Can I measure a "body impression" on the surface of a mattress?

[brianNC]

Is there a sensor(s) that could measure the impression or "set" that can occur on the surface of a mattress. It would need to measure the majority of the surface (not just 1 point) and then ideally it could show a 3d volume of the impression in software.

thanks from a newbie

[gbush]

One thought

Use an XY traversing table and a laser displacement gauge (keyence makes them for one). scan back and forth recording position (x & Y) and the distance to the surface.

[PdB]

There are resistance-based 2D force-sensors.
A nice application was done years ago in LabVIEW for the Adidas company (for finding the optimal shoe for a runner).
Another application I saw (TNO, NL) was for measuring the effectiveness of custom-designed wheelchair seat-inlays.
These sensors however only measure force, not displacement.

[PdB]

Here is a product I found on the web that may be usefull, the Xsensor. http://www.sensorprod.com/xsensor.html
It is a resistive mesh mat with some interfacing.
You probably need more than 1 mat for you applications.
I hope the interfacing to LabVIEW/CVI/etc. is no problem. Better to contact them for details.

Greeting,
Patrick de Boevere