Abstract
This paper reports the fundamental principles and verifications of an unconstrained and noninvasive method for monitoring perspiration and heart rates during sleep using a PVDF sensor. Taking advantage of the differential properties of PVDF films, we developed a PVDF sensor that measures the fluctuations of pressure. The sensor is placed on a bed underneath the sheets. It detects the pressure fluctuation of a human body on the surface of the bed caused by the perspiration movements and by heartbeats. Using digital filters, perspiration and heart rate can be monitored on-line.
