Patent ID: 7862523

Claim:
A method for using a force or pressure sensor comprising a substantially rigid, mechanical-load resistant frame, a flexible diaphragm having a peripheral rim, the flexible diaphragm being secured at the peripheral rim to the frame, and a piezoelectric sensor diaphragm applied to the surface of the flexible diaphragm, wherein the sensor diaphragm loading element comprises a substantially rigid cover capable of carrying mechanical loading of more than 50 kg, wherein the cover includes a protrusion or shoulder, bearing against a middle section of the flexible diaphragm and thus, by deflection before an external loading is applied, prestressing the flexible diaphragm and the piezoelectric sensor diaphragm attached thereto, and wherein the frame and the cover define therebetween a closed housing chamber, the flexible diaphragm and the piezoelectric sensor diaphragm being located thereinside, the method comprising the steps of: disposing one or more of the force or pressure sensors in contact with a bed and measuring a sleeping or lying person for his or her heart rate and respiratory amplitude.