Method and system for fall detection
First Claim
1. A wearable device for a remote monitoring system, the wearable device positioned on a body of a user, the wearable device comprising:
- a data receiver to receive data transmitted from a single 3-D accelerometer positioned on the user;
an analysis device to take the 3-D accelerometer data as input, the analysis device to analyze the 3-D accelerometer data during time intervals in real time using a parameterized algorithm with one or more stored parameters to determine if at least three distinct conditions that occur in a time order sequence associated with a fall have been met and to generate a report, wherein the parameters comprise acceleration thresholds, statistical thresholds from analysis of motion, and timing thresholds; and
a transmitter to transmit the report to a remote location.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fall detection system includes a wearable monitoring device that monitors the movement of a person. The device monitors a sensor and detects variation from the normal range and duration thereof. The system determines whether the wearer has fallen through an algorithmic analysis technique using parameters to evaluate the accelerations and timings of the events that comprise a fall. If the combination of the timing and variations from the normal ranges are sufficient as compared to preset thresholds, a fall report will be generated. The wearable device optionally allows qualified professionals to adjust or customize the parameters to optimize the evaluation to the requirements of particular users or classes of users. The wearable device generally transmits data and alerts over a short distance to a console or over a long distance using a connection to a long-distance back haul communication system such as cell network or internet or both. The device thus transmit data and alerts to a call center or other designated location.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A wearable device for a remote monitoring system, the wearable device positioned on a body of a user, the wearable device comprising:
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a data receiver to receive data transmitted from a single 3-D accelerometer positioned on the user; an analysis device to take the 3-D accelerometer data as input, the analysis device to analyze the 3-D accelerometer data during time intervals in real time using a parameterized algorithm with one or more stored parameters to determine if at least three distinct conditions that occur in a time order sequence associated with a fall have been met and to generate a report, wherein the parameters comprise acceleration thresholds, statistical thresholds from analysis of motion, and timing thresholds; and a transmitter to transmit the report to a remote location. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for sensing whether a user has had a potentially disabling fall, comprising the steps of:
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providing a single 3-D accelerometer; providing a designated receiver; detecting whether a first acceleration during a first time interval is within a first specified range, thereby indicating that a first condition has been met; detecting whether a second acceleration during a second time interval is within a second specified range, thereby indicating that a second condition has been met and a fall is starting; detecting whether a third acceleration during a third time interval is within a third specified range, thereby indicating that a third condition has been met and an impact has occurred; waiting for a fourth time interval; detecting whether a fourth acceleration during a fifth time interval is within a fourth specified range, thereby indicating that a fourth condition has been met and the person is in need of assistance, wherein the detecting steps are conducted in real time using a parameterized algorithm with one or more stored parameters to indicate whether or not a condition has been met; and sending an alert to the designated receiver if the second, third, and fourth conditions are met, thereby indicating that a potentially disabling fall has occurred. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification