingeniera Julio Garavito. Diaz Dillam, Ardila Angelica .
[5] LLC. EETech Media. (2013, June) all about circuits. [Online].
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/semiconductors/chpt-4/currentmirrors/