Oslo, Norway, 28 April 2015 – Novelda, a developer and manufacturer of adaptive smart sensors, today announced two sensor modules for detecting human presence and monitoring respiration, both based on its proprietary XeThru technology. These can detect presence just from the chest movement while breathing, and measure both the rate and depth of breathing, allowing breathing patterns to be tracked in real-time. Deploying its advanced XeThru technology, which uses radio waves, rather than infrared, ultrasound or light, allows these modules to ‘see through’ a variety of objects including lightweight building materials, duvets and blankets to provide non-contact sensing at a range of up to several metres.
The XeThru X2M300 module is intended for smart home automation where its capability for detecting human presence while being integrated into a building’s structure enables hidden, tamper-proof sensing. As well as security and comfort applications, such as the convenient actuation of lighting and environmental controls, this module can enhance home safety, especially for the elderly or people who live alone, using the absence of normal activity to raise an alarm.
The X2M200 sensor module is designed for respiration monitoring of people of all ages for health and welfare purposes. It is particularly suited for sleep improvement systems and detecting sleep anomalies or other medical conditions. XeThru’s non-contact technology provides a reliable but non-intrusive way to monitor respiration and movement, capturing breathing patterns and frequency without being blocked by cot blankets or other obstacles.
“Our goal was to develop a supersensitive non-contact sensor that could enable adaptive IOT solutions and personal health devices, as well as advanced home automation. Today we release two very advanced XeThru sensors for creative designers to develop advanced sleep improvement systems and extremely sensitive presence sensors”, explained Novelda CEO, Alf-Egil Bogen”, These are just two examples from an endless list of applications for these sensors”, he continued.
Supporting the introduction of these two modules, Novelda is offering the XeThru Inspiration Kit, a hardware and software platform that comes complete with two sensor modules and interface boards for connection to a computer. The kit allows developers to easily evaluate the performance of the sensors using the supplied software that
supports: module configuration, visualisation of sensor data and the ability to record data for later analysis.
“The Inspiration Kit is designed to be easy to use without any electronic expertise and can be used for evaluation, proof of concept and prototyping. I am confident this will inspire and enable products the world has not seen before. With these sensors you can really add a sixth sense into a multitude of products for health, comfort and safety”, says Senior Product Marketing Manager, Kjetil Meisal.
Additional product details:
The X2M300 provides instant non-contact presence detection at a programmable distance of up to 4.8m. It can sense through light building materials and its high sensitivity enables it to be triggered just by a person breathing.
The X2M200 has a sensor range from 0.5m up to 2.8m and can be placed on a night stand, mounted on the wall or fitted into the ceiling above a bed. It is optimized for detecting breathing rate and tracking breathing patterns but can also detect movement, presence and measure distance, and is not sensitive to body orientation within the field of view. Both modules comprise a single PCB design and operate over a serial interface with a standardized protocol for easy system integration. Multiple sensors can operate in the same space and each module consumes less than 400mW power. The modules are unaffected by dust, smoke, moisture or darkness, and function reliably in harsh and dirty environments; they are also pending FCC and ETSI approval.
Availability and pricing:
The $1499 XeThru Inspiration Kit is available now through Novelda’s web shop (http://shop.xethru.com/inspiration-kit.html). By entering the launch rebate code “LAUNCHPROMO” $300 will be taken off the price. This limited offer will last until May 31st. The XeThru sensor modules will be available in the second quarter of 2015. Pricing for the X2M300 is expected to be around $69.00(USD) each in 1000 piece quantities and for the X2M200 around $76.00(USD) each in 1000 piece quantities.
For more information, see the XeThru technology website www.xethru.com.
About Novelda AS
Novelda AS is a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of smart sensor technology for detecting vital signs, motion, presence and location. Novelda´s XeThru sensors can improve quality of life and personal comfort and safety by enabling non-intrusive sensors that collect important data while preserving full privacy. The XeThru technology can also be used in a number of automotive and industrial applications. The sensors use extremely low energy GHz radio waves and advanced signal processing, which makes them highly suited to a range of applications. Novelda provides both development kits and OEM modules to system developers worldwide.
