'Magic carpet' can detect or even predict a fall

[ronjor]

Researchers have shown off a "magic carpet" that can detect falls and may even predict mobility problems.

Beneath the carpet is a mesh of optical fibres that detect and plot movement as pressure bends them, changing the light detected at the carpet's edges.

These deflected light patterns help electronics "learn" walking patterns and detect if they are deteriorating, for instance in the elderly.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19479365

[Bill_Bright]

It seems odd to me the announcement came out of a medicine related application and not security. It seems to me this could easily be tied into an alarm system for our homes - or a monitoring device to alert you if you have a little sleepwalker in your house.

Maybe it lights up at Christmas time!

[treehouse786]

i was thinking the same Bill

[Mrkvonic]

Very nice.
Mrk