SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING PRE-FALL CONDITIONS BASED ON THE ANGULAR ORIENTATION OF A PATIENT

• US 20090240170A1
• Filed: 03/19/2009
• Published: 09/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Wright State University
• Original Assignee: Wright State University
• Inventors: Rowley, Blair R., Sipp, Amy R.
• Application Number:
  US12/407,044
• Publication Number:
  US 20090240170A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/595
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/028 Microscale sensors, e.g. electromechanical sensors [MEMS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1117 Fall detection
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4023 Evaluating sense of balance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6831 Straps, bands or harnesses
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0446 worn on the body to detect changes of posture, e.g. a fall, inclination, acceleration, gait

Abstract

A system for collecting data related to the angular orientation of a patient for use in determining the presence of pre-fall conditions may include a wireless sensor and a base unit. The wireless sensor may be attached to the patient and include a first microprocessor operatively coupled to a gyroscope and a transmitter. The base unit may include a second microprocessor operatively coupled to a receiver and a data storage unit. The gyroscope may output a signal related to the angular orientation of the patient to the first microprocessor. The first microprocessor processes the signal received from the gyroscope and transmits data related to the angular orientation of the patient via the transmitter. The receiver in the base unit receives the data from the wireless sensor and passes the data to a second microprocessor. The second microprocessor stores formats the data and stores the data in the data storage unit for analysis.

Claims

1. A system for collecting data related to the angular orientation of a patient for use in determining if pre-fall conditions are present, the system comprising:

a wireless sensor for attachment to the subject comprising a first microprocessor operatively coupled to at least one gyroscope and a transmitter, wherein the gyroscope outputs a signal relating to the angular orientation of the patient to the first microprocessor and wherein the first microprocessor processes the signal received from the gyroscope and transmits data related to the angular orientation of the patient via the transmitter; and

a base unit comprising a second microprocessor operatively coupled to a receiver and a data storage unit, wherein the receiver receives data related to the angular orientation of the patient from the wireless sensor and passes the data to the second microprocessor which formats the data and stores the data in the data storage unit for analysis and a determination as to whether the data indicates the presence of pre-fall conditions.