A Design-Led, Materials Based Approach to Human Centered Applications Using Modified Dielectric Electroactive Polymer Sensors

Anne Toomey, Raymond Oliver, Niamh O'Connor, Patrick Stevenson-Keating

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Abstract

This paper describes a design-led exploratory scoping study into the potential use of an industry standard dielectric electroactive polymer (DEAP) sensor for applications in assistive healthcare. The focus of this activity was to explore the physical format and integration of soft materials and sensor combinations with properties that afford an opportunity for accurate and unobtrusive real time body mapping and monitoring. The work involved a series of practical investigations into the capacitance changes in the sensor brought on by deformation through different ways of stretching. The dielectric sensors were selected as a direct mapping tool against the body based on the similarity of the stretch qualities of both the sensor and human skin and muscle resulting in a prototype vest for real time breathing monitoring through sensing thoracic movement. This involved modification of the standard sensors and handcrafting bespoke sensors to map critically relevant areas of the thorax.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSensor Systems and Software
Subtitle of host publication5th International Conference, S-CUBE 2014, Coventry, UK, October 6-7, 2014
EditorsEiman Kanjo, Dirk Trossen
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer
Pages11-19
Number of pages9
Volume143
ISBN (Electronic)9783319171364
ISBN (Print)9783319171357
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 May 2015
Event5th International Conference, S-CUBE 2014 - Coventry, UK
Duration: 6 May 2015 → …

Publication series

NameLecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering
PublisherSpringer
Volume143

Conference

Conference5th International Conference, S-CUBE 2014
Period6/05/15 → …

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