Abstract: In a method and a system the autonomic nervous system, and in particular parameters reflecting the current condition of the autonomic nervous system, are monitored for detecting a lower level of wakefulness. One such parameter, which has been found to indicate such a state, is cardiac oscillation. Thus, the autonomic nervous system affect the heartbeat of a person falling to sleep in such a way that the heartbeat will go through a series of acceleration and de-acceleration.

Abstract: For estimating a person's age and for providing an emergency alarm function, a stationary pressure sensitive means (2, 3, 4) contacts part of that person's (1) body, and generates a signal in correspondence to that person's body movements relative to said means. A detector/filter circuit (5) connected to said means, separates signals corresponding to true body movements, heartbeat-related body movements, and respiration-related body movements. Calculation and comparison circuits (6, 9; 7, 10; 8, 11) are adapted to receive these signals and compare them with previously received signals to determine possible changes. A correlator (12) correlates the output signals from the calculation and comparison circuits to produce a resulting change signal which is compared with a preset threshold in a threshold detector circuit (13). The output signals can be used for activating/inactivating an air-bag system or for triggering an emergency alarm via a mobile telephone and a GPS system.

Abstract: In a medical meassuremnet system, measurements can be carried out at a distance from a hospital. Thus the patient is connected to a measuring system comprising measuring sensors and a unit for collecting data comprising a transmitter. The system also comprises a centrally located surveillance unit. The measuring sensors sense various physical and physiological parameters, for example brain activities, actions of the heart, respiration, blood pressure, blood values/tests and body movements. The sensed signals are transmitted to a portable small device of low weight for collecting and/or analyzing data, which is connected to a central surveillance unit, for example via the public switched telephone network (PSTN), a radio system, in particular a cellular radio system, or via a satellite communication. In a preferred embodiment the measuring sensors comprise a preamplifier having an identification circuit. The identification circuit is used for providing each preamplifier with a unique identity.

Abstract: For monitoring and estimating a person's wakefulness, a stationary pressure sensor contacts part of that person's body and generates a signal corresponding to that person's body movements relative to the sensor. A detector/filter circuit connected to the sensor separates signals corresponding to true body movements, heartbeat-related body movements, and respiration-related body movements. Calculation and comparison circuits are adapted to receive these signals and compare them with previously received signals to determine possible changes. A correlator correlates the output signals from the calculation and comparison circuits to produce a resulting change signal which is compared with a preset wakefulness threshold in a threshold detector circuit. An alarm device is triggered, when the preset threshold is reached as an indication of a reduced degree of wakefulness.