Use of laser technology for the postural classification of bedridden people

Laboratorio de Aplicaciones Industriales del Láser (LAIL), Campus Industrial de Ferrol, Universidade da Coruña, Mendizábal s/n 15403 Ferrol

Published online: 15 October 2024

Abstract

This work presents an innovative method for the automated classification of postures of bedridden people using laser technology. With the aim of improving the quality of medical care and facilitating the continuous monitoring of patients in clinical and home environments, a system is proposed that uses laser sensors to capture the three-dimensional geometry of body postures. Through advanced computer vision processing techniques, a robust classification algorithm is developed capable of identifying and categorizing lateral decubitus postures, also known as lateral safety position, which are commonly used to lay down patients who are permanently bedridden. Experimental results, performed so far, show sufficient accuracy in posture classification, suggesting the potential of this technology to improve the monitoring and care of bedridden patients, while providing periodic warnings to medical staff when a patient has exceeded the recommended time in the same posture, to avoid the appearance of skin ulcers.