Matti Linnavuo

Detection of falls among the elderly by a floor sensor using the electric near field

We present a new fall-detection method using a floor sensor based on near-field imaging. The test floor had a resolution of 9×16. The shape, size, and magnitude of the patterns are used for classification. A test including 650 events and ten people yielded a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 91%.

A novel concept of a wearable information appliance using context-based human---computer interaction

In healthcare environment, different kinds of automatic solutions have been created to monitor and track patients, for example near-field imaging and low-frequency RFID. The problem has been how to use the context-based data these systems produce and how to show the related information to the nursing staff. This paper shows how hospital data can be automatically transmitted to people using location information. The information is transmitted to a name tag that has wireless connectivity and touch screen with electric paper. This concept is piloted with a test application.

A System for Detection of Three-Dimensional Precordial Vibrations

Accelerometer-based seismocardiography and sternal acceleration ballistocardiography are promising approaches to the noninvasive detection of precordial vibrations. However, in order to be widely accepted as diagnostic or even prognostic tools, clinical validation and standardization of these methods are necessary. In precordial vibration studies, using all three axes instead of one in cardiac vibration analysis is anticipated to enable more accurate cardiac event detection. Simultaneously acquired electrocardiography, photoplethysmography, and respiration information are considered as promising ways to enhance seismocardiogram analysis. In this article, an easy-to-use system that combines three-dimensional seismocardiography, electrocardiography, photoplethysmography, and respiration measurements is described, and its performance is demonstrated. In the test measurements, the system demonstrated its capability to capture accurate cardiovascular data.

A Portable Measurement System for the Superior-Inferior Axis of the Seismocardiogram

Seismocardiography (SCG) is the measurement of vibration of the precordium due to cardiac movement. SCG is considered to be of value when cost-effective cardiac and circulatory assessment is needed. SCG is normally recorded in the dorso-ventral axis from the sternum, while it has been shown that the superior-inferior axis also has consistent waveforms and might be usable in stroke volume evaluation. Thus, it seems that a system focusing on the superiorinferior axis could be very useful. In this article, a portable measurement system for the measurement of the superiorinferior axis of the SCG is described, and its functioning is demonstrated. Four subjects were measured in the sitting position to verify the system’s functioning. The measurements demonstrated the system’s capability to capture accurate cardiovascular data. Future work includes the validation of the measurement of the superior-inferior of the SCG signal against an established method such as echocardiography.

Proactive space — A novel post stroke mobility rehabilitation tool

The stroke is one of the most prevalent health and well being risks world-wide. In stroke patient rehabilitation, retrieving the ability to walk is an important goal. In addition to that, the gait should be sufficient for independent mobility in the community, thus eliminating the risk of more severe immobilization, falls and health deterioration. In this paper the requirements of a comprehensive and flexible mobility rehabilitation system — a proactive space are presented. The focus area of the system is described and motivated. The requirements cover the instrumentation and software. The realized pilot space is described.

Harvesting Features of an Affordable Cognitive Gym for Seniors

First, this paper conducts a minireview of rehabilitation research in pursuance of concepts reusable in a cognitive gym. Second, it presents the discovered ideas and components as a framework for a preliminary cognitive gym for seniors. The cognitive gym offers an affordable, flexible, and safe training environment for seniors. This facility promotes systematic training of the concerted efforts of cognitive and motor skills.

Preliminary experiment with the influence of sound distraction on a vigilance test

This paper presents a preliminary experiment with the influence of sound distraction on a vigilance test planned for rehabilitation of hemispatial neglect.

Preliminary experiment with a neglect test

This paper presents a limited (six healthy, right-handed participants) preliminary experiment with a test planned for diagnosing hemispatial neglect. Healthy participants were expected to show equal reaction times on both sides. Familiar participants were assumed to react faster than unfamiliar ones. The test included four separate vigilance experiments that were performed on a laptop computer. All participants showed slower reaction times to stimuli in the right observational field. Performance did not increase with familiarity with the experiments. The experiment did not confirm our hypotheses, but the consistency of the preliminary data serves as a good starting point for upcoming larger experiments with patients and healthy controls.

A Suggestion for a Smart Environment with Potential for Stroke Patient Rehabilitation

The use of smart environment components in rehabilitation has been assessed. Generic requirements for stroke rehabilitation environments have been collected and used. The components of a smart environment have been listed and usable components have been identified. This study suggests that the smart environment components under examination have potential for stroke patient rehabilitation.