Researchers from three academic Schools and the Photon Science Institute at The University of Manchester have come up with what they call a Magic Carpet. Created from plastic optical fibers, the Magic Carpet has certain embedded sensors that can track a fall or trip when someone falls while walking over it. Moreover, it can track a person’s walking pattern in real time. The smart carpet could be used in hospitals, care homes and residences where it could help patients or the elderly in our homes improve their walking behavior and thus, minimize such unexpected falls.
The innovative carpet utilizes tomographic technique used in hospital scanners to map 2D images. Moreover, it collects data like chemical sensing of body fluids. The carpet sends the gather data to a computer, which, after detailed analysis, generates images regarding a person’s gait or other accidents.
When further developed, the imaging technology could help researchers detect chemical spillages or fire.
Via: CrazyEngineers/Manchester
