Design and development of a novel capacitive sensor matrix for measuring pressure distribution

This work illustrates the design and realization of a mattress made of capacitive sensors that measures the pressure distribution and the center of pressure of a person, while driving a car for long periods of time. The scope of this device is to obtain a system able to detect important parameters without being perceived by the subject. The continuous and automatic measurement of the individual´s movements contributes in the assessment of the psyco-physical condition of the driver, mainly regarding the level of discomfort, which influences the degree of fatigue and, as a consequence, the concentration of the subject.