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5. General
Control Unit
The control unit activates for bed occupancy monitoring after it has noticed movements or
micro-movements for 1 minute. After activation for occupancy monitoring, a notification is
triggered if no movements or micro-movements are detected for at least 3 or 5 seconds
(adjustable by DIP switch, see chapter 6).
The control unit operates with 2 pcs AA size 1.5 V alkaline batteries. An optional AC
adapter is available. Do not use any power supply other than that provided by Abilia. (see
chapter Technical Specifications for details).
In the event of a power failure, two high-quality 1.5 V AA alkaline batteries can be used as
an emergency power supply. Do not use any rechargeable batteries or lithium-ion
batteries! Rechargeable or lithium-ion batteries carry the risk of melting, ruining the device
and causing possible danger to the user.
The control unit has an input connector for the bed sensor (X3) and power supply (X1).
The device also has a connector (X2) to transfer the notification to e.g. a nurse call
system, a personal emergency phone or an external wireless transmitter.
Next to the input connector, there is a push button (SW1) that can be used to acknowledge
a notification or as an on/off switch. (picture 3).
The control unit has 8 DIP switches (picture 4) to select the settings and a rotary switch to
adjust the sensitivity of the device. (picture 5)
Bed sensor
The bed sensor produces a millivolt alternating current when detecting movement. The
control unit calculates the frequency and scale of the movement from this signal and, on
this basis, detects the person's presence in the bed. Heartbeat causes micro-movement
that allow the device to detect the person's presence. When there is no micro or other
movement, it recognizes this as the individual being absent and it gives a notification both
by sound and via dry-contact optocoupler.
There are no particular size or weight limitations, but sensitivity and the ability to recognize
a user’s micro-movements and thus, presence in bed, need to be tested in each case.