Method and device for detecting a fall of a person by means of at least one inertial sensor device and computer program

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for detecting a fall (ST) of a person (100) by means of at least one inertial sensor device (2) which is worn by the person (100) on a body part (101), in particular their head (102), and which is designed to detect at least one inertial quantity (IG), wherein the method comprises the steps: a) Monitor whether at least one first detected inertial quantity (IG1) or a quantity based thereon satisfies an impact criterion (AK) that is characteristic of an impact (AU) of the body part (101), b) if the impact criterion (AC) is met, monitor whether at least one second recorded inertial quantity (IC2), which is recorded temporally after the first inertial quantity (IC1), or a quantity based thereon, meets a motionlessness criterion (PC) that is characteristic of a motionlessness (P) of the body part (101) for a motionlessness duration (PD), in particular of at least 30 s, and a non-vertical position criterion, in particular a horizontal position criterion (D), that is different from the motionlessness criterion (PC) and is characteristic of a non-vertical, in particular horizontal, position (D), of the body part (101) for a position duration (PD), in particular of at least 30 s, and c) if the immobility criterion (PC) and the non-vertical position criterion (NC) are met, issue and / or transmit an alarm information (AI), in particular about the detected fall (ST).

Description

SCOPE OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting a fall of a person by means of at least one inertial sensor device and a computer program for carrying out such a method and / or by means of such a device.

[0002] US Patent 2008 / 0129518A1 discloses a fall detection system comprising a wearable monitoring device that monitors a person's movements. The device monitors a sensor and detects deviations from the normal range and their duration. Using an algorithmic analysis technique, the system determines whether the wearer has fallen. It uses parameters to evaluate the accelerations and timing of the events that constitute a fall. If the combination of timing and deviations from the normal range is sufficient compared to preset thresholds, a fall report is generated. The wearable device optionally allows qualified personnel to adjust or customize the parameters to optimize the evaluation for the needs of specific users or user groups.The portable device transmits data and alerts generally over a short distance to a console, or over a long distance using a connection to a long-range backhaul communication system such as a cellular network or the internet, or both. The device thus transmits data and alerts to a call center or other designated location.

[0003] German patent application DE 11 2021 005 403 T5 discloses a system for detecting a man-down situation using intra-aural inertial measurement units. The system comprises an earplug with an inertial measurement unit capable of detecting the acceleration and rotational speed of the earplug. The method includes a training phase to characterize statistical distribution models of extreme values ​​of feature signals, segmented by their respective optimally dimensioned time windows, and to aggregate the detection probability provided by the statistical model of the feature signals. The method further includes a prediction phase. The prediction phase involves applying the detection strategy to independent data based on the critical states obtained from the characterization.The data from the inertial measurement of the MEMS are used to detect the states “full” (F), “immobile” (I) and “on the ground” (D).

[0004] US Patent 2018 / 0122208A1 discloses a system and a method for implementing such a system. The system comprises hinged-frame glasses, multiple sensors, and an alarm. It also includes a tri-axis accelerometer, an IR transmitter, an IR receiver, and a barometric sensor. The sensors are housed in the hinged temples and the rims of the glasses and are connected to a processing and computing unit. The processing and computing unit includes a microprocessor and memory. The processing and computing unit executes a computer program to analyze the data output by the sensors and, based on the results of the data analysis, triggers the alarm.

[0005] DE 196 53 773 C1 discloses a method and an arrangement for carrying out the procedure for detecting fall situations of persons at risk of injury, in particular sick people, elderly people and persons in at-risk occupational groups, wherein measurement sequences dependent on the inclination and movement of the person are recorded and evaluated in order to detect health-critical situations of persons, that it is proposed that, by means of an inclination and motion sensor in the monitoring device to be worn on the upper body of the person at risk of injury, both measurement sequences of changes in the person's inclination and position as well as measurement sequences of the person's acceleration are recorded at predetermined, selectable time intervals and the measurement sequences in the monitoring device are continuously compared with measurement sequences of known predetermined movement sequences of the person.where, if maximum difference values ​​are exceeded as a result of a fall by the person at risk, a pre-alarm as well as a voluntary and / or involuntary emergency call is triggered. TASK AND SOLUTION

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing a method and a device, in particular each, for detecting a fall of a person by means of at least one inertial sensor device and a computer program for carrying out such a method and / or by means of such a device, which has improved properties.

[0007] The invention solves this problem by providing a method, a device, and a computer program as described in the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and / or embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The method according to the invention is for detecting a fall by a person using at least one inertial sensor device. The inertial sensor device is worn by the person on a part of their body, in particular their head. The inertial sensor device is designed to detect at least one inertial quantity. The method comprises the following steps: a) Monitor whether at least one first detected inertial quantity or a quantity based thereon satisfies an impact criterion, in particular whether or not. The impact criterion is characteristic of an impact of the body part, in particular the person. b) If, in particular, at least or only, the impact criterion is met, monitor whether at least one second recorded inertial quantity or a quantity based thereon meets a motionlessness criterion and a non-vertical position criterion, in particular a horizontal position criterion, or whether it does not. The second recorded inertial quantity is recorded after the first inertial quantity. The motionlessness criterion is characteristic of a motionlessness of the body part, in particular of the person, for a duration of motionlessness, in particular of at least 30 s (seconds), in particular at least 60 s. The non-vertical position criterion is different from the motionlessness criterion.The non-perpendicular position criterion, in particular the horizontal position criterion, is characteristic of a non-perpendicular, in particular horizontal, position of the body part, in particular of the person, for a duration of position, in particular of at least 30 s, in particular at least 60 s. c) If, in particular at least or only, the immobility criterion and the non-vertical position criterion are met, issue and / or transmit an alarm information, in particular about the detected fall.

[0009] This, in particular monitoring the fulfillment of the impact criterion, the immobility criterion and the non-vertical position criterion, makes it possible to reliably, and in particular efficiently and / or cost-effectively, detect a fall, e.g. caused by an involuntary trip over a root during forestry work, and in particular, to determine whether the person lying on the ground, especially on a forest floor, needs help, e.g. due to bodily injury involuntarily suffered as a result of the fall, and / or to avoid false alarms.

[0010] In particular, the process of detection, recording, monitoring, output and / or transmission may be implemented automatically and / or by computer.

[0011] The method, step a), step b) and / or step c) can be carried out by means of a device, in particular an electrical one. In particular, the device can include the inertial sensor device.

[0012] Step b) can be carried out, in particular immediately, after step a) or after monitoring that the impact criterion has been met.

[0013] Step c) can be carried out, in particular immediately, after step b) or after monitoring that the motionlessness criterion and the non-perpendicularity criterion are met.

[0014] If the impact criterion is not met, step b) cannot be performed.

[0015] If the immobility criterion and / or the non-vertical position criterion are not met, step c) cannot be performed.

[0016] The term "to take place" or the phrase "to be carried out" or "to be implemented" can be used synonymously with the phrase "to be executed".

[0017] The term "direct" or the phrase "without a pause" can be used synonymously with the term "immediately".

[0018] The term / component "user" can be used synonymously with the term / component "person".

[0019] The person can be a natural person.

[0020] The inertial sensor device can be worn on the person's head.

[0021] It can be worn or fastened.

[0022] The inertial sensor device can be electrical, in particular micro-electro-mechanical.

[0023] The inertial quantity, in particular the first or second one recorded, can have a value.

[0024] The terms “configured” or “set up” or the English phrase “programmed to perform the function / s of” can be used synonymously with the term “trained”.

[0025] The terms "include" or "have" can be used synonymously with the term "exhibits".

[0026] The first inertial quantity recorded can be the first inertial quantity recorded in time.

[0027] The term / component "Schlag" can be used synonymously with the term / component "Aufprall".

[0028] The second inertial quantity recorded can be a second inertial quantity recorded in time.

[0029] The term / component “non-movement” or “rest” can be used synonymously with the term / component “immobility”.

[0030] The duration of immobility can be a minimum duration of immobility.

[0031] The term / component “vertical” can be used synonymously with the term / component “perpendicular”.

[0032] The term / component “horizontal” can be used synonymously with the term / component “horizontal”.

[0033] The position can be a body position.

[0034] The position duration can be a position minimum duration.

[0035] The term / component “mindest / ens” can be used synonymously with the term / component “minimal”.

[0036] The impact criterion, the immobility criterion and / or the non-perpendicularity criterion can be different from each other and / or predetermined.

[0037] A value for the duration of immobility and a value for the duration of position can be the same.

[0038] The term / component "communicate" can be used synonymously with the term / component "transmit".

[0039] The alarm information can contain content and / or a value.

[0040] Furthermore, reference is made to the specialist literature.

[0041] In a further development of the invention, the inertial sensor device comprises an acceleration sensor device, and in particular a gyroscope device and / or a tilt switch device. The inertial quantity comprises an acceleration quantity, and in particular a gyroscope rate quantity and / or a tilt quantity. This enables monitoring solely by means of raw quantity or data evaluation, in particular of the acceleration sensor device or the acceleration quantity, and / or by means of the additional device or quantity, in particular the tilt switch device or the tilt quantity. In particular, the acceleration sensor device can be referred to as a g-sensor device. Additionally or alternatively, the tilt switch device can be a tilt sensor device with a tilt threshold. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the term "tilt angle" can be used synonymously with the term "tilt".Furthermore, reference is made to the specialist literature.

[0042] In a further development of the invention, the impact criterion is that the first detected inertial quantity, in particular acceleration quantity, or the quantity based thereon, has an impact limit value, in particular characteristic for a minimum of 6 g (acceleration due to gravity and / or 1 g = 9.81 m / s²). 2(meters per second squared)), in particular a minimum of 12 g, is exceeded, in particular for an impact duration, in particular with a value as small as possible or close to 0 s. Additionally or alternatively, the motionlessness criterion is that the second measured inertial quantity, in particular the acceleration quantity, or the quantity based thereon, falls below a motionlessness limit, in particular characteristic of a maximum of 0.5 g, for the motionlessness duration. In particular, the impact limit is greater, in particular at least 12 times greater, in particular at least 24 times greater, than the motionlessness limit. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the non-vertical position criterion is that the second measured inertial quantity, in particular the inclination quantity, or the quantity based thereon, falls below an inclination limit, in particular characteristic of a maximum of 0.5 g and / or a maximum of 45° (degrees), for the position duration.This allows for particularly good fall detection. Specifically, the impact threshold can be a minimum impact threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the immobility threshold can be a maximum immobility threshold. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the inclination threshold can be a maximum inclination threshold. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the term "threshold" can be used synonymously with the term "limit." Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the inertial quantity measured, particularly the first or second measured quantity, can be the natural acceleration due to gravity of 1 g, or it can be not compensated for or taken into account, particularly subtracted. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the inclination threshold can be with respect to a horizontal plane or a horizontal direction. For further details, please refer to the relevant literature.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, the person wears a device, in particular the device itself. The device comprises an inertial sensor and a timer. The inertial sensor is configured to provide a first interrupt signal to the timer as long as the first detected inertial quantity, or the quantity based thereon, exceeds the impact threshold. The inertial sensor is configured to provide a second interrupt signal to the timer as long as the second detected inertial quantity, or the quantity based thereon, falls below the motionlessness threshold. The second interrupt signal is different from the first interrupt signal. The timer is configured to count a time period, in particular immediately after the first interrupt signal is provided. During this time period, the second interrupt signal is provided, in particular without a pause.Interruption. The motionlessness criterion is that the counted time reaches the motionlessness duration. In particular, the device includes a further timer. This further timer is designed to count a further time, in particular immediately after the provision of the first interrupt signal. During this further time, the second detected inertial quantity, or the quantity based on it, falls below the tilt limit, in particular without a pause or interruption. The non-perpendicular position criterion is that the counted further time reaches the position duration. This enables energy-efficient operation, in particular of the timer and thus of the device. In particular, the timer and / or the further timer can be electrical. Additionally or alternatively, the provision and / or the counting can be automatic.Furthermore, or alternatively, the interrupt signal, in particular the first or second, and / or the time duration, in particular, may have a value. Furthermore, or alternatively, the inertial sensor device may not be configured to provide the first interrupt signal as long as the first detected inertial quantity or the quantity based on it does not exceed the impact threshold. Furthermore, or alternatively, the inertial sensor device may not be configured to provide the second interrupt signal as long as the second detected inertial quantity or the quantity based on it does not fall below the motionlessness threshold. Furthermore, or alternatively, the inertial sensor device may include an integrated controller for evaluating the detected inertial quantity, in particular the first or second, in order to provide the interrupt signal, in particular the first or second.Furthermore, or alternatively, the device can have a main or target controller for counting the time duration, in particular the subsequent time duration, and for monitoring whether the counted time duration reaches the idle time duration, and in particular whether the counted subsequent time duration reaches the inert time duration. Furthermore, or alternatively, the counting can be in 1-second increments. Furthermore, or alternatively, the already counted time duration can be reset, in particular to 0 seconds, if the second interrupt signal is no longer available, and in particular if the already counted time duration has not yet reached the idle time duration.Additionally or alternatively, the already counted time duration can be reset, in particular to 0 s, if the second measured inertial quantity or the quantity based on it no longer falls below the inclination limit, and especially if the already counted time duration has not yet reached the position duration. For further details, please refer to the relevant literature.

[0044] In a further development of the invention, the at least one inertial sensor device for detecting the at least one inertial quantity is configured along three axes, in particular mutually orthogonal axes. In particular, the non-perpendicular position criterion is that the second detected inertial quantity along a perpendicular axis, or the quantity based thereon, falls below the inclination limit for the duration of the position. This makes it particularly easy to detect a fall. In particular, the at least one inertial sensor device can comprise three inertial sensor devices, in particular acceleration sensor devices. The at least one inertial quantity can comprise three inertial quantities, in particular acceleration quantities. Additionally or alternatively, the position can be calculated in degrees, in particular by means of the main controller.Additionally or alternatively, the second measured inertial quantity in the vertical axis, or the quantity based on it, can be 1 g in the vertical position and 0 g in the non-vertical, especially horizontal, position. For further details, please refer to the relevant literature.

[0045] In a further development of the invention, the person wears a head, face, eye, and / or hearing protection device, in particular safety goggles, headphones, and / or a headset. The head, face, eye, and / or hearing protection device incorporates the inertial sensor device. This facilitates the effective use of the inertial sensor device. Specifically, the head, face, eye, and / or hearing protection device can be a safety helmet. Additionally or alternatively, the headset can be wireless. For further details, please refer to the relevant technical literature.

[0046] In a further development of the invention, the transmission of alarm information involves wireless transmission in a mesh network, in particular by means of head, face, eye, and / or hearing protection devices, safety glasses, headphones, and / or headsets, which incorporate wireless transmission devices within the mesh network. This enables particularly good transmission and / or, in particular, makes it especially easy to recognize whether a person needs help, especially in a forest. The term "wireless" can be used synonymously with "cableless." Additionally or alternatively, the mesh network can be defined by the transmission devices. For further information, please refer to the relevant technical literature.

[0047] In particular, output can be acoustic, e.g., via a headset, and / or visual, especially onto a visor of head, face, eye, and / or hearing protection equipment, particularly safety goggles, e.g., via a head-up display and / or a head-mounted display. For further information, please refer to the relevant technical literature.

[0048] In a further development of the invention, the person wears a device, in particular a device that includes an inertial sensor, at least one functional device, and a user-operated enable / disable device. The functional device is configured to perform at least one function, in particular wireless communication. This function is distinct from fall detection. The enable / disable device is configured to enable and disable fall detection independently of the function being executed. The method is executed if it is enabled by the enable / disable device. The method is not executed if it is disabled by the enable / disable device. This ensures that the function can be performed regardless of the situation and that the method can be executed only when necessary, and in particular, that false alarms are avoided.In particular, the device can be a head, face, eye, and / or hearing protection device. Additionally or alternatively, the functional device and / or the release and locking device can be electrical. Furthermore, the execution of the function can be automatic and / or via transmission devices. Additionally or alternatively, the release and locking device can also be operated manually by means of a button. For further information, please refer to the relevant technical literature.

[0049] In particular, the inertial sensor device, especially the apparatus, can have a maximum mass of 10 kg (kilograms), in particular 5 kg, in particular 2 kg, in particular 1 kg, in particular 0.5 kg, in particular 0.2 kg, in particular 0.1 kg, in particular 0.05 kg.

[0050] The device according to the invention is designed to detect a person's fall by means of at least one inertial sensor device. The device is designed to be worn by the person on a part of their body, particularly their head. The inertial sensor device is designed to detect at least one inertial quantity. The device is designed to: - To monitor whether the at least one initial inertial quantity detected, or the quantity based on it, fulfills the impact criterion. The impact criterion is characteristic of the impact of the body part. - If the impact criterion is met, monitor whether the at least one second recorded inertial quantity, or the quantity based on it, meets the immobility criterion and the non-perpendicularity criterion. The second recorded inertial quantity is acquired after the first. The immobility criterion is characteristic of the immobility of the body part for the duration of immobility. The non-perpendicularity criterion differs from the immobility criterion. The non-perpendicularity criterion is characteristic of the non-perpendicular position of the body part for the duration of this position. - If the immobility criterion and the non-vertical position criterion are met, the alarm information will be issued and / or transmitted, in particular regarding the detected fall.

[0051] The device can offer the same advantage(s) as the method described above. In particular, the device can be configured to execute the method described above, especially automatically. Additionally or alternatively, the device can include a computing unit and / or a processor and / or a microcontroller and / or a storage device and / or a computer. For further details, please refer to the relevant technical literature.

[0052] The computer program according to the invention is for executing, in particular automatically, the method as described above and / or by means of the device as described above when the computer program is executed by means of the device. The computer program can provide the same advantage(s) as for the method described above. In particular, the computer program can be a computer program product. Additionally or alternatively, the computer program can be stored on a computer-readable (storage) medium. In other words: The computer program contains commands or instructions that can be executed by means of the device and, when executed by means of or through the device, cause it to execute the method as described above. - To monitor whether the at least one initial inertial quantity detected, or the quantity based on it, fulfills the impact criterion. The impact criterion is characteristic of the impact of the body part. - If the impact criterion is met, monitor whether the at least one second recorded inertial quantity, or the quantity based on it, meets the immobility criterion and the non-perpendicularity criterion. The second recorded inertial quantity is acquired after the first. The immobility criterion is characteristic of the immobility of the body part for the duration of immobility. The non-perpendicularity criterion differs from the immobility criterion. The non-perpendicularity criterion is characteristic of the non-perpendicular position of the body part for the duration of this position. - If the immobility criterion and the non-vertical position criterion are met, the alarm information will be issued and / or transmitted, in particular regarding the detected fall.

[0053] In other words: The commands can describe the procedure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Further advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the figures. These show Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show a schematic view of a device according to the invention when executing a method according to the invention or a computer program according to the invention, in particular Fig. Figure 3 shows a functional flowchart of the procedure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION EXAMPLES Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show a method according to the invention, a computer program according to the invention, and a device 1 according to the invention for detecting a fall ST of a person 100 by means of at least one inertial sensor device 2, in particular the device 1.

[0055] The device 1 is designed to be worn by person 100 on a body part 101, in particular their head 102, or the inertial sensor device 2 is worn by person 100 on the body part 101, in particular their head 102, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown. The inertial sensor device 2 is designed to detect at least one inertial quantity IG, in particular detected as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown.

[0056] The procedure includes the following steps: a) Monitor whether at least one first detected inertial quantity IG1 or a quantity based thereon satisfies an impact criterion AK, as in Fig. 3 shown. The impact criterion AK is characteristic of an impact AU of body part 101, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown. b) If the impact criterion AK is met, monitor whether at least one second detected inertial quantity IG2 or a quantity based thereon meets a non-motion criterion BK and a non-vertical position criterion, in particular a horizontal position criterion NK, as described in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the second inertial quantity IG2 is recorded after the first inertial quantity IG1. The immobility criterion BK is characteristic of immobility BE of body part 101 for a duration of immobility BZ, in particular of at least 30 s, as shown in Figure 3. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that the non-vertical position criterion NK differs from the immobility criterion BK. The non-vertical position criterion NK is characteristic of a non-vertical, in particular horizontal, position NL of body part 101 for a position duration LZ, in particular of at least 30 s. c) If the immobility criterion BK and the non-vertical position criterion NK are met, issue and / or transmit an alarm information Al, in particular about the detected fall ST, as described in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 shown.

[0057] Device 1 is designed to: - To monitor whether the at least one first detected inertial quantity IG1 or the quantity based on it fulfills the impact criterion AK, in particular by monitoring. The impact criterion AK is characteristic of the impact AU of body part 101. - If the impact criterion AK is met, it is necessary to monitor whether the at least one second recorded inertial quantity IG2, or the quantity based on it, meets the immobility criterion BK and the non-vertical position criterion NK. The second recorded inertial quantity IG2 is recorded after the first inertial quantity IG1. The immobility criterion BK is characteristic of the immobility BE of body part 101 for the immobility duration BZ. The non-vertical position criterion NK differs from the immobility criterion BK. The non-vertical position criterion NK is characteristic of the non-vertical position NL of body part 101 for the position duration LZ. - If the immobility criterion BK and the non-vertical position criterion NK are met, the alarm information Al is issued and / or transmitted, in particular about the detected fall ST.

[0058] In detail, the inertial sensor device 2 comprises an acceleration sensor device 3, and in particular a gyroscope device and / or a tilt switch device 4, as shown in Fig. 2 shown. The inertial quantity IG has an acceleration quantity BG, and in particular a rotation rate quantity and / or a tilt quantity NG, as shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0059] In alternative embodiments, the inertial sensor device may not include the gyroscope device and / or the tilt switch device. The inertial quantity may not include the gyroscope quantity and / or the tilt quantity NG.

[0060] Furthermore, the impact criterion AK is that the first measured inertial quantity IG1, in particular the acceleration quantity BG1, or the quantity based on it, exceeds an impact limit AGL, in particular characteristic of a minimum of 6 g. Additionally or alternatively, the motionlessness criterion BK is that the second measured inertial quantity IG2, in particular the acceleration quantity BG2, or the quantity based on it, falls below a motionlessness limit BGL, in particular characteristic of a maximum of 0.5 g, for the motionlessness duration BZ. In particular, the impact limit AGL is greater, in particular at least 12 times greater, than the motionlessness limit BGL.Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the non-perpendicular position criterion NK is that the second recorded inertial quantity IG2, in particular inclination quantity NG, or the quantity based thereon, falls below an inclination limit value NGL, in particular characteristic for a maximum of 0.5 g and / or a maximum of 45°, for the position duration LZ.

[0061] In detail, person 100 wears the device 1. The device 1 comprises the inertial sensor device 2 and a timer device 5. The inertial sensor device 2 is configured to provide a first interrupt signal SI1 to the timer device 5 as long as the first detected inertial quantity IG1 or the quantity based on it exceeds the impact limit AGL, in particular, it provides a second interrupt signal SI2 to the timer device 5 as long as the second detected inertial quantity IG2 or the quantity based on it falls below the motionlessness limit BGL, in particular, it provides a second interrupt signal SI2. The second interrupt signal SI2 is different from the first interrupt signal SI1. The timer device 5 is configured to count a time period BZD, in particular immediately after the first interrupt signal SI1 is provided, in particular, it counts a time interval BZD.During the time period BZD, the second interrupt signal SI2 is provided. The motionlessness criterion BK is that the counted time period BZD reaches the motionlessness time period BZ. In particular, the device 1 has a further time counter 6. The further time counter 6 is configured to count a further time period LZD, in particular immediately after the provision of the first interrupt signal SI1. During the further time period LZD, the second detected inertial quantity IG2 or the quantity based on it falls below the tilt limit NGL. The non-perpendicular position criterion NK is that the counted further time period LZD reaches the position time period LZ.

[0062] Furthermore, the at least one inertial sensor device 2 for detecting the at least one inertial quantity IGx, IGy, IGz is configured in three, in particular mutually orthogonal, axes x, y, z, as shown in Fig. 2 shown. In particular, the non-perpendicular position criterion NK is that the second recorded inertial quantity IGz2 in a perpendicular axis z or the quantity based on it falls below the inclination limit NGL for the position duration LZ, as shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0063] Furthermore, person 100 wears a head, face, eye and / or hearing protection device 7, in particular safety goggles 9, headphones 10 and / or a headset 11, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 shown. The head, face, eye and / or hearing protection device 7 includes the inertial sensor device 2.

[0064] Furthermore, the transmission of alarm information Al involves wireless transmission in a mesh network MN, in particular by means of the head, face, eye and / or hearing protection device 7, the safety glasses 9, the headphones 10 and / or the headset 11, comprising wireless transmission devices 12 implemented in the mesh network MN.

[0065] Furthermore, person 100 wears the device 1. The device 1 comprises the inertial sensor device 2, at least one functional device 13, and a user-operated enable / disable device 14. The functional device 13 is configured to perform at least one function FU, in particular wireless communication KK. The function FU is distinct from fall detection ST. The enable / disable device 14 is configured to enable and disable fall detection ST independently of the execution of the function FU. The procedure is executed if it is enabled by the enable / disable device 14. The procedure is not executed if it is disabled by the enable / disable device 14.

[0066] As the exemplary embodiments shown and explained above make clear, the invention provides an advantageous method and an advantageous device for detecting a fall of a person by means of at least one inertial sensor device and an advantageous computer program for carrying out such a method and / or by means of such a device, which has and / or has improved properties.

Claims

[1] Method for detecting a fall (ST) of a person (100) by means of at least one inertial sensor device (2) worn by the person (100) on a body part (101), in particular their head (102), and designed to detect at least one inertial quantity (IG), the method comprising the steps: a) Monitor whether at least one first detected inertial quantity (IG1) or a quantity based thereon satisfies an impact criterion (AK) that is characteristic of an impact (AU) of the body part (101), b) if the impact criterion (AC) is met, monitor whether at least one second recorded inertial quantity (IC2), which is recorded temporally after the first inertial quantity (IC1), or a quantity based thereon, meets a motionlessness criterion (PC) that is characteristic of a motionlessness (P) of the body part (101) for a motionlessness duration (PD), in particular of at least 30 s, and a non-vertical position criterion, in particular a horizontal position criterion (D), that is different from the motionlessness criterion (PC) and is characteristic of a non-vertical, in particular horizontal, position (D), of the body part (101) for a position duration (PD), in particular of at least 30 s, and c) if the immobility criterion (PC) and the non-vertical position criterion (NC) are met, issue and / or transmit an alarm information (AI), in particular about the detected fall (ST). [2] Method according to claim 1, - wherein the inertial sensor device (2) comprises an acceleration sensor device (3), and in particular a gyroscope device and / or a tilt switch device (4), and - wherein the inertial quantity (IG) includes an acceleration quantity (BG), and in particular a rotation rate quantity and / or a tilt quantity (NG). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, - wherein the impact criterion (AK) is that the first detected inertial quantity (IG1), in particular acceleration quantity (BG1), or the quantity based thereon, exceeds an impact limit (AGL), in particular characteristic of at least 6 g, and / or - wherein the motionlessness criterion (MC) is that the second measured inertial quantity (IC2), in particular acceleration quantity (EC2), or the quantity based thereon, falls below a motionlessness limit (MLL), in particular characteristic of a maximum of 0.5 g, for the motionlessness time (TT), in particular wherein the impact limit (IFL) is greater, in particular at least 12 times greater, than the motionlessness limit (MLL), and / or - wherein the non-perpendicular position criterion (NPC) is that the second measured inertial quantity (IC2), in particular inclination quantity (IC), or the quantity based thereon, falls below an inclination limit (ICL), in particular characteristic of a maximum of 0.5 g and / or a maximum of 45°, for the position duration (PD). [4] Method according to claim 3, - wherein the person (100) carries a device (1) which includes the inertial sensor device (2) and a time counter device (5), - wherein the inertial sensor device (2) is configured to provide a first interrupt signal (SI1) to the time counter device (5) as long as the first detected inertial quantity (IG1) or the quantity based thereon exceeds the impact limit (AGL), - wherein the inertial sensor device (2) is configured to provide a second interrupt signal (SI2) different from the first interrupt signal (SI1) to the time counter device (5) as long as the second detected inertial quantity (IG2) or the quantity based thereon falls below the non-motion threshold (BGL), and - wherein the time counter device (5) is configured to count a time period (BZD), in particular immediately, in time after the provision of the first interrupt signal (SI1), during which the second interrupt signal (SI2) is provided, and - where the immobility criterion (MC) is that the counted time period (CP) reaches the immobility time period (PT), - in particular wherein the device (1) has a further time counter device (6) which is configured to count a further time period (LZD), in particular immediately, after the provision of the first interrupt signal (SI1), during which the second detected inertial quantity (IG2) or the quantity based thereon falls below the tilt limit (NGL), and wherein the non-perpendicular position criterion (NK) is that the counted further time period (LZD) reaches the position time period (LZ). [5] Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one inertial sensor device (2) for detecting the at least one inertial quantity (IGx, IGy, IGz) is configured in three axes (x, y, z), in particular orthogonal to each other, - in particular where the non-perpendicular position criterion (NPC) is that the second recorded inertial quantity (IGz2) in a perpendicular axis (z) or the quantity based on it falls below the inclination limit (IL) for the position time duration (LZ). [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, - wherein the person (100) wears a head, face, eye and / or hearing protection device (7), in particular protective goggles (9), headphones (10) and / or a headset (11), which incorporates the inertial sensor device (2). [7] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, - wherein the transmission of alarm information (AI) includes wireless transmission in a mesh network (MN), in particular by means of the head, face, eye and / or hearing protection device (7), the safety goggles (9), the headphones (10) and / or the headset (11), comprising wireless transmission devices (12) in the mesh network (MN). [8] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, - wherein the person (100) wears a device (1) which includes the inertial sensor device (2), at least one functional device (13) and a person-operated release and locking device (14), - wherein the functional device (13) is configured to perform at least one function (FU), in particular wireless communication (KK), which is different from fall detection (ST), and - wherein the release and locking device (14) is designed to release and lock the detection of the fall (ST) independently of the execution of the function (FU), - wherein the procedure is executed if it is enabled by means of the enabling and disabling device (14), and wherein the procedure is not executed if it is disabled by means of the enabling and disabling device (14). [9] Device (1) for detecting a fall (ST) of a person (100) by means of at least one inertial sensor device (2) of the device (1), wherein the device (1) is designed to be worn by the person (100) on a body part (101), in particular their head (102), and wherein the inertial sensor device (2) is designed to detect at least one inertial quantity (IG), in particular to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device (1) is designed to: - to monitor whether at least one first detected inertial quantity (IG1) or a quantity based thereon satisfies an impact criterion (AK) that is characteristic of an impact (AU) of the body part (101), - if the impact criterion (AC) is met, to monitor whether at least one second recorded inertial quantity (IC2), which is recorded temporally after the first inertial quantity (IC1), or a quantity based thereon, meets a motionlessness criterion (PC) that is characteristic of a motionlessness (PC) of the body part (101) for a motionlessness duration (PD), and a non-vertical position criterion (NP) that is different from the motionlessness criterion (PC) and is characteristic of a non-vertical position (NP) of the body part (101) for a position duration (PD), and - if the immobility criterion (PC) and the non-vertical position criterion (NC) are met, to issue and / or transmit an alarm information (AI), in particular about the detected fall (ST). [10] Computer program for executing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or by means of a device (1) according to claim 9, when the computer program is executed by means of the device (1).

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