13 August 2009,
Manchester – UK based SmartLife Technology Ltd, has been awarded an
international patent for a knitted ‘linear electronic transducer’ which is
incorporated into a garment in order to monitor a patient’s health.
The invention described in the patent relates to electronic
transducers, and particularly to transducers incorporated into a knitted
structure. The device disclosed in the patent publication comprises a knitted
structure having at least one transduction zone knitted with electrically
conductive fibres. Deformation of the knitted structure results in a variation
of an electrical property of the transduction zone. By monitoring these
variations, it is possible to obtain an indication of deformation of the
knitted structure. When incorporated into a garment, particularly one worn
close to the skin, bodily movements can be monitored.
SmartLife Technology Ltd is a UK based Medical Technology
Company aiming to become a leading global provider within the field of
personalised wearable monitoring systems. The SmartLife team, have developed a
novel knitted textile based technology platform incorporating flexible integral
dry sensors that allow the monitoring of vital health signs such as ECG, heart
rate, EMG, respiration, tidal flow and skin temperature, to meet international
clinical standards. The patent described above is the latest in a family of patents
that protects the company’s technology platform.
SmartLife’s technology
allows the continuous monitoring of a person’s vital signs and wellbeing in
their daily lives on a 24/7 basis. The construction of the garments ensures the
sensors are automatically in contact with the skin, their position is correctly
located and the wearer requires little instruction for set-up or routine use.
The technology represents a paradigm shift from traditional
high cost patient monitoring in hospitals to affordable unobtrusive remote
personalised monitoring in the home and whilst continuing their normal activities.
SmartLife says its intelligent garments enhance performance
in sports participation, increase safety for operatives in dangerous and
critical situations and offer reassurance to enhance the well-being of the
elderly and those with acute health conditions.
As the company says - Imagine a world where your health,
well-being and physiological performance can be easily monitored anytime,
anywhere.
www.smartlifetech.com
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