The School of Computer Science at the Tokyo University of Technology presented and exhibited a sleep apnea sensor that uses optical fibers at the Autumn 2008 Innovation Japan exhibition held in Tokyo. This simple sensor designed for home use monitors a person's breathing status throughout the night while that person is sleeping. To use the sensor, optical fibers are spread between the sheets and the bed, and a light source, a light receiving element, and a computer are linked to monitor the breathing of the person being tested through simple on/off operations of the switches. Next, the University intends to continue with a joint project that involves collaboration between industry, academia, and the government to develop a lightweight type sensor that can be mounted under a bed to monitor sleep quality and sleep apnea conditions. The sensor will be used for complete medical checkups that require an overnight stay.
