University of Tokyo researchers have developed a “fever alarm armband.” The flexible, self-powered device sounds an alarm when the wearer's body reaches a high temperature.
The technology combines a flexible amorphous silicon solar panel, piezoelectric speaker, temperature sensor, and power supply circuit created with organic components in a single flexible unit.
The device's flexible organic components are well suited to wearable devices that continuously monitor vital signs, including temperature and heart rate for applications in healthcare settings. The organic parts can be printed by an inkjet printer on a polymeric film.
The fever alarm armband also produces a sound output, which provides audible information when the flexible thermal sensor detects a pre-set value within the ranges of 36.5 ºC to 38.5 ºC. The power supply circuit increases the range of operational illumination by 7.3 times in indoor lighting conditions.
