Pressure sensitive mat system with dynamically calibratable pressure sensors and method for non-obtrusive monitoring of vital signs and other health metrics

A system for monitoring health metrics of an individual, the system comprising:

• a mat;
• a plurality of pressure sensors coupled to the mat, the plurality of pressure sensors configured to generate a respective plurality of pressure signals when the individual is positioned on the mat and applies a pressure to the mat, each pressure sensor of the plurality of pressure sensors having a respective pressure responsivity configured to be modified by varying an electrical parameter of the respective pressure sensor, each pressure sensor of the plurality of pressure sensors including a proximity sensor assembly with a light emitter and a light detector, the electrical parameter of each pressure sensor being a current of the light emitter;
• and
• circuitry coupled to the plurality of pressure sensors, the circuitry configured to:
• monitor a first pressure signal generated by a first pressure sensor of the plurality of pressure sensors, to obtain a first monitored signal;
• in accordance with the first monitored signal and in accordance with pre-determined rules, vary the electrical parameter of a second pressure sensor of the plurality of pressure sensors, to obtain a modified pressure responsivity;
• and
• monitor a second pressure signal generated by the second pressure sensor that has the modified pressure responsivity, the monitored second pressure signal being associated with at least one of the health metrics of the individual,
• the mat having:
• a top layer configured to reflect light emitted by the light emitter;
• a compressible layer coupled to the top layer, the compressible layer configured to be compressed upon pressure being applied thereto and further configured to transmit the light emitted by the light emitter;
• and
• a bottom layer coupled to the compressible layer and spaced apart from the top layer by the compressible layer, the bottom layer having the plurality of pressure sensors secured thereto,
• the plurality of pressure sensors including a first group of pressure sensors and a second group of pressure sensors, and, when the individual is not applying pressure on the mat, each pressure sensor of the first group of pressure sensors is spaced apart from the top layer by a first distance, each pressure sensor of second group of pressure sensors being spaced apart from the top layer by a second distance, the second distance being different from the first distance.